Method and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials
First Claim
1. An apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by solidifying multiple solidifiable materials, comprising:
- a first solidifiable material source;
at least one linear solidification device movable only along a first axis, wherein during an object solidification operation, the at least one linear solidification device scans solidification energy along a second axis while moving along the first axis;
a second solidifiable material source; and
a build platform movable in a first build platform operation along a third axis, wherein during a second build platform operation, at least one of the build platform and first solidifiable material source moves relative to the other of the build platform and the first solidifiable material source in a plane perpendicular to the third axis;
wherein the first solidifiable material source is spaced apart from the second solidifiable material source along the first axis or the second axis; and
wherein the first solidifiable material source is spaced apart from the second solidifiable material source along the second axis, and the build platform is translatable along the second axis as well as the third axis.
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Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for making three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials is shown and described. Multiple solidifiable material container assemblies are provided for holding different solidifiable materials. Relative movement between the solidifiable material container assemblies and a build platform allows the solidifiable materials to be switched as an object is built. Several exemplary cleaning stations are provided for removing residual solidifiable materials from the surface of the three-dimensional object as it is built to better ensure smooth transitions between materials on the finished object.
91 Citations
17 Claims
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1. An apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by solidifying multiple solidifiable materials, comprising:
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a first solidifiable material source; at least one linear solidification device movable only along a first axis, wherein during an object solidification operation, the at least one linear solidification device scans solidification energy along a second axis while moving along the first axis; a second solidifiable material source; and a build platform movable in a first build platform operation along a third axis, wherein during a second build platform operation, at least one of the build platform and first solidifiable material source moves relative to the other of the build platform and the first solidifiable material source in a plane perpendicular to the third axis; wherein the first solidifiable material source is spaced apart from the second solidifiable material source along the first axis or the second axis; and wherein the first solidifiable material source is spaced apart from the second solidifiable material source along the second axis, and the build platform is translatable along the second axis as well as the third axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of making a three-dimensional object from multiple solidifiable materials, the method comprising:
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aligning a build platform with a first solidifiable material source; first moving a linear solidification device along a first axis while scanning solidification energy in a plurality of linear scans having lengths along a second axis; moving the build platform away from the first solidifiable material source along a third axis; moving at least one of the build platform and the second solidifiable material source relative to the other of the build platform and the second solidifiable material source to align the build platform and the second solidifiable material source; second moving a linear solidification device along the first axis while scanning solidification energy in a plurality of linear scans having lengths along the second axis;
wherein the step of moving at least one of the build platform and the second solidifiable material source relative to the other of the build platform and the second solidifiable material source comprises translating the build platform along the second axis. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification