Method and apparatus for monitoring electro-magnetic radiation power in solid freeform fabrication systems
First Claim
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1. A method for forming three-dimensional objects, layer by layer, on a fabrication platform, the method comprising:
- printing layers of a three-dimensional object by selectively dispensing a building material, layer by layer, from a printing head and curing deposited layers using an irradiation unit;
moving the irradiation unit to a service area;
measuring an output radiation power of the irradiation unit by a first light sensor positioned at the service area, wherein a vertical distance between the first light sensor and the irradiation unit at a time of measuring is the same as a vertical distance, at a time of printing, between the irradiation unit and a top deposited layer of the three-dimensional object being formed; and
automatically adjusting an electrical power supplied to the irradiation unit based on information received from the first light sensor.
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Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for controlling fabrication of three-dimensional objects, layer by layer, the system comprising a printing assembly, including an irradiation unit and a printing head, the printing assembly is movable between a printing area and a service area. A light sensor positioned at the service area to measure output radiation power of the irradiation unit at a printing plane and a controller to receive information from the sensor and to automatically adjust electrical power supplied to the irradiation unit based on the information.
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6 Claims
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1. A method for forming three-dimensional objects, layer by layer, on a fabrication platform, the method comprising:
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printing layers of a three-dimensional object by selectively dispensing a building material, layer by layer, from a printing head and curing deposited layers using an irradiation unit; moving the irradiation unit to a service area; measuring an output radiation power of the irradiation unit by a first light sensor positioned at the service area, wherein a vertical distance between the first light sensor and the irradiation unit at a time of measuring is the same as a vertical distance, at a time of printing, between the irradiation unit and a top deposited layer of the three-dimensional object being formed; and automatically adjusting an electrical power supplied to the irradiation unit based on information received from the first light sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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Specification