초록 ▼

Apparatus and method for stereolithographically forming a three-dimensional object includes a vessel for holding a building material and a smoothing member for forming a uniform coating over a previously formed layer of the object. The smoothing member has a plurality of blades. The smoothing member

Apparatus and method for stereolithographically forming a three-dimensional object includes a vessel for holding a building material and a smoothing member for forming a uniform coating over a previously formed layer of the object. The smoothing member has a plurality of blades. The smoothing member is swept over a previously formed layer of the object, in at least two directions. Different clearances between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the upper surface of the previously formed layer are used to provide a uniform coating for a subsequent layer over the previously formed layer. The sweeping velocity of the smoothing member can be varied. Retractable needles are attached to the smoothing member for adjusting a blade gap between a lower surface of the smoothing member and the surface of the building material.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for stereolithographically forming a portion of a three-dimensional object wherein a subsequent layer of the three-dimensional object is formed over a previously formed layer of the object, comprising the steps: a) holding a volume of a building material having a working surface wherein the

A method for stereolithographically forming a portion of a three-dimensional object wherein a subsequent layer of the three-dimensional object is formed over a previously formed layer of the object, comprising the steps: a) holding a volume of a building material having a working surface wherein the building material is capable of selective physical transformation upon exposure to prescribed synergistic stimulation; b) forming a uniform coating of desired layer thickness over the previously formed layer, including sweeping a smoothing element at least once over the previously formed layer, said smoothing element having a plurality of substantially separate members on a lower surface thereof for contacting the building material; and c) applying a prescribed pattern of synergistic stimulation to the building material at the working surface to transform at least a portion of the building material to form the subsequent layer.