초록 ▼

An improved method for stereolithographically making an object by alternating the order in which similar sets of vectors are exposed over two or more layers. In another method, a pattern of tightly packed hexagonal tiles are drawn. Each tile is isolated from its neighboring tiles by specifying break

An improved method for stereolithographically making an object by alternating the order in which similar sets of vectors are exposed over two or more layers. In another method, a pattern of tightly packed hexagonal tiles are drawn. Each tile is isolated from its neighboring tiles by specifying breaks of unexposed material between the tiles. Using an interrupted scan method, vectors are drawn with periodic breaks along their lengths. In another method, modulator and scanning techniques are used to reduce exposure problems associated with the acceleration and deceleration of the scanning system when jumping between vectors or changing scanning directions.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A method for forming at least a portion of a three-dimensional object on a layer-by-layer basis from a medium solidifiable upon selective exposure to synergistic stimulation according to data representations corresponding to said three-dimensional object, comprising the steps of:a)

[ I claim:] [1.] A method for forming at least a portion of a three-dimensional object on a layer-by-layer basis from a medium solidifiable upon selective exposure to synergistic stimulation according to data representations corresponding to said three-dimensional object, comprising the steps of:a) applying a layer of flowable material capable of solidification upon exposure to synergistic stimulation onto any previously solidified layer of the three-dimensional object;b) selectively exposing said layer to synergistic stimulation to form a layer of said three-dimensional object;c) repeating steps a) and b) for subsequent layers until at least the portion of said three-dimensional object is formed and wherein the steps of exposing said layers further comprise exposing at least a portion of at least one layer with interrupted, non-overlapping points of exposure to synergistic stimulation such that said at least portion is solidified as substantially discrete and non-overlapping regions.