초록 ▼

Methods and apparatus for forming three-dimensional objects from a medium solidifiable when subjected to a beam of pulsed radiation wherein the pulses of radiation are made to occur when the beam is directed to desired pulsing locations on a target surface of the medium. Preferred embodiments of the

Methods and apparatus for forming three-dimensional objects from a medium solidifiable when subjected to a beam of pulsed radiation wherein the pulses of radiation are made to occur when the beam is directed to desired pulsing locations on a target surface of the medium. Preferred embodiments of the instant invention include a pulsed laser assembly, including a laser and a pulse generation circuit, a control computer, a plurality of mirrors and mirror encoders. The computer controls the movement of the mirrors which guide the laser beam across the surface of the solidifiable medium. The pulsing of the laser beam is correlated to the position of the mirrors and thus, is not dependent upon time. Pulsing linked to position of beam placement allows controlled and repeatable use of a pulsed beam for the formation of objects.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of forming a 3D object from a solidifiable medium comprising:a. forming a coating of solidifiable medium adjacent to a previously formed lamina in preparation for forming a subsequent lamina of the object;b. selectively exposing a target surface of the solidifiab

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of forming a 3D object from a solidifiable medium comprising:a. forming a coating of solidifiable medium adjacent to a previously formed lamina in preparation for forming a subsequent lamina of the object;b. selectively exposing a target surface of the solidifiable medium to a beam of pulses of electromagnetic radiation to form the subsequent lamina of the object and to adhere the subsequent lamina to the previously formed lamina;c. repeating (a) and (b) to form the three-dimensional object from a plurality of adhered laminae; andd. correlating at least some of the pulses during formation of at least one of the lamina so as to cause the electromagnetic radiation to impinge substantially upon desired positions on the surface of the medium.