초록 ▼

Systems and methods are disclosed for a platform to form a three-dimensional article from successively selectively solidified layers of a liquid medium which is solidifiable by application thereto of a prescribed energy. The platform can be coated or uncoated. The platform can have an array of openi

Systems and methods are disclosed for a platform to form a three-dimensional article from successively selectively solidified layers of a liquid medium which is solidifiable by application thereto of a prescribed energy. The platform can be coated or uncoated. The platform can have an array of openings therethrough. Upon completion, the article can be removed from the platform using a punch having a plurality of projections adapted to engage openings in the platform. Alternatively, a tool can be used to push articles from the platform.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus for forming articles from successively-deposited and solidified layers of a liquid medium, comprising: platform having first and second opposed surfaces, the first surface being configured for the deposition thereon and the adhesion thereto of successive layers o

What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus for forming articles from successively-deposited and solidified layers of a liquid medium, comprising: platform having first and second opposed surfaces, the first surface being configured for the deposition thereon and the adhesion thereto of successive layers of the liquid medium, wherein the first surface comprises a material that adheres to the liquid medium as it solidifies, the adhesion between the first surface and the solidified liquid medium being sufficient to retain the successively-deposited layers on the first surface as each layer is solidified while permitting the removal of the article from the first surface without breakage; a plurality of openings in the platform, each of the openings extending through the first and second surfaces of the platform; and a punch having a plurality of projections, each configured to engage one of the openings in the platform, the punch being operable to insert the projections into the openings from the second surface of the platform so as to remove from the platform the articles formed on the first surface. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the openings comprise a regular array. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the openings are formed in an irregular pattern. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each opening is circular shaped or oval shaped. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each opening is rectangular shaped. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each opening is tear-drop shaped. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each opening is elongated. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the openings are positioned in one or more columns. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform comprises a coating material on the first surface that adheres to the solidified liquid medium. 10. Apparatus for use in a rapid prototyping machine, of the type that forms a three-dimensional article from successively-deposited layers of a liquid photopolymer medium that is solidified by the application thereto of radiation energy, the apparatus further being of the type including container containing the liquid photopolymer medium, the apparatus comprising: a platform configured and operable for vertical translation within the container and having first and second oppose surfaces defining a surface area, the first surface being configured for the deposition thereon and the adhesion thereto of successive layers of the liquid photopolymer medium, wherein the first surface comprises a material that adheres to the liquid photopolymer medium as it solidifies, the adhesion between the first surface and the solidified photopolymer medium being sufficient to retain the successively-deposited layers on the first surface as each layer is solidified in forming the article, while permitting the removal of the article from the first surface without breakage; and an array of openings occupying most of the surface area of the platform, each of the openings extending through the first and second surfaces of the platform, the openings being configured and arranged to minimize the contact area between the first surface of the platform and the solidified photopolymer, thereby to facilitate the removal of the article from the first surface of the platform. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a removal device for removing the article from the first surface of the platform by breaking the adhesion between the first surface and the solidified liquid photopolymer medium deposited thereon. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the removal device comprises a punch having a plurality of projections, each of which is configured to engage one of the openings in the platform, the punch being operable to insert the projections into the openings from the second surface of the platform so as to remove the article the first surface. 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the opening: in the array of openings are configured to permit the passage therethrough of the liquid photopolymer medium from the second surface to the first surface of the platform as the platform is translated vertically within the container. 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the article is one of a plurality of unique articles formed on the platform, wherein the platform is configured for the formation of the plurality of articles on the first surface thereof, and wherein the openings are configured and arranged to minimize the contact area between the first surface of the platform and the solidified photopolymer forming the plurality of articles, thereby to facilitate the removal of the plurality of articles from the first surface of the platform. 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the platform comprises a material selected from the group consisting of at least one of High Density Poly-Ethylene (HDPE), High Molecular Weight Poly-Ethylene (HMWPE), Ultra High Density Poly-Ethylene (UHDPE), and Ultra High Molecular Weight Poly-Ethylene UHMWPE). 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the platform material further comprises at least one of a heat stabilizer and a UV stabilizer. 17. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a coating on the first surface of the platform, wherein the coating comprises a material that adheres to the solidified photopolymer medium. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the platform comprises a material selected from the group consisting of Aluminum Alloys, Stainless Steels, or High Strength Alloys. 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the coating comprises a material selected from the group consisting of Fluorinated Ethylene-Propylene (FEP), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and silicone.