Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An improved apparatus forms three-dimensional objects in layers by modulating irradiation of liquid photopolymers, either stepwise by alternating photopolymer deposition and irradiation, or continuously by simultaneous deposition and irradiation. Photopolymer is deposited onto open, unfenced and uncontained, substrate and is contained by a photopolymer wall formed around the object simultaneously with it by supplemental irradiation, for providing to irradiated layer unobstructed access critical to apparatus simplification, automation, fabrication time and to feasibility of continuous forming. To decrease drastically fabrication time, whole layer is irradiated simultaneously using masks photoplotted on a roll of film or a matrix of miniature individually controlled components tightly packed similar to liquid-crystal displays, with shrinkage distortion minimized by constraining the irradiated photopolymer surface and/or by solidifying infinitely thin surfaces in continuous mode.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim