Importance

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Abstract

An improved stereolithographic apparatus (SLA) and an improved method for generating a part from curable material. The invention utilizes control and/or knowledge of depths of penetration of actinic radiation into a vat of photopolymer to determine and/or control and/or produce desirable characteristics associated with the creation of parts. From a predictive point of view, these desirable characteristics may include determination of cure depth from a given exposure, determination cure width, determination of required minimum surface angle (MSA), determination of optimum skin fill spacing, the strength of cross sections of partially polymerized material, amount of curl type distortion, and necessary overcure to attain adhesion between layers, etc. These determinations can lead to the use of particular building techniques to insure adequate part formation. From the controlling and producing point of view, the penetration depths can be controlled to obtain optimized characteristics for a given layer thickness, maximized speed of drawing, minimized print through, maximized strength, minimum curl and other distortions, and maximum resolution, etc. An important aspect of the present invention is the integration of resin characteristics, with the depth of penetration associated with the particular resin being used and the wavelength(s) of actinic radiation being used to solidify it, and with the intensity profile of the beam of actinic radiation as it strikes the resin surface.

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First Claim