SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING HIGH SPEED FINAL SURFACE CURING FOR THREE DIMENSIONAL (3D) PRINTED PARTS AND COMPONENTS

摘要

A system and method are provided for implementing a comparatively higher speed process for surface curing of finished three-dimensional (3D) printed parts, objects and/or components, formed and/or otherwise manufactured in 3D printing systems and/or in additive material manufacturing processes. A vacuum finish curing chamber is provided within, or associated with one or more 3D printers to provide a locally-generated substantially oxygen depleted curing environment to support effective and efficient surface curing of one or more formed 3D printed parts. The vacuum finish curing system includes at least one device for emitting curing radiation and at least one object transport system for transporting formed 3D objects to the vacuum finish curing chamber without requiring user handling that would be hazardous to handling individuals.

主权项

1. A system for producing three-dimensional (3D) printed parts, comprising:
a material deposition device that deposits layers of object forming material on an object forming base to form a 3D printed part; an enclosed curing chamber in which formed 3D printed parts are placed to be finish cured in an oxygen depleted environment, the enclosed curing chamber including at least (1) a closable input opening through which formed 3D printed parts are admitted into the enclosed curing chamber and (2) a vacuum device for drawing a vacuum in the enclosed curing chamber once the closable input opening is sealed; a first curing device associated with the enclosed curing chamber that emits curing energy to surface cure the formed 3D printed parts in the enclosed curing chamber once the vacuum is drawn in the enclosed curing chamber; and a printed part transport device that transports the formed 3D printed parts from the material deposition device to the enclosed curing chamber.