METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR CURING THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTED ARTICLES

摘要

Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for faster curing of three-dimensionally inkjet printed articles (88) having a curable binder. After the printing of the article (88) is completed, a gas flow is driven in the powder bed (90) that surrounds the article (88). The build box (54) which contains the powder bed (90) may include one or more gas-permeable features (14) in contact with the powder bed (90). The gas-permeable feature (14) may be in the form a plurality of gas-permeable disks (18) which are flush with the supporting surface (26) of the build box floor (12) and which are in fluid communication with the channels (28) of the bottom surface (30) of the build box floor (12). Curing apparatuses (50) are disclosed which have a cavity (68) for receiving the build box (54) and a gas propulsion device (74a) for driving a gas flow in the build box (54). Methods also include driving gas flow in the powder bed (90) by way of wands (230) and paddles (240).