Grayscale rendering in 3D printing

摘要

An additive three-dimensional fabrication process uses multiple build materials with different optical properties (e.g., color, opacity) at different surface depths to achieve grayscale-rendered images on exterior surfaces thereof.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
obtaining a grayscale pattern for an image, the grayscale pattern including a predetermined number of grayscale levels; determining a pattern for a plurality of two-dimensional layers of a first material and a second material to impart the grayscale pattern onto an exterior surface of an object, the first material being substantially opaque and the second material being substantially translucent, wherein the first material is disposed at various depths beneath the exterior surface corresponding to each of the predetermined number of grayscale levels; and fabricating the object with the plurality of two-dimensional layers using a three-dimensional printing process to apply the first material and the second material according to the pattern.