Apparatus and method for forming three-dimensional objects using linear solidification

摘要

An apparatus and method for making a three-dimensional object from a solidifiable material using a linear solidification device is shown and described. In certain examples, the linear solidification device includes a laser diode that projects light onto a linear scanning device, such as a rotating polygonal mirror or a linear scanning micromirror, which then deflects the light onto a photohardenable resin. As a result, the linear solidification device scans a line of solidification energy in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the direction of travel of the laser diode. In other examples, the linear solidification device is a laser device array or light emitting diode array that extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of travel of the array.

主权项

1. An apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object from a solidifiable material comprising a photohardenable resin, the apparatus comprising:
a linear solidification device movable in a first direction and comprising a solidification energy source and a linear scanning device, wherein the solidification energy source is in optical communication with the linear scanning device; the linear solidification device further comprising at least one F-theta lens between the linear scanning device and a source of the solidifiable material, a cylindrical lens between the solidification energy source and the linear scanning device, and a collimating lens between the solidification energy source and the cylindrical lens, wherein the collimating lens is coated with an anti-reflective coating, the solidification energy source projects solidification energy in a second direction as it moves in the first direction, and when the solidification energy source projects solidification energy to the linear scanning device, the linear scanning device scans the solidification energy in a linear pattern along a scanning direction.