METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS FROM MULTIPLE SOLIDIFIABLE MATERIALS

摘要

Methods and apparatuses for making three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials is shown and described. Multiple solidifiable material container assemblies are provided for holding different solidifiable materials. Relative movement between the solidifiable material container assemblies and a build platform allows the solidifiable materials to be switched as an object is built. Several exemplary cleaning stations are provided for removing residual solidifiable materials from the surface of the three-dimensional object as it is built to better ensure smooth transitions between materials on the finished object.

主权项

1. An apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by solidifying multiple solidifiable materials, comprising:
a first solidifiable material container comprising a transparent bottom; a second solidifiable material container comprising a transparent bottom; at least one pattern generator spaced apart from the transparent bottom of the first container and the transparent bottom of the second container along a first axis; a build platform, wherein during a first build platform operation the build platform moves along the first axis, and during a second build platform operation, at least one of the build platform and the first solidifiable material container moves relative to the other of the build platform and the first solidifiable material container in a plane perpendicular to the first axis.