Method and apparatus for layerwise production of a 3D object

摘要

A system and method for layer-by-layer production of an object is provided. The system includes a construction shape having a carrying surface adapted for carrying a layer of build material, a plate having a holding surface adapted for holding an object in an object build area, a moveable reservoir having a plurality of containment surfaces defining a containment area adapted for containing a volume of build material within the moveable reservoir, and an exposure unit adapted for exposing at least a portion of the layer of build material in the object build area so that the portion of the layer of build material solidifies to form a solidified layer of the object. In one embodiment, the moveable reservoir is moveable between a first position and a second position and at least one of the plurality of containment surfaces of the moveable reservoir includes a portion of the carrying surface when the moveable reservoir is in the first position, and the portion of the carrying surface is positioned in the object build area when the moveable reservoir is in the second position.

主权项

1. A system for layer-by-layer production of an object comprising:
a construction shape comprising a carrying surface adapted for carrying a layer of build material; a plate comprising a holding surface adapted for holding an object in an object build area; a moveable reservoir comprising a plurality of containment surfaces defining a containment area adapted for containing a volume of build material within the moveable reservoir; wherein the moveable reservoir is moveable between a first position and a second position; wherein a portion of the carrying surface forms at least one of the plurality of containment surfaces of the moveable reservoir when the moveable reservoir is in the first position, and the portion of the carrying surface is positioned in the object build area when the moveable reservoir is in the second position; wherein at least one of the plurality of containment surfaces of the moveable reservoir comprises an applicator engaging the carrying surface of the construction shape, the applicator being adapted to apply the layer of build material to the carrying surface; wherein the applicator comprises a roller, wherein at least a portion of the roller is positioned in contact with the carrying surface; a rotator engaging the applicator; and an exposure unit adapted for exposing at least a portion of the layer of build material in the object build area so that the portion of the layer of build material solidifies to form a solidified layer of the object.