System for creating 3D products

摘要

A system for creating three dimensional products is provided. The system has a plurality of subsystems, with each subsystem configured to print one layer of N₁ of a plurality of layers making up a three dimensional product, where N₁ is greater than 1 and to change the layer being printed on receipt of a change instruction. In the event that one of the subsystems fails, the system configures at least one of the remaining subsystems to synchronously change to print the layer of the failed subsystem without requiring transfer of data relating the respective layer to the said at least one remaining subsystems. When a subsystem is changed to printing a different layer, the system is arranged to reconfigure the subsystem to be capable of printing N₂ of the plurality of layers, where N₁ and N₂ are the same number of layers.