Three-dimensional object manufacturing equipment has a radiation source which produces point areas of very high energy inside block to decompose material along fine path

摘要

A container holds a solid material block, which is transparent to radiation of a specific level. A guiding system directs a radiation beam over the block following three-dimensional data relating to the surface of the object to be produced. The radiation source is focused to produce localized points of high energy density inside the block so that the material decomposes at these points. Outside the point zones the radiation energy density is lower and is transmitted through the block with no material decomposition. The radiation source generating the increased energy density produces two or more energy beams which cross each other at a point. Alternatively a focusing system directs the beam at a specific point. Independent claims are included for: a) a process for manufacturing a three-dimensional object from a solid material block involves placing a material block in a container, irradiating the block according to both the three-dimensional data of the object and a parting surface between the object surface and block outer wall, the radiation energy density being increased at points through the block to decompose the material along a line while the energy outside the point zones is transmitted through the block; b) an object produced using the claimed equipment where the surface is created by decomposition of adjacent points of material using increased radiation beam energy density.