Method and apparatus for forming three-dimensional objects

摘要

A method and an apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object in layerwise fashion by selectively solidifying a build material is disclosed. The invention is applicable to stereolithography involving layer-by-layer photocuring of a fluid photopolymer by radiation such as ultra-violet light. Data for performing the stereolithography is based on CAD data. A main part area (10) is solidified, followed by a delay or pause for a desired period of time to permit shrinkage to occur, and then, in multiple drawings (13,17) of the main part borders, solidifies the borders from the portion closest to the main part (10) outwardly to final border (15) farthest from the main part which is the true CAD boundary. <IMAGE>