Producing components from light-curable materials, e.g. for rapid prototyping, involves continuous material supply and support platform movement

摘要

A component (7) of light-curable material is built up by a continuous supply of material (6) from a bath as a support platform (2) moves up continuously. Light is applied from below through a transparent bottom (5) and controlled continuously by a mask (4) to produce the required shape in the component. An independent claim is also included for the apparatus to carry out the above process including computer controls for the platform (2) movement, light source (3) and mask (4) configuration to produce the required shape. Preferred Features: The mask (4) is formed by a liquid crystal display and can be integral with the container bottom (5).