| 摘要 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCTION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS BY PHOTOSOLIDIFICATION A method for forming three-dimensional objects comprises irradiating an uncured photopolymer by transmitting an effective amount of photopolymer solidifying radiation through a radiation transmittant material which leaves the irradiated surface capable of further crosslinking so that when a subsequent portion is formed it will adhere thereto. In another embodiment other means of preserving subsequent cross-linking are used instead of the transmittant material. Using either method threedimensional objects can be made layer by layer or point by point. SPECIFICATION This invention relates generally to improvements in a method and apparatus for production of three-dimensional objects. More specifically, it relates to a method and apparatus for forming three-dimensional objects by the irradiation of photopolymers that solidify in response to radiation. All of the commonly practiced processes for fabricating three-dimensional objects have disadvantages. For example, the mechanical removal of material to form such objects involves much energy, time and processing; the chemical machining to form such objects has depth limitations and the incapability of making complex shapes; and the thermal molding requires expensive molds; it is very inflexible and it takes much time and energy. |
