Improved cartridge for feeding a stereolithography machine, stereolithography machine comprising said cartridge and stereolithography method employing said machine

Abstract

The invention is a cartridge (2; 30; 31; 32; 33) for a stereolithography machine (1), comprising: a supporting structure (34) suited to be removably associated with the stereolithography machine (1); a container (3) provided with an access opening (4) and associated with the supporting structure (34); a first reservoir (5) associated with the supporting structure (34) for containing a first material (6), liquid or pasty, suited to solidify following exposure to a predefined radiation (7); a second reservoir (5a) associated with the supporting structure (34) for containing a second material (6a), liquid or pasty, different from the first material (6); feeding means (8) associated with the supporting structure (34) to convey the first material (6) and the second material (6a) from the reservoirs (5, 5a) towards the container (3).

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a cassette for feeding a stereolithography machine and a stereolithography machine using said cassette. [0002] The invention also relates to a stereolithography method using the stereolithography machine. Background technique [0003] As is known, stereolithography makes it possible to produce three-dimensional objects by superimposing layers of liquid or pasty material which cure after exposure to predetermined radiation, usually of the luminescent type. [0004] A known type of stereolithography machine comprises a container adapted to contain the material and a molding platform motorized to move in a vertical direction. [0005] The machine also includes emitting means adapted to emit said predetermined radiation capable of selectively curing a layer of material adjacent to the molding platform. [0006] Different examples of known types of stereolithography machines are described in documents US 5,573,721 , US 5,503,793...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0015] Another disadvantage of this variant embodiment stems from the fact that if a change of material is required, the feeding device must be pre-cleaned in order to prevent the old material from contaminating the new material

[0016] In any case, the above-mentioned machines pose another disadvantage: at the end of the processing cycle, the material remaining in the container is exposed to atmospheric media, in particular to ambient air and light, with the result that the material remaining in the container gradually deteriorates until it becomes unavailable

[0023] Difficulties associated with the operations required to replenish the container, empty it, periodically replace the container and, if required, clean the delivery system mean that machines of the type described above are not suitable for use by unskilled users

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