Cartridge-based 3D printing system

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a 3D printing system that directs projected light at tunable wavelengths to cure a polymer resin from monomers or oligomers which floats on a dense liquid platform in which the curing occurs within a prepackaged vessel which facilitates the layer is printed at any given time.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 815,603 filed Apr. 24, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 815,607 filed Apr. 24, 2013 which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, apparatuses and business models for rapidly building custom products out of polymers using 3D printing systems.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making a three-dimensional solid object of virtually any shape from a digital model. 3D printing is achieved using an additive process, where successive layers of material are laid down in different shapes. 3D printing is also considered distinct from traditional machining techniques, which mostly rely on the removal of material by methods such as cutting or drilling (su...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is about a 3D printing system that uses a cartridge-based system to cure uncured resin from monomers or oligomers that is floating on a more dense liquid platform. This system has advantages such as avoiding exposure to uncured resin, clean, efficient prints, limited stock required for purchase, and ease in the supply chain and distribution. The system also allows for the printing of multiple parts at the same time and the production of the system at a very competitive price point.

Problems solved by technology

The first of these is the powdered, sinter-able material used in Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) machines—all of which are currently very high in cost.

These printers tend to have a fairly proportional cost vs quality curve—e.g. low cost printers tend to be of poor resolution and variable build quality.

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