Abstract: A three-dimensional object is constituted by successive solid layers each formed by selectively exposing an unexposed layer of a photohardenable composition to actinic radiation. The unexposed layer of the photohardenable composition is formed on the flexible sheet belt. The flexible sheet belt is brought into close and parallel relationship with a flat support surface of a base plate member facing downwardly, thereby laminating the unexposed layer of the photohardenable composition to the flat support surface of the base plate member of the solid layer previously formed. A positioning plate member is positioned in such a manner that the positioning plate member faces the base plate member through the flexible sheet belt and is brought into contact with the flexible sheet belt, so that the unexposed layer of the photohardenable composition is supported and positioned by the positioning plate member through the flexible sheet belt.

Abstract: A method of photoforming a three-dimensional object, comprising the steps of transferring onto a work table a semi-hardened layer of a photohardenable resin separably supported on a base film, photoforming a hardened layer by exposing the semi-hardened layer, the hardened layer being laminated on a previously hardened layer to photoform the three-dimensional object, and when the hardened layer is photoformed, photoforming a first-region hardened layer forming the three-dimensional object and also a second region hardened layer that is adjacent to the first-region hardened layer through a predetermined space, the first-region hardened layer being supported through a portion of the semi-hardened layer by the second-region hardened layer.

Abstract: A method of photoforming a three-dimensional object, comprising the steps of transferring onto a work table a semi-hardened layer of a photohardenable resin separably supported on a base film, photoforming a hardened layer by exposing the semi-hardened layer, the hardened layer being laminated on a previously hardened layer to photoform the three-dimensional object, and when the hardened layer is photoformed, photoforming a first-region hardened layer forming the three-dimensional object and also a second region hardened layer that is adjacent to the first-region hardened layer through a predetermined space, the first-region hardened layer being supported through a portion of the semi-hardened layer by the second-region hardened layer.