Abstract: Devices, systems, methods and computer program products are disclosed that facilitate part layer curing by an additive manufacturing device wherein each element of the part layer is exposed to light from a light source until the element receives sufficient energy to cure. In an aspect, received energy is calculated based on both the light received directly from the light source and light received from surrounding elements due to dispersion and other effects. The present disclosure enables consistent curing across a part layer, facilitate the creation of sharp outer structures, and allow fragile structures to be built alongside larger structures without a loss of quality, clarity, or resolution.

Abstract: A system for releasing an additive manufactured part from a build location is disclosed having a cure inhibitor transport system to resupply a cure inhibitor at a cure inhibited photopolymer resin layer where the additive manufactured part is built, the transport system comprises a cure inhibiting reservoir to initially hold the cure inhibitor, a cure inhibiting distributor layer adjacent to the cure inhibiting reservoir through which the cure inhibitor passes from the cure inhibitor reservoir to the cure inhibited photopolymer resin layer and into the adjacent photopolymer creating a cure inhibited photopolymer resin layer. Another system and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for releasing an additive manufactured part from a build location is disclosed having a cure inhibitor transport system to resupply a cure inhibitor at a cure inhibited photopolymer resin layer where the additive manufactured part is built, the transport system comprises a cure inhibiting reservoir to initially hold the cure inhibitor, a cure inhibiting distributor layer adjacent to the cure inhibiting reservoir through which the cure inhibitor passes from the cure inhibitor reservoir to the cure inhibited photopolymer resin layer and into the adjacent photopolymer creating a cure inhibited photopolymer resin layer. Another system and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products are disclosed that facilitate measuring the light output of an additive manufacturing device light source without utilizing additional equipment, such as a light meter. Once the light source output has been measured, such information can be utilized for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to: (i) delivering a uniform amount of light energy over time to each portion of a layer being formed; (ii) adjusting the intensity of each controllable element (e.g., pixel) of the light source to the measured minimum, thereby creating a uniformly intense light source; and (iii) minimizing the build time of layers or portions of a layer being formed based on the maximum intensity available within a given area of the build area.

Abstract: A method including creating an additive manufactured part layer by layer with an additive manufacturing device, determining, with a processor, at least one of a speed and a rate at which the additive manufacturing device at least one of lifts, delays, and lowers the part with respect to a build plate after an additive layer has been added to the part based on sizing information about the part being built at least one of real-time during the build process and prior to beginning the build process, and operating the additive manufacturing device at one of the speed and the rate during a build process of the part to create the part. Another method is also included.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which facilitate reduction of separation forces in additive manufacturing devices, thereby enabling creation of higher resolution parts. In an aspect, an additive manufacturing device utilizing a photopolymer comprises a vat holding photocurable resin, a build platform movable in a vertical direction and an image source which selectively projects part cross sections into the vat in order to polymerize the resin and form a part in a layer-wise fashion. The image area of the vat is formed by a transparent film, such as Teflon FEP film, stretched under tension. A horizontally slideable shutter is slideable between the film and the imager, providing support for the film when needed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, methods and computer program products are disclosed that facilitate part layer curing by an additive manufacturing device wherein each element of the part layer is exposed to light from a light source until the element receives sufficient energy to cure. In an aspect, received energy is calculated based on both the light received directly from the light source and light received from surrounding elements due to dispersion and other effects. The present disclosure enables consistent curing across a part layer, facilitate the creation of sharp outer structures, and allow fragile structures to be built alongside larger structures without a loss of quality, clarity, or resolution.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and computer program products for facilitating the assembly of three-dimensional parts in a layer-wise fashion are disclosed, wherein separation forces between the assembler device and the parts are minimized at certain interfaces. Parts may be produced from polymers, photopolymers, metals, or other materials. In some aspects of the present disclosure, separation forces are minimized via the utilization of a cure inhibiting layer on a top surface of the image plate and via sliding the part from contact with a portion of the image plate having high elevation to above a portion of the image plate with low elevation. In some aspects, the assembler device further comprises a sweeper configured to expose the cure inhibiting layer to a source of cure inhibitor after a cure cycle.

Abstract: A replenishing device in an additive manufacturing system is disclosed having a sweeper that extends to a base of a reservoir that holds a liquid resin and horizontally across at least a portion of a cure inhibiting layer located on the base of the reservoir that functions as an imaging plate, with the sweeper positioned across at least a portion of a side of the cure inhibiting layer to at least one of retard a flow of the liquid resin across a portion of a top surface of the cure inhibiting layer by providing a physical barrier to the liquid resin, remove debris from the cure inhibiting layer, and agitate the liquid resin. Other devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which facilitate reduction of separation forces in additive manufacturing devices, thereby enabling creation of higher resolution parts. In an aspect, an additive manufacturing device utilizing a photopolymer comprises a vat holding photocurable resin, a build platform movable in a vertical direction and an image source which selectively projects part cross sections into the vat in order to polymerize the resin and form a part in a layer-wise fashion. The image area of the vat is formed by a transparent film, such as Teflon FEP film, stretched under tension. A horizontally slideable shutter is slideable between the film and the imager, providing support for the film when needed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, methods and computer program products are disclosed that facilitate part layer curing by an additive manufacturing device wherein each element of the part layer is exposed to light from a light source until the element receives sufficient energy to cure. In an aspect, received energy is calculated based on both the light received directly from the light source and light received from surrounding elements due to dispersion and other effects. The present disclosure enables consistent curing across a part layer, facilitate the creation of sharp outer structures, and allow fragile structures to be built alongside larger structures without a loss of quality, clarity, or resolution.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products are disclosed that facilitate measuring the light output of an additive manufacturing device light source without utilizing additional equipment, such as a light meter. Once the light source output has been measured, such information can be utilized for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to: (i) delivering a uniform amount of light energy over time to each portion of a layer being formed; (ii) adjusting the intensity of each controllable element (e.g., pixel) of the light source to the measured minimum, thereby creating a uniformly intense light source; and (iii) minimizing the build time of layers or portions of a layer being formed based on the maximum intensity available within a given area of the build area.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and computer program products for facilitating the assembly of three-dimensional parts in a layer-wise fashion are disclosed, wherein separation forces between the assembler device and the parts are minimized at certain interfaces. Parts may be produced from polymers, photopolymers, metals, or other materials. In some aspects of the present disclosure, separation forces are minimized via the utilization of a cure inhibiting layer on a top surface of the image plate and via sliding the part from contact with a portion of the image plate having high elevation to above a portion of the image plate with low elevation. In some aspects, the assembler device further comprises a sweeper configured to expose the cure inhibiting layer to a source of cure inhibitor after a cure cycle.