Abstract: A 3D printing process may form a 3D object by alternatingly forming layers from a liquid resin and a solid. For instance, when printing a 3D object, the 3D printer may at least partially cure a layer of liquid resin, and before the curing of the resin is complete, dip the semi-cured resin into a vat containing graphene powder so as to create a super strong 3D object. As another example, each semi-cured resin layer could be pressed into a vat of fiberglass such that the fiberglass is coupled to the semi-cured resin. The resin may then be allowed to finish curing before the next layer of resin is formed. In other embodiments, this process could be used to embed sensors in 3D printed objects.

Abstract: An example three-dimensional printer system includes (a) a resin container, (b) a base plate, (c) a light source arranged below the resin container, where the light source is operable to emit electromagnetic radiation that causes resin in the resin container to cure, (d) a robotic device having the base plate attached thereto, wherein the robotic device positions the base plate above the resin container and is operable to move the base plate with at least two degrees of freedom, such that a build volume of the three-dimensional printer system extends beyond the edges of the resin container, and (e) a control system that is operable to (i) receive data specifying a three-dimensional structure and (ii) generate control signals that coordinate movement of the base plate by the robotic device and operation of the light source to form the three-dimensional structure from layers of resin.

Abstract: Described herein are three-dimensional (3D) printer systems and methods, which may provide for “continuous pull” 3D printing. An illustrative 3D printer includes: a resin container, a base plate, a light source arranged below the resin container and operable to cure resin in the resin container; and a control system operable to: (a) receive model data specifying a 3D structure; (b) determine 2D images corresponding to layers of the 3D object; and (c) generate control signals to operate the light source and the base plate to sequentially form the layers of the 3D object onto the base plate, wherein the base plate moves a formed portion of the 3D object upward after formation of each layer, and wherein at least a surface of a formed portion of the 3D object remains in contact with the resin in the resin container throughout the formation of the layers of the 3D object.

Abstract: An example system includes: (i) a resin container defining a cavity; (ii) a plurality of rods extending from an inner base surface of the resin container and into the cavity; (iii) a plurality of light sources arranged to emit radiation into the plurality of rods, such that when the cavity contains liquid resin, radiation passing through a given one of the rods cures liquid resin that surrounds the given rod; and (iv) a control system configured to: (a) receive data specifying a three-dimensional structure; (b) determine a shape for a layer of a plurality of layers that collectively form the three-dimensional structure; and (c) determine one or more of the light sources that correspond to the shape of the layer; and (d) form the layer by operating the one or more determined light sources that correspond to the shape of the layer.

Abstract: Example implementations may relate to shifting a curing location during a three-dimensional (3D) printing procedure. A system may control components of a 3D printer to form a first layer of the 3D structure from resin in a first area of a resin container. The components may include: (i) a base plate and (ii) light source(s) operable to emit radiation that cures resin. After formation of the first layer, the system may move the resin container with respect to the base plate such that a second layer of the 3D structure can be formed in a second area of the resin container. The second area and the first area may be at least partially non-overlapping. The system may then control the components of the 3D printer to form the second layer of the 3D structure from resin in the second area of the resin container.