Abstract: A system and method of adjusting a dental appliance by modifying a corresponding digital dental appliance model. The system includes an additive manufacturing system (e.g., a 3D printer system) and a controller running software. The system is designed to (i) 3D print a dental appliance using an initial digital dental appliance model, (ii) determine any portions of the printed dental appliance that may require modification, (iii) automatically adjust the appliance's digital model by performing pixel offsetting to implement a modification, and (iv) reprint the appliance using the modified digital model.

Abstract: A heating and sensing system for use with three-dimensional (3D) printing systems is provided. The heating and sensing system includes heating elements and/or sensor devices configured with a printing platform to set and sense the temperature of the platform. The system includes one or more controllers electrically configured with the heating elements and/or with the sensor devices via an electrical interface provided between the printing platform and a corresponding printer arm. The controller(s) are used to control the various elements of the system.

Abstract: A hardened build platform for use in three-dimensional (3D) printing systems employing photosensitive resins with suspended ceramic particles. The build platform includes a build surface that includes a layer of material with a Mohs hardness rating that is equal to or greater than the Mohs hardness rating of the ceramic particles suspended in the photosensitive resin. The layer of hardened material includes anodized aluminum, ceramic, or glass. The build surface also may be roughened to increase the adhesion between the 3D printed part and the hardened build surface.

Abstract: A magnetic locking system for securing a printing platform to a print arm within a three-dimensional (3D) printing system is provided. First and second magnets are configured with an end of the print arm, and a locking plate formed of a material that is attracted to magnetic fields is configured with the printing platform. The magnets are configured with a moving assembly that toggles the magnets with respect to one another between a first position and a second position, thereby varying the overall magnetic force generated by the magnets. When in the first position, the magnet applies an attractive magnetic force to the locking plate that secures the printing platform. When in the second position, the attractive magnetic force is reduced or eliminated, and the printing platform is released. The system provides a consistent and repeatable magnetic locking force between a printer arm and a printing platform.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating separation of 3D-printed objects from build platforms. The principle of separation in the present invention involves a build platform configured to be removable or flexible or partially deformable, such that at least a portion of the build platform may be bent or tilted to separate the build platform from the 3D-printed object once the 3D-printing is completed. In some embodiments, a base assembly is adapted to magnetically move a build plate along a surface of the base assembly such that the build plate automatically self-aligns along a boundary of the base assembly and magnetically couples to the base assembly. In some embodiments, a build platform includes a flexible layer with a printable surface and a rigid layer coupled to the flexible layer so that applying a force on the flexible layer deforms a localized portion of the printable surface without deforming the rigid layer.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating separation of 3D-printed objects from build platforms. The principle of separation in the present invention involves a build platform configured to be removable or flexible or partially deformable, such that at least a portion of the build platform may be bent or tilted to separate the build platform from the 3D-printed object once the 3D-printing is completed. In some embodiments, a base assembly is adapted to magnetically move a build plate along a surface of the base assembly such that the build plate automatically self-aligns along a boundary of the base assembly and magnetically couples to the base assembly. In some embodiments, a build platform includes a flexible layer with a printable surface and a rigid layer coupled to the flexible layer so that applying a force on the flexible layer deforms a localized portion of the printable surface without deforming the rigid layer.

Abstract: The invention is generally a system for washing off residual resin from objects which are three-dimensionally (3D) printed through a vat polymerization (VP) process. Exemplary systems may include a solvent receptacle, a wash reservoir in fluid communication with the solvent receptacle, and a controller configured to pump a solvent from the solvent receptacle to the wash reservoir for washing off residual resin from a 3D-printed object. Exemplary methods may include pumping a first solution of a plurality of solvent solutions from the solvent receptacle to the wash reservoir, dispersing the first solution onto the 3D-printed object, pumping the first solution from the wash reservoir to the solvent receptacle, pumping a second solution of the plurality of solvent solutions from the solvent receptacle to the wash reservoir, and dispersing the second solution onto the 3D-printed object.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed towards a system and a method for selectively post-curing a three-dimensional (3D-printed) object to attain variable properties. The system comprises a selective post-curing chamber coupled to a computer in communication with a database for accessing a digital model or data concerning the 3D-printed object. The chamber comprises a movable light source assembly and a mounting platform for supporting at least one 3D-printed object thereon. The computer includes one or more executable instructions for selectively emitting a curing light onto the 3D-printed object along a predetermined curing toolpath based on the digital model. The curing of the 3D-printed object along the predetermined curing toolpath generates variable properties along different regions of the 3D-printed object.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system and reservoir assembly for three-dimensional (3D) printing. The reservoir assembly includes a top frame that may be filled with liquid material, and a tensioned film being held underneath the top frame. The tensioned film may be air permeable and flexible, wherein surfaces of the tensioned film may be micro textured. A bottom frame is coupled to the top frame and secures a transparent or semi-transparent rigid substrate. A permeable substrate is sandwiched between the tensioned film secured to the top frame and the transparent or semi-transparent rigid substrate secured to the bottom frame.

Abstract: The invention is generally a system for drying, recycling, and washing off residual resin from three-dimensionally (3D) printed objects. Exemplary systems may include a wash reservoir, a fan module, and one or more air exchange vents. The wash reservoir contains a wash solvent and a propeller fully or partially submerged into the wash solvent. The propeller splashes the wash solvent upwards to disperse on the 3D printed object, thereby largely washing away the resin residue present in the 3D printer object. The fan module is connected to the wash reservoir to create a positive or negative air pressure inside the wash reservoir, thereby redirecting the airflow to the wash reservoir. The air exchange vents are provided between a splash guard and a platform/lid of the wash reservoir to act as an air intake when the fan module blows air out of the wash reservoir and as an exhaust vice versa.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) printing system is provided. The printing system includes a resin tank assembly with a sliding scraper, an automatic resin dispensing system, sensors configured to measure various aspects of the system, e.g., the volume of resin within the resin tank and/or within the resin dispensing system, a rigid releasable interface between the lift arm and the build platform, a resin heating system, a magnetic interface between the resin tank and the base assembly, a resin tank locking system, and other novel aspects.

Abstract: The invention is generally a system for drying, recycling, and washing off residual resin from three-dimensionally (3D) printed objects. Exemplary systems may include a system for washing off residual printing material from a surface of a 3D-printed. In an exemplary embodiment, a chamber is adapted to receive the 3D-printed object and a printing material disruption module is adapted to disrupt a composition of residual printing material on a surface of the 3D-printed object. Additionally, a washing force module may be adapted to apply a washing force field to the 3D-printed object and wash off the residual printing material.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed towards a system and a method for selectively post-curing a three-dimensional (3D-printed) object to attain variable properties. The system comprises a selective post-curing chamber coupled to a computer in communication with a database for accessing a digital model or data concerning the 3D-printed object. The chamber comprises a movable light source assembly and a mounting platform for supporting at least one 3D-printed object thereon. The computer includes one or more executable instructions for selectively emitting a curing light onto the 3D-printed object along a predetermined curing toolpath based on the digital model. The curing of the 3D-printed object along the predetermined curing toolpath generates variable properties along different regions of the 3D-printed object.

Abstract: The invention is generally a system for drying, recycling, and washing off residual resin from 3D-printed objects. Exemplary systems may include a system for drying off residual resin from 3D-printed objects. The system may include a wash reservoir including a chamber for housing the 3D printed object and containing a wash solvent or liquid solvent adapted to at least partially remove residual residue present in the 3D printer object. Air exchange vents provided between a splash guard or a lid of the wash reservoir may be adapted to act as an air intake or an air exhaust. An airflow module in fluid communication with the air vents and the chamber may be adapted to create a positive or negative air pressure inside the wash reservoir for redirecting airflow to the chamber housing the 3D printed object, and blowing air out or into the chamber to dry the 3D-printed object.

Abstract: The invention is a system for drying, recycling, and washing off residual resin from 3D-printed objects. Some aspects of the invention include a system for recycling solvents used to clean the 3D-printed objects in a washing chamber. The recycling system may include one or more solvent reservoirs that store a solvent for cleaning residual 3D-printing material off of 3D-printed objects, a wash chamber adapted to clean the 3D-printed objects, and a solvent recycling module. The solvent recycling module receives a saturated solvent from the one or more solvent reservoirs, evaporates or condenses the saturated solvent to remove residual 3D-printing material from the saturated solvent, and returns clean solvent to the one or more solvent reservoirs of the system.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system and reservoir assembly for three-dimensional (3D) printing. The reservoir assembly includes a top frame that may be filled with liquid material, and a tensioned film being held underneath the top frame. The tensioned film may be air permeable and flexible, wherein surfaces of the tensioned film may be micro textured. A bottom frame is coupled to the top frame and secures a transparent or semi-transparent rigid substrate. A permeable substrate is sandwiched between the tensioned film secured to the top frame and the transparent or semi-transparent rigid substrate secured to the bottom frame.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system and reservoir assembly for three-dimensional (3D) printing. The reservoir assembly includes a top frame that may be filled with liquid material, and a tensioned film being held underneath the top frame. The tensioned film may be air permeable and flexible. A bottom frame is coupled to the top frame and secures a transparent or semi-transparent rigid substrate. A tempered glass substrate is sandwiched between the tensioned film secured to the top frame and the transparent or semi-transparent rigid substrate secured to the bottom frame. One or more spacers may be placed between the rigid substrate and the tempered glass substrate to form air gaps therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a reservoir assembly for use in three-dimensional (3D) printing for building a 3D object, which includes a top frame that may be filled with liquid material, and a tensioned film being held underneath the top frame. The tensioned film may be air permeable and elastic at the same time, wherein surfaces of the tensioned film are micro textured so that the tensioned film becomes optically clear when it contacts with the liquid material. The tensioned film minimizes the creation of bubbles between the top and bottom surfaces. This also helps blurring the boundaries thereby enhancing the surface finish of the fabricated parts.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed towards a system and a method for selectively post-curing a three-dimensional (3D-printed) object to attain variable properties. The system comprises a selective post-curing chamber coupled to a computer in communication with a database for accessing a digital model or data concerning the 3D-printed object. The chamber comprises a movable light source assembly and a mounting platform for supporting at least one 3D-printed object thereon. The computer includes one or more executable instructions for selectively emitting a curing light onto the 3D-printed object along a predetermined curing toolpath based on the digital model. The curing of the 3D-printed object along the predetermined curing toolpath generates variable properties along different regions of the 3D-printed object.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed towards a system and a method for selectively post-curing a three-dimensional (3D-printed) object to attain variable properties. The system comprises a selective post-curing chamber coupled to a computer in communication with a database for accessing a digital model or data concerning the 3D-printed object. The chamber comprises a movable light source assembly and a mounting platform for supporting at least one 3D-printed object thereon. The computer includes one or more executable instructions for selectively emitting a curing light onto the 3D-printed object along a predetermined curing toolpath based on the digital model. The curing of the 3D-printed object along the predetermined curing toolpath generates variable properties along different regions of the 3D-printed object.