Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus to form a three-dimensional object with a plurality of layers of ink laminated includes a stage; a discharge head to discharge photocurable ink, toward the stage, for each layer in a height direction of the three-dimensional object; a driver to move the discharge head or the stage relative to the other; an irradiation device to cure the ink, for each layer, with curing light irradiation; and circuitry. The circuitry causes the discharge head to discharge the ink, according to slice data indicating a printing region and a non-printing region in each layer generated by sliding in the height direction of the three-dimensional object, corresponding to movement of the discharge head; and change, in each layer, illuminance of the curing light in the printing region and the non-printing region in accordance with a state of the printing region and the non-printing region indicated by the slice data.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system, and associated methods, comprise an image projection system comprising a plurality of image projectors that project a composite image onto a build area within a resin pool. The composite image comprises a plurality of sub-images arranged in an array. The properties of each sub-image and the alignment of the position of each sub image within the composite image can be adjusted using a stack of filters comprising: 1) an irradiance mask that normalizes irradiance, 2) a gamma adjustment mask that adjusts sub-image energy based on a reactivity of the resin, 3) a warp correction filter that provides geometric correction, and 4) an edge blending bar at one or more sub-image edges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the generative production of a three-dimensional object (2) by means of successive layer-by-layer selective solidification of construction material layers consisting of a solidifiable construction material (3), by means of at least one laser beam (5), comprising at least one device (4) for generating at least one laser beam (5) for layer-by-layer selective solidification of individual construction material layers consisting of solidifiable construction material (3), a flow device (9) for generating a fluid flow (10) that flows at least partially through a processing chamber (8) of said device (1), and a detection device (12) for detecting an item of flow information describing at least one physical parameter and/or at least one chemical parameter of the fluid flow (10).

Abstract: Radiation curable compositions for additive fabrication are described and claimed. Such compositions are particularly suited for investment casting applications, and include a cationically polymerizable component, a radically polymerizable component, a certain type of prescribed antimony-free, sulfonium salt-based cationic photoinitiator, and a free-radical photoinitiator. In other embodiments, the composition may also include a photosensitizer and/or a UV/absorber. Also described and claimed is a method for using a liquid radiation curable resin for additive fabrication with a certain type of prescribed antimony-free, sulfonium salt-based cationic photoinitiator and a certain type of prescribed photosensitizer in an investment casting process.

Abstract: A system and method are provided enabling higher precision in composite based additive manufacturing (‘AM”). The method includes staging a fibrous material such as carbon fiber sheets by potentially cutting to length and placing a sheet onto an elevator. Above the elevator is a gantry that holds a moveable print head and a powder deposition device as well as an excess powder recapture device. A liquid is placed onto the fiber by the print head such that when the subsequent step of dusting the area with a plastic powder, the powder sticks to the area where the liquid was imaged. Subsequently, excess powder is removed and pressure and potentially heat are applied to sinter the layer and compress to the desired height.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of generating scan instructions for forming a product using additive layer manufacture as a series of layers is provided.

Abstract: A waste curing device to cure waste generated by an additive manufacturing system, the waste curing device comprising: a container for receiving the waste; a movable cover positioned above the container; one or more waste nozzles mounted on the moveable cover and configured to deliver waste into the container; a static cover positioned above the container and below the movable cover; one or more curing sources mounted on the static cover and configured to provide curing radiation to cure the waste in the container; wherein the movable cover is configured to move relative to the static cover to provide an open position for the waste nozzles to deliver waste into the container, and subsequently to a closed position, to shield the waste nozzles from curing radiation.

Abstract: An industrial asset item definition data store may contain at least one electronic record defining the industrial asset item. An automated support structure creation platform may include a support structure optimization computer processor. The automated support structure optimization computer processor may be adapted to automatically create support structure geometry data associated with an additive printing process for the industrial asset item. The creation may be performed via an iterative loop between a build process simulation engine and a topology optimization engine.

Abstract: According to some aspects, an additive fabrication apparatus is provided configured to form layers of material on a build platform, each layer of material being formed so as to contact a supporting liquid or a film disposed within a container, in addition to the build platform, a liquid photopolymer, and/or a previously formed layer of a material. The additive fabrication apparatus may comprise a container and a leveling element, wherein the leveling element is configured to move across a liquid-liquid interface to promote or create a flat interface between the two liquids. According to some aspects, the additive fabrication comprises a film disposed between two liquids, wherein the film maintains or provides a flat surface at the interface of the two liquids.

Abstract: A rapidly printing 3D nanostructures arrangement, comprising a first photonic source configured to provide photoinitiation energy to a polymer medium via a dynamic light spatial modulator to an excited state to initiate polymerization, a second photonic source configured to selectively provide inhibition energy to the polymerized medium to a depleted state to inhibit polymerization thereby generating a dead zone below a growth zone, the dead zone allows continuous 3D polymerization.

Abstract: A 3D printing system, comprising a heated chamber; a printing base plate mounted inside the heated chamber; a cooling unit mounted outside and above the heated chamber; a printing nozzle; wherein the cooling unit is configured to surround the printing nozzle's upper side outside the heated chamber for cooling the printing nozzle's upper side and wherein the printing nozzle's lower side is mounted inside the heated chamber; and a nozzle heating unit mounted inside the heated chamber and around the printing nozzle's lower side at a distance from the outer surface of the printing nozzle; the heating unit configured to heat the printing nozzle's lower side; the system configured to receive a printing material for printing a 3D model inside the heated chamber.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a master model for the production of a mold, comprising: (a) a first part, a second part comprising a textured surface; wherein the first part and the second part are connected.

Abstract: A variable-size fully-automatic 3D printing system based on a cylindrical coordinate system includes a base provided with a retractable work platform; the base is provided with a vertical support side plate on a side thereof; an upper end of the support side plate is connected to a top plate, and the top plate is located directly above the base; a lower side of the top plate is connected to a sleeve via a column seat; a lower end of the sleeve is provided with a protrusion; a lower end of the protrusion is connected with a cross beam; a lower side of the cross beam is provided with a ball screw a, one end of the ball screw a is connected to a power end of a first servo motor disposed at an outer end of the cross beam.

Abstract: A method of determining a type of support structure for a three-dimensional (3D) object formed by additive manufacturing includes receiving solid model of the 3D object; performing a geometric analysis of the solid model to identify a region of the 3D object requiring a support structure; performing stress and warping analyses of the solid model at the region so identified, including one or more heuristic algorithms applied to the solid model, and excluding finite element analysis of a corresponding finite element model of the 3D object; selecting a type of support structure to place at the region so identified, the type of support structure being selected based on the stress and warping analyses so performed; and generating a shell of the 3D object based on the solid model, and including the support structure at the region so identified and of the type so selected.

Abstract: A method of additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional object, comprises: sequentially dispensing and solidifying layers to form on a surface a sacrificial structure. In embodiments the sacrificial structure comprises a bulk volume and heating cells embedded in the bulk volume, where the heating cells release more heat than the bulk volume upon the solidification of the layers. In embodiments, the sacrificial structure comprises pinning structures embedded in the bulk volume. The method also comprises sequentially dispensing and solidifying layers to form the three-dimensional object on a portion of the sacrificial structure.

Abstract: A system and method for post-processing of polymeric items having a liquid component and a predetermined heat deflection temperature is provided. The system includes a washing station to spray water at elevated temperature and pressure on the items while maintaining the temperature of the item below the heat deflection temperature. Then using a water distillation system to separate the water from the water mixed with the liquid polymer component by evaporating the water using heating coils with surface that is not conducive to adhesion of the liquid polymer component and then condense the water vapor into liquid water. The system may further include a spin station to separate the liquid polymer component by spinning the item. The system may further include one or more processing stations to rinse the item, dry the item, cure the item, remove the item from a tray to which the item may be attached and clean trays after removing the item.

Abstract: A system and method for post-processing of polymeric items having a liquid component and a predetermined heat deflection temperature is provided. The system includes a washing station to spray water at elevated temperature and pressure on the items while maintaining the temperature of the item below the heat deflection temperature. Then using a water distillation system to separate the water from the water mixed with the liquid polymer component by evaporating the water using heating coils with surface that is not conducive to adhesion of the liquid polymer component and then condense the water vapor into liquid water. The system may further include a spin station to separate the liquid polymer component by spinning the item. The system may further include one or more processing stations to rinse the item, dry the item, cure the item, remove the item from a tray to which the item may be attached and clean trays after removing the item.

Abstract: A system and method for post-processing of polymeric items having a liquid component and a predetermined heat deflection temperature is provided. The system includes a washing station to spray water at elevated temperature and pressure on the items while maintaining the temperature of the item below the heat deflection temperature. Then using a water distillation system to separate the water from the water mixed with the liquid polymer component by evaporating the water using heating coils with surface that is not conducive to adhesion of the liquid polymer component and then condense the water vapor into liquid water. The system may further include a spin station to separate the liquid polymer component by spinning the item. The system may further include one or more processing stations to rinse the item, dry the item, cure the item, remove the item from a tray to which the item may be attached and clean trays after removing the item.

Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional (3D) article is disclosed. The method comprises I) printing a first thermoplastic silicone composition with a 3D printer to form an at least partially solidified layer. The method further comprises II) printing a second thermoplastic silicone composition on the at least partially solidified layer with the 3D printer to form a subsequent at least partially solidified layer. Optionally, step II) may be repeated with independently selected thermoplastic silicone composition(s) for any additional layer(s) to form the 3D article. The first and second thermoplastic silicone compositions are the same as or different from one another.

Abstract: A support bridge for supporting an in-air surface of a three-dimensional (3D) object during a print process includes a first end, a second end, and a horizontal span that spans between the first end and the second end. The first end, second end, and span are situated in an intermediate layer, and the first end and second end of the support bridge contact, respectively, first and second surfaces of an abutment layer of the 3D object. The support bridge is constructed during the print process and is configured to support the in-air surface of the 3D object.

Abstract: A system including: a container for holding a photosensitive medium adapted to change states upon exposure to a light source; an optical imaging system, configured to move above the container holding the photosensitive medium, and having the light source; and a control system configured to: slice a digital model of a three-dimensional object into a slice having a cross section; generate a build cross section by filling a two-dimensional image with one or more copies of the cross section; add to the build cross section a conformal lattice to fill space in the build cross section around the one or more copies of the cross section; and control movement of the optical imaging system above the container to cure a portion of the photosensitive medium corresponding to the build cross section to produce a layer of a three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A method of making an adhesive is provided, including obtaining an actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition disposed against a surface of an actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a first portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a first irradiation dosage. The method further includes irradiating a second portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a second irradiation dosage. The first portion and the second portion are adjacent to or overlapping with each other and the first irradiation dosage and the second irradiation dosage are not the same. The method forms an integral adhesive having a variable thickness in an axis normal to the surface of the actinic radiation-transparent substrate.

Abstract: A light-curing 3D printer includes a main-tank, a printing platform, a lighting unit, a liquid material contained in the main-tank, an isolation fluid contained in the main-tank and floating upon the liquid material, a membrane arranged upon the isolation fluid, and an auxiliary mechanism. The 3D printer controls the lighting unit to emit light toward the liquid material according to slicing data of one cured-layer of a 3D model for forming a 3D object. The 3D printer then controls the printing platform to lower and activates the auxiliary mechanism to keep varying the status of the isolation fluid. Next, the 3D printer determines whether the 3D model is completed, and controls the lighting unit to emit light according to slicing data of a next cured-layer if the 3D model is not yet completed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating an energy density map of an object to be built in an additive manufacturing environment are provided. Certain embodiments provide a method for building an object utilizing additive manufacturing, the method including: receiving a job file for building the object, wherein the job file includes a plurality of slices of the object, and wherein a first slice of the object indicates scanning lines for applying an energy source to build material to build the first slice of the object; determining operation parameters of the energy source; and generating a first energy density map of the first slice of the object based on the job file and the operation parameters of the energy source, wherein the first energy density map indicates an amount of energy from the energy source per area of build material applied to the build material for the first slice of the object.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to actinic radiation curable polymeric mixtures, cured polymeric mixtures, tires and tire components made from the foregoing, and related processes.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes: a build table, at least a portion of which is transparent, the build table defining a build surface; a material applicator operable to deposit a radio-energy-curable resin on the build surface; a stage positioned facing the build surface of the build table and configured to hold a one or more cured layers of the resin; one or more actuators operable to change the relative positions of the build table and the stage; a radiant energy apparatus positioned adjacent to the build table opposite to the stage, and operable to generate and project radiant energy on the resin through the build table in a predetermined pattern; a drive mechanism operable to move the build table so as to expose a new portion thereof for each layer; and material remover operable to remove remnants from the build surface. A method for using the apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A method of making an adhesive is provided, including obtaining an actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition disposed against a surface of an actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a first portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a first irradiation dosage. The method further includes irradiating a second portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a second irradiation dosage. The first portion and the second portion are adjacent to or overlapping with each other and the first irradiation dosage and the second irradiation dosage are not the same. The method forms an integral adhesive having a variable thickness in an axis normal to the surface of the actinic radiation-transparent substrate.

Abstract: Printing systems, compositions suitable for the printing system, use of the compositions, methods for additive manufacturing, and exposure systems, all allowing for improved 3D manufacturing of products, include the exposure of layers of photopolymer material by two different wavelengths coming from LEDs.

Abstract: Provided herein is a resin product useful for the production of three-dimensional objects by additive manufacturing, and methods using the same. The resin may include a reactive blocked prepolymer comprising a prepolymer blocked with reactive blocking groups; a polyol; a photoinitiator; and at least one organometallic catalyst. A packaged product useful for the production of three-dimensional objects by additive manufacturing, the product comprising a single container having a single chamber and a resin in the chamber with all components mixed together, is also provided.

Abstract: According to examples, an apparatus may include a back panel to absorb energy and an energy emitter to supply energy onto a build material layer. The energy emitter may include an energy emitting element and an outer tube. In addition, a reflective element may be provided on a portion of the outer tube facing the back panel to direct energy away from the back panel. The apparatus may also include a transparent panel, in which energy from the energy emitter may be emitted through the transparent panel and onto the build material layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a laminar object includes discharging an active energy ray curable ink A, irradiating the active energy ray curable ink A with active energy rays, discharging an active energy ray curable ink B, and irradiating the active energy ray curable ink B with the active energy rays, wherein the amount of the active energy rays per pass is greater in the irradiating of the active energy ray curable ink A than that in the irradiating of the active energy ray curable ink B, wherein a surface roughness Sq1 of solid printed matter having a thickness of 40 ?m obtained in the discharging and the irradiating of the active energy ray curable ink A is 1.5 times or more than a surface roughness Sq2 of solid printed matter having a thickness of 40 ?m obtained in the discharging and irradiating of the active energy ray curable ink B.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to computer implemented method of supporting on support elements during 3D printing on a print platform of a 3D print object to be 3D printed based on a 3D print model, comprising: obtaining the 3D model by the computer; and displaying a visual representation of the 3D model on a display connected to the computer, CHARACTERISED BY displaying the visual representation of the model with individually user-selectable faces; receiving, by the computer, input from the user on a selected one of the faces, for support by a minimum number of added support elements to minimize scarring of the object. Based on this input, the computer implemented method proceeds to automatically orient the model, place supports, and 3D print the object from the model. The user is relieved from tedious or cumbersome manipulations of the model before printing.

Abstract: A method of making at least one three-dimensional object by additive manufacturing, including: (a) producing, on a carrier platform, by bottom-up stereolithography from a single batch of polymerizable resin, a composite article comprising and produced in the sequence of: (i) an open lattice layer on the carrier platform; then (ii) a frangible layer on the lattice layer; and then (iii) at least one three-dimensional object on the frangible layer; then (b) cleaning the composite article with a wash liquid while on the carrier platform; (c) optionally separating the composite article from the carrier platform; and (d) optionally further curing the composite article; and then (e) separating the at least one three-dimensional object from the lattice layer by cutting or breaking the frangible layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-scatter grid (ASG) assembly comprising a first and a second grid, wherein the second grid is arranged on top of the first grid and comprises a lateral shift. The lamella thickness of the first grid is smaller than the lamella thickness of the second grid. The present invention further relates to a detector arrangement comprising a pixel detector and an ASG assembly arranged on top of the pixel detector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a three-dimensional object shaping apparatus for forming an object with a desired shape in a three-dimensional space represented by a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system of XYZ. The three-dimensional object shaping apparatus includes a light source; a drive mechanism to move the shaping surface parallel to an XY plane in a Z axis direction; an optical scanning unit to scan light emitted from the light source along a Y axis direction perpendicular to the Z axis; and a rotation mechanism to rotate one of the optical scanning unit and the shaping surface relative to each other with respect to the Z axis as a rotation axis, where a pattern of the light to be applied to the shaping surface is controlled by a combination of a rotation of the shaping surface performed by the rotation mechanism and the scanning of the light performed by the optical scanning unit.

Abstract: A powder bed containment system for use with a rotating direct metal laser melting (DMLM) system includes an annular build plate, which includes an inner wall, an outer wall concentric with the inner wall and spaced radially apart from the inner wall, and a substantially planar build surface extending between the inner wall and the outer wall, where the substantially planar build surface is arranged to receive a weldable powder for manufacture of an object.

Abstract: In a stereolithography apparatus a material provision device for print material (16) to be cured, in particular a photopolymer, is provided. The material provision device (10) receives a material cartridge (12) which in turn receives the print material (16) and surrounds it on all sides. The material cartridge (12) may be connected to an outlet valve unit (20) in a liquid-proof manner via which the print material (16) may be output and which is received at least partially in the material provision device (10) and which is supported at least partially thereon or therein or sealed against it. The outlet valve unit (20) comprises a valve (100) which is opened and closed depending on the relative position, in particular the swiveling position, of material provision device (10) and stereolithography apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a three-dimensional object by solidifying a photohardenable material are shown and described. A photohardening inhibitor is admitted into a surface of a photohardenable material through a flexible film to create a “non-solidification zone” where little or no solidification occurs. The non-solidification zone prevents the exposed surface of the photohardenable material from solidifying in contact with the film. The inhibitor tends to cause the film to deform along the build axis, thereby creating a non-planar interface between the photohardenable material and the film, which distorts the resulting three-dimensional object. An apparatus is provided to stabilize the flexible film and eliminate or minimize such deformation.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, comprising a radiation emission arrangement adapted for generating a grow radiation pattern, a container adapted for receiving a build base material solidifying under the effect of irradiation by the grow radiation pattern, and fixing means (12) adapted for holding a build base adapted for dividing the container into a first container part (11a) and a second container part (11b), the build base having a first grow side facing the first container part (11a) and a second grow side facing the second container part (11b). The radiation emission arrangement comprises a first radiation emission unit (10a) adapted for generating a first grow radiation pattern allowing of growing the build base from the first grow side and a second radiation emission unit (10b) adapted for generating a second grow radiation pattern allowing of growing the build base from the second grow side.

Abstract: A method of assembling a three-dimensional printing system includes providing a plurality of components, providing a plurality of spacer rings, and measurement, analysis and assembly steps. The components include a light engine, an adaptive support apparatus, a plurality of elongate struts, and a support plate. The measurement, analysis and assembly steps include (1) measuring a scale factor for the light engine, (2) determining a selection of one or more of the spacer rings based upon the measured scale factor, and (3) assembling the components with the determined selection of one or more spacer rings.

Abstract: Examples are described that generate control data for production of a three-dimensional object. Build material profile data is accessed for an indicated build material. The build material profile data for a given build material defines one or more parameter values that are dependent on the properties of the given build material and that are configured to generate a three-dimensional object with predefined build properties.

Abstract: A print system and a method for curing marking material on an object using an active transparent display in a three dimensional (3D) object printer are disclosed. For example, the print system includes a plurality of printheads, a curing light source, a movable member to hold an object, an active transparent display and a controller to control movement of the movable member to move the object past the array of printheads, to operate the plurality of printheads to eject the marking material onto the object as the object passes the two-dimensional array of printheads, to control movement of the movable member, to control the active transparent display and to operate the curing light source to apply energy to cure the marking material, wherein the amount of energy that is applied to the object is controlled by a mask that is displayed on the active transparent display.

Abstract: Methods for imprinting on abutted fields of a substrate are described. Generally, a first field of a substrate may be imprinted using an imprint lithography template. The template may then be placed such that a portion of the template overlaps the first field of the substrate while imprinting a second field of the substrate.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a system, apparatus and method for 3D printing an object using an industrial robot; such object is larger and may be more accurate than the print volume and accuracy of the industrial robot that is performing the print. The system is further capable of scanning the irregular 3D surface of the printing platform in which to create the 3D object and adapt the toolpath to print on this surface. The system is further capable of scanning the 3D surface of a specimen that is larger than the print volume of the industrial robot and make a scaled copy larger or smaller. The system is also capable of monitoring the quality of the object being printed while the print is in process.

Abstract: A DLP 3D printer, using a DLP projector to generate two images successively, and using a set of mirrors to deflect the irradiation of the two images through two routs respectively to form a complete image on the curing surface of the solidifiable material. In this manner, the printing area is enlarged without increasing the resolution of the DLP projector.

Abstract: A measurement device is configured to measure a three-dimensional shape of an object for measurement. The measurement device includes a projector, an imager, an identifier, and a calculator. The projector is configured to project a plurality of light lines onto the object for measurement. The imager is configured to capture an image of the object for measurement on which the plurality of light lines are projected. The identifier is configured to identify a projection condition of the light lines based on shaping information of the object for measurement. The calculator is configured to calculate a plurality of line shapes from the image captured by the imager, based on the projection condition.

Abstract: An optically shaping apparatus includes a light modulation element having a plurality of pixels and configured to modulate light from a light source for each pixel, an optical system configured to irradiate modulation light from the light modulation element onto the photocurable resin through the light-transmissive portion, a controller configured to control the light modulation element based on each of a plurality of two-dimensional shape data corresponding to a plurality of sections in a three-dimensional object, and a moving member configured to move a cured portion cured by the modulation light among the photocurable resin in a direction separating from the light-transmissive portion. The controller controls an irradiation timing of the modulation light onto the photocurable resin for each pixel to form the cured portion corresponding to the same section in the three-dimensional object, in accordance with information on a shape of the light-transmissive portion.

Abstract: A modular system for blow molding a container. The system may include a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion and second portion may each include a shell, a mold removably coupled to the shell, and a top plate. The third portion may include a base and a base mold. The molds may be 3D printed. The molds together may define a blow mold cavity. The modular system may be used at lab scale, pilot scale, or full production scale. The molds may be durable and smooth enough for full production scale. Some embodiments are directed methods for making a modular system for blow molding a container.

Abstract: Device for production of three-dimensional components, namely a laser melting device or laser sintering device, in which a component is produced by successive solidifying of individual layers made from solidifiable construction material, by radiation, through melting of the construction material, wherein the dimensions and/or temperature of the melt area generated by a point-shaped or line-shaped energy input can be captured by a sensor device of a process monitoring system, and sensor values for evaluation of a component quality can by deduced therefrom, wherein the radiation created by the melt area and used for the generation of the sensor values passes through the scanner used for the melt energy input, and guided to the sensor device of the process monitoring system, wherein an optical focus tracking device is arranged in the radiation path used for generation of the sensor values between the scanner and the sensor device.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to additive manufacturing of an object using both a digital light processing (DLP) projector and a focused energy source to irradiate a photopolymerizable material, and apparatuses and methods for the same. The DLP projector irradiates and cures an outer perimeter of the object, and the focused energy source irradiates and cures an inner region of the object. In a preferred embodiment, irradiation by both the DLP projector and the focused energy source occur from underneath a tank holding the photopolymerizable material and through a transparent window.