Patent ID: 7063524
Filing Date: 2006-06-20
Classification: B23K,B29C,B29K,B33Y,H01S

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for fabricating a three-dimensional solid object from a liquid photopolymer, the apparatus comprising: a reservoir for containing the liquid photopolymer; a vertically movable support disposable within the reservoir at least to a depth wherein a layer of the liquid photopolymer contained by the reservoir lies above the support; a laser light generator assembly configured to produce light of at least one wavelength suitable for initiating polymerization of the liquid photopolymer in the form of a laser beam directable to a position adjacent the support and focused to a spot consisting essentially of a generally annular cross-sectional shape having an outer, annular portion exhibiting a power density and an inner, substantially circular central portion surrounded by the outer, annular portion and exhibiting, across a diameter thereof, a power density of less than about 0.6 times the power density of the outer, annular portion; and a device configured to initiate and control scanning of the spot adjacent the support.