Patent ID: 6207097
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: B29C,B33Y,G05B

Abstract:
In a system for fabricating a three-dimensional structure by means of stereolithography, said system including:a controllable source of light for generating a focused light beam at a selectable and variable location;a vat containing liquid photocurable material, said liquid having an upper surface on which said beam is brought to a focus;a horizontal platform immersed in said liquid photocurable material, said platform further being attached to a support member and the elevation of said platform being controllably movable in the vertical direction by means of said support member;platform control means attached to said support member, for controlling and varying the elevation of said platform; anda computer connected to said platform control means and said controllable source of light, said computer having a memory containing control software and data files for controlling said platform control means and said controllable source of light, said computer further containing design software for designing said three-dimensional structure;an improved method for fabricating a three-dimensional structure by means of stereolithography, comprising the steps of:providing a source of light as said light source that is substantially smaller and lower in power, and that generates a smaller focused spot, than light sources conventionally used in stereolithographic fabrication processes;modifying the parameters and variables in said data files to fabricate a structure in said system with said light source that is substantially smaller and lower in power and generates a smaller focused spot, with substantially higher precision than 10 mils; andcarrying out the stereolithographic fabrication process utilizing said light source that is substantially smaller and lower in power and generates a smaller focused spot, and said modified parameters and variables to fabricate said three-dimensional structure.