Patent ID: 7785093

Claim:
An apparatus for forming three dimensional objects from solidifiable liquid material in response to energy applied to a working surface of the material, the apparatus comprising: a. a frame; b. a source of energy mounted to the frame for applying energy to the solidifiable liquid material, wherein the source of energy is controlled based upon data representative of the three-dimensional objects; c. a removable container for holding the solidifiable liquid material, wherein the removable container is removable from the frame of the apparatus; d. a platform on which the three dimensional objects are formed, the platform being movably supported by at least one elevator leg and lowerable into the solidifiable liquid material within the container; and e. a z-stage stepper motor mounted to the frame that raises and lowers a mounting plate, wherein the at least one elevator leg is connected to the mounting plate with a quick disconnect locking device that allows the at least one elevator leg to be disconnectable from the mounting plate so that the at least one elevator leg and platform are removable with the container holding the solidifiable liquid material.