PHOTOPOLYMER JETTING TECHNOLOGY IN RAPID PROTOTYPING

A new three-dimensional (3-D) model building technology uses inkjet printing-heads to build rapid prototypes. This technology jets 16-micron layers of acrylic-based photopolymers onto a build tray via multiple-nozzle jetting heads. The block of jetting heads moves over the tray in a raster-type sequence, much like a line printer, simultaneously jetting two different types of photopolymer material, layer by layer, to form different parts of the 3-D model being built. Each individual layer is immediately cured and hardened by use of UV light. Each layer includes both model material and support material, which is necessary to enable overhangs, cavities, holes, etc. to be jetted. After each layer is deposited and cured, the build tray moves downwards and a new layer of materials is jetted. Once all the layers of the model have been deposited and cured, there is no need for any post-curing. The support constructions are then removed using a water jet and the model is ready for use.