Additive manufacturing apparatus and method for the additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional product

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes an additive manufacturing (3D printing) apparatus and method, particularly for stereolithography and similar processes. The core idea is a manufacturing container (vat) with a variably adjustable volume for holding the raw printing material. By adjusting the volume (using movable walls, pistons, or segmented bases), the apparatus can minimize material usage and adapt to the size and requirements of each printed object. It also allows for easier and quicker material changes, improved economic operation for small batches, and reduces contamination and degradation risks of the raw material.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Industrial or laboratory 3D printing where objects of various and changing sizes are produced frequently
• Rapid prototyping of parts in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, consumer products, and medical devices
• Low-volume or custom manufacturing, where small objects or batches are printed efficiently
• Research or development environments requiring frequent material changes or testing different resins
• Production of specialized items like MRI markers that require containment of non-cured materials inside the printed object

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly reduces raw material waste and associated costs, especially for small print jobs
• Enables flexible adaptation of the manufacturing apparatus to different object sizes and shapes
• Facilitates quick and efficient switching between different raw materials and colors
• Minimizes risk of material aging, contamination, or solidification due to long storage times in the vat
• Supports both main types of stereolithography processes (Right-Side-Up and Upside-Down) and can be extended to other additive methods like powder printing or laser sintering
• Improves process economy, particularly for low-volume or prototype manufacturing
• Simplifies cleaning and maintenance by reducing the quantity of material to be handled and cleaned

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to an additive manufacturing apparatus which is designed for layer-by-layer manufacture of a three-dimensional product (21) from a raw material (22) in a stereolithography method, the additive manufacturing apparatus comprising a manufacturing container (12) for holding the raw material (22) to be processed and the volume of the manufacturing container (12) holding the raw material (22) being variably adjustable.