Methods and systems for film tensioning in an additive fabrication device
A method and system for tensioning film tank in a liquid photopolymer container designed for use in a stereolithography (SLA) additive fabrication device is disclosed. The liquid photopolymer container comprises a tank frame, a film clamp that attaches to the tank frame and secures a film between the clamp and the tank frame, and a film positioned between the clamp and the bottom surface of the tank frame. The film clamp and the tank frame include raised-features and recesses that mate together to increase the grip on the film.
1 . A liquid photopolymer container for a stereolithography additive fabrication device, the container comprising:
a tank frame comprising a surface having a plurality of protrusions;
a film clamp interfacing with the plurality of protrusions on the surface of the tank frame, the film clamp comprising a plurality of holes and/or a plurality of recesses in which the plurality of protrusions are arranged; and
a film arranged between the film clamp and the surface of the tank frame.
2 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of protrusions include a plurality of pinches, and wherein the film clamp comprises a plurality of holes.
3 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of pinches are arranged passing through the film, and wherein the film is arranged over at least some of the plurality of protrusions.
4 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 2 , wherein the film clamp and the plurality of pinches of the tank frame are fastened to one another via heat staking.
5 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged along edges of the container.
6 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 1 , wherein the tank frame and/or the film clamp has a textured surface that contacts the film.
7 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 1 , wherein the tank frame and the film clamp are attached to one another via one or more magnets, glue, and/or one or more fasteners.
8 . A liquid photopolymer container for a stereolithography additive fabrication device, the container comprising:
a tank frame comprising a plurality of recesses and/or a plurality of holes;
a film clamp interfacing with the plurality of recesses and/or a plurality of holes of the tank frame, the film clamp comprising a surface having a plurality of protrusions inserted into the plurality of recesses and/or a plurality of holes; and
a film arranged between the surface of the film clamp and the tank frame.
9 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 8 , wherein the plurality of protrusions include a plurality of pinches, and wherein the tank frame comprises a plurality of holes.
10 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 9 , wherein the plurality of pinches are arranged passing through the film, and wherein the film is arranged over at least some of the plurality of protrusions.
11 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 9 , wherein the tank frame and the plurality of pinches of the film clamp are fastened to one another via heat staking.
12 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 9 , wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged along edges of the container.
13 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 8 , wherein the tank frame and/or the film clamp has a textured surface that contacts the film.
14 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 8 , wherein the tank frame and the film clamp are attached to one another via one or more magnets, glue, and/or one or more fasteners.
15 . A liquid photopolymer container for a stereolithography additive fabrication device, the container comprising:
a tank frame comprising a plurality of slots along edges of a surface of the tank frame;
a film clamp interfacing with the plurality of slots of the tank frame, the film clamp comprising a plurality of flanges around edges of the film clamp, wherein the plurality of flanges are fit within the plurality of slots of the tank frame; and
a film arranged between the film clamp and the surface of the tank frame.
16 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of slots comprise one or more segmented slots and wherein the plurality of flanges comprise one or more segmented flanges.
17 . A liquid photopolymer container for a stereolithography additive fabrication device, the container comprising:
a tank frame having a bottom surface comprising a plurality of vertical pinches;
a film clamp interfacing with the bottom surface of the tank frame, the film clamp having a plurality of holes into which the plurality of vertical pinches are inserted; and
a film arranged between the film clamp and the bottom surface of the tank frame,
wherein the tank frame fills space between the film clamp and the tank frame, thereby providing a secure clamping force on the film.