Volume element printing system for simultaneously printing multiple layers
View Patent ↗A three dimensional object creation system for printing a three dimensional object comprised of layers stacked vertically with respect to each other includes a series of printheads for printing the layers, the series of printheads simultaneously printing at least two layers of different vertical positions within the stack; and a semiconductor memory for storing data defining at least one layer. The series of printheads are arranged in groups of one or more printheads per group, each group being fixedly positioned downstream of a preceding group with respect to the three dimensional object. Each group of printheads is adapted to print a layer at a predetermined vertical position within the stack.
1. A three dimensional object creation system for printing a three dimensional object comprised of layers stacked vertically with respect to each other, the system comprising:
a series of printheads for printing the layers, the series of printheads simultaneously printing at least two layers of different vertical positions within the stack; and
a semiconductor memory for storing data defining at least one layer, wherein
the series of printheads are arranged in groups of one or more printheads per group, each group being fixedly positioned downstream of a preceding group with respect to the three dimensional object; and
each group of printheads is adapted to print a layer at a predetermined vertical position within the stack, wherein
upon failure of a group of printheads to print at a respective layer, each group of printheads downstream of the failed group of printheads is dynamically reconfigured to complete the printing of at least part of a layer preceding the respective layer that each subsequent group is configured to initially print to.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising an object incorporation device for incorporating inorganic semiconductors into the three dimensional object as the three dimensional object is printed.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising an object incorporation device for incorporating a non-printed object into the three dimensional object as the three dimensional object is being printed.
4. The system as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the object incorporation inserts the non-printed object into a cavity in the layers printed by the series of printheads.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein at least one of the series of printheads prints electrical connections to the inorganic semiconductors.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each group of printheads is reconfigurable from printing to an initially configured layer at a first vertical position to printing to a layer at a second vertical position.