Methods and systems for three-dimensional printing of composite objects
The present disclosure provides methods for generating a three-dimensional object, comprising directing at least one strand material from a source of at least one strand material towards a base. Next, at least a first light beam and a second light beam from a light source is used to subject at least one strand material to heating at one or more locations along at least one strand material. At least a portion of the three-dimensional object may be generated from at least one strand material upon subjecting at least one strand material to heating along one or more locations.
1. A method for generating a three-dimensional object, the method comprising:
directing a strand of material from a source towards a base;
splitting a light beam from one light source into:
(i) a first light beamlet, and
(ii) a second light beamlet;
heating the strand of material with
(i) the first light beamlet, and
(ii) the second light beamlet; and
generating at least a portion of the three-dimensional object from the strand of material after heating the strand of material with the first light beamlet and with the second light beamlet;
wherein the first light beamlet has an elliptical polarization; and
wherein the second light beamlet has an elliptical polarization.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first light beamlet comprises a minor axis of less than 15 millimeters and a major axis of less than 50 millimeters.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first beamlet passes through a first optical wedge and a second optical wedge.
4. The method of claim 3 , where the first optical wedge rotates relative to the second optical wedge.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
directing the strand of material to a compaction unit while heating the strand of material with the first light beamlet and the second light beamlet.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
measuring a temperature of the strand of material.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first light beamlet and the second light beamlet heat the strand of material without melting the strand of material.