System and method for three-dimensional printing
A system and method for providing three-dimensional printing is disclosed. The three-dimensional printing technology includes enhanced functionality to provide better resolution printing, filtration of forming materials stored within a reservoir tank, and a simple and efficient cleaning process to remove debris from the reservoir subsequent to a printing cycle.
1 . A tank assembly for a three-dimensional (3D) printing system, comprising:
a drum assembly, the drum assembly comprising:
a container configured to house at least one light-curable forming material;
a membrane configured to seal an aperture of the container and to hold the at least one light-curable forming material therein; and
a bottom portion configured to allow transmission of an electromagnetic radiation into the container;
a base assembly including a flat transparent surface; and
a middle member situated between the drum assembly and the base assembly, the middle member configured to be self-lubricating and to prevent a formation of bubbles.
2 . The tank assembly in claim 1 , wherein the drum assembly is configured to interact with a build platform, the build platform situated within the tank assembly and parallel to the flat, optically clear surface configured to support a section of a cured solid object.
3 . The tank assembly in claim 2 , wherein the build platform is mated to a z-axis arm and configured to move in a direction perpendicular to the flat, optically clear surface.
4 . The tank assembly in claim 1 , wherein the drum assembly is configured to be disposable.
5 . The tank assembly in claim 1 , wherein the drum assembly is adapted to be affixed atop the base assembly.
6 . The tank assembly in claim 1 , further comprising a refill system, wherein the refill system is configured to maintain a specified amount of the light-curable forming material and to automatically replenish the system with the light-curable forming material.
7 . The tank assembly in claim 1 , further comprising a filtration system.
8 . The tank assembly in claim 1 , wherein the container is pre-filled with the light-curable forming material.
9 . The tank assembly in claim 1 , wherein the membrane is a hydrophobic membrane.
10 . The tank assembly in claim 1 , wherein the base assembly is configured to register with the 3D printing system.
11 . The tank assembly of claim 1 wherein the middle member comprises polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a self-lubricating gel, an oil, and/or an air gap.