3m Innovative Properties Company

Jesse R Behnke

Kenneth L Smith

Olester Benson, Jr

Robert L W Smithson

Carsten Franke

Alexander J Huffman

Lucas D Crestik

Michael A Kropp

John P Baetzold

Serkan Yurt

Olester Benson

Continuous additive manufacturing apparatuses are provided. An apparatus includes an actinic radiation-transparent substrate having a major surface and an irradiation source configured to direct actinic radiation through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate at predetermined dosages at predetermined locations. The apparatus further includes a means for depositing a composition onto the major surface of the actinic radiation-transparent substrate and a means for conveying the actinic radiation-transparent substrate or the irradiation source with respect to each other.

Continuous additive manufacturing apparatus

A continuous method of manufacturing adhesives is provided. The method includes obtaining an actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition disposed on a major surface of an actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a first portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a first irradiation dosage. The method further includes moving the actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a second portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a second irradiation dosage. Optionally, the method also includes irradiating a third portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate prior to moving the substrate. The first irradiation dosage and the third irradiation dosage are often not the same, thereby forming an integral adhesive having a variable thickness in an axis normal to the actinic radiation-transparent substrate.

Continuous additive manufacturing methods

Growing community of inventors

Maplewood, MN, United States of America

Jesse R Behnke