Stereolithographic curl reduction

Abstract

An improved stereolithography system for generating a three-dimensional object by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, information defining the object being structurally specified to reduce curl, stress and distortion in the ultimately formed object, the successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process. A stereolithographic distortion known as curl is defined, and several techniques to eliminate or reduce curl are described, including dashed line, bent line, secondary structure, rivets, and multi-pass techniques. In addition, a quantitative measurement of curl known as the curl factor, and a test part known as a quarter cylinder are described, which together can be used to measure the effectiveness of the above techniques in reducing curl.