Hernando V Angulo

US Patent:

20090267269, Oct 29, 2009

Filed:

Apr 25, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/109491

Inventors:

Jin Hong Lim - Waxhaw NC, US
Hernando Vincente Angulo - Rock Hill SC, US
John D. Clay - Charlotte NC, US
Khalil Moussa - Charlotte NC, US

International Classification:

B29C 35/08

US Classification:

264401, 4251744

Abstract:

A continuous-wave (CW) ultraviolet (UV) curing system for solid freeform fabrication (SFF) is provided, wherein the curing system is configured to provide an exposure of UV radiation for one or more layers of UV-curable material. One or more UV exposures may initiate curing of a curable material in the layer dispensed by a solid freeform fabrication apparatus. One approach to provide the single or multiple UV exposures is the use of one or more UV LEDs, which generate UV radiation without generating any substantial amounts of infrared (IR) radiation at the same time. This allows for the curing process to be energy efficient and also allows for the SFF system to be far less complex.