Methods and systems for film tensioning in an additive fabrication device

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2025042089-A1
Application number	US-202418744156-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Jun 14, 2024
Priority date	Jun 14, 2023
Publication date	Feb 6, 2025
Grant date	—

Abstract

A method and system for tensioning film tank in a liquid photopolymer container designed for use in a stereolithography (SLA) additive fabrication device is disclosed. The liquid photopolymer container comprises a tank frame, a film clamp that attaches to the tank frame and secures a film between the clamp and the tank frame, and a film positioned between the clamp and the bottom surface of the tank frame. The film clamp and the tank frame include raised-features and recesses that mate together to increase the grip on the film.

First claim

1 . A liquid photopolymer container for a stereolithography additive fabrication device, the container comprising:
a tank frame comprising a surface having a plurality of protrusions; a film clamp configured to interface with the plurality of protrusions on the surface of the tank frame, the film clamp comprising a plurality of holes and/or a plurality of recesses that mate with the plurality of protrusions; and a film arranged between the film clamp and the surface of the tank frame.

2 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of protrusions include a plurality of pinches, and wherein the film clamp comprises a plurality of holes.

3 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of pinches are arranged passing through the film, and wherein the film is arranged over at least some of the plurality of protrusions.

4 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 2 , wherein the tank frame and the plurality of pinches of the tank frame are fastened to one another via heat staking.

5 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged along edges of the container.

6 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 1 , wherein the tank frame and/or the film clamp has a textured surface that contacts the film.

7 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 1 , wherein the tank frame and the film clamp are attached to one another via one or more magnets, glue, and/or one or more fasteners.

8 . A liquid photopolymer container for a stereolithography additive fabrication device, the container comprising:
a tank frame comprising a plurality of recesses and/or a plurality of holes; a film clamp configured to interface with the plurality of recesses and/or a plurality of holes of the tank frame, the film clamp comprising a surface having a plurality of protrusions that mate with the plurality of recesses and/or a plurality of holes; and a film arranged between the surface of the film clamp and the tank frame.

9 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 8 , wherein the plurality of protrusions include a plurality of pinches, and wherein the tank frame comprises a plurality of holes.

10 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 9 , wherein the plurality of pinches are arranged passing through the film, and wherein the film is arranged over at least some of the plurality of protrusions.

11 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 9 , wherein the tank frame and the plurality of pinches of the film clamp are fastened to one another via heat staking.

12 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 9 , wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged along edges of the container.

13 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 8 , wherein the tank frame and/or the film clamp has a textured surface that contacts the film.

14 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 8 , wherein the tank frame and the film clamp are attached to one another via one or more magnets, glue, and/or one or more fasteners.

15 . A liquid photopolymer container for a stereolithography additive fabrication device, the container comprising:
a tank frame comprising a plurality of slots along edges of a surface of the tank frame; a film clamp configured to interface with the plurality of slots of the tank frame, the film clamp comprising a plurality of flanges around edges of the film clamp, wherein the plurality of flanges mate with the plurality of slots of the tank frame; and a film arranged between the film clamp and the surface of the tank frame.

16 . The liquid photopolymer container of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of slots comprise one or more segmented slots and wherein the plurality of flanges comprise one or more segmented flanges.

17 . A liquid photopolymer container for a stereolithography additive fabrication device, the container comprising:
a tank frame having a bottom surface comprising a plurality of vertical pinches; a film clamp configured to interface with the bottom surface of the tank frame, the film clamp having a plurality of holes adapted to receive the vertical pinches; a film arranged between the film clamp and the bottom surface of the tank frame, wherein the tank frame fills space between the film clamp and the tank frame, thereby providing a secure clamping force on the film.

Assignees

• Formlabs Inc

Inventors

• Johnson Joseph
• Smith Brian

Classifications

• B33Y10/00

  Processes of additive manufacturing · CPC title

• B29C64/124

  using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified · CPC title

• B29C64/255 Primary

  Enclosures for the building material, e.g. powder containers · CPC title

• B33Y30/00 Primary

  Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor · CPC title

• B29C64/30

  Auxiliary operations or equipment · CPC title