A multi-station stereolithographic group, includes: support and movement apparatus for a modelling plate with respect to a fixed base facing the modelling plate, the fixed base including at least two work stations positioned in respective areas able to be reached by the modelling plate moved by the support and movement apparatus. Such a fixed base includes at least three work stations: at least one first station for forming an object, at least one second station for washing a formed object, at least one third station for stabilising a formed object.

Methods for post-processing photofabricated articles created via additive fabrication processes are described and claimed herein. Such methods include providing a photofabricated article, preferably an article that has been at least partially cured via cationic polymerization mechanisms, optionally, post-processing the photofabricated article, and base-washing the photofabricated article in an alkaline solution or dispersion to create a neutralized photofabricated article. In another embodiment, the methods include treating a photofabricated article having a residual acid or base species with a treatment composition in order to create a neutralized photofabricated article. Also described and claimed are the neutralized photofabricated articles created via the methods herein elsewhere described. Such articles are preferably biocompatible, especially as determined by their lack of cytotoxicity potential.

Methods for post-processing photofabricated articles created via additive fabrication processes are described and claimed herein. Such methods include providing a photofabricated article, preferably an article that has been at least partially cured via cationic polymerization mechanisms, optionally, post-processing the photofabricated article, and base-washing the photofabricated article in an alkaline solution or dispersion to create a neutralized photofabricated article. In another embodiment, the methods include treating a photofabricated article having a residual acid or base species with a treatment composition in order to create a neutralized photofabricated article. Also described and claimed are the neutralized photofabricated articles created via the methods herein elsewhere described. Such articles are preferably biocompatible, especially as determined by their lack of cytotoxicity potential.

An additive manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional component includes: a build plate, at least a portion of which is transparent, the build plate defining a build surface; a material depositor operable to deposit a radiant-energy-curable resin on the build surface; a stage positioned facing the build surface of the build plate and configured to hold a stacked arrangement of one or more cured layers of the resin; one or more actuators operable to change the relative positions of the build plate and the stage; a radiant energy apparatus positioned adjacent to the build plate opposite to the stage, and operable to generate and project radiant energy on the resin through the build plate in a predetermined pattern; and a cleaning apparatus operable to remove debris from the build surface. A method is provided for use of the apparatus.

An additive manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional component includes: a build plate, at least a portion of which is transparent, the build plate defining a build surface; a material depositor operable to deposit a radiant-energy-curable resin on the build surface; a stage positioned facing the build surface of the build plate and configured to hold a stacked arrangement of one or more cured layers of the resin; one or more actuators operable to change the relative positions of the build plate and the stage; a radiant energy apparatus positioned adjacent to the build plate opposite to the stage, and operable to generate and project radiant energy on the resin through the build plate in a predetermined pattern; and a cleaning apparatus operable to remove debris from the build surface. A method is provided for use of the apparatus.

Irradiation device (5) for an apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects (2) by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material (3) which can be consolidated by means of an energy source, which Irradiation device (5) comprises at least one irradiation unit (6-8), preferably an optical unit, arranged in a housing (9) of the Irradiation device (5), wherein a stream generating device (10) is provided that is adapted to guide a gas stream (11) that is adapted to be charged with residues present inside the housing (9) through the housing (9) of the Irradiation device (5) along a streaming path in which the gas stream (11) at least partially streams alongside or through the at least one irradiation unit (6-8) for removing residues from the housing (9).

Irradiation device (5) for an apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects (2) by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material (3) which can be consolidated by means of an energy source, which Irradiation device (5) comprises at least one irradiation unit (6-8), preferably an optical unit, arranged in a housing (9) of the Irradiation device (5), wherein a stream generating device (10) is provided that is adapted to guide a gas stream (11) that is adapted to be charged with residues present inside the housing (9) through the housing (9) of the Irradiation device (5) along a streaming path in which the gas stream (11) at least partially streams alongside or through the at least one irradiation unit (6-8) for removing residues from the housing (9).

A method of making a three-dimensional object (11) from a light polymerizable dual cure resin (16), includes the steps of: (a) producing a green intermediate object by light polymerization of the resin in a stereolithography process (e.g., continuous liquid interface production); (i) the object comprising a body portion and a circumferential boundary portion (12) included in at least part of the body portion i (ii) the stereolithography process including overexposing the boundary portion (as compared to the exposure of the body portion) with light; (b) cleaning the intermediate object; and then (c) baking the object to produce the three-dimensional object.

A method of making a three-dimensional object (11) from a light polymerizable dual cure resin (16), includes the steps of: (a) producing a green intermediate object by light polymerization of the resin in a stereolithography process (e.g., continuous liquid interface production); (i) the object comprising a body portion and a circumferential boundary portion (12) included in at least part of the body portion i (ii) the stereolithography process including overexposing the boundary portion (as compared to the exposure of the body portion) with light; (b) cleaning the intermediate object; and then (c) baking the object to produce the three-dimensional object.

A method and machine for automating the layer-by-layer manufacturing of an object according to a solid-solid additive manufacturing method, includes a vacuum table and at least one machining tool movably mounted above the table. The machine also includes a turning station having a cross member which is movable in a longitudinal direction above the table and in a vertical direction. There is a device gripping a plate mounted such that it can rotate about an axis parallel to the cross member. The machine also includes a device supporting a plate to allow the plate to be gripped on either of the two sides thereof by the device gripping the plate. There is an X and Y wedge device suitable for determining the position for, and positioning a plate, a set or a sheet.