Three-dimensional modelling and/or manufacturing apparatus, and related processes

Abstract

A uniquely featured addition to previous three dimensional prototyping machinery without any traversing X and Y coordinate moving parts, thus saving time by focusing on only an incrementally regular Z stage and the rapidity of chemical deposition via electrically localized reaction nodes through a porous/channeled plane called the build/extrusion platen. Processes for making objects using such machine and platen are also disclosed as well as features and further indexing of extrusion location inventions. Other features including chemistry, curing material, and curing control as well as activation methods and machines are also disclosed in combination with the feature of a simultaneous two-dimensional layer-wise deposition machine and process for growing the object in the Z direction using the displaceable platen or object supporting stage in a rapid manner. Further due to the rapid growth and deposition manner, additional benefits to the object creation and curable material, e.g. a monomer can be realized.

Claims

1. A method of building a three dimensional object, comprising: building a first layer of the three dimensional object including addressing multiple two dimensional locations of a curative matrix thereby simultaneously activating a curable material forming the first layer of the three dimensional object.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the entire first layer of the three dimensional object is simultaneously built.

3. A method according to claim 1, further comprising moving an extrusion platen relative to an object support structure upon which the first layer of the three dimensional object is built to subsequently and simultaneously build a second layer of the object.

4. A method according to claim 3, further comprising simultaneously building the second layer of the three dimensional object including: causing the curable material to be simultaneously extruded from the extrusion platen according to a second two dimensional layer of the object; and simultaneously curing the second two dimensional layer of curable material according to the second two dimensional layer of the object.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising means for allowing curable material to enter a first side of a three dimensional structure, move through the three dimensional structure from the first side of a platen to a second side of an extrusion platen and extrude the curable material according to the addressed curable matrix.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a two dimensional array of extrusion channels, the curative matrix simultaneously addressing each extrusion channel of the two dimensional array of extrusion channels.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the two dimensional array of extrusion channels includes capillaries within a three dimensional structure.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the two dimensional array of extrusion channels includes a two dimensional array of glass tubes fused together.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising moving an extrusion platen relative to an object support only after each two-dimensional layer of the curable material is built.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the extrusion platen is moved only in a single direction after each two dimensional layer of the object is built.

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising simultaneously electronically energizing the curative matrix at multiple locations to cause the curable material to only partially cure at the simultaneously addressed locations.

12. The method according to claim 1, further comprising simultaneous electronically energizing locations of the curable matrix to generate heat and/or light at the simultaneously electronically energized locations of the electronically addressable curable matrix.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the heat and/or light causes the curable material only partially cure at some of the simultaneously electronically energized locations.

14. A method of building a three dimensional object according to claim 1, wherein the curable material is extruded from an extrusion platen, the extrusion platen including: a three-dimensional structure having length, width and height including: means for allowing curable material to enter a first side of the three-dimensional structure, move through the three dimensional structure from the first side of the platen to a second side of the platen and extrude the material from the second side of the platen according to addressing of the curative matrix; and means for two-dimensionally extruding the curable material from the platen according to addressable locations of the platen.

15. A method of forming a three dimensional object, comprising: providing an extrusion platen that includes a two dimensional array of extrusion channels; simultaneously extruding a first layer of the object through the extrusion channels of the extrusion platen; selectively and simultaneously curing the extruded curable material forming the first layer of the object; causing movement of the extrusion platen relative to the extruded first layer only along a single vertical direction; simultaneously extruding a second layer of the object through the extrusion channels of the extrusion platen; and selectively and simultaneously curing the extruded curable material forming the second layer of the object.

16. A method of forming a three dimensional object according to claim 15, wherein the extrusion platen includes a two dimensional array of glass tubes through which the curable material is selectively extruded which is held stationary while extruding each two dimensional layer of the three dimensional object.

17. A method of forming a three dimensional object according to claim 16, wherein the glass tubes have hole diameters of approximately 10 micrometers.

18. A method of forming a three dimensional object according to claim 15, wherein the extrusion platen includes at least 1000 extrusion channels per square inch.

19. A method of forming a three dimensional object according to claim 15, wherein the extrusion platen includes: a three-dimensional structure having length, width and height including: means for allowing curable material to enter a first side of the three-dimensional structure, move through the three dimensional structure from the first side of the platen to a second side of the platen and extrude the material from the second side of the platen; and means for two-dimensionally extruding the curable material from the platen according to addressable locations of the platen.

20. A method of manufacturing a three dimensional printer, comprising: fusing a two dimensional array of glass tubes together to form an extrusion platen; fluidically coupling a reservoir containing a curable material to the extrusion platen; mounting the extrusion platen to a support structure; mounting an object support to the support structure; the support structure having movable carriage configured to move the extrusion platen and object structure relative to one another only in a single direction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 illustrates a top view example of a capillary array;

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates a top view example of an activation matrix array;

(3) FIG. 3 illustrates a top view example of joined and unjoined voxels;

(4) FIG. 4 illustrates a side view example of a capillary matrix;

(5) FIG. 5 illustrates a top view example of partially cured voxels;

(6) FIG. 6 illustrates a side view example of a 3D capillary array with matrix and monomer;

(7) FIG. 7, illustrates a top view example of photo conductive nodes and partial cure voxels;

(8) FIG. 8, illustrates a side view photoconductive spacer/node capillary array and further related details;

(9) FIG. 9 illustrates a VAPM conceptual drawing;

(10) FIG. 10 illustrates the present invention core assembly as well as other details;

(11) FIG. 11 illustrates a graph of voxel polymerization history of properties thereof over time and temperature.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS ILLUSTRATING THE INVENTION

(12) According to several embodiments, a device leverages several established electromechanical, chemical, and fluidic technologies to create a novel method of producing three-dimensional objects at orders of magnitude faster than current methods, and with greater materials variety and strength.

(13) In such embodiments, a continuous pressurized laminar flow of liquid reactive monomer passes through the underside of a porous non-reactive surface, which is defined in this art as an extrusion platen.

(14) Upon this extrusion platen is a curative matrix. A curative matrix can include a two dimensional indexable grid of excitable locations. The curative matrix an be described as having a matrix of indexable locations defined by a row (x-index) and a column (y-location) according to a Cartesian coordinate system. A Cartesian coordinate system, for example, may refer to a coordinate system that specifies each point uniquely in a plane by a pair of numerical coordinates, which are the signed distances from the point to two fixed perpendicular directed lines, measured in the same unit of length. Each reference line is called a coordinate axis or just axis of the system, and the point where they meet is its origin, usually at ordered pair (0, 0). The coordinates can also be defined as the positions of the perpendicular projections of the point onto the two axes, expressed as signed distances from the origin.

(15) The curative matrix can also be described by another coordinate system, such as a polar coordinate system. A polar coordinate system refers to a two-dimensional coordinate system in which each point on a plane is determined by a distance from a reference point and an angle from a reference direction.

(16) The reference point (analogous to the origin of a Cartesian system) is called the pole, and the ray from the pole in the reference direction is the polar axis. The distance from the pole is called the radial coordinate or radius, and the angle is called the angular coordinate, polar angle, or azimuth.

(17) According to the two dimensional array in the Cartesian row/line system, the intersection of a row and line can define an activation location. The activation location can be the smallest addressable element in an all points addressable activation matrix; so the defined location of the activation locations within the curative matrix can refer to the smallest controllable location of the individual activation locations within the curative matrix. According to embodiments of the present invention, activation of curable material at multiple activation locations within the two dimensional array of addressable activation locations can be simultaneously, substantially simultaneously, or rapidly activated without mechanical movement of the extrusion platen.

(18) Rather, a first two-dimensional layer of curable material can be addressed and activated at multiple discrete locations in the two-dimensional array of the curative matrix prior to mechanical movement of the extrusion platen. Activation of the curable material at each addressable location can be a result of light and/or heat generated at each location to which an activation signal is sent.

(19) Thus, where a 10 row and 10 column curative matrix is used, a first activation signal can be addressed to a first row (any of rows 1-10) column (any of columns 1-10) location. When the first activation signal causes heat and/or light, for example, activation at that addressable location, a curable material is activated (e.g. at least partially or fully cured) corresponding to the first location.

(20) Simultaneously, a second activation signal can be addressed to a second row and second column location that is different from the first row and column combination. When the second activation signal causes heat and/or light, for example, activation at the second location, a curable material is activated corresponding to the second location.

(21) Thus, any number of the possible two-dimensional locations of the curative matrix are addressed, thereby activating the curable material at each addressed location.

(22) After desired locations of curable material are addressed and activated, and a particular layer of an object is completed, the extrusion platen remains stationary and a Z-stage, to which the build object has been affixed, is advanced in a perpendicular direction in order to form a subsequent layer.

(23) Next, this subsequent layer is made by once again addressing desired locations of the curative matrix, thereby activating the curable material at each addressed location. All subsequent layers are made in two-dimensionally indexible arrays of curable material, thereby rapidly forming a two-dimensional layer of an object with only one directional mechanical movement of the Z-stage perpendicular to the stationary addressable extrusion platen in a layer-wise fashion.

(24) Thus, a three dimensional build can be rapidly made in an at least partially two-dimensionally addressable layer-wise fashion as the Z-stage advances perpendicularly to the stationary extrusion surface of the extrusion platen.

(25) Referring to the Cartesian system, the curative matrix can be a screen-like electroconductive matrix that is attached to a top surface of the extrusion platen. The curative matrix is selectively electronically addressed at coordinates that represent requisite geometry of the cross section of the layer of the object to be created, much in the way a bitmap defines the shape of a two-dimensional object.

(26) According to some embodiments, the invention includes a curative conductive matrix atop an extrusion platen wherein an entire plane of voxels is cured simultaneously. One key to such embodiments is the fact that no longer are single or multiple droplets or rows of material deposited via a mechanical process to create a cross section layer of a build object. Instead, an entire layer is simultaneously deposited and cured in position at the exact geometry required. This is achieved by a novel means via the novel build platen disclosed and illustrated herein.

(27) According to several embodiments, the entire curative matrix can be addressed at once, via a row-and-column video driver type configuration, and at speeds and process similarly to a television screen frame rate, rather than tracing x/y coordinates one row at a time system. As the curative matrix is addressed with current, a resistive layer, which has been constructed between the x/y traces of the matrix is activated at the x/y intersection coordinates, and because the current is sufficient where the addressed x and y currents intersect, the resistive layer thereby creates heat in that selected spot/location of the curative matrix. In such embodiments, this heat creates a catalysis event in the monomer at the designated coordinates, thereby creating a voxel in that space out of the monomer passing therethrough. A voxel represents a value on a regular grid in three-dimensional space. As with pixels in a bitmap, voxels themselves do not typically have their position, (their coordinates), explicitly encoded along with their values. Instead, the position of a voxel is inferred based upon its position relative to other voxels (i.e., its position in the data structure that makes up a single volumetric image). In contrast to pixels and voxels, points and polygons are often explicitly represented by the coordinates of their vertices. A direct consequence of this difference is that polygons are able to efficiently represent simple 3D structures with lots of empty or homogeneously filled space, while voxels are good at representing regularly sampled spaces that are non-homogeneously filled.

(28) The addressing of the curative matrix leverages flat screen digital passive matrix electronics to create entire build layers at refresh rates similar to those of a digital display or flat screen television, e.g. 30 to 120 times per second, or faster in some embodiments. The continuous laminar flow of monomer ensures the rate of layer cure is coordinated with the pressure and viscosity as the monomer passes though the extrusion platen, and the movement of the Z-stage is also coordinated therewith. By controlling the current level via addressing programming, the level of resistive heat can be regulated to create several useful and integral states of cure of the monomer voxel itself, such as self-valving as disclosed and described herein. Self-valving can refer to a controlled and/or desired situation where a partially cured monomer will close the aperture corresponding to the selected coordinates where no build is required, support structures, and the build object itself. Self-valving can also create an envelope for the build within.

(29) Thus, significant embodiments of the present invention provide a Cartesian (or other type or pattern) matrix of electrically addressed array of conducting traces affixed to the flat surface of the build platen. Again, the build platen being porous, having tubes there through, or other channels extending through the depth to allow the curable material to flow from one side of the build platen to another side of the build platen.

(30) According to these embodiments, the build platen has multiple serially addressable arrays, or matrices, for energy triggered selective voxel imaging and/or heat polymerizations. In some embodiments, the build platen is preferably porous because non-porous surfaces would require much longer times for a meniscus of liquid build material to stabilize from side injected ports into a flat uniform build layer. The purpose of the Build Platen is to provide sufficient porosity to greatly shorten the layer formation time. The liquid build material is pressurized or biased to be continuously transported or extruded across a short area through the porous region of the platen and onto the surface wherein lies the Cartesian grid of traces, the matrix, thus saving time otherwise spent from a longer distanced side injected configuration.

(31) In its basic embodiment, a passively addressed electro-conductive or conductive Cartesian matrix is selectively addressed so that the liquid is extruded much in the way a video is addressed, and as it passes through the porous build platen it is selectively cured to create the specific geometry of that build layer.

(32) Active performance can be achieved utilizing a uniformly passivated oxide layer other uniform material which is integrated between the crossed intersections of conducting x and y traces, and will selectively provide resistance heating or light energy in a manner analogous to a flat screen display, but for this purpose for catalysis or phase separations of thermoset or thermoplastic differentiation.

(33) Successive layers can thus be applied using this build platen and a vertically controlled Z-direction articulated stage, which can be mechanically sequenced to move away from the build platen's surface as measured precise layers are sequentially addressed with new material forced through the platen.

(34) In some embodiments, the single mechanical Z-stage may offer a binding surface so that the build material will have additional means of being drawn away from the build platen's surface. The build platen in turn, can be coated by a non-stick release coating such as Teflon, silicone or an inorganic material such as boron nitride for the purpose of allowing successively released layers to be moved away from the build surface.

(35) The build platen may also be made acoustically live also for the purpose of aiding in the release of successive layers from the platen. The platen may have a magnetic or electric field applied for the purpose of aligning composite dispersed material or molecularly sensitive molecules using field-aligning effects.

(36) The simplest embodiment is comprised of an open cell substrate of an inert material, with the conductive traces bonded on one side in an addressable array, which allows a heat signature to be applied selectively by the traces in an image defining manner layer upon sequential layer. Other relatively more complex embodiments of the platen may include a photo conducting pad such as cadmium selenide and others between the conducting traces, allowing variable heat control from a corresponding light image focused on the side opposite the traces.

(37) Where the platen is comprised of an array of fused parallel hollow light-guide fiber-optic sections, the porosity of the platen not only will conduct liquids to the trace array side, but varying intensities of light, transmitted through these same light-guide fiber-optics can render a wide range of conducting variability to the electrical energy being transmitted between the orthogonal traces.

(38) Secondary dye- and/or catalyst-embedded trace arrays can also be placed as a replaceable accessory on the opposite side of the traces in close proximity to the bottom surface of the platen, for the purpose of allowing reel-to-reel indexing/alignment to coordinate with imaging colors and material choices. This can generate photorealistic color. The secondary dye and/or catalyst embedded web-addressable material would preferably be a material such as paraffin, which has a lighter density than the build monomer materials, having a lower melting point, thus allowing for vertical diffusion up through the build platen, and probably not necessarily consisting of as high a resolution as the actual polymerized finished object.

(39) UV inorganic LEDs may also be placed as micro-actinic sources sandwiched between the traces for the purposes of localized curing. Thus, a photo-chemical result of an activating energy can be addressed according to the matrix. Generally the term Actinic refers to electron bombardment or ion bombardment, however in general Actinism is the property of light, including visible light, radiation that leads to the production of photochemical and photobiological effects. Actinic chemicals can include silver salts, such as are used in photography and other light-sensitive chemicals.

(40) In addition to UV catalysis, heat curable monomers have a variety of blocked catalyst moieties available for the purpose of a wide range of polymerization reactions.

(41) The liquid monomer that is passing through the platen is of a low enough viscosity to move freely. In some embodiments, is uses Selective Addition Polymerization via in situ Latent Heat Catalysis. The monomer contains a catalyst, which will not be activated until the desired temperature has been reached for cure, otherwise known in the art as a latent heat catalyst. In some embodiments, epoxy formulations, utilizing lewis acid amine blocked salts, with various known accelerators such as vinyl ethers, Styrene, acrylate acrylated polyurethanes and other polymerization systems, which can be initiated by lightly bonded (blocked) via free radical liberation such as peroxides, various blocked poly isocyanates can also be used in situ with polyurethane and urethane/epoxy modalities as well as unsaturated polyesters as co-polymers wherein said benefits of impact resistance hardness or flexibility characteristics are of special interest, all can be deposited from a relatively inactive state onto a staged environment wherein elevated activating temperatures commence local polymerizations. This particular approach to additive manufacturing, otherwise known in the art as 3D printing or rapid prototyping, has many advantages, which include: less energy for curing and more liberal considerations for opacifying pigments or composite additives.

(42) Such mechanisms for delivery include the current subject invention, and in addition ink jet deposition, nozzle extrusion, repeated lithographic applications, silkscreen or masked templates such as a stencil. Repeated applications to match desired cure rates can be matched to the various chemistries, which may be employed. In some embodiments, such as ink jet use of this chemistry method, the liquids can be used in opaque or transparent materials, with RGB or CMYK, or other color dye or pigments added so that discrete droplet deliveries can create photorealistic color in transparent or opaque versions, which is more difficult in UV catalysis, since color impedes the curing when UV is blocked, as is the case with color and opacity.

(43) To create support structures with the latent heat catalyzed monomer, there is also the ability to impede crosslinking of the monomer/oligomer chemistries, by secondary pre-applied chemical inhibitors for the creation of negative spaces, which may be supportive but not otherwise considered structural for the end product. These may be easily removed in a post-manufacturing cleaning step. The selected material used to impede the polymerization of the monomer be locally introduced by the same colorizing mechanism aforementioned, and can have a discrete heat signature or other activation method to create these selective support materials such as gel, in a compromised polymerization, a sand granule or other support.

(44) According to some embodiments, the platen is constructed with the hollow capillaries thinly metalized as resistance heat elements and a second addressable orthogonal trace structure on the opposite side of the platen, for the purpose of heating the entire capillary for the purpose of selective thermoplastic extrusion.

(45) Ionic liquids bearing various dissolved metals are also employed in the matrix for the purpose of selective image deposition by means of local voltage differentiated electrolysis upon the image architecture of the platen in some embodiments.

(46) Additional material chemistry applications for this invention have been discovered in view of the variety of epoxy, acrylics, polyurethanes, metals and bio-compatible materials. As the complexity of application rises however, the expense of the platen rises for different curing mechanisms.

(47) In some embodiments, the platen itself may include auxiliary temperature controls, volume sensitive pumps, a galvanometer to ascertain local material densities, ultrasonic transducers, a precisely indexed single-stage apposite platen to draw material away from the imaging platen, a wash tank for excess or contaminated materials and a neutralizing chemistry accounting for environmentally responsible disposal.

(48) The voxel platen, methods for making the platen, and components thereof.

(49) There are a plurality of ways in which to create the voxel platen, however many involve orderly arrays so that proper row and column addressing can be achieved. In a preferred embodiment the voxel platen is constructed as follows:

(50) A bundle of fiber optic cables that are made of borosilicate or other type of glass are heat-sintered together in a group that creates the desired shape. This can be referred to as a loaf. The cables can be organized to create a Cartesian (orthogonal) alignment, which is one preferred embodiment. The bundle of fiber optic cables can also be bundled to create hexagonal or other types of patterns with cross-sectional geometries in addition to circular, tubular, elliptical, rectangular, square, and hexagonal. For the purpose of the a first advantageous embodiment, Cartesian methods would be utilized to facilitate row and column addressing and later bitmapping of images in an interface software.

(51) By way of explanation on the sintering of the fiber optic cables, solids do not transition to liquids at one time. They transition in phases, therefore the exterior of the fiber optic cable begins to liquefy before the inside of the cable. This creates an adhesion layer on the outside of the cables. When this loaf is created, it is then cooled and removed from its encasement. It can be created at nearly any dimension as desired, ranging from several millimeters to several feet. For the purpose of this invention and in several preferred embodiments it would be anywhere from 150 cm150 cm up to 300 cm300 cm width, and the preferred length of the loaf to generate the number of desired platens to be created, and to be cost effective for the manufacturing processing required.

(52) After the loaf has been sintered and cooled, it is sliced via various means appropriate for glass, polished, and if the fiber optic cables were not hollowed, it is etched via acid or other appropriate solvent, or if the fiber optic cables were hollow, it is called the Extrusion Platen, and it will then be ready to be constructed into the voxel platen.

(53) As pertains to acid etching, if the fiber optic cable is not hollow and merely represents a refractive gradient cross section, the higher alkaline core selectively etches first, making it easy and controllable to selectively etch the center out of the cable, as is known in the glass art.

(54) Sintering the fiber optic cables together means that though the fiber optic cables remain intact whether they are hollow or filled, only the outer surface of the fiber optic cable adheres to the one next to it, thereby creating a bond during the heat sintering process. They remain intact and in place to create an extremely precise capillary-aligned Extrusion Platen with minimal tolerance variation.

(55) This is a process in the glass art as is practiced for genomics, general and chemical assay processes, bioassay, night vision optics, scintillation photo electric chambers, etc. However, the use of cross-sectional fiber optic porous glass for the purposes of creating three-dimensional objects is novel, and is claimed in this invention as the extrusion Platen.

(56) When the glass loaf has been sliced into cross-section and polished, the holes created therein are referred to as capillaries.

(57) The slicing of the loaf by various means appropriate to the art, such as diamond saws, common to the art in silicone manufacturing arena, water jet cutting, or other means, is effected avoiding the generation of canting or convex surfaces on the glass, to ensure flatness. Final leveling is generally completed via a polishing process common in the glass art. This finish process assures micrometer accuracy for the build process, which will later occur thereupon.

(58) The smaller size platens can be tiled to increase the overall platen size and supported via coffering underneath, preferably with another section of platen that has been laid between the seam of the tiled platens, and capillary holes on the same centers but larger and etched to align with the holes of the platen above and indium heat bonded together. The capillary holes would be consecutively larger with each layer of support to prevent the need for increased pressure from the future monomer manifold below. Other means to coffer the tiled Extrusion Platen would also be precision knife-edge glass to support the tiled porous glass, similar to wing ribs or roof trusses, creating a larger continuous Extrusion Platen. In this fashion, larger and larger finished Voxel Platens can be created, and thus larger finished objects or greater quantities of finished objects can be created in the final device. For the purpose of this explanation, the size of the Voxel Platen is not limiting to its general methods of construction.

(59) It should be noted here in its preferred embodiment the fiber optic cables have capillary hole diameters of 10 m each. Based on this preferred diameter, they are on 25.4 m centers, or one mil centers. This is important to note because that means that the resolution or holes per linear inch equals 1000. Since the preferred embodiment has a Cartesian array, the entire Extrusion Platen will have 10 m holes, 1000 per inch, 15.4 microns between each hole, which equals 1 million capillaries per square inch.

(60) After polishing and etching, the entire platen can be annealed by heating to a temperature whereby internal stresses are relieved, as is known in the art of annealing.

(61) After completion of the glass Extrusion Platen creation, the entire platen is coated with an inhibitor. The inhibitor would consist primarily of nano rutile phase titanium dioxide particles suspended in a sodium silicate solution of very mild concentration and low viscosity, allowed to dry, then fixed with acid. It is then washed with a buffer water solution. This is effected after annealing. This a very thin layer, which inhibits any monomer from curing when in contact with the glass of the Extrusion Platen, which is important since objects must be built only on one side, the surface of the final Voxel Platen.

(62) The inhibitor is a locally polymerization inhibiting layer that protects against runaway polymerization through the platen. It works by slowing down the catalysis reaction of the monomer and raises the reaction threshold to thereby prevent catastrophic occlusions and the monomer's potential dendritic polymerization inside the capillary. There is a plurality of inhibitor options available; nano titanium dioxide is not the only inhibitor, however it is preferred for this embodiment. Others may include hydroquinone, phenoquinone, benzoquinone, boric acid, and others as are known in the Chemical arts. Titanium dioxide is preferred for this embodiment.

(63) After the inhibitor coating has been completed, the capillaries are then filled with wax or other easily removed meltable material to protect them during the electro mechanical assembly and construction phase of the Voxel Platen.

(64) Regarding the traces on the glass includes:

(65) Carrier Film. When a perfectly flat platen has been created and filled, then the first layer of electro-conductive copper traces will be constructed thereupon. This is referred to as the Curative Matrix.

(66) In order to construct a preferred embodiment of the voxel platen, pure electro-conductive copper traces can be created in the following manner. It should be noted that any conductive metal maybe used, however pure copper is the preferred embodiment because it has the highest level of electro conductance of metals available, and because it forms a natural semiconductor oxide layer which will be explained in the next part of this construction description. Alternative materials include transparent electro conductive traces known to the art such as indium tin oxide, which can be employed.

(67) An approximately two millimeter thick piece of polyvinyl butyrate or similar film, such as cellulose, gelatin, or other material that is dissolvable, is employed in this advantageous example. It should be noted here that in other embodiments other materials for carrier film could be used, such as metals, which can be easily vaporized, such as gallium.

(68) Construction of X Traces: For the X traces, or row of traces, a roll of copper is coated on two sides via vapor sputtering or other method known in the art, with adhesive metal(s) such as Indium in its preferred embodiment. The copper will be manufactured at the thickness required for the conductance needed for the heat that is going to be generated, as per the requirements of the selected monomer, which will be used in the building of objects after construction. In general, this will be between a half a mil and one mil thickness (12 to 25 m thick). Then it will be oxidized on two sides with ammonia It will then be bonded to the carrier film via calendaring. After the carrier film is coated with the appropriate thickness of conductive metal, in this case copper, next it is coated with a conductive adhesive at the thickness required for the material application desired. In its preferred embodiment, this adhesive metal would be indium. This will later serve as a bonding agent as will be explained.

(69) In its preferred embodiment, this copper will be laser ablated using an Excimer laser. Prior to the laser etching and calendaring to the carrier film, both of the metal surfaces will first be coated with an oxidation layer, oxidizing the metal as is known in the art. This will serve as a resistive layer and creates a semiconductor bandwidth layer. When the oxidized metal(s) and adhesive layers have been deposited at the appropriate thicknesses on top of the carrier film, then traces are created utilizing an Excimer laser, which will cut the metals but leave the carrier film intact. This will be important for construction as will be explained.

(70) The average size of the laser-ablated traces is 10 m however they can be much smaller or larger as the embodiment, conductivity, and chemistries require. The conductive traces are not limited to these sizes, however for the purposes of this embodiment these are preferred.

(71) In addition to a straight cut, the excimer laser can be controlled to angle slightly as the traces are being ablated. In this manner, a pyramid cross section is generated. Thus in construction the portion of the metal in contact with the carrier film will be 10 m wide, but be angled so that the top surface of the ablated metal will, for example, be 4 to 7 m in width. The conductive traces are not limited to these sizes, however for the purposes of this embodiment these are preferred.

(72) When straight traces are created, it is the simplest method of construction. After the traces have been laser ablated, the carrier film with the ablated traces is flipped over onto the voxel platen and aligned under a wide field microscope to land on the 15.4spaces between the capillary holes. A readily available thermal metal non stick plate such as is used in tee-shirt manufacturing, or to apply decal safety instructions in automobile interiors, as are commonly used to inter-bond plastic layers, is applied to let the indium or other adhesive melt into the glass and thereby bond the entire set of traces directly to the glass in position. Next, a solvent bath is effected to remove the carrier film leaving only the pure copper and indium trace structure directly on the glass.

(73) Angled X Traces: It should be noted here again that the excimer laser can cut the traces in various ways. The first embodiment would have straight cut 10 m wide traces and since both sides are coated with indium or other adhesive, one would not need to transfer to a secondary film. However, if a smaller contact area is desired at the intersections of traces, then the laser ablation will be done at the desired angle generating a smaller width on the top side of the trace. In this case since it is desired that the larger width section of the trace be in direct contact with the glass, that would necessitate transferring carrier films for the X layer of traces. (It would not be required for the Y layer of traces since they would already have the smaller width trace on top in this instance.) Since the X trace metal(s) are oxidized and adhesive on two sides, then affixed to carrier film, they can be laser etched to whatever size traces are required and used in any direction top or bottom to be affixed to the extrusion platen.

(74) Angled cuts generate a smaller contact area where the traces intersect. The desired effect of the smaller contact area is to create an electroconductive resistive heat moment, which is shorter in duration, due to the fact that that it has a much higher surface to volume ratio. It will also facilitate the movement of the monomer through this passive matrix construction with less resistance for the flow dynamic during the building of voxels.

(75) If the X traces are created in the pyramid or angled shape cross section, then an extra step to invert the traces is needed before affixing the traces to the glass, since the smaller side has to be on top in the finished platen an the Excimer may not always undercut the traces, depending on materials and suppliers employed.

(76) In the case of the angled traces, the first layer will be inverted by heat transference to a second carrier film, the second carrier film being of a higher molecular weight than the first. The 10 m wide traces with smaller tops are then transferred to the lower molecular weight film via heat transfer. Then the two films sandwich the metals layer with the smaller width on the secondary film. The first carrier film will release from the metals leaving the metals on the second carrier film. Now the carrier film is ready to be flipped over (like a decal) and laid a top the extrusion platen to create the X traces for the Curative Matrix.

(77) The 10 m wide laser etched traces will be microscopically aligned with the 10 m capillary holes so that they are in sitting on the 15.4 m solid area between capillary holes.

(78) The carrier film is then heated so that the in the adhesive melts and affixes to the glass beneath it after it has been aligned. Since both sides of the copper film will be coated with adhesive metal prior to attaching it to the carrier film, the film will be reversible top or bottom.

(79) After the X layer of traces has been bonded to the glass, a solvent bath will be utilized to remove the carrier film. After which, there will be copper and indium conductive X trace layer directly affixed to the Extrusion Platen.

(80) Construction of the Y Traces: The same process is effected for the Y or Column traces. However, in the case of straight or angled traces, they will not need to be transferred to a secondary carrier film.

(81) In addition, prior to the laser etching, the metal surface will first be coated with an oxidation layer, oxidizing the copper into copper oxide with ammonia or other method known in the art, or oxidizing the indium or other selected metal(s). This will serve as a resistive layer and creates a semiconductor bandwidth layer. The passivated oxidation layers where the traces cross allow for a semiconducting band gap, which allows current to flow selectively at any trace junction that requires heat addressing via a final layer of resistive material, which also creates most of the heat via said resistance layer. On top of the oxidation layer, this resistive layer is applied. This is comprised of nano particulate carbon and ceramic materials, which will generate heat when current is present. This is the Y or column layer and does not have to be transferred to a secondary film.

(82) (It should be noted here that the resistive layer can be applied to the X traces instead, as long as the end result is that the two sets of traces' oxidation layers are touching the resistive layer in a sandwich.)

(83) This film is then directly flipped over onto the X layer orthogonally and aligned microscopically so that the cross sections are localized to one edge of each circle of the capillary orifice.

(84) The same process of heating to create a bond to melt the indium is repeated and the Y traces are affixed to the metal layer beneath. Then the solvent bath is repeated to remove the carrier film from the Y traces.

(85) After the X and Y traces, which comprise the Curative Matrix, have been affixed to the Extrusion Platen and the carrier films have been completely removed, the entire mechanism is cleaned and dried via solvent and air. It is then ready for the nonstick coating.

(86) Non-stick Coating: A coating of Teflon, boron nitride or similar material is utilized to coat the Voxel Platen. It coats the entire assembly except for the capillary interiors. They are still protected by their wax coating that was applied after the inhibitor.

(87) As a final finishing stage, after the release coating is completed, it may be necessary to dress the appropriate corners of the intersections with a finished dressed laser ablation, creating a micro-divot, via excimer laser to thin said release layer thereby biasing the heat signature closer to the desired voxel capillary.

(88) When the nonstick coating has been fully applied and cured by CVD or vapor deposition, then the wax will be removed via gentle heat and washing with appropriate solvent, vaporization, pyrolization, or other appropriate method.

(89) Once these steps have been completed the assemblage has become the Voxel Platen, and will be ready for addressing. This entire process can be automated for mass production.

(90) Several illustrations of these machines, portions thereof, and interchangeable aspects are hereinafter discussed with reference to the figures.

(91) Platen (used by itself alone). The platen can be referred to as the surface upon which the object is built, in any phase of the platen itself's construction, which can be curved, planar or other shape depending its planned function, with at least one common plane on at least one axis but preferably two. For the purpose of this present invention in its preferred embodiment the platen can be defined as a flat plane. Future embodiments will utilize other shapes of platen depending on purpose and object geometry requirements, depending also on its design purpose. The term Z-stage platen is also used to mean the device which moves perpendicularly to the build plane/platen, and serves as an adhesive platform to move the built object away from the build plane/platen in some embodiments, however it is generally referred to as the Z-stage platen and not as platen alone.

(92) Extrusion platen. The Extrusion Platen can refer to the platen through which the build material liquid passes. It can be the capillary glass, metal, porous ceramic, stone or other material through which the build material can pass. It is then built thereupon after it has been activated with the curative matrix. It can be configured to encompass the properties and shapes of the platen above. For the preferred embodiments in this specification, it is planar.

(93) Voxel platen. The build platen can also be referred to as the voxel platen, and also refers to the finished extrusion platen with the Cartesian, polar, or other configuration curative matrix thereupon.

(94) Curative matrix. The Curative Matrix is a Cartesian or other array of electroconductive traces that serve to generate current, which activates a resistive or reactive layer to cure the monomer build material that passes there through.

(95) FIG. 1 shows an array of capillary tubes of a build platen from a top view. FIG. 1 is a representation of the build platen porous substrate. While there is a plurality of material that can be utilized, one preferred embodiment includes a bundle of fused fiber optic cables, each with an inner diameter of about 8-10 microns, for example. The fiber optic cables are fused and supported then sliced cross-sectionally to become a light transmitting extrusion platen that is impervious, or relatively resistant, to varied temperatures used to cure the material passed there through and can also transmit light for some embodiments. Other materials with which to construct the extrusion platen include granular materials, which offer a fused open celled porous structure such as glass microspheres, sintered sand, and also plastics which have been sintered. The material should be non-reactive and chemically inert, according to some preferred embodiments.

(96) FIG. 2 is an illustration of the relatively simple platen architecture according to FIG. 1 and other embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein. In FIG. 2, element 201 is a Y-axis (e.g. insulated copper) trace. Element 202 is an X-axis (e.g. insulated copper) trace. Element 203 identifies open micro-tube channels. And element 204 illustrates solid fused tube-support material.

(97) FIG. 2 illustrates a curative matrix including a porous substrate that has been directly coated with a non-stick coating. According to this embodiment, the platen is passively addressed using a digital matrix of copper wires (traces or filaments) orthogonally set and fixed to carry Cartesian plotting of electrical current voltage so that the extruded heat sensitive monomer with a latent catalyst embedded therewith will cure into a voxel at the point of contact between the resistive heat spot on the curative matrix and the liquid. Other embodiments of this matrix include any reactive addressable porous matrix, which can be aligned to cure the extruded monomer or curable liquid in a controlled fashion to create the cross section geometry voxels in an entire layer at once. Thus, any electro-conductive fashion to create the cross-section geometry voxels in an entire layer at once. And, any electro-conductive material, such as including copper, indium tin oxide, which are examples in the flat-screen display industry can be used.

(98) Thus as illustrated in FIG. 2, a passive matrix construction can be used in some advantageous embodiments. This passive matrix construction can be addressed by a video type of signal in a Cartesian multiplex array as discovered by this inventor. The matrix can also be addressed with a VAPM passive matrix SAW MEMs array disclosed by this inventor in U.S. Patent Publication 2009/0051863 A1 as a simplified addressing architecture, and particularly fast and rapid indexing of the matrix and creation of the objects as disclosed herein.

(99) In these embodiments, traces are arrayed at overlapping ninety degree angles and have passivated oxidation layers between which there is a resistive or other reactive layer where the traces cross, which allow for a direct heat conversion via electrical conduction because of the local resistance supplied by the resistive layer between the oxide layers.

(100) FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of joined and un-joined voxels according to various embodiments. Element 301 references unjoined polymerized spherules. Element 302 illustrates conjoined polymerized solid cross sections. And, element 303 illustrates uncured monomer.

(101) As shown in FIG. 3, once the build platen has been activated, a pool of pressurized or otherwise pumped latent catalyzed monomer or other catalyzable substance is passed through it. As it passes through the electro conductive matrix selectively cures the monomer into voxels in an entire Cartesian plane all at once thereby creating an entire layer of a build object in less than a second, in many embodiments. In some embodiments it is as fast as 1/200ths of a second. Then a Z-stage axis moves the Z-stage platen upwards perpendicular to the build surface to a subsequently determined correct increment corresponding with a thickness of the voxel and the next build layer is subsequently created.

(102) In some embodiments sequential planes of voxels are deposited in hundredth s of seconds, and an object builds rapidly in the Z-axis direction (vertically). There can be a Z-axis platen platform elevator above the object that is adhesive and there may be an extra layer in the build object that is assigned an adhesion geometry to secure the built object to the Z-stage elevator until such time as the object is completed and the object is removed from the Z-stage elevator.

(103) Some material in the voxel build may not require the Z-stage elevator and the voxels may build naturally as the pressure from below is naturally pushing upwards. In similar fashion building from the top downwards and letting gravity pull the monomer through the extrusion platen can also be used. Thus, the build object Z-stage would naturally occur as a product of gravity in such embodiments. Thus, these embodiments can depend on the material used in the build process.

(104) Resolutions of 1/1000.sup.th of an inch and more coarse designs can be achieved with this method depending on how software is programmed to assign the digital signal resolution and the speed and exotherm of chemistry selected. For example, a lower resolution rough draft or rough prototype of an object can be assigned a lower resolution and will have less voxel build planes, thus a shorter build time, however chemical properties will be calibrated to coordinate.

(105) Color embodiments are disclosed herein and can be integrated at any time during any of the embodiments according to the various disclosed inventions. In addition, opacifying of a clear curable liquid combination can be used so that opaque and transparent material as well as colors can be used in any combination to create a photorealistic 3D object.

(106) Since the matrix can be addressed like a high definition video screen and the images of each layer of the build geometry can be sequentially addressed throughout the build platen, entire planes of the build object can be deposited as fast as the cure cycle of the monomer will permit. Some of these chemistries produce layers at a rate faster than for a 1 micron voxel thickness curing stacked at 2 mm per second in vertical height. The VAPM or multiplexed digital signaling permits 200 layers per-second to be deposited in a fully cured state. Currently some chemistries' cure times exceed the driver-signaling rate as discovered by the inventor. Hydrodynamic linear motion control can be included as required.

(107) A bifurcated independent unbounded voxel may also be formed continuously with the fused image sections so that support material is always present for local extension or island structures, as shown in FIG. 3. Referring still to FIG. 3, an indexed moving Z-stage platen matching the dimensions of the imaging platen moves independently away from the build section, serving the purpose of maintaining equal depth (e.g. thickness) of layering and a surface for attached solidified material to move in coordinated fashion throughout a build cycle.

(108) FIG. 400 illustrates a side view of the build platen. As monomer is fed through the fused hollow capillaries (e.g. as shown in FIG. 1), dissolved blocked catalyst is activated locally as the monomer emerges near the individually addressed heat source where the traces cross (e.g. as shown in FIG. 3).

(109) As shown in FIG. 4, element 401 refers to a 90 degree metal trace array; and element 402 references a 90 degree metal trace array that is perpendicular to metal traces 401. Element 403 references a fused tube support material between the tubes and element 404 references one of several hollow tubes.

(110) FIG. 4 shows an illustration of a side view of the capillary platen with the metal or electro-conductive traces in place. Similarly, from FIG. 3, which is applied to this FIG. 4, however it is to note that these figures are for illustration purposes and actual dimensions may vary in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, but the teachings of the various embodiments of the machines and process are shown and often emphasized for illustration purposes.

(111) FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of partially cured voxels. As shown, element 501 references un-joined polymerized spherules. Element 502 references conjoined polymerized solid cross-section. Element 503 references uncured monomer, and 504 references partially cured gelled monomer (e.g. to turn capillary off).

(112) In order to regulate the flow of monomer through the capillary platen, an on-off function can be created using a partially cured voxel of monomer which is created by an incomplete electrical or heat signal form the matrix to make the gelled monomer into a skin, which prevents the monomer from passing until it has been addressed again and the cure on the voxel has been completed. When the monomer has been only partially cured it has high adhesion, which allows it to stay in situ on the non-stick platen and traces. However, at the time of final cure it loses its adhesive properties and becomes a part of the build item, ready for the next upsurge of fluid to attach and cure thereto.

(113) This can be used to create selective supports for negative space geometries. Another method of supporting negative space geometries includes the creation of selective non-connected voxels in the negative areas to generate a sand bed, which will support the negative space and can be easily disposed of as solid waste.

(114) The uncured monomer appearing in the illustration is the result of un-signaled Cartesian points and can be washed away after the object is fully built or as shown in FIG. 5.

(115) In FIG. 5, the unneeded Cartesian locations can be stopped or skinned over to stop monomer or liquid flow until they are needed, by a partial cure process expounded in FIG. 5. This can eliminate the need for any wasted monomer or liquid in some or most cases.

(116) Referring to FIG. 6, a side view 3D capillary array with matrix and monomer reservoir is shown. Element 601 references a 90 degree metal trace of an array. Element 602 references a 90 degree metal trace array that is disposed below and perpendicular to trace 601 of the first trace array as shown. Element 603 references a fused tube support material; and element 604 references a hollow tube as disclosed herein. Element 605 references an oxidized surface layer. Element 606 references a monomer reservoir wall, element 607 references a monomer reservoir, element 608 references a monomer reservoir inlet, and element 609 references a non-stick release layer.

(117) FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of photoconductive nodes and partial cured voxels. Element 701 references un-joined polymerized spherules, element 702 references conjoined polymerized solid cross section, element 703 illustrates uncured monomer, element 704 illustrates partially cured gelled monomer (e.g. turns capillary off), and element 705 references photoconductive inter-trace nodes.

(118) As shown, in the light sensitive embodiments, Cadmium Selenide Nodes or other such material can be at each intersection of the traces via electro-deposition or CVD or other means. These are photoconductive. This is a remote method of addressing the X and Y traces in the matrix that are already biased with the same voltage and awaiting stimuli.

(119) Therefore, when the Cadmium Selenide nodes are stimulated locally by light that transforms the Cadmium Selenide or any other photoconducting material into an electrical conductor. This is an alternate optical light-activated method for gating the electrical current and activating intersections instead of an electrical signal from addressing with digital drivers. The current flowing between the orthogonal X and Y traces is creating heat via a resistive layer. In this fashion heat is created to cure the monomer. The fiber optic build platen permits light to pass through it and activates the nodes. The build platen made of fiber optic capillaries that are bonded together and sliced in cross-section, which is serving as an extrusion platen, is actually an extremely fine optical element in its own right, as is known in the optical glass art, however its use in this method is novel and is claimed.

(120) Utilizing the nodes therewith creates a light stimulated embodiment, which can then be addressed via sequential projected images.

(121) These projected images can come from devices such as a cell phone with an application (app) for this purpose, a pad, tablet, or iPad also outfitted with an app, or other software, resident or not, for this purpose.

(122) What will also be claimed and included within the disclosed machines and processes are RAM and/or ROM including computer executable instructions for causing a processing device, e.g. a computing device, to carry out the methods and processes disclosed herein. Such instructions can control a machine for creating an object or model the object and work with the machine to make the object. The machine can be controlled to vary the object mid-manufacture, and the object created can be manufactured in varied controlled methods that include variations in time as to layered-object creation and the use of different monomers or other curable materials. Color can be controlled, and changes in density, resiliency, and other mechanical properties of the material can be controlled based on chemistry, control, or electro-mechanical control, and/or fluidic control and temperature at any stage as disclosed elsewhere herein.

(123) With only the topmost layer being selectively addressed, monomer reactions for thermosetting materials may also progress, as shown in FIG. 7. A proximity trace embedded film with low melting point carrier medium, as shown in FIG. 7, can selectively produce colored dyes, catalyst or synergist materials to be conducted through the platen via the capillary or other porous array into the build section surface. A partially cured voxel serves as an off valve for monomer transport via capillaries, as in FIG. 7.

(124) Thus, the movable Z-stage platen can be above the voxel platen that the object can attach to. Because in one preferred embodiment the extrusion platen is stationary on top of the monomer manifold and as the object(s) are built the Z-stage moves up in accordance with the thickness of the layer just built, and the object being built attaches to it to release any pressure and create an accurate non-distorted object build. If the weight of the object is pressing down on the monomer as it comes up, this could flatten the layer of voxels unless the Z stage holds the object. The platen can also include not only the area that is doing the building, but also the platen that holds the object to move it away from the building extrusion area as it is grown. There are also buoyancy mechanisms that can be employed by emmisible secondary liquids, which also serve the purpose of cooling any exotherm.

(125) FIG. 8 illustrates a second circuit array that provides a circuit route for electrical current to pass through the first surface circuit array to emerge via an island conducting channel which is a metalized capillary thereby offering a conductive path between the two sides of the platen illustrated in FIG. 8. A double sided trace array allows the platen to be used in alternate build modes, selectively allowing thermoplastic materials passage via a Tg channel as shown in FIG. 8.

(126) FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of FIG. 7. FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a photoconductive spacer/node capillary array and related details. Element 801 refers to a conductive contact ring. Element 802 refers to a conductive film layer. Element 803 refers to a fused capillary material. Element 804 refers to a 90 degree conductive trace. Element 805 refers to a 90 degree conductive trace perpendicular to element 804. Element 806 refers to a hollow capillary. Element 807 refers to a conductive contact ring. Element 808 refers to a 90 degree conductive trace. Element 809 refers to a photoconductive spacer/node. And, element 810 refers to a non-stick release layer.

(127) FIG. 9 illustrates a VAPM conceptual drawing. Tunable timing for curing with the VAPM matrix is illustrated. This diagram represents an example of the addressing frequencies from the fastest passive matrix addressing possible, which uses MEMS in this embodiment. By using a SAW MEMs passive matrix array that is addressed by a multiplexed analog sweeper chopped by and slaved to the clock in a square wave video signal, addressing can occur at 4 MM times per second, far faster than previously known chemistries could cure without explosion. However, slowed or adjusted to the frame rate that matches the chemistry, this method of addressing is the perfect embodiment to adjust and tune to selected chemistry is being used. This can also be included in the embodiments that are used for visual addressing.

(128) FIG. 10 illustrates a Voxel machine core assembly. Element 1005 refers to a 3D build chamber, element 1010 refers to a Z-stage platform. Element 1015 refers to a liquid build material manifold, element 1020 refers to a liquid build material reservoir, element 1025 refers to a power supply, element 1030 refers to a precision micro-pump, element 1035 refers to a Cartesian addressing driver, element 1040 illustrates the build platen with capillary and activating trace array, and element 1045 illustrates a Z-stage screw assembly embodiment, however hydraulics or other methods may be used.

(129) FIG. 11 illustrates a voxel polymerization history. As shown, as temperature rises polymerization occurs and material goes from liquid to gel to solid. If left as gel by incomplete curing this closes or valves the capillary and will not permit more monomer to pass until it has finished curing by another signal addressed as desired. Thus, any of the attributes characterized in FIG. 11 can be controlled or selected based on parameters or sensed attributes and used real-time in feedback to control current and/or future control parameters. Software and coordinated machine behaviors will be controlling the monomer states and build area properties.

(130) The proposed subject matter disclosed herein related to a novel high-speed, high-detail 3-D printing/additive-manufacturing device and associated chemistries, can utilize the following effects and states, which control the cure of the monomer and thus the building of objects. The monomer states as defined are:

(131) 1. Build State: Voxel that starts to catalyze and joins with the next droplet as it extrudes from the capillary, an elliptical shape (not a pancake);

(132) 2. Valve state: Voxel is elliptical (not a pancake), but gelled (not fully catalyzed), and thus plugs or valves the capillary hole until it is de-valved;

(133) 3. De-valve build state: The gelled voxel is reheated to re-start the catalytic event to complete cure, to a ready-to-connect voxel with the continuous upsurge of fluid;

(134) 4. Sand bed state: Voxel is not allowed to connect with the other fluid, it cures fast and releases to create a support structure en masse as a sand bed. Sizing issues of granules will influence addressing and repetition of granule creation to ensure volumetric accuracy, as the shape of these may be rounder and require a different percentage of cured monomer to fill the volume with air between. That volumetric aspect relates to fluidic analysis, heat requirements, what shapes will by various monomer selections.

(135) 5. De-valve sand state: The gelled voxel is reheated to re-start the catalytic event to complete cure, to a disconnected sand granule voxel with the continuous upsurge of fluid.

(136) It should be understood that these processes are determined by the characteristics of the monomer and latent heat catalyst, and their flow/temperature dependence. Accordingly, the software and hardware construction regulate flow and temperature as determined for various geometries, voxel shapes and sizes, and are related to specified gel/cure temperatures and monomer properties.

(137) The machine has an integrally constructed platen, either of a randomly porous flat structure such as an open celled fused microsphere or particulate material, preferably of but not limited to, a variety of heat resistant materials such as silicate, ceramic, PTFE, polycarbonate or of metal having a passivated insulated oxide outer layer or preferably precisely cut flat platen consisting of parallel aligned fused micro capillaries. This platen permits the transit of liquid reactive monomers, thermoplastic or dissolved metal materials through an otherwise walled barrier between a supply reservoir and an image building section oppositely situated for the purpose of very rapid selective sequential planar voxel layer build construction of a 3D part or image.

(138) This same machine with said platen can include at least one surface to be covered by a Cartesian orthogonal, polar coordinate, parallel or otherwise linear cross section of electrically conductive traces which can be selectively addressed at said trace cross sections with biased voltages, which cause activating heat and/or light to selectively activate monomer (polymerization, thermoplastic extrusion or inorganic metal or mineral precipitation primarily but not limited to electrolysis), for the purpose of very rapid selective sequential planar voxel layer build construction of a 3D part or image.

(139) The conductive traces may be bonded by a plurality of optional methods. Such methods may include one or more of interlayer heat fusion, organopolysiloxane functionalized adhesion, indium or any variety of alloys specialized for the purpose affixing conducting metal to an open celled fused microsphere or particulate material. According to some embodiments, this may include a variety of heat resistant materials such as silicate, ceramic, PTFE, polycarbonate or of metal having a passivated insulated oxide outer layer or preferably precisely cut flat platen consisting of parallel aligned fused micro capillaries. The micro capillaries can be provided for the transit of liquid reactive monomers, thermoplastic or dissolved metal materials through an otherwise walled barrier between a supply reservoir and an image building section oppositely situated for the purpose of very rapid selective sequential planar voxel layer build construction of a 3D part or image.

(140) A planar build platen can be sealed around its outer edges to hermetically seal and separate the reservoir section from the opposite build section surfaces. The Cartesian, orthogonal, polar coordinate, parallel or otherwise linear cross section of electrically conductive traces which can be selectively addressed by video drivers known in the art of the display industry, including, but not limited to, systematic orderly multiplexed passive, active, optical, or VAPM electrical signals (e.g. see U.S. Patent Publication 2009/0051863 A1 to the same inventor) at said trace cross sections. This can accomplish the purpose of very rapid selective sequential planar voxel layer build construction of a 3D part or image.

(141) Auxiliary supporting machinery, which includes a precision movable Z-stage or vertically incrementally controlled planar section which moves away from the build platen can be included during the build process. This Z-stage can pull away from and allow for increased build volumes to transit through the platen without weight impeding built object growth or tp prevent distortion. Again, the build volumes can include liquid reactive monomers, thermoplastic or dissolved metal materials.

(142) A variety of build modes are addressable to the build platen, which provides a means of interfused layered voxel integument, such as dendritic or sprue supports or a plurality of multiple non interfused yet polymerized particulates (sand bed) dispersed also as basic support members for an otherwise necessary build article needing physical supports. Such build articles can include extended structures, which may be horizontal or island in nature.

(143) A build mode can also include a partially activated, but incomplete, polymerization area (valve state) that serves the purpose of blocking transit of further material beneath it. This can essentially act as an off-valve until it becomes necessary to finish activating the polymerization, thus releasing from the build platen's capillary surface.

(144) The machine architecture may also include the acoustically live element but not limited to, ultrasonic piezo-, magneto-restrictive, or speaker mechanism, also for the purpose of aiding in the release of successive layers from the platen and also to enhance movement of the fluid through the capillaries or platen, via reduction of surface tension thereby, which also reduces required pressurization of monomer in the monomer manifold. This machine will include variously necessary removable enclosures for the successful build and removal of said build object upon completion, and replenishment of monomers and cleaning of platens.

(145) Various machines disclosed herein may include but not be limited to, a series of fitted cassette and/or replaceable volume build material cartridges for the purpose of augmented ease of operation and safety precautions. Said machine may include but is not limited to either an attached or an unattached sealable reservoir for finish cycle polymerization or neutralization of otherwise reactive unusable build materials for the purpose of rendering them as toxicologically benign.

(146) Such machine disposal reservoir may also utilize a variety of newly discovered photo redox catalysis, such as but not limited to, nano-scale particulate anatase titanium dioxide and several metallic doped varieties of the same. These can be used to consume organic materials by reducing them in the presence of light energy, to inert gaseous byproducts such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water for the purpose of rendering them as toxicologically benign.

(147) Various machines may be integrated with any variety of computer hardware or computer programs designed specifically for the purpose of image building with real materials. Such machines, may be augmented by, but not limited to, an additional optical support and focusing mechanism capable of projecting either a physically attached or unattached visual imagery system from behind the build surface, thereby leveraging the natural features of light guides, which are also said capillary liquid delivery structures for the purpose of activating a photo conductive resistive element. This photo conductive resistive element may be deposited (or otherwise located) between the intersecting conductive addressing nodes which cause activating heat and/or light to selectively activate monomer polymerization. This can also augment the necessary energy required for such polymerization voxelization build events.

(148) Various machines disclosed herein may incorporate several additional platens, which are vertically or horizontally separate, but integrated physically into the same machine.

(149) Biologic materials such as collagen and/or suspended cellular materials may also be activated by the build platen including the purpose of prosthetic use, active biocultures or non-invasive modeling studies. Such machines may also prove useful as an electrophoresis separation platform due to the incorporated addressable voltage separation feature/option.

(150) Methods, computer systems, computer-storage media, and graphical user interfaces are provided for controlling a rapid three dimensional modeling apparatus and method. Also methods, computer systems, computer-storage media, and graphical user interfaces are provided for manufacturing the machines, platens, and other components. Other computing devices are used for controlling chemistry and materials for deposition and curing as well as sensors and/or feedback control of the creation of the rapidly-made objects.

(151) Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, computer storage media, and interactive graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for, among other things, displaying and interacting with performance data for a machine-learned model.

(152) Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention is directed to one or more computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to generate a graphical user interface (GUI) for visualizing the design and manufacture of an object made using the rapid three dimensional modeling apparatus and methods. The GUI comprises an item representation display area that displays a plurality of item representations corresponding to a plurality of items processed by the machine-learned model.

(153) In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to one or more computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed by a computing device (e.g. a server computer, carriage computer, needle-point printer computer, artist computer, article design and/or assembly computer, etc.), cause the computing device to perform methods, visualizations and manipulations of digital models and manufacturing and object manufacturing control procedures as disclosed herein.

(154) An example of an operating environment in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented is described below in order to provide a general context for various aspects of the present invention. An exemplary operating environment for implementing embodiments of the present invention is a computing device. The computing device is but one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the invention. Neither should the computing device be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated.

(155) Embodiments of the invention may be described in the general context of computer code or machine-usable instructions, including computer-usable or computer-executable instructions such as program modules, being executed by a computer or other machine, such as a personal data assistant, a smart phone, a tablet PC, or other handheld device. Generally, program modules including routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like, refer to code that performs particular tasks or implements particular abstract data types. Embodiments of the invention may be practiced in a variety of system configurations, including hand-held devices, consumer electronics, general-purpose computers, more specialty computing devices, etc. Embodiments of the invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote-processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.

(156) The computing device can include a bus that directly or indirectly couples the following devices: a memory, one or more processors, one or more presentation components, one or more input/output (I/O) ports, one or more I/O components, and a power supply. The bus represents what may be one or more busses (such as an address bus, data bus, or combination thereof). One may consider a presentation component, such as a display device, to be an I/O component. Also, processors have memory. Distinction is not made between such categories as workstation, server, laptop, hand-held device, etc., as all are contemplated within the scope of a computing device.

(157) An example of a computing device typically includes a variety of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media may be any available media that is accessible by the computing device and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, and removable and non-removable media. Computer-readable media comprises computer storage media and communication media; computer storage media excludes signals per se. Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by computing device. Communication media, on the other hand, embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term modulated data signal means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

(158) The memory includes computer-storage media in the form of any combination of volatile and nonvolatile memory. The memory may be removable, non-removable, or a combination thereof. Exemplary hardware devices include solid-state memory, hard drives, optical-disc drives, and the like. The computing device includes one or more processors that read data from various entities such as the memory or the I/O components. The presentation component(s) present data indications to a user or other device. Exemplary presentation components include a display device, speaker, printing component, vibrating component, and the like.

(159) The I/O ports allow the computing device to be logically coupled to other devices including the I/O components, some of which may be built in. Illustrative components include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, printer, wireless device, and the like. Interaction with the I/O components may be via voice, touch, gestures, keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, and the like.

(160) Furthermore, although the term server is often used herein, it will be recognized that this term may also encompass a search service, a search extender service, a Web browser, a cloud server, a set of one or more processes distributed on one or more computers, one or more stand-alone storage devices, a set of one or more other computing or storage devices, a combination of one or more of the above, and the like.

(161) A data store stored on a computer readable medium of a computing device is described. The data store includes control parameters disclosed herein. For example, the computer executable instructions stored on the memory can include control instructions for controlling the platen, matrix, curable material characteristics, flow characteristics, platen positioning, releasing oscillation, platen manufacture, color control, heat control, curing light, image resolution, bitmap, vector, etc. including any aspect of the machine and process control disclosed herein in use or manufacture or any part thereof. Modeling software and machines are also disclosed herein that may including modeling of the virtual object prior to manufacture, post process control, control of material refill, control of part validation and quality control. Thus, when stored as a data structure on a computer readable medium, RAM, and/or ROM the medium structure may be moved, accessed, instruction followed, written, rewritten, copied in its tangible form as a non-transitory replication of magnetic, optical, and other media, etc.

(162) One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.

(163) The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds compositions or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

(164) With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

(165) It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as open terms (e.g., the term including should be interpreted as including but not limited to, the term having should be interpreted as having at least, the term includes should be interpreted as includes but is not limited to, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases at least one and one or more to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles a or an limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases one or more or at least one and indefinite articles such as a or an (e.g., a and/or an should be interpreted to mean at least one or one or more); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of two recitations, without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to at least one of A, B, and C, etc. is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., a system having at least one of A, B, and C would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to at least one of A, B, or C, etc. is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., a system having at least one of A, B, or C would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase A or B will be understood to include the possibilities of A or B or A and B.

(166) In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

(167) As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as up to, at least, and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, a group having 1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so forth.

(168) The subject of several embodiments of the invention disclosed herein can offer a novel, extremely rapid, and high-resolution alternative machine design and material selection for three-dimensional printing. Various embodiments of the inventions relate to machines for manufacturing an object. Various embodiments of the inventions relate to extrusion platens, or other platen components and combination of components. Various embodiments of the inventions relate to processes and methods for making, using, and partially manufacturing, as wells as controlling machines and making objects. Several embodiments of the invention relate to computer stores. Several embodiments of the invention relate to software, hardware, and other products and machines as well as the manufactured objects made by the machines and processes disclosed herein. Several embodiments relate to processes for manufacturing, making, and using the machines and/or objects in combination with other features and/or acts and steps.

(169) From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. All references recited herein are incorporated herein by specific reference in their entirety.