A novel device for producing three-dimensional objects

This work describes a novel device for producing three-dimensional objects that has been developed using a liquid crystal display as a programmable, d ynamic mask and visible light to initiate photopolymerization. This device has the potential to produce three-dimensional objects of comparable qualit y to the existing commercial devices, but in significantly less time. Addit ionally, capital, maintenance and operating costs are expected to be substa ntially lower than those for laser-based systems. The reduction in time and expense could expand this technology into the realm of custom part product ion and further increase the accessibility and usefulness of solid freeform fabrication and rapid prototyping.