CPC B29C 64/118 (2017.08) [B29C 64/188 (2017.08); B29C 64/209 (2017.08); B29C 64/232 (2017.08); B29C 64/245 (2017.08); B29C 64/264 (2017.08); B29C 64/295 (2017.08); B29C 64/307 (2017.08); B33Y 10/00 (2014.12); B33Y 30/00 (2014.12); B33Y 40/00 (2014.12); B33Y 80/00 (2014.12)] | 18 Claims |
1. A three-dimensional (3D) printer, comprising:
a platform;
a dispenser comprising a nozzle and a heating element, wherein the heating element is configured to heat a material and the nozzle is configured to extrude the heated material onto the platform to form a first layer of an extruded material, wherein the first layer of extruded material has a first shape specified by one or more digital files, and wherein the first shape corresponds to a first minimum line width based on a diameter of the nozzle; and
a light source configured to emit a light beam that is directed onto the first layer of extruded material according to the one or more digital files to cure a portion of the first layer of extruded material to create a first cured layer of the material, wherein the first cured layer of material corresponds to a second shape of a first layer of a three-dimensionally (3D) printed object specified by the one or more digital files, wherein the light beam has a beam diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the nozzle, and wherein the second shape has a second minimum line width that is smaller than the first minimum line width.
|