US 12,269,215 B2
Part quality monitoring in a stereolithographic additive manufacturing system
J. Samuel Batchelder, Woodinville, WA (US)
Assigned to STRATASYS, INC., Eden Prairie, MN (US)
Filed by Stratasys, Inc., Eden Prairie, MN (US)
Filed on Sep. 20, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/470,680.
Application 18/470,680 is a continuation of application No. 17/543,015, filed on Dec. 6, 2021, granted, now 11,794,411.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/121,616, filed on Dec. 4, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2024/0025123 A1, Jan. 25, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B29C 64/386 (2017.01); B29C 64/129 (2017.01); B33Y 10/00 (2015.01); B33Y 50/00 (2015.01); G01N 21/21 (2006.01); B29C 64/393 (2017.01); B33Y 50/02 (2015.01); G01N 21/23 (2006.01); G01N 21/84 (2006.01)
CPC B29C 64/386 (2017.08) [B29C 64/129 (2017.08); B33Y 10/00 (2014.12); B33Y 50/00 (2014.12); G01N 21/211 (2013.01); B29C 64/393 (2017.08); B33Y 50/02 (2014.12); G01N 21/23 (2013.01); G01N 2021/8416 (2013.01); G01N 2021/8438 (2013.01)] 23 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for printing a part in a layer-wise manner, the system comprising:
a 3D printer comprising:
a vessel configured to retain a pool of photocurable liquid, the vessel having a build window configured to pass electromagnetic radiation therethrough;
a downward-facing build platform configured to be positioned above the build window and within the vessel, wherein the downward-facing build platform is configured to be actuated away from the build window; and
a programmable light source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation through the build window and into the pool of photocurable liquid to form layers of the part;
a scanning system comprising:
a light emitting system configured to project monochromatic, polarized light through the build window along an angle of incidence; and
an imaging system configured to measure a change in intensity and polarity of the monochromatic, polarized light reflected through the build window to obtain information about a printed layer, the imaging system configured to send a first signal related to the information obtained about the printed layer; and
a controller configured to:
receive the first signal from the imaging system; and
send a second signal to the programmable light source that modifies the electromagnetic radiation imparted into a next layer based upon the signal sent from the imaging system to print the next layer of the part.