Automatic method for fabricating a three-dimensional plastic model with photo-hardening polymer

Abstract

A new method for automatic fabrication of a three-dimensional plastic model is presented. A solid model is fabricated by exposing liquid photo-hardening polymer to ultraviolet rays, and stacking the cross-sectional solidified layers. Three types of equipment were constructed, their operational conditions were investigated, and some solid models were fabricated. A transparent plastic model whose internal structure was visible from the outside of the model was obtained. The operations are simple and can be easily automated. The present method is useful in displaying three-dimensional shapes.