SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING OXYGEN INHIBITION OF A LIGHT-INITIATED POLYMERIZATION REACTION IN A 3D PRINTING SYSTEM USING UNIFORM PLANAR SURFACES

摘要

Systems and methods that prevent oxygen inhibition of a light-initiated polymerization reaction by forcing the oxygen away from the reaction surfaces. In some embodiments, oxygen is purged by bringing a planarizing surface (e.g., a thin transparent film and/or a transparent planar surface) into contact with a layer of UV curable material disposed on a workpiece and then moving the planarizing surface away from the workpiece one the UV material is cured.