Method and apparatus for monitoring saturation levels of solvents used during rapid prototyping processes

摘要

A monitoring device and method is disclosed for monitoring the saturation level of resin in solvent baths, such as those used to remove resin from objects form by stereolithography. The monitoring device operates by monitoring an electrical characteristic, such as impedance, of the solvent bath as the resin-to-solvent ratio of the bath increases during use. Signals are provided by the monitoring device to the operator of the liquid storage device containing the solvent bath in a manner allowing the operator to determine when the solvent bath has reached the end of its useful life.