General Electric Company
Method and apparatus for separation of cured resin layer from resin support in additive manufacturing

Abstract:

An additive manufacturing apparatus configured to produce a component layer by layer. The manufacturing apparatus includes a support structure, a stage that is positioned opposite the support structure. The stage is configured to hold a stacked arrangement of one or more cured layers of a resin. The apparatus also includes one or more actuators operable to move the stage away from the support structure, and a radiant energy apparatus is positioned opposite the stage such that the support structure is positioned between the radiant energy apparatus and the stage. The radiant energy apparatus is operable to generate and project radiant energy through the support structure on the resin in a predetermined pattern. a foil separation device that includes at least one holddown device is configured such that the foil contacts the at least one holddown device as the stage is moved away from the support structure.