Apparatus and method for making an object

Abstract

An apparatus for making an object is disclosed. The apparatus has a flexible element having an upwardly facing surface for disposing thereon a material used to make the object, and a member connected to an actuator that can move the member. A controller is in communication the actuator. A method which may be executed using the apparatus is also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for making an object, the apparatus comprising:
 a composite flexible sheet that is transparent to a radiation, the composite flexible sheet having an upwardly facing surface for disposing thereon a material used to make the object, the material being solidifiable by the radiation;   a radiation source configured to illuminate the material through the composite flexible sheet with the radiation to solidify at least some of the material adjacent the object being made.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus defined by  claim 1  wherein the composite flexible sheet is multilaminate. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus defined by  claim 2  wherein the composite flexible sheet comprises a silicone layer. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus defined by  claim 3  wherein the composite flexible sheet comprises a polyester layer. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus defined by  claim 1  wherein the composite flexible sheet comprises a layer of silicone bonded to a polyester film. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus defined by  claim 1  wherein the composite flexible sheet has a Young's modulus between 100 and 1000 MPa. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus defined by  claim 1  wherein the composite flexible sheet has a Young's modulus between 400 and 700 MPa. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus defined by  claim 1  wherein the composite flexible sheet has a Young's modulus of around 560 MPa. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus defined by  claim 1  wherein the composite flexible element forms at least part of a vessel configured to contain the material. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus defined by  claim 1  wherein the vessel is removable. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus defined by  claim 1  wherein the composite flexible sheet has anti-stick properties. 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus defined by  claim 1  comprising a composite flexible sheet tensioner. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus defined by  claim 1  comprising a chassis and feet.