阅读说明：本技术 使用增材制造技术由可固化材料制造光学体积元素的方法和系统 (Method and system for manufacturing optical volume elements from curable materials using additive manufacturing techniques ) 是由 M·勒康佩尔 P·莱特 M·泰奥德特 于 2020-02-21 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于使用增材制造技术由可固化材料(50)制造光学元件(100)的方法,所述方法包括以下步骤：·-提供可固化材料(50)的第一部分,·-通过用第一固化表面能照射所述可固化材料的表面(55)来形成所述光学元件的第一部分,所述第一固化表面能严格低于第一预定能量阈值且高于第二预定阈值,以及·-在用所述第一固化表面能照射所述第一部分之后,通过用至少第二固化表面能照射所述可固化材料的表面来形成所述光学元件的至少第二部分,所述第二部分与所述光学元件的第一部分不同,所述第二固化表面能照射所述光学元件(100)的第二部分和所述光学元件的第一部分的至少一部分两者,所述第一固化表面能和至少所述第二固化表面能的总和高于或等于所述第一预定能量阈值。一种用于制造光学元件的制造系统(1)。(A method for manufacturing an optical element (100) from a curable material (50) using additive manufacturing techniques, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first part of a curable material (50), -forming a first part of the optical element by irradiating a surface (55) of the curable material with a first curing surface energy, the first curing surface energy is strictly below a first predetermined energy threshold and above a second predetermined threshold, and-after irradiating the first part with the first curing surface energy, forming at least a second portion of the optical element by irradiating the surface of the curable material with at least a second curing surface energy, the second portion being different from the first portion of the optical element, the second curing surface being capable of illuminating both the second portion of the optical element (100) and at least a portion of the first portion of the optical element, the sum of the first curing surface energy and at least the second curing surface energy is higher than or equal to the first predetermined energy threshold. A manufacturing system (1) for manufacturing an optical element.)

1. A method for manufacturing an optical element (100) from a curable material (50) using additive manufacturing techniques, the method comprising the steps of:

-providing a first portion of uncured curable material (50),

by using a first curing surface energy (E)₁) Irradiating a surface (55) of the first portion of curable material (50) to form a first portion of the optical element (100), the first cured surface energy (E)₁) Strictly below a first predetermined energy threshold (T)₁) And is higher than a second predetermined threshold (T)₂) Said first predetermined energy threshold (T)₁) Lower than or equal to a predetermined energy threshold (T) of the solid_S) Said predetermined energy threshold of solid corresponding to an energy sufficient to make a first portion of said optical element (100) solid over the entire thickness of said first portion of said optical element (100), said second predetermined energy threshold (T)₂) Equal to the induced surface energy (E)_I) And an

-applying said first curing surface energy (E)₁) After irradiating the first portion, forming at least a second portion of the optical element (100) by irradiating a surface (55) of the curable material (50) with at least a second cured surface energy, different from the first portion of the optical element (100), above the second predetermined energy threshold (T;)₂) A second curing surface energy illuminating both the second portion of the optical element (100) and at least a portion of the first portion of the optical element (100), the first curing surface energy (E)₁) And the sum of the portions of the first portion of the optical element (100) receiving at least the second curing surface energy is sufficient to render the first portion of the optical element (100) solid, the first curing surface energy (E)₁) And the sum of the portions of the optical element (100) that the first portion receives of at least the second curing surface energy is preferably higher than or equal to the solid predetermined energy threshold (T)_S)。

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising the step of providing an initial portion of at least partially cured curable material (50) before the step of providing a first portion of uncured curable material (50), the first portion of uncured curable material (50) being placed between the initial portion and an energy source (2) adapted to irradiate a surface (55) of the curable material (50) with the first and second curing surface energies.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein by using is defined as { E } ™_J＝E_C*exp(th/D_P) Ja ofThe cobs equation determines a first predetermined energy threshold (T) of a first part of the optical element₁) Wherein

-E_JIs Jacobs energy, the solid predetermined energy solid (T)_S) Is equal to the Jacobs energy (E)_J)，

-th is the thickness of the first portion of the optical element (100),

-D_Pis a light depth penetration value of a first curing surface energy within the curable material (50),

-E_Cis a critical Jacobs energy defined for said curable material (50), and

-said first predetermined energy threshold (T)₁) Is the critical Jacobs energy (E)_C) As a function of (c).

4. Method according to claim 3, wherein said first predetermined energy threshold (T)₁) Is a critical Jacobs energy (E) defined for said curable material (50)_C) Said first curing surface energy (E)₁) And at least the sum of the second curing surface energies is greater than or equal to the Jacobs energy (E)_J) Preferably greater than or equal to said Jacobs energy (E)_J) Is 1.2 times higher, preferably higher, than the Jacobs energy (E)_J) 1.5 times of the total weight of the powder.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a number (H) of steps of irradiating the surface (55) of the curable material (50) such that, at each irradiation step, a portion of the cured surface energy is received by at least a portion of the first portion of the optical element (100), each cured surface energy being higher than the second predetermined threshold (T ™)₂) The sum of each curing surface energy received by the first portion being higher than or equal to the first predetermined energy threshold (Tthresh)₁) The number (H) is an integer greater than or equal to 3.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the step of irradiating the surface (55) of the curable material (50) comprises at least partially curing with an intermediate curing surface energyA sub-step of irradiating said first portion of said optical element (100), the sum of said first curing surface energy and said intermediate curing surface energy being strictly lower than said first predetermined energy threshold (T)₁)。

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the steps of:

-providing a second portion of curable material (50) between an energy source (2) and the first portion of the optical element (100),

-forming a second portion of the optical element (100) with a second portion of the curable material (50), and

-irradiating the surface (55) of the curable material (50) with at least the second curing surface energy such that a portion of the second curing surface energy is received by at least a portion of the first portion of the optical element (100).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the step of forming a first portion of the optical element (100) comprises the sub-steps of:

-determining a first image pattern associated with a first set of pixels of an energy source (2) adapted to apply said first curing surface energy, and

-projecting a first group of pixels of the energy source (2) onto a surface (55) of the curable material (50), the first group of pixels defining a first projected image,

and wherein the step of forming the second portion of the optical element (100) comprises the sub-steps of:

-determining a second image pattern associated with a second set of pixels of an energy source (2) adapted to apply said second curing surface energy, and

-projecting a second group of pixels of the energy source (2) onto the surface (55) of the curable material (50), the second group of pixels defining a second projected image,

the relative position of the second pixel group with respect to the first pixel group is defined such that at least one pixel of the projected second pixel group partially covers at least two pixels of the projected first pixel group.

9. The method according to claim 8, comprising the sub-steps of:

-determining at least one further image pattern associated with a second group of pixels of an energy source (2) adapted to apply a further curing surface energy,

-successively projecting each pixel group of the energy source (2) onto the surface (55) of the solidifiable material (50) in such a relative position that at least one pixel of the last projected pixel group partially covers at least two pixels of each previously projected pixel group,

the number (n) of projected pixel groups is an integer greater than or equal to 3.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the relative positions of the pixel groups between the (n) projected images are determined so as to minimize variations in the hardened surface energy received by the first portion of the optical element (100).

11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the number (n) is determined such that the total curing surface energy received by the first part of the optical element is at least equal to the solid predetermined energy threshold (T)_S) Preferably equal to said Jacobs energy (E)_J) Preferably such that the total cured surface energy received by any point of the first part of the optical element is at least equal to the critical Jacobs energy (E)_C)。

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the optical element (100) is an ophthalmic lens (200).

13. A manufacturing system (1) for manufacturing an optical element (100) from a curable material (50) using additive manufacturing techniques, the manufacturing system comprising:

-a container (10) adapted to contain uncured curable material (50),

-a support (15) adapted to support the optical element (100), and

-a forming unit (3) programmed to form a first portion of the optical element (100) by irradiating a surface (55) of the curable material (50) with a first curing surface energy strictly below a first predetermined energy threshold (T;)₁) And is higher than a second predetermined threshold (T)₂) Said first predetermined energy threshold (T)₁) Lower than or equal to a predetermined energy threshold (T) of the solid_S) Said predetermined energy threshold of solid corresponding to an energy sufficient to make a first portion of said optical element (100) solid over the entire thickness of said first portion of said optical element (100), said second predetermined energy threshold (T)₂) Equal to the induced surface energy (E)_I) Said forming unit (3) being further programmed to form at least a second portion of said optical element (100) by irradiating a surface (55) of said curable material (50) at least partially overlapping said first portion of said optical element (100) with at least a second curing surface energy, said second curing surface energy being higher than said second predetermined energy threshold (Tp)₂) A sum of the first and second curing surface energies being sufficient to render a first portion of the optical element (100) solid, the first curing surface energy (E)₁) And the sum of the portions of the optical element (100) that the first portion receives of at least the second curing surface energy is preferably higher than or equal to the solid predetermined energy threshold (T)_S)。

14. The manufacturing system (1) according to claim 13, further comprising a displacement unit (20) programmed to displace the support (15) relative to the forming unit (3) so as to displace the formed first portion of the optical element (100) along an axis substantially orthogonal to the surface (55) of the curable material (50).

15. The manufacturing system (1) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the forming unit (3) comprises an energy source (2) adapted to irradiate the surface (55) of the curable material (50) with the first and second curing surface energies.

16. The manufacturing system (1) according to claim 15, wherein the forming unit (3) comprises:

-a computer element (6) programmed to determine a first image pattern associated with a first set of pixels of the energy source adapted to apply the first curing energy, the computer element (6) further programmed to determine a second image pattern associated with a second set of pixels of the energy source adapted to apply the second curing surface energy, and

-an optical system (4) adapted to project a first set of pixels of the first curing surface energy onto the surface (55) of the curable material (50), the first set of pixels defining a first projected image, the optical system (4) further adapted to project a second set of pixels of the energy source onto the surface (55) of the curable material (50), the second set of pixels defining a second projected image.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the manufacture of optical components (e.g., ophthalmic lenses).

More precisely, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing an optical element from a curable material using additive manufacturing techniques.

A manufacturing system for manufacturing an optical element from a curable material using additive manufacturing techniques is also described.

Background

Additive manufacturing techniques are suitable for manufacturing many devices, and in particular for manufacturing prototype devices within the framework of new technology developments, since the resulting devices are directly formed to have the desired shape. However, in the current development stage, additive manufacturing techniques are rarely suitable for use as industrial tools for the mass production of ophthalmic devices.

Additive manufacturing techniques suitable for ophthalmic devices are typically based on layer-by-layer or drop-by-drop build processes. Thus, the intended device is formed by the overlapping of layers or droplets.

With regard to the manufacture of ophthalmic lenses, in particular for spectacles, additive manufacturing techniques are used to produce ophthalmic lens models. However, these models are rarely suitable for use in frames for wearing by a wearer. In fact, within the manufactured optical device, the accumulation of the interfaces between the layers (or of droplets and/or pixel traces present within the irradiation tool) generally forms slight optical defects, in particular diffraction defects.

These defects occur at the interface between the layers because the material on both sides of this interface hardens at different times, thereby creating diffraction between the layers (it has been noted that the formation of an optical device with a stack of multiple layers causes the pattern to repeat, and the repetitive alternation of such optical properties causes the formation of diffraction defects). Furthermore, the hardening of the material in the monolayer does not occur uniformly but point by point, which also causes diffraction between the points.

These defects are critical when the ophthalmic lens is ultimately used.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention provides a manufacturing method.

More precisely, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing an optical element from a curable material using additive manufacturing techniques, the method comprising the steps of:

-providing a first portion of uncured curable material,

-forming a first portion of the optical element by irradiating a surface of the curable material of the first portion with a first curing surface energy, which is strictly below a first predetermined energy threshold and above a second predetermined threshold, and

-after irradiating the first portion with the first curing surface energy, forming at least a second portion of the optical element by irradiating the surface of the curable material with at least a second curing surface energy, different from the first portion of the optical element, the second curing surface energy irradiating both the second portion of the optical element and at least a part of the first portion of the optical element, the sum of the first curing surface energy and the part of the at least second curing surface energy received by the first portion of the optical element being higher than or equal to the first predetermined energy threshold.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an optical element from a curable material using additive manufacturing techniques, the method comprising the steps of:

-providing a first portion of uncured curable material,

-forming a first portion of the optical element by irradiating a surface of the curable material of the first portion with a first curing surface energy strictly lower than a first predetermined energy threshold lower than or equal to a solid predetermined energy threshold corresponding to an energy sufficient to make the first portion of the optical element solid over the entire thickness of the first portion of the optical element, and higher than a second predetermined threshold equal to an induced surface energy, and

-forming at least a second portion of the optical element by irradiating the surface of the curable material with at least a second curing surface energy after irradiating the first portion with the first curing surface energy, the second portion being different from the first portion of the optical element, the second cured surface energy being above the second predetermined energy threshold, the second curing surface is capable of illuminating both the second portion of the optical element and at least a portion of the first portion of the optical element, the sum of the first curing surface energy and the portion of the first portion of the optical element that receives at least the second curing surface energy is sufficient to render the first portion of the optical element solid, the sum of the first curing surface energy and the portion of the first portion of the optical element receiving at least the second curing surface energy is preferably higher than or equal to the solid predetermined energy threshold.

Thanks to the invention, at least some of the different parts of the optical element are not completely cured at once. Some of which are not even cured at all before the optical element is completely manufactured. In fact, a single exposure of the curable material of the first part to curing energy is not sufficient to completely harden it. The forming section is thus at least initially formed in an intermediate state between liquid and solid. Then, during the formation of some other portion of the optical element, at least one previously formed portion receives an amount of curing energy, which increases the conversion to the solid state. In some cases, some portions receive sufficient curing energy to become solid only near the end of the fabrication of the optical element in accordance with the present invention.

When the second portion receives the second curing energy, the first portion is in an intermediate state, rather than in a solid state, enabling the two portions to merge more efficiently, thereby reducing or even avoiding interface marks between the portions. Those adjacent portions are believed to better interpenetrate other portions. All adjacent portions formed according to the invention are therefore associated with other portions having more continuous material properties, limiting the defects associated with the interface.

It should be noted that according to the invention, the at least one pair of first and second portions is such that the first and second portions are different parts of the optical element, and at the end of manufacturing the optical element by additive manufacturing, including possible post-curing, both the first and second portions are completely in the solid state.

It may be said that, before the step of providing a first part of uncured curable material, the method comprises the step of providing an initial part of at least partially cured curable material, the first part of uncured curable material being placed between the initial part and an energy source adapted to irradiate the surface of the curable material with the first and second curing surface energies. This illustrates that the first portion of curable material corresponds to curable material capable of forming a layer, according to the general understanding of those skilled in the art.

Further advantageous features of the method are the following:

by using a definition of { E }_J＝E_CThe Jacobs equation of exp } determines a first predetermined energy threshold of the first part of the optical element, wherein E_JIs the Jacobs energy from which the first predetermined energy threshold originates, th is the thickness of the first portion of the optical element, D_PIs a light depth penetration value of a first curing surface energy within the curable material, and E_CIs a critical Jacobs energy defined for the curable material;

by using a definition of { E }_J＝E_CThe Jacobs equation of exp } determines a first predetermined energy threshold of the first part of the optical element, where E_JIs Jacobs energy, the solid predetermined energy solid (T)_S) Equal to the Jacobs energy, th is the thickness of the first part of the optical element, D_PIs the light depth penetration value, E, of a first curing surface energy within the curable material_CIs a critical Jacobs energy defined for the curable material and the first predetermined energy threshold is a function of the critical Jacobs energy;

-said first predetermined energy threshold is a critical Jacobs energy defined for said curable material, the sum of said first and at least said second curing surface energies being higher than or equal to said Jacobs energy;

-the sum of said first and at least said second curing surface energies is higher than or equal to said Jacobs energy, preferably higher than or equal to 1.2 times said Jacobs energy, preferably higher than or equal to 1.5 times said Jacobs energy;

-the method comprises a number of steps of irradiating the surface of the curable material, such that at each irradiation step a portion of the curing surface energy is received by at least a portion of the first portion of the optical element, each curing surface energy being higher than the second predetermined threshold, the sum of each curing surface energy received by the first portion being higher than or equal to the first predetermined energy threshold, the number being an integer greater than or equal to 3. In other words, the step of forming at least a second portion of the optical element different from the first portion of the optical element by irradiation with at least a second curing surface energy after irradiating the first portion with the first curing surface energy comprises a plurality of irradiation steps greater than or equal to 2, and the second portion of the optical element may comprise more than 2 different sub-portions of the optical element;

-the method is such that for the step of irradiating at least the surface of the curable material, the step of irradiating comprises the sub-step of at least partially irradiating the first portion of the optical element with an intermediate curing surface energy, the sum of the first curing surface energy and the intermediate curing surface energy being strictly below the first predetermined energy threshold;

-the method comprises the steps of: providing a second portion of curable material between an energy source and the first portion of the optical element, forming the second portion of the optical element with the second portion of curable material, and irradiating the surface of the curable material with at least the second curing surface such that a portion of the second curing surface is receivable by at least a portion of the first portion of the optical element. In other words, the second portion of curable material, and hence the second portion of the optical element, is in a different layer than the first portion of the optical element and most typically a layer formed later in the manufacturing process;

-the step of forming the first part of the optical element comprises the sub-steps of: determining a first image pattern associated with a first set of pixels of an energy source suitable for applying the first curing surface energy, and projecting the first set of pixels of the energy source onto the surface of the curable material, the first set of pixels defining a first projected image,

-the step of forming the second part of the optical element comprises the sub-steps of: determining a second image pattern associated with a second set of pixels of an energy source suitable for applying the second curing surface energy, the second set of pixels defining a second projected image, and projecting the second set of pixels of the energy source onto the surface of the curable material;

-the relative position of the second pixel group with respect to the first pixel group is defined such that at least one pixel of the projected second pixel group partially covers at least two pixels of the projected first pixel group;

-the method comprises the sub-steps of: determining at least one further image pattern associated with a second set of pixels of an energy source suitable for applying a further curing surface energy, each set of pixels of the energy source being projected successively onto the surface of the curable material in a relative position such that at least one pixel of the last projected set of pixels partially overlaps at least two pixels of each previously projected set of pixels, the number of projected sets of pixels being an integer greater than or equal to 3;

-the number of projection pixel groups is greater than the number of illumination steps;

-determining the relative position of the pixel groups between the projected images so as to minimize the variation of the hardened surface energy received by the first portion of the optical element;

-determining said number such that the total cured surface energy received by any point of the first part of the optical element is at least equal to said first predetermined energy threshold, preferably equal to a critical Jacobs energy (Ec);

-the method comprises a step of post-processing once the optical element is obtained, the step of post-processing comprising a step of subtractive machining like polishing or additive machining like coating;

-the additive manufacturing technique comprises one of a stereolithography technique or a polymer jetting technique;

-the optical element is an ophthalmic lens;

-the first and second portions of the ophthalmic lens are superposed along an axis substantially orthogonal to the optical axis of the ophthalmic lens.

The invention also relates to a manufacturing system for manufacturing an optical element from a curable material using additive manufacturing techniques, the manufacturing system comprising:

-a container adapted to contain a curable material,

-a support adapted to support the optical element, and

-a forming unit programmed to form a first portion of the optical element by irradiating a surface of the curable material with a first curing surface energy strictly lower than a first predetermined energy threshold and higher than a second predetermined threshold, the forming unit being further programmed to form at least a second portion of the optical element by irradiating a surface of the curable material at least partially overlapping the first portion of the optical element with at least a second curing surface energy, the sum of the first curing surface energy and the second curing surface energy being higher than or equal to the first predetermined energy threshold.

More specifically, the invention also relates to a manufacturing system for manufacturing an optical element from a curable material using additive manufacturing techniques, the manufacturing system comprising:

-a container adapted to contain uncured curable material,

-a support adapted to support the optical element, and

-a forming unit programmed to form a first portion of the optical element by irradiating a surface of the curable material with a first curing surface energy strictly lower than a first predetermined energy threshold lower than or equal to a solid predetermined energy threshold corresponding to an energy sufficient to make the first portion of the optical element solid over the entire thickness of the first portion of the optical element and higher than a second predetermined threshold equal to an induced surface energy, the forming unit being further programmed to form at least a second portion of the optical element by irradiating the surface of the curable material at least partially overlapping the first portion of the optical element with at least a second curing surface energy higher than the second predetermined energy threshold, the sum of the first and second curing surface energies is sufficient to render a first portion of the optical element solid, the sum of the first and at least a portion of the second curing surface energy received by the first portion of the optical element preferably being higher than or equal to the solid predetermined energy threshold.

According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a displacement unit adapted to be programmed to displace the support with respect to the forming unit in order to displace the formed first part of the optical element along an axis substantially orthogonal to the surface of the curable material.

According to a preferred embodiment, the forming unit comprises an energy source adapted to irradiate the surface of the curable material with the first and second curing surface energies.

According to a preferred embodiment, the forming unit comprises:

-a computer element programmed to determine a first image pattern associated with a first set of pixels of the energy source adapted to apply the first curing energy, the computer element further programmed to determine a second image pattern associated with a second set of pixels of the energy source adapted to apply the second curing surface energy, and

-an optical system adapted to project a first set of pixels of the first curing surface energy onto the surface of the curable material, the first set of pixels defining a first projected image, the optical system further adapted to project a second set of pixels of the energy source onto the surface of the curable material, the second set of pixels defining a second projected image.

Drawings

The description which follows makes reference to the annexed drawings and given by way of non-limiting example, makes clear the inclusion of the invention and the manner of practicing it.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a graph of the conversion of a curable material as a function of the curing surface energy;

figure 2 shows an exemplary manufacturing system suitable for manufacturing an optical element according to the present invention;

figures 3 to 5 schematically show different top views of the curable material of the optical element when processed according to a first embodiment of the invention;

figures 6 and 7 schematically show side views of a curable material of an optical element when processed according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

figure 8 represents an ophthalmic lens manufactured according to the method of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows an example of a working curve according to the Jacobs equation;

figure 10 shows the transmission of two curing surface energies of an irradiated curable material through the thickness of an optical element according to the invention;

figures 11 and 12 show the arrangement of the curable material in the case of the present invention and in the case of the prior art, respectively;

figure 13 is a subdivision of the pixel area according to the invention;

figures 14 to 17 show successive projections of groups of pixels on the area defined in figure 13; and

figures 18 to 20 show the evolution of the conversion as a function of successive irradiations in three examples according to the invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention generally relates to a method suitable for manufacturing an optical element using additive manufacturing techniques.

The invention applies more particularly to the manufacture of ophthalmic lenses, for example suitable for mounting in spectacle frames. The ophthalmic lens may have been manufactured in a shape suitable for mounting in a spectacle frame or require a further edging step to reach the desired shape.

The expression "additive manufacturing technology" means a manufacturing technology as defined in international standard ASTM 2792-12, which refers to a process of joining materials to manufacture an object according to 3D model data, typically layer upon layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing methods (such as conventional machining). Thus, solid objects are manufactured by juxtaposing volume elements (mainly layers or voxels, or droplets or microdroplets, or in some cases even chunks of material). In the case of the present invention, the optical elements are therefore produced on a volume element-by-volume element basis, preferably layer-by-layer basis.

The additive manufacturing technique may actually be Stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing stereolithography (DLP-SLA), or polymer jetting. Additive manufacturing techniques include a number of processes that form objects by juxtaposing a plurality of volume elements according to a predetermined arrangement that may be defined in a CAD (computer aided design) file.

Stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing stereolithography (DLP-SLA) both work by focusing light (primarily ultraviolet light) onto a photopolymer liquid resin container to form solid layers that are stacked to form a solid object. With Stereolithography (SLA), the liquid resin receives selective exposure by scanning a laser beam across the print zone. Digital light processing stereolithography (DLP-SLA) projects an image of each layer onto the entire surface of the resin using a digital projector screen. Since the projector is a digital screen, the image of each layer consists of pixels that are apparently square, resulting in a layer formed of small rectangular tiles called voxels (the volume is defined by the square pixels and the thickness of the layer).

Alternatively, the pixels may have other shapes, such as hexagonal, diamond, or elongated, depending on the technology used to form the micromirrors, e.g., LCD or LED pixels.

Polymer jetting techniques use an inkjet printhead to eject droplets of liquid photopolymer resin onto a build platform. The liquid resin is immediately cured by a light source (such as an infrared or ultraviolet source) and a set of droplets is solidified (and forms a solid object) to build up a layer or final optical element.

In practice, the additive manufacturing technique used is based on the projection of a light pattern on a curable material. The light pattern is, for example, an infrared ray pattern or an ultraviolet ray pattern. The curable material is, for example, a photopolymer resin and the optical element is manufactured by a photopolymerization process. For example, the photopolymer resin comprises a (meth) acrylate monomer.

In practice, the photopolymerization process can be carried out by conversion C of the curable material_v(or polymerization rate). Conversion rate C_vRelated to the physical state of the substance of the curable material. The curable material is a liquid, primarily light, prior to being irradiated by the curable energy.Conversion rate C_vWhich is considered to be close to 0, cannot withstand slight polymerization due to aging of the curable material. The curable material polymerizes upon irradiation of the curable material with the curable surface energy, gradually changing from a liquid state to a solid state. The curable material undergoes a plurality of states, in particular intermediate states, called "gel state", which corresponds to a conversion C_vDepending on the curable material. The intermediate state corresponds to a state of matter which is neither liquid nor solid but intermediate between them, in particular not sufficiently strong according to the method according to the Jacobs methodology, but the monomers have already started to polymerize with each other, starting to form part of the polymer network. Intermediate state conversion C of some acrylate monomers_vIt may for example be between 20% and 80%, or the intermediate state of conversion of some other monomer is higher than 10% and/or lower than 67%. For conversion C which is generally higher than 80%_vThe curable material is considered to be in a solid state. For some acrylate monomers, for conversion C above 67%_vThe curable material is considered to be in a solid state. Depending on the material, the curable material is considered to be in the solid state for conversions above the critical conversion, which may be empirically determined to be between about 60% and about 80%.

The conversion rate characterizing the intermediate and solid states depends on the curing surface energy E (or light dose) originating from the light source, the absorption characteristics of the curable material, and the efficiency with which the initiator polymerizes the curable material. FIG. 1 shows the conversion C as a function of the curing surface energy E of an irradiation-curable material in the case of acrylate monomers_v(in%).

As can be seen in FIG. 1, in some cases, particularly for free radical chain growth polymerization, as long as the curing surface energy E is lower than the induced surface energy E_IThe conversion will remain close to 0. During this period (referred to as the "induction period"), the curable material remains liquid and does not polymerize. In the case of radical chain growth polymerization, the reaction between the primary radicals formed by activation of the initiator and the monomer is quenched by an inhibitor (here, dioxygen) which preferentially reacts with said radicals and thus prevents reaction with the monomer. In thatDuring the induction period, the curable material receives a curing surface energy E which is thus used to consume the inhibitor, here dioxygen. When the curable material receives a cured surface energy E that reaches an induced surface energy E_IThe polymerization process takes place.

It should be noted that some polymerization processes do not have an induction period, such as some cationic chain extension polymerization. In this case, the present invention is still applicable with negligible induced surface energy (in this case, the "second curing surface energy threshold" to be defined hereinafter is also negligible).

As long as the total curing surface energy received remains below the critical Jacobs energy E_CWhile the polymerization process continues and the conversion C is continued_vAt an elevated level (with monomer conversion), the curable material remains non-solid but becomes increasingly stronger.

Critical Jacobs energy E_CIs defined as the minimum surface energy required to achieve a solid state sufficient to print a layer of theoretical thickness 0. Since the surface energy of the cure is related to the state of matter, the corresponding conversion C_vCritical Jacobs energy E with given material_CAnd (6) pairing. In some cases of acrylate monomers polymerized by radical chain growth polymerization, the corresponding conversion C_vAbout 60% to 80%.

Critical Jacobs energy E_CIs based on the stereolithography of the International Solid Freeform Fabrication workshop (Paul F. Jacobs, Fundamentals of stereolithography in International Solid Freeform Fabrication workshop)]，1992)：

{th＝D_P*ln(E/E_C) Where E is the curing surface energy, E_cIs the critical Jacobs energy, D_PIs the light depth penetration value of the cured surface energy within the curable material, and th is the polymerized thickness.

Depth of penetration D of light_PAnd critical Jacobs energy E_CObtained from working curves derived from Jacobs experiments. The experiment involves irradiating a curable material (here a resin) with a known set of curing surface energies and measuring the corresponding polymerized thickness of the measurable solid material. The working curve is a semi-logarithmic plot of measured polymer thickness as a function of the natural logarithm (ln) of the cured surface energy E.

Fig. 9 shows an example of such an operating curve. As can be seen in this figure, the working curve is a straight line. Depth of penetration D of light_PIs the slope of the working curve, the critical Jacobs energy E_CIs the intersection between the abscissa axis and the working curve.

Energy E above critical Jacobs_CAt this point, the curable material begins to form a measurable solid portion where the monomer conversion need not be increased more to obtain a solid polymeric material, even though the increased conversion may further alter the physical and/or optical properties. Accordingly, for non-zero material thicknesses, so long as the total curing surface energy received remains below the Jacobs energy E_JWhile the polymerization process continues and the conversion C is_vAt an elevated level, the desired layer of curable material is in a gel state and becomes increasingly stronger.

Jacobs energy E_JA given curable material corresponding to a given thickness is such that the entire given thickness is hardened to a minimum cured surface energy sufficient for the solid state to be measured according to the Jacobs methodology. Jacobs energy E_JIs derived from the Jacobs equation, following a set of critical Jacobs energies E_CCorresponding to the light depth penetration value D of the curable material_PAnd the desired thickness th of the layer. In the case of acrylate monomers cured by a free radical chain-growth polymerization process, the corresponding conversion C_vTypically around 60% to 80%. Depending on this range of conversion, it should be noted that the monomer conversion need not be increased more to obtain a solid polymeric material, even though the increased conversion may further alter the physical and/or optical properties.

It should be noted that within 3D printing conventional practice in other domains than lens manufacturing, the curing surface energy applied to a given layer is set to be greater than the Jacobs energy E_JMore generally, the energy provides sufficient energy to harden the layer, which increases the thickness by about 50% to about 200%, into a solid state. In other words, Jacobs energy E_JMay be included in a layer 15 of thickness consideredCritical Jacobs energy E of 0% layer_CCritical Jacobs energy E with a layer thickness of 300% of the layer under consideration_CIn the meantime. The present invention sets aside these practices in order to meet the optical requirements of ophthalmic applications.

Fig. 2 shows a manufacturing system 1 suitable for manufacturing optical elements by DLP-SLA process. The manufacturing system comprises a forming unit 3, a container 10, a support 15 and a displacement device 20.

The forming unit 3 comprises an energy source 2, an optical system 4 and a computer element 6. The forming unit 3 is adapted to, upon execution of the instructions, implement a method of manufacturing the optical element 100 as described below. In practice, the computer element 6 comprises a microprocessor and a memory (not shown). The microprocessor is adapted to execute instructions for manufacturing the optical element 100 and the memory stores the instructions. As an example, the computer element 6 is programmed to generate instructions as to the magnitude of the curing surface energy for each successive step of providing the curing surface energy, and as to the image pattern (or light pattern) to be projected onto the surface 55 of the curable material 50. These instructions are transmitted, for example, to the energy source 2 and/or the optical system 4.

The energy source 2 is adapted to irradiate the surface 55 of the curable material 50 with a curing surface energy. The energy source 2 provides a beam of light, for example ultraviolet light, which is directed by the optical system 4 to the curable material 50.

The optical system 4 is adapted to project light from the energy source 2 onto the surface 55 of the curable material 50. The optical system 4 comprises a plurality of micro mirrors 8 arranged in a grid format. The micromirrors 8 are separated from each other by a certain gap (as in practice, there is no possibility of complete bonding between two adjacent micromirrors). The micromirror 8 is, for example, a significantly square shape having, for example, 8 x 8 μm²The size of (2). For a pitch between micromirrors of about 10.8 μm, the air gap is comprised between 1 μm and 10 μm, for example, around 2.8 μm. Once projected onto the surface 55 of the curable material 50, the micro mirrors 8 form a projection pixel having a given pitch, including a direct projection of the micro mirrors and the voids. For example, the pitch may be about 40 × 40 μm, with about 30 × 30 μm corresponding to the projection of the micromirrors separated by a gap of about 10 μm.

It should be noted that there are other alternative combinations of energy sources and optical systems. For example, the formation of the image pattern may be entirely produced by the energy source using a micromirror or an LCD or LED screen, and the optical system provides only positioning and focusing effects. Alternatively, the energy source may provide energy in a continuous or regular burst and the optical system produces an image pattern on top of the positioning and focusing effect. Further, the size of the micromirror or LCD or LED pixels or projected pixels may be different from the current example without departing from the invention.

As can be seen in fig. 2, the optical system 4 here comprises a projection system 7 adapted to direct an ultraviolet light beam from the energy source 2 to a plurality of micro mirrors 8.

The curable material 50 is stored in the container 10 in a liquid state. Once polymerized, curable material 50 forms optical element 100 supported by support 15. In practice, the support 15 is partially immersed in a vat of curable material 50 such that a portion of the liquid curable material 50 is located on top of the support 15. The light beam provided by the energy source 2 thus impinges on this part of the curable material 50. When this part is polymerized, the part of the optical element formed is thus on the support 15.

As described hereinafter, according to the present invention, the optical element is formed in a plurality of portions (in the embodiment, in a plurality of layers).

First, an initial portion of curable material 50 is used to form optical element 100. This initial portion is at least partially cured before another portion of uncured curable material (referred to as the "first portion") is deposited onto this initial portion. The first part of this first part is then cured.

The cured part of the initial portion serves as a mechanical basis for this first part of the optical element 100.

In other words, according to the present invention, a first portion of uncured curable material is placed on the initial portion (i.e. between the initial portion and the energy source 2 adapted to irradiate the surface of the curable material).

In this specification, the term "uncured" refers to a fresh curable material that is completely unpolymerized. The first portion is then formed by irradiating this first portion of uncured curable material.

As a first part, the cured part of the initial part is finally an integral part of the optical element.

It should be noted that the support may comprise a support beam or structure formed of a cured curable material for supporting the lens.

The manufacturing system 1 further comprises a displacement device 20. The displacement device 20 is adapted to move the support 15 with the optical element 100 formed thereon relative to the vat of curable material. This displacement device 20 allows the support 15 to move vertically relative to the vat of settable material along an axis which is substantially orthogonal to the surface 55 of the settable material 20. This vertical movement of the support 15 allows for control of the thickness of the polymerization of the liquid curable material 50. Thus, the displacement device 20 allows to control the thickness of the polymeric layer.

In the present example, the displacement device 20 also allows for horizontal movement along an axis that is substantially parallel to the surface 55 of the settable material 50.

As shown in fig. 2, the manufacturing system 1 here includes a recoater device 12. This recoater device 12 is, for example, suitable for spreading some curable material on top of a previous layer of curable material. An alternative method does not use a recoater and may position a film on the surface of the curable material to achieve flatness of the material and control the thickness of the curable material added on top of the previous layer of curable material.

As previously described, according to the present invention, the optical element 100 is manufactured by irradiating the curable material 50 with the cured surface energy.

In practice, the illumination is based on an image pattern associated with a group of pixels within the energy source 2 or the optical system 4, in the form of LCD or LED pixels or micromirrors, such as Digital Micromirror Devices (DMDs). The set of pixels is projected by the forming unit 3 onto the surface 55 of the curable material. However, as presented previously, in practice the micromirrors 8 are not fully bonded, with some air gap between them. Thus, the projected image on the surface of the curable material includes some shadow areas corresponding to the voids. These shaded areas are less exposed to the energy of the curing surface. These shaded areas thus correspond to less aggregated areas. Repetition of such regular variations in polymerization rate within the same layer and repeating one layer after another results in the formation of observable diffraction defects. Such defects are incompatible with the desired optical quality of the ophthalmic lenses.

It should be noted that for the purposes of illustration, the mechanism is simplified and it is considered hereinafter that the shadow areas corresponding to the projection of the voids of a given image pattern are not illuminated and do not aggregate during illumination associated with the image pattern. However, the invention is not constrained by this illustration, and the examples described using this simplified mechanism apply mutatis mutandis to the case where the shaded region receives curable surface energy and thus the corresponding curable material may polymerize. In those cases, it is still noted that the shaded areas contain a material that does not polymerize as well as in the direct projection of the micromirror or LCD or LED pixel.

Indeed, the inventors have noted that even in the case of very high curable surface energies, and during a single projection illumination of the image pattern, the shadow areas receive sufficient surface energy to become solid in the Jacobs sense, the polymerization rate and/or the rhythm of the shadow areas being lower than the areas corresponding to the direct projection of the micromirrors, leading to the formation of observable diffraction defects. Further, since the polymerization kinetics are different in the shadow areas and the areas directly projected by the micromirrors (called bright areas), the polymer network is different between the shadow areas and the bright areas, resulting in different optical properties. This therefore results in a periodic variation of the optical characteristic with a spatial frequency corresponding to the pitch of the projected pixels.

In this specification, a pixel is defined as the image on the surface of the curable material of the micromirror 8 and half of the gap between two adjacent micromirrors locally around the micromirror 8 under consideration.

The present invention advantageously allows for homogeneous polymerization for the manufacture of optical element 100. Two exemplary embodiments are performed in accordance with the present invention.

A first embodiment is shown in fig. 3 to 5. For example, the first embodiment is primarily performed by a layer of curable material 50. The first embodiment may for example be performed mainly in the first molding layer of the optical element 100 or in another layer formed on top of the other layers.

According to the examples shown in fig. 3 to 5, the first embodiment is here mainly performed on the first formed layer of the optical element 100.

According to this first embodiment, an initial image pattern and an associated initial set of pixels are determined to impart a first cured surface energy E on a surface 55 of a curable material₁. First curing surface energy E₁Strictly below a first predetermined energy threshold T₁。

First predetermined energy threshold T₁Lower than or equal to a predetermined energy threshold T for solids_S. Predetermined energy threshold T of solid_SCorresponding to an energy with sufficient "green strength", which means an energy sufficient to cure the first part of the optical element 100 in order to process it but lower than the energy to fully cure the first part of the optical element. The first portion of the optical element 100 is formed of a single layer, for example. The term "green body" herein refers to an initially formed photopolymerizable object as distinct from a final object that is subjected to additional thermal curing after the additive manufacturing process. About this energy threshold T_SMore details of can be found in the article "Polymers for 3D Printing and custom Additive Manufacturing [ Polymers for 3D Printing and custom Additive Manufacturing]", Samuel Clark Ligon, Robert Liska, Jurgen Stampfl, Matthias Gurr and Rolf Mulhaupt, chemical reviews 2017117 (15), 10212 one 10290, DOI 10.1021/acs chemrev.7b 00074.

In other words, the predetermined energy threshold T of the solid_SCorresponding to an energy sufficient to make the first portion of the optical element 100 solid throughout the thickness of the first portion of the optical element 100.

In addition, a predetermined energy threshold T for the solid_SStrictly above the induced surface energy E_IE.g. above the induced surface energy E_ITwice as much. The predetermined energy threshold T of the solid_SIt is sufficient to obtain a more robust part than the part which has not polymerized.

A first predetermined energyThreshold value T₁Is the critical Jacobs energy E_CIs equal to the critical Jacobs energy E_C. As another example, the first predetermined energy threshold T₁Is the recommended energy E_JHereinafter also referred to as Jacobs energy E_JFrom the Jacobs equation previously described (Jacobs energy E, according to the definition of Jacobs equation)_JEnergy E above critical Jacobs_C) And (6) obtaining. For example, a predetermined energy threshold T for a solid_SEqual to Jacobs energy E_J。

First curing surface energy E₁Above a second predetermined energy threshold T₂. In practice, this second predetermined energy threshold T₂Equal to the induced surface energy E previously described_I(polymerization thus takes place, inhibiting dioxygen already being largely consumed).

As an illustrative example, consider a curable material based on an acrylate monomer, whose critical Jacobs energy E is_CWas determined to be 5mJ and the light depth penetration value Dp was 200 μm. To build up a layer with a thickness of 10 μm, the first threshold should therefore be T₁＝5.26mJ(＝E_J). The second threshold value is about T₂＝0.21mJ。

In this example, in order to reach the first predetermined energy threshold T in 4 different irradiations₁The first curing energy E can be selected₁Is equal to E₁＝1.66mJ。

This initial pixel set is projected onto the surface 55 of the curable material 50, which is above the support 15. An initial layer 35a is formed. However, due to the first curing surface energy E₁Energy E strictly below critical Jacobs_CThe curable material thus irradiated is not in a solid state but in an intermediate state between a liquid state and a solid state.

Fig. 3 shows an example of a top view of traces of the projected image on the curable material 50. The trace shows the alternation of intermediate state regions 30a (directly irradiated and undergoing polymerization) and unpolymerized regions 32a (not directly irradiated). The unaggregated areas 32a correspond to the aforementioned shaded areas and originate from the spaces between the micromirrors 8, and are unaggregated in this example. It should be reminded that this example is a simplified version of what happens in reality. It is expected that for most polymeric materials, the insufficiently polymerized areas will still be partially illuminated by diffusion of light or by dispersion of a virtual light beam corresponding to the pixel, or by migration of active species from the pixel to the shaded area, or by other means.

In order to cover the entire surface of the curable material with a similar amount of cured surface energy (and thus polymerize the entire initial layer 35a as uniformly as possible), several pixel groups need to be projected successively onto the same surface of the curable material. Several other corresponding curing surfaces can thus be applied directly one after the other on the initial layer 35a (a new layer of curable material is then added on this initial layer 35 a). Each of the other solidification surface energies is above a second predetermined energy threshold T₂And strictly below the first predetermined energy threshold T₁. Preferably, each of the other curing surface energies is strictly below the critical Jacobs energy E_C. Other curing surface energies are determined to polymerize the entire initiation layer (in other words, to obtain a high conversion, for example, higher than 0.70, in the main part of the initiation layer 35 a). The other curing surface energies are thus determined such that the first curing surface energy E₁And each other curing surface energy received by the initiation layer 35a is sufficient to render the initiation layer 35a solid. In particular, the first curing surface energy E₁The sum of each other solidification surface energy received with the initial layer 35a is higher than the solid predetermined energy threshold T_S. Preferably, the first curing surface energy E₁And the sum of the energy of each of the other cured surfaces received by the initiation layer 35a is greater than or equal to 1.2 times the energy of Jacobs (E)_J) Preferably greater than or equal to 1.5 times the Jacobs energy (E)_J). As introduced previously, a voxel is a volume element formed by a square pixel and the thickness of a layer.

To compensate for shadow regions, each projected pixel group is shifted from the previous projected pixel group by a distance less than the pixel size (or pitch). In other words, this means that the relative position of the set of projected pixels is defined with respect to the other set of projected pixels such that at least one pixel of the set of projected pixels at least partially covers two pixels of the other set of projected pixels. This overlap allows a limited number of projected pixel sets to be used to smooth the aggregation. Advantageously, there are at least 3 groups of projected pixels, each pixel having a shadow area in at least 2 directions, forming an x-axis and a y-axis, in particular if the pixels are apparently square or have a diamond shape or an apparently rectangular shape. The three pixel groups are such that at least one of the projected pixel groups is displaced along the x-axis and the y-axis relative to at least one of the other projected pixel groups.

According to a first embodiment, the number n of projected pixel groups is determined in order to cover the entire surface of the curable material. The number n is optimized together with the n corresponding displacements in order to minimize, according to the n projection pixel sets, the variation of the state of matter or of the conversion in the initial layer once irradiated by the n curing surface energies and, when possible, further minimize the variation of the polymerization kinetics (which correspond to the curing rhythm applied to the curable material). In other words, the relative position of each of the n sets of projection pixels (and hence the n associated projection images) is determined so as to minimize the variation in the total curing surface energy received between each voxel of the initial layer 35a when all curing steps are completed, including the various shadow regions. In practice, the number n depends on the target resolution (with respect to aggregation) in terms of homogeneity.

In this first embodiment, the number n is an integer equal to or greater than 3. In other words, this means that at least three sets of projection pixels (and hence a combination of at least three curing surface energies) are required to polymerize the initial layer 35 a.

In practice, the arrangement of all relative positions of the projection pixel groups may define a cycle that allows covering the entire surface of the curable material. For example, the loops may be square or diamond shaped or triangular.

In the example shown in fig. 3 to 5, the number n is equal to 3, which means that three sets of projection pixels (and therefore three corresponding projection images) are required to uniformly aggregate the surface 55 of curable material available on top of the support 15.

Fig. 4 shows an overlay of the projections of the second pixel set overlapping the projection of the initial pixel set. The projection of the second pixel set is shifted about half a pixel pitch along the x-axis and about half a pixel pitch along the y-axis relative to the first projected pixel set. In practice, the support 15 may be moved to obtain such a displacement between the two pixel groups. Alternatively, the arrangement of the optical system 4 may introduce a displacement.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, a substantial portion of the surface of the curable material polymerizes to be visible, having a region of intermediate state 30b (for some voxels of the initiation layer, the sum of the first and second cured surface energies is below a first predetermined energy threshold T₁). However, some insufficiently polymerized regions 32b remain (the insufficiently polymerized regions located at the boundaries are considered below).

Fig. 5 shows the superposition of a third pixel group on the second pixel group. To cover the unpolymerized area 32b, the projection of the third pixel group is shifted with respect to the first and second pixel groups by about one-third of the pixel pitch along the x-axis and by about one-third of the pixel pitch along the y-axis for the first pixel group. In this figure, the entire central area of the initial layer 35a has been irradiated at least once. In practice, some local regions at the intersection of the three projections of the first, second and third pixel groups are above a first predetermined energy threshold T at the total received energy₁And is actually polymerized. However, some previously unpolymerized areas 32b receive only one or two shots, the total curing energy received being strictly below the first predetermined energy threshold T₁. Thus, after projection of the third pixel group, the previously insufficiently aggregated region 32b is still in an intermediate state. In practice, these regions will more aggregate, forming one or more layers that overlap the initial layer 35 a. However, Jacobs energy E is provided at one time using only one set of pixels_JThe central zone 35a according to this example shows improved conversion and uniformity of polymerization kinetics. In this first embodiment, the other layers are formed in the same manner as the initial layer 35 a.

To develop another illustrative example of this first embodiment, the pixel area 500 is subdivided into 9 regions and the associated inter-pixel area is divided into 7 regions. This subdivision is illustrated in FIG. 13Represents, thus defining, 16 different zones Z₁、Z₂、Z₃、Z₄、Z₅、Z₆、Z₇、Z₈、Z₉、Z₁₀、Z₁₁、Z₁₂、Z₁₃、Z₁₄、Z₁₅、Z₁₆. The previously defined set of drop pixels covers 9 regions simultaneously (as shown by the shaded area in fig. 13).

In this variant of the first embodiment, the number n is an integer equal to 4. In other words, this means that four sets of projection pixels (and hence a combination of four curing surface energies) are required to polymerize the initial layer.

Considering only the successive projections of these four pixel groups, as far as the pixel area 500 is concerned, fig. 14 to 17 show 16 successively illuminated areas Z₁、Z₂、Z₃、Z₄、Z₅、Z₆、Z₇、Z₈、Z₉、Z₁₀、Z₁₁、Z₁₂、Z₁₃、Z₁₄、Z₁₅、Z₁₆. Here, we focus on 16 regions Z of one pixel region 500₁、Z₂、Z₃、Z₄、Z₅、Z₆、Z₇、Z₈、Z₉、Z₁₀、Z₁₁、Z₁₂、Z₁₃、Z₁₄、Z₁₅、Z₁₆(even though some other pixel regions are shown in these figures).

Fig. 14 shows 9 regions illuminated in the projection of the first pixel group. As can be seen in this figure, only the shaded area Z₁、Z₂、Z₃、Z₄、Z₅、Z₆、Z₇、Z₈、Z₉Is directly irradiated.

The projection of the second group of pixels is shifted, here sliding in the x-direction. Fig. 15 shows a state of the pixel region 500. Since the projection of the second pixel group overlaps the projection of the first pixel group, some regions, here Z₃、Z₆、Z₉And irradiated a second time. Some zones Z₂、Z₅、Z₈、Z₁₀、Z₁₁、Z₁₂Is directly irradiated only once, while some areas Z₁₃、Z₁₄、Z₁₅、Z₁₆One of the first two shots was not received.

The projection shift of the third pixel group, here a sliding in the-y direction in fig. 15. Fig. 16 shows a state of the pixel region 500. Since the projection of the third pixel group overlaps the projection of the first and second pixel groups, a region Z₉Is irradiated directly for the third time. Some zones Z₃、Z₆、Z₉、Z₁₂After this projection two shots are received. Some other zone Z₁、Z₂、Z₄、Z₅、Z₇、Z₈、Z₁₀、Z₁₁、Z₁₅、Z₁₆Only one shot is received. Two zones Z₁₃、Z₁₄One of the three shots is still not received directly.

The projection of the fourth pixel group is shifted, here sliding in the-x direction of fig. 16. Fig. 17 shows a state of the pixel region 500. Since the projection of the fourth pixel group overlaps the projection of the first, second and third pixel groups, a region Z₉Is directly irradiated for the fourth time. Some zones Z₃、Z₆、Z₇、Z₈、Z₁₂、Z₁₅After this projection, two shots are received. Other areas receive illumination only once.

It should be noted, however, that the projections of the second, third and fourth pixel groups cover adjacent pixel areas, in particular certain areas of said adjacent pixel areas. Accordingly, considering a pixel region 500 within a volume of a material block, which is surrounded by other neighboring pixel regions 500, corresponding groups of pixels of these neighboring pixel regions may overlap with the pixel region 500.

Accordingly, it should be understood that the correct illumination rate received by each pixel region of pixel area 500 as a whole must take into account illumination from the projection corresponding to pixel area 500, but illumination from the projection corresponding to the adjacent pixel area must also be taken into account.

Therefore, the temperature of the molten metal is controlled,in this example, 4 of the above-described projected pixel groups within a layer, zone Z, are used₁、Z₃、Z₇、Z₉I.e. corresponding to 25% of the surface of the pixel area 500, has received energy corresponding to 4 shots, here sufficient to be greater than a first predetermined energy threshold T₁More energy. Further, zone Z₂、Z₄、Z₆、Z₈、Z₁₀、Z₁₂、Z₁₃、Z₁₅Namely: 50% of the surface corresponding to the pixel area 500 receives only 2 shots, here below the first threshold T1, even below the critical Jacobs energy E_C. Finally, zone Z₅、Z₁₁、Z₁₄、Z₁₆I.e., 25% of the surface corresponding to the pixel area 500, receives only one shot. Further, in this case, each cluster region of the pixel region 500 that has received a given illumination value is spread out in the most uniform possible manner.

Accordingly, the first embodiment may comply with the conditions of the second embodiment (described below) over about 75% of its surface, since the sum of 2 shots of curing energy is typically lower than the Jacobs energy, and often lower than the critical Jacobs energy E_CAnd the sum of 4 shots is higher than the Jacobs energy. Accordingly, such a case or the like in which the number or arrangement of displacements between shots is different may be included as the boundary case of the second embodiment.

Further, if the second layer is formed on the first layer and a similar set of 4 projected pixels is slightly shifted to invert the portion of the area of the pixel area 500 that is more or less illuminated than the first layer, after 2 layers all areas of the pixel area 500 should receive about the same energy, i.e.: 4 or 5 shots. This teaching can be applied mutatis mutandis to similar cases with different number and arrangement of shifts between the illuminations.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a second example of homogeneous polymerization. The second embodiment is for example performed by several layers of curable material.

Before describing the second embodiment, we can observe in fig. 10 the transmission of the curing surface energy of the irradiated curable material through the depth D of the optical element formed by the different layers.

The optical element here passes through the different layers L_n-6、L_n-5、L_n-4、L_n-3、L_n-2、L_n-1And L_nIs formed by stacking of L as an initial layer_n-6The last layer is L_n。

Curve F₁Corresponding to the critical Jacobs energy E_CThe higher curing surface energy is applied on each layer to fully cure the layer and then place another layer on top of this layer. As explained before, the corresponding layer is thus directly hardened. The efficiency of the cured surface energy transmission through the layers is not high and discontinuities between the different layers are evident (these discontinuities are also shown in fig. 12).

In FIG. 10, curve F₂Refer to the invention, in particular to reaching a critical Jacobs energy E after irradiation of at least one further layer_CAnd the situation where Jacobs energy is reached after at least two further layers (as shown in the figure, since layer L_n-1Is less than the critical Jacobs energy E_CMeaning that the layer L is not completely made_n-1And becomes a solid. In this case, the cured surface energy applied to each layer before the other layer is placed thereover is below the critical Jacobs energy E_C. As previously described, under such irradiation, the layer is in an intermediate state between liquid and solid states. The hardening of the layer takes place on successive irradiations until the solid state is reached. Since the different layers are in this intermediate state, the discontinuity between the layers is not as good as with curve F₁The observed discontinuity is significant (this effect appears in fig. 11).

According to a second embodiment (as in the first embodiment described above), an initial image pattern and associated initial pixel groups are determined to impart a first cured surface energy E on the surface of the curable material 50₁. First curing surface energy E₁Strictly below a first predetermined energy threshold T₁(Here is the critical Jacobs energy E_C) And above a second predetermined energy threshold T₂(Here, the induced surface energy E_I)。

This initial set of pixels is projected onto the surface of the curable material above the support 15. An initial layer 35c is formed. However, due to the first curing surface energy E₁Energy E strictly below critical Jacobs_CThe irradiated curable material is in an intermediate state. This intermediate state means that the initial layer 35c is at least partially polymerized.

It should be noted that the first predetermined energy threshold T₁It may also be the Jacobs energy E for a given layer thickness_J. Further, it should be noted that within the context of the present invention, in particular this second embodiment, in order to reach the first predetermined energy threshold T in two or more irradiations₁While each individual irradiation is below a first predetermined energy threshold T₁First curing surface energy E₁Most generally lower than or equal to a first predetermined energy threshold T₁2/3 or even the first predetermined energy threshold T₁Half of that, or even lower. If the light depth penetrates value D_PGreater than the thickness of the two layers, Jacobs energy E_J2/3 below the critical Jacobs energy E_C. Thus, if the first predetermined energy threshold T is exceeded₁Is Jacobs energy E_JIn most practical cases, the first curing surface energy E₁Substantially below the critical Jacobs energy E_C. In other words, the invention may be described as such that the first cured surface energy E₁Below a first predetermined energy threshold T₁(preferably less than or equal to the critical Jacobs energy E_C) And the first curing surface energy E₁Second curing surface energy E₂And the sum of the received possible intermediate curing surface energies between the first and second curing surface energies is greater than or equal to a primary first predetermined energy threshold T₁Preferably greater than or equal to the Jacobs energy E for a given layer thickness_J。

In other words, in this second embodiment, the first curing surface energy E applied directly to the layer₁Below a first predetermined energy threshold T₁And the total curing surface energy applied directly and indirectly to the layer (i.e. directly or through other layers) is greater than or equal to a first predetermined energy threshold T₁。

The predetermined energy threshold T₁Can be equal to the critical Jacobs energy E_C. However, E_cIs empirically achieved and is prone to measurement errors, which is why we prefer to consider Jacobs energy E_JAnd preferably a manufacturing process according to which the Jacobs energy is reached after irradiation of at least two further layers. Indeed, in this case, depending on the material, a curing surface energy comprised between one third and one half of the calculated Jacobs energy may be used, ensuring that the effective curing surface energy will be less than the critical Jacobs energy, despite any measurement errors.

Fig. 6 shows an example of a side view of the initial layer 35 c. The initial layer 35c comprises an alternation of intermediate state regions 30c (directly irradiated and undergoing polymerisation, hereinafter referred to as bright regions) and insufficiently polymerised regions 32c (not directly irradiated and, for the simplified example, considered to be unpolymerised). The insufficiently polymerized regions 32c correspond to the aforementioned shaded regions and originate from the spaces between the micromirrors 8.

According to the second embodiment, the shadow areas 32c are compensated during the formation of one or several other layers on top of the initial layer 35c in such a way that the shadow areas 32c of each layer do not overlap.

Each of the other layers is fabricated based on at least one irradiation having a corresponding cured surface energy. In practice, the number H of shots of the surface of the curable material on the different layers is determined so that a portion of each corresponding cured surface energy is received by at least a portion of the first initial layer, and H shots are sufficient and receive a value corresponding to a first predetermined energy threshold T for said portion of the first initial layer₁A corresponding curing surface energy, here Jacobs energy E, is necessary_J. In other words, the quantity H corresponds to the quantity of irradiation received by the first initial layer during the formation of the plurality of superposed layers, so as to receive the Jacobs energy E_J. In other words, in order to respect the determined value of the number H, the sum of the energies received by the considered layers during H-1 irradiations (each energy being received directly or through the other layers) is lower thanPredetermined energy threshold T of solid_SAnd the sum of the energies received by the considered layers (received directly or through other layers) during the H irradiations is greater than or equal to a solid predetermined energy threshold T_S. In other words, in order to comply with the determination of the quantity H, the first curing surface energy (E) must be chosen₁) Penetration value D by light depth_PIs molded such that H-1 is multiplied by the first curing surface energy E₁Less than a first predetermined energy threshold T₁And H times the first cure surface energy E₁Greater than or equal to a first predetermined energy threshold T₁。

In this embodiment, the number H corresponds to the total number of shots, since each layer produces a single shot. Accordingly, once a layer is irradiated by the corresponding curing surface energy of the layer, part of the energy is used within this layer to initiate polymerization of the curable material of this layer, while part of the energy is transferred to the already present layer, overlapping the curing surface energy. Within those layers, part of the energy is used within the closest layer to promote polymerization of the curable material, while the remainder is further transmitted within the curable material.

In a variant, we can consider the other case, namely the mixing between the first and second embodiments. In this variant, the method comprises H steps of irradiating the layers, some or all of the steps comprising the sub-step of directly irradiating the same layer more than once (some layers receiving more than one direct irradiation).

In a second embodiment, each layer receives directly each corresponding cured surface energy above a second predetermined energy threshold T₂. The values of the H corresponding curing surface energies are chosen such that in the voxel portion overlapping the H curing surface energies, the first curing surface energy E₁And the sum of the corresponding curing surface energies received by each voxel is greater than or equal to a predetermined energy threshold T for solids_S(so as to polymerize the entire thickness of the initial layer).

According to an embodiment of the invention, the number H is an integer greater than or equal to 3, which defines the kinetics of the process used. Each corresponding curing surface energy received is dependent on a depth penetration value D of the curing surface energy within the curable material_PThus taking into account the light absorption of the curable material. In other words, each corresponding surface energy needs to be sufficient to traverse several layers in order to aggregate a particular voxel, if necessary.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the number of layers H and the layer thickness are determined such that the product of the number of layers H and the layer thickness is equal to or less than the optical depth penetration value D of the curable surface energy within the curable material_P. In practice, to compensate for shadow areas in a given layer, the set of projected pixels forming the contour of curable surface energy for this given layer is shifted with respect to the set of projected pixels forming the contour of curable surface energy for one or more layers above or below the given layer. Thus, in an embodiment, the light depth penetration value D_PSufficiently high to limit local variations in the state of the curable material between the pixels of the projected pixel group and may therefore be greater than the product of the number of layers times the layer thickness described above.

According to the second embodiment, in a practical manner, after the initial layer 35c has been formed, it has been subjected to a first curable surface energy E₁Irradiating, adding a portion of uncured curable material on top of it to form a new layer. This portion of uncured curable material is placed between the initiation layer 35c and the energy source. In practice, the curable material is added, for example, by the recoater 12. Alternatively, the support 15 (bearing the initial layer 35c) may be moved vertically by the displacement device 20 in order to immerse the initial layer 35c in the curable material, in order to add some liquid curable material (corresponding to the uncured curable material) on top of the downloaded initial layer 35c with or without the aid of the membrane.

Before this liquid curable material (or uncured curable material) is illuminated with another set of projected pixels, the manufacturing system 1 is adjusted in such a way that another set of pixels is projected so as to cover the shadow area 32 c. In practice, the support 15 may be displaced along an axis that is substantially parallel to the surface of the curable material. As an alternative, which is simpler in operation, the optical system 4 may be adjusted in such a way that another set of projected pixels is shifted and projected on the shadow area 32 c.

As shown in FIG. 7, another layer is formed on top of the initiation layer 35cOne layer 37c such that pixels illuminating at least a portion of the curable surface energy of the other layer 37c corresponding to the light areas cover at least one unpolymerized area 32 c. By repeating this step, the portion of the initial layer 35c that overlaps with the H shots is polymerized into a state considered to be solid, since the corresponding curing surface energy is transmitted through the different layers, since the sum of the first curing surface energy and the other curing surface energies is higher than or equal to the predetermined energy threshold T of the solid_S. It should be reminded that the term "unaggregated" is used for the area 32c, since the examples are presented for the sake of simplifying the description as described above. In practice, the unpolymerized regions 32c may polymerize slightly, even if polymerization is lower than the bright regions 30 c.

An advantage of this approach, with or without managing the shadow zones, is that the curable material of the overlying layers can organize itself in such a way that the material of the layers interpenetrate (which reduces defects) due to the process of interlayer collapse that occurs when in the intermediate state of matter. For this reason, a high degree of control of the light dose distribution is required. In particular, the smaller the change in the state of matter between neighboring voxels, the better the defect reduction. Without being bound by theory, fig. 11 and 12 show simplified illustrations of the placement of curable material in the context of the present invention and in the context of the prior art as understood by the present inventors, respectively. As can be seen in FIG. 12 (representing the prior art), several layers L_n-1、L_n-2、L_n-3、L_n-4In the solid state S. However, when using energy E above the critical Jacobs_CIs irradiated, each layer becomes solid S independently of the other layers, in particular each layer is in solid S before the formation of the other layer. Discontinuous material properties are thus observed in particular at the interfaces between the layers. As shown in FIG. 11 with respect to the present invention, layer L_n-3、L_n-4In the solid state S, layer L_n-1、L_n-2In an intermediate state In and layer n is still In a liquid state L. When the curable material is irradiated in such a way that the superposed layers can organize themselves, a continuous material property can be observed.

The use of this embodiment of the invention thus improves the optical quality with respect to optical defects associated with the stacking of layers of material used. In fact, it has been noted that the formation of an optical device having a stack of multiple layers causes a pattern repetition, which is formed by a variation of the optical characteristics between the core of a layer and the interface between two layers. This repeated alternation of the optical properties causes the formation of diffraction defects, hereinafter stacking defects, even in the case of slight variations in the optical properties. These stacking faults are even further pronounced if the optical device is constructed such that the layers are arranged substantially parallel to the optical axis.

Accordingly, with the present invention, the transition from one layer to another is more uniform and those stacking faults are minimized or even avoided.

Further, if used in conjunction with the management of the shadow areas described above, the optical quality with respect to optical defects associated with the use of a pixelated energy source or optical system 4 is further improved.

We consider illustrative example A, where the curable material is based on methacrylate monomers, an experimentally determined critical Jacobs energy E_CIs 7mJ, and a light depth penetration value D_PIs 200. To build up a layer with a thickness of 10 μm, a first threshold value (here equal to the Jacobs energy E)_J) Thus will be T₁＝7.56mJ(＝E_J). The second threshold value is about T₂＝0.12mJ。

The first curing surface energy was chosen to verify the following relationship T₂<E₁＝3.2mJ<T₁Causing the first threshold to be reached after irradiating about 2 further layers.

Considering the subdivision of the pixel regions previously described in fig. 13, example a corresponds to the case of a projection without shifting different pixel groups.

FIG. 18 shows the conversion C as a function of successive exposures in the case of this example A_VEvolution of (c). Two curves are distinguished in this figure.

Curve C₁Is horizontal, corresponding to a conversion rate close to 0. This curve C₁Corresponding to the area of the pixel area that does not receive illumination. Considering that the projection pixel group is the projection pixel group shown in fig. 14, the curve C is₁Showing the area Z not directly illuminated₁₀、Z₁₁、Z₁₂、Z₁₃、Z₁₄、Z₁₅、Z₁₆Evolution of the conversion of (c). These areas Z are due to the fact that the projection of the pixel groups is not shifted during illumination₁₀、Z₁₁、Z₁₂、Z₁₃、Z₁₄、Z₁₅、Z₁₆Still not directly illuminated. These regions thus correspond to the previously described unpolymerized regions 32 c.

As in fig. 18 with respect to curve C₂It can be seen that for some other areas of the pixel area, the conversion rate C is_VRising during irradiation. Considering that the projection pixel group is the projection pixel group shown in fig. 14, the curve C is₁Showing the area Z being directly illuminated₁、Z₂、Z₃、Z₄、Z₅、Z₆、Z₇、Z₈、Z₉Evolution of the conversion of (c). Conversion C with several exposures of these areas_VIt will rise until 100% of the maximum conversion is reached. Corresponding zone Z₁、Z₂、Z₃、Z₄、Z₅、Z₆、Z₇、Z₈、Z₉And thus fully cured (and corresponding to the previously described light regions 30 c).

As can be seen in fig. 18, there is a large difference in conversion between the two regions, resulting in the formation of defects.

It should be reminded that this example a is a simplified version of the situation that occurs in reality, so in practice the unaggregated region 32c may eventually approach a full aggregation. However, the model shows that their aggregation is completely different from region 30c in mode, kinetics and rhythm.

We consider another illustrative example, referred to below as example B, using a critical Jacobs energy E based on having 7mJ_CAnd an optical depth penetration value D of 200_PThe same curable material of methacrylate monomer of value (b). To build up a layer with a thickness of 10 μm, a first threshold value (here equal to the Jacobs energy E)_J) Thus will be T₁＝7.56mJ(＝E_J). The second threshold value is about T₂＝0.2mJ。

The first curing surface energy was chosen to verify the following relationship T₂<E₁＝2.33mJ<T₁Causing the first threshold to be reached after irradiating approximately 2 further layers. For the total number of shots that reached the first threshold, H is 3.

With respect to the characteristics of the projection image of each layer, the parameters are as follows:

-pixel size 30 × 30um

Size of shaded area 10 × 30um

Considering the subdivision of the pixel area previously described in fig. 13, example B corresponds to the case where the projections of different pixel groups are shifted from each other. Here, the projections are shifted according to the scheme presented in fig. 14 to 17 (first in the x-direction, second in the-y-direction, third in the-x-direction). In practice, example B demonstrates the second embodiment. Thus, each displacement of the projection of a group of pixels is associated with a new layer.

FIG. 19 shows the conversion C as a function of successive exposures in the case of this example B_VEvolution of (c). Nine curves are distinguished in this figure.

Each curve corresponds to at least one region of the pixel region 500.

As can be seen in this figure, curve C₁₁The associated conversion evolves smoothly. This means that the corresponding area is directly illuminated by all projections of the different pixel groups. Considering the previously described subdivision of the pixel area 500, curve C₁₁Corresponding to zone Z₁、Z₃、Z₇、Z₉. Since these areas are always irradiated, the conversion C is_VGradually increasing until a maximum conversion of 100% is reached.

And curve C₃The associated conversion increases per stage. During the first irradiation, the corresponding area is not directly irradiated. Thus, the conversion is still close to 0. This area is illuminated when the projection of the pixel group is shifted, for example at the fourth illumination. Thus, this region is illuminated only once during the projection cycle of the pixel group. However, since each irradiation is already constructedForms new layer associations on top of the layer(s) and therefore the cured surface energy actually reaching that area is lower than the surface energy directly received by the other areas (since a portion is absorbed by the layer(s) on top). The conversion is therefore lower.

At curve C₄、C₅、C₇、C₈、C₉The evolution observed in (1) is similar to curve C in form₃The evolution described (and therefore can be derived using the same reasoning).

Curve C₃、C₄、C₅Corresponding to the zone Z directly illuminated once during the projection cycle₅、Z₁₁、Z₁₄、Z₁₆。

However, curve C₇、C₈、C₉The conversion of the represented areas is higher, since these areas correspond to the areas Z which are irradiated twice during the projection cycle₂、Z₄、Z₆、Z₈、Z₁₀、Z₁₂、Z₁₃、Z₁₅. It should be noted that comparing example B with example a shows that the conversion and the uniformity of the polymerization kinetics or rhythm are improved when using a method aimed at managing the shaded areas. In fact, the conversion change in example B is much smaller than in example a. The lens manufactured according to example B has a lower intensity of diffraction defects associated with the pixels forming the cell 3 than the lens manufactured according to example a. Both cases are according to the second embodiment and seek to reduce or eliminate stack diffraction defects.

The manufacturing system 2 shown in fig. 2 and described previously is suitable for performing a method for manufacturing an optical element using additive manufacturing techniques. The examples of the method presented here are described in the context of layer-by-layer manufacturing. The optical element is thus formed by the superposition of different polymeric layers. Alternatively, the method may also be suitable for manufacturing optical elements according to other additive manufacturing techniques (other than stacking of layers).

The process is compatible with chain-growth polymerization (also known as addition polymerization) or step-growth polymerization (also known as polycondensation).

Before the method starts and taking into account the optical element to be manufactured, the computer element 6 determines for each voxel of the optical element the energy it will receive and the state and/or polymerization rate and/or polymerization kinetics of the substance of this voxel. In other words, the computer element 6 determines the number of irradiation steps required to reach the desired state of the curable substance or the desired conversion or kinetics of the polymerization and how much energy will be provided at each step.

Based on these parameters, the computer element 6 derives here the number of layers that need to be formed to manufacture the optical element 100, the number of shots that each voxel of each layer must receive in order for the curable material to become solid, the number of shots H of the different layers used in order for the curable material of a given layer to become solid, and the associated curing surface energy. All of these parameters are determined along the stacking axis of the layers and possibly within each layer in order to produce a uniformly polymerized optical element.

In particular, the computer element 6 may take into account shadow regions that may be formed between the projections of each pixel of the group of pixels. The computer element 6 therefore also deduces the number n of pixel groups to be projected on the surface of the curable material (thus corresponding to the number n of projected images).

The relative position of each projection of a pixel group with respect to the other pixel groups is also determined. As an example, the number n of projected pixel groups is higher than the respective number H of shots per voxel, which means that when projecting n pixel groups, a certain proportion of the respective voxels uses more than the first predetermined energy threshold T₁Greater energy exposure. As an example, this proportion is equal to 50%, meaning that half of the voxel volume receives at least a first predetermined energy threshold T₁. If the number n is greater than the number H, a portion of each voxel may have received cumulatively a first predetermined energy threshold T before projecting the nth pixel group₁. The method begins with the step of providing an initial portion of uncured curable material 50. In practice this means, for example, moving the support 15 to immerse it and have an initial portion of uncured (or liquid) curable material 50 on top of the support 15. Alternatively, an initial portion of the curable material may be applied by recoater 12Provided is a method. In an embodiment, an initial portion 50 of curable material is disposed on another volume of curable or cured or partially cured material.

The method then comprises the step of determining a first image pattern associated with a first group of pixels of the energy source 2. The first pixel group and the first curing surface energy E₁Is associated with the application of (a). This determining step is followed by the step of projecting the first pixel group onto the surface of the curable material. Thus, the first pixel group defines a first projected image having a first contour.

These determining and projecting steps thus result in a step of forming the first part of the optical element. As previously mentioned with reference to fig. 3 and 6, at this stage the first portion is not fully polymerized (the first portion is in an intermediate state). In practice, the conversion of the first part is as low as possible, depending on the second predetermined energy threshold, the light depth penetration value and the manufacturing speed. Lower initial conversion rate, corresponding to reaching Jacobs energy E_JThe previous large number of layers H allows better continuity of material properties between the layers and better interpenetration of adjacent sections.

In order to homogeneously polymerize the first part (and the entire optical element), the method is preferably based on the second embodiment presented previously. Alternatively, the method may be based on a variation of the described embodiment, wherein the teaching of the first embodiment is introduced as long as the surface energy directly received by the layer before the formation of the further layer is below the first predetermined energy threshold T₁Preferably below the critical Jacobs energy E for at least 70% sub-part hardening of the voxels, preferably at least 80%, more preferably any part hardening of the voxels_CAnd (4) finishing. As an alternative, the method may be based on the first embodiment described previously.

As a further alternative, the method may be based on a combination of the first and second embodiments. In this case, the optical element is formed by combining irradiation for forming layers and irradiation on each formed layer. As an example, the scheme of forming the optical element may be: a first layer is formed, this first layer is then irradiated twice (with a displacement between the two projections), then a second layer is formed, and then the second layer is irradiated three times following a moving cycle (and the first layer is irradiated by curable energy transmission through the second layer). In such an embodiment, the number of shots per layer may be adjusted from one time to about 5 or 6 or more times without departing from this embodiment of the invention.

In practice, the first layer may receive 4 shots as described above with respect to the first embodiment, taking into account that 4 shots are insufficient to reach Jacobs energy E_JAnd a second layer may be formed on the first layer, similarly with the 4 projected pixel groups slightly shifted so as to partially invert the pixels illuminating more or less than the first layer. Thus, after 2 layers, all parts of the pixel receive approximately the same amount of energy, in effect 5 shots. This teaching can be applied mutatis mutandis to similar cases with different number and arrangement of shifts between the illuminations. In other words, this example corresponds to a cycle with n-8 projected pixel groups diffused into H-2 layers, arranged such that along the cycle each portion of pixels has been illuminated by 5 illumination sub-steps. In some variations, Jacobs energy E is achieved by forming 2 layers_J. In other variations, the Jacobs energy E is reached after irradiation of 4, 6, or more layers_J。

In a particular variant, each layer may receive the irradiation n times directly, with the n projection pixel groups being slightly shifted from each other, so as to cover the entire surface of the curable material with a similar amount of cured surface energy (and thus polymerize the entire initial layer as uniformly as possible). Therefore, the several pixel groups need to be projected successively on the same surface of the curable material. The corresponding cured surface energy is thus applied directly one after the other on the initial layer, and then a new layer of (uncured) curable material is added on this initial layer. However, in contrast to the first embodiment described above, and according to the second embodiment described above, the n curing surface energies applied to each layer are such that their sum is above the second predetermined energy threshold T₂And their sum is strictly lower than a first predetermined energy threshold T₁. Determination of n curing surfacesIt is possible to polymerize the entire initial layer into an intermediate state. The n curing surface energies are thus passed through the first curing surface energy E as will be described in the second embodiment₁Assigned to several projection pixel groups. The sum of these curing surface energies received by the initial layer is equal to the first curing surface energy E₁The first curing surface energy being strictly lower than a first predetermined energy threshold T₁。

We consider another illustrative example, referred to below as example B, using a critical Jacobs energy E based on having 7mJ_CAnd an optical depth penetration value D of 200_PThe same curable material of methacrylate monomer of value (b). To build up a layer with a thickness of 10 μm, a first threshold value (here equal to the Jacobs energy E)_J) Thus will be T₁＝7.56mJ(＝E_J). The second threshold value is about T₂＝0.2mJ。

Selecting a first curing surface energy E₁To verify the following relationship T₂<E₁＝2.33mJ<T₁Causing the first threshold to be reached after irradiating approximately 2 further layers. For the total number of shots that reached the first threshold, H is 3.

Further, in the present embodiment, each layer is directly illuminated 4 times in 4 pixel groups, each group being directly applied to each layer one after the other: derived curing surface energy associated with the projection of each pixel group E₁/(1+3)＝0.8mJ。

With respect to the features of the projected image, the parameters are as follows:

-pixel size 30 × 30um

Size of shaded area 10 × 30um

Considering the subdivision of the pixel area previously described in fig. 13, example C corresponds to a combination of the first and second embodiments (in this case, the projections of the 4 pixel groups are mutually shifted by one layer and are repeated when forming other layers). Here, in one layer, the projections are shifted according to the scheme presented in fig. 14 to 17 (first in the x-direction, second in the-y-direction, third in the-x-direction). In practice, example B demonstrates the second embodiment.

FIG. 20 shows a view thereinExample C conversion C as a function of successive exposures_VEvolution of (c). Three curves are distinguished in this figure.

Each curve corresponds to at least one region of the pixel region 500.

As can be seen in this figure, according to this example C, the conversion evolves smoothly when each region of the pixel 500 is directly illuminated at least once (when the first and second embodiments are combined here). However, the magnitude of the conversion rate is different depending on the number of shots each area of the pixel area 500 receives.

Curve C of lowest conversion₂₀Corresponding to the area of each layer which is directly irradiated only once, here the area Z₅、Z₁₁、Z₁₄、Z₁₆. Curve C with moderate conversion₂₁Corresponding to the area of each layer directly irradiated twice, here Z₂、Z₄、Z₆、Z₈、Z₁₀、Z₁₂、Z₁₃、Z₁₅. Curve C of highest conversion₂₂Corresponding to the area irradiated four times per layer, here Z₁、Z₃、Z₇、Z₉。

This variant of the second embodiment shows that it is also an interesting solution compared to example B. However, the cost is much higher in terms of process duration and calculation, since each layer has to be irradiated a number of times, here 4 times, and then switched to another layer, whereas in another variant of the second embodiment each layer is only directly irradiated once.

In practice, the method comprises H steps of providing uncured curable material and irradiating the surface of the curable material, including a first step of providing the first layer such that a portion of each respective cured surface energy (corresponding to each irradiation) is received by at least a portion of the formed first layer of the optical element by transmission through a different layer.

Depending on the case, the sum of the curing surface energies provided to the first layer by irradiating all H layers may be such that a first predetermined energy threshold T is reached after irradiation of the H-th layer₁. Alternatively, the at least one irradiation of the first layer reaches almost the first predetermined energy T₁A threshold value such that a first irradiation of the second layer provides sufficient energy by transmission to the first layer such that a first predetermined energy T is reached within the first layer₁And (4) a threshold value. The additional transfer of energy through the H layers to the first layer can further cure the curable material and possibly the shadow areas. Any variation between the two above is possible.

In practice, each illumination step is associated with at least one image pattern and a determination of an associated set of pixels for applying a corresponding curing surface energy and a projection of this set of pixels defining an associated projected image. In an embodiment, the projection associated with each illumination step is shifted with respect to the previous projection with respect to the position of the first portion. In other words, this means that the relative position of the set of projected pixels is defined with respect to the other set of projected pixels such that at least one pixel of the set of projected pixels at least partially covers two pixels of the other set of projected pixels.

In practice, the support 15 may be movable along an axis that is substantially parallel to the surface of the settable material. Another configuration is to adjust the settings (e.g. position and/or orientation) of the optical system 4.

In this case, one irradiation step corresponds to at least partially irradiating the formed first portion of the optical element, for example with an intermediate curing surface energy. This illumination step is associated with the determination of the image pattern and associated set of pixels for applying the intermediate curing surface energy and the projection of this set of pixels defining the associated projected image. First curing surface energy E₁The sum of the energy of the intermediate curing surface is strictly lower than a first predetermined energy threshold T₁This means that after this illumination step the first part of the optical element is still in an intermediate state.

Additionally or alternatively, the support 15 may be displaced along an axis substantially normal to the surface 55 of the settable material 50. In other words, the support 15 may be moved vertically in order to provide a second portion of uncured curable material on the support 15, in particular around the formed first portion.

The second portion is for example arranged on top of the first formed portion of the optical element when the optical element is manufactured layer by layer. Fig. 8 shows an example of an ophthalmic lens 200 manufactured according to the invention. When the optical element is an ophthalmic lens 200, according to an embodiment of the invention, the first portion and the second portion are therefore along an optical axis L substantially orthogonal to this ophthalmic lens 200_LAxis L of_SSuperposition (this optical axis L)_LSuch as an axis that does not deviate as light passes through the lens in the case of a monofocal lens). Alternatively, the stacking axis L_SRelative to the optical axis L_LThe inclination exceeds 45 degrees.

The method thus comprises the step of determining a second image pattern associated with a second group of pixels of the energy source 2. The second pixel group and the second curing surface energy E₂Is associated with the application of (a). The second curing surface energy E₂Above a second predetermined energy threshold T₂. This determining step is followed by the step of projecting the second pixel group onto the surface of the curable material. Thus, the second pixel group defines a second projected image.

These determining and projecting steps thus result in a step of forming the second part of the optical element.

First cured surface energy E if the second part is the last part formed in the manufacture of the optical element₁And second curing surface energy E₂Is greater than or equal to a first predetermined energy threshold T₁Allowing the whole optical element to polymerize into a solid having the Jacobs meaning (corresponding to a conversion higher than, for example, 70%, or 60% or 80%, depending on the curable material).

If the second portion is not the last formed portion in the manufacture of the optical element, the further steps of illuminating and forming further portions are repeated after forming this second portion. It should be reminded that some intermediate irradiation steps may take place between the formation of the first and second portions, for example for forming intermediate portions, such as the third and/or fourth portions. First curing surface energy E₁Each curing surface energy associated with an intermediate irradiation step andenergy of dual cure surface E₂Is higher than a first predetermined energy threshold T₁. Further steps may for example have the effect of completing the aggregation of the second part and possibly of the intermediate part, or may further enable the first part to receive a ratio only up to a first predetermined energy threshold T₁More energy is required and therefore a higher energy than by applying only the first predetermined energy threshold T can be achieved₁E.g. Jacobs energy E_JHigher conversion rates were achieved.

The method may further comprise a final step of irradiating the formed part of the optical element with a final cured surface energy in order to polymerize the optical element and in particular the edges thereof. The final curing surface energy is here higher than or equal to a first predetermined energy threshold T₁. This final curing, sometimes referred to as post-curing, is intended to complete the polymerization and/or relax the internal stress of the material by UV and/or thermal treatment. In other words, the final irradiation step allows to apply on any part still in the intermediate state a curing surface energy sufficient to directly obtain a high conversion, for example higher than 70%, more preferably higher than 90%. The optical element is then completely formed.

Finally, once the optical element is obtained, the method comprises one or more post-processing steps. These post-processing steps are for example steps of subtractive machining (e.g. polishing) or additive machining (e.g. coating). After these post-processing steps, the optical element is ready for use.