US Patent 9956727 Apparatus and method for forming 3D objects

A printer apparatus and a method for continuously printing a three-dimensional (3D) object. The printer apparatus has an elongated container for containing build fluid comprising a monomer from which the 3D object is made. A means for continuous conveying a build platform has a build surface that descending down into the build fluid. A matrix of light emitting elements are disposed above the elongated container, and emit a predetermined pattern of a reactive light toward the continuously conveyed build surface and at the upper surface of the build fluid. The reactive light has a predetermined pattern that polymerizes and/or agglomerates a portion of the upper surface of the build fluid into a build material having a build pattern comprising the build material. The build platform can have a plurality of build surface segments attached in series along a continuous conveyor.