RAPID PROTOTYPING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF RAPID PROTOTYPING

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for illuminating at least one rapid prototyping medium (RPM) wherein said illuminating is performed by at least two simultaneous individually modulated light beams (IMLB) projectedonto said rapid prototyping medium (RPM) and wherein said rapid prototyping medium is illuminated with light beams (IMLB) having at least two different wavelength contents (WLCl, WLC2).

DEVICE FOR PRODUCING PLATES DESIGNED FOR A FAST PROTOTYPING PROCESS, METHOD FOR MACHINING AND ASSEMBLING SAID PLATES AND RESULTING PLATES AND PROTOTYPE WORKPIECES

Dispositif pour la réalisation de plaques en métal en matière plastique ou composite, métallo-plastique, qu'elles soient non limitativement de type thermofusibles, thermoplastiques ou thermodurcissables destinées plus particulièrement à être usinées par un outil d'usinage dans le cadre d'un procédé de prototypage rapide caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste en un moule à plaques intégré à la machine de prototypage, ledit moule étant apte à recevoir un matériau épousant la forme du moule après avoir été soumis à un cycle réchauffement/refroidissement par un moyen de chauffage/refroidissement intégré au corps du moule. Il comporte essentiellement: une cuve (2); une plaque de fond (3); un circuit de chauffage (4); un circuit de circulation des fluides (5).

LIQUID, RADIATION-CURABLE COMPOSITION, ESPECIALLY FOR STEREOLITHOGRAPHY

The present invention relates to novel resin compositions containing at least one solid or liquid actinic radiation-curable and cationically polymerizable organic substance, an actinic radiation-sensitive initiator for cationic polymerization, an actinic radiation-curable and radical-polymerizable organic substance and an actinic radiation-sensitive initiator for radical polymerization. The actinic radiation-curable and cationically polymerizable organic substance is at least one glycidylether of a polyhydric aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic alcohol having at least three epoxy groups with epoxy equivalent weight between 90 and 800 grams per equivalent, at least one solid or liquid alicyclic epoxide with an epoxy equivalent weight between 90 and 330 grams per equivalent having at least two epoxy groups and monomer purity greater than about 90 % by weight, or at least a solid or liquid epoxycresol novolac or epoxyphenol novolac having epoxy equivalent weight between 130 and 350, or mixtures ...

Method for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography machine employing said method

The invention is a method for producing a three-dimensional object (11) in layers by means of a stereolithography machine (1 ) comprising: a container (2) containing a fluid substance (3) suited to solidify through exposure to predefined radiation (4a); means (4) suited to emit the predefined radiation (4a) and to solidify a layer of the fluid substance (3) adjacent to the bottom (2a) of the container (2); a modelling plate (5) suited to support the solidified layer (6) and associated with actuator means (7) suited to move it perpendicular to the bottom (2a) of the container (2); levelling means (8) arranged in contact with the fluid substance (3). The method comprises the following operations: selectively irradiating the layer of fluid substance (3) to obtain the solidified layer (6); extracting the solidified layer (6) from the fluid substance (3); redistributing the fluid substance (3) in the container (2) by moving the levelling means (8) so that they are passed between the modelling ...

高温成型装置

... 本发明涉及一种三维成型装置(10)，通过以一种由来自控制器(140)的控制信号确定的模式，把成型材料从一个配料头(14)配送到一个基底(16)上，从而在一个加热的制造室(24)内制造三维物件。装置(10)的动作控制组件(18、20)在制造室(24)的外部并与其热隔绝。可变形的绝热体(132)构成制造室的一个顶部，使配料头(14)在XY平面内的移动被XY向台架(18)控制，该台架设置在制造室外部并与其热隔绝。在优选的实施例中，配料头(14)的材料入料口(63)也在制造室(24)的外部，而配料头的材料出料口在制造室内。动作控制组件与制造室之间热隔绝使制造室可以被保持在一个高温。 ...

Plate casting plant for rapid prototyping machine, comprises plate mold with integral heating and cooling equipment

Dispositif pour la réalisation de plaques en métal en matière plastique ou composite, métallo-plastique, qu'elles soient non limitativement de type thermofusibles, thermoplastiques ou thermodurcissables destinées plus particulièrement à être usinées par un outil d'usinage dans le cadre d'un procédé de prototypage rapide caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste en un moule à plaques intégré à la machine de prototypage, ledit moule étant apte à recevoir un matériau épousant la forme du moule après avoir été soumis à un cycle réchauffement/ refroidissement par un moyen de chauffage/ refroidissement intégré au corps du moule. Il comporte essentiellement : - une cuve (2) - une plaque de fond (3) - un circuit de chauffage (4) - un circuit de circulation des fluides (5) ...

Optofluidic Lithography System and a Manufacturing Method of Three-Dimensional Microstructures

RIBBON LIQUEFIER FOR USE IN EXTRUSION-BASED DIGITAL MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS

3차원 조형 장치와, 그의 제어 방법 및 그의 조형물

... 본 발명의 3차원 조형 장치의 제어부는, 제1 층에서는, 제1 수지 재료가 제1 방향으로 연속적으로 형성되고 또한 제1방향과 교차하는 제2방향에 있어서 간극을 두고 배열되는 동시에, 제1 수지 재료 이외의 수지 재료가 제1방향으로 연속적으로 형성되고 또한 상기 간극에 배열되도록, 조형 헤드를 제어한다. 제1 층의 상부의 제2 층에서는, 제1 수지 재료가 제1방향과 교차하는 제3 방향으로 연속적으로 형성되고 또한 제3 방향과 교차하는 제4 방향에 있어서 간극을 두고 배열되는 동시에, 제1 수지 재료 이외의 수지 재료가 제3 방향으로 연속적으로 형성되고 또한 상기 간극에 배열된다.

HYDROGEL CONSTRUCTS USING STEREOLITHOGRAPHY

The present invention includes a method and system for building cost-efficient biocompatible hydrogel constructs using stereolithography. Hydrogel constructs may be used in, for example, multi-lumen nerve regeneration conduits and other tissue engineering scaffolds with embedded channel architecture that facilitate tissue regeneration through possible incorporation of precisely located bioactive agents, cells, and other desired inert and/or active chemical agents and devices. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method of fabricating a hydrogel construct comprising: solidifying a first solution into a first construct layer with a first energy dosage using stereolithography, the first solution comprising: a first polymer; and a first photoinitiator, wherein the first polymer and first photoinitiator are of a first concentration.

MICROFABRICATION OF ORGANIC OPTICAL ELEMENTS

Method of fabricating an optical element. A photodefinable composition is provided that includes (i) a hydrophobic, photodefinable polymer, said photodefinable polymer having a glass transition temperature in the cured state of at least about 80 °C; and (ii) a multiphoton photoinitiator system comprising at least one multiphoton photosensitizer and preferably at least one phtoinitiator that is capable of being photosensitized by the phtosensitizer. One or more portions of the composition are imagewise exposed to the electromagnetic energy under conditions effective to photodefinably form at least a portion of a three-dimensional optical element.

DEPOSITION OF MATERIALS FOR EDIBLE SOLID FREEFORM FABRICATION

Technologies are provided herein for processing edible materials using tools associated with a fabrication system. In one aspect, a fabricator includes a control module and a drive assembly controlled by the control module. The fabricator also includes at least one food processing tool head coupled to the drive assembly that can process material for fabricating an edible structure on a build surface.

EXTRUSION-BASED ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESS WITH PART ANNEALING

A method for building a three-dimensional part (24, 124), the method comprising providing a printed three-dimensional part (24, 124) and support structure (26, 126), where the support structure (26, 126) comprises at least two polymers having different glass transition temperatures. The method also comprises annealing the three-dimensional part (24, 124).

HIGH TEMPERATURE MODELING APPARATUS

L'invention concerne un appareil de façonnage tridimensionnel (10) qui forme des objets tridimensionnels dans une chambre de construction chauffée (24) en alimentant sur une base (16), à partir d'une tête de distribution (14), une matière à façonner, selon un motif déterminé par des signaux de commande provenant d'un contrôleur (140). Les composants de commande (18, 20) de mouvement de l'appareil (10) sont extérieurs à la chambre de construction (24) et thermiquement isolés de cette dernière. Un isolant thermique déformable (132) forme un plafond de la chambre de construction, permettant la commande des mouvements de la tête de distribution (14) sur un plan x,y au moyen d'un support mobile x-y (18) situé hors de la chambre de construction (24) et isolé de cette dernière. Dans le mode de réalisation préféré, un orifice d'admission de la matière de la tête de distribution (14) est également situé à l'extérieur de la chambre de construction (24), tandis qu'un orifice de distribution de la ...

METHOD FOR PRODUCING THREE-DIMENSIONAL WORK PIECES IN A LASER MATERIAL MACHINING UNIT OR A STEREOLITHOGRAPHY UNIT

The invention relates to a method for producing three-dimensional work pieces in a laser material machining unit or a stereolithography unit. According to said method, either a layered sintered material or a pasty material is applied on a support from a supply device and heated by laser irradiation area by area, such that the constituents of said sintered material or pasty material join in layers to the work piece by at least partial melting, depending on the irradiated areas, whereby said laser irradiation is carried out with a first energy density and/or a first focus diameter. During or after the work piece production process, areas of said work piece are either melted by laser with an increase in energy density or removed.

BUILD MATERIALS HAVING A METALLIC APPEARANCE FOR 3D PRINTING

In one aspect, composite build materials for use with a 3D printing system are described herein. In some embodiments, a composite build material described herein comprises a carrier ink comprising a curable material; and pigment particles dispersed in the carrier ink, wherein the pigment particles comprise mica. In some cases, the carrier ink is present in the composite build material in an amount of about 80-98% by weight, and the curable material comprises one or more species of monomeric and/or oligomeric (meth)acrylates. Additionally, in some instances, the pigment particles are present in the composite build material in an amount of about 2-8% by weight and comprise up to about 85% by weight mica, based on the total weight of the pigment particles. The pigment particles, in some cases, can also comprise TiOand/or FeO. 2. The composite build material of claim 1 , wherein the carrier ink is present in the composite build material in an amount of about 80-98% by weight claim 1 , based on the total weight of the composite build material.3. The composite build material of claim 1 , wherein the curable material comprises one or more species of (meth)acrylates.4. The composite build material of claim 1 , wherein the curable material comprises one or more oligomeric materials.5. The composite build material of claim 4 , wherein the one or more oligomeric materials comprise a urethane (meth)acrylate.6. The composite build material of claim 1 , wherein the pigment particles are present in the composite build material in an amount of about 2-8% by weight claim 1 , based on the total weight of the composite build material.7. The composite build material of claim 1 , wherein the pigment particles have an average diameter of about 5-500 μm.8. The composite build material of claim 1 , wherein the pigment particles comprise up to about 85% by weight mica claim 1 , based on the total weight of the pigment particles.9. The composite build material of claim 1 , wherein the ...

Material and method for three-dimensional modeling

Disclosed is a modeling technique wherein a three-dimensional model and its support structure are built by fused deposition modeling, using a thermoplastic blended material containing a polyphenylsulfone (PPSF) polymer and a polycarbonate (PC) polymer to form the model. The PPSF/PC blend exhibits good chemical resistance, thermal stability, and resists build-up in the nozzle of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus. Removal of the support structure from a completed model is facilitated by operating on the material while it is hot.

Methods and apparatus for stereolithographic processing of components and assemblies

An apparatus and method for providing gross location, planarization, and mechanical restraint to one or more electronic components such as semiconductor dice to be subjected to stereolithographic processing. A double platen assembly having a first platen and a second platen mutually removably connected and configured and arranged to substantially secure an electronic component assembly in position therebetween. At least one of the platens is configured such that a portion of electronic components of a carrier substrate secured by the double platen assembly is viewable for exposure to an energy beam such as a laser beam used to cure a liquid into an associated dielectric stereolithographic packaging structure. Another embodiment includes the use of an adhesive coated film for holding locating and securing a plurality of individual electronic components for processing. A method of forming solder balls is also disclosed.

Apparatus and method for printing long composite thermoplastic parts on a dual gantry machine during additive manufacturing

Embodiments of the present disclosure are drawn to additive manufacturing apparatus and methods. An exemplary apparatus for fabricating components via additive manufacturing may include a programmable CNC machine. The CNC machine may comprise a first worktable extending in a first plane and a second worktable extending in a second plane, wherein the second plane is oriented at an angle relative to the first plane. At least one conveyor belt may be operably coupled to the first worktable. A printing gantry may be displaceable along a first axis of the CNC machine. The CNC machine may also comprise an applicator having a nozzle configured to deposit material on the second worktable.

SINGLE EXTRUDER CONFIGURATION THAT ENABLES MULTI-COLOR EXTRUSIONS IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT PRINTERS

An additive manufacturing system has a plurality of manifolds in an extruder. Each manifold is connected to at least one nozzle of the extruder to enable the at least one nozzle to extrude thermoplastic material through a corresponding aperture in a faceplate mounted to the extruder. A plurality of valves is configured between each manifold and each nozzle connected to the manifold to enable the nozzles connected to a manifold to extrude thermoplastic material from the manifold selectively. The faceplate is also configured for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the faceplate to enable different orientations of the nozzles in the apertures of the faceplate. The different manifolds of the extruder enable a plurality of thermoplastic materials having a different property to be extruded simultaneously so the materials can join to one another while the materials are at an elevated temperature.

MANUFACTURING METHOD OF SHAPED OBJECT

A manufacturing method of a shaped object is provided, in which a surface of the shaped object can be decorated, while the shaped object being in a forming process. In the manufacturing method of a shaped object, according to the present invention; by way of laminating ink discharged from different ink-jet nozzles, forming operation and decorating operation on a surface of a formed structure can also be put into practice at the same time.

FIBER-REINFORCED RESIN COMPOSITE MATERIAL AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING SAME

The purpose of the present invention is to inhibit a decrease in strength attribute to the interface between a simple-shape portion and a complicated-shape portion. This fiber-reinforced resin composite material comprises: a simple-shape portion formed from at least one sheet-shaped prepreg material obtained by impregnating reinforcing fibers with a resin; and a complicated-shape portion obtained by impregnating reinforcing fibers with a resin, the complicated-shape portion having been integrated with the simple-shape portion. The resin used for the preprg material comprised the same components as the resin used for the complicated-shape portion.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEPOSITING LIQUIDS

LAMINATE MOLDING METHOD AND LAMINATE MOLDING APPARATUS

LIQUIFIER PUMP CONTROL IN AN EXTRUSION APPARATUS

An extrusion apparatus (10) employs a method for controlling the output flow rate of a liquifier (26). The apparatus (10) includes an extrusion head (20) which moves along a predetermined tool path at an extrusion head velocity. The extrusion head (20) carries the liquifier (26). The liquifier (26) receives a solid element of a modeling material (14), heats the modeling material, and outputs a flow of the modeling material at an output flow rate. A material advance mechanism (23) is employed to supply the solid element of modeling material (14) to the liquifier (26) at an input rate which controls the output flow rate. In order to control the output flow rate, an extrusion head velocity profile is determined based on the tool path. The input rate of modeling material (14) to the liquifier (26) is then controlled to produce an output flow rate of modeling material from the liquifier (26) that is proportional to a current extrusion head velocity corresponding to the extrusion head velocity ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS ASSOCIATED WITH ANISOTROPIC SHRINK IN SINTERED CERAMIC ITEMS

The print head module

PROCESS AND MACHINE TO CARRY OUT OBJECTS IN THREE DIMENSIONS BY DEPOSIT DECOUCHES SUCCESSIVE

Machine selon l'invention permettant de fabriquer plusieurs objets simultanément par un procédé du type « prototypage rapide » par dépôt d'une succession de couches de fluide thermofusible. Elle comprend principalement une potence (20) portant deux plateaux (11) sur chacun desquels est fabriqué par dépôt un objet. Deux postes fixes de travail sont placés diamétralement opposés pour que la busette (12) de chacun de ces postes fixes puisse effectuer une opération de dépôt en même temps et que l'autre busette (12). Après chaque dépôt, une rotation de la potence, de 180°, est effectuée pour alterner les opérations de dépôt de deux matériaux différents. Application particulière au prototypage de modèles de joaillerie.

Apparatus and method for the manufacture, using superposed layers, of three-dimensional objects and products manufactured by this method

La présente invention est relative à un appareil pour réaliser des pièces solides tridimentionnelles par superposition de couches successives comportant en combinaison: une table fixe (1) destinée à supporter la pièce à réaliser; un caisson mobile (2) coulissant verticalement par rapport à ladite table sous l'action de vérins (3); un chariot (10) se déplaçant sur le caisson mobile (2); ledit chariot (10) comportant une trémie avec, dans sa partie inférieure une fente continue de largeur constante; deux bandes obturatrices pouvant être déplacées l'une par rapport à l'autre de manière à obturer au moins partiellement la fente et laisser entre leurs extrémités une ouverture qui correspond à la section horizontale du volume de matière liquide durcissable contenue dans la trémie que l'on désire déposer pour réaliser une couche de la pièce en cours de fabrication. L'invention est également relative au procédé pour réaliser de telles pièces, et à la pièce tridimentionnelle ainsi obtenue.

METHOD OF ADJUSTING THE PHOTOSENSITIVITY OF PHOTOPOLYMERIZABLE COMPOSITIONS

3D 물체를 제조하는 방법 및 장치

... 현재의 3D 물체 제조 기술은 겔 응집 상태의 유사가소성 재료의 피착에 의존한다. 적용된 교반 및 압력이 접합을 전단하여 재료 탄성의 붕괴를 유발하기 때문에, 겔은 피착 노즐을 관통하여 유동한다. 탄성은 노즐에서 배출되면 회복하며, 겔은 응고되어 그 형상과 강도를 유지한다.

METHOD FOR FORMING RESIN BODY AND PRODUCT THEREOF

Provided is a method for forming a resin body ensuring reduction in production costs. According to the present invention, the method for forming the resin body includes a step of forming the resin body (R) by releasing liquid resin (L) from a dispenser (3) onto a plurality of positions on a substrate (10). According to the present invention, the releasing motion of the dispenser (3) can be adjusted by the positions. COPYRIGHT KIPO 2016 ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RETREADING TYRES

The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) and a method for retreading a tyre (16) having a worn surface (12). The worn surface (12) is made of a thermoplastic elastomer. The apparatus (10) includes a heater (34) and a 3D printer (18). The heater (34) is adapted to heat up the worn surface (12) to a desired temperature. The 3D printer (18) is adapted to lay one or more layers of the thermoplastic elastomer onto the heated worn surface (12). The or each layer of thermoplastic elastomer is capable of adhering to the heated worn surface (12) or previously laid layer without requiring an adhesive medium or agent.

LIQUEFIER ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN EXTRUSION-BASED ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS

A liquefier assembly (62, 162, 262, 362, 462, 562, 662) for use in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system (10), the liquefier assembly (62, 162, 262, 362, 462, 562, 662) comprising a downstream portion (62b, 162b, 262b, 362b, 462b, 562b, 662b) having a first average inner cross-sectional area, and an upstream portion (62a, 162a, 262a, 362a, 462a, 562a, 662a) having a second average inner cross-sectional area that is less than the first inner cross-sectional area, the upstream portion (62a, 162a, 262a, 362a, 462a, 562a, 662a) defining a shoulder (88, 188, 288, 388, 488, 588, 688) configured to restrict movement of a melt meniscus (94, 194, 294, 394, 494, 594, 694) of a consumable material (90, 190, 290, 390, 490, 590, 690).

PRINT HEAD ASSEMBLY AND PRINT HEAD FOR USE IN FUSED DEPOSITION MODELING SYSTEM

A print head assembly (43) that includes a print head carriage (18) and multiple, replaceable print heads (36, 42) that are configured to be removably retained in receptacles (46, 48) of the print head carriage (18). The print heads (36, 42) each include a cartridge assembly (60, 64) and a liquefier pump assembly (64, 66) retained by the cartridge assembly (60, 64).

LIQUID RADIATION CURABLE RESINS CAPABLE OF CURING INTO LAYERS WITH SELECTIVE VISUAL EFFECTS AND METHODS FOR THE USE THEREOF

The invention relates to a method for forming a liquid radiation curable resin capable of curing into a solid upon irradiation comprising at least one thermally sensitive visual effect initiator. The liquid radiation curable resin is capable of curing into three-dimensional articles having selective visual effects. The resulting three-dimensional articles possess excellent color and/or transparency stability and excellent mechanical properties.

PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD WITH INTEGRATED TEMPERATURE SENSING

An extruder for a three-dimension printer uses a printed circuit board (PCB) heating element with leads having temperature-sensitive resistance. The resulting circuit can be driven at high power to heat an extruder, or at a low power with a known current to measure a resistance from which temperature can be inferred. Thus a single circuit on a printed circuit board can be driven alternately in two modes to heat and sense temperature of an extruder.

DEVICE FOR SELECTIVELY DEPOSITING MOLTEN PLASTIC MATERIALS

Device for selectively depositing molten plastic materials. It comprises a support (3), an ultrasonic transducer (1), a sonotrode (2), a nozzle (4), at an end part of said sonotrode, and a melting chamber (5) in communication with a deposition outlet (4a) trough a discharging channel (6a) wherein: • an internal channel (6) extends through the sonotrode (2) allowing a loose passage of plastic material in solid state; • said internal channel (6) extends along a section with a progressive reduction of its clearance area through a truncated conical section providing said discharging channel (6a) and containing said melting chamber (5); • several longitudinal profiles or ribs (10), located as a cone generator and angularly offset are protruding from the interior wall of the conical section of the melting chamber (5), having a multifaceted end (11) facing and opposed to an entrance to said melting chamber (5).

Process for the production of a three-dimensional object with resolution improvement by "pixel-shift"

The invention relates to a process or a device for the production of a three-dimensional object by layer-wise solidification of a material which is solidifiable under the application of electromagnetic irradiation by means of mask illumination, wherein the mask is produced using an image forming unit having a prescribed resolution, which is formed from a constant number of image forming elements (pixels) being discrete and being arranged in a spatially mutually fixed manner. For the improvement of the resolution along the outer and inner contours of the sectional areas of the object to be generated layer-wise in the sub-pixel range, a multiple illumination per layer is performed, which consists of a series of multiple images that are mutually shifted in the sub-pixel range in the image/construction plane, wherein a separate mask/bitmap is produced for each shifted image.

CONSUMABLE MATERIALS HAVING TOPOGRAPHICAL SURFACE PATTERNS FOR USE IN EXTRUSION-BASED DIGITAL MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS

RAPID PROTOTYPING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF RAPID PROTOTYPING

Method and apparatus associated with anisotropic shrink in sintered ceramic items

A manufacturing method for producing ceramic item from a photocurable ceramic filled material by stereolithography. The method compensates for the anisotropic shrinkage of the item during firing to produce a dimensionally accurate item.

PUMP SYSTEM

Recoating of stereolithographic layers

СМЕННЫЙ КАРТРИДЖ ДЛЯ СИСТЕМЫ ПОСЛОЙНОГО ЭКСТРУДЕРНОГО ОСАЖДЕНИЯ

Изобретение относится к средствам послойного экструдерного осаждения для построения трехмерных объектов. Технический результат заключается в повышении эффективности построения и уменьшения искажений в трехмерных объектах. Установка содержит контроллер, работающий под управлением компьютера, систему послойного экструдерного осаждения, содержащую камеру построения, основание в сборе, портал, держатель, удерживаемый порталом, причем портал предназначен для перемещения держателя относительно основания в сборе, загрузочный отсек; сменный картридж. Сменный картридж содержит контейнерный узел, выполненный с возможностью хранения источника нити и загружаемый, по меньшей мере, в один загрузочный отсек системы послойного экструдерного осаждения, направляющую трубку, соединенную с контейнерным узлом, и узел накачки, соединенный с направляющей трубкой и выполненный с возможностью ввода в держатель системы послойного экструдерного осаждения и снятия с держателя. 3 н. и 17 з.п. ф-лы, 13 ил.

A device for making an object

An apparatus for making an object is disclosed herein.

PHOTOCURABLE COMPOSITION FOR PRODUCING CURED ARTICLES HAVING HIGH CLARITY AND IMPROVED MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

A photocurable composition comprising:(a) a cationically curable component preferably formed from one or more epoxy compound(s), (b) an acrylate component having no or a low amount of hydroxy groups preferably dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate, (c) a polyol component, preferably a polyether polyol, (d) a cationic photoinitiator; and (e) a free radical photoinitiator. The composition may produce when cured three-dimensional articles with high clarity and improved mechanical properties.

IMPROVED FDM PRODUCT, METHOD AND APPARATUS

The invention generally relates to improvements in Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), such that the properties of the model can correspond more closely to the original object on which it was modelled or, in case of a prototype, to the end product. By varying the cross section of a road of deposited material in shape and/or area, the resolution of the product can be increased, without significantly increasing the total time needed to manufacture the product. The invention further relates to a dispensing head having a flat smear surface, and means for cleaning the smear surface. Further improvements to the FDM technique are also disclosed.

METHOD AND APPARATUS ASSOCIATED WITH ANISOTROPIC SHRINK IN SINTERED CERAMIC ITEMS

... ²²²A manufacturing method for producing ceramic item from a photocurable ceramic ²filled material by stereolithography. The method compensates for the ²anisotropic shrinkage of the item during firing to produce a dimensionally ²accurate item.² ...

Layerwise production method and illumination system for use therein

PROCESS AND MACHINE TO CARRY OUT OBJECTS IN THREE DIMENSIONS BY DEPOSIT DECOUCHES SUCCESSIVE

Rapid prototyping system for manufacturing e.g. house model, by material extrusion, has software unit including calculation and transmission unit to calculate and transmit displacement instructions of support arm to digital control

La présente invention concerne un système (1) de prototypage rapide d'un objet (2) par extrusion de matière, comprenant, d'une part, une tête d'extrusion (3) de matière et des moyens (4) d'approvisionnement en matière reliés à ladite tête (3) et, d'autre part, des moyens logiciels de contrôle des déplacements de ladite tête (3) et de l'extrusion de matière, caractérisé par le fait que ladite tête (3) comprend des moyens (8) de coopération en fixation avec des moyens de fixation équipant le bras mobile support (90) de l'outil d'une machine d'usinage (9) pourvue d'une commande numérique, et par le fait que lesdits moyens logiciels consistent en des moyens de calcul et de transmission à ladite commande numérique d'instructions de déplacement dudit bras support (3).

폴리아미드 소모성 재료를 이용한 적층 제조

... 적층 제조 시스템(10)에 사용되는 소모성 재료(52)로서, 상기 소모성 재료(52)는 적어도 하나의 반결정 폴리아미드와, 상기 적어도 하나의 반결정 폴리아미드와 실질적으로 혼화성인 적어도 하나의 비정질 폴리아미드의 폴리아미드 혼합물, 및 적층 제조 기술을 이용하여 적층 방식으로 상기 소모성 재료(52)로부터 3차원 부품(30)을 인쇄하는 적층 제조 시스템(10)에 의해 받아들여지도록 구성된 물리적 구조를 구비한다. 상기 소모성 재료(52)는 바람직하게는 양호한 부품 강도와 연성 및 낮은 컬을 가지는 3차원 부품(30)을 인쇄할 수 있다.

3D 프린팅에 이용되는 자동 액체 공급 설비 및 이의 액위 감지 장치

... 본 발명은 3D 프린팅 시의 액상 원료 공급에 이용되는 자동 액체 공급 설비를 제공하는 바, 자동 액체 공급 설비에는, 액상 원료를 수용하기 위한 수용 공간이 구비되고, 수용 공간에는 상호 연통되는 요홈과 오목부가 포함되며, 상기 요홈에는 내부 저면이 구비되고, 상기 오목부는 내부 저면으로 일정한 깊이만큼 오목하게 패인 용기; 오목부 위치에 대응되고 액상 원료의 액면에 따라 움직이는 부체가 포함되며, 부체의 움직임에 따라 수용 공간 내의 액상 원료의 액위높이를 탐지하는 액위 탐지 장치; 및 액위 탐지 장치에 전기적으로 연결되고, 탐지된 액위 에 따라 선택적으로 액상 원료를 수용 공간 내로 공급하거나 공급을 중지하는 액체 공급 장치;가 포함된다. 이로써 자동적으로 정확하게 액상 원료를 공급하거나 공급을 중지할 수 있기 때문에, 인력으로 액체를 주입할 필요가 없어 번거롭고 불편한 점을 해소할 수 있는 효과가 있다.

PHOTOCURABLE COMPOSITION FOR PRODUCING CURED ARTICLES HAVING HIGH CLARITY AND IMPROVED MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

TECHNIQUES FOR SENSING MATERIAL FLOW RATE IN AUTOMATED EXTRUSION

An extrusion construction system may include an extrusion nozzle configured to extrude construction material through an outlet onto an external surface, the extrusion nozzle including an excess flow port disposed substantially adjacent an edge of the outlet, an imaging device coupled to the extrusion nozzle, and a controller configured to adjust the rate of material flow through the extrusion nozzle in response to receiving one or more images captured by the imaging device showing excess material being extruded through the excess flow port.

CONSUMABLE MATERIALS HAVING TOPOGRAPHICAL SURFACE PATTERNS FOR USE IN EXTRUSION-BASED DIGITAL MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS

A consumable material (34) for use in an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system (10), the consumable material (34) comprising a topographical surface pattern (40) that is configured to engage with a drive mechanism (56) of the extrusion-based digital manufacturing system (10).

BRUSH ASSEMBLY FOR REMOVAL OF EXCESS UNCURED BUILD MATERIAL

A solid imaging apparatus is provided that includes a replaceable cartridge containing a source of build material and an extendable and retractable flexible transport film for transporting the build material layer-by-layer from the cartridge to the surface of a build in an image plane. An operator using the device needs merely to remove a spent cartridge and replace it with a fresh cartridge to continue solid imaging virtually uninterrupted. The apparatus also includes the capability of withdrawing and inserting an imager without the operator having to perform a separate alignment step. A brush attached to the transport film and forming part of the cartridge provides for intra-layer removal of excess uncured build material. If desired, the apparatus can produce a fully reacted build. A high intensity UV source cures the build between layers. An injection molded build pad is designed to hold a build in an inverted position for improving the build. The invention also provides for tilting ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OF MULTI-PROPERTY ANATOMICALLY CUSTOMIZED DEVICES

Systems and methods for using a three dimensional fabrication device, like a 3D Printer, for novel automation and additive manufacturing techniques in manufacturing medical devices such as orthotics, customized for a particular person. The systems and methods may use a plurality of work surfaces on the three dimensional fabrication device. The systems and methods may use a plurality of materials or a plurality of fabrication tools and processes to manufacture the customized product.

METHOD FOR BUILDING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS CONTAINING EMBEDDED INSERTS

A method for generating build sequence data for a computer-aided design model (28, 64, 106, 138) of a three-dimensional object (44, 82), the method comprising identifying a location of an insert data representation (32, 68, 110, 142) in the computer-aided design model (28, 64, 106, 138), slicing the computer-aided design model (28, 64, 106, 138) into a plurality of sliced layers (36, 72, 112, 146), generating a plurality of support layers (38, 74, 114, 152) for at least a portion of the plurality of sliced layers (36, 72, 112, 146), and generating an unfilled region (40. 78, 116, 148) in the computer-aided design model (28, 64, 106, 138) at the identified location of the insert data representation (32, 68, 110, 142).

CONTINUOUS EXTRUSION OF THERMOPLASTICS

The present invention provides a dispense head system for continuous extrusion of thermoplastic materials, e.g. into filaments or fibres. The dispense head system comprises - an input section for receiving the thermoplastic material in granular or powder form, - a feed pipe for transporting the thermoplastic material received in the input section towards an output port of the feed pipe, - a heatable barrel for receiving transported thermoplastic material from the feed pipe and rendering it viscous, and - an output to the heatable barrel for extrusion of the viscous thermoplastic material. In embodiments of the present invention, the dispense head system furthermore comprises a transfer zone located at the output port of the feed pipe and adapted for controlled preheating of the thermoplastic material.

MODELLING PLATE FOR A STEREOLITHOGRAPHY MACHINE, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY MACHINE USING SAID MODELLING PLATE AND TOOL FOR CLEANING SAID MODELLING PLATE

The invention is a modelling plate (6; 6'; 6") for a stereolithography machine (1) suited to produce three-dimensional objects (A) through superimposition of a plurality of layers (E) with predefined thickness of a liquid substance (3) that solidifies when subjected to a selective stimulation (4). The plate (6; 6'; 6") comprises a work surface (7) that supports the object (A) and grooves (8) made in the work surface (7) along a development trajectory (X).

VISCOSITY PUMP FOR EXTRUSION-BASED DEPOSITION SYSTEMS

A pump system (10) comprising a delivery assembly (22) configured to feed a solid material under operational power of a first drive motor (16), and a screw pump (24) comprising a housing (84) that at least partially defines a barrel (106) of the screw pump (10), an extrusion tip (82) secured to the housing (84) at a first end of the barrel (106), a liquefier (85, 342) secured to the housing (84) and intersecting with the barrel (106), and an impeller (94) extending at least partially through the barrel (106). The liquefier (85, 342) is configured to receive the solid material fed from the delivery assembly (22), to at least partially melt the received solid material, and to direct the at least partially melted material to the barrel (106), and the impeller (94) is configured to drive the at least partially melted material that is directed to the barrel (106) toward the extrusion tip (82) under operational power of a second drive motor (18).

SOLUBLE MATERIAL AND PROCESS FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELING

L'invention concerne un procédé de modelage tridimensionnel, selon lequel on utilise une matière thermoplastique soluble dans les alcalis dans un processus de dépôt additif de façon à former une structure support soluble (28) destinée à un objet (26) tridimensionnel en construction. La matière thermoplastique soluble dans les alcalis renferme un polymère de base d'acide carboxylique et un plastifiant. Après formation, l'objet (26) est placé dans un bain alcalin pour dissoudre la structure support (28). La matière soluble dans les alcalis peut s'utiliser pour former un objet (26) tridimensionnel soluble dans les alcalis.

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS

A device and method for the production of three-dimensional objects is disclosed. The device comprises a container (1), for a medium (2) and a three-dimensionally positionable dispenser (4), for delivery of a material (3), the addition of which to the medium (2) leads to the formation of solid structures in the medium (2). The addition of the material (3), by movement of the dispenser in the XYZ-directions on a platform (8), beneath the filling level of the first material (2) in the container (1) leads to the formation of three-dimensional objects.

RECOATING OF STEREOLITHOGRAPHIC LAYERS

A stereolithography method and system for producing three-dimensional plastic objects by forming a plurality of thin layers of partially cured plastic material which are thin cross sections of the desired object. A layer of polymerizable resin is applied to a support surface and the excess is struck off, such as with a doctor blade (26), to form a smoothed layer. The smoothed layer is subjected to radiation in a predetermined pattern to form the cross-sectional layer into the desired shape. A plurality of layers are subsequently applied, leveled, then cured in the same manner to product the desired three-dimensional object. Apparatus for measuring the level of the fluid surface is also provided. Variations in the level of the fluid surface are detected and used to drive a pump, diaphragm or plunger (17) in order to maintain the fluid level.

Creating objects through X and Z movement of print heads

Methods and devices for creating three-dimensional objects using selective deposition, wherein deposition is accomplished by moving one or more deposition nozzles in X and Z axes, but not in a Y axis. Three dimensionality is accomplished by moving the work surface in the Y axis.

Three-dimensional shaping apparatus and method using non-contact type heating tool

Disclosed herein is a three-dimensional (3-D) shaping apparatus and method using a non-contact type heating tool. The 3-D shaping apparatus includes three feeding units, an indexing table and a non-contact type heating tool. The feeding units move in three different directions perpendicular to each other. The indexing table includes a support frame provided with support arms uprightly extending, a seating member hinged to the support arms, and a fixing chuck rotatably combined with the seating member and adapted to grip one side of a soft material. The seating member is placed to be rotated around one of the three moving directions of the three units, and the fixing chuck is placed to be rotated around a rotating axis perpendicular to a rotating axis of the seating member. The non-contact type heating tool is mounted on one of the feeding units to shape soft material by thermally resolving the soft material without contact with the soft material.

Stereolithographic beam profiling

METHOD FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELING

A method to form laterally supported features of a three-dimensional object by sequentially extruding the adjacent beads of a flowable and thermally solidifiable material. The feature comprises a series of adjacent and laterally offset beads, with at least a part of the laterally supported feature covering a vertically unsupported region. The method comprising the steps of vertically laminating a hub bead (34) over the vertically supported region (90), allowing the hub bead (34) to cool, laterally laminating a shelf bead (92) to the solidified hub bead (34), and repeatedly laminating additional shelf beads (94, 96, etc.) until the laterally supported feature is complete.

OPTICAL SHAPING APPARATUS, OPTICAL SHAPING METHOD, AND OPTICALLY MOLDED ARTICLE

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To curtail the time necessary for shaping a high accuracy shaped article. SOLUTION: In a package exposure optical system 12 and a beam scanning optical system 13, an ultraviolet curable resin 51 is exposed every small work domain which is a division of a whole work domain wherein optical shaping work is carried out into a plurality of domains. A control part 17 controls the intensity of light by the packager exposure optical system 12 and the beam scanning optical system 13 and an exposure time every small work domain, and the ultraviolet curable resin 51 of a plurality of rank portions in a prescribed small work domain is exposed at once. The present invention, for example, can be applied to an optical shaping apparatus 11. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT ...

LIQUIFIER PUMP CONTROL IN AN EXTRUSION APPARATUS

An extrusion apparatus (10) employs a method for controlling the output flow rate of a liquifier (26). The apparatus (10) includes an extrusion head (20) which moves along a predetermined tool path at an extrusion head velocity. The extrusion head (20) carries the liquifier (26). The liquifier (26) receives a solid element of a modeling material (14), heats the modeling material, and outputs a flow of the modeling material at an output flow rate. A material advance mechanism (23) is employed to supply the solid element of modeling material (14) to the liquifier (26) at an input rate which controls the output flow rate. In order to control the output flow rate, an extrusion head velocity profile is determined based on the tool path. The input rate of modeling material (14) to the liquifier (26) is then controlled to produce an output flow rate of modeling material from the liquifier (26) that is proportional to a current extrusion head velocity corresponding to the extrusion head velocity ...

LIQUID, RADIATION-CURABLE COMPOSITION, ESPECIALLY FOR STEREOLITHOGRAPHY

The present invention relates to a liquid, radiation-curable composition containing a cationically activated component, a cationic photoinitiator or a mixture of cationic photoinitiators, at least an effective amount of a compound having at least one terminal and/or pendant unsaturated group and at least one hydroxyl group in its molecule. The composition is free of free radical initiator. The compositions described herein are particularly useful in stereolithography process systems for producing three-dimensional articles.

Forming method and forming object

The invention provides a forming method and a forming object capable of increasing the safety. The forming method includes: drawing, using a liquid which has a thermosetting property due to addition of a heat curing agent and a non-water-soluble property in at least a cured state, a sectional pattern of a three dimensional object which is a forming target on a water-soluble recording medium which has acceptability for the liquid and contains the heat curing agent; heating, in a state where the plurality of recording mediums on which the sectional pattern is drawn is stacked, the plurality of recording mediums, after the drawing; and dissolving at least an area outside the sectional pattern in each of the plurality of recording mediums using a liquid which includes water, after the heating.

Three-dimensional printing apparatus

Method of forming thin film composed of at least a layer of at least a resin

METHOD FOR PRODUCING A PHYSICAL PHANTOM RADIOMETRIC A BIOLOGICAL ORGANISM AND PHYSICAL PHANTOM PRODUCED BY THIS METHOD.

Un procédé de production (2) d'un fantôme physique radiométrique d'un organisme biologique à irradier ou déjà irradié ayant au moins deux volumes de tissus biologiques nettement différents comporte une étape de détermination (6) d'un modèle tridimensionnel radiologique à partir d'image(s) tridimensionnelle(s) anatomique(s) de l'organisme, une étape de réalisation (10) une d'une ossature matérielle du fantôme à l'aide d'une impression 3D, et une étape de remplissage (16) en gels des enceintes de l'ossature. Le modèle tridimensionnel radiologique regroupe dans des organes radiologiques les tissus adjacents entre eux et ayant des compositions chimiques et des masses volumiques voisines. Chaque organe radiologique est caractérisé géométriquement par un volume radiologique comme somme des volumes des tissus regroupés, et radiologiquement par une classe radiologique identifiant la plage des compositions chimiques et des masses volumiques voisines des tissus regroupés. Un fantôme physique fabriqué ...

COLOR SHIFT PIGMENT FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING

A material for three-dimensional (3D) printing comprises a color shift pigment of which color is changed when being observed at different angles. More specifically, the material for 3D printing comprises a color shift pigment having a silicon oxide core and a metal oxide shell arranged on the top thereof, and a polymeric component. According to the present invention, a 3D product which can create a wide coloring effect can be generated. COPYRIGHT KIPO 2017 ...

FIBER-REINFORCED RESIN COMPOSITE MATERIAL AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING SAME

RADIATION CURABLE RESIN COMPOSITION AND RAPID PROTOTYPING PROCESS USING THE SAME

METHOD FOR BUILDING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS WITH EXTRUSION-BASED LAYERED DEPOSITION SYSTEMS

A method (22) of forming a three-dimensional object using an extrusion-based layered deposition system, the method (22) comprising generating a build path (10) for building a layer of the three-dimensional object, where the build path (10) defines a void region (20). The method further comprising generating at least one intermediate path (50) in the void region (20), and generating a remnant path (21) based at least in part on the at least one intermediate path (50).

LAYERED MANUFACTURING UTILIZING FOAM AS A SUPPORT AND MULTIFUNCTIONAL MATERIAL FOR THE CREATION OF PARTS AND FOR TISSUE ENGINEERING

A solid freeform fabrication method of creating a three-dimensional article built at least in part from scaffolding layers, the method includes providing a scaffolding material, providing a supporting material in a shape of a foamy layer, and contacting the scaffolding material with the foamy layer to form at least one scaffolding layer and thereby creating the three dimensional article.

METHOD OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING USING PHOTOREGULATED RADICAL POLYMERIZATION

A method of fabricating a three-dimensional object, the method comprising: combining at least one of a meth(acrylate), a (meth)acrylamide, a (meth)acrylonitrile, a styrene, an acrylonitrile, a vinyl acetate, a vinylcarbazole, a vinylpyridine, a vinyl ether, a vinyl chloride monomers, a polyfunctional monomer, and a polyfunctional prepolymer with an organic photoredox catalyst to provide a reaction mixture; depositing the reaction mixture; polymerizing the monomers by irradiating the reaction mixture with a light source; and repeating the depositing step until the three-dimensional object is formed.

PROCESS FOR PRODUCING THREE-DIMENSIONAL SHAPED OBJECT, MATERIAL FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL SHAPING, AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL SHAPED OBJECT

A process for producing a three-dimensional shaped object is provided. By the process, a full-color shaped object having high resolution can be produced at a high rate. Also provided are: a material for three-dimensional shaping which is for use in the process; and a three-dimensional shaped object obtained by the process. The process for producing a three-dimensional shaped object is characterized by successively repeating the following steps: a step in which a liquid (B) is formed into a layer having a given thickness; and a step in which a liquid (A) which is capable of forming a solid upon mixing with the liquid (B) is added to the layer of the liquid (B) so that the resultant solid has the shape equal to a sectional shape which would be formed by cutting the target shaped object along parallel planes.

SINGLE-MOTOR EXTRUSION HEAD HAVING MULTIPLE EXTRUSION LINES

An extrusion head (20) comprising at least one drive wheel (51) and an assembly (50) positionable between at least a first state and a second state. The assembly (50) comprises a first extrusion line (58) configured to engage the at least one drive wheel (51) while the assembly is positioned in the first state, and a second extrusion line (60) configured to engage the at least one drive wheel (51) while the assembly (50) is positioned in the second state.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REUSE OF MATERIALS IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for reusing surplus material generated by an Additive Manufacturing system in the process of manufacturing a 3-dimensional (3D) object. Surplus material removed from deposited layers and purged material used for printing head maintenance are transferred to back to the printing system to be deposited within subsequent layers. The reusable material may be deposited within the boundaries of a cross section of the 3-dimensional object to become part of 3D object or outside the boundaries of a cross section of the 3-dimensional object as part of the support construction, which is removed from the finished product. According to embodiments of the invention, a portion of the waste material for disposal may be deposited and cured layer by layer to form a waste block, concurrently with printing the layers of the 3D dimensional object. The fully cured waste block may be then disposed of in a safe manner.

STEREOLITHOGRAPHY MACHINE FOR PRODUCING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT AND STEREOLITHOGRAPHY METHOD APPLICABLE TO SAID MACHINE

The invention is a stereolithography machine (1) comprising: a container (2) suited to contain a fluid substance (3) suited to solidify through exposure to predefined radiation (4a); means (4) suited to emit the predefined radiation (4a) and to solidify a layer of the fluid substance (3) having a predefined thickness and arranged adjacent to the bottom (2a) of the container (2); a modelling plate (5) suited to support the solidified layer (6); actuator means (7) suited to move the modelling plate (5) according to a direction perpendicular to the bottom (2a) of the container (2); levelling means (8) arranged in contact with the fluid substance (3), associated with power means suited to move them with respect to the container (2) so as to redistribute the fluid substance (3) in the container (2). The power means are configured so as to move the container (2) in each one or the two opposite senses of a direction of movement (Y) and the levelling means (8) comprise two paddles (9, 10) that ...

METHOD FOR ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURING OF OBJECTS BASED ON TENSILE STRENGTH

A method for additively manufacturing an object, comprising the steps of determining a stress tensor for the object and depositing a material with an extruder (304) according to the stress tensor. The extruder can move linearly along three orthogonal axes and rotationally around at least one of the axes with respect to the object while depositing a material. A gantry (320) is movable along X, Y and Z axes, and a trunnion table movable about A and B axes is mounted on the gantry. A platen (305) is mounted on the trunnion table, and the extruder deposits the material on the platen while moving the gantry and trunnion table ...

PROCEDURES FOR RAPID BUILD AND IMPROVED SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS IN LAYERED MANUFACTURE

Methods for improving layered manufacturing techniques to improve an objects' surface properties and shorten manufacturing time for support structures. One aspect of the invention forms surfaces having reduced or no concavities between layers having improved crack resistance. One method deposits alternate, surface improvement material on each layer near the future location of the main material surface, followed by deposition of the main material, the edges of which conform to the previously deposited and solidified alternate material. In this method, the center of the main material layers can be concave rather than the interlayer regions. Another aspect of the invention provides removably structures to support the deposition of main material. The support structures provide support over main material cavities for depositing the material to form the cavity ceilings, while minimizing the time and material required to build the support structures. Minimized support structures include structures ...

FILAMENT DRIVE MECHANISM FOR USE IN EXTRUSION-BASED DIGITAL MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS

A filament drive mechanism (22, 122, 222, 322, 422, 500) comprising a rotatable component (36, 136, 236, 336, 436, 532) comprising a central hole (46, 146, 346, 446, 546) defined at least in part by an internally-threaded surface (48, 148, 348, 448, 548), and is configured to receive a filament strand (24) through the central hole (46, 146, 346, 446, 546) to engage the internally-threaded surface (48, 148, 348, 448, 548) with the filament strand (24). The filament drive mechanism (22, 122, 222, 322, 422, 500) further comprises at least one rotation mechanism (534) configured to rotate the rotatable component (36, 136, 236, 336, 436, 532), thereby allowing the engaged internally-threaded surface (48, 148, 348, 448, 548) to drive the filament strand (24) through the central hole (46, 146, 346, 446, 546) of the rotatable component (36, 136, 236, 336, 436, 532).

PROCESS MAPPING OF MELT POOL GEOMETRY

Conducting a plurality of tests of a manufacturing process, with each test conducted at a different combination of a first process variable and a second process variable. Each test includes locally heating a region of a part, wherein the local heating results in the formation of a thermal field in the part, and assessing a dimension of the thermal field. In some cases, based on the results of the plurality of tests, a process map of the dimension of the thermal field is generated as a function of the first process variable and the second process variable.

MATERIALS AND METHOD FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELING

Disclosed are high-performance thermoplastic materials used in building a three-dimensional model and its supports, by fused deposition modeling techniques. A modeling material used to build a model (26) is comprised of a thermoplastic resin having a heat deflection temperature of greater than 120°C. An amorphous thermoplastic resin which self-laminates, bonds weakly to the modeling material, has a heat deflection temperature similar to the heat deflection temperature of the modeling material, and has a tensile strength of between 34 MPa [5000 psi] and 83 MPa [12,000 psi] comprises a support material used to build a support structure (28). In a preferred embodiment the thermoplastic resin comprising the support material is selected from the group consisting of a polyphenylene ether and polyolefin blend, a polyphenylsulfone and amorphous polyamide blend and a bolyphenysulfone, polysulfone and amorphous polyamide blend.

Method for rapid prototyping of solid models

Data corresponding to a desired shape of a prototype is transmitted to a rapid prototyping system. The system calculates a sequence for extruding flowable material that thermally solidifies so as to create the desired geometric shape. A heated flowable modeling material is then sequentially extruded at its deposition temperature into a build environment that maintains the volume in the vicinity of the newly deposited material in a deposition temperature window between the material's solidification temperature and its creep temperature. Subsequently the newly extruded material is gradually cooled below its solidification temperature, while maintaining temperature gradients in the geometric shape below a maximum value set by the desired part's geometric accuracy.

3D PRINTING WITH PHT/PHA BASED MATERIALS AND POLYMERIZABLE MONOMERS

This application describes methods of forming an object. The methods described include forming a mixture with i) one or more primary diamines, ii) one or more polymerizable monomers, iii) a formaldehyde-type reagent, and iv) a polymerization initiator; forming a gel by heating the mixture to a temperature of at least 50° C.; and curing the one or more polymerizable monomers by activating the polymerization initiator. The one or more primary diamines may include one or more amine functional oligomers and/or primary aromatic diamine small molecules. The one or more polymerizable monomers may include styrenics, acrylates, methacrylates, vinyl esters, unsaturated polyesters, and derivatives thereof. The gel is a polyhemiaminal (PHA), a polyhexahydrotriazine (PHT), and/or a polyoctatriazacane (POTA) polymer, and curing of the gel forms an interpenetrating network of the PHA/PHT/POTA and the polymer formed from the polymerizable monomers. 117.-. (canceled)18. A composition , comprising:an interpenetrating network of a first material comprising a PHA, PHT, POTA, or combination thereof and a second material comprising a cured polymer selected from the group consisting of a styrenic polymer, an acrylate polymer, a methacrylate polymer, a vinyl ester polymer, an unsaturated polyester polymer, and derivatives thereof.19. The composition of claim 18 , wherein the first material further comprises an oligomer selected from the group consisting of polyether claim 18 , polyester claim 18 , polystyrenic claim 18 , polyacrylate claim 18 , polymethacrylate claim 18 , polycyclooctene claim 18 , polyamide claim 18 , polynorbornene claim 18 , and derivatives thereof.21. The composition of claim 20 , further comprising a filler.22. The composition of claim 21 , wherein the filler is a fiber material.23. The composition of claim 18 , further comprising a fiber filler claim 18 , wherein the composition is a percolation network. The present disclosure relates to new 3D printing methods and ...

SOLUBLE MATERIAL AND PROCESS FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELING

GASKET FOR MOLDING PLASTIC LENS

PURPOSE: To prevent a raw material monomer from infiltrating a gasket mate rial, by coating the surface of a gasket for molding a plastic lens with a water- soluble polymer in a specified thickness or over. CONSTITUTION: Various known materials can be used for a gasket of a synthetic resin material. A gasket material that may be made of one of various synthetic resin materials is coated with a water-soluble polymer in a thickness of 0.1 micron or over. Generally, the coating of the water-soluble polymer is applied by dissolving the water-soluble polymer in one of various solvents. The molded item such as lens or planar body obtained by using the gasket is used as a lens for spectacles, an optical lens, optical planar body or other optical element. Since a polymer having aromatic rings can be obtained which makes a high refractive index possible, a lens for spectacles, in particular, a lens for correction can be suitably obtained. COPYRIGHT: (C)1986,JPO&Japio ...

Three-dimensional fabrication method and three-dimensional fabrication apparatus

The present invention is a three-dimensional fabrication method for building up fabrication starting materials (100) into a prescribed three-dimensional shape by changing the form of (heating and melting) the fabrication starting materials and is characterized in comprising: a conveyance step in which a conveyor means (conveyor section (10)) conveys multiple fabrication starting materials (multiple fabrication starting materials (100) of different colors) toward respective form-changing means (heating and melting sections (31)); a form-changing step in which the form-changing means change the forms of the respective fabrication starting materials; a fabrication material-forming step in which a fabrication material-forming means (fabrication material-forming section (30)) forms a fabrication material by arranging the respective changed-form fabrication starting materials helically while twisting same; and a fabrication step in which a fabrication means (fabrication section (70)) forms a ...

THREE DIMENSIONAL PRINTING

Three dimensional printers, and reinforced filaments, and their methods of use are described. A void free reinforced filament is fed into an extrusion nozzle. The reinforced filament includes a core, which may be continuous or semi-continuous, and a matrix material surrounding the core. The reinforced filament is heated to a temperature greater than a melting temperature of the matrix material and less than a melting temperature of the core prior to extruding the filament from the extrusion nozzle.

Auto tip calibration in an extrusion apparatus

The present invention is a method for performing a calibration routine of a deposition device in a three-dimensional modeling machine that deposits a material to build up three-dimensional objects as directed by a controller on a substrate mounted on a platform. The method comprises generating a material build profile, which represents a three-dimensional structure at defined locations. A relative position of the material build profile is then determined. An expected build profile is identified and then compared to the determined relative position of the material build profile to identify any difference which represents an offset. The modeling system then positions the deposition device based upon the offset.

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR BUILDING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS WITH CORE-SHELL ARRANGEMENTS, AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS THEREOF

A consumable filament for use in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system, where the consumable filament comprises a core portion of a first thermoplastic material, and a shell portion of a second thermoplastic material that is compositionally different from the first thermoplastic material, where the consumable filament is configured to be melted and extruded to form roads of a plurality of solidified layers of a three-dimensional object, and where the roads at least partially retain cross-sectional profiles corresponding to the core portion and the shell portion of the consumable filament. 1. A three-dimensional object built with an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system , the three-dimensional object comprising:a plurality of solidified layers each comprising roads formed from a flowable consumable material that exits an extrusion tip of the extrusion-based additive manufacturing system, wherein the flowable consumable material exiting the extrusion tip comprises a core material and a shell material that is compositionally different from the core material, and wherein the shell material at least partially encases the core material to provide an interface between the core material and the shell material; andwherein at least a portion of the roads of the plurality of solidified layers comprise core regions of the core material and shell regions of the shell material, and wherein the core regions and the shell regions substantially retain cross-sectional profiles corresponding to the interface between the core material and the shell material of the flowable consumable material.2. The three-dimensional object of claim 1 , wherein the core material and the shell material at least partially interdiffuse at the interface between the core material and the shell material.3. The three-dimensional object of claim 1 , wherein the core material comprises a thermoplastic polymer.4. The three-dimensional object of claim 3 , wherein the shell material comprises a ...

Method and device for layered buildup of a shaped element

Since concrete materials do not cure quick enough when prototyping methods are used, so that a lower layer ( 2 a ) is already completely cured when the next layer ( 2 b ) is applied, a support material ( 4 ) is applied about the formed element ( 100 ) that is being built up in order to compensate for the lack of pressure resistance of the lower layer ( 2 a ), wherein the support material preferably has the same specific weight as the material ( 3 ) of the formed element ( 100 ). Thus, 3D-printing as well as selective curing are facilitated as build up methods.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAKING AN OBJECT

An apparatus () for making an object () is disclosed. The apparatus has a flexible element () having an upwardly facing surface for disposing thereon a material () used to make the object, and a member () connected to an actuator () that can move the member (). A controller is in communication the actuator (). A method which may be executed using the apparatus () is also disclosed. 1. A method for making an object , the method comprising the steps of:on an upwardly facing surface of a flexible element, disposing a material used to make the object; andcausing relative movement between a member and both the object being made and a downwardly facing surface of the element while the member is in contact with the downwardly facing surface, the relative movement causing the upwardly facing surface to adopt a form.2. A method defined by comprising the step of decreasing the separation of the object being made and the upwardly facing surface claim 1 , causing the upwardly facing surface to deviate from the form.3. A method defined by comprising the step of illuminating the material with a radiation to solidify at least some of the material adjacent the object being made.4. A method defined by wherein during the step of illuminating the material claim 3 , the member contacts a portion of the element directly beneath the object being made to prevent the portion sagging.5. A method defined by wherein the step of illuminating comprises illuminating the material with a radiation that has passed through a window of the member.6. A method defined by wherein during the relative movement the member passes directly beneath the object being made claim 1 , expelling some of the material which is located between the element and the object being made.7. (canceled)8. A method defined by wherein the relative movement flattens the upwardly facing surface.9. (canceled)10. A method defined by comprising the steps of further moving the member relative to the downwardly facing surface while the ...

Methods and Apparatus for Computer-Assisted Spray Foam Fabrication

In exemplary implementations of this invention, a nozzle sprays foam, layer by layer, to fabricate a fabricated object according to a CAD model, and a subtractive fabrication tool removes material from the fabricated object according to a CAD model. The fabricated object comprises a mold or an interior form. The foam may be low-density, high strength and fast-curing. The foam may be used for large-scale 3D printing. For example, the foam may be used to 3D print molds for walls of homes. The foam molds may be left in place, after casting concrete in the molds, to serve as insulation. Or for example, the foam may be used to 3D print on site an internal form for a large wind turbine blade. The wind turbine blade may then be produced on site by depositing fiberglass on the outside of the internal form. 1. A method comprising , in combination:(a) using a nozzle to spray foam, layer by layer, to fabricate a fabricated object according to a CAD model; and(b) using a subtractive fabrication tool to remove material from the fabricated object according to a CAD model;wherein the fabricated object comprises a mold or an interior form.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the foam is insulative and is left in place after the foam cures.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein:(a) the fabricated object comprises an interior form; and(b) the method further comprises depositing fiber on an exterior surface of the interior form.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the foam is chemically setting.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one material property of the fabricated object varies spatially within the fabricated object.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mold or interior form has an exterior surface and the exterior surface is doubly-curved.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein a step described in (b) causes an exterior surface of the fabricated object to become smoother immediately after the step than immediately before the step.8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising ...

Support Structures and Deposition Techniques for 3D Printing

There is provided a support structure for use with 3D printing of objects from computer-aided designs. The support structures include fine points that contact the down-facing surfaces of the 3D object being printed in order to adequately support the 3D object while also being adapted for easy removal after the 3D print process is complete. The fine points are possible by controlling the operation of the dispenser to provide a precise amount of material in a precise location. The dispenser jumps from a first fine point to a second fine point by retracting the print material after the first fine point is printed and then moving the dispenser vertically relative to the first fine point before the dispenser is moved horizontally to the second fine point.

DEVICE FOR MAKING AN OBJECT

An apparatus for making an object is disclosed herein. 1. A device for making an object comprising:an applicator that projects at an elevation angle without a substantial downward component a material used to make the object towards a surface.2. A device defined by wherein the elevation angle is between negative ten degrees (−10°) and positive ninety degree (+90°) claim 1 , the elevation angle being a vertical angle above the horizon.3. A device defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the direction is substantially horizontal.4. A device defined by either or wherein the direction is predominantly upwards.5. A device defined by any one of the preceding claims comprising a controller adapted to receive instructions for making the object and is configured to coordinate relative movement of the applicator and the surface claim 1 , and the application of the material by the applicator claim 1 , such that the material is applied over at least one portion of the surface as a plurality of individually determined layers.6. A device defined by any one of the preceding claims further adapted to apply a substance adapted to support the material.7. A device defined by any one of the preceding claims comprising a shaper arranged to shape the applied material.8. A device defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the applicator is capable of projecting a single drop of material when instructed to do so.9. A device defined by any one of the preceding claims comprises a light source illuminating at least some of the surface claim 1 , the light having characteristics suitable for the curing of a photo-curable fluid.10. A device defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the applicator is not coupled to a translation unit for substantially vertical movement of the applicator.11. A device defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the surface is substantially vertical.12. A device defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the applicator is ...

Stereolithography Machine for Producing a Three-Dimensional Object and Stereolithography Method Applicable to Said Machine

A stereolithography machine () includes: a container () suited to contain a fluid substance () that solidifies through exposure to predefined radiation (); an emitter () suited to emit the predefined radiation and to solidify a layer of the fluid substance having a predefined thickness and arranged adjacent to a bottom of the container; a modelling plate () supports the solidified layer (); an actuator () that moves the modelling plate perpendicular to the bottom of the container; a leveler () in contact with the fluid substance, associated with a power source suited to move them with respect to the container so as to redistribute the fluid substance in the container. The power source moves the container in each one or the two opposite senses of a direction of movement (Y) and the leveler includes two paddles () that are opposite each other with respect to the modelling plate. 14-. (canceled)5. Stereolithography machine comprising:a container for a fluid substance in the liquid or paste state suited to be solidified through exposure to predefined radiation;means for emitting said predefined radiation, suited to selectively irradiate a layer of said fluid substance having a predefined thickness and arranged adjacent to the bottom of said container in order to solidify it;a modelling plate suited to support said solidified layer;actuator means suited to move said modelling plate with respectto said bottom at least according to a modelling direction that is perpendicular to said bottom;levelling means associated with power means configured so as to move said levelling means with respect to said bottom of said container in contact with said fluid substance so as to cause said fluid substance to be redistributed in said container;said power means being configured so as to move said container in each one of the two opposite senses of a direction of movement;wherein said levelling means comprise at least two paddles mainly developed according to a longitudinal direction ...

Radiation curable resin composition and rapid three-dimensional imaging process using the same

The invention relates to a liquid radiation curable resin capable of curing into a solid upon irradiation comprising: (A) from about 0 to about 12 wt % of a cycloaliphatic epoxide having a linking ester group; (B) from about 30 to about 65 wt % of one or more epoxy functional components other than A; (C) from about 10 to about 30 wt % of one or more oxetanes; (D) from, about 1 to about 10 wt % of one or more polyols; (E) from about 2 to about 20 wt % of one or more radically curable (meth)acrylate components; (F) from about 2 to about 12 wt % of one or more impact modifiers; (G) from about 0.1 to about 8 wt % of one or more free radical photoinitiators; and (H) from about 0.1 to about 8 wt % of one or more cationic photoinitiators; wherein the liquid radiation curable resin has a viscosity at 30° C. of from about 600 cps to about 1300 cps.

PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD WITH INTEGRATED TEMPERATURE SENSING

An extruder for a three-dimension printer uses a printed circuit board (PCB) heating element with leads having temperature-sensitive resistance. The resulting circuit can be driven at high power to heat an extruder, or at a low power with a known current to measure a resistance from which temperature can be inferred. Thus a single circuit on a printed circuit board can be driven alternately in two modes to heat and sense temperature of an extruder. 1. A device comprising:a printed circuit board;a hole in the printed circuit board;an extrusion nozzle passing through the hole;a heating element on the printed circuit board, the heating element positioned in thermal contact with the extrusion nozzle; anda conductive trace on the printed circuit board, the conductive trace having a first end coupled to a contact of the heating element, the conductive trace having a predetermined relationship of resistance to temperature.2. The device of wherein the conductive trace is a copper trace.3. The device of further comprising a second conductive trace on the printed circuit board electrically coupled to a second contact of the heating element.4. The device of further comprising a power supply electrically coupled to a second end of the conductive trace.5. The device of wherein the power supply operates in a first mode where high current is applied to the heating element to create heat in the heating element.6. The device of wherein the power supply operates in a second mode where a calibrated current is applied to the heating element and a voltage across the conductive trace is measured claim 5 , thereby permitting a determination of the resistance of the conductive trace and claim 5 , based upon the predetermined relationship of resistance to temperature claim 5 , the temperature of the conductive trace.7. The device of further comprising processing circuitry configured to operate the power supply in a first mode where high current is applied to the heating element to create ...

THREE DIMENSIONAL PRINTER WITH REMOVABLE, REPLACEABLE PRINT NOZZLE

A three dimensional printer with a removable, replaceable extrusion nozzle is disclosed. 1. A device comprising:an extrusion head including a first end with an input port to receive a build material having a liquid transition temperature and a second end with an output port having a first diameter, the input port coupled in fluid communication with the output port by a chamber;a heating element thermally coupled to the chamber, the heating element configured to apply heat to a wall of the chamber and liquefy the build material in the chamber; anda output nozzle formed of a material that is mechanically stable at the liquid transition temperature of the build material, the output nozzle having an opening with second diameter less than the first diameter, the opening shaped according to a desired extrusion shape, and the output nozzle being a unitary output nozzle removably and replaceably coupled to the output port of the extrusion head.2. The device of wherein the extrusion head includes a flange on an exterior surface.3. The device of wherein the output nozzle includes a lip positioned to engage the flange when the output nozzle is coupled to the extrusion head claim 2 , thereby securely and removably engaging the output nozzle to the extrusion head.4. The device of wherein the extrusion head is formed of metal.5. The device of wherein the extrusion head is formed of brass.6. The device of wherein the material of the output nozzle includes a plastic.7. The device of wherein the material of the output nozzle includes a ceramic.8. The device of wherein the first end of the extrusion port is threaded to threadably couple to a three-dimensional printer.9. The device of wherein the second end of the extrusion head is threaded.10. The device of wherein the output nozzle is threadably coupled to the second end of the extrusion head.11. The device of wherein the output nozzle is removably and replaceably attached to a fixture that retains the extrusion head.12. The device ...

Method and apparatus for continuous composite three-dimensional printing

A method and apparatus for the additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects are disclosed. Two or more materials are extruded simultaneously as a composite, with at least one material in liquid form and at least one material in a solid continuous strand completely encased within the liquid material. A means of curing the liquid material after extrusion hardens the composite. A part is constructed using a series of extruded composite paths. The strand material within the composite contains specific chemical, mechanical, or electrical characteristics that instill the object with enhanced capabilities not possible with only one material. 1. A method of manufacturing a composite three-dimensional object , forming a composite material path comprising at least two materials , a curable liquid material and a solid continuous strand material , by feeding said strand material through an extruder simultaneously while extruding said liquid material.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the curable liquid material is one of the following:epoxy resin, polyester resin, cationic epoxy, acrylated epoxy, urethane, ester, thermosplastic, photopolymer, polyepoxide, metal, or metal alloy.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the curable liquid material is a composite of multiple liquids.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the solid continuous strand is one of the following materials:cotton, hemp, jute, flax, ramie, rubber, sisal, bagasse, groundwood, thermomechanical pulp, bleached kraft, unbleached kraft, sulfite, silk, wool, fur, spidroins, chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, actinolite, metal, metal alloy, aramid, carbon fiber, silicon carbide, fiberglass, petrochemical, or polymer.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the solid continuous strand is comprised of several strands claim 1 , in a tow claim 1 , roving claim 1 , or weave.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the solid continuous strand is comprised of multiple materials claim 1 , with at least one ...

Three-dimensional surface texturing

An additive three-dimensional fabrication process is improved by controlling deposition rate to obtain surface textures or other surface features below the nominal processing resolution of fabrication hardware. Sub-resolution information may be obtained, for example, from express metadata (such as for surface texture), or by interpolating data from a source digital model.

CONTROL METHOD FOR MAPPING

A method for producing a three-dimensional object from solidifiable material, which is either present in the starting state in a fluid phase or can be liquefied, by the sequential discharge of drops from at least one pressurisable material storage device for the fluid phase by means of at least one discharge unit through an outlet provided with a pulsable closure element, the closure element is actuated by means of an actuator and its initial stressing is measured at the operating point by means of the actuator, where the initial stressing is controlled by means of an adjusting element, and a mapping for the elastic deformation of the closure element is determined by means of the actuator actuated by the adjusting element, such that an elastic working range of the closure element is adjusted by means of the adjusting element within the mapping. 1. Method for producing a three-dimensional object from solidifiable material , which is either present in the starting state in a fluid phase or can be liquefied , by the sequential discharge of drops from at least one pressurisable material storage device for the fluid phase by means of at least one discharge unit through an outlet provided with a pulsable closure element , the method comprising:actuating the timed closure element by means of an actuator,measuring an initial stressing of the closure element at the operating point by means of the actuator,controlling the initial stressing of the closure element by means of an adjusting element,determining a mapping for the elastic deformation of the closure element by means of the actuator actuated by the adjusting element, andadjusting an elastic working range of the closure element by means of the adjusting element within the mapping.2. Method according to claim 1 , wherein the following steps are performed to determine the mapping:a) determining the release point defined by the disposition of the actuator on the closure element without pressure and at ambient temperature, ...

MULTICOLOURED FUSED DEPOSITION MODELLING PRINT

The invention relates to a modified fused deposition modeling process for production of multicolored three-dimensional objects. More particularly, the invention relates to a 3D printing process with which 3D objects with particularly good color appearance compared to the prior art can be produced. The process according to the invention is based on coloring of the polymer strand used for production of the actual object in the nozzle, and on using a mixing apparatus which comprises a plurality of injection needles, a static mixer or a dynamic mixer. 1. An apparatus comprising a first print head with which a support material is printed , and a second print head with which a build material is printed ,whereinthe build material is added in a form of a filament,the second print head comprises a nozzle comprising at least two regions,a polymer is solid in an upper region of the nozzle and molten in a lower region,the second print head is supplied with additives, and/or color inks, or both, from a plurality of reservoir vessels, equipped with metering apparatuses, andthe second print head has a mixing apparatus for mixing the additives, the color inks, or both.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the mixing apparatus is a static mixer in the lower region of the nozzle claim 1 , and the color inks from the reservoir vessels are metered into a melt above the static mixer.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the mixing apparatus is a dynamic mixer mounted on an outside of the print head claim 1 ,the dynamic mixer is supplied with various additives, color inks, or both, anda mixture produced in the dynamic mixer is passed onward into the print head.4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the dynamic mixer has been mounted in the nozzle claim 3 , and the mixture is passed to the filament in the upper region of the nozzle or into a polymer melt in the lower region of the nozzle.5. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the dynamic mixer has been mounted in the print head above the ...

Method for Deployable Rapid On-Site Manufacturing Using 3D Printing in Combination with Vacuum Metallization

Deployable On-Site Manufacturing Using 3D Printing is a low cost approach to manufacturing any of thousands of designs at any location. Crowd-sourcing populates a large library of models that can be produced using a small set of standard parts and 3D printed components, as well as highly specialized products. A vacuum metallization process is used in combination with the 3D printer allows printing of antennas designed for a particular frequency, beam form, amplification, size, and weight. These highly specialize products are printed and assembled on-site, as needed. Uses include disaster sites, emergency situations, remote operations, military operations, and homeland security.

SYSTEM FOR 3D PROTOTYPING OF FLEXIBLE MATERIAL AND METHOD THEREOF

The present invention provides a system for 3D prototyping of flexible material and method thereof The system comprises: a loading machine for providing a polymer molten mass; a screw extruding machine for extruding the polymer molten mass; a metering pump for controlling the quantity of the polymer molten mass; an air compressor for compressing air; an air heater for heating the compressed air; a 3D modeling component for processing a 3D workpiece; the nozzle comprises a spinneret plate and a gas-flow hole, the spinneret plate is configured with a through hole for forming the extruded polymer molten mass into a polymer melt trickle, the gas-flow hole drafts the polymer melt trickle to a filiform polymer fiber to aggregate on the 3D workpiece; a solidifying component for solidifying the filiform polymer fiber to form the flexible material. The present invention can achieve convenient and quick printing for the flexible material. 1. A system for 3D prototyping of flexible material , comprising:a loading machine, for providing a polymer molten mass;a screw extruding machine, connected to the loading machine, for extruding the polymer molten mass;a metering pump, connected to the screw extruding machine, for controlling the quantity of the polymer molten mass extruded by the screw extruding machine;an air compressor, for compressing air;an air heater, connected to the air compressor, for heating the compressed air;a 3D modeling component, for processing a 3D workpiece, wherein the 3D workpiece is used for supporting the flexible material;a nozzle, comprising a spinneret plate connected to the metering pump and a gas-flow hole connected to the air heater, wherein a through hole is configured on the spinneret plate for forming the extruded polymer molten mass into a polymer melt trickle, the gas-flow hole drafting the polymer melt trickle to form a filiform polymer fiber to aggregate on the 3D workpiece; anda solidifying component, connected to the 3D workpiece, for ...

3D STRUCTURE SHAPING APPARATUS

A three-dimensional (3D) structure shaping apparatus is provided with a material discharge pump having a uniaxial eccentric screw pump mechanism, and a table disposed opposite to the material discharge pump and for moving horizontally by a table moving device. The material discharge pump and a light-beam irradiation device are attached to a tip end of a robot arm. The robot arm and the table moving device are configured to relatively move the material discharge pump and the table. Thus, a degree of freedom in shaping the 3D structure is increased, enabling the fabrication of various kinds of 3D structures within a short period of time. 1. A three-dimensional structure shaping apparatus comprising a material discharge pump for being able to discharge curing material , the material discharge pump discharging the curing material based on a three-dimensional shape of the three-dimensional structure to be shaped , the three-dimensional structure being shaped after the curing material is cured.2. The three-dimensional structure shaping apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the material discharge pump is comprised of a rotary displacement pump.3. The three-dimensional structure shaping apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the curing material discharged by the material discharge pump is cured by light beam being irradiated claim 1 , and the shaping apparatus comprising a light-beam irradiation device for irradiating the light beam to cure the curing material claim 1 , andwherein the focus of the light beam irradiated from the light-beam irradiation device is in agreement with a discharge target location of the curing material by the material discharge pump.4. The three-dimensional structure shaping apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the light-beam irradiation device moves together with the material discharge pump.5. The three-dimensional structure shaping apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the rotary displacement pump pumps the curing material by using a uniaxial eccentric screw pump mechanism ...

Uv pen

A UV pen for repairing inanimate objects. The UV pen includes a cavity. The UV pens also includes a UV activated hardening material. The UV activated hardening material is stored within the cavity and hardens when exposed to UV radiation.

3D Printer

Provided is a 3D printer which can use pellets of various materials and produce a large molded object without requiring an inactive gas. The printer is equipped with: an extrusion apparatus, having a nozzle provided on a lower end side of a cylinder, a screw arranged in the cylinder and controllably rotated by a screw motor, a gear pump provided on a tip side of the screw and controllably rotated by a gear pump motor, a heater for heating an inside of the cylinder, and a hopper for supplying a resin material into the cylinder; a table apparatus positioned facing the nozzle of the extrusion apparatus; and a control apparatus for controlling discharge of a resin from the nozzle of the extrusion apparatus, and for controlling a movement of the extrusion apparatus and/or the table apparatus in X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions with respect to a reference plane. The extrusion apparatus and/or the table apparatus has a structure moved through position control in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions by the control apparatus.

INDEXING CART FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT PRINTING

A mobile cart for a three-dimensional object printing system includes a mechanism that enables vertical movement of the platen with reference to ejector heads in the system. The mobile cart includes a pair of links at each end of a cart that pivotally connect a member positioned between the cart and the platen to the cart and the platen. An actuator is configured to laterally move the member bi-directionally and along an axis that is orthogonal to the member. This movement of the member pivots the links to raise and lower the platen depending on the direction in which the member is urged by the actuator. 1. A cart that moves through a three-dimensional object printing system comprising:a first platform configured to move along a track of the printing system;a second platform that has a planar upper surface parallel to the track;a member positioned between the first platform and the second platform;a plurality of first pivoting members, one end of each pivoting member in the plurality of first pivoting members being connected to the first platform and another end of each pivoting member in the plurality of first pivoting members being connected to the member, the plurality of first pivoting members being configured to pivot and transform lateral motion of the member into motion of the member along an axis that is normal to the planar upper surface;a plurality of second pivoting members, one end of each pivoting member in the plurality of second pivoting members being connected to the member and another end of each second pivoting member being connected to the second platform, the plurality of second pivoting members being configured to pivot and transform lateral motion of the member and motion of the member along the axis normal to the parallel upper surface into motion of the second platform along the axis normal to the planar upper surface; andan actuator positioned on the first platform and operable to laterally move the member bi-directionally to move the second ...

METHOD FOR PRODUCING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT BY MEANS OF GENERATIVE CONSTRUCTION

The invention relates to a method for producing a three-dimensional object () by means of generative construction in a direct constructional sequence from at least one solidifiable material. At least one material component is discharged in a programmable way via a control device in the direct constructional sequence and, as a result of the discharge, produces structurally different regions of the object () that are joined together, wherein geometric relationships obtained during the discharge already correspond to the object (). The fact that configuration criteria for the structurally different regions of the object () are predefined to the control device by using a selection, and that the discharge unit is controlled by the control device during the discharge of the at least one material component for the structurally different regions of the object by using the selected configuration criteria in order to configure a three-dimensional structure desired for the respective region of the object, means that a method is provided by means of which the discharge of the material can be carried out in accordance with individual requirements on the object. 113.-. (canceled)14. A method for producing a three-dimensional object by means of additive construction in a direct construction sequence from at least one solidifiable material , which , for processing , is liquefied into a fluid phase by means of a plastifying unit , that is known per se in the prior art and as it is used in plastics injection molding , and which hardens after being applied from a discharge unit ,wherein the at least one solidifiable material for discharging drops is subject to a pressure in a material reservoir of at least 10 MPa,wherein at least one material component of the at least one solidifiable material is discharged under the pressure in the direct construction sequence in a manner programmable by way of a control apparatus, wherein already parts of the at least one material component are ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MULTIPLE MATERIAL SPATIALLY MODULATED EXTRUSION-BASED ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

Methods and apparatus for multi-material extrusion-based additive manufacturing is described in which material composition and/or color can be varied locally to create abrupt transitions or controlled gradients, and in which objects may be fabricated from thermoset materials. 1. A multi-material additive manufacturing method for fabricating objects , the method comprising:providing an extrusion printhead comprising a chamber, an orifice, at least two material flow channels communicating with the chamber, and a plunger able to controllably move within the chamber;advancing a first material into the chamber through a first material flow channel;extruding the first material through the orifice to form a first extrudate;advancing the plunger into the chamber to substantially purge the first material;withdrawing the plunger;advancing a second material into the chamber through a second flow material channel;extruding the second material through the orifice to form a second extrudate, wherein the second extrudate comprises substantially only the second material and substantially none of the first material.2. The method of wherein the rate of advancement of the first material is decreased and the rate of advancement of the plunger increased when the volume of the first material in the chamber is adequate to complete the first extrudate.3. The method of wherein the advancing the first material and the extruding the first material are substantially simultaneous.4. The method of wherein the extruding the first material and the advancing the plunger are substantially simultaneous.5. The method of wherein at least a portion of the plunger and the chamber are shaped according to geometric solids selected from the group consisting of spheres claim 1 , cones claim 1 , and cylinders.6. The method of wherein the withdrawing occurs subsequent to moving the orifice away from the extrudate.7. A multi-material additive manufacturing method for fabricating objects claim 1 , the method ...

METHODS FOR COMPOSITE FILAMENT FABRICATION IN THREE DIMENSIONAL PRINTING

Various embodiments related to three dimensional printers, and reinforced filaments, and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a void free reinforced filament is fed into an conduit nozzle. The reinforced filament includes a core, which may be continuous or semi-continuous, and a matrix material surrounding the core. The reinforced filament is heated to a temperature greater than a melting temperature of the matrix material and less than a melting temperature of the core prior to drag the filament from the conduit nozzle. 1. A method for manufacturing a pant , the method comprising:supplying a reinforced filament having a matrix material impregnating a plurality of reinforcing strands aligned along the reinforced filament;receiving the reinforced filament at a shearing region moved together with a nozzle;shearing the reinforced filament at the shearing region;guiding the reinforced filament to drag through the nozzle;heating the reinforced filament at the nozzle as the reinforced filament is displaced out of the nozzle;applying pressure with the nozzle to continuously compact the reinforced filament into the part as the reinforced filament is fused into the part.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein shearing comprises shearing the reinforced filament between a feeding mechanism and a nozzle outlet.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein shearing comprises shearing the reinforced filament at a temperature below a melting temperature of the matrix material.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein shearing comprises shearing the reinforced filament at a temperature below a glass transition temperature of the matrix material.5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein applying pressure comprises continuously ironing with a nozzle tip of the nozzle.6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein applying pressure comprises consolidating with a rounded lip of a nozzle outlet of the nozzle.7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein applying ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES THAT STRATEGICALLY BUILDUP OBJECTS

Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement additive manufacturing techniques that employ different sets of deposition characteristics and/or material formation characteristics during the additive manufacture of an object so as to strategically build up the object. In many embodiments, material used to build up an object is deposited at different deposition rates during the additive manufacture of the object, and the object is thereby strategically built up. In one embodiment, a method of additively manufacturing an object includes: depositing material onto a surface at a first deposition rate so as to define a first region of the object to be additively manufactured; and depositing material onto a surface at a second deposition rate so as to define a second region of the object to be additively manufactured; where the second deposition rate is different from the first deposition rate.

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF SHORT AND MIXED FIBRE-REINFORCED POLYMER

Additive manufacturing of a fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) product using an additive manufacturing print head; a reservoir in the additive manufacturing print head; short carbon fibers in the reservoir, wherein the short carbon fibers are randomly aligned in the reservoir; an acrylate, methacrylate, epoxy, cyanate ester or isocyanate resin in the reservoir, wherein the short carbon fibers are dispersed in the acrylate, methacrylate, epoxy, cyanate ester or isocyanate resin; a tapered nozzle in the additive manufacturing print head operatively connected to the reservoir, the tapered nozzle produces an extruded material that forms the fibre-reinforced polymer product; baffles in the tapered nozzle that receive the acrylate, methacrylate, epoxy, cyanate ester or isocyanate resin with the short carbon fibers dispersed in the acrylate, methacrylate, epoxy, cyanate ester or isocyanate resin; and a system for driving the acrylate, methacrylate, epoxy, cyanate ester or isocyanate resin with the short carbon fibers dispersed in the acrylate, methacrylate, epoxy, cyanate ester or isocyanate resin from the reservoir through the tapered nozzle wherein the randomly aligned short carbon fibers in the acrylate, methacrylate, epoxy, cyanate ester or isocyanate resin are aligned by the baffles and wherein the extruded material has the short carbon fibers aligned in the acrylate, methacrylate, epoxy, cyanate ester or isocyanate resin that forms the fibre-reinforced polymer product. 1. An apparatus for additive manufacturing a fibre-reinforced polymer product , comprising:an additive manufacturing print head;a reservoir in said additive manufacturing print head;short carbon fibers in said reservoir, wherein said short carbon fibers are randomly aligned in said reservoir;an acrylate, methacrylate, epoxy, cyanate ester or isocyanate resin in said reservoir, wherein said short carbon fibers are dispersed in said acrylate, methacrylate, epoxy, cyanate ester or isocyanate resin;a tapered ...

THREE DIMENSIONAL (3D) PRINTER AND FILAMENT MATERIAL PROVIDING SCANNING PROTECTION FOR 3D PRINTED OBJECTS

A printer adapted for printing three dimensional (3D) objects that are difficult to copy by use of a 3D scanner and 3D printer. The printer includes a print head with an extrusion nozzle with a heated portion and a print bed with a surface for receiving material extruded from the extrusion nozzle. The printer includes a print material supply spool loaded with an anti-scanning filament. The print head is adapted for drawing the anti-scanning filament into the heated portion for heating prior to extrusion from the extrusion nozzle to form a 3D object. Further, the 3D object includes one or more scan protected exterior surfaces on at least one element of the 3D object. The scan protected exterior surfaces are either light absorbing surfaces or reflect light in one or more unconventional directions. The anti-scanning filament may be a plastic mixed with an anti-scanning additive such as a retroreflective material.

Novel Additive Manufacturing-Based Electric Poling Process of PVDF Polymer for Piezoelectric Device Applications

Methods for forming a piezoelectric device are provided. The method can comprise: electrically poling and printing the piezoelectric device from a polymeric filament simultaneously. The polymeric filament can comprise a polyvinylidene fluoride polymer (e.g., a β phase polyvinylidene fluoride polymer, such as formed by simultaneously stretching and electric poling an electrically inactive α phase polyvinylidene fluoride polymer).

Method and Apparatus for Printing 3D Objects Using Additive Manufacturing and Material Extruder with Translational and Rotational Axes

A 5D printer, which additively manufactures an object, includes an extruder that can move linearly along three orthogonal axes and rotationally around at least one of the axes with respect to the object while depositing a material. A gantry is movable along X, Y and Z axes, and a trunnion table movable about A and B axes is mounted on the gantry. A platen is mounted on the trunnion table, and the extruder deposits the material on the platen while moving the gantry and trunnion table. A model of the object is analyzed to produce a stress tensor for the object, and the depositing is according to the stress tensor. 1. An apparatus for additively manufacturing an object , comprising:an extruder configured to move, with respect to the object, linearly along three orthogonal axes and rotationally around at least one of the axes While depositing a material.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:a gantry movable along X, Y and Z axes;a trunnion table, movable about A and B axes, mounted on the gantry; anda platen mounted on the trunnion table, wherein the extruder deposits the material on the platen while moving the gantry and trunnion table3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the object includes a removable support.4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the object has a greater tensile strength than the removable support.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:a processor configured to analyze a model of the object and to produce a stress tensor for the object, and wherein the depositing is according to the stress tensor.6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the object has a near optimal strength to weight ratio claim 5 , and near constant wall thickness.7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a pattern for the depositing the material is determined stochastically.8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a pattern for the depositing the material is determined deterministically.9. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the stress tensor is determined using a finite ...

Method and Apparatus for Additively Manufacturing of Objects Based on Tensile Strength

A 5D printer, which additively manufactures an object, includes an extruder that can move linearly along three orthogonal axes and rotationally around at least one of the axes with respect to the object while depositing a material. A gantry is movable along X, Y and Z axes, and a trunnion table movable about A and B axes is mounted on the gantry. A platen is mounted on the trunnion table, and the extruder deposits the material on the platen while moving the gantry and trunnion table. A model of the object is analyzed to produce a stress tensor for the object, and the depositing is according, to the stress tensor. 1. A method for additively manufacturing an object , comprising the steps of:determining a stress tensor for the object; anddepositing a material with an extruder according to the stress tensor.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the stress tensor maximizes a tensile strength of the object.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the object includes a removable support claim 1 , and the stress tensor minimizes a tensile strength of the removable support.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:moving the extruder linearly along three orthogonal axes and rotationally around at least one of the axes while depositing.5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising:depositing the material on a platen mounted on a rotatable trunnion table, and wherein the trunnion table is mounted in a translatable gantry.6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:analyzing a model of the object to produce the stress tensor.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the object has a near optimal strength to weight ratio claim 1 , and near constant wall thickness.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein a pattern for the depositing the material is determined stochastically.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein a pattern for the depositing the material is determined deterministically.10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the stress tensor is determined using a finite element method.11. The method of ...

Method and Apparatus for Printing 3D Objects Using Additive Manufacturing and Material Extruder with Translational and Rotational Axes

A 5D printer, which additively manufactures an object, includes an extruder that can move linearly along three orthogonal axes and rotationally around at least one of the axes with respect to the object while depositing a material. A gantry is movable along X, Y and Z axes, and a trunnion table movable about A and B axes is mounted on the gantry. A platen is mounted on the trunnion table, and the extruder deposits the material on the platen while moving the gantry and trunnion table. A model of the object is analyzed to produce a stress tensor for the object, and the depositing is according to the stress tensor. 1. An apparatus for additively manufacturing an object , comprising:an extruder configured to move, with respect to the object, linearly along three orthogonal axes and rotationally around at least one of the axes while depositing a material.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:a gantry movable along X, Y and Z axes;a trunnion table, movable about A and B axes, mounted on the gantry; anda platen mounted on the trunnion table, wherein the extruder deposits the material on the platen while moving the gantry and trunnion table3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the object includes a removable support.4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the object has a greater tensile strength than the removable support.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:a processor configured to analyze a model of the object and to produce a stress tensor for the object, and wherein the depositing is according to the stress tensor.6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the object has a near optimal strength to weight ratio claim 5 , and near constant wall thickness.7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a pattern for the depositing the material is determined stochastically.8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a pattern for the depositing the material is determined deterministically.9. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the stress tensor is determined using a finite ...

ELECTROMAGNETIC PRINT NOZZLE HAVING AN EXTRUDER FOR DIRECT-WRITE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

A method and apparatus for additive manufacturing that includes a material guide for directing a supply of working material. An electro-magnetic heater is provided to heat and deposit molten working material as a new supply of working material is forced through the material guide. A single or twin screw extruder is provided within for advancing, mixing and/or depositing the working material through a tip positioned at an end of the material guide. 1. A printing nozzle for use in deposition for additive manufacturing comprising:an extruder for advancing a working material forward during operation;a material guide for permitting a desired flow of the working material;a tip positioned at an end of the material guide for depositing the working material in an appropriate position in space; andan electro-magnetic heating element positioned with respect to the material guide.2. The printing nozzle of wherein the extruder comprises a single screw extruder.3. The printing nozzle of wherein the extruder comprises a twin screw extruder.4. The printing nozzle of wherein the electro-magnetic heating element is positioned around the tip of the material guide.5. The printing nozzle of further comprising a hopper for feeding a filler material to the extruder during operation.6. The printing nozzle of wherein the extruder includes different temperature zones as the working material and the filler material are mixed.7. The printing nozzle of wherein the filler material includes carbon fiber or fiberglass reinforcement.8. A printing nozzle for use in deposition for additive manufacturing comprising:an extruder for advancing a working material forward during operation;a material guide for permitting a desired flow of the working material;a hopper in fluid communication with the material guide, the hopper for providing a supply of filler material to the material guide during operation;an electro-magnetic heating element positioned with respect to the material guide; anda tip positioned ...

BLADE WITH INTERNAL RIB HAVING CORRUGATED SURFACE(S)

A blade includes an airfoil body defined by a concave pressure side outer wall and a convex suction side outer wall that connect along leading and trailing edges and, therebetween, form a radially extending chamber for receiving the flow of a coolant, the airfoil body having an outer surface and an inner surface facing the radially extending chamber. A first corrugated surface is on at least a portion of the outer surface of the airfoil body; and a first rib partitions the radially extending chamber, the first rib including a first side and an opposing second side. A second corrugated surface is on at least a portion of at least one of the first and second sides of the first rib. 1. A blade comprising:an airfoil body defined by a concave pressure side outer wall and a convex suction side outer wall that connect along leading and trailing edges and, therebetween, form a radially extending chamber for receiving the flow of a coolant, the airfoil body having an outer surface and an inner surface facing the radially extending chamber;a first corrugated surface on at least a portion of the outer surface of the airfoil body;a first rib partitioning the radially extending chamber, the first rib including a first side and an opposing second side; anda second corrugated surface on at least a portion of at least one of the first and second sides of the first rib.2. The blade of claim 1 , further comprising a pin bank positioned on the first side of the first rib between the first rib and one of the concave pressure side outer wall and the convex suction side outer wall.3. The blade of claim 2 , wherein the second corrugated surface is on at least a portion of the second side of the first rib.4. The blade of claim 3 , further comprising at least one of:a third corrugated surface on the inner surface of the airfoil body, wherein the third corrugated surface parallels the first corrugated surface and the pin bank couples to the third corrugated surface; anda fourth corrugated ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR 3D PRINTER MATERIAL MANAGEMENT

The quantity of material remaining in a 3D printing system may be effectively measured through the use of a strain gauge. The strain gauge may be mounted on a support member such as a cantilevered support that holds the weight of a material dispenser. As the material is consumed, the strain gauge may measure the reduction in deformation of the cantilevered support, thereby indicating to a control system and/or a user the quantity of material used. Full and/or empty material dispenser measurements may be taken to provide reference points that indicate how close the material dispenser is to being full and/or empty. The material dispenser may be mounted in a variety of locations relative to the 3D printer, including on a side and on top. A top-mounted material dispenser may be received within a bearing that permits the material dispenser to rotate, allowing the material to unwind during consumption. 1. An apparatus comprising:a material dispenser that retains and dispenses material for use in a fabrication process conducted by a fabricator;a support member that supports the material dispenser relative to the fabricator, wherein the support member comprises a load-bearing portion that undergoes a change in deformation in response to a change in weight of the material dispenser; anda deformation measurement device positioned to measure deformation of the load-bearing portion, thereby indicating a change in weight of the material retained by the material dispenser.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the material dispenser comprises a spool comprising a core claim 1 , wherein the material comprises a filament wound around the core.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the support member extends from a side of the fabricator claim 2 , the support member comprising a proximal end secured to the fabricator and a distal end that supports the spool.4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the support member comprises a post and a support arm comprising the load-bearing portion ...

ELECTROMAGNETIC PRINT NOZZLE FOR DIRECT-WRITE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

A method and apparatus for additive manufacturing that includes a material guide for directing a supply of working material and a plurality of rollers for advancing the working material. An electromagnetic heater is provided to heat and deposit molten working material as a new supply of working material is forced through the material guide. 1. A printing nozzle for use in deposition for additive manufacturing comprising:a plurality of rollers configured to be in lateral contact with outside edges of a working material for advancing the working material forward during operation;a material guide for permitting a desired flow of the working material;a tip positioned at an end of the material guide for depositing the working material in an appropriate position in space; andan electromagnetic heating element positioned with respect to the material guide.2. The printing nozzle of wherein the rollers are configured to contact electromagnetically susceptible slugs of material during operation.3. The printing nozzle of wherein the rollers are configured to contact electromagnetically susceptible filaments of material during operation.4. The printing nozzle of wherein the electromagnetic heating element is positioned around the tip.5. The printing nozzle of wherein the electromagnetic heating element is position around the material guide.6. The printing nozzle of wherein the rollers comprise one or more sets of gears.7. The printing nozzle of wherein the rollers comprise knurled rollers.8. The printing nozzle of further comprising a plurality of channels within the material guide configured to permit direct contact between the working material and the rollers during operation.9. The printing nozzle of wherein the rollers are positioned at multiple places along the material guide.10. The printing nozzle of wherein one or more of the plurality of rollers are fixed and one or more of the plurality of rollers are moveable.11. The printing nozzle of wherein the moveable rollers ...

ELECTROMAGNETIC PRINT NOZZLE FOR DIRECT-WRITE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING WITH RESISTIVE RENDITIONS

A method and apparatus for additive manufacturing that includes a material guide for directing a supply of working material. An advancement mechanism comprising one or more pistons, pushers, plungers and/or pressure regulation systems are positioned behind at least a portion of the supply of working material for advancing the working material forward. The working material is heated using an electro-magnetic heating element and the melted or molten working material is deposited from a tip positioned at an end of the material guide. 1. A printing nozzle for use in deposition for additive manufacturing comprising:an advancement mechanism for advancing a working material forward during operation;a primary material guide for permitting a desired flow of the working material;a tip positioned at an end of the material guide for depositing the working material in an appropriate position in space; andan electro-magnetic heating element positioned with respect to the primary material guide.2. The printing nozzle of wherein the advancement mechanism comprises a piston.3. The printing nozzle of wherein the advancement mechanism comprises a pressure regulation system.4. The printing nozzle of wherein the primary material guide comprises a sealed pressurized chamber.5. The printing nozzle of wherein the advancement mechanism comprises a piston and a pressure regulation system wherein the pressure regulation system forces the piston into the working material.6. The printing nozzle of further comprising a secondary material guide positioned in parallel with the primary material guide.7. The printing nozzle of further comprising a gate positioned between the secondary material guide and the primary material guide claim 6 , the gate selectable to close off at least one of the secondary material guide and the primary material guide.8. The printing nozzle of wherein the gate is selectable to simultaneously open the secondary material guide and close the primary material guide.9. The ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURING COMPOSITE PARTS

A system () for additively manufacturing a composite part () comprises a delivery guide () and a surface (), at least one of which is movable relative to another. The delivery guide () is configured to deposit at least a segment () of a continuous flexible line () along a print path (). The print path () is stationary relative to the surface (). The continuous flexible line () comprises a non-resin component () and a photopolymer-resin component () that is partially cured. The system further comprises a feed mechanism () configured to push the continuous flexible line () through the delivery guide (). The system further comprises a source () of a curing energy (). The source () is configured to deliver the curing energy () at least to a portion () of the segment () of the continuous flexible line () after the segment () of the continuous flexible line () exits the delivery guide (). 1100102100. A system () for additively manufacturing a composite part () , the system () comprising:{'b': 112', '114, 'claim-text': [{'b': 112', '120', '106', '122', '122', '114, 'the delivery guide () is configured to deposit at least a segment () of a continuous flexible line () along a print path (), wherein the print path () is stationary relative to the surface (), and'}, {'b': 106', '108', '110, 'the continuous flexible line () comprises a non-resin component () and a photopolymer-resin component () that is partially cured;'}], 'a delivery guide () and a surface (), at least one of which is movable relative to another, wherein{'b': 104', '106', '112, 'a feed mechanism () configured to push the continuous flexible line () through the delivery guide (); and'}{'b': 116', '118', '116', '118', '124', '120', '106', '120', '106', '112, 'a source () of a curing energy (), wherein the source () is configured to deliver the curing energy () at least to a portion () of the segment () of the continuous flexible line () after the segment () of the continuous flexible line () exits the delivery ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURING COMPOSITE PARTS

A method () of additively manufacturing a composite part () comprises applying a photopolymer resin () to a non-resin component () while pushing a continuous flexible line () through a delivery assembly (). The continuous flexible line () comprises the non-resin component () and a photopolymer-resin component () that comprises at least some of the photopolymer resin () applied to the non-resin component (). The method () also comprises depositing, via the delivery assembly (), a segment () of the continuous flexible line () along a print path (). The method () further comprises delivering curing energy () to at least a portion () of the segment () of the continuous flexible line () deposited along the print path (). 1163-. (canceled)164400102400. A method () of additively manufacturing a composite part () , the method () comprising:{'b': 252', '108', '106', '266', '106', '108', '110', '252', '108, 'applying a photopolymer resin () to a non-resin component () while pushing a continuous flexible line () through a delivery assembly (), wherein the continuous flexible line () comprises the non-resin component () and a photopolymer-resin component () that comprises at least some of the photopolymer resin () applied to the non-resin component ();'}{'b': 266', '120', '106', '122, 'depositing, via the delivery assembly (), a segment () of the continuous flexible line () along a print path (); and'}{'b': 118', '124', '120', '106', '122, 'delivering curing energy () to at least a portion () of the segment () of the continuous flexible line () deposited along the print path ().'}165400252108106266252266. The method () according to claim 164 , wherein applying the photopolymer resin () to the non-resin component () while pushing the continuous flexible line () through the delivery assembly () comprises injecting the photopolymer resin () into the delivery assembly ().166400252108106266252. The method () according to claim 164 , wherein applying the photopolymer resin () to the ...

Systems and methods for additively manufacturing composite parts

A method ( 400 ) of additively manufacturing a composite part ( 102 ) is disclosed. The method ( 400 ) comprises applying a thermosetting resin ( 252 ) to a non-resin component ( 108 ) of a continuous flexible line ( 106 ) while pushing the non-resin component ( 108 ) through a delivery guide ( 112 ) and pushing the continuous flexible line ( 106 ) out of the delivery guide ( 112 ). The continuous flexible line ( 106 ) further comprises a thermosetting resin component ( 110 ) that comprises at least some of the thermosetting resin ( 252 ) applied to the non-resin component ( 108 ). The method ( 400 ) further comprises depositing, via the delivery guide ( 112 ), a segment ( 120 ) of the continuous flexible line ( 106 ) along the print path ( 122 ).

PRINTING HEAD MODULE

A printing head module including a body, a feeding roller assembly and a feeding sensor is provided. The body includes a material-supplying channel and a nozzle connected to the material-supplying channel. The feeding roller assembly is disposed at the material-supplying channel to transmit the modeling material to the nozzle. The feeding sensor is disposed at the feeding roller assembly to detect whether the feeding roller assembly rotates. The feeding sensor is coupled to a control unit, such that the control unit generates a notice according to a detection result of the feeding sensor. 1. A printing head module , capable of dispensing a modeling material layer by layer to form a three-dimensional (3-D) object , the printing head module comprising:a body, comprising a material-supplying channel and a nozzle, the material-supplying channel corresponding to the nozzle and forming a material-supplying path with the nozzle;a feeding assembly, disposed between the material-supplying channel and the nozzle, the feeding assembly comprising an active roller and a passive feeding member respectively disposed at two opposite sides of the material-supplying path;a feeding sensor, disposed at the feeding assembly to directly detect whether the passive feeding member is operating; anda control unit, coupled to the feeding assembly and the feeding sensor to drive the active roller to transmit the modeling material from the material-supplying channel to the nozzle along the material-supplying path when the passive feeding member is operating, and the control unit generating a notice according to a detecting result of the feeding sensor.2. The printing head module as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the control unit generates a “material jammed” notice when the feeding sensor detects that the feeding assembly does not rotate.3. The printing head module as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the control unit generates a “material in normal supply” notice when the feeding sensor detects that ...

THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING DEVICE

A 3D printing device is provided. The 3D printing device is adapted to print a 3D object including a plurality of layer objects. The 3D printing device includes a weight sensor, which is configured to measure an actual weight value of the layer objects formed on a carrying surface or configured to measure an actual weight value of a feed tray. A controller of the 3D printing device estimates an ideal weight value corresponding to a first layer object according to a printing sequence of the first layer object in the layer objects. The controller receives the actual weight value corresponding to the first layer object from the weight sensor, and compares the ideal weight value with the actual weight value to determine whether printing abnormity is occurred. According to the disclosure, the printing quality of the 3D printing device is improved. 2. The 3D printing device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least one printing material comprises a first material and a second material claim 1 , the controller estimates the ideal weight value corresponding to the first layer object according to a material property of the first material and a material property of the second material.3. The 3D printing device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the controller calculates a difference between the ideal weight value and the actual weight value to obtain a weight error corresponding to the first layer object claim 1 , and determines whether the weight error is greater than an error threshold claim 1 , so as to determine whether the printing abnormity is occurred.4. The 3D printing device as claimed in claim 3 , wherein when the weight error is greater than the error threshold claim 3 , the controller determines that the printing abnormity is occurred and enables an alert; and when the weight error is not greater than the error threshold claim 3 , the controller determines that the printing abnormity is not occurred and does not enable the alert.5. The 3D printing device as ...

HAND-HELD THREE-DIMENSIONAL DRAWING DEVICE

A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device having a housing configured for manipulation by a user's hand and to accept a feed stock that is, in certain embodiments, a strand of thermoplastic. The drawing device has a nozzle assembly with an exit nozzle and a motor connected to a gear train that engages the strand of thermoplastic feed stock such that rotation of the motor causes the feed stock to be extruded out of the exit nozzle to form a three-dimensional object. 1. A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device comprising:a housing configured to accept a feed stock;a nozzle assembly at least partially disposed within the housing and having an exit nozzle;a motor disposed within the housing; anda gear train disposed within the housing and coupled between the motor and the feed stock and configured such that rotation of the motor causes the feed stock to be extruded out of the exit nozzle to form a three-dimensional object.2. The 3D drawing device of claim 1 , further comprising a heating element positioned adjacent to the exit nozzle and configured to melt the feed stock prior to extrusion through the exit nozzle.3. The 3D drawing device of claim 1 , further comprising a fan configured to provide a flow cooling air at exit nozzle.4. The 3D drawing device of claim 3 , wherein:the housing comprises an internal volume and at least one cooling port proximate to the exit nozzle, the cooling port in fluid communication with the internal volume; andthe fan is disposed within the housing and configured to draw air into the internal volume.5. The 3D drawing device of claim 4 , wherein the at least one cooling port is configured to direct a flow of cooling air from the internal volume onto the extruded feed stock at the exit nozzle.6. The 3D drawing device of claim 1 , further comprising an actuator configured to selectably cause the motor to rotate in at least a first direction that causes the feed stock to be extruded out of the exit nozzle.7. The 3D drawing device of claim 6 , ...

Method and Apparatus for Additive Mechanical Growth of Tubular Structures

A method and apparatus is disclosed for additive manufacturing and three-dimensional printing, and specifically for extruding tubular objects. A print head extrudes a curable material into a tubular object, while simultaneously curing the tubular object and utilizing the interior of the cured portion of the tubular object for stabilizing and propelling the print head. 1. A method of producing a tubular shaped product , including the steps of:a. Extruding a composite tubular shaped product of solid strand material encased in curable matrix material from a print head, wherein the print head is coupled to a means of stabilization and propulsion,b. Curing the tubular shaped product as it is extruded,c. Stabilizing the print head while extruding, by situating the means of stabilization and propulsion inside the tubular shaped product; andd. Propelling the print head while extruding, by moving the means of stabilization and propulsion along the inside of the tubular shaped product, wherein the extrusion rate is coordinated with the propulsion rate.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the curable matrix material is selected from the following group consisting of monomers claim 1 , oligomers claim 1 , bismaleimides claim 1 , thermosetting epoxies claim 1 , thermoplastics claim 1 , polylactic acid claim 1 , acrylonitrile styrene claim 1 , cellulose claim 1 , polyether ether ketone claim 1 , polyetherimide claim 1 , polyethylene terephthalate claim 1 , nylon claim 1 , metal claim 1 , alloy claim 1 , and ceramic.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the solid strand material is selected from the following group consisting of cotton claim 1 , hemp claim 1 , jute claim 1 , flax claim 1 , ramie claim 1 , rubber claim 1 , sisal bagasse claim 1 , ground wood claim 1 , thermo mechanical pulp claim 1 , bleached kraft claim 1 , unbleached kraft claim 1 , sulfite claim 1 , silk wool claim 1 , fur claim 1 , spidroins claim 1 , chrysotile claim 1 , amosite claim 1 , crocidolite claim 1 , ...

HYBRID SCANNER FABRICATOR

A system and method to fabricate three dimensional objects. A set of fabrication tools include at least a coarse deposition head and a fine additive head, a fine subtractive head or both employed concurrently within a single housing. A scanner may also be used within the housing to perform interleaved scanning of the partial fabrication during the fabrication. The process may be adjusted based on the scan results. 1. A hybrid system having both a three dimensional printer and a three dimensional scanner comprising:a structure defining a work area;an interface to receive digital data defining a geometry for a three-dimensional object to be fabricated;a nozzle coupled to the structure to deposit material to fabricate a three dimensional object within the work area;a scan head coupled to the structure concurrently with the nozzle to capture three dimensional information about a target object within the work area, wherein the system creates a three dimensional digital model of the target object based on the three dimensional information captured by the scan head; anda drive system sharing in common at least one axis of motion to cause movement between both the nozzle and the scan head, relative to the three dimensional object.2. The hybrid system of further comprising:a control subsystem that monitors scan head data and controls the nozzle to adjust the fabrication process to improve at least one of the speed or accuracy of the fabrication of the three dimensional object.3. The hybrid system of wherein the scanner periodically images the three dimensional object during fabrication further comprising:a monitoring module to adjust the scanning and printing activity to improve fabrication efficiency.4. The hybrid system of further comprising:a shape adjustment subsystem coupled to the nozzle to change at least one of the orientation or cross-sectional shape or size of the material deposited in the build zone. This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. ...

TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR 3D PRINTER EXTRUSION HEAD

A temperature control system for the extruder of a 3-D printer includes a blower and a baffling system to cool different components of the extruder using the same blower by directing air flow of the blower into two passages arranged at an outlet of the blower. 1. An extruder comprising:a feed tube;a filament inlet arranged for feeding filament from outside the extruder into the feed tube;a heat sink below the filament inlet and surrounding a portion of the feed tube;a heating block below the heat sink and surrounding a portion of the feed tube;a heat guard surrounding at least a portion of the heating block and including one or more outlet slots;a nozzle on a distal end of the feed tube and protruding out of the heating block;a blower with an air inlet and an air exit;at least one baffle; and a first air passage of the at least two air passages is configured to direct a portion of the air flow across the heat sink and through an outlet; and', 'a second air passage of the at least two air passages is configured to direct another portion of the air flow towards and through the one or more outlet slots in the heat guard and across the nozzle., 'a channel that is positioned below the air exit of the blower such that air flow from the air exit of the blower enters the channel and that is divided by the at least one baffle into at least two air passages, each of the at least two air passages with its own respective inlet, wherein2. The extruder of claim 1 , wherein the one or more of outlet slots in the heat guard includes four outlet slots.3. The extruder of claim 2 , wherein the four outlet slots are configured in the heat guard to surround the nozzle such that a first pair of the four outlet slots are arranged parallel to each other on opposite sides of the nozzle claim 2 , and a second pair of the four outlet slots are arranged parallel to each other on opposite sides of the nozzle claim 2 , each of the slots of the first pair being approximately perpendicular to each ...

Biomanufacturing System, Method, and 3D Bioprinting Hardware in a Reduced Gravity Environment

A method, apparatus, and system are provided for the printing and maturation of living tissue in an Earth-referenced reduced gravity environment such as that found on a spacecraft or on other celestial bodies. The printing may be three-dimensional structures. The printed structures may be manufactured from low viscosity biomaterials. 1. A method for the additive manufacturing of living tissue in a reduced gravity environment comprising:providing a reduced gravity environment;providing a housing having a bioprinter;providing one or more bioinks; andprinting one or more three-dimensional tissues with said one or more bioinks from said bioprinter within said reduced gravity environment.2. The method of wherein said one or more three-dimensional tissues are printed in a bioreactor.3. The method of wherein said bioreactor is positioned on at least one print stage of said bioprinter.4. The method of further comprising the step of positioning said one or more three-dimensional tissues into a bioreactor after printing.5. The method of wherein said one or more three-dimensional tissues are positioned into said bioreactor manually or automatically.6. The method of wherein said one or more bioinks include non-living biological components claim 1 , wherein said biological components include at least one of natural or synthetic structural proteins claim 1 , polymers claim 1 , macromolecules claim 1 , or pharmaceuticals.7. The method of wherein said reduced gravity environment is an environment wherein the gravitational acceleration is less than 9.807 meters per second per second.8. The method of wherein said one or more bioinks include living biological components claim 1 , wherein said living biological components include at least one of undifferentiated stem cells claim 1 , partially differentiated stem cells claim 1 , terminally differentiated cells claim 1 , microvascular fragments claim 1 , or organelles.9. The method of further comprising the step of maturing said one or ...

THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTER WITH FORCE DETECTION

An extruder or other tool head of a three-dimensional printer is instrumented to detect contact force against the extruder, such as by a build platform or an object being fabricated. The tool head may also be instrumented to detect deflection forces and the like acting on the tool that might indicate an operating error. The resulting feedback data can be used in a variety of ways to control operation of the three-dimensional printer during fabrication or diagnostics. 1. A three-dimensional printer comprising:a fabrication tool; andone or more sensors mechanically coupled to the fabrication tool, wherein the one or more sensors are collectively operable to sense a contact force between the fabrication tool and a separate structure.2. The three-dimensional printer of claim 1 , wherein the fabrication tool includes an extruder.3. The three-dimensional printer of claim 2 , wherein the contact force is a force along an extrusion axis of the extruder.4. The three-dimensional printer of wherein the contact force includes a deflection force exerted by the separate structure on a tip of the extruder.5. The three-dimensional printer of claim 1 , wherein the separate structure includes an object being fabricated by the three-dimensional printer.6. The three-dimensional printer of claim 1 , wherein the separate structure includes a build platform of the three-dimensional printer.7. The three-dimensional printer of claim 1 , wherein the contact force is a force normal to a surface of the separate structure.8. The three-dimensional printer of claim 1 , wherein the one or more sensors are collectively operable to sense a force between the fabrication tool and the separate structure along two or more non-parallel axes.9. The three-dimensional printer of claim 8 , wherein the one or more sensors are collectively operable to sense a force between the fabrication tool and the separate structure along three or more non-parallel axes.10. The three-dimensional printer of claim 1 , ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEPOSITING LIQUIDS

A printing head for a printing system is disclosed. The printing head comprises a plurality of compartments, each having an outlet port for depositing liquid and an inlet port separately connectable to a separate liquid container. At least two compartments are in controllable fluid communication with each other, and the printing head comprises an arrangement of sensors configured for generating signals indicative of (i) a filling state of each compartment, and (ii) a fluid communication state between the at least two compartments. 1. A printing head for a printing system , comprising:a plurality of compartments, each having an outlet port for depositing liquid and an inlet port separately connectable to a separate liquid container, wherein at least two compartments are in controllable fluid communication with each other; andan arrangement of sensors configured for generating signals indicative of (i) a filling state of each compartment, and (ii) a fluid communication state between said at least two compartments.2. The printing head according to claim 1 , wherein said at least two compartments occupy a chamber and are separated by at least a partition claim 1 , and wherein said fluid communication is via a liquid passage in said chamber.3. The printing head according to claim 2 , wherein said liquid passage is between an upper end of said partition and an upper wall of said chamber.4. The printing head according to claim 2 , wherein said partition is movable to form said liquid passage.5. The printing head according to claim 2 , wherein said liquid passage comprises a controllable inter-compartment valve.6. The printing head according to claim 2 , wherein said arrangement of sensors comprises at least a first sensor in a first compartment of said at least two compartments claim 2 , a second sensor in a second compartment of said at least two compartments claim 2 , and a third sensor in said liquid passage.7. The printing head according to claim 1 , wherein said ...

LIQUEFIER ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN EXTRUSION-BASED ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS

A liquefier assembly for use in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system, the liquefier assembly comprising a downstream portion having a first average inner cross-sectional area, and an upstream having a second average inner cross-sectional area that is less than the first inner cross-sectional area, the upstream portion defining a shoulder configured to restrict movement of a melt meniscus of a consumable material. 1. A liquefier assembly for use in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system , the liquefier assembly comprising: an upstream portion configured to receive a consumable material, wherein the upstream portion has an upstream inner surface compositionally comprising a fluorinated polymer, and wherein the upstream inner surface has an upstream average inner cross-sectional area; and', 'a downstream portion configured to receive the consumable material from the upstream portion, wherein the downstream portion has a downstream inner surface compositionally comprising a metallic material, and wherein the downstream inner surface has a downstream average inner cross-sectional area that is greater than the upstream average inner cross-sectional area; and', 'a shoulder located at an intersection of the upstream portion and the downstream portion that is configured to restrict movement of a melt meniscus of the consumable material;, 'a liquefier comprisingan external heater configured to conduct heat to the received consumable material in the downstream portion; andan extrusion tip coupled to the downstream portion.2. The liquefier assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fluorinated polymer for the inner surface of the upstream portion comprises polytetrafluoroethylene.3. The liquefier assembly of claim 1 , wherein the downstream average inner cross-sectional area is at least 105% of the upstream average inner cross-sectional area.4. The liquefier assembly of claim 3 , wherein the downstream average inner cross-sectional area ranges from about 110% of ...

THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING APPARATUS

A three-dimensional printing apparatus configured to print a three-dimensional object is provided. The three-dimensional printing apparatus may include a print head that extrudes or deposits an electrically non-conductive material and an electrically conductive material. Said electrically conductive material may be configured to substantially form continuous electrically conductive paths and an electrically non-conductive material may be configured to substantially insulate said electrically conductive material. In one example, the three-dimensional printing apparatus may be employed to print a three-dimensional object that may be used to form an electrical circuit. In another example, the three-dimensional printing apparatus may be employed to print a three-dimensional object that may comprise features that may reduce electromagnetic interference (“EMI”). 1. A three-dimensional printing apparatus , comprising; a nozzle configured to extrude or deposit an electrically non-conductive material to form an electrically non-conductive layer of a three-dimensional object;', 'a nozzle configured to extrude or deposit an electrically conductive material to form an electrically conductive layer of a three-dimensional object;', 'whereby said electrical non-conductive material forms a layer configured to substantially insulate said electrically conductive material layer;', 'whereby said electrically conductive material layer and electrically non-conductive material layer are extruded or deposited in successive layers; and, 'a print head comprising;'}a print bed;2. The three-dimensional printing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said print head is configured to switch between non-conductive and conductive material.3. The three-dimensional printing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said print head is movable over at least a portion of said print bed.4. The three-dimensional printing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said print bed provides a surface for support of said three-dimensional ...

PRINT HEAD ASSEMBLY AND PRINT HEAD FOR USE IN FUSED DEPOSITION MODELING SYSTEM

A print head assembly that includes a print head carriage and multiple, replaceable print heads that are configured to be removably retained in receptacles of the print head carriage. The print heads each include a cartridge assembly and a liquefier pump assembly retained by the cartridge assembly. 120-. (canceled)21. An additive manufacturing device comprising:a receptacle configured to receive a print head, the receptacle comprising a first sloped surface wherein the first sloped surface comprises a first longitudinal axis; anda print head configured to be positioned within the receptacle, the print head comprising a second sloped surface and comprising a second longitudinal axis wherein the second sloped surface is configured to engage the first sloped surface as the print head is positioned within the receptacle such that lateral movement of the print head relative to the receptacle is minimized.22. The additive manufacturing device of and further comprising:a securing mechanism in communication with the receptacle, the securing mechanism comprising spaced apart upper and lower surfaces configured to engage the print head to inhibit vertical movement of the print head relative to the receptacle.23. The additive manufacturing device of and wherein the print head further comprises:spaced apart first and second substantially horizontal surfaces wherein the upper surface on the securing mechanism is configured to engage first substantially horizontal surface on the print head and the lower surface of the securing mechanism is configured to engage the second substantially horizontal surface of the print head.24. The additive manufacturing device of and wherein a first cross section of the first sloped surface taken substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis comprises a circle.25. The additive manufacturing device of and wherein a second cross section of the second sloped surface taken substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis ...

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING SYSTEM WITH EXTENDED PRINTING VOLUME, AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

An additive manufacturing system for printing three-dimensional parts, the system comprising a heatable chamber with a port, a print foundation, a print head configured to print a three-dimensional part onto the print foundation in a layer-by-layer manner along a printing axis, and a drive mechanism configured to index the print foundation along the printing axis such that, while the print head prints the three-dimensional part, the print foundation and at least a portion of the three-dimensional part pass through the port and out of the heated chamber. 120-. (canceled)21. A method for printing three-dimensional parts with an additive manufacturing system , the method comprising:providing a build environment of the additive manufacturing system, wherein the build environment has at a first length;printing a three-dimensional part in a layer-by-layer manner along a printing axis onto a movable print foundation of the additive manufacturing system; andindexing the print foundation along the printing axis allowing each subsequent layer of the three dimensional part to be printed and wherein successive indexing and printing results in at least a portion of the three-dimensional part having a second length greater than the first length of the build environment.22. The method of claim 21 , and further comprising heating the build environment to one or more temperatures.23. The method of claim 22 , and further comprising restricting air flow of the build environment to maintain a first temperature of the build environment.24. The method of claim 21 , where in the build environment is bounded by at least one wall claim 21 , the at least one wall having an opening that defines a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the printing axis of the additive manufacturing system and wherein successive indexing and printing results in at least a portion of the three-dimensional part passing through the opening.25. The method of claim 21 , wherein the printing axis is a ...

RAPID PROTOTYPE SYSTEM HAVING INTERCHANGEABLE MODULES

A rapid prototype system includes a master unit and a plurality of detachable and interchangeable modules that connect with the master unit physically, electrically, and using software commands. The master includes components that facilitate actions that are performed during many types of rapid prototype methods. For example, the base includes a Z-axis drive mechanism that facilitates raising and/or lowering materials during many types of additive and subtractive rapid prototype methods. Each interchangeable module creates parts or objects according to a rapid prototype method. Some of the interchangeable modules include specialized components (for example, X-axis and Y-axis drive mechanisms) that are unnecessary for some rapid prototype methods. 1. A rapid prototype system configured to manipulate material to form an object , the rapid prototype system comprising: a housing;', 'a first drive mechanism coupled to the housing, the first drive mechanism being adapted to displace the material in a first direction;', 'a processor coupled to the housing, the processor being operably coupled to the first drive mechanism for controlling the first drive mechanism;, 'a master unit including a work tool being adapted to manipulate the material; and', 'a second drive mechanism coupled to the work tool, the second drive mechanism driving the work tool in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction., 'a plurality of interchangeable modules being selectively attachable to the master unit, each of the plurality of interchangeable modules including at least one component being operably coupled to the processor of the master unit for controlling the at least one component when the interchangeable module is attached to the master unit, the plurality of interchangeable modules including a first interchangeable module, the at least one component of the first interchangeable module including2. The rapid prototype system of claim 1 , wherein the at least ...

Three-dimensional printer with force detection

An extruder or other tool head of a three-dimensional printer is instrumented to detect contact force against the extruder, such as by a build platform or an object being fabricated. The tool head may also be instrumented to detect deflection forces and the like acting on the tool that might indicate an operating error. The resulting feedback data can be used in a variety of ways to control operation of the three-dimensional printer during fabrication or diagnostics.

COLOR SWITCHING FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING

By reversing the direction of a first build material fed into an extruder, the first build material can be wholly or partially evacuated from the extruder before a second material is introduced. This approach mitigates transition artifacts and permits faster, more complete changes from one build material to another. 1. A computer program product for switching filaments in a three-dimensional printer , the computer program product comprising non-transitory computer executable code embodied in a memory of a three-dimensional printer having an extruder with a first input port , a second input port , an extrusion port , and a chamber coupling the first input port , the second input port , and the extrusion port in fluid communication , wherein the computer executable code , when executing on a controller of the three-dimensional printer , performs the steps of:driving a first build material through the first input port until the first build material extrudes through the extrusion port;withdrawing the first build material through the first input port a predetermined amount; anddriving a second build material through the second input port until the second build material extrudes through the extrusion port.2. The computer program product of further comprising code that performs the step of heating the chamber to liquefy at least one of the first build material and the second build material.3. The computer program product of wherein the first build material is a different color than the second build material.4. The computer program product of wherein the first build material is of a different type than the second build material.5. The computer program product of wherein the first build material is a plastic.6. The computer program product of wherein the first build material is one or more of ABS claim 1 , PLA claim 1 , and PCL.7. The computer program product of wherein the predetermined amount is at least enough to move a material transition region between the first build ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRINTING EDIBLE MEDICAMENT DOSAGE CONTAINERS HAVING IDENTIFYING INDICIA AT DISPENSING SITES

A system and method enables production of medicament containers with edible material at a site for dispensing medicaments. The containers are formed in shapes that indicate the contents of the containers and can be formed with indicia that indicate the times for taking the medicaments. Additionally, the containers can be formed with raised protuberances that provide information regarding the medicaments in the containers. In one embodiment, the raised protuberances are in Braille. 1. A method for producing medicament containers at a dispensing site comprising:using a computer and interface to select container configuration data from a database for a medicament to be dispensed;entering data corresponding to times for taking doses of the medicament with the computer and interface;sending the container configuration data and the entered data to a three-dimensional (3D) object printer; andoperating the 3D object printer with reference to the container configuration data and the entered data to form at least one container with indicia indicating at least one time for taking the medicament, the at least one container being formed with edible material.2. The method of claim 1 , the entering of the data further comprising:entering data for a number of containers to be produced and a configuration of an array of the number of containers; andthe operation of the 3D object printer further including production of an array of containers having the entered number of containers.3. The method of further comprising:modifying container configuration data with reference to the data corresponding to the times for taking doses of the medicament; andoperating the 3D object printer with reference to the modified container configuration data to produce at least one container.4. The method of further comprising:entering data regarding visually impairment of a person receiving the container through the computer and interface;modifying container configuration data with reference to the data ...

Three-dimensional fabrication with cavity filling

A three-dimensional printer is configured to fill interior cavities of a fabricated object with functional or aesthetic materials during fabrication. In general, a number of layers can be fabricated with an infill pattern that leaves void space within an exterior surface of the object. These void spaces can receive a second material such as an epoxy or adhesive that spans multiple layers of the object to increase structural integrity. Similarly, aesthetic materials may be used to add color, opacity, or other desired properties to a fabricated object. The void spaces can also or instead form molds that are filled with a build material to provide a fabricated object.

3D printer

A 3 D printer includes a frame, a printing head connected to the frame and movable with respective to the frame, and a table assembly connected to the frame. The table assembly includes an object table adapted to support an object to be printed during a printing operation. The table assembly is adapted to move relative to the frame at least between a storage position and an operational position. Method of changing the 3 D printer from the storage position to the operational position is also shown. Since the state of the printer can be changed on a flexible basis for the purposes of storage and printing, the printer according to the present invention can be carried away easily by the user using a single hand, like a suitcase. On the other hand, the full functionality provided by the 3 D printer is still preserved.

3D Print Bed Having Permanent Coating

A coated print bed for a 3D printer having a permanent print-surface coating permanently secured to a print bed substrate plate, having a smooth, planar surface that provides an adhesive interface layer between a first layer of an applied plastic print material and the coated print bed. The coating contains a matrix-forming compound, such as a solvent- or water-based epoxy resin, an adhesive material, and optionally a filler. The user can print a series of print object directly onto the permanent print surface coating of the coated print bed, without having to refresh or refurbish the print surface, such as by applying to the print bed surface a temporary coating such as painter's tape, or a liquid adhesive. 1. A coated print bed for a three-dimensional (3D) printer , comprising a permanent print-surface coating permanently secured to a print bed substrate plate that provides an adhesive interface layer between a first layer of an applied plastic print material and the coated print bed.2. The coated print bed according to wherein the permanent print-surface coating is applied to an upper surface of the print bed substrate plate claim 1 , and has a smooth claim 1 , planar interface surface.3. The coated print bed according to wherein the permanent print-surface coating comprises a composite material comprising a matrix-forming compound or composition claim 1 , and one or more of material selected from the group consisting of a filler material and an adhesive material.4. The coated print bed according to wherein the permanent print-surface coating comprises a mixture of a thermosetting polymer and a thermoplastic material that provides adhesion performance properties for the surface of the permanent print-surface coating.5. The coated print bed according to wherein the thickness of the permanent print-surface coating is at least about 0.5 mil claim 3 , and up to about 5 mil claim 3 , and preferably about 1 mil to 2 mil.6. The coated print bed according to wherein the ...

IN-SPACE MANUFACTURING AND ASSEMBLY OF SPACECRAFT DEVICE AND TECHNIQUES

A system for producing an object is disclosed including a build device having a build area and a material bonding component to receive portions of a material that are used to produce the object, at least one gripper within the build area to contact the object to provide support and to provide for at least one of a heat sink for the object, a cold sink for the object, and electrical dissipation path from the object, and a movement mechanism to move the build device relative to the object to position the build device at a position to further produce the object. Another system and methods are also disclosed. 1. A system for producing an object , the system comprising:a build device having a build area and a material bonding component to receive portions of a material that are used to produce the object;at least one gripper within the build area to contact the object to provide support and to provide for at least one of a heat sink for the object, a cold sink for the object, and electrical dissipation path from the object; anda movement mechanism to move the build device relative to the object to position the build device at a position to further produce the object.2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the build area is an unlimited build area in at least one axis where the object is produced.3. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising radiators thermally coupled to the at least one gripper.4. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a weaving component to create a mesh that applied over the object as the object is produced.5. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising an antennae element release mechanism to extrude an antennae element from the build device for engagement with the object at least one of as the object is produced and once the object is produced.6. The system according to claim 4 , wherein the mesh is a flexible conductive mesh.7. The system according to claim 1 , wherein a portion of the build area and the at ...

STEREOLITHOGRAPHY MACHINE FOR PRODUCING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT AND STEREOLITHOGRAPHY METHOD APPLICABLE TO SAID MACHINE

The invention is a stereolithography machine () comprising: a container () suited to contain a fluid substance () suited to solidify through exposure to predefined radiation (); means () suited to emit the predefined radiation () and to solidify a layer of the fluid substance () having a predefined thickness and arranged adjacent to the bottom () of the container (); a modelling plate () suited to support the solidified layer (); actuator means () suited to move the modelling plate () according to a direction perpendicular to the bottom () of the container (); levelling means () arranged in contact with the fluid substance (), associated with power means suited to move them with respect to the container () so as to redistribute the fluid substance () in the container (). The power means are configured so as to move the container () in each one or the two opposite senses of a direction of movement (Y) and the levelling means () comprise two paddles () that are opposite each other with respect to the modelling plate (). 19-. (canceled)10. A stereolithography machine comprising:a container for a fluid substance in a liquid or a paste state suited to be solidified through exposure to predefined radiation, said container being movably mounted so that it can be moved in each one of two opposite senses of a direction of horizonal movement, the container having a bottom which is transparent to the predefined radiation;an emitter that emits said predefined radiation, suited to selectively irradiate a layer of said fluid substance having a predefined thickness, the emitter being located outside the container and arranged adjacent to the transparent bottom of said container in order to solidify the layer of said fluid adjacent the bottom;a modeling plate suited to support said solidified layer;an actuator suited to move said modeling plate with respect to said bottom at least according to a modeling direction that is perpendicular to said bottom;a leveler associated with a ...

3D PRINTER

In some examples, a three-dimensional (3D) printer nozzle may include a receive portion configured to receive a molten material from a material channel. The nozzle may further include an emission end opposite the receive portion. The emission end may include multiple holes that are each configured to receive the molten material and to emit the molten material. The nozzle may also include a rotation mechanism coupled to the emission end and configured to enable rotation of the nozzle about a tube. The tube may at least partially define the material channel. 1. A device , comprising:a tube that at least partially defines a material channel, wherein the material channel is configured to guide a molten material; anda nozzle coupled to the tube and configured to receive the molten material from the material channel and to rotate, wherein the nozzle includes a plurality of holes that are each configured to emit the molten material.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of holes are configured to each emit a thread of the molten material.3. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a pressure element disposed in the tube and configured to pressurize the molten material in the material channel such that a pressure of the molten material at the nozzle is increased.4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the pressure element includes a screw disposed in the material channel and configured such that rotation with respect to the screw and the material channel pressurizes the molten material in the material channel.5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the screw includes a screw step that is configured to decrease along a length of the screw in a direction towards the nozzle.6. The device of claim 3 , wherein the pressure element includes a pressure pump.7. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a heat element coupled to the tube and configured to heat the molten material in the material channel to a target temperature claim 1 , wherein the target temperature of the ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR USE IN FORMING A LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM

A method of forming a lightning protection system for use with an aircraft is provided. The method includes selecting a configuration of at least one layer of electrically conductive material to be applied to a component of the aircraft, wherein the configuration is selected as a function of an amount of lightning protection to be provided thereto. The method also includes applying the at least one layer of electrically conductive material to the component via an additive manufacturing technique. 1. A method of forming a lightning protection system for use with an aircraft , said method comprising:selecting a configuration of at least one layer of electrically conductive material to be applied to a component of the aircraft, wherein the configuration is selected as a function of an amount of lightning protection to be provided thereto; andapplying the at least one layer of electrically conductive material to the component via an additive manufacturing technique.2. The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein applying the at least one layer comprises discharging a flow of metal paste or slurry material towards the component to form the at least one layer.3. The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein selecting a configuration comprises selecting at least one of a material claim 1 , a thickness claim 1 , or a design of the at least one layer of electrically conductive material.4. The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein selecting a configuration comprises:defining a first configuration of the at least one layer of electrically conductive material to be applied to components in critical zones of the aircraft; anddefining a second configuration of the at least one layer of electrically conductive material to be applied to components in zones of the aircraft other than the critical zones, wherein the first configuration provides a greater amount of lightning protection than the second configuration.5. The method in accordance with further comprising ...

3D Printing with Small Geometric Offsets to Affect Surface Characteristics

This document describes techniques and apparatuses for 3D printing with small geometric offsets to affect surface characteristics. These techniques are capable of enabling fused-deposition printers to create 3D objects having desired surface characteristics, such as particular colors, images and image resolutions, textures, and luminosities. In some cases, the techniques do so using a single filament head with a single filament material. In some other cases, the techniques do so using multiple heads each with different filaments, though the techniques can forgo many switches between these heads. Each printing layer may use even a single filament from one head, thereby enabling surface characteristics while reducing starts and stops for filaments heads, which enables fewer artifacts or increases printing speed. 1. A 3D printing device comprising:a filament-providing group;one or more computer processors; and determining, based on a desired surface characteristic of a 3D object, amplitudes of waves of filaments to be placed at outer bounds of alternating layers or alternating sets of layers of a 3D fused-deposition printing model for the 3D object, the outer bounds representing a modeled surface of the 3D object; and', 'printing the 3D object using the filament-providing group and with the desired surface characteristic by printing the filaments with the amplitudes of waves at the outer bounds of the alternating layers or alternating sets of layers., 'one or more computer-readable media having instructions stored thereon that, responsive to execution by the one or more computer processors, perform operations comprising2. The 3D printing device of claim 1 , wherein the amplitudes are effective to cause small geometric offsets between some of the alternating layers or alternating sets of layers claim 1 , the small geometric offsets causing more or less light to be reflected off of the some of the alternating layers or alternating sets of layers.3. The 3D printing device ...

PRINTING PLATFORM SUPPORTING MODULE AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTER USING SAME

The present disclosure relates to a printing platform supporting module and a three-dimensional printer using same. The printing platform supporting module comprises a supporting frame, the printing platform, a heating assembly, an adjusting module, and a printing plate. The heating assembly is disposed on the printing platform. The adjusting module is disposed on the printing platform and comprises a plurality of locking units. The printing plate has a working surface and a mounting surface opposite to the working surface. The mounting surface is urged against the heating assembly. The printing plate is removably disposed on the printing platform by means of a locking action and an unlocking action of the locking units. 1. A printing platform supporting module for a three-dimensional printer , the printing platform supporting module comprising:a supporting frame;a printing platform fixed on the supporting frame;a heating assembly disposed on the printing platform;an adjusting module disposed on the printing platform and comprising a plurality of locking units; anda printing plate having a working surface and a mounting surface opposite to the working surface, wherein the mounting surface is urged against the heating assembly, and the printing plate is removably disposed on the printing platform by means of a locking action and an unlocking action of the locking units.2. The printing platform supporting module according to claim 1 , wherein when each of the locking units is adjusted to a first position claim 1 , the working surface of the printing plate is urged against the locking units claim 1 , and the printing plate is fixed on the printing platform; and when each of the locking units is adjusted to a second position claim 1 , the working surface of the printing plate is separated from the locking units claim 1 , and the printing plate is removable from the printing platform.3. The printing platform supporting module according to claim 1 , wherein when parts of ...

3D PRINTER WITH COUPLING FOR ATTACHING PRINT HEAD TO HEAD CARRIAGE

An 3D printer has a gantry configured to move in a plane substantially parallel to a build plane. The system includes a platen configured to support a part being built in a layer by layer process, wherein the platen is configured to move in a direction substantially normal to the build plane. The system includes a head carriage carried by the gantry wherein the head carriage includes a first support member supporting a retaining mechanism. The retaining mechanism includes at least one member extending from the support member and a camming member rotatably attached to the support member and movable about an axis of rotation. The camming member has arcuate camming surface with an increasing radial distance from the axis of rotation. The system includes at least one print head having a housing with a first side surface configured to engage the at least one member and a second side surface configured to engage the arcuate camming surface. The camming member is positionable between a first, non-engaging position where the at least one print head is removable from the support member and a second, engaging position wherein the camming member engages the second side of the print head and the first side of the print head engages the at least one member and causes a frictional engagement therebetween. 1. A 3D printer comprising:a gantry configured to move in a plane substantially parallel to a build plane;a platen configured to support a part being built in a layer by layer process, wherein the platen is configured to move in a direction substantially normal to the build plane; at least one member extending from the support member; and', 'a camming member rotatably attached to the support member and movable about an axis of rotation, the camming member comprising an arcuate camming surface having an increasing radial distance from the axis of rotation; and, 'a head carriage carried by the gantry configured for receiving a removable print head on a first side surface thereof, ...

FILAMENT LOADING DRIVE IN A 3D PRINTER

A 3D printer includes at least one consumable loading bay configured to supply filament from a consumable supply assembly to a print head and at least one drive assembly that is configured to advance filament to the print head from the consumable supply. Each drive assembly includes a follower wheel rotatable about a follower axis and a drive wheel spaced apart from the follower wheel. The drive wheel is rotatable about a drive axis and is located on an opposing side of a filament path from the follower wheel such that the follower axis and the drive axis are substantially parallel. The drive wheel further includes an outer surface extending between two ends and has at least one engaging portion that is configured to engage with the filament and at least one disengaging portion that is configured to disengage from the filament. 1. A 3D printer comprising:a loading bay for receiving at least one consumable supply configured to supply filament to a print head feed drive; a follower wheel rotatable about a follower axis; and', 'a drive wheel spaced apart from the follower wheel, rotatable about a drive axis and located on an opposing side of a filament path from the follower wheel such that the follower axis and the drive axis are substantially parallel, wherein the drive wheel includes an outer surface extending between two ends and having at least one engaging portion configured to engage with the filament and at least one disengaging portion configured to disengage from the filament., 'at least one drive assembly configured to advance filament from the loading bay to the print head feed drive from the consumable supply, wherein each drive assembly comprises2. The 3D printer of claim 1 , wherein the at least one engaging portion comprises an arcuate configuration with a plurality of teeth and the at least one disengaging portion comprises a planar portion.3. The 3D printer of claim 1 , further comprising a controller configured to stop the drive assembly in a ...

Lever tray release

A platen assembly for use in a 3D printer includes a frame and a platen supported by the frame. The platen is configured to receive a removable build tray. A lever release mechanism of the platen assembly is coupled to the frame and is configured to both secure the build tray to the platen for printing of the part, and to eject the build tray from the platen after printing of the part.

ADDITIVE-MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS, APPARATUSES AND METHODS

Additive-manufacturing systems, surface-processing apparatuses, and methods of forming products using an additive-manufacturing head are provided. In one aspect, an additive-manufacturing system includes an additive-manufacturing head and a surface-processing device coupled to the additive-manufacturing head. In another aspect, a surface-processing apparatus for an additive-manufacturing head includes a housing configured to be coupled to the additive-manufacturing head and a surface-processing device coupled to the housing. In a further aspect, a method of forming a product using an additive-manufacturing head includes forming one or more layers of the product with the additive-manufacturing head and processing at least one of the one or more layers of the product with a surface-processing device coupled to the additive-manufacturing head. 1. An additive-manufacturing system comprising:an additive-manufacturing head; anda surface-processing device coupled to the additive-manufacturing head.2. The additive-manufacturing system of claim 1 , wherein the surface-processing device is movably coupled to the additive-manufacturing head.3. The additive-manufacturing system of claim 2 , further comprising a housing rotatably coupled to the additive-manufacturing head claim 2 , wherein the surface-processing device is coupled to the housing.4. The additive-manufacturing system of claim 3 , further comprising means for rotatably positioning the housing relative to the additive-manufacturing head.5. The additive-manufacturing system of claim 1 , wherein the surface-processing device has a trailing orientation relative to the additive-manufacturing head.6. The additive-manufacturing system of claim 1 , wherein the surface-processing device comprises a laser-emitting device configured to emit a laser beam.716-. (canceled)17. The additive-manufacturing system of claim 1 , wherein the surface-processing device is configured to engage a product formed by the additive-manufacturing ...

BIODEGRADABLE MATERIAL MADE OF BIOLOGICAL COMPONENTS

The invention relates to a biodegradable material made of biological components, comprising 10 to 60 wt. % of a protein adhesive (), which is made of at least one protein, and 2 to 50 wt. % of natural fibers (). Furthermore, 2 to 15 wt. % of at least one hygroscopic mineral (), 10 to 55 wt. % of water (), and 0 to 50 wt. % of an additive component () are provided in the material (). 116-. (canceled)17. A degradable material made of biological components , comprising from 10 to 60 percent by weight of a protein glue made of at least one protein , from 2 to 50 percent by weight of natural fibers , from 2 to 15 percent by weight of at least one hygroscopic mineral , from 10 to 55 percent by weight of water and also from 0 to 50 percent by weight of an additive component.18. The degradable material as claimed in claim 17 , wherein the protein glue contains glutin claim 17 , collagen claim 17 , alginates claim 17 , albumin claim 17 , gelatin claim 17 , chondrin claim 17 , agar-agar claim 17 , xanthan claim 17 , or a mixture thereof.19. The degradable material as claimed in claim 17 , wherein the natural fibers comprise wood fibers claim 17 , cereal fibers claim 17 , nutshell fibers claim 17 , grass fibers claim 17 , cornmeal claim 17 , cellulose fibers claim 17 , cellulose flakes or a mixture thereof.20. The degradable material as claimed in claim 17 , wherein calcium sulfate claim 17 , calcium oxide claim 17 , magnesium sulfate claim 17 , zeolite or a mixture thereof is used as hygroscopic material.21. The degradable material as claimed in claim 17 , wherein the additive component comprises from 1 to 10 percent by weight of at least one biodegradable plasticizer.22. The degradable material as claimed in claim 17 , wherein the additive component contains from 0.1 to 10 percent by weight claim 17 , of at least one biodegradable stabilizer.23. The degradable material as claimed in claim 17 , wherein the additive component contains from 0.1 to 10 percent by weight of at ...

TOOL HEAD

A tool head for use in a D printer includes at least two drivable tools, at least one of which is an extruder tool for melting a modeling material suitable for building an object in layers. A shared or common drive system for the at least two drivable tools serves, in the context of the at least one extruder tool, to feed the modeling material into an extrusion unit. A selection device can establish an operative connection between at least one tool selected from the number of drivable tools and the drive system. 110-. (canceled)11. A tool head for use in an apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by melt layering , the tool head comprising:at least two drivable tools, at least one of said at least two drivable tools being an extruder tool for melting a modeling material suitable for building the object in layers;an extrusion unit for extruding the modeling material;a drive system shared by said at least two drivable tools, said drive system causing said at least one extruder tool to feed the modeling material into said extrusion unit; anda selection device for establishing an operative connection between said drive system and at least one drivable tool selected from said at least two drivable tools.12. The tool head according to claim 11 , wherein said selection device is configured to establish said operative connection individually for each of said at least two drivable tools.13. The tool head according to claim 11 , wherein said selection device is configured to establish said operative connection simultaneously for a plurality of said drivable tools.14. The tool head according to claim 11 , wherein:said drive system includes a drive shaft;said at least one drivable tool is movable relative to said drive shaft and is brought into said operative connection with said drive system by being transferred from an idle position in which said at least one drivable tool is not operatively connected to said drive system into a working position in which said ...

SERIES ENABLED MULTI-MATERIAL EXTRUSION TECHNOLOGY

A method and apparatus are provided for producing a multicomponent feedstock being delivered through a print head of a 3D printer. Multiple component lengths are produced from separate feedstocks and are aligned to form the multicomponent feedstock which is fed into the print head for extrusion. The method includes providing at least two sources of feedstock of different material, feeding a distal end of a first feedstock along a feed path, cutting the first feedstock at a pre-determined length to provide a length of first feedstock having a proximal end. The method includes feeding a distal end of a second feedstock along the feed path and aligning the distal end of the second feedstock with the proximal end of the length of the first feedstock. The second feedstock is cut at a pre-determined length to provide a length of the second feedstock serially aligned with the length of first feedstock, to form a length of multicomponent feedstock. The length of multicomponent feedstock is fed into the print head. 1. A method of automatically forming and feeding a multicomponent feedstock being delivered through a print head of a 3D printer , the method comprising , under processor control concurrent with and in cooperation with control of a printer tool path: automatically positioning a portion of a first feedstock along the feed path;', 'automatically positioning a portion of a second feedstock along the feed path and in line with the portion of the first feedstock, the portions of feedstock being aligned in series to form the multicomponent feedstock; and, 'at a multicomponent feedstock source coupled to but spaced from the print head by a feedstock feed pathfeeding the multicomponent feedstock along the feed path to the print head.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first feedstock and the second feedstock are spooled feedstock in the form of filament.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein positioning the portion of the first feedstock includes: ...

Patient-specific, multi-material, multi-dimensional anthropomorphic human equivalent phantom and hardware fabrication method

The present invention relates generally to a system and method for improving the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of advanced radiation treatment techniques using a patient-specific, multi-material, multi-dimensional anthropomorphic human equivalent phantom technology.

FERRITE COMPOSITE SLEEVE SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COAXIAL APPLICATIONS

According to an embodiment, a method includes receiving a magnetic device design comprising a magnetic structure to be formed, at least in part, from a magnetic material matrix, wherein the magnetic material matrix is configured to be used in at least one of a magnetic materials additive manufacturing system (MMAMS) and a magnetic materials bulk extrusion system (MMBES); receiving the magnetic material matrix by at least one of the MMAMS and the MMBES; and dispensing the magnetic material matrix using at least one of the MMAMS and the MMBES to form the magnetic structure. 1900. A method () , comprising:{'b': 902', '310', '400', '402', '404', '406', '500', '117', '410', '420', '412', '422', '524', '564', '110', '232, 'receiving () a magnetic device design comprising a magnetic structure (, , , , , G) to be formed, at least in part, from a magnetic material matrix (, , , , , , ), wherein the magnetic material matrix is configured to be used in at least one of a magnetic materials additive manufacturing system “MMAMS” () and a magnetic materials bulk extrusion system “MMBES” ();'}{'b': '904', 'receiving () the magnetic material matrix by at least one of the MMAMS and the MMBES; and'}{'b': '906', 'dispensing () the magnetic material matrix using at least one of the MMAMS and the MMBES to form the magnetic structure.'}2. The method of claim 1 , wherein:the MMAMS is at least partially implemented by a fused filament fabrication additive manufacturing system;the magnetic material matrix comprises a magnetic matrix filament; andthe dispensing the magnetic material matrix comprises using an actuated filament extrusion nozzle to dispense the magnetic matrix filament in one or more patterned layers to form the magnetic structure.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein:the MMAMS is at least partially implemented by a stereolithographic additive manufacturing system;the magnetic material matrix comprises a liquid magnetic matrix; andthe dispensing the magnetic material matrix ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAKING TANGIBLE PRODUCTS BY LAYERWISE MANUFACTURING

The invention relates to a production line and a method for making tangible products by layerwise manufacturing. The production line comprises a deposition head for depositing construction material layerwise on a building platform. The building platforms can move with a different speed along a conveyor. Optionally, the height of the building platforms can be adjusted. 2. Production line according to claim 1 , further comprising height adjustment means that are configured for displacing a building platform of a carrier relative to a transporter of the carrier in a direction parallel to the deposition direction.3. Production line according to claim 1 , wherein a building platform of a carrier is movable relative to a transporter of the carrier in a plane perpendicular to the deposition direction.4. Production line according to claim 3 , wherein the building platform is rotatable in said plane.5. Production line according to claim 3 , wherein the platforms are transferable in said plane.6. Production line according to claim 1 , wherein each carrier comprises a building platform that is mounted on a arm claim 1 , which arm can pivot around an axis relative to the transporter.7. Production line according to claim 1 , wherein the conveyor is an endless conveyor.8. Production line according to claim 1 , wherein the conveyor comprises banked curves.9. Production line according to claim 1 , comprising one or more handling stations for handling a tangible product claim 1 , wherein the first and second transporters are movable at variable speeds relative to each other along a trajectory of the conveyor between the handling stations.10. Production line according to claim 9 , wherein the handling station comprises a cutting unit for removing material from a manufactured product on a building platform.11. Production line according to claim 9 , wherein the handling station comprises an input unit for inputting new carriers in the conveyor; wherein the tunable height adjustment ...

PRINTING CORRECTION METHOD AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING DEVICE

A printing correction method and a 3D printing device are provided, and the printing correction method is adapted to the 3D printing device having a printing platform. The printing correction method is as follows. An electric field is provided to the printing platform. A detection probe is extended towards a position of the printing platform along a first axial direction to enter the electric field, where the position is defined as an initial position. The detection probe is moved from the initial position along a moving path on the printing platform, and when the detection probe is moved along the moving path, an electric field variation is detected to determine a tilt variation of the printing platform relative to the first axial direction. It is determined whether to correct the printing platform according to the tilt variation of the printing platform. 1. A printing correction method , adapted to a three-dimensional (3D) printing device , the 3D printing device having a printing platform , and the printing correction method comprising:providing an electric field to the printing platform;extending a detection probe towards a position of the printing platform along a first axial direction to enter the electric field, wherein the position of the printing platform is defined as an initial position;moving the detection probe from the initial position along a moving path on the printing platform;detecting an electric field variation to determine a tilt variation of the printing platform relative to the first axial direction when the detection probe is moved along the moving path; anddetermining whether to correct the printing platform according to the tilt variation of the printing platform.2. The printing correction method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the step of moving the detection probe from the initial position along the moving path further comprises:moving the detection probe from the initial position along a second axial direction on the printing platform, ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD TO CONTROL A THREE-DIMENSIONAL (3D) PRINTER

A three-dimensional (3D) printer device includes an extruder configured to deposit a material on a deposition platform, an actuator coupled to at least one of the extruder or the deposition platform, and a controller coupled to the actuator. The controller is configured to cause the extruder to deposit a first portion of the material corresponding to a first line, and after depositing a second portion of the material corresponding to a first end of the first line, to cause relative motion of the extruder and the deposition platform such that the extruder moves back along the first line while the extruder concurrently moves away from the deposition platform. 1. A three-dimensional (3D) printer device comprising:an extruder configured to deposit a material on a deposition platform;an actuator coupled to at least one of the extruder or the deposition platform; anda controller coupled to the actuator, the controller configured to cause the extruder to deposit a first portion of the material corresponding to a first line, and after depositing a second portion of the material corresponding to a first end of the first line, to cause relative motion of the extruder and the deposition platform such that the extruder moves back along the first line while the extruder concurrently moves away from the deposition platform.2. The 3D printer of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to reduce an extrusion flow rate of the extruder as the extruder moves away from the deposition platform.3. The 3D printer of claim 2 , wherein the extruder is a syringe extruder claim 2 , and wherein the extrusion flow rate is reduced by decreasing pressure applied to a plunger of the syringe extruder.4. The 3D printer of claim 1 , wherein the material includes a polymer.5. The 3D printer of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to send signals to the actuator and the extruder to control formation of a physical model of an object by forming a first stack of multiple ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD TO CONTROL A THREE-DIMENSIONAL (3D) PRINTER

A three-dimensional (3D) printer device includes a first extruder configured to deposit a material on a deposition platform, an actuator coupled to at least one of the first extruder or the deposition platform, and a controller coupled to the actuator. The controller is configured to cause the first extruder to deposit a first portion of the material corresponding to a first portion of a physical model. The controller may be configured to cause the first extruder to be cleaned, purged, or both, after the first extruder deposits the first portion of the material. The controller may be configured to cause the first extruder to deposit a second portion of the material after the first extruder is cleaned. The second portion of the material corresponds to a second portion of the physical model. 1. A three-dimensional (3D) printer device comprising:a first extruder configured to deposit a material on a deposition platform;an actuator coupled to at least one of the first extruder or the deposition platform; anda controller coupled to the actuator, the controller configured to cause the first extruder to deposit a first portion of the material corresponding to a first portion of a physical model, to cause the first extruder to be cleaned, purged, or both, after the first extruder deposits the first portion of the material, and to cause the first extruder to deposit a second portion of the material after the first extruder is cleaned, purged, or both, the second portion of the material corresponding to a second portion of the physical model.2. The 3D printer device of claim 1 , further comprising a memory to store data representing a set of commands claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to execute commands of the set of commands to form the physical model.3. The 3D printer device of claim 1 , further comprising a communication interface to receive commands from a computing device claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to execute the commands to form the ...

Apparatus and Method to Authenticate 3D Printer Consumables

Apparatus and method to authenticate 3D printer consumables are described herein. An example 3D printer includes a consumable used by the three-dimensional printer to print a three-dimensional object, the consumable containing embedded ceramic particles, the ceramic particles having luminescent properties such that they emit light having a first wavelength when they are illuminated by light having a second wavelength, and a detector to detect the presence of the ceramic particles in the consumable. 1. A three-dimensional printer comprising:a consumable used by the three-dimensional printer to print a three-dimensional object, the consumable containing embedded ceramic particles, the ceramic particles having luminescent properties such that they emit light having a first wavelength when they are illuminated by light having a second wavelength; anda detector to detect the presence of the ceramic particles in the consumable.2. The three-dimensional printer of claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional printer does not print the three-dimensional object if the detector does not detect the presence of the ceramic particles.3. The three-dimensional printer of claim 1 , further comprising a control that adjusts a setting of the printer based on the ceramic particles detected by the detector.4. The three-dimensional printer of claim 1 , wherein the consumable is a photopolymer.5. The three-dimensional printer of claim 1 , wherein the consumable is a powder.6. The three-dimensional printer of claim 1 , wherein the consumable is a laminate.7. The three-dimensional printer of claim 1 , wherein the consumable is a thermoplastic build material filament.8. The three-dimensional printer of claim 1 , wherein the detector comprises an excitation source to emit light at the second wavelength and a photo element to detect light at the first wavelength.9. The three-dimensional printer of claim 1 , wherein the consumable is a build material filament claim 1 , the three-dimensional printer ...

MELT-PROCESSABLE THERMOSET POLYMERS, METHOD OF SYNTHESIS THEREOF AND USE IN FUSED FILAMENT FABRICATION PRINTING

A melt-processable thermoset polymer comprising monomers cross-linked together by furan-maleimide Diels Alder adduct covalent bonds. At least about 1 percent of the furan-maleimide Diels Alder adduct covalent bonds of the polymer are de-cross-linked by a retro Diels Alder reaction at a temperature in a range from about 90° C. and less than about 300° C. A method of synthesizing, a filament fabrication printer for printing, and a method of printing, the melt-processable thermoset polymer are also disclosed. 1. A melt-processable thermoset polymer , comprising:monomers cross-linked together by furan-maleimide Diels Alder adduct covalent bonds, wherein at least about 1 percent of the furan-maleimide Diels Alder adduct covalent bonds of the polymer are de-cross-linked by a retro Diels Alder reaction at a temperature in a range from about 90° C. and less than about 300° C.2. The polymer of claim 1 , wherein the monomers are included in polymer chains having furan functionalized pendent groups cross-linked together by:the furan-maleimide Diels Alder adduct covalent bond formed between a furan functionalized pendent group of one polymer chain and a first maleimide functionalized group of a cross-linker having bismaleimide functionalized groups andthe furan-maleimide Diels Alder adduct covalent bond formed between a furan functionalized pendent group of another polymer chain and a second maleimide functionalized group of the cross-linker.3. The polymer of claim 2 , wherein the polymer chains having the furan functionalized pendent groups is a Poly(Furfuryl MethAcrylate-co-Ethyl MethAcrylate) polymer and the cross-linker is Methylenedi-phenylene bismaleimide.4. The polymer of claim 1 , wherein the monomers include a monomer with a bi- tri- or tetra-furan functionalized pendant group and another monomer with a bis- or tris-maleimide functionalized pendant group.5. The polymer of claim 4 , wherein the other monomer with the bis- or tris-maleimide functionalized pendant group ...

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING

A sustainable material suitable for three-dimensional printing is disclosed. The sustainable material comprises a resin derived from a bio-based diacid monomer and a bio-based glycol monomer. The resulting sustainable material provides a much more robust 3-D printing material with different properties than conventional materials. 1. A sustainable three-dimensional printing material comprisinga sustainable resin derived from a bio-based diacid and bio-based glycol monomer;a colorant; andan optional additive.2. The three-dimensional printing material of claim 1 , wherein the sustainable resin is derived from about 45 to about 55 percent by mole equivalent of bio-based diacid monomer claim 1 , and from about 45 to about 55 percent by mole equivalent of the bio-based glycol monomer claim 1 , provided that the sum of both is 100 percent.3. The three-dimensional printing material of claim 1 , wherein the bio-based diacid monomer is selected from the group consisting of succinic acid claim 1 , 2 claim 1 ,5-furandicarboxylic acid claim 1 , itaconic acid and mixtures thereof and the bio-based glycol monomer is selected from the group consisting of 1 claim 1 ,4-butane-diol claim 1 , 1 claim 1 ,3-propane-diol and 1 claim 1 ,2-propanediol and mixtures thereof.4. The three-dimensional printing material of claim 1 , wherein the sustainable resin is selected from the group consisting of poly-(butylene-succinate) claim 1 , poly-(butylene-2 claim 1 ,5-furanate) claim 1 , poly-(butylene-itaconate) claim 1 , poly-(propylene-succinate) claim 1 , poly-(propylene-2 claim 1 ,5-furanate) claim 1 , poly-(propylene-itaconate) and mixtures thereof.5. The three-dimensional printing material of claim 4 , wherein the sustainable resin comprises poly-(butylene-succinate).7. The three-dimensional printing material of claim 4 , wherein the sustainable resin comprises poly-(butylene-2 claim 4 ,5-furanate).8. The three-dimensional printing material of claim 4 , wherein the sustainable resin comprises ...

Shape Recoverable And Reusable Energy Absorbing Structures, Systems And Methods For Manufacture Thereof

An energy absorbing cell has a first structural element, a second structural element disposed parallel to and spaced apart from a first structural element, a first intermediate member, and a second intermediate member. Each intermediate member is disposed at an angle between the structural elements. A first end and a second end of each intermediate member are respectively attached to the structural elements. The intermediate members are formed from an elastic material. The angles of the intermediate members are selected such that application of a compressive force to displace the structural elements toward one another triggers a snap-through instability in both intermediate members. The energy absorbing cell is used, singly or in combination with one or more other energy absorbing cells, to form energy absorbing structures, such as vehicle bumpers or highway barriers, adapted to control the deceleration of an object impacting the energy absorbing structure. 1. An energy absorbing cell , comprising:a first structural element,a second structural element disposed at least substantially parallel to the first structural element and spaced apart from the first structural element by a gap;a first intermediate member disposed at a first angle between the first structural element and the second structural element, the first intermediate member being attached at a first end to a first portion of the first structural element and being attached at a second end to a first portion of the second structural element; anda second intermediate member disposed at a second angle between the first structural element and the second structural element, the second intermediate member being attached at a first end to a second portion of the first structural element and being attached at a second end to a second portion of the second structural element;wherein at least the first intermediate member and the second intermediate member are formed from an elastic material,wherein the first angle ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD TO CONTROL A THREE-DIMENSIONAL (3D) PRINTER

A method include obtaining model data specifying a three-dimensional (3D) model of an object. The method also includes generating first machine instructions executable by a 3D printing device to generate a first portion of a physical model of the object by depositing material using a syringe extruder. The first machine instructions indicate a first value of a pressure setting, the pressure setting indicating a pressure to be applied to the syringe extruder. The method also includes generating second machine instructions executable by a 3D printing device to generate a second portion of the physical model of the object by depositing material using the syringe extruder. The second machine instructions indicate a second value of the pressure setting, the second value different from the first value. 1. A method comprising:obtaining model data specifying a three-dimensional (3D) model of an object;processing the model data to generate a sliced model defining a plurality of layers to be deposited to form a physical model of the object, the plurality of layers including a first layer and a second layer, wherein the second layer is above and in contact with the first layer, the first layer including a first region corresponding to a first material and a second region corresponding to a second material, and the second layer including a third region corresponding to the first material and a fourth region corresponding to the second material; andgenerating machine instructions executable by a 3D printing device to deposit a portion of the first material corresponding to the first region and to the third region before depositing a portion of the second material corresponding to the second region and to the fourth region.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein depositing the portion of the second material corresponding to the second region includes positioning a tip of an extruder associated with the second material below an upper surface of the first material.3. A method comprising: ...

USE AND PRODUCTION OF COATED FILAMENTS FOR EXTRUSION-BASED 3D PRINTING PROCESSES

The present invention relates to a novel process for the production of coated filaments for subsequent application as print in extrusion-based 3D printers, e.g. FDM printers (fused deposition modelling printers). The filaments are coated in a separate process outside of the printer, and can also be used in a conventional extrusion printer. The present invention further relates to the coating device for application of the coating to the filament and to a roll containing the coated filaments. 1. A process for extrusion-based 3D printing , the process comprising:applying a coating composition to a filament to obtain a coated filament;fixing the coating on the filament;conveying the fixed coated filament to a printing head;melting the filament in the printing head; andextruding the melted coated filament onto a substrate to form a three dimensional object;wherein the coating composition comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of an additive, a pigment and an ink.2. The process according to claim 1 , whereinthe coating is conducted in a coating unit in which the filament is coated with the coating composition,components of the coating composition are supplied to the coating unit from feed containers equipped with metering devices, andthe coated filament is fixed in a fixing unit downstream of the coating unit before being conveyed to the printing head.3. The process according to claim 1 , further comprising:producing the coating composition from individual components in a mixer to obtain a coating composition mixture; andpassing the mixture to the coating unit.4. The process according to claim 1 , further comprising:tensioning the filament during the coating and fixing, whereinthe tension is formed by a guide system or a brake upstream of the coating unit and optionally a conveying unit after the fixing unit.5. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the filament comprises a thermoplastically processable material.6. The process according to claim 5 , ...

ADHESIVE FOR 3D PRINTING

In one aspect, adhesives for use with a 3D printer are described herein. In some embodiments, an adhesive for use with a 3D printer comprises a first polymeric component comprising a poly(vinyl alcohol) and a second polymeric component. The poly(vinyl alcohol), in some embodiments, comprises amorphous poly(vinyl alcohol). In some embodiments, the second polymeric component comprises a water-soluble polymer. Further, in some embodiments, an adhesive described herein further comprises a solvent, a surfactant, and/or a preservative. 3. The method of claim 2 , wherein altering the adhesive property of the adhesive comprises changing the temperature of the adhesive.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein altering the adhesive property of the adhesive comprises exposing the adhesive to water.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the build surface of the print pad comprises an anodized aluminum surface claim 1 , a glass surface claim 1 , or a polycarbonate surface.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first polymeric component is a methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride co-polymer.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first polymeric component is a poly(2-oxazoline) claim 1 , poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) claim 1 , or poly(2-ethyl-oxazoline).8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first polymeric component is polymethyl acrylate.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive further comprises a second polymeric component.10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the second polymeric component comprises an amorphous poly(vinyl alcohol).11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the solvent comprises deionized water.12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the solvent comprises one or more of acetone claim 1 , ethanol claim 1 , methanol claim 1 , ethylene glycol claim 1 , propylene glycol claim 1 , triethylene glycol claim 1 , glycerin claim 1 , acetamide claim 1 , dimethyl acetamide claim 1 , dimethyl sulfoxide claim 1 , methyl ethyl ketone claim 1 , methylene chloride claim 1 , and combinations or ...

SELF-ASSEMBLED TUNABLE NETWORKS OF STICKY COLLOIDAL PARTICLES

Self-assembled tunable networks of microscopic polymer fibers ranging from wavy colloidal “fur” to highly interconnected networks are created from polymer systems and an applied electric field. The networks emerge via dynamic self-assembly in an alternating (ac) electric field from a non-aqueous suspension of “sticky” polymeric colloidal particles with a controlled degree of polymerization. The resulting architectures are tuned by the frequency and amplitude of the electric field and surface properties of the particles. 1. A method of creating a component comprising:providing a non-magnetic colloidal mixture of a particles in a liquid dielectric solvent;applying an alternating current electric field to the mixture; andforming a three-dimensional structure of the first material.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising functionalizing the three-dimensional structure by depositing a substance on the structure.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the particles are cross-linked epoxy particles.4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising forming the epoxy particles by quenching cross-linking of an epoxy polymer by a harder upon addition of the liquid dielectric solvent.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein polymerization quenching occurs at a low degree of polymerization.6. The method of claim 4 , wherein polymerization quenching occurs at a high degree of polymerization.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein forming the three-dimensional structure comprises forming a structure selected from the group consisting of fibers claim 1 , sticky epoxy particles claim 1 , interconnected chains claim 1 , and wavy fibers.8. The method of further comprising reversibly altering a dimension of the three-dimensional structure.9. The method of wherein the applied alternating current has an amplitude in the range of greater than 0 to about 1000 V.10. The method of wherein the applied alternating current amplitude is sufficient to favor the three-dimensional structure having extended fibers ...

Multicoloured fused deposition modelling print

The invention relates to a modified fused deposition modeling process for production of multicolored three-dimensional objects. More particularly, the invention relates to a 3D printing process with which 3D objects with particularly good color appearance compared to the prior art can be produced. The process according to the invention is based on coloring of the polymer strand used for production of the actual object in the nozzle, and on using a mixing apparatus which comprises a plurality of injection needles, a static mixer or a dynamic mixer.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING

The claimed subject matter includes techniques for printing a three-dimensional (3D) object. An example system includes a network interface to obtain a 3D model from a client system. The example system also includes a print bureau data collection engine to identify capabilities of a plurality of print bureaus. The example system also includes a print bureau filter to compare characteristics of the 3D model with capabilities of the plurality of print bureaus to identify a subset of the plurality print bureaus that are able to print the 3D model and send the subset to the client system via the network interface. 1. A system for printing a three-dimensional (3D) object , comprising:a first network interface to obtain a 3D model from a client system;a print bureau data collection engine to identify capabilities of a plurality of print bureaus; anda print bureau filter to compare characteristics of the 3D model with capabilities of the plurality of print bureaus to identify a subset of the plurality print bureaus that are able to print the 3D model and send the subset to the client system via the first network interface.2. The system of claim 1 , comprising a second network interface to send the 3D model to a selected print bureau claim 1 , the first network interface to send to the client system a link to a resource of the selected print bureau that enables completion of a print order.3. The system of claim 1 , comprising a format conversion engine to convert the 3D model received from the client system to a file format accepted by the selected print bureau.4. The system of claim 1 , comprising a user sign-on engine to receive a first user authentication from the client system and provides a login token to the selected print bureau.5. The system of claim 1 , comprising printability check engine to automatically process the 3D model to determine if the model is printable.6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the printability check engine is to determine whether the 3D model ...

THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COMPENSATING COORDINATE OFFSET BETWEEN NOZZLES THEREOF

A three-dimensional printing apparatus and a method of compensating a coordinate offset of a nozzle are provided. The method includes the following. A first nozzle and a second nozzle are controlled to print a testing three-dimensional object on a platform according to a calibration model. The testing three-dimensional object includes a plurality of correlation structures respectively corresponding to a plurality of compensation parameters, and each correlation structure includes a first sub-structure and a second sub-structure. The first sub-structure is formed of a first forming material, and the second sub-structure is formed of a second forming material. Through observing a joint level between the first sub-structure and the second sub-structure of each correlation structure, a best correlation structure, which is used for performing compensation on a printing coordinate of the first nozzle or the second nozzle, is selected from the correlation structures. 1. A coordinate offset compensating method for compensating a coordinate offset between nozzles , the coordinate offset compensating method being adapted for controlling a first nozzle and a second nozzle to perform coordinate offset compensation on a platform , wherein the first nozzle is configured to feed a first forming material and the second nozzle is configured to feed a second forming material , and the coordinate offset compensating method comprising:receiving a calibration model associated with a plurality of compensation parameters, wherein each of the compensation parameters is corresponding to an offset value between the first nozzle and the second nozzle under a reference printing coordinate;controlling the first nozzle and the second nozzle to print a testing three-dimensional object on the platform according to the calibration model, wherein the testing three-dimensional object comprises a plurality of correlation structures respectively corresponding to the compensation parameters, wherein ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING AND DISPENSING MATERIAL DURING ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

An additive manufacturing method for delivering a flowable material from a nozzle of a programmable computer numeric control (CNC) machine, the nozzle being configured to translate along a first axis, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes. In one embodiment, the method includes actuating an extruder to form a flowable material, delivering the flowable material to a pump, sensing a pressure of the flowable material, and adjusting at least one of a speed of the extruder and a speed of the pump based on at least one of the sensed pressure and a rate of translation of the nozzle along one or more of the first, second, and third axes. 1. An additive manufacturing method for delivering a flowable material from a nozzle of a programmable computer numeric control (CNC) machine , the nozzle being configured to translate along a first axis , a second axis perpendicular to the first axis , and a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes , the method comprising:actuating an extruder to form a flowable material;delivering the flowable material to a pump;sensing a pressure of the flowable material; andadjusting at least one of a speed of the extruder and a speed of the pump based on at least one of the sensed pressure and a rate of translation of the nozzle along one or more of the first, second, and third axes.2. The additive manufacturing method of claim 2 , wherein actuating the extruder includes generating heat to melt material within the extruder.3. The additive manufacturing method of claim 2 , wherein the heat is generated by rotating a screw within a barrel of the extruder.4. The additive manufacturing method of claim 3 , wherein the heat is generated by at least one heater positioned adjacent the barrel.5. The additive manufacturing method of claim 4 , wherein the heater is positioned outside of the barrel.6. The additive manufacturing method of claim 4 , wherein the at least one heater includes a ...

3D PRINTER INTEGRATED FILAMENT CUTTER

A filament cutting device for a three-dimensional (3D) printer, the 3D printer including an extruder assembly that is configured to extrude filament onto a printing platform, the filament cutting device including: a first portion attached to the extruder assembly of the 3D printer and a second portion, where each of at least one of the first and second portions includes a respective cutting edge for cutting the filament. 1. A filament cutting device for a three-dimensional (3D) printer , the 3D printer including an extruder assembly that is configured to extrude a filament onto a printing platform , the filament cutting device comprising:a first portion attached to the extruder assembly of the 3D printer; anda second portion, wherein each of at least one of the first portion and the second portion includes a respective cutting edge for cutting the filament.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first portion is fixed relating to the extruder assembly and the second portion is movable relative to the extruder assembly and the first portion.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the cutting edge of the first portion and the cutting edge of the second portion are situated above a filament intake region of the extruder assembly.4. The device of claim 2 , wherein a housing houses the extruder assembly and at least a portion of the cutting device.5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the cutting edge of the second portion and the cutting edge of the first portion are housed inside the housing.6. The device of claim 4 , wherein at least a portion of the second portion is positioned outside the housing.7. The device of claim 2 , wherein the second portion is hingedly connected to the first portion claim 2 , a cutting force is applicable to the second portion claim 2 , and the second portion is configured such that claim 2 , when the cutting force is applied thereto claim 2 , the second portion transfers the cutting force to the cutting edge of the second portion.8. The device of ...

Large Shells Manufacturing Apparatus

The current document discloses an apparatus and method that support manufacture of large 3D hollow objects or shells with thin walls including curved surfaces with high and low curvature change ratio and alleviate or significantly reduce the need for support structures. Further to this, introduction of support structures becomes a function of the curved surface curvature change ratio. 1. An apparatus for additive manufacturing comprising:a 3D hollow object material deposition module configured to deposit a portion of material forming at least a layer of a large 3D hollow object with thin walls;a 3D hollow object material solidifying module configured to solidify at least the portion of material forming at least a layer of the large 3D hollow object with thin walls; anda support material dispensing module configured to dispense a support material across a cross section of the large 3D hollow object with thin walls; andwherein the support material module dispenses the support material across the cross section of the large 3D object as a function of an angle of the 3D hollow object wall with a horizontal surface.2. The apparatus according to wherein the support material dispensing module dispenses the support material at curved segments of walls of the large 3D hollow object with thin walls as a function of curvature change ratio.3. The apparatus according to wherein the support material dispensing module dispenses the support material more frequently at flat and tilted segments of the large 3D hollow object with thin walls that are at large tilt angles with respect to a horizontal surface than at segments of the large 3D hollow object with thin walls that are at small tilt angles with respect to a horizontal surface.4. The apparatus according to wherein the support material dispensing module dispenses and tensions the support material claim 1 , and wherein the support material dispensing module tensions the support material to a desired level of tension.5. The ...

METHOD OF MAKING EYEWEAR BY 3D PRINTING

Provided herein are methods of preparing eyewear products made of a cellulose ester, a nylon or a polyester by simple and inexpensive single-nozzle or multi-nozzle 3D printers, wherein the eyewear products have a continuous range of colors or a gradual color change. Also provided herein are eyewear products made of a cellulose ester, a nylon or a polyester prepared by the methods disclosed herein. 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more dye compositions are one or more hydrophilic dye compositions claim 1 , each of which independently comprises a hydrophilic dye and water.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the thermoplastic resin is cellulose acetate claim 1 , cellulose acetate propionate or a combination thereof.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the thermoplastic resin is nylon 6 or nylon 12.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the thermoplastic resin is PETG claim 1 , PCTG or PET-CHDM.6. The method of claim 2 , wherein the volume or weight ratio of the hydrophilic dye to water is from about 1:10 to about 1:20 claim 2 , the dyeing temperature is from about 50° C. to about 80° C. claim 2 , and the dyeing time is from about 30 minutes to about 5 hours.7. The method of claim 2 , wherein the hydrophilic dye comprises a pigment claim 2 , a polymeric surfactant claim 2 , and one or more polar solvents.8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the polymeric surfactant is poly(ethylene glycol) and the one or more polar solvents comprise benzyl alcohol claim 7 , acetone and ethylene glycol.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the eyewear product is an eyeglass frame comprises a frame front and/or a pair of temples; or the eyewear product is a semi-finished eyewear product or one or more parts of an eyewear product; or the eyewear product includes one or more eyewear sheets suitable for making the eyewear product claim 1 , the semi-finished eyewear product and the one or more parts of an eyewear product.10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the eyewear product is an eyeglass ...

Large scale room temperature polymer advanced manufacturing

A manufactured component, method and apparatus for advanced manufacturing that includes a nozzle for extruding a working material, wherein the polymeric working material includes a carbon fiber reinforced polymer. The build of the component takes place on a work surface at atmospheric temperatures.

POLYMERS AS SUPPORT MATERIAL FOR USE IN FUSED FILAMENT FABRICATION

The present invention relates to the use of a polymer comprising polymerized units (A) and (B): (A) at least one first monomer of the formula (I) where n is 3 to 12; m is 0 to 3; Ris C-C-alkyl, C-C-alkenyl, aryl or aralkyl; R, Rand Rare each, independently of one another, hydrogen, C-C-alkyl, C-C-alkenyl, aryl or aralkyl; and (B) at least one second monomer of the formula (II) where R, Rand Rare each, independently of one another, hydrogen, C-C-alkyl, C-C-alkenyl, aryl or aralkyl; Ris C-C-alkyl, C-Calkenyl, aryl or aralkyl; as a support material in a fused filament fabrication process. 114-. (canceled)16. The process according to claim 15 , wherein the polymer comprises at least 20% by weight of polymerized Unit (A) claim 15 , based on the total weight of the polymer.17. The process according to claim 15 , wherein the polymer comprises20 to 80% by weight of polymerized unit (A) and80 to 20% by weight of polymerized unit (B),based on the total weight of the polymer.18. The process according to claim 15 , wherein polymerized unit (A) comprises at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of N-vinylpyrrolidone claim 15 , N-vinylpiperidone claim 15 , and N-vinylcaprolactame.19. The process according to claim 15 , wherein polymerized unit (A) comprisesat least 80% by weight of N-viaylpyrrolidone, and0 to 20% by weight of at least one monomer of (I) which is different from N-vinylpyrrolidone,based on the total weight of component (A).20. The process according to claim 15 , wherein polymerized unit (A) comprisesat least 80% by weight of N-vinylpyrrolidone, and0 to 20% by weight of N-vinylcaprolactam,based on the total weight of component (A).21. The process according to claim 15 , wherein polymerized unit (B) comprisesat least 80% by weight of vinyl acetate, and0 to 20% by weight of at least one monomer of formula (H) which is different from N-vinyl acetate,based on the total weight of component (B).22. The process according to claim 15 , wherein polymerized ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MAKING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT

Methods for making a three dimensional object are disclosed. The method includes positioning a nozzle of an additive manufacturing device within a support matrix, extruding a feed material through the nozzle and into the support matrix, and moving the nozzle in a three-dimensional pattern within the support matrix, while depositing the feed material, thereby forming the three-dimensional object within the support matrix. Systems for making the three-dimensional object in accordance with the methods are also disclosed. 1. A method of making a three-dimensional object , the method comprising:positioning a nozzle of an additive manufacturing device within a support matrix;extruding a feed material through the nozzle and into the support matrix; andmoving the nozzle in a three-dimensional pattern within the support matrix, while depositing the feed material, thereby forming the three-dimensional object within the support matrix.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein one or more portions of the support matrix is configured to self-heal after the nozzle moves away from the one or more portions.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising extruding an adhesive into the one or more portions of the support matrix after the nozzle moves away from the one or more portions.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the adhesive is configured to facilitate self-healing of the one or more portions of the support matrix after the nozzle moves away from the one or more portions.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the support matrix exhibits shear thinning to permit nozzle movement and feed material deposition within the support matrix.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the support matrix is thixotropic to allow removal of the three-dimensional object.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the support matrix is an aerogel.8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the aerogel is a graphene aerogel.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the support matrix is a gelled ionic liquid.10. The method of claim 9 , ...

Architecture, Methods, and Apparatus for Additive Manufacturing and Assembly of Sparse Structures, Multifunctional Structures, and Components for Space and Terrestrial Systems

A truss-formation apparatus comprising two truss makers and a lateral stage, wherein the truss makers create trusses and each truss maker comprises thermal dies, heaters with temperature sensors, and mandrels; wherein the truss makers form trusses that comprise parallel truss elements and battens; wherein a pultrusion actuator pulls parallel truss elements down along a mandrel; wherein a batten actuator causes a thermal die to rotate around a mandrel forming battens that connect parallel truss elements to one another; and wherein the lateral stage comprises a thermal die and traverses the gap between the parallel trusses forming cross members that connect the trusses. 13030150190180150200. A truss-formation device comprising a thermal die , wherein said thermal die comprises a melt section and a consolidation section , wherein said melt section is wrapped with heater wire to heat up and melt continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic yarn before it enters the consolidation section where it is squeezed and extruded as a continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic solid element220602030405020220221222902215080502222216030220223220. A truss-formation apparatus comprising two truss makers and a lateral stage ; wherein said truss makers create trusses and each truss maker comprises thermal dies , heaters with temperature sensors , and mandrels ; wherein said truss makers form trusses that comprise parallel truss elements and battens ; wherein a pultrusion actuator pulls parallel truss elements down along a mandrel ; wherein a batten actuator causes a thermal die to rotate around a mandrel forming battens that connect parallel truss elements to one another; and wherein said lateral stage comprises a thermal die and traverses the gap between said parallel trusses forming cross members that connect said trusses .37030220. The truss formation apparatus of further comprising a cross member rotation actuator wherein said cross member rotation actuator can adjust the angle of said ...

FORMING APPARATUS, MANUFACTURING METHOD OF MOLDED ARTICLE, AND COATING PORTION

Provided is a forming apparatus, including a stand, and a coating portion that is relatively moved with respect to the stand while ejecting a resin to coat the stand with the resin, and forms a line in the resin according to at least one of the ejection and the movement, in order to manufacture a molded article by the resin on the stand. 1. A forming apparatus , comprising:a stand; anda coating portion that is relatively moved with respect to the stand while ejecting a resin to coat the stand with the resin, and forms a line in the resin according to at least one of the ejection and the movement, in order to manufacture a molded article by the resin on the stand.2. The forming apparatus according to claim 1 , an ejection portion in which the ejection port which ejects the resin with respect to the stand is formed; and', 'a line forming portion that is further protruded than the ejection port in a direction in which the resin is ejected from the ejection port, and is in contact with the resin ejected from the ejection port according to the movement and forms the line in the resin., 'wherein the coating portion includes3. The forming apparatus according to claim 1 , an ejection portion in which the ejection port which ejects the resin with respect to the stand is formed on an end surface; and', 'a line forming portion that is an unevenness portion formed on the end surface, and is in contact with the resin ejected from the ejection port according to the movement and forms the line in the resin., 'wherein the coating portion includes4. The forming apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising:a moving portion that relatively moves the coating portion in a plurality of directions along the stand, with respect to the stand,wherein a plurality of line forming portions are disposed to surround the ejection port.5. A manufacturing method of a molded article claim 2 , the method comprising:{'claim-ref': {'@idref': 'CLM-00001', 'claim 1'}, 'with using the forming ...

POYLMERIC COMPOSITION FOR USE AS A TEMPORARY SUPPORT MATERIAL IN EXTRUSION BASED ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

The polymeric composition of this invention can be used as a temporary support material in the additive manufacturing of three dimensional articles without compromising the quality of the ultimate product, reducing printing speed, increasing cost, increasing the incidence of printer jamming, or requiring printers of increased complexity. This invention more specifically discloses a polymeric composition which is particularly useful as a temporary support material for utilization in three-dimensional printing, said polymeric composition being comprised of a first polymeric component which is suitable for use as a modeling material and a second polymeric component which is immiscible with the first polymeric component, wherein the polymeric composition has a continuous phase, wherein the continuous phase is comprised of the second polymeric component, and wherein the polymeric composition has a Shore A hardness of at least 80. 1. A polymeric composition which is particularly useful as a temporary support material for utilization in three-dimensional printing , said polymeric composition being comprised of a first polymeric component which is suitable for use as a modeling material and a second polymeric component which is immiscible with the first polymeric component , wherein the polymeric composition has a continuous phase , wherein the continuous phase is comprised of the second polymeric component , and wherein the polymeric composition has a Shore A hardness of at least 80.2. The polymeric composition as specified in wherein the first polymeric component is selected from the group consisting of poly(lactic acid) claim 1 , acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene triblock polymers claim 1 , polycarbonate claim 1 , polystyrene claim 1 , high impact polystyrene claim 1 , polycaprolactone claim 1 , polyamides claim 1 , thermoplastic polyurethanes claim 1 , ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers claim 1 , styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock polymers claim 1 , styrene-ethylene- ...