Abstract: A method includes: obtaining a build plate useable in a 3D printing device, the build plate including a recessed section extending through a top surface of the build plate, and the recessed section including first and second sidewalls, and a lower surface extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall; filling the recessed section with a liquid form of a metal or metal alloy; and cooling the metal or metal alloy below its solidus temperature such that the liquid form of the metal or metal alloy solidifies into a solid form of the metal or metal alloy. The solid form contacts the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the lower surface. The solid form includes a build surface for forming a 3D printed metal object in the 3D printing device. The 3D printed metal object is releasable by melting the solid form of the metal or metal alloy.

Abstract: Some implementations of the disclosure are directed to an additive manufacturing build plate structure for metal build surface stabilization during 3D printing and facile release of 3D printed objects. The build plate includes a body having a recessed section formed through a first surface of the body, the recessed section including a bottom surface within the body and sidewalls extending to the bottom surface. The recessed section is configured to be filled with a solid form of a metal or metal alloy that provides a printing surface for forming a 3D object in a 3D printing device. The recessed section includes a locking mechanism configured to prevent lift-up of the solid form of the metal or metal alloy during 3D printing in the 3D printing device.

Abstract: Implementations of the disclosure are directed to thermally decomposable build plates that enable the facile release of 3D metal printed parts created by additive manufacturing. In some implementations, an additive manufacturing build plate comprises: a top surface, a bottom surface, and sidewalls comprised of a material, wherein the top surface, bottom surface, and sidewalls are dimensioned such that the build plate is useable in a 3D printing device; and a recessed section formed through the top surface, wherein the recessed section is configured to be filled with a solid metal or metal alloy to provide a surface for forming a 3D printed object in the 3D printing device.

Abstract: Solid metal foam thermal interface materials and their uses in electronics assembly are described. In one implementation, a method includes: applying a thermal interface material (TIM) between a first device and a second device to form an assembly having a first surface of the TIM in in touching relation with a surface of the first device, and a second surface of the TIM opposite the first surface in touching relation with a surface of the second device, the TIM comprising a solid metal foam and a first liquid metal; and compressing the assembly to form an alloy from the TIM that bonds the first device to the second device.

Abstract: Additive manufacturing structures and methods that enable the facile release of 3D printed parts are described. In one implementation, an additive manufacturing structure includes: a body; and a recessed section formed through a surface of the body, the recessed section comprising: a pour hole for filling the recessed section with a liquid metal or metal alloy that solidifies into an insert having a surface for forming a 3D object in a 3D printing device; and one or more air holes configured to release air displaced by the liquid metal or metal alloy.

Abstract: Thermally decomposable build plates that enable the facile release of 3D printed parts are described. In one implementation, an additive manufacturing build plate comprises: a body including a top surface, a bottom surface, and sidewalls dimensioned such that the build plate is useable in a 3D printing device; and a layer of a solid metal or metal alloy on the top surface of the additive manufacturing build plate, the layer having a solidus temperature that is lower than a solidus temperature of the body, and the layer configured to provide a surface for forming a 3D object in the 3D printing device. In one implementation, an additive manufacturing build plate comprises a recessed section for receiving an insert including a layer of a solid metal or metal alloy on a surface of the insert.

Abstract: Implementations of the disclosure are directed to thermally decomposable build plates that enable the facile release of 3D metal printed parts created by additive manufacturing. In some implementations, an additive manufacturing build plate comprises: a top surface, a bottom surface, and sidewalls comprised of a material, wherein the top surface, bottom surface, and sidewalls are dimensioned such that the build plate is useable in a 3D printing device; and a recessed section formed through the top surface, wherein the recessed section is configured to be filled with a solid metal or metal alloy to provide a surface for forming a 3D printed object in the 3D printing device.