Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are provided to remove powder from a web, for example, in a 3D printing apparatus. A flexible blade is provided to contact and move across a first portion of the web located between adjacent portions of the web to scrape powder from the first portion without removing powder deposited on the adjacent portions. A pair of edge vacuum nozzles and a central vacuum nozzle are also provided to move with the flexible blade to remove powder from both edges of the first portion and a central region of the first portion.

Abstract: Improved carrier plates and methods of use thereof are provided to secure and transport individual layers of a multilayer structure during manufacture of the multilayer structure. In one implementation a carrier plate is provided including a lower portion and a raised portion to support a flexible substrate holding an individual layer laid on an upper surface of the raised portion. Clamping mechanisms, such as rollers, are formed on extended regions adjacent to side walls of the raised portion. The clamping mechanisms are configured to move from open positions, where the clamping mechanisms are spaced apart from the sidewalls of the raised portion, to closed positions, where the clamping mechanisms secure opposite edge portions of the flexible substrate between the clamping mechanisms and the first and sidewalls of the raised portion.

Abstract: A plastic strip for supporting and spacing wood products for kiln drying or air drying. The plastic strip is rectangular and adapted to withstand high temperature, moisture and pressure under continuous re-use in the temperatures, pressures and moisture of the kiln drying process. The strip is ventilated to inhibit moist areas remaining on the wood products in the overlap between the strips and the wood products.