Abstract: An apparatus and method for recycling material into an object using at least one of an additive and subtractive process, powered by renewable, non-renewable, or internal energy devices, and including a grinder module, washing module, tool exchange and storage, and imaging devices, and controlled remotely by artificial intelligence, voice command, and network controllers is provided.

Abstract: A system is configured to form a three dimensional (3D) object having multiple zones within the three dimensional object. The zones differ from each other according to system operational parameters. The system is operable to perform a method including: (1) receiving a solid model file, (2) generating a shell of the 3D object based on the file, (3) dividing the shell into zones, (4) defining or selecting parameters for forming the zones, (5) forming layer data defining layers of the 3D object, and creating a tool path from the layer data including merging layer data for the zones.

Abstract: A device is provided for dry cleaning a plate used in an additive manufacturing process that involves powder. The device includes a confinement enclosure, a loader, and a dry-cleaning station. The confinement enclosure includes an entry lock through which a plate to be cleaned enters. The loader is located within the confinement enclosure and is structured to receive and transport the plate. The dry-cleaning station is located within the confinement enclosure and is structured to dry clean the plate. The dry-cleaning station includes a vibration device, which imposes vibrations on the plate, and a shock device, which causes the plate to experience shocks.

Abstract: A lamination manufacturing method for large-sized metal components with complicated structures is provided, relating to a part manufacturing method to solve the problem that traditional machining, entire plastic forming and the existing additive manufacturing method are difficult to manufacture large-sized metal components with complicated special-shape structure and high-performance requirement. The manufacturing method includes the steps: step 1. obtaining a three-dimensional digital model of a large-sized metal component with complicated structure, and dividing the model into a plurality of slice layers; step 2. selecting the actually available metal sheet corresponding to the thickness of each slice layer divided in step 1, and machining each metal sheet to obtain a shaped sheet consistent with the model of each slice layer in step 1; step 3. stacking the shaped sheets obtained through machining of step 2 according to the order of the corresponding slice layers in step 1; and step 4.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a technique for rendering a pre-visualization image representative of a 3D object to be printed by a 3D printer. The technique accesses a geometric digital model of the 3D object and receives one or more printer characteristics of the 3D printer. The one or more printer characteristics are associated with settlement of added material to the 3D object by the 3D printer. The technique further receives one or more material parameters of a volume of the added material that forms the 3D object. The technique further generates a digital aggregate build-up model of the 3D object using the geometric digital model, the one or more printer characteristics, and the one or more environmental parameters. Then the technique renders a pre-visualization image representative of the 3D object as the 3D object would be printed by the 3D printer based on the generated digital aggregate build-up model.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system includes an energy beam generator that generates an energy beam to melt and fuse raw materials for a part and a computing device that controls operation of the energy beam generator. The computing device includes a memory element that stores or access a three-dimensional model of the part, and a processing element that receives at least a portion of the three-dimensional model and controls a parameter of the energy beam generator according to a gradient function so as to apply a variable amount of heat to the raw material that forms an overhang on the part.

Abstract: The invention relates to an additive production method involving the production of a layer of geometrically compact particles, having the following steps: a) providing a particle layer depositing arrangement, comprising a first and a second semi-chamber, wherein a partition separates the first semi-chamber from the second semi-chamber, and the partition is permeable for a dispersion medium and impermeable for particles dispersed in the dispersion medium; b) providing a particle dispersion comprising the dispersion medium and particles dispersed therein in the first semi-chamber, the particle dispersion being distributed substantially homogenously in the first semi-chamber; c) generating a pressure gradient between the first and the second semi-chamber such that the pressure gradient in the first semi-chamber causes a particle dispersion flow directed towards the partition; and d) depositing a particle aggregate material comprising geometrically compact particles on the partition by transporting a dispersion a

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for removing industrial powder from a shaped body manufactured generatively using the industrial powder. The apparatus includes at least one container for holding the shaped body having a vertically adjustable construction platform, a vibrating screen, a tilting device for tilting the container, and at least one catching unit adjoining a transfer end of the vibrating screen for catching the shaped body. In one form, the vibrating screen, tilting device, and catching unit are arranged within a housing. In another form, the vibrating screen and catching unit are arranged within the housing and the tilting device is at least partially arranged in the housing. At least one opening in the housing is closed in an airtight manner by a glove such that a user can use the glove to grasp the shaped body caught by the catching unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing products having individual geometries, comprising a substrate carrier device, a material application device for applying material, preferably above the substrate carrier device, which material application device can be moved relative to the substrate carrier device, and a control device which is coupled to the material application device for signaling. According to the invention, the material application device is coupled to an input interface for signaling and for selection of a first or a second application mode, the control device and the application device being designed such as to produce, in the first application mode, a three-dimensional product on the surface of a substrate plate by way of an additive production method, said substrate plate being connected to the substrate carrier device.

Abstract: Additive manufacturing systems are disclosed. The additive manufacturing system may include a sintering device configured to sinter a powder material to form a component, and an actuator coupled to the sintering device. The actuator may adjust a position of the sintering device. Additionally, the system may include at least one computing device operably connected to the actuator and the sintering device. The at least one computing device may control a movement of the sintering device by performing processes including determining an exposure pattern for the sintering device for sintering the powder material based on a geometry of the component. The exposure pattern may include at least one exposure track extending between two sides of the component. The computing device(s) may also perform processes including moving the sintering device, using the actuator, in the determined exposure pattern to sinter the powder material to form the component.

Abstract: In one example, a non-transitory processor readable medium with instructions thereon that when executed cause an additive manufacturing machine to inhibit build material from coalescing in an area of a first layer of build material where a second slice of an object will overhang a first slice of the object formed in the first layer of build material.

Abstract: There is provided a method of generating print data for use by an additive manufacturing system to generate a plurality of 3D objects within a build chamber having a build surface. First spatial data defining a first 3D object and second spatial data defining a second 3D object is received. First print data is generated to cause the additive manufacturing system to manufacture the first 3D object at least partly from a first build material. Intermediate print data is generated to cause the additive manufacturing system to manufacture a partition comprising a 3D object configured to fill the build chamber in a plane parallel to the build surface. Second print data is generated to cause the additive manufacturing system to manufacture the second 3D object at least partly from a second build material.

Abstract: A 3D printer is described which is configured to build up a three-dimensional component in layers by forming layers of particulate construction material lying one upon the other and by selectively solidifying a partial region of the respective construction material layer. The 3D printer is configured to build up one or more first three-dimensional components in a first construction space and simultaneously one or more second three-dimensional components in a second construction space which is arranged adjacent to the first construction space. The 3D printer has a coating device arrangement which is displaceable across the first and the second construction space and a printing device which is displaceable across the first and the second construction space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the additive manufacture of components through the layered bonding of powder particles to one another and/or to a semi-finished product or substrate already produced, using selective interaction of the powder particles with a high-energy beam, wherein, during the bonding of the powder particles into a layer made of powder particles with the aid of the high-energy beam, a gas flow, which has a flow direction having a directional component directed at least partially parallel to the layer of powder particles, is provided across the layer of powder particles and/or the bonding region in the layer of powder particles, wherein the directional component of the gas flow directed at least partially parallel to the layer of powder particles during the bonding of the powder particles in a layer is generated in at least two directions, which have oppositely directed directional components.

Abstract: The method comprises the following steps: (a) forming a powder layer (19) comprising at least one cosmetic powder; (b) supplying a photoactivatable material on at least a first region of the layer (19); (c) illuminating at least the first region of the layer (19) to activate the photoactivatable material; (d) forming an additional powder layer (19) comprising at least one cosmetic powder; (e) supplying a photoactivatable material on at least a second region of the additional layer (19); (f) illuminating at least the second region of the additional layer (19) to activate the photoactivatable material; (g) repeating steps (d) to (f) until the three-dimensional object is formed. The cosmetic composition comprised in the three-dimensional object or forming the three-dimensional object can be restored after the three-dimensional object is formed.

Abstract: The three-dimensional object building apparatus includes a powder delivering unit that delivers a powder on an object building area, a powder flattening device that flattens the powder delivered from the powder delivering unit to form a powder layer, and a light beam radiating unit that is disposed above the object building area and radiates a light beam on the powder layer to sinter or melt solidify the powder for building an object. The three-dimensional object building apparatus also includes a transferring mechanism that moves the light beam radiating unit in three-dimensional directions, and a shroud that moves integrally with the light beam radiating unit and surrounds a space above an area of the powder layer that is smaller than the object building area around a radiation of the light beam. The powder delivering unit and the powder flattening device move integrally with the light beam radiating unit.

Abstract: A method of producing a heat exchanger includes designing the heat exchanger to include a wall with a target thickness. A model is created relating process parameters to geometry of a single track melt pool and relating the single track melt pool geometry to a heat exchanger wall thickness. At least one variable process parameter is defined. The model, heat exchanger wall target thickness, and variable process parameters are used to identify a set of process parameters to produce the heat exchanger wall target thickness. The melt pool geometry is predicted based on the model and process parameters. The heat exchanger wall target thickness is predicted based on the melt pool geometry. The process parameters that will produce the heat exchanger wall target thickness are identified. The additive manufacturing process is controlled based upon the identified set of process parameters to create the heat exchanger wall target thickness.

Abstract: The present invention provides high performance polymer (HPP) compositions, methods, processes, and systems for the manufacture of three-dimensional articles made of polymers using molding or 3D printing. The HPP compositions comprise a first HPP dissolved in a solvent and a second HPP present as a solid.

Abstract: A method of forming surface modified substrates includes providing a substrate of material (M) having a bulk portion and an outer surface integrated with the bulk portion. A coating is deposited including metal organic molecules including at least one metal X or particles of metal X onto the outer surface. The coating is laser irradiated with a laser beam, where atoms of metal X diffuse into the outer surface to form a modified surface layer including both M and atoms of metal X on the bulk portion. The modified surface layer has a thickness of at least 1 nm, and a 25° C. electrical conductivity that is at least 2.5% above or 2.5% below a 25° C. electrical conductivity in the bulk portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods and apparatuses for additive manufacturing (AM) that utilize a pulsed laser to solidify a liquid photopolymer. The method includes scanning a first portion of the photopolymer with the laser at a first draw speed, wherein the first portion of the photopolymer corresponds to a first portion of the part that has a width less than a threshold width. The method also includes scanning a second portion of the photopolymer with the laser at a second draw speed that is greater than the first draw speed, wherein the second portion of the photopolymer corresponds to a second portion of the part that has a width greater than the threshold width.

Abstract: A selective laser solidification apparatus including; a powder bed onto which powder layers can be deposited, at least one laser module for generating a plurality of laser beams for solidifying the powder material deposited onto the powder bed, a laser scanner for individually steering each laser beam to solidify separate areas in each powder layer, and a processing unit. A scanning zone for each laser beam is defined by the locations on the powder bed to which the laser beam can be steered by the laser scanner. The laser scanner is arranged such that each scanning zone is less than the total area of powder bed and at least two of the scanning zones overlap. The processing unit is arranged for selecting, for at least one powder layers, which laser beam to use to scan an area of the powder layer located within a region wherein the scanning zones overlap.

Abstract: A method of producing a monolithic body from a porous matrix includes using low temperature solidification in an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and tooling for cooling components during additive manufacturing. A build plate supports layers of powdered materials as they are positioned and selectively fused to create the component. The build plate defines a build surface and the build surface retracts in a working direction opposite a build direction for the component. At least one vertical cooling structure is provided perpendicular to the build plate and protruding from the build plate as the build surface retracts. The vertical cooling structure cools at least a portion of the component through unfused powdered materials between the vertical cooling structure and the component.

Abstract: Techniques of additive deposition for producing articles of manufacture are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an article of manufacture can include a substrate having a surface and composed of a metal or metal alloy and multiple layers of composite materials deposited on the surface of the substrate. The composite materials is composed of the metal or metal alloy and a ceramic material. The individual composite materials at each of the multiple layers has a composition with a corresponding ratio between the metal or metal alloy material and the ceramic material. The ratios between the metal or metal alloy material and the ceramic material change along at least one dimension of the article of manufacture.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method using the apparatus provides heated air in an additive manufacturing process for building a three-dimensional part. The method comprises providing a stream of flowable part material at an initial build level, the initial build level being positioned in and defining a horizontal plane wherein the stream of flowable material is being initially disposed on previously deposited part material. Heated air is provided at a selected temperature corresponding to the temperature of the stream of flowable part material such that the stream of flowable part material deposits on previously deposited part material in an adhering fashion thereby forming the three-dimensional part wherein the heated air is provided in the horizontal plane of the initial build level.

Abstract: Method, and corresponding system, for producing an alert during manufacture of a part formed by a plurality of layers. The method includes determining the sensor data values at the working tool positions of each of the plurality of layers based on a correlation of the values of the sensor data relative to time and the working tool positions of each of the plurality of layers relative to time. During the manufacturing process, the sensor data values at the working tool positions of at least one of the plurality of layers are compared to reference data values at the working tool positions for the at least one layer to determine a comparison measure for the at least one layer. An alert is transmitted if the determined comparison measure of a layer is not within a defined range. A defined action is applied to the manufacturing process based on the transmitted alert.

Abstract: A powder sintering lamination molding method which can improve the quality of the molded product without extending the time required for the lamination molding. A powder sintering lamination molding method, including the steps of, irradiating an irradiation region of the sliced layer of a molded product surrounded by an outline profile with a laser to selectively sinter the material powder of the material powder layer within the irradiation region; wherein a cooling period is provided after the laser is irradiated along the first line and before the laser is irradiated along the second line.

Abstract: Method for fabricating a three-dimensional object by successive consolidation, layer by layer, of selected regions of a layer of powder, consolidated regions corresponding to successive sections of the three-dimensional object, comprising in order: a—deposit layer of powder onto a support; b—fuse the layer of powder by a first laser energy source so as to obtain a fused layer corresponding to the section of the object and exhibiting a first state of its mechanical properties, c—heat at least a part of the fused layer by a second electron beam energy source to a temperature which follows a controlled variation over time so as to modify the first state of the fused layer and to obtain a consolidated layer with improved mechanical properties, d—repeat the preceding steps until several superposed consolidated layers are formed with improved properties forming the object.

Abstract: A method for controlling the exposure of a selective laser sintering or laser melting apparatus. The method includes providing a selective laser sintering apparatus or laser melting apparatus that uses successive solidification of layers of a powder-type construction material that can be solidified using radiation.

Abstract: The present invention is a three-dimensional modeled object including: a shaping material which is layered on a fabrication table; a modeled article which is formed inside the shaping material; and a support which is formed inside the shaping material and is formed with a predetermined gap with respect to the modeled article.

Abstract: A three-dimensional shaping method in which the powder supplying blade 2 is able to travel without any problems, in which a control system stores in advance a fine sintered region 11 so that any one of a cross-sectional area or a mean diameter in the horizontal direction, a shaping width and an undercut angle at the end is equal to or less than a predetermined extent, or the control system makes a determination in a sintering step, for said each element, so in the case of the raised sintered portions 12 forming on the upper side of the sintered region 11, a rotating cutting tool 3 cuts the raised sintered portions 12 entirely or partially, thereby achieving the object.

Abstract: A method for determining a bed temperature setpoint for use with a powder in a selective laser sintering machine is disclosed. The method includes the step of providing a powder comprising a polymer for use in a selective laser sintering machine. The method further includes the step of determining a ratio of a liquid portion of the powder to a solid portion of the powder as a function of temperature within a temperature range. A bed temperature setpoint is selected in the temperature range corresponding to a desired ratio of the liquid portion of the powder to the solid portion of the powder. A temperature of a bed of a selective laser sintering machine is set to the selected bed temperature setpoint, and a part is built from the powder using the selective laser sintering machine.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a component susceptible to multiple failure modes includes generating a stereolithography file including a geometry of the component. The geometry of the stereolithography file is divided into a plurality of layers. Each of the layers includes a first portion and a second portion of the component. Energy from an energy source is applied to a powdered material such that the powdered material fuses to form the first portion and the second portion of each of the plurality of layers. Applying energy from the energy source to form the first portion of the plurality of layers includes operating the energy source with a first set of parameters and applying energy from the energy source to form the second portion of the plurality of layers includes operating the energy source with a second set of parameters. The first set and second set of parameters are different.

Abstract: A system for online monitoring powder-based 3D printing processes and method thereof are disclosed. A uniform light source having a single wavelength provided by the system is irradiated onto the powder layer before and after applied with glue. Intensities of such reflected images are obtained and subtracted from each other in an image process procedure. A difference obtained through the subtraction is compared with an original 3D model in a computer. If any defect is found such as being larger than a threshold value, the powder-based 3D printing processes will be terminated. Therefore, the technical effects of online printing processes monitoring, time saving and printing resources saving will be achieved.

Abstract: A load bearing element for attachment of a heat generating unit to a heat sensitive supporting structure, wherein said load bearing element includes at least one body integrally formed by additive layer manufacturing, ALM. The body is adapted to provide a controlled heat transfer from said heat generating unit to said heat sensitive supporting structure.

Abstract: A lamination molding apparatus capable of supplying a material powder steadily to a recoater head, is provided. A lamination molding apparatus including a chamber covering a desired molding region and being filled with an inert gas having a desired concentration; a recoater head moving in the chamber to supply a material powder on the molding region to form a material powder layer; and a material supplying unit to supply the material powder to the recoater head; wherein the recoater head includes a material holding section to hold the material powder; and a material discharging opening to discharge the material powder in the material holding section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for layered production of a three-dimensional object, wherein a powdery or fluid building material, which can be solidified by the effects of electromagnetic or particle radiation, is applied in layers having a layer thickness d, and the locations in each layer which correspond to a cross-section of the object allocated to said layer are solidified by means of electromagnetic or particle radiation. According to the invention, each cross-section consists of a contour region and an inner region and the method comprises the following sub-step: in a sequence of N successive cross-sections, wherein N is a whole number greater than 1, a partial region is defined in every cross-section as a critical region and the rest of the cross-section is defined as a non-critical region, a number of N layers are applied successively, without solidification of the non-critical regions.

Abstract: An electronic arrangement for facilitating circuit layout design in connection with three-dimensional (3D) target designs, the arrangement including at least one communication interface for transferring data, at least one processor for processing instructions and other data, and a memory for storing the instructions and other data. The at least one processor being configured, in accordance with the stored instructions, to cause: obtaining and storing information in a data repository hosted by the memory, receiving design input characterizing 3D target design to be produced from a substrate, determining a mapping between locations of the 3D target design and the substrate, and establishing and providing digital output comprising human and/or machine readable instructions indicative of the mapping to a receiving entity, such as a manufacturing equipment, e.g. printing, electronics assembly and/or forming equipment.

Abstract: Method, and corresponding system, for producing an alert during manufacture of a part formed by a plurality of layers. The method includes determining the sensor data values at the working tool positions of each of the plurality of layers based on a correlation of the values of the sensor data relative to time and the working tool positions of each of the plurality of layers relative to time. During the manufacturing process, the sensor data values at the working tool positions of at least one of the plurality of layers are compared to reference data values at the working tool positions for the at least one layer to determine a comparison measure for the at least one layer. An alert is transmitted if the determined comparison measure of a layer is not within a defined range. A defined action is applied to the manufacturing process based on the transmitted alert.

Abstract: A system for fabricating a component includes an additive manufacturing device and a computing device. The additive manufacturing device is configured to fabricate a first component by sequentially forming a plurality of superposed layers based upon a nominal digital representation of a second component, which includes a plurality of nominal digital two-dimensional cross-sections, each corresponding to a layer of the first component.

Abstract: A three-dimensional geometry is received, and sliced into layers. A first anisotropic fill tool path for controlling a three dimensional printer to deposit a substantially anisotropic fill material is generated defining at least part of an interior of a first layer. A second anisotropic fill tool path for controlling a three dimensional printer to deposit the substantially anisotropic fill material defines at least part of an interior of a second layer. A generated isotropic fill material tool path defines at least part of a perimeter and at least part of an interior of a third layer intervening between the first and second layers.

Abstract: A three-dimensional geometry is received, and sliced into layers. A first anisotropic fill tool path for controlling a three dimensional printer to deposit a substantially anisotropic fill material is generated defining at least part of an interior of a first layer. A second anisotropic fill tool path for controlling a three dimensional printer to deposit the substantially anisotropic fill material defines at least part of an interior of a second layer. A generated isotropic fill material tool path defines at least part of a perimeter and at least part of an interior of a third layer intervening between the first and second layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) and method for the generative production of a component (12). The device comprises two supply tanks (14a, 14b) for taking up powder-form material (16), two overflow tanks (22a, 22b) for taking up excess powder-form material (16), wherein a closing means (24a, 24b) is assigned to each overflow tank (22a, 22b), this means being switchable between a closed position, in which powder-form material (16) cannot be transported into the respective overflow tank (22a, 22b), and an open position, in which powder-form material (16) can be transported into the respective overflow tank (22a, 22b).

Abstract: A method of additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional object is disclosed. The method comprises sequentially forming a plurality of layers each patterned according to the shape of a cross section of the object. In some embodiments, the formation of at least one of the layers comprises performing a raster scan to dispense at least a first building material composition, and a vector scan to dispense at least a second building material composition. The vector scan is optionally along a path selected to form at least one structure selected from the group consisting of (i) an elongated structure, (ii) a boundary structure at least partially surrounding an area filled with the first building material, and (iii) an inter-layer connecting structure.

Abstract: A method for operating an additive manufacturing apparatus, the method comprises directing a first energy beam along a surface contour vector in a build plane. A second energy beam is directed along a plurality of substantially parallel hatch vectors disposed in the build plane inward of the surface contour vector. A sum of the surface contour vector and the plurality of hatch vectors define a processed powder region in the build plane. A third energy beam is directed along an offset contour vector in the build plane. The offset contour vector includes a plurality of unprocessed powder regions in the build plane between the surface contour vector and the plurality of hatch vectors.

Abstract: A process is described for manufacturing articles by selective fusion of polymer powder layers, especially the rapid prototyping by solid-phase laser sintering of a powder based on a copolyamide of type 6 having a low enthalpy of cold crystallization. Further described, are the articles obtained by such a process.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) objects, 3D printing processes, as well as methods, apparatuses and systems for the production of a 3D object. Methods, apparatuses and systems of the present disclosure may reduce or eliminate the need for auxiliary supports. The present disclosure provides three dimensional (3D) objects printed utilizing the printing processes, methods, apparatuses and systems described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (13) for constructing a laminar body (5) from a plurality of superimposed layers of free-flowing material, in particular particulate material, an a build platform (6) within a working area (11). The layers are solidified in locally predetermined regions by the action of binders and are joined together so that at least one molded body (4) is formed by the solidified and joined regions of the layers. The device comprises a discharging device (1) movable back and forth over the working area (11) in at least one discharge direction and having at least one discharge opening (14) from which the free-flowing material can be discharged in individual superimposed layers during the movement of the discharging device (1).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the layer-by-layer production of three-dimensional objects wherein a powder layer is melted with a laser beam shaped such that the focus maximum power density is less than 50% greater than the average power density, is provided. Also provided are the corresponding mouldings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for manufacturing three-dimensional models by means of a 3D printing process, whereby a build platform for application of build material is provided and a support frame is arranged around the build platform, to which said support frame at least one device for dosing the particulate material and one device for bonding the particulate material is attached via the guiding elements and the support frame is moveable in a Z direction, which essentially means perpendicular to the base surface of the build platform, said movement provided by at least two vertical positioning units on the support frame. In this respect, it is provided that the positioning units are respectively separate components and are arrangeable on the support frame independently from one another and the location and orientation of such can be adjusted independently from one another.