Abstract: A clamping apparatus of an injection molding machine is provided. A first driving device operates a movable platen to perform mold opening/closing. A second driving device applies a clamping force to the movable platen. A screw mechanism converts rotational power of the driving devices into linear power. By contact/separation between a first rotation plate coupled to a screw shaft and a second rotation plate, a power transmission device switches transmission of power from the second driving device to the screw mechanism. At the normal time, an urging mechanism integrally moves the screw shaft and the first rotation plate in a mold closing direction and releases the connection of the second driving device. When the mold closing is completed, the urging mechanism allows the screw shaft and the first rotation plate to integrally move in a mold opening direction, and brings the second driving device into a connected state.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a central caisson of an aircraft wing including a frame formed from U-section crossmembers. Formation of at least one crossmember includes forming a stack comprising at least one layer of resin film applied to a layer of dry fibers, pressing this stack to confer on it a U-section form and such as to compress the layers thereof, and pre-polymerization and/or polymerization of the resin of the stack. The manipulated fiber layers are layers of dry fibers, such that manipulation thereof by an automated machine may be effected for a reasonable cost and at a high throughput. Deposition of resin films carried by removable leaves, i.e., of which one of the faces is not adhesive, likewise facilitates manipulation by an automated installation.

Abstract: A method for additively manufacturing a microstructure from a caloric material includes providing a geometry of the microstructure to a processor of an additive manufacturing device, the geometry defining a plurality of microfeatures of the microstructure. The method also includes generating, via the processor, a three-dimensional (3D) model representative of the geometry of the microstructure, wherein one or more of the plurality of microfeatures are represented in the 3D model by a non-arcuate profile. Further, the method includes printing, via the additive manufacturing device, the microstructure from the caloric material according to the 3D model. As such, the non-arcuate profile reduces a file size of the 3D model as compared to an arcuate profile.

Abstract: A multi-chamber pellet die system to improve and increase analysis pellet manufacturing capabilities by allowing for multiple pellets or biomaterial scaffolds to be fabricated simultaneously.

Abstract: A slicer in a material drop ejecting three-dimensional (3D) object printer determines the number of material drops to eject to form a perimeter in an object layer and distributes a quantization error over the layers forming the perimeter. The slicer also identifies the location for the first material drop ejected to form the perimeter using a blue noise generator.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus for performing an imprint process of forming a pattern of an imprint material on a substrate using a mold includes a mold holding unit that holds the mold, a stage that holds the substrate, a measurement unit that measures marks on the mold or the stage, a driving unit that brings the mold and the substrate into contact, a curing unit that cures the imprint material, and a control unit that controls various steps of the imprint process. The control unit obtains information about a difference between first and second position shift amounts obtained by measuring marks on the mold and substrate before and after performing a first imprint process, respectively. The control unit also controls the imprint apparatus to perform a second imprint process, following the first imprint process, based on the obtained information about the difference from performing the first imprint process.

Abstract: A method includes: accessing a part model comprising a three-dimensional representation of a part; accessing a material profile relating exposure energy and three-dimensional polymerization geometry of a material selected for the part; segmenting the part model into a set of model layers; detecting a first upward-facing surface in the part model; defining a first model volume in a first model layer, adjacent the first upward-facing surface, and fully contained within the part model; based on the material profile, calculating a first exposure energy predicted to yield a first three-dimensional polymerization geometry approximating a first contour of the first upward-facing surface when projected onto the material during a build; populating a first print image with the first exposure energy in a first image area corresponding to the first model volume in the first model layer; and storing the first print image in a print file for the part.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of sensing multiple alignment marks in which the optical axis of a detector is divided into multiple axes each of which can essentially simultaneously detect a separate alignment mark to generate a signal which can then be multiplexed and presented to a single detector or multiple detectors thus permitting more rapid detection of multiple marks.

Abstract: In some examples, a system receives a first representation of structures to be combined for building a three-dimensional (3D) object by an additive manufacturing machine; and generates, based on the first representation, a second representation comprising voxels that represent the 3D object, the generation of the second representation comprising an evaluation of Boolean operations with respect to voxels in a voxel space to produce the second representation.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object printing apparatus includes: a liquid discharging head that discharges liquid to a three-dimensional workpiece; a robot that has N movable portions and that changes a relative position of the liquid discharging head with respect to the workpiece, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2; and N encoders provided for the N movable portions to measure amounts of operations of the N movable portions, respectively. Correspondence information regarding a correspondence relationship between an output from a first encoder and a time during operation of the robot is stored. The first encoder is one of the N encoders. Discharging operation of the liquid discharging head is controlled based on an output from the first encoder and the correspondence information, while the robot is operated.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for multistage molding of contact lenses containing low oxygen permeable components or oxygen impermeable components. Components may be embedded within a contact lens by forming a device on a polymer substrate, molding a spacer onto a male mold, bonding the device to the spacer, removing the polymer substrate, and molding the remainder of the contact lens.

Abstract: A screw driving device includes: a plasticization motor; a rotation drive shaft provided coaxially with a screw and configured to rotate the screw; and a transmission mechanism configured to decelerate rotation of the plasticization motor and transmit the rotation to the rotation drive shaft. The transmission mechanism includes: a speed reducer whose output shaft is coupled to the rotation drive shaft; a drive rotation member provided in the plasticization motor; a driven rotation member provided on an input shaft of the speed reducer; and one endless string-shaped force transmission member wound around the drive rotation member and the driven rotation member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for additive manufacturing, and, in particular, such methods and apparatus as employ pulsed lasers or other heating arrangements to create metal droplets from donor metal micro wires, which droplets, when solidified in the aggregate, form 3D structures. A supply of metal micro wire is arranged so as to be fed towards a nozzle area by a piezo translator. Near the nozzle, an end portion of the metal micro wire is heated (e.g., by a laser pulse or an electric heater element), thereby causing the end portion of the metal micro wire near the nozzle area to form a droplet of metal. A receiving substrate is positioned to receive the droplet of metal jetted from the nozzle area.

Abstract: An embodiment fused deposition modeling (FDM) type 3D printing apparatus includes a printing bed having a space for printing out an output on an upper surface thereof and a nozzle unit provided on the printing bed and configured to extrude a molten output material and print the molten output material out to the printing bed, the nozzle unit including a primary nozzle tip configured to primarily extrude the molten output material and a secondary nozzle tip selectively coupled to the primary nozzle tip and configured to secondarily extrude the molten output material.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and program for additive manufacturing. The additive manufacturing method may include solidifying at least a portion of a first layer (601) of build material (416) within a first scan region (902A). At least one of a build unit (400) and a build platform (310) may be moved to solidify at least a portion of the first layer (601) of build material (416) within a second scan region (902B). A second layer (602) of build material (416) may be provided over at least a portion of the first scan region (902A) and the second scan region (902B). A second layer (602) of build material (416) may be solidified within at least a portion of the third scan region (902C), the third scan region (902C) may at least partially overlap and may be offset with relation to the first scan region (902A).

Abstract: There is provided a cast strip manufacturing method including: supplying a molten steel stored in a tundish (18) to a molten steel pool portion (16) formed by a pair of rotating cooling rolls (11) and a pair of side dams via an immersion nozzle (20); and forming and growing a solidified shell on a circumferential surface of the cooling roll (11) to manufacture a cast strip (1), in which a Si additive is added to the molten steel in the tundish (18), a Si concentration of the molten steel is adjusted to be within a fixed range, and a temperature of the molten steel in the tundish (18) is controlled to be within a fixed range.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus is operable to perform an imprint process, which is for forming a pattern on an imprint material on a substrate by using a mold, for each of shot regions of the substrate. The apparatus includes a controller configured to control alignment between the mold and the substrate. The controller determines a target position obtained by adding a predetermined additional amount to a movement amount of a substrate stage according to a positional deviation between the mold and the substrate, starts movement of the stage towards the determined target position, and starts curing of the imprint material by a curing device at a timing at which the detected positional deviation falls within an allowable range during the movement of the stage.

Abstract: A calibration system for automatically resetting the effective vertical Z coordinate corresponding to the tip of an extruder of a printing head with filler material filament for 3D printers provided with a printing plane movable along the vertical Z axis, wherein the printing head is installed on a carriage for moving the extruder on the horizontal plane XY, includes at least one touch probe unit associated with and operatively connected to the extruder, specifically arranged between the carriage and the extruder itself, including: at least one movable support, at least one touch probe, at least one extruder support, at least one coupling system, at least one carriage, at least one extruder. The movable support is substantially a mechanical spring-operated sliding system, configured to allow the extruder to travel the path needed to activate the touch probe during the touching operation and to return to the printing position.

Abstract: Non-time dependent calculated variables based on measured strain are used to effectively determine an optimal hold profile for an expanding crosslinking polymer part in a mold cavity. A system and/or approach may first inject molten expanding crosslinking polymer into a mold cavity, then measure strain at the mold cavity or at another location within the injection molding system, and then calculate at least one non-time dependent variable during an injection molding cycle. Next, the system and/or method commences a hold profile for the part, and upon completing the hold profile, the part is ejected from the mold cavity, whereupon a cure profile is commenced.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer and a method of leveling a support surface in a three-dimensional printer. The three-dimensional printer includes a base plate, a support bed, including a support surface, wherein the support bed is mounted to the base plate, a plurality of adjustable mounting assemblies adjustably mounting the base plate to the support bed, wherein each adjustable mount assembly separates the base plate from the support bed by a first distance. The three-dimensional printer may further include a vacuum port fluid communication with a vacuum opening, a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the vacuum port, a vacuum regulator coupled to the tubing between the vacuum pump and vacuum port, and a vacuum pressure switch coupled to the tubing between the vacuum regulator and the vacuum port.

Abstract: An automatic calibration system for calibrating the parallelism between a printing plane of a 3D printer and a virtual plane on which the extruder of the 3D printer moves, to align the printing plane with the virtual plane on which the extruder moves, includes: at least one extruder, or a printing head on which the extruder itself is mounted, movable on a horizontal plane; at least one device for measuring the distance of the printing plane associated with the extruder or with a printing head; a movable printing plane along the vertical axis Z, the plane being equipped with at least three non-aligned actuators, which are controllable and operable independently of each other; a central control unit (MCU or PLC) of the calibration system and of all the parts thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imprint apparatus including a holding unit configured to hold a material, a measurement unit configured to measure a position of the material held by the holding unit, a detection unit configured to detect dechucking of the material in the holding unit, and a control unit configured to control continuation processing for continuing an imprint process if the detection unit has detected the dechucking, wherein the control unit performs, as the continuation processing, processing of causing the holding unit to hold the dechucked material again without unloading the material from the imprint apparatus, and processing of measuring, by the measurement unit, a position of the material held again by the holding unit before the imprint process to use the position for alignment in the imprint process.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a composite part. The apparatus comprises a sleeve that molds a composite material. The sleeve has a first face and a second face. The second face has features to mold the composite material. The first face comprises a first inclined surface having an angle less than about 90 degrees and greater than about 0 degrees.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system is disclosed for use in fabricating a structure. The additive manufacturing system may include a print head configured to discharge a material, a first structure, and a second structure. The first structure may be configured to move the print head within a plane during discharge of the material. The second structure may be configured to move the print head within the plane during material discharge, the second structure being movable together with the print head by the first structure.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for calibrating a 3D printer are disclosed. A 3D printer toolhead may include mechanisms for detecting when a portion of the toolhead comes into contact with a build surface. A process for detecting the distance from the toolhead to the build surface is disclosed using these mechanisms. A further method of calibrating a 3D printer by measuring a plurality of points on a build surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a three-dimensional shaped product based on repetition of a step of molding of a powder layer 3 and sintering with a laser beam or an electron beam, wherein in a lattice region 1, a sintered layer 41 is molded by scanning the beam having a predetermined spot diameter several times in one side direction at a predetermined interval, after which a sintered layer 42 is again molded by the same scanning in the other side direction which crosses the one side direction, and in an outer frame region 2, a continuous sintered layer 43 is molded by scanning the beam having the predetermined spot diameter over the entire lattice region 1 that is surrounded by an inner line and an outer line, and is also achieved by a three-dimensional shaped product obtained by the method.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a main mold and core setting device and a main mold and core setting method which enable core setting work, hitherto implemented by a core setting operator using subtle hand sensation, to be completely reproduced by automation.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer with improved adjustment mechanisms for calibrating the orientation of the build platform and an extrusion assembly to optimize the accuracy of models deposited on the build platform. The printer includes a frame carrying an extrusion assembly proximate the top, and a carriage within. A build platform is mounted on the top of the carriage. Carriage adjustment mechanisms are provided at at least two corners of the carriage for calibrating the orientation of the build platform with respect to the X-Y plane. An extrusion assembly adjustment mechanism is provided at at least one end of the extrusion mechanism for calibrating the orientation of the extrusion mechanism with respect to the Y-axis. A height adjustment mechanism is provided for translating the carriage within the frame along the Z-axis.

Abstract: A method of fabricating second-generation high-temperature superconducting wires of a predetermined width involves the following stages: (A) fabrication of an HTS intermediate product for the production of HTS wires by sequential deposition of buffer layers, an HTS layer and a protective layer on the substrate tape; (B) slitting of the intermediate product of stage (A) in the longitudinal direction into HTS wires of a predetermined width. Each wire comprises at least one edge formed during slitting, with delaminated fragments adjoining said edge; (C) removing the delaminated fragments of the HTS wire obtained at stage (B); (D) applying an additional protective layer onto the wire of stage (C). The method makes it possible to retain the current carrying properties of an HTS wire after mechanical treatment, such as slitting, and to ensure predictability and stability of such properties.

Abstract: An injection apparatus includes a heating cylinder having a nozzle for injecting resin material, a drop-port block that supports the heating cylinder, an injection stage extending so as to be orthogonal to the lengthwise axis of the heating cylinder while supporting the drop-port block, and a pair of injection-apparatus moving mechanisms that moves the heating cylinder. The drop-port block is provided with a supporting stage extending in the direction orthogonal to the lengthwise axis, and the injection-apparatus moving mechanism is connected to the supporting stage and to a stationary mount which supports a stationary mold. The supporting plate extends alongside the injection stage with a clearance therebetween so that deformation of the supporting stage when the nozzle is pressed into contact with the stationary mold is not transmitted to the injection stage.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing system for solidifying a photocurable resin in a layer-by-layer manner at a build plane includes a scan module, a transparent plate, a sensor, and a controller. The scan module is configured to scan the light beam along two axes to address the build plane. The transparent plate is positioned in the optical path between the scan module and the build plane. The transparent plate has at least one reflective feature in the optical path. The sensor is mounted above the glass plate and is positioned to receive light reflected from the reflective feature. The controller is configured to operate the scan module to scan the light beam across the build plane, receive a signal from the sensor when the light beam impinges upon the reflective feature, and analyze the signal to verify a proper alignment of the light beam to the build plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to tube perforating machine for perforating a hollow tube. The powered machine includes a mechanical timing system comprising a Geneva mechanism so that perforations are punched when the tube is held stationary and perforations cannot be punched when the tube is rotating or moving longitudinally within the machine.

Abstract: Additive manufacturing, such as laser sintering or melting of additive layers, can produce parts rapidly at small volume and in a factory setting. To ensure the additive manufactured parts are of high quality, a real-time non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technique is required to detect defects while they are being manufactured. The present invention describes an in-situ (real-time) inspection unit that can be added to an existing additive manufacturing (AM) tool, such as an FDM (fused deposition modeling) machine, or a direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) machine, providing real-time information about the part quality, and detecting flaws as they occur. The information provided by this unit is used to a) qualify the part as it is being made, and b) to provide feedback to the AM tool for correction, or to stop the process if the part will not meet the quality, thus saving time, energy and reduce material loss.

Abstract: Described herein is an Intuitive Creation System for Additive Manufacturing (AM) Devices which automates the design and manufacturing process in order to minimize or eliminate the need to teach and train new users in the art of Additive Manufacturing (AM). This system and methodology allows anyone, with little to no technical know-how, to successfully operate an AM device to produce products that improve their quality of life, on demand, locally, and during events that cause disruption of traditional global manufacturing supply chains. Additionally, the described systems and methods also allow anyone to design and create products with little to no prior technical know-how. This is accomplished by integrating computational systems and processors into the physical device such that 3D model data can be interrupted and translated into actions by the AM device without the need for a highly trained operator or user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic system for a molding system, the molding system having a clamp actuator and an injection actuator, the hydraulic system comprising a clamp accumulator for storing hydraulic fluid for use in actuating the clamp actuator; an injection accumulator for storing hydraulic fluid for use in actuating the injection actuator; a pump for conveying hydraulic fluid to the clamp accumulator and the injection accumulator; and a selector valve for selectively fluidly connecting the pump to one of the clamp accumulator and the injection accumulator.

Abstract: An imprinting method, which includes following steps. A workpiece is conveyed to a working region by a first conveyer unit. The workpiece is imprinted in the working region through an imprinting segment of a flexible imprinting mold film. The flexible imprinting mold film is driven by a driving roller set, such that at least another one of the imprinting segments of the flexible imprinting mold film rolled around the driving roller set is expanded from the driving roller set and moved to the working region.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus (10) comprising a signal converter (1500) interconnected to a machine controller (MC) of an injection molding machine (IMM) that generates standardized signals (VPS), the signal converter (1500) receiving and converting the standardized signals (VS) to a command signal (MOPCS, PDCVS) that is compatible with a signal receptor or interface of an electrically powered actuator (940e, 941e, 942e) or a signal receptor, interface or driver of a proportional directional control valve (V, V1, V2) that drives a fluid driven actuator (940p, 941p, 942p) to respectively operate the electrically powered actuator (940e, 941e, 942e) or the proportional directional control valve (V, V1, V2) to move in a direction that operates to either begin an injection cycle and to end an injection cycle.

Abstract: A mold clamping apparatus according to the present invention includes: a fixed platen to which one mold of a pair of molds is to be mounted; a movable platen which is disposed opposite the fixed platen and to which the other mold is to be mounted; a pressure-receiving platen connected to the fixed platen via tie bars; a mold opening/closing mechanism including a toggle link mechanism for opening/closing and clamping the molds by moving the movable platen back and forth; a drive mechanism including a servo motor for driving the mold opening/closing mechanism; and a control device for controlling the servo motor, wherein the control device includes an acceleration/deceleration adjustment section capable of adjusting an acceleration time, a deceleration time and a target speed of the servo motor during a mold clamping operation.

Abstract: Method for controlling a method for the manufacture of a container by stretch-blow-molding of a plastic preform (2) in a machine (1) including a mold (26), the preform (2) having a body (3), a neck (4) opening at one end of the body (3) and a bottom (5) closing the body (3) at another end thereof, the manufacturing method including the operations involving:—heating the preform to a predetermined temperature in a thermal conditioning oven (10);—introducing the preform (2) into the mold (26);—moving a stretching pin (28) so as to stretch the preform (2); this control method involving a step that consists in determining the position of impact (P0r) of the stretch pin (28), namely the position it occupies at the moment at which it reaches the bottom (5) of the preform (2) during its movement.

Abstract: The present disclosure various apparatuses, and systems for 3D printing. The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) printing methods, apparatuses, software and systems for a step and repeat energy irradiation process; controlling material characteristics and/or deformation of the 3D object; reducing deformation in a printed 3D object; and planarizing a material bed.

Abstract: Moving servo motors of molds in synchronization with the operations of platens which enables fine patterns or shapes to be formed even on a large molded article. A mold clamping device forms patterns or the like on a molded article by detecting a mold position of a second platen among first, second, third platens with digital mold opening/closing position detector, and driving servo motors for molds of the molds in synchronization with a digital mold opening/closing position signal from the digital mold opening/closing position detector.

Abstract: A composite material molding method is provided for forming a composite material. The molding includes disposing a reinforcing base material in a cavity inside an openable and closable mold, injecting resin into the cavity in a state in which a clamping pressure is exerted on the mold and curing the resin. When injecting the resin into the cavity, the injection pressure of the resin is adjusted between a first pressure that is higher than the clamping pressure and a second pressure that is lower than the clamping pressure, and the injection pressure of the resin is lowered from the pressure that is higher than the clamping pressure to the pressure that is lower than the clamping pressure at least once. The resin is thereby injected such that the pressure inside the cavity does not exceed the clamping pressure from the start of injection to the end of injection of the resin.

Abstract: A position detector includes a detection unit configured to detect light from a first diffraction grating including a first pattern disposed in a first direction, and light from a second diffraction grating including a second pattern disposed in the first direction, and a control unit configured to obtain a relative position between the first and the second diffraction gratings based on the light detected by the detection unit. The position detector has a third pattern formed in a second direction different from the first direction at edges of the first pattern of the first diffraction grating, the third pattern has a width smaller than a width of the first pattern of the first diffraction grating.

Abstract: A position detector includes a detection unit configured to detect light from a first diffraction grating including a first pattern disposed in a first direction, and light from a second diffraction grating including a second pattern disposed in the first direction, and a control unit configured to obtain a relative position between the first and the second diffraction gratings based on the light detected by the detection unit. The position detector has a third pattern formed in a second direction different from the first direction at edges of the first pattern of the first diffraction grating, the third pattern has a width smaller than a width of the first pattern of the first diffraction grating.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An imprinting apparatus includes a first conveyer unit, a flexible imprinting mold film and a driving roller set. The first conveyer is adapted to convey a workpiece to a working region of the imprinting apparatus. The flexible imprinting mold film has imprinting segments. At least one of the imprinting segments is located in the working region. The workpiece is adapted to be imprinted in the working region through the corresponding imprinting segment. The flexible imprinting mold film is partially rolled around the driving roller set, the imprinting segment located in the working region is expanded from the driving roller set, and the driving roller set is adapted to drive the flexible imprinting mold film, such that at least another one of the imprinting segments rolled around the driving roller set is expanded from the driving roller set and moved to the working region. Besides, an imprinting method is also provided.

Abstract: A 3D printing apparatus and a method thereof are provided. The apparatus includes base, forming platform, nozzle module, curing module, first sensor and second sensors and control module. The forming platform is movably disposed on the base along an axial direction. The nozzle module and the curing module are disposed on the base and located above the forming platform. The first and second sensors are movably disposed on the base and located at two opposite sides of the nozzle module and the curing module along the axial direction. A predetermined range of the 3D object on the forming platform has first and second endpoints along the axial direction, and the first and second sensors respectively correspond to the first and second endpoints. The control module determines whether the nozzle module impacts the 3D object according to a sensing time difference of the first and second sensors.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus including medium-encoded computer program products for performing additive manufacturing (AM) using continuous resin flow based mask video projection stereolithography (MVP-SL) According to an aspect, a system for additive manufacturing of an object in three dimensions consisting of an X dimension, a Y dimension, and a Z dimension, the system comprising: a tank configured to contain a liquid resin; a first translation stage coupled with the tank, the first translation stage being configured to move the tank in the X dimension, the Y dimension, or both; a second translation stage coupled with a build platform, the second translation stage being configured to move the build platform in the Z dimension; and a computer control system to cause the second translation stage to elevate the build platform in the Z dimension simultaneously with causing the first translation stage to perform the sliding motion.

Abstract: A molding die has a lower holder, an intermediate holder, an upper holder, a lock member, an upper link bar, a lower link bar, a restriction member, and a drive part. A movement of the lock member in a molding die opening direction or a molding die closing direction is restricted by the intermediate holder. The upper link bar has a first retaining groove in which the lock member fits when being located at a molding die closing position. The lower link bar has a second retaining groove in which the lock member fits and a release portion that enables the lock member to be released from the first retaining groove. The restriction member is movable between a restriction position that prevents the lock member from fitting in the second retaining groove and a free position that enables the lock member to fit in the second retaining groove.

Abstract: This disclosure describes various system and methods for monitoring photons emitted by a heat source of an additive manufacturing device. Sensor data recorded while monitoring the photons can be used to predict metallurgical, mechanical and geometrical properties of a part produced during an additive manufacturing operation. In some embodiments, a test pattern can be used to calibrate an additive manufacturing device.