Abstract: A three-dimensional drawing device can include a housing configured for to be held in user's hand, shaped to allow manipulation of the housing like a pen, and configured to accept a strand of thermoplastic material. The drawing device has a nozzle assembly with an exit nozzle and a motor connected to a gear train that engages the strand such that rotation of the motor causes the feed stock to be extruded out of the exit nozzle to form a three-dimensional object. The motor can be controlled using a variable speed control mechanism or first and second actuators, thereby controlling movement of the strand, for example, to advance or retract the strand relative to the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes and systems of rapid prototyping and production. Its features includes flexible material deposition along tangential directions of surfaces of a part to be made, thereby eliminating stair-shape surface due to uniform horizontal layer deposition, increasing width of material deposition to increase build up rate, applying the principles of traditional forming/joining processes, such as casting, fusion welding, plastic extrusion and injection molding in the fabrication process so that various industrial materials can be processed, applying comparatively low cost heating sources, such as induction heating and arc-heating. Additional features include varying width and size of material deposition in accordance with geometry to be formed and applying a differential molding means for improved shape formation and surface finishing.

Abstract: A selection of a three-dimensional model by a user is received, and an interlocking block framework corresponding to the selected three-dimensional model is determined. The interlocking block framework includes one or more physical construction blocks configured to interlock with one another. A three-dimensional gap model is generated based upon the selected three-dimensional model and the interlocking block framework. The three-dimensional gap model is generated by removing a representation of the determined interlocking block framework from the selected three-dimensional model.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for three-dimensional printing directly onto an article of apparel. Disclosed is a method and system for direct three-dimensional printing onto an article of apparel, including positioning at least a portion of the article on a tray in a three-dimensional printing system, the portion being positioned substantially flat on the tray, printing a three-dimensional material directly onto the article using a three-dimensional pattern, curing the printed material, and removing the article from the three-dimensional printing system.

Abstract: A selection of a three-dimensional model by a user is received, and an interlocking block framework corresponding to the selected three-dimensional model is determined. The interlocking block framework includes one or more physical construction blocks configured to interlock with one another. A three-dimensional gap model is generated based upon the selected three-dimensional model and the interlocking block framework. The three-dimensional gap model is generated by removing a representation of the determined interlocking block framework from the selected three-dimensional model.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a system for forming a ceramic part includes a chamber having a first closed end and a second end defining an opening. The platform is disposed within the chamber and adapted to move vertically in a z-direction between the first closed end and the second end. An applicator is adapted to move laterally in an x-y direction. The applicator includes a beveled edge. A light source is positioned in line with the second end of the chamber. A digital micro-mirror device is positioned between the light source and the second end of the chamber. The shutter is movable between a first open position and a second open position. A first image is projected when the digital micro-mirror device is in the first open position and a second image, different than the first image is projected when the digital micro-mirror device is in the second open position.

Abstract: A lamination molding apparatus with a molding table, including: a galvanometer scanner configured to irradiate a small irradiation region on the molding table with a laser beam; an inert gas supplying nozzle having an inert gas supplying opening for supplying an inert gas; a fume suction duct having a fume suction opening for suctioning the inert gas containing fumes generated with irradiation of the laser beam; an integration unit integrally including the galvanometer scanner, the inert gas supplying nozzle and the fume suction duct; and a moving device configured to move the integration unit so the galvanometer scanner scans and irradiates the laser beam on a large irradiation region larger than the small irradiation region on the molding table; wherein the inert gas supplying opening and the fume suction opening are opposed to each other so an irradiation path of the laser beam is placed therebetween.

Abstract: Adaptively forming a three-dimensional component may include providing a plurality of electron beam sources, and simultaneously controlling the plurality of electron beam sources to direct a plurality of electron beams onto a plurality of deposited layers of metallic powder to sequentially consolidate patterned portions of the plurality of deposited metallic powder layers to adaptively form the three-dimensional component.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lining panel with integrated electric lines for a lining of a passenger cabin of an aircraft or spacecraft includes using an additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing technique to form the electric lines on or into a panel body of the lining panel. A lining panel with integrated electric lines for a lining of a passenger cabin of an aircraft or spacecraft includes a panel body and electric lines being formed on or into the panel body using an AM or 3D printing technique.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system operates an extruder to extrude a swath of thermoplastic material through at least two nozzles of the extruder to form a swath of thermoplastic material along a path of relative movement between the extruder and a platform. The speed of the extruder along the path corresponds to a predetermined speed selected with reference to an orientation of the extruder and the angle for the path of relative movement between the extruder and the platform. A controller in the system operates at least one actuator operatively connected to at least one of the extruder and the platform to move the at least one of the extruder and the platform relative to the other of the extruder and the platform along the path of relative movement at the predetermined speed to make the swath of the thermoplastic material contiguous in a cross-process direction.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an indication that a 3D printer has encountered an error printing an instance of a 3D print job and selecting an idle 3D printer to print the instance of the 3D print job. Previous printing instructions for the instance of the 3D print job are changed based on the selected idle 3D printer and the changed printing instructions are provided to the selected idle 3D printer.

Abstract: A three dimensional printing method and a three dimensional printing apparatus are provided. Layer information of a three dimensional object is obtained, wherein the three dimensional object includes at least one layer object and the layer information includes a plurality of coordinate point locations of the at least one layer object. A geometry parameter is calculated according to the coordinate point locations, and whether the layer object includes at least one small-area object is determined according to the geometry parameter. If the layer object includes the at least one small-area object, a feed-material output amount associated with the small-area object is reduced. A printing module is controlled to print the small-area object according to the reduced feed-material output amount.

Abstract: An example technique for creating a voxel representation of a three dimensional (3-D) object can include obtaining a shape specification of a 3-D object and a number of 3-D objectives. The example technique for creating a voxel representation of the 3-D object can also include creating a voxel representation of the 3-D object by assigning a material type from a number of material types to each voxel of the voxel representation that defines the 3-D object. The example technique creating a voxel representation of a 3-D object can also include evaluating the voxel representation to determine whether the number of objectives are met.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus that includes a conveyance device that moves a stage, where an electronic device shaped by multiple layers is placed, in X-axis and Y-axis directions. A first shaping unit, a second shaping unit, and a component mounting unit are arranged within a range in which the stage can move. The manufacturing apparatus performs additive manufacturing of the electronic device on the stage by performing a sequential movement of the stage to respective working positions of different units. As a result, in this manufacturing apparatus, a workpiece on the stage does not have to be removed and repositioned during each work process such as shaping by a first shaping unit, shaping by a second shaping unit, and electronic component mounting by a component mounting unit.

Abstract: Method for the production of a 3D printed object (100), wherein the method comprises (i) a 3D printing stage, the 3D printing stage comprising 3D printing a 3D printable material (110) to provide the 3D printed object (100) of printed material (120), wherein the 3D printing stage further comprises forming during 3D printing a channel (200) in the 3D printed object (100) under construction, wherein the method further comprises (ii) a filling stage comprising filling the channel (200) with a curable material (140) and curing the curable material (140) to provide the channel (200) with cured material (150), wherein the cured material (150) has a lower stiffness than the surrounding printed material (120).

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a discrete object from an additively manufactured body of material including a precursor to a discrete object and at least a reference feature is disclosed. The system includes an automated manufacturing device, the automated manufacturing device including at least a controller configured to receive a graphical representation of precursor to a discrete object, receive a graphical representation of at least a reference feature on the precursor to the discrete object, and generate a computer model of the body of material, wherein the computer model of the body of material includes the graphical representation of the precursor to the discrete object and the graphical representation of the at least a reference feature.

Abstract: A method of three-dimensional fabrication of an object is disclosed. The method comprises: forming a plurality of layers in a configured pattern corresponding to the shape of the three-dimensional object, at least one layer of the plurality of layers being formed at a predetermined and different thickness selected so as to compensate for post-formation shrinkage of the layer along a vertical direction. In various exemplary embodiments of the invention spread of building material of one or more layers is diluted at least locally such as to maintain a predetermined thickness and a predetermined planar resolution for the layer.

Abstract: A laminate shaping support material is provided which includes one of: a resin composition containing a polyvinyl alcohol resin having a primary hydroxyl group at its side chain, and having a heat of fusion of 10 to 30 J/g at its melting point (Embodiment (X)); and a resin composition containing a polyvinyl alcohol resin, and a block copolymer including a polymer block of an aromatic vinyl compound, at least one of a polymer block of a conjugated diene compound and a block of a hydrogenated conjugated diene compound, and a functional group reactive with a hydroxyl group (Embodiment (Y)). Therefore, the laminate shaping support material according to Embodiment (X), for example, is excellent in shape stability and adhesiveness to a model material. The laminate shaping support material according to Embodiment (Y) is excellent in peelability and forming stability.

Abstract: A metal 3-D printer includes a powder layer formation device having a blade for planarizing metal powder, a table driving device lowering a table by a predetermined lowering distance in anticipation of a formation of a powder layer, a laser irradiating device irradiating a laser beam at the powder layer to form a sintered layer having a predetermined upper surface region, a numerical control apparatus controlling the powder layer formation device, the table driving device, the laser irradiating device and a machining apparatus. When the blade collides with an obstacle formed on an upper most sintered layer, an end mill is lowered according to a predetermined lowering distance such that a lower end of the end mill is lower than an upper surface of the powder layer, and moves the end mill across a predetermined upper surface region of the uppermost sintered layer to remove the obstacle.

Abstract: A three-dimensionally printed article comprises a build material and a support material, the support material comprising a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose having a DS of at least 1.0 and an MS of at least 0.6, wherein DS is the degree of substitution of methoxyl groups and MS is the molar substitution of hydroxypropoxyl groups. The support material can be removed from the build material by contacting the support material with water.

Abstract: According to at least one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a 3D printer comprising an anisotropic head that solidifies, along anisotropic toolpaths, fiber swaths having an anisotropic characteristic oriented relative to a trajectory of the anisotropic tool paths, an isotropic head that solidifies, along isotropic toolpaths, a substantially isotropic material, a motorized drive for moving the anisotropic head and a build plate supporting a printed part in at least three degrees of freedom, and a controller configured to control the 3D printer to build the printed part by solidifying the isotropic material along the isotropic tool paths, solidifying the anisotropic material in fiber swaths tracking a non-concentric set of anisotropic tool paths for at least a first sequence of parallel shells, solidifying the anisotropic material in fiber swaths tracking an outer concentric set of anisotropic tool paths for at least a second sequence of parallel shells.

Abstract: High performance complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) electronics are critical for any full-fledged electronic system. However, state-of-the-art CMOS electronics are rigid and bulky making them unusable for flexible electronic applications. While there exist bulk material reduction methods to flex them, such thinned CMOS electronics are fragile and vulnerable to handling for high throughput manufacturing. Here, we show a fusion of a CMOS technology compatible fabrication process for flexible CMOS electronics, with inkjet and conductive cellulose based interconnects, followed by additive manufacturing (i.e. 3D printing based packaging) and finally roll-to-roll printing of packaged decal electronics (thin film transistors based circuit components and sensors) focusing on printed high performance flexible electronic systems. This work provides the most pragmatic route for packaged flexible electronic systems for wide ranging applications.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an additive manufacturing method including the steps of positioning a removable surface on a worktable; applying an adhesive material to the removable surface; depositing a plurality of pellets into the adhesive material, wherein at least a portion of each pellet of the plurality of pellets remains exposed; depositing a first plurality of layers of a flowable material on at least some of the plurality of pellets; and depositing a second plurality of layers of the flowable material on the first plurality of layers.

Abstract: A sub-printing method for a 3D printer (1) includes following steps: obtaining slicing data (3) of a printing layer by the 3D printer (1) when performing printing; executing a logical segmentation action on the slicing data (3) according to a default segment-template (101) for generating multiple printing blocks (4); labelling each printing block (4) according to a default printing rule for deciding printing orders of the multiple printing blocks (4); controlling the 3D printer (1) to perform multiple sub-printing actions successively according to the printing blocks (4) based on the decided printing orders; and, re-executing above steps before all printing layers of a 3D model are completely printed.

Abstract: In one example, an additive manufacturing system includes a processing system to obtain characteristic data including conditions under which a heat reservoir may be added close to a portion of the object, based on the characteristic data, add sacrificial structure data to the three-dimensional object data for a sacrificial heat reservoir structure close to a portion of the object and not connected to the object, and generate multiple slice images from the three-dimensional object data including the sacrificial structure data.

Abstract: A method of partitioning a model to facilitate printing of the model on a 3D printer includes identifying partition sensitive locations on the model and creating a binary tree with a root note representative of the model. An iterative partitioning process is applied to divide the model into objects by selecting a node of the binary tree without any children nodes, identifying a portion of the model corresponding to the node, and determining candidate cutting planes on the portion of the model based on the partition sensitive locations. During the process, analytic hierarchical processing (AHP) is applied to select an optimal cutting plane from the candidate cutting planes based on partitioning criteria. The optimal cutting plane is used to segment the portion of the model into sub-portions, and two children nodes representative of these sub-portions are created on the node of the binary tree.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a three-way authentication apparatus and method in a cloud environment. The three-way authentication method in a cloud environment includes performing, by a control device and a service device, mutual authentication through an IF-1 interface, performing, by the control device and a function server, mutual authentication through an IF-2 interface, requesting, by the control device, the function server to issue an authentication token for authentication between the service device and the function server, and delivering an authentication token issued by the function server to the service device, and performing, by the service device, mutual authentication with the function server using the delivered authentication token through an IF-3 interface.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various aspects for mobile and automated processing utilizing additive manufacturing. The present disclosure includes methods for the utilization of mobile and automated processing apparatus. In some examples, the mobile additive manufacturing apparatus may perform surface treatments that alter the topography of an existing surface. Other examples may involve the processing of dimensionally large layers which may be joined together to create large pieces with three dimensional shape.

Abstract: An extrusion device of a three-dimensional printer comprises a housing, a nozzle, a ratchet, an idler and a cooling mechanism. The nozzle is connected with the housing, the ratchet is disposed in the housing, and the idler is disposed adjacent to the ratchet. A thermofusible material is jointly held by the ratchet and the idler, and is guided to be extruded through the nozzle. The cooling mechanism comprises an air pump and an air pipe. The air pipe is partially disposed in the housing and connected with the air pump for guiding the air extracted by the air pump to flow into the housing through the air pipe, thereby reducing an environment temperature inside the housing. Therefore, by disposing the air-guiding cooling mechanism, the advantages of enhancing the cooling effect and the printing quality are achieved.

Abstract: A method for facilitating part fabrication, such as by automated toolpath generation, can include one or more of: receiving a virtual part; modifying the virtual part; and/or determining toolpaths to fabricate the target part. The toolpaths preferably define an ordered series of additive and subtractive toolpaths, more preferably wherein the additive and subtractive toolpaths are interleaved, which can function to achieve high manufacturing efficiency and/or performance. The method can additionally or alternatively include: generating machine instructions based on the toolpaths; fabricating the target part based on the machine instructions; calibrating the fabrication system; and/or any other suitable elements.

Abstract: A control system for use in an additive manufacturing system. A recoating device is configured to distribute powder for forming a component and a recoating motor is configured to move at least one of the powder bed and the recoating device relative to each other. The control system includes at least one vibration sensor configured to collect vibration data, a torque sensor coupled to the recoating motor and configured to collect the torque output data, and an optical sensor configured to collect reflected light data. The control system includes a controller configured to receive the vibration data, receive the torque output data, and receive the reflected light data, the controller further configured to determine at least one powder bed characteristic based on at least one of the data, and control at least one recoating parameter of the recoating device based on the at least one determined powder bed characteristic.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a data visualization method and apparatus. The method includes: displaying a distribution curve diagram by using a display device, where the distribution curve diagram is used to represent time-based distribution of multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data, and the distribution curve diagram includes a timeline, a curve changing with the timeline, and an irregular region enclosed by the curve; and displaying a tree map in the irregular region by using the display device, where the tree map divides the irregular region into m sub-regions that are in a one-to-one correspondence with m regions, and an area of each of the m sub-regions is used to indicate an amount of spatial-temporal data distributed in a region corresponding to each sub-region. The present disclosure implements visualization of spatial-temporal data by using the tree map.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to three-dimensional object models are described. In one example, (i) data representing a geometrical description of a three-dimensional object defining object geometry in a geometric space and (ii) at least one object property description describing an object property in an object property space are received. The object property space and the geometric space are intersected to define an object model, wherein an object property is defined at an intersection between a described object property and defined object geometry.

Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) printing system includes computer-executable instructions for obtaining a volumetric object representation file, parsing the volumetric object representation file into multiple layers, and for each layer, decomposing the layer into a sequence of continuous paths, aggregating non-continuous sets of tool paths with a single outer path and zero or more open or closed inner paths into islands, and generating one or more motion segments according to each island. Once generated, the motion segments may be aggregated to form a toolpath, which is used by the three dimensional printer to print a 3D model. Other embodiments may employ.

Abstract: A method involving measuring a first metrology target designed for a first range of values of a process parameter; measuring a second metrology target designed for a second range of values of the same process parameter, the second range different than the first range and the second metrology target having a different physical design than the first metrology target; and deriving process window data from a value of the process parameter in the first range determined from the measuring of the first metrology target, and from a value of the process parameter in the second range determined from the measuring of the second metrology target.

Abstract: Methods for creating three-dimensional volume quality models of additively manufactured metal bodies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises additively manufacturing each metal layer of a metal body. One or more images of the first metal layer are obtained. The image(s) are processed to detect and map potential manufacturing defects in the first metal layer. A two-dimensional contour of the first metal layer is generated from the three-dimensional CAD model. The mapped defects are integrated into the two-dimensional contour. A first layer of a three-dimensional volume quality model of the metal body is created based on the integrated two-dimensional contour.

Abstract: A system for additive manufacturing a component includes an additive manufacturing machine for building a component layer by layer and a first sensor configured to collect a first physical property data for each layer of the component as each layer is formed by the additive manufacturing machine. The system also includes a second sensor configured to collect a second physical property data for each layer of the component as each layer is formed by the additive manufacturing machine. A computing device is operatively connected to the first and second sensors and configured to receive the first physical property data and the second physical property data of the component and configured to compare the first physical property data with the second physical property data to determine a potential failure mode in the component.

Abstract: A hybrid additive manufacturing method that allows for precise deposition of various photo curable resins without the use of a vat has been developed. This method utilizes thermoplastics for an exterior shell and structural support. This method of resin or epoxy deposition allows for stronger parts to be printed more rapidly through hybridization of two additive manufacturing methods. This hybrid nature greatly expands material compatibilities from strictly thermoplastics to thermoplastics and any photo curable resins. Furthermore, reinforcing materials or dopants can be incorporated into the part using the method and apparatus.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is configured to provide an additive manufacturing apparatus with data for creating a modeling object. The additive manufacturing apparatus includes a layering part configured to layer a material and move in accordance with trajectory information to create the modeling object. The information processing apparatus includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to create a cross-sectional shape of the modeling object using data on the shape of the modeling object, create the trajectory information based on the created cross-sectional shape, and create width information to dynamically vary the width of the material to be layered based on the trajectory information.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object forming device, for forming a three-dimensional object by an additive manufacturing method, is provided. The three-dimensional object forming device includes: a head unit, having at least one inkjet head provided with at least one nozzle row; and a main scanning drive unit. The head unit has a plurality of nozzle rows, and forms a plurality of laminated ink layers on at least some area. Each of the nozzles in the plurality of nozzle rows discharges an ink droplet to each different position in an operation of forming one of the ink layers; and in an operation of forming at least any two ink layers, laminated successively, ink droplets are discharged in such a way that ink dots formed by the same nozzle are not stacked at the same position.

Abstract: Three dimension (3D) model generation systems and methods are operable to generate 3D model data corresponding to images of a physical object of interest that are viewed in a presenting media content event. An exemplary embodiment receives a user request that is associated with an interest by the user to obtain a 3D model of a physical object of interest that is being shown in a scene of a currently presenting media content event. A plurality of video image frames are selected from the scene. Then, 3D model data of the physical object of interest is generated based on at least the selected video image frames of the scene.

Abstract: A freeform extrusion fabrication process for producing three-dimensional ceramic, metal and functionally gradient composite objects, including the steps of filling a plurality of paste sources with a respective plurality of aqueous paste compositions, operationally connecting respective syringes containing respective aqueous paste compositions to a mixing chamber, moving a first aqueous paste composition from a first respective paste source into the mixing chamber, moving a second aqueous paste composition from a second respective paste source into the mixing chamber, mixing the first and second aqueous paste compositions to define a first admixture having a first admixture composition, extruding the first admixture onto a surface to define an extruded layer having a first admixture composition, surrounding the sides of the extruded layer with an oil bath, radiatively drying the extruded layer.

Abstract: Provided is a technique of allowing a dental implant to be stably placed after extraction, to be accurately placed in a tooth extraction socket, and to be stably placed in the tooth extraction socket according to implantation position and angle.

Abstract: A structure can include a first layer of a polymer material and a second layer of the polymer material on the first layer, the first and second layers of the polymer material defining a hollow space that was formed by way of a temporary sacrificial structure that was made of a sublimable material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printer control system and a method for controlling the printing of an object on a support in a number of pass images on top of each other. The object has a surface of varying height. The printer control system comprises a user interface having a display device and arranged to visualize in a window on the display device a preview image before printing of the object. The preview image comprises a representation of the surface of the object. The printer control system further comprises an analysis section which is configured to analyze the pass images in order to predict before printing the object a location of a contouring artefact at the surface of the object, and a transformation section which is configured to transform the predicted location into a contour representation to be added to the preview image. The contour representation is visually distinguishable from the representation of the surface of the object in the preview image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing three-dimensional objects based on computer data by repeated application in layers of a medium containing particulate material and selective solidification of the medium, whereby a feedstock made of medium in a build space is provided and a layer application of the medium takes place on a surface of the feedstock bordering the build space at an angle ? and a solidification according to computer data occurs by use of a solidification unit, characterized in that the feedstock is not moved during build-up of the object.

Abstract: According to one example, there is provided a system for managing the generation of three-dimension objects by an additive manufacturing system. The system comprises a processor to receive one or multiple virtual objects, to generate a spatial arrangement of those objects within a virtual build volume, to control an additive manufacturing system to process the virtual build volume, to modify the virtual build volume in response to a request, and to control the additive manufacturing system to process the modified virtual build volume.

Abstract: In an example, three-dimensional (3D) models of objects are combined for additive manufacturing. Two-dimensional (2D) slices are determined for each 3D model. If the 2D slices are determined to be complete, the 2D slices are combined according to a Boolean operation to generate combined 2D slices printable by an additive manufacturing system.

Abstract: This document generally describes systems, methods, devices, and other techniques for using distributed ledgers, such as a blockchain database, to facilitate secure distribution and use of 3D model files to 3D printers over a computing network. A 3D printer controller may access an electronic ledger that identifies a plurality of 3D model files that have been made available for distribution. A particular 3D model file and a secret key may be obtained by the printer, where the 3D model file is encrypted based on the secret key. The secret key can be decrypted using a private key associated with the computing device that corresponds to the public key. After decrypting the secret key, the particular 3D model file can be decrypted using the secret key, and after decrypting the particular 3D model file, the particular 3D model file can be executed on the printer to print a physical 3D object.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media for managing digital rights and pre-verification of structural integrity in three-dimensional (3D) printing are provided. In one example, a system comprises at least one module, executing on one or more computer processors, to receive a request from a user to print a 3D object by a 3D printer or printing service and receive a conditional authorization from an owner of digital rights in the 3D object to print the 3D object. The conditional authorization can include a printing specification or limitation. The at least one module pre-verifies, for structural integrity once printed by the 3D printer or printing service, a digital model on which the 3D object is based. In response to a received conditional authorization, the at least one module transmits instructions to the 3D printer or printing service to print the 3D object.