Abstract: A shaped body comprised of individual, interconnected layers may be produced from fibers in accordance with a solid freeform fabrication or rapid prototyping method. The fibers may be produced by extrusion molding a thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by melt layering, wherein the object is built up in layers from a meltable modeling material. The modeling material is provided in rod form in order to provide precise, but nevertheless simple, material delivery for the melt layering process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for producing a three-dimensional body consisting of individual solidified layers, whereby a coating material is disposed on one of a carrier plate and an already-solidified layer of the body in a first layer thickness by slidably withdrawing a bottom plate of a storage container filled with the coating material, thereby allowing coating material to descend from the storage container onto the carrier plate or already-solidified layer of the body. The first layer thickness of the coating material is then reduced to a lesser second layer thickness by re-inserting the bottom plate through the coating material disposed on the carrier plate or already-solidified layer. The coating material is then solidified at predetermined locations in order to generate a desired layer contour of one solidified layer of the three-dimensional body.

Abstract: A data model describes a component to be produced by way of a layer building process. In order to avoid distortion of the component, a partitioning of the component into three-dimensional volume regions is proposed, the regions encompassing more than one build layer and the external surfaces thereof extending by preference obliquely to the build direction, with the result that superimposed adjacent layers of the 3D volume region exhibit different cross-sectional areas.

Abstract: The production of three-dimensional bodies is performed by selective solidification, wherein surface impurities on the layers to be produced, which may occur during the production process using “powder shuttle” technology, are significantly reduced or eliminated. In this manner the production process is more efficient, produces a higher grade product and is more economical to implement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for producing a three-dimensional body consisting of individual solidified layers, whereby a coating material is disposed on one of a carrier plate and an already-solidified layer of the body in a first layer thickness by slidably withdrawing a bottom plate of a storage container filled with the coating material, thereby allowing coating material to descend from the storage container onto the carrier plate or already-solidified layer of the body. The first layer thickness of the coating material is then reduced to a lesser second layer thickness by re-inserting the bottom plate through the coating material disposed on the carrier plate or already-solidified layer. The coating material is then solidified at predetermined locations in order to generate a desired layer contour of one solidified layer of the three-dimensional body.

Abstract: A shaped body comprised of individual, interconnected layers may be produced from fibers in accordance with a solid freeform fabrication or rapid prototyping method. The fibers may be produced by extrusion molding a thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a first part and a further part in a manufacturing machine including a construction space for manufacturing parts, the method including the steps of providing position and contours of the first part positioned in the construction space as digital first part data, providing digital construction space data representing the construction space, providing the digital first part data and the digital construction space data to a potential ordering party for displaying the first part in the construction space, receiving digital second part data representing the further part and its position in the construction space, virtual positioning of at least one other part which was not yet commissioned in the displayed construction space, and manufacturing the at least one first part and the at least one further part in the manufacturing machine.