Abstract: An additive manufacturing device calibration system and method. In laser control systems, such as the laser control systems used for SL and SLS 3D printers, the laser beam is moved to a location by applying a control value. Often the control value and the location of the laser beam are in different spaces. One calibration system and method involves the input of a number of control values and their corresponding laser beam locations, and the adjusting of the parameters of a mapping function such that the control values generated by applying the mapping function to the input laser beam locations best matches the corresponding input control values.

Abstract: A water washable resin formulation for 3D printing systems having at least one water-soluble and/or water-dispersible ingredient such as an oligomer and/or monomer. In one example, a water-soluble ingredient is greater than 1% by weight of the resin formulation. A water-soluble or water-dispersible filler may also be used as an ingredient in the resin formulation. The water-washable photopolymer resin formulation allows printed 3D objects to be cleaned with water rather than organic solvents. Because the water-washable photopolymer resin formulation is insoluble when cured, only the uncured water-washable photopolymer resin formulation is washed away. Depending on the filler's property and compatibility with the other ingredients of the resin formulation, the blending of filler therein can be used to modify the mechanical and chemical properties of the printed 3D objects.

Abstract: A laser material processing system comprises: a housing defining an engraving chamber, an xy laser beam steering system, a non-telescoping focus mechanism, and a camera system that facilitates production of engravings that exceed the xy dimensions of the engraving chamber and/or facilitates placement of an engraving depicted in a software user interface in a specific location in the work area. The housing includes a removable bottom panel that allows processing of workpieces of infinite thickness. The focus mechanism includes a carriage mirror subassembly, a sliding member moveably attached to the carriage mirror subassembly, and a focusing lens subassembly attached to a lower portion of the sliding member. The carriage mirror subassembly and focusing lens subassembly are configured to receive and focus a laser beam to a focal point. The focusing lens subassembly is adjusted along a z-axis by vertically sliding the sliding member.

Abstract: Photopolymer resin formulation for 3D printing enhancing the performance of 3D printed objects. In one example, additives comprising two photoinitiators with different absorption spectrums are used to achieve printing and post-curing processes. A thermal initiator can also be used to complete the post-curing process by baking at appropriate temperature. Additive combinations balanced to absorb some light in the near UV range of about 400 nm to about 420 nm absorption wavelength band or spectrum while fluorescing light at frequencies higher than their absorption wavelength allowing the creation of clear transparent materials using only near UV light sources (i.e., about 400 nm to about 420 nm) instead of deep UV (<400 nm) light sources.

Abstract: A laser material processing system comprises: a housing defining an engraving chamber, an xy laser beam steering system, a non-telescoping focus mechanism, and a camera system that facilitates production of engravings that exceed the xy dimensions of the engraving chamber. The housing includes a removable bottom panel that allows processing of workpieces that exceed dimensions of the engraving chamber. The focus mechanism includes a carriage mirror subassembly, a sliding member moveably attached to the carriage mirror subassembly, and a focusing lens subassembly attached perpendicularly to a lower portion of the sliding member. The carriage mirror subassembly and focusing lens subassembly are configured to receive and focus a laser beam to a focal point. The focusing lens subassembly is adjusted along a z-axis by disengaging the locking component and vertically sliding the sliding member and is locked into a position by engaging the locking component with the sliding member.

Abstract: A laser material processing system comprises: a housing defining an engraving chamber, an xy laser beam steering system, a non-telescoping focus mechanism, and a camera system that facilitates production of engravings that exceed the xy dimensions of the engraving chamber. The housing includes a removable bottom panel that allows processing of workpieces that exceed dimensions of the engraving chamber. The focus mechanism includes a carriage mirror subassembly, a sliding member moveably attached to the carriage mirror subassembly, and a focusing lens subassembly attached perpendicularly to a lower portion of the sliding member. The carriage mirror subassembly and focusing lens subassembly are configured to receive and focus a laser beam to a focal point. The focusing lens subassembly is adjusted along a z-axis by disengaging the locking component and vertically sliding the sliding member and is locked into a position by engaging the locking component with the sliding member.

Abstract: A laser material processing system comprises: a housing defining an engraving chamber, an xy laser beam steering system, and a non-telescoping sliding focus mechanism. The housing includes a removable bottom panel that allows processing of workpieces that exceed dimensions of the engraving chamber and allows stacking of the system on modular attachments for specialized functions. The focus mechanism includes a carriage mirror subassembly attached to the x-axis carriage, a sliding member moveably attached to the carriage mirror subassembly, and a focusing lens subassembly attached perpendicularly to the lower end of the sliding member. The carriage mirror subassembly and the focusing lens subassembly are configured to receive and focus a laser beam to a focal point. The focusing lens subassembly is adjusted along a z-axis by disengaging the locking component and vertically sliding the sliding member and is locked into a position by engaging the locking component with the sliding member.

Abstract: A laser material processing system comprises: a housing defining an engraving chamber, an xy laser beam steering system, and a non-telescoping sliding focus mechanism. The housing includes a removable bottom panel that allows processing of workpieces that exceed dimensions of the engraving chamber and allows stacking of the system on modular attachments for specialized functions. The focus mechanism includes a carriage mirror subassembly attached to the x-axis carriage, a sliding member moveably attached to the carriage mirror subassembly, and a focusing lens subassembly attached perpendicularly to the lower end of the sliding member. The carriage mirror subassembly and the focusing lens subassembly are configured to receive and focus a laser beam to a focal point. The focusing lens subassembly is adjusted along a z-axis by disengaging the locking component and vertically sliding the sliding member and is locked into a position by engaging the locking component with the sliding member.