Abstract: An injection molding machine includes a nozzle with a nozzle body having inner and outer flow channels, and at least one intermediate flow channel in between. A valve stem is slideable in the inner flow channel and moveable between open and closed positions. In a first closed position, the valve stem blocks an outlet of the inner flow channel but not outlets of the outer or at least one intermediate flow channels. In the open position, melt exiting the at least one intermediate flow channel simultaneously intersect melt exiting the outer and inner flow channels. The flow channels may be arranged concentrically. The outlets of the flow channel may be separated by a knife edge. The outlets of the flow channels may be adjacent to one another. The inner and outer flow channels may be substantially perpendicular to one another, but not to the at least one intermediate flow channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing photocuring of biomaterial in a discharge nozzle and in a dispenser of a bio 3D printer includes a driving unit for providing a driving force, a shutter member that receives the driving force from the driving unit and to move between a first position not covering the discharge nozzle and a second position covering at least the discharge nozzle in a reciprocating manner, and a control unit for controlling the discharge nozzle. The driving unit, the shutter member, the discharge nozzle, and the plurality of light sources constitute a head unit in an integrated manner. The head unit includes an end plane. The shutter member and a distal end of the discharge nozzle are positioned near a center of the end plane. The plurality of light sources are positioned on the end plane with the shutter member and the discharge nozzle therebetween.

Abstract: A method is disclosed and includes providing a first data set marking an object cross-section, determining whether the length of a connecting line undercuts a specified minimum dimension, generating a second data such that, in the event falling the minimum dimension is undercut, a position lying within an object cross-section on the connecting line is marked as a position not to be solidified or to which a reduced radiation to be supplied, and for a position lying outside of the object cross-section, positions of an object cross-section directly above or below that are adjacent to this position are marked as positions not to be solidified or to which a reduced radiation is to be supplied, and integrating the second data set into the control command set.

Abstract: According to some aspects, an additive fabrication device is provided configured to form layers of material on a build platform, each layer of material being formed so as to contact a container in addition to the build platform and/or a previously formed layer of material. The additive fabrication device may comprise a container and a wiper, wherein the wiper comprises a wiper arm and a wiper blade coupled to said wiper arm using a pivoting coupling.

Abstract: A method comprising a first injection step, wherein a first predetermined volume of pressurized liquid is injected into the preform, the predetermined volume corresponding to a fraction of the container volume, the first injection step causing an expansion of the preform into a first intermediate container. The method further comprising a second injection step, wherein, once the first predetermined volume of liquid has been injected, the liquid injection speed is reduced and the pressurized liquid is further injected in the first intermediate container until a predetermined switch pressure in the liquid injection circuit is reached, the second injection step causing an expansion of the first intermediate container into a second intermediate container, and —a third injection step starting once the predetermined switch pressure is reached, wherein the liquid injection speed is decelerated until the liquid injection is stopped.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system includes a substantially moisture-impermeable barrier comprising a guide tube assembly for supplying filament from a filament supply to a print head in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system, where the print head melts the filament and extrudes the melted filament to form a 3D part. The guide tube assembly includes an inner tube permeable to moisture and an outer tube that s substantially moisture impermeable. The inner tube has an interior passageway configured to receive the filament, and has a relatively low coefficient of friction to minimize drag force as the filament travels through it. The outer tube surrounds the inner tube and provides a substantially moisture-impermeable barrier around the inner tube.

Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a multi-part mold assembly for use in manufacturing articles. The mold assembly provides for contouring, shaping and cutting materials to form articles via a continuous single processing operation. The mold assembly includes an upper mold portion with a three-dimensional contouring/shaping portion and a first cutting edge, a lower mold portion with a three-dimensional contouring/shaping portion and a second cutting edge, and a base portion into which the lower mold portion may retract during use. Upon application of a first force, the upper and lower mold portions cooperate to contour/shape a material from which an article is to be formed. Upon application of a second force greater than the first, the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge interact to shear the material that extends beyond the respective cutting edges. The result is an article that is contoured, shaped and cut/trimmed utilizing a single processing operation.

Abstract: A method for patterning layers of 2D material by inducing self-assembly on a support substrate, the method comprising the steps of depositing a layer of 2D material on the support substrate; applying a force at a region consisting of a point, a line, or an a real region of the 2D material such that the 2D material forms a folded, self-contacting structure at that region.

Abstract: A forming apparatus having a degree of freedom in shaping for forming a three-dimensional structure is provided. A forming apparatus (30) forms a three-dimensional structure (5), which includes a shaped article and a colored portion that colors a surface of the shaped article, by laminating layers, and it can switch between a first operation mode dedicated to shaping the shaped article and a second operation mode of full-color coloring the surface of the shaped article using full colors simultaneously as the shaping of the shaped article.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs stored on a computer-readable storage medium, for performing hybrid additive manufacturing. In some implementations, a hybrid additive manufacturing system causes a three-dimensional printer to print a sheet of material that includes printed features on one side of the sheet, each printed feature having a structural characteristic that is different from structural characteristics of a majority of the sheet. The system causes a molding machine to form the sheet using a mold, where at least one printed feature corresponds with an area of the mold at which the sheet deforms while being formed.

Abstract: A method of separating excess resin from at least one object, includes: (a) stereolithographically producing at least one object on at least one carrier platform, each carrier platform having a planar build surface to which at least one object is connected, each object carrying excess resin on a surface thereof; then (b) mounting each carrier platform to a rotor; (c) centrifugally separating excess resin from each object by spinning the rotor with each carrier platform connected thereto while each object remains connected to each carrier platform; and then (d) removing each carrier platform from the rotor with each object thereon, with excess resin separated therefrom.

Abstract: A method of additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional object, comprises: sequentially dispensing and solidifying layers to form on a surface a sacrificial structure. In embodiments the sacrificial structure comprises a bulk volume and heating cells embedded in the bulk volume, where the heating cells release more heat than the bulk volume upon the solidification of the layers. In embodiments, the sacrificial structure comprises pinning structures embedded in the bulk volume. The method also comprises sequentially dispensing and solidifying layers to form the three-dimensional object on a portion of the sacrificial structure.

Abstract: Modular tool inserts for composite part manufacturing and related methods are described herein. An example method includes disposing a preform and a diaphragm assembly above a tool housing and disposing the diaphragm assembly on an upper perimeter surface of the tool housing that defines a cavity. The tool housing includes a docking station and a modular tool insert removably coupled to the docking station. The modular tool insert includes a mold disposed within the cavity. The method includes applying a vacuum within the cavity that pulls the diaphragm assembly, along with the preform, into the cavity such that the preform conforms to a shape of the mold. The method includes removing excess portions of the diaphragm assembly from around the modular tool insert and removing the modular tool insert, along with the diaphragm assembly and the preform, from the docking station.

Abstract: A filament drive apparatus (101, 401) for use in an additive manufacturing system comprises a frame (102, 402) that supports a drive mechanism (103, 403). The drive mechanism (103, 403) comprises a roller arrangement (104, 404) and a belt drive arrangement (105, 405). The roller arrangement (104, 404) comprises at least one roller (106, 406) and presents a first filament engaging surface (107, 407). The belt drive arrangement (105, 405) comprises a belt (108, 408) that presents a second filament engaging surface (109, 409). The second filament engagement surface (109, 409) faces the first filament engaging surface (107, 407). An elongate and arcuate pathway (P) is defined between the first filament engaging surface (107, 407) and the second filament engaging surface (109, 409) along which advancement of a filament (110) in a drive direction is guided under the operation of the drive mechanism (103, 403).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a die assembly comprising a first attachment block having a passage, an inlet port and an exit port; where the passage is operative to transport a molten material from the inlet port to the outlet port; a die; and a conduit; where the conduit comprises a passage that is operative to transport the molten material from the first attachment block to an entry port of the die; where the die comprises a first outer tube; and an extrusion pin that comprises a post and fins; where the extrusion pin is located in the first outer tube using the fins and where the post extends from the fins in a direction away from the entry port of the die; and where the post comprises one or more passages; where at least of these passages open to the atmosphere to provide for pressure equalization; and a travelling template; the template being operative to contact an extrudate that emanates from the die and to transfer a texture to a surface of the extrudate by virtue of pressure applied by a guide tube to the extr

Abstract: Provided are methods for making shaped fluoropolymer by additive processing using a polymerizable binder. Also are 3D printable compositions for making shaped fluoropolymer articles and articles comprising a shaped fluoropolymer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a liquid membrane conveying apparatus for preparing a porous membrane includes a transmission unit and a carrier unit. The carrier unit conveys a liquid membrane into a gelling solution by the entrainment of the transmission unit. The carrier unit includes a first carrier and a second carrier. The first carrier and the second carrier respectively contact with opposite edges of the liquid membrane along a conveying direction of the liquid membrane. The consistency of the pores on the two surfaces of the porous membrane is improved by using the liquid membrane conveying apparatus.

Abstract: A caul body for forming a composite structure comprises a laminate having at least one carbon layer and at least one silicone layer. The at least one silicone layer defines an outer surface of the laminate. The laminate has a first region and a second region. A thickness of the at least one carbon layer in the first region is greater than a thickness of the at least one carbon layer in the second region. The first region has a hardness value greater than a hardness value of the second region.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods for additive manufacturing (AM) that utilize support structure in the process of building objects that may be removed by rotating the support structure to a second orientation before removal, as well as novel support structures to be used within these AM processes. The support structures are fabricated in a first orientation and then rotated to the second orientation. The support structures are removed by passing through an outlet of the object.

Abstract: A processing machine includes a plurality of radiating modules disposed in a row, and a process chamber module configured to releasably attach to the plurality of radiating modules. The process chamber module includes a process chamber defining a processing field, a construction platform, a powder coater, and a powder reservoir. The powder coater is configured to apply a powder material layer-by-layer in a direction of the construction platform within the processing field. The powder reservoir is configured to infeed the powder material to the powder coater. Each radiating module includes a respective energy beam source configured to generate an energy beam, and a respective beam guide configured to guide the energy beam in a direction of the construction platform within a portion of the processing field. The portions of the processing field of two adjacent radiating modules partially overlap.