Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a volumetric additive manufacturing system for forming a structure from a volume of resin using microwave energy. The system makes use of an electronic controller and at least one beam forming algorithm accessible by the electronic controller for generating information relating to an amplitude and a time delay for forming a microwave signal, where the microwave signal will be used in irradiating a build volume, and where the build volume is formed by the volume of resin. A microwave signal generating subsystem is included which is responsive to the information generated by the beam forming algorithm, and which generates a microwave signal using the amplitude and the time delay determined by the beam forming algorithm. An antenna is used to receive the microwave signal and project the microwave signal as a microwave beam, in accordance with the amplitude and time delay, into the build volume to form the structure.

Abstract: Direct ink write (DIW) printing of reactive resins presents a unique challenge due to the time-dependent nature of the rheological and chemical properties of the ink. As a result, careful print optimization or process control is important to obtain consistent, high quality prints. The present invention uses a flow-through characterization cell for in situ chemical monitoring of a resin ink during DIW printing. Additionally, in-line extrusion force monitoring can be combined with off-line post inspection using machine vision. By combining in-line spectroscopy and force monitoring, it is possible to follow reaction kinetics (for example, curing of a reactive resin) and viscosity changes during printing, which can be used for a closed-loop process control. Additionally, the capability of machine vision to automatically identify and quantify print artifacts can be incorporated on the printing line to enable real-time, AI-assisted quality control of the printed products.

Abstract: A method and system for microscale 3D printing achieve high-fidelity fabrication through the control of the light exposure time. A single pulse of light is used to initiate polymerization of a pre-polymer solution to minimize scattering-induced resolution deterioration. The printed object is fabricated in a layer-by-layer construction where each layer is formed through exposure to a single light pulse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stereolithography apparatus for generating a three-dimensional object, comprising: an optical unit for projecting an image towards the photocurable substance for hardening the photocurable substance deposited in the focus layer; a control unit, characterized by further comprising: a detection unit which comprises: a detection means movably arranged in a detection region for detecting during the generation process or in a generation-pause the image projected by the optical unit and for outputting a detection signal; and a first driving means for moving the detection means into or out of the detection region, wherein the optical unit comprises: a second driving means linked to the optical unit for moving the focus layer into or out of the detection region, wherein the control unit adjusts the optical unit and/or modifies the image to be projected based on the signal indicative of the detected image.

Abstract: A system for additive metal manufacturing, including a deposition mechanism, a translation mechanism mounting the deposition mechanism to the working volume, and a stage. A method for additive metal manufacturing including: selectively depositing a material carrier within the working volume; removing an additive from the material carrier; and treating the resultant material.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a first print module includes a first stage configured to hold a first component and a first radiant energy device. The resin support is configured to be positioned between the first stage and the first radiant energy device. A second print module includes a second stage configured to hold a second component and a second radiant energy device. The resin support is configured to be positioned between the second stage and the second radiant energy device. A control system is configured to translate the resin support based on a condition of the first print module and the second print module through the first print module and the second print module.

Abstract: A CNC machining centre is disclosed, with an additive unit that forms an unmachined workpiece by additive production and that comprises an operating member with a rotation axis, and with a subtractive unit that removes material from the unmachined workpiece formed by the additive unit and that comprises a tool-holding spindle with a motorized spindle axis, with a subtractive configuration, in which the spindle axis of the subtractive unit carries a tool for removing material, and with an additive configuration, in which the spindle axis of the subtractive unit is connected to the rotation axis to drive the operating member of the additive unit and in which a prevalent part of the tool-holding spindle is situated next to at least one part of the operating member, where “next to” means in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: An extruding system includes a melting unit configured to convey a polymeric material, a mixing unit configured to mix the polymeric material with a blowing agent to form a mixture, an injection unit configured to inject the mixture, a first flow control element disposed between the melting unit and the mixing unit, and a second flow control element disposed between the mixing unit and the injection unit. A method of extruding includes conveying a polymeric material from a melting unit to a mixing unit, conveying a blowing agent into the mixing unit, mixing the polymeric material with the blowing agent to form a mixture, conveying the mixture from the mixing unit to an injection unit, and discharging the mixture from the injection unit, wherein flow of the polymeric material is controlled by a first flow control element, and flow of the mixture is controlled by a second flow control element.

Abstract: A post-processing system includes a rinse tank, a robot arm, a locking fixture, and a controller. The robot arm is configured to engage and move a workpiece. The locking fixture includes a platform support structure and a clamping assembly. The controller is in communication with the robot arm and the platform locking fixture. The controller is configured to instruct the robot arm to move the workpiece from a workstation to the rinse tank, instruct the robot arm to move the workpiece from the rinse tank to the platform support structure, and instruct the clamping assembly to secure the workpiece onto the platform support structure after the workpiece has been moved to the platform support.

Abstract: A method for 3D printing a part in a layer-wise manner includes providing a pool of polymerizable liquid in a vessel over a build window and positioning a downward-facing build platform in the pool, thereby defining a build region above the build window. The method includes selectively curing a volume of polymerizable liquid in the build region by imparting electromagnetic radiation through the build window to form a printed layer of the part adhered to the build platform and scanning at least a portion of the build window with monochromatic, polarized light along a plane of incidence. The method includes measuring a change in intensity and polarity of the light to obtain information about the printed layer. The method includes raising the build platform to a height of a next layer to be printed and modifying the electromagnetic energy imparted into the next layer based upon the obtained information to print a next layer.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional shaped object, when an amount of a shaping material discharged toward a shaping surface per unit movement amount of a discharging unit is defined as a discharged shaping amount, in a layer forming step of forming a layer on the shaping surface, in a case in which a second partial shaped object to be shaped is not adjacent to a first partial shaped object that is shaped previously and is shaped with a gap between the first partial shaped object and the second partial shaped object, the second partial shaped object is shaped by setting the discharged shaping amount to a first discharged shaping amount, and in a case in which the second partial shaped object is adjacent to the first partial shaped object, the second partial shaped object is shaped by setting the discharged shaping amount to a second discharged shaping amount that is greater than the first discharged shaping amount.

Abstract: A device for fabricating a solid freeform object includes a stage that rotates, a discharging device disposed over the stage and includes a discharging head each having one or more nozzles, the discharging head for discharging a curing composition to the stage and an exposing device disposed over the stage that exposes the stage to active energy, wherein the distance between the stage and the discharging device is variable and the distance between the stage and the exposing device is variable, wherein the shorter direction of the discharging head is perpendicular to the direction from the center of rotation of the stage toward the peripheral of the stage, wherein the number of the nozzles along the shorter direction increases in the direction from the center of rotation of the stage toward the peripheral of the stage.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) drawing pen can include a housing that has a port that permits insertion of a strand of material into the housing, an actuator for controlling a movement of the strand, and a nozzle assembly configured to permit the strand to be extruded out of the 3D drawing pen in a form that retains its shape against gravity in free space to draw a 3D object.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer includes a projector, a tank, and a platform. The projector includes a light source, a digital micromirror device, and a controller. The digital micromirror device includes a micromirror, and the micromirror may be switched between an on state and an off state according to a control signal. The controller is electrically connected to the digital micromirror device and the light source. The controller further includes a judgement unit. The judgement unit may output the control signal to switch the micromirror to the off state when the light source is in the off state. The platform is adjacent to the tank. In addition, a manufacturing method for a three-dimensional printer is provided.

Abstract: A 3D printer includes a gantry configured to move in a plane substantially parallel to a x-y build plane and a print head configured to extrude molten material to print a 3D part in a layer-by-layer process. The 3D printer includes a platen configured to support the part being printed in the layer by layer process and positionable with a primary Z positioner along a z-axis substantially normal to the x-y build plane. The 3D printer includes a local Z positioner moved by the gantry, the local Z positioner comprising a linear motor configured to move the print head in the z-direction and having an operable range of motion extending from a nominal build position at which a nozzle of the print head is positioned in the x-y build plane to a raised position above the x-y build plane.

Abstract: A method of selecting a scanning sequence of a laser beam in a selective laser solidification process, in which one or more objects are formed layer-by-layer by repeatedly depositing a layer of powder on a powder bed and scanning the laser beam over the deposited powder to selectively solidify at least part of the powder layers, includes determining an order in which areas should be scanned by: projecting a debris fallout zone that would be created when solidifying each area based on a gas flow direction of a gas flow passed over the powder bed; determining whether one or more other areas to be solidified fall within the debris fallout zone; and selecting to solidify the one or more other areas that fall within the debris fallout zone before solidifying the area from which the debris fallout zone has been projected.

Abstract: A method of forming a high-throughput, three-dimensional (3D) microelectrode array for in vitro electrophysiological applications includes 3D printing a well plate having a top face and bottom face. A plurality of culture well each includes a plurality of 3D printed, vertical microchannels and microtroughs communicating with the microchannels. The microtroughs and the microchannels are filled with a conductive paste to form self-isolated microelectrodes in each of the culture wells and conductive traces that communicate with the self-isolated microelectrodes.

Abstract: Described is a system for reducing waste during 3D printing, which includes a printing component configured to print a plurality of layers. Each of the plurality of layers comprises at least one of a first curable material and a second curable material. The system also includes a leveling component configured to remove excess material from each of the plurality of layers after each layer is printed. The system includes a first recirculation loop configured to return the excess material that includes only the first curable material back to the printing component, and a second recirculation loop configured to return the excess material that includes only the second curable material back to the printing component. In addition, the system includes a waste bin configured to receive the excess material that includes both the first curable material and the second curable material.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a stage configured to hold a component. A radiant energy device is operable to generate and project radiant energy toward the stage. An actuator is configured to change a relative position of the stage relative to the radiant energy device. A feed module is configured to support a feed roll of a resin support upstream of the stage about a feed mandrel. A first control device is operably coupled with the feed mandrel. A take-up module is configured to support a take-up roll of the resin support downstream of the stage about a take-up mandrel. A second control device is operably coupled with the take-up mandrel. A computing system is operably coupled with one or more sensors. The computing system is configured to provide commands to at least one of the first control device or the second control device to respectively rotate the first control device or the second control device to obtain a target tension on the resin support.

Abstract: The present inventive concept relates to a method for improving a lifespan of a liquid crystal display (LCD) of a masked stereolithography (MSLA) 3D printer, the method including the steps of: slicing a three-dimensional (3D) image into two-dimensional (2D) images; outputting the 2D images to the LCD; calculating irradiation area coordinates of UV LEDs in accordance with the 2D images; and irradiating UV light of the UV LEDs on an area matching with the 2D images in accordance with the calculated irradiation area coordinates of the UV LEDs.