Abstract: A build box associated with a powder bed fabrication system may comprise a housing defining a housing cavity, and a powder print bed disposed within the housing cavity. The powder print bed may be characterized by state information. The build box may further comprise a medium configured to facilitate access to the state information, and a coupling interface for removably engaging the build box with at least one subsystem of the powder bed fabrication system. The state information may comprise one or more state information elements of object identification, object location, current processing state, next subsystem processing step, previous subsystem processing step, object model information, object material composition, and current powder print bed temperature profile. The medium may comprise a memory device coupled with a transceiver. The medium may alternatively comprise an RFID device, or an optically perceivable designator, such as a bar code or QR code.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method for additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional (3D) object to improve uniformity of powder packing density of a powder bed used in the manufacturing process. An embodiment of the system comprises means for rotating at least one compaction roller in a first direction to produce a compacted amount of unbound powder metered onto a top surface of a powder bed and means for rotating the at least one compaction roller in a second direction, opposite of the first direction, to compact the compacted amount further, to enable higher density packing of the powder. Such higher density packing leads to better mechanical interlocking of particles, leading to lower sintering temperatures and reduced deformation of the 3D object during sintering. The uniform packing density enables uniform shrinkage, without warping, of the 3D object during sintering to produce higher quality 3D printed objects.

Abstract: A build box associated with a powder bed fabrication system may comprise a housing defining a housing cavity, and a powder print bed disposed within the housing cavity. The powder print bed may be characterized by state information. The build box may further comprise a medium configured to facilitate access to the state information, and a coupling interface for removably engaging the build box with at least one subsystem of the powder bed fabrication system. The state information may comprise one or more state information elements of object identification, object location, current processing state, next subsystem processing step, previous subsystem processing step, object model information, object material composition, and current powder print bed temperature profile. The medium may comprise a memory device coupled with a transceiver. The medium may alternatively comprise an RFID device, or an optically perceivable designator, such as a bar code or QR code.