Abstract: A system for generating slice data for additive manufacturing, comprises a graphics processing unit (GPU) that receives a digital model of an object in a three-dimensional build space defined over a plurality of slices, computes a three-dimensional signed distance field over voxels in the build space, assigns a building material to each voxel based on a respective distance field value, and generates slice data output pertaining to the building material assignments for each slice. The slice data output can be used for printing the object in layers corresponding to the slices. The distance field comprises one or more vector having a vertical component with respect to the slices.

Abstract: A method of additive manufacturing an object featuring properties of a hard bodily tissue, comprises: dispensing and solidifying a plurality of non-biological material formulations to sequentially form a plurality of hardened layers in a configured pattern corresponding to a shape of the object. The method forms voxel elements containing different material formulations at interlaced locations to provide a three-dimensional textured region spanning over the portion. The material formulations and the interlaced locations are selected such that the textured region exhibits, once hardened, a stress variation of at most ±20% over a strain range of from about 0.1% to about 0.3%.

Abstract: A method of rendering data for addressable dispensing of material over a working surface, comprises: receiving input image data arranged grid-wise over a plurality of picture-elements; generating an initial map describing a distance field and having a plurality of map-elements each storing distance information corresponding to one picture-element; for each picture-element of at least a portion of the picture-elements: linearly scanning the map independently along a first axis and along a second axis, and updating a respective map-element based on values of map-elements visited during the scan. The distance field can include distances defined perpendicularly to the working surface.

Abstract: A system for generating slice data for additive manufacturing, comprises a graphics processing unit (GPU) that receives a digital model of an object in a three-dimensional build space defined over a plurality of slices, computes a three-dimensional signed distance field over voxels in the build space, assigns a building material to each voxel based on a respective distance field value, and generates slice data output pertaining to the building material assignments for each slice. The slice data output can be used for printing the object in layers corresponding to the slices. The distance field comprises one or more vector having a vertical component with respect to the slices.

Abstract: A method of rendering data for addressable dispensing of material over a working surface, comprises: receiving input image data arranged grid-wise over a plurality of picture-elements; generating an initial map describing a distance field and having a plurality of map-elements each storing distance information corresponding to one picture-element; for each picture-element of at least a portion of the picture-elements: linearly scanning the map independently along a first axis and along a second axis, and updating a respective map-element based on values of map-elements visited during the scan. The distance field can include distances defined perpendicularly to the working surface.

Abstract: A method of additive manufacturing an object featuring properties of a hard bodily tissue, comprises: dispensing and solidifying a plurality of non-biological material formulations to sequentially form a plurality of hardened layers in a configured pattern corresponding to a shape of the object. The method forms voxel elements containing different material formulations at interlaced locations to provide a three-dimensional textured region spanning over the portion. The material formulations and the interlaced locations are selected such that the textured region exhibits, once hardened, a stress variation of at most ±20% over a strain range of from about 0.1% to about 0.3%.

Abstract: A system for generating slice data for additive manufacturing, comprises a graphics processing unit (GPU) that receives a digital model of an object in a three-dimensional build space defined over a plurality of slices, computes a three-dimensional signed distance field over voxels in the build space, assigns a building material to each voxel based on a respective distance field value, and generates slice data output pertaining to the building material assignments for each slice. The slice data output can be used for printing the object in layers corresponding to the slices. The distance field comprises one or more vector having a vertical component with respect to the slices.

Abstract: A supporting structure built together with an object in an additive manufacturing (AM) process and configured to support an overhang of the object is described. The supporting structure includes a first array of pillars formed with a first material and reinforced with a second material. Each of the pillars in the first array includes a top. At least a portion of the tops in the first array adjoin and define a surface on which the overhang of the object may be supported. The first material is support material.

Abstract: A supporting structure built together with an object in an additive manufacturing (AM) process and configured to support an overhang of the object is described. The supporting structure includes a first array of pillars formed with a first material and reinforced with a second material. Each of the pillars in the first array includes a top. At least a portion of the tops in the first array adjoin and define a surface on which the overhang of the object may be supported. The first material is support material.

Abstract: A system for generating slice data for additive manufacturing, comprises a graphics processing unit (GPU) that receives a digital model of an object in a three-dimensional build space defined over a plurality of slices, computes a three-dimensional signed distance field over voxels in the build space, assigns a building material to each voxel based on a respective distance field value, and generates slice data output pertaining to the building material assignments for each slice. The slice data output can be used for printing the object in layers corresponding to the slices. The distance field comprises one or more vector having a vertical component with respect to the slices.

Abstract: A supporting structure built together with an object in an additive manufacturing (AM) process and configured to support an overhang of the object is described. The supporting structure includes a first array of pillars formed with a first material and reinforced with a second material. Each of the pillars in the first array includes a top. At least a portion of the tops in the first array adjoin and define a surface on which the overhang of the object may be supported. The first material is support material.

Abstract: A system for generating slice data for additive manufacturing, comprises a graphics processing unit (GPU) that receives a digital model of an object in a three-dimensional build space defined over a plurality of slices, computes a three-dimensional signed distance field over voxels in the build space, assigns a building material to each voxel based on a respective distance field value, and generates slice data output pertaining to the building material assignments for each slice. The slice data output can be used for printing the object in layers corresponding to the slices. The distance field comprises one or more vector having a vertical component with respect to the slices.

Abstract: A method of rendering data for addressable dispensing of material over a working surface, comprises: receiving input image data arranged grid-wise over a plurality of picture-elements; generating an initial map describing a distance field and having a plurality of map-elements each storing distance information corresponding to one picture-element; for each picture-element of at least a portion of the picture-elements: linearly scanning the map independently along a first axis and along a second axis, and updating a respective map-element based on values of map-elements visited during the scan. The distance field can include distances defined perpendicularly to the working surface.

Abstract: An interactive platform supports multi-user participation in a shared virtual workspace to prepare and schedule virtual print trays for printing on a three-dimensional (3D) printer or other fabrication resource. Computerized models may be automatically positioned within the print tray, manually positioned within the print tray, or some combination of these. After objects are placed in the virtual workspace users may be given identity-based control of the print tray including, e.g., identity-specific capabilities for viewing, modifying or removing objects within the print tray. The platform may also provide an interactive environment including a communications platform for sharing comments among users.

Abstract: An interactive platform supports multi-user participation in a shared virtual workspace to prepare and schedule virtual print trays for printing on a three-dimensional (3D) printer or other fabrication resource. Computerized models may be automatically positioned within the print tray, manually positioned within the print tray, or some combination of these. After objects are placed in the virtual workspace users may be given identity-based control of the print tray including, e.g., identity-specific capabilities for viewing, modifying or removing objects within the print tray. This permits improved control over aspects of interest to particular users including, e.g., security, object orientation, priority, fabrication speed, fabrication cost, and so forth within a shared fabrication environment.

Abstract: A method of additive manufacturing an object featuring properties of a hard bodily tissue, comprises: dispensing and solidifying a plurality of non-biological material formulations to sequentially form a plurality of hardened layers in a configured pattern corresponding to a shape of the object. The method forms voxel elements containing different material formulations at interlaced locations to provide a three-dimensional textured region spanning over the portion. The material formulations and the interlaced locations are selected such that the textured region exhibits, once hardened, a stress variation of at most ±20% over a strain range of from about 0.1% to about 0.3%.

Abstract: A system for generating slice data for additive manufacturing, comprises a graphics processing unit (GPU) that receives a digital model of an object in a three-dimensional build space defined over a plurality of slices, computes a three-dimensional signed distance field over voxels in the build space, assigns a building material to each voxel based on a respective distance field value, and generates slice data output pertaining to the building material assignments for each slice. The slice data output can be used for printing the object in layers corresponding to the slices. The distance field comprises one or more vector having a vertical component with respect to the slices.

Abstract: A method of printing a part using an additive manufacturing system includes identifying a part or parts to print and orienting a digital representation of the part(s) in a build volume. A digital representation of porous support structures for the part(s) is generated to form a digital representation of a part block of the part(s) to be printed. In the part block, a porosity of the support structure increases as a distance from an outer surface of the part increases within the print volume. The digital representation of the part block, including the part(s) and porous support structures, is sliced for printing.

Abstract: A method of printing a part using an additive manufacturing system includes identifying a part or parts to print and orienting a digital representation of the part(s) in a build volume. A digital representation of porous support structures for the part(s) is generated to form a digital representation of a part block of the part(s) to be printed. In the part block, a porosity of the support structure increases as a distance from an outer surface of the part increases within the print volume. The digital representation of the part block, including the part(s) and porous support structures, is sliced for printing.

Abstract: A method includes selecting a voxel from a three-dimensional build space and for the selected voxel, determining a distance field value relative to a digital model of a 3D part in the three-dimensional build space. The distance field value is then used to select at least one material selection rule and a feature of the voxel is applied to the at least one material selection rule to identify a material designation for the voxel. The material designation indicates no material is to be placed at the voxel when the material selection rule identifies no material for the voxel and the material designation indicates at least one material is to be placed at the voxel when the at least one material selection rule identifies the at least one material for the voxel. The material designation for the voxel is then output for use in printing the 3D part using an additive manufacturing system.