Abstract: A method for generating a signal indicative for nozzle maintenance, including feeding modeling material through a feed channel of a printhead to a nozzle of the printhead in a three-dimensional modeling system, determining a parameter indicative of a fluid resistance of modeling material within the nozzle. Determining the parameter includes determining a flowrate of the modeling material within the feed channel, determining a pressure exerted on the modeling material within the feed channel and determining a pressure exerted on the modeling material outside the feed channel, determining a pressure difference between the pressure exerted on the modeling material within the feed channel and the pressure exerted on the modeling material outside the feed channel, and calculating the parameter from the determined flow rate and the determined pressure difference.

Abstract: A three-dimensional modeling system for creating an object having a printhead having a tubular feed member and a nozzle having a nozzle outlet for dispensing modeling material. The tubular feed member having a feed channel for feeding the modeling material to the nozzle outlet. The system further having modeling material feeding means arranged at an end of the tubular feed member opposite of the nozzle, wherein the modeling material feeding means are arranged for exerting a pressure on the modeling material within the feed channel towards the nozzle. The system further having a pressure determining means for determining a first parameter indicative for a pressure exerted on the modeling material. The system further having a control system arranged for controlling the modeling material feeding means based on the determined first parameter indicative for a pressure exerted on the modeling material. A method of three-dimensional modeling using the system.

Abstract: A method for generating a signal indicative for nozzle maintenance, including feeding modeling material through a feed channel of a printhead to a nozzle of the printhead in a three-dimensional modeling system, determining a parameter indicative of a fluid resistance of modeling material within the nozzle. Determining the parameter includes determining a flowrate of the modeling material within the feed channel, determining a pressure exerted on the modeling material within the feed channel and determining a pressure exerted on the modeling material outside the feed channel, determining a pressure difference between the pressure exerted on the modeling material within the feed channel and the pressure exerted on the modeling material outside the feed channel, and calculating the parameter from the determined flow rate and the determined pressure difference.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object created by Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) of a modeling material from polyaryletherketones (PAEK), polyphenylsulfides, polyamide-imide, polyethersulfon, polyetherimide, polysulfon, polyphenylsulfon, polycarbonates (PC), polyacrylonitrile butadiene styrene) (ABS), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyethyleneterephtalate (PET), polystryrene (PS), acrylonitrilstyrene acrylate, polypropylene (PP), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinylalcohol (PVA), polyethylene (PE), polyoxymethylene, polyurethane (PU), copolymers of polyvinylalcohol and butenediolvinylalcohol and mixtures thereof, optionally filled with inorganic or organic fillers, wherein the object has a porosity of less than 5 vol %, as determined according to the porosity test procedure ‘Porosity test’. The objects are leak tight and show improved mechanical properties. FDM printing of PEEK generating parts having high isotropy.

Abstract: A three-dimensional modeling system for creating an object having a three-dimensional modeling printhead, wherein the printhead is attached to positioning means spatially moving at least one of the printhead and the object being printed relative to one another. The printhead having a tubular feed member and a nozzle arranged at one end of the tubular feed member, the nozzle having a nozzle outlet for dispensing modeling material modeling material, and a nozzle tip, for interfacing previously deposited tracks of modeling material on the object to be created. The tubular feed member having a feed channel for feeding the modeling material to the nozzle outlet. The system further having modeling material feeding means arranged at an end of the tubular feed member opposite of the nozzle, wherein the modeling material feeding means are arranged for exerting a pressure on the modeling material within the feed channel towards the nozzle.

Abstract: A tab terminal comprises an inner contact body and an outer spring body having a locking lance. The outer body is mounted over the inner body in a vertical direction, whereby inwardly bent tabs of the inner contact body receive a side wall of the outer body, the other side wall of the outer body having a clinching tab that engages in a cutout of the inner contact body. The latter enables a very simple assembly procedure that reduces assembly time, tool complication, and therefore production costs.