Abstract: A multi-layer body armor plate includes a strike plate; a mesh layer positioned over the strike plate, the mesh layer having a number of open cells; and an outer skin layer positioned over the mesh layer so as to encapsulate the open cells of the mesh layer between the strike plate and the outer skin layer. The open cells of the mesh layer may entrap air or may be filled with expandable, buoyant foam.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies for additive manufacturing portions of components with enhanced strength are provided. The assemblies comprise a first deposition head and an apparatus for causing one or more reinforcement fibers to extend more than two layers within previously-deposited layers of build material. The first deposition head is configured to deposit a plurality of layers of a filament comprising a reinforcement fiber and thermoplastic material. The apparatus may comprise a needle point configured to be inserted into the plurality of layers to displace the reinforcement fiber so that it extends two or more of the plurality of layers.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies for additive manufacturing portions of components with enhanced strength are provided. The assemblies comprise a first deposition head and an apparatus for causing one or more reinforcement fibers to extend more than two layers within previously-deposited layers of build material. The first deposition head is configured to deposit a plurality of layers of a filament comprising a reinforcement fiber and thermoplastic material. The apparatus may comprise a needle point configured to be inserted into the plurality of layers to displace the reinforcement fiber so that it extends two or more of the plurality of layers.

Abstract: A multi-layer body armor plate includes a strike plate; a mesh layer positioned over the strike plate, the mesh layer having a number of open cells; and an outer skin layer positioned over the mesh layer so as to encapsulate the open cells of the mesh layer between the strike plate and the outer skin layer. The open cells of the mesh layer may entrap air or may be filled with expandable, buoyant foam.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies for additive manufacturing portions of components with enhanced strength are provided. The assemblies comprise a first deposition head and an apparatus for causing one or more reinforcement fibers to extend more than two layers within previously-deposited layers of build material. The first deposition head is configured to deposit a plurality of layers of a filament comprising a reinforcement fiber and thermoplastic material. The apparatus may comprise a needle point configured to be inserted into the plurality of layers to displace the reinforcement fiber so that it extends two or more of the plurality of layers.

Abstract: A multi-layer body armor plate includes a strike plate; a mesh layer positioned over the strike plate, the mesh layer having a number of open cells; and an outer skin layer positioned over the mesh layer so as to encapsulate the open cells of the mesh layer between the strike plate and the outer skin layer. The open cells of the mesh layer may entrap air or may be filled with expandable, buoyant foam.

Abstract: An attachment device for lifting and removing build plates and additive manufactured parts built on the build plates from an additive manufacturing machine. The attachment device may fit onto a lift trolley to cooperatively engage with and lift the build plate upward off of a surface of the additive manufacturing machine. The attachment device may include a support bar, two lifting arms, and a mounting bracket. The support bar may have a slider track formed therethrough, so that the lifting arms can be adjusted to correspond with a width of the build plate. The lifting arms may each having a channel formed along a length thereof and an interfacing portion slidably located within the slider track. The channels may be sized and shaped to engage with a bottom surface and/or opposing edges of the build plates. The mounting bracket may attach to a lifting device of the lift trolley.

Abstract: An attachment device for lifting and removing build plates and additive manufactured parts built on the build plates from an additive manufacturing machine. The attachment device may fit onto a lift trolley to cooperatively engage with and lift the build plate upward off of a surface of the additive manufacturing machine. The attachment device may include a support bar, two lifting arms, and a mounting bracket. The support bar may have a slider track formed therethrough, so that the lifting arms can be adjusted to correspond with a width of the build plate. The lifting arms may each having a channel formed along a length thereof and an interfacing portion slidably located within the slider track. The channels may be sized and shaped to engage with a bottom surface and/or opposing edges of the build plates. The mounting bracket may attach to a lifting device of the lift trolley.