Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing support material from a part formed by three-dimensional (3D) printing. The support removal machine contains a tank for submersion of a 3D printed part into a liquid mass. The liquid mass circulates in the tank in a controlled manner such that submerged parts remain centrally suspended in the tank, regardless of the material, density and geometry comprising the part. The part circulates and rotates in conjunction with the rotational flow of the liquid mass for uniform exposure to means of support removal. During rotation, the part may be subjected to multiple means of agitation that include heat, chemical and ultrasonic, in order to optimize energy use and maximize efficiency of the removal of support material.

Abstract: A surface finishing apparatus and method for smoothing and coloring parts made by additive-manufacturing technologies is disclosed. The surface finishing apparatus includes a tank or chamber into which a part is placed. A colorant is added. The part is both colored and smoothed until the part is at a desired smoothness and color. The part may be smoothed by different suitable smoothing technologies, including abrading with solid media, spraying with a liquid fluid, spraying with solid particles entrained in a liquid fluid, or submersing in a liquid vortex. Also disclosed is a composition for a colorant for a finishing process that smooths a surface of an additively manufactured part while coloring the additively manufactured part.

Abstract: A surface finishing apparatus and method for smoothing and coloring parts made by additive-manufacturing technologies is disclosed. The surface finishing apparatus includes a tank or chamber into which a part is placed. A colorant is added. The part is both colored and smoothed until the part is at a desired smoothness and color. The part may be smoothed by different suitable smoothing technologies, including abrading with solid media, spraying with a liquid fluid, spraying with solid particles entrained in a liquid fluid, or submersing in a liquid vortex. Also disclosed is a composition for a colorant for a finishing process that smooths a surface of an additively manufactured part while coloring the additively manufactured part.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing support material from a part formed by three-dimensional (3D) printing. The support removal machine contains a tank for submersion of a 3D printed part into a liquid mass. The liquid mass circulates in the tank in a controlled manner such that submerged parts remain centrally suspended in the tank, regardless of the material, density and geometry comprising the part. The part circulates and rotates in conjunction with the rotational flow of the liquid mass for uniform exposure to means of support removal. During rotation, the part may be subjected to multiple means of agitation that include heat, chemical and ultrasonic, in order to optimize energy use and maximize efficiency of the removal of support material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing support material from and/or smoothing surfaces of an additively manufactured part (the “AM part”) is disclosed. The apparatus may include a chamber, a support surface within the chamber, one or more nozzles within the chamber, a tank positioned below the nozzles, and a diverter positioned between the nozzles and the tank. The support surface may be configured to support the AM part and may have one or more openings configured to allow the fluid to pass through the opening(s). The nozzles may be configured to spray a fluid at the AM part, and the spray may be an atomized or semiatomized spray of the fluid. The diverter comprises an umbrella or a diverter shield and diverts sprayed fluid from directly impacting the fluid being collected in the tank, whereby foaming of the fluid in the tank is reduced.

Abstract: Methods using formulations for processing a manufactured metal or metal-alloy object, in particular a metal or metal-alloy object manufactured by an additive manufacturing process, are disclosed. Methods, systems and equipment for using the formulations to remove excess materials from the surface, remove support materials, and/or modify the surface of a metal or metal-alloy manufactured object are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods using formulations for processing a manufactured metal or metal-alloy object, in particular a metal or metal-alloy object manufactured by an additive manufacturing process, are disclosed. Methods, systems and equipment for using the formulations to remove excess materials from the surface, remove support materials, and/or modify the surface of a metal or metal-alloy manufactured object are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for removing support material or resin from additively manufactured parts. The apparatus includes a processing pump at least a portion of which is located in or adjacent to a processing tank filled with a liquid formulation suitable for removal of support material or resin from additively manufactured parts. The processing pump is adapted to create a vortex within the liquid formulation in the processing tank.

Abstract: A process for removing support material from a part made by an additive manufacturing process is disclosed. The part may be arranged in a media filled tank. Ultrasonic waves are directed for the part and/or support material. Ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic transducer are applied to a part or support material and cause the part to vibrate. The frequency of the ultrasonic energy may be tuned to cause the part and/or the support material to vibrate at its resonant frequency. The support material may have different properties, such as density, geometry, material, or porosity. Such differences may allow the support material to resonate in response to the applied ultrasonic energy waves at a different ultrasonic frequency than, the part itself.

Abstract: Methods and systems according to the invention may be used to modify a manufacturing plan for an object manufactured by an additive manufacturing process. A digital representation of a desired object and a manufacturing plan may be compared to manufacturing information generated via an evaluation of such an object. Based on that comparison, the manufacturing plan may be modified so that that object or a subsequent object is highly similar to the desired object.

Abstract: Described are finishing mediums for removing support material and/or for surface finishing of objects made via additive manufacturing techniques. The finishing medium is an aqueous solution containing 1-20% by weight a polyol, 1-20% by weight an anti-corrosion agent, 0.001-10% by weight a hydrotrope. The finishing medium may optionally suspend media particles, thereby forming a finishing suspension. Also described are methods of using the finishing media and finishing suspensions described herein.

Abstract: A process for support material removal for 3D printed parts wherein the part is placed in a media filled tank and support removal is optimized in a multi-parameter system through an artificial intelligence process which may include, but is not limited to, the use of historical data, parametric testing data, normal support removal data, and outputs from other support removal AI models to generate optimally efficient use of each parameter in terms of pulse repetition interval (PRI) and cycle time as defined by pulse width (PW). The input parameters may include heat, circulation, ultrasound and chemical reaction, which are used in sequence and/or in parallel, to optimize efficiency of support removal. Sequentially and/or in parallel, heat, pump circulation and ultrasound may vary in application or intensity. Selection of means of agitation depends on monitored feedback from the support removal tank and application of a statistically dynamic rule based system (SDRBS).

Abstract: A surface finishing apparatus and method for smoothing and coloring parts made by additive-manufacturing technologies is disclosed. The surface finishing apparatus includes a tank or chamber into which a part is placed. A colorant is added. The part is both colored and smoothed until the part is at a desired smoothness and color. The part may be smoothed by different suitable smoothing technologies, including abrading with solid media, spraying with a liquid fluid, spraying with solid particles entrained in a liquid fluid, or submersing in a liquid vortex. Also disclosed is a composition for a colorant for a finishing process that smooths a surface of an additively manufactured part while coloring the additively manufactured part.

Abstract: A process for support material removal for 3D printed parts wherein the part is placed in a media filled tank and support removal is optimized in a multi-parameter system through an artificial intelligence process which may include, but is not limited to, the use of historical data, parametric testing data, normal support removal data, and outputs from other support removal AI models to generate optimally efficient use of each parameter in terms of pulse repetition interval (PRI) and cycle time as defined by pulse width (PW). The input parameters may include heat, circulation, ultrasound and chemical reaction, which are used in sequence and/or in parallel, to optimize efficiency of support removal. Sequentially and/or in parallel, heat, pump circulation and ultrasound may vary in application or intensity. Selection of means of agitation depends on monitored feedback from the support removal tank and application of a statistically dynamic rule based system (SDRBS).

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for removal of unwanted material from additively manufactured parts by application of vibratory and/or acoustic energy. The system and method include a vibratory platform located in a chamber. Additively manufactured parts having unwanted material adhered thereto are placed on the vibratory platform. The platform is caused to vibrate thereby causing the unwanted material to detach from the parts. The system and method may also include the application of acoustic energy to cause unwanted material to detach from the parts. Advantageously, the unwanted material removed from the additively manufactured object can be recycled.

Abstract: A surface equalization apparatus designed to be compatible with a wide variety of part technologies, composite materials and part geometries. The apparatus works with software, chemistry, abrasives and media and includes an oblong, elongated input tank for holding media and a part. The input tank is connected to a motor mount, which is connected to an eccentric motor. When the motor is activated, the input tank begins to move in a vibrational, sinusoidal manner. The motion of the tank on attached springs generates a rotational flow of media in the tank. This creates a low amplitude/high frequency movement of the part through the tank. Surface structures divert media to prevent the part from contacting the side of the tank. Spray nozzles are positioned above the input tank. Acoustic damping foam is positioned around the central components. A cooling fan allows airflow through the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for additively manufacturing an object having an internal chase. The system and method include evaluating a print design file that defines physical properties of the object to be printed with the additive manufacturing process to determine whether the object can be printed with a removable plug located inside the internal chase, and if so, modifying the print design file to include the removable plug. The object is then printed with the removable plug, which is removed prior to removing the support material.

Abstract: A surface equalization apparatus designed to be compatible with a wide variety of part technologies, composite materials and part geometries. The apparatus works with software, chemistry, abrasives and media and includes an oblong, elongated input tank for holding media and a part. The input tank is connected to a motor mount, which is connected to an eccentric motor. When the motor is activated, the input tank begins to move in a vibrational, sinusoidal manner. The motion of the tank on attached springs generates a rotational flow of media in the tank. This creates a low amplitude/high frequency movement of the part through the tank. Surface structures divert media to prevent the part from contacting the side of the tank. Spray nozzles are positioned above the input tank. Acoustic damping foam is positioned around the central components. A cooling fan allows airflow through the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing support material from and/or smoothing surfaces of an additively manufactured part is disclosed. The apparatus may include a chamber, a support surface within the chamber, one or more nozzles within the chamber, a tank positioned below the nozzles, and a vision system. The vision system includes one or more cameras and other imagery obtaining sensors located in the chamber. The cameras and sensors obtain imagery of the additively manufactured part as it is being sprayed to finish the part. The imagery is displayed on a display panel located outside the apparatus or stored for later playback.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for removing support material from and/or smoothing surfaces of an additive-manufactured part are disclosed. Apparatuses may include a spraying chamber, a support surface within the spraying chamber, and one or more nozzles having the ability to spray a fluid at the additive-manufactured parts. The fluid may include a liquid and solid particles carried by the liquid. The support surface may have the ability to support the additive manufactured part. The apparatus may include a tank having the ability to hold at least some of the fluid. A heater may be included for heating the fluid to a desired temperature.