Abstract: An object of which at least a part has been 3D printed is disclosed herein. The part comprising a plurality of layers of a predetermined thickness including an outer layer and an underlying layer immediately below the outer layer. The outer layer comprises a first set of solidified portions and a first set of voids arranged in a 3D pattern such that the first set of solidified portions are raised above the underlying layer to form a first functional structure. The underlying layer comprises a second set of solidified portions and a second set of voids arranged in a 3D pattern such that the second set of solidified portions are raised above its underlying layer, to form a second functional structure, wherein the voids are encapsulated within the object; such that removal of a portion of the outer layer exposes a corresponding portion of the second functional structure.

Abstract: A computing device comprising a controller is disclosed herein. The controller is to receive a virtual build volume defining an arrangement of a 3D object model to be used by a 3D printer to generate a 3D object; identify a portion of a surface of the to be generated 3D object that is expected to exhibit at least one of a set of surface quality defects; and modify the 3D object model by applying at least one texture pattern to a portion of the 3D object model corresponding to the identified portion, the texture pattern to be selected based on the expected at least one surface quality defect, to cause a 3D geometrical modification of the portion that is to at least partially mask the expected surface quality defect of a 3D object generated using the modified 3D object model.

Abstract: Object model data is obtained, defining an object to be built by a three-dimensional printing apparatus. Data defining a protective structure to be built around the object by the three-dimensional printing apparatus is automatically generated. Different portions of the protective structure each have a structure defined by a respective structural parameter that determines the thermal properties of the portion, and each respective structural parameter is determined based on the object model data so as to provide a selected level of heat dissipation through the respective portion of the protective structure, when the object and protective structure are built by the three-dimensional printing apparatus.

Abstract: According to one example, there is provided an apparatus to process volume of particulate build material. The apparatus comprises a sealable chamber to house a volume of particulate build material, a gas supply to supply the chamber with a predetermined gas, a gas circulator to circulate the gas within the volume of build material, a temperature controller to heat the circulated gas to a predetermined heating temperature to heat the volume of build material to the heating temperature and then to cool the circulated gas to a predetermined cooling temperature to cool the volume of build material to the cooling temperature.

Abstract: In an example, a method is described. The method comprises generating object model data representative of a design of a foot support to be produced for a subject according to the object model data. The design of the foot support comprises: a support portion; and an extension portion extending from the support portion. A type of the extension portion is based on a condition of the subject's foot and the extension portion is personalized to the subject based on at least one measurement of the subject's foot.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed. The computer-implemented method comprises receiving biometric data relating to a foot of a subject. The computer-implemented method also comprises determining, based on the biometric data, properties of an outsole of an article of footwear to be manufactured for the subject. The computer-implemented method also comprises providing data defining the properties of the outsole for delivery to an additive manufacturing apparatus. An apparatus and a machine-readable medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of treating fused build material in an additive manufacturing system are described. The method includes a first treatment process comprising: depositing unfused build material over the fused build material in a working area of the additive manufacturing system, thereby providing a first build material layer; and supplying energy from a first energy source to the first build material layer to heat but substantially not fuse the unfused build material of the first build material layer. The method also includes a second treatment process comprising: depositing unfused build material over the first build material layer in the working area, thereby providing a second build material layer; and supplying energy from a second energy source to the second build material layer to heat but substantially not fuse the unfused build material of the first and second build material layers.

Abstract: Examples described herein relate to a method of 3D printing. In an example, at least part of a layer of build material is fused. The temperatures of the fused part of the layer are measured at different locations using respective temperature sensors. The temperature sensors are calibrated using the measured temperatures. Heating of additional layers of build material is controlled using the calibrated temperature sensors.

Abstract: A mobile build unit (2) for selectively locating in a build chamber (4) of an additive manufacturing machine (6). The mobile build unit has a build platform (8) to receive build material; and a build unit heater (10) to heat layers of build volume formed on the build platform (8). The build unit heater (10) is movable between a first position in which the build unit heater (10) is stored, and a second position in which the build unit heater (10) is mounted over the build platform (8).