Abstract: A fabrication process and apparatus for producing three-dimensional objects by depositing a first polymer layer, printing a first ink layer on to the first polymer layer, depositing a second polymer layer on to the first ink layer, and printing a second ink layer on to the second polymer layer. The deposition and printing steps may be repeated until a three-dimensional object is formed. The inks used to form at least one of the first and second ink layers may include dyes or pigments so that the three-dimensional object may be a colored three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A fabrication process and method for producing grayscale or full color three-dimensional objects by depositing a first part material layer, printing a first colorization layer on to the first part material layer, depositing a second part material layer on to the first colorization layer, and printing a second colorization layer on to the second part material layer. The part material deposition and coloring agent deposition operations may be repeated until a three-dimensional colored object is formed. The colorization inks used to form at least one of the first and second colorization layers allow the creation of grayscale or full color 3D printed parts. The process facilitates deposition of colorization agents on a part material to produce full color parts, improves color gamut and resolution, allows creation of hidden features within parts (e.g., wear indicators), and enhances aesthetics and functionality of three-dimensional objects with the use of color.

Abstract: Systems and corresponding methods are provided for separation of support structures from near net shape manufactured parts. The system can include a support structure and a non-adhering material. The non-adhering material can be positioned on one or more predetermined exterior-facing surfaces of the support structure. The support system can be dimensioned for receipt within a void space of a porous green body defined by an overhang region of the porous green body. After receipt within a void space of a porous green body that undergoes a thermally-induced volumetric change, the support system can be configured to support the overhang region and the non-adhering material can be configured to inhibit adherence of the exterior-facing surfaces of the support structure to opposed surfaces of the void space.

Abstract: A fabrication process and apparatus for producing three-dimensional objects by depositing a first polymer layer, printing a first ink layer on to the first polymer layer, depositing a second polymer layer on to the first ink layer, and printing a second ink layer on to the second polymer layer. The deposition and printing steps may be repeated until a three-dimensional object is formed. The inks used to form at least one of the first and second ink layers may include dyes or pigments so that the three-dimensional object may be a colored three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A fabrication process and apparatus for producing three-dimensional objects by depositing a first polymer layer, printing a first ink layer on to the first polymer layer, depositing a second polymer layer on to the first ink layer, and printing a second ink layer on to the second polymer layer. The deposition and printing steps may be repeated until a three-dimensional object is formed. The inks used to form at least one of the first and second ink layers may include dyes or pigments so that the three-dimensional object may be a colored three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A fabrication process for producing three-dimensional objects and removable support structures. The removal of the support structure from the object is facilitated by the deposition of a release agent or a release layer between the object and the support structure. The removal of the support structure may be further facilitated by applying forced cooling, filament density adjustments, or changes in deposition pressure to the object and/or the support structure during fabrication.

Abstract: A fabrication process and apparatus for producing three-dimensional objects by depositing a first polymer layer, printing a first ink layer on to the first polymer layer, depositing a second polymer layer on to the first ink layer, and printing a second ink layer on to the second polymer layer. The deposition and printing steps may be repeated until a three-dimensional object is formed. The inks used to form at least one of the first and second ink layers may include dyes or pigments so that the three-dimensional object may be a colored three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A fabrication process and apparatus for producing three-dimensional objects by depositing a first polymer layer, printing a first ink layer on to the first polymer layer, depositing a second polymer layer on to the first ink layer, and printing a second ink layer on to the second polymer layer. The deposition and printing steps may be repeated until a three-dimensional object is formed. The inks used to form at least one of the first and second ink layers may include dyes or pigments so that the three-dimensional object may be a colored three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A fabrication process and apparatus for producing three-dimensional objects by depositing a first polymer layer, printing a first ink layer on to the first polymer layer, depositing a second polymer layer on to the first ink layer, and printing a second ink layer on to the second polymer layer. The deposition and printing steps may be repeated until a three-dimensional object is formed. The inks used to form at least one of the first and second ink layers may include dyes or pigments so that the three-dimensional object may be a colored three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A fabrication process and apparatus for producing three-dimensional objects (36) by depositing a first polymer layer, printing a first ink layer on to the first polymer layer (34), depositing a second polymer layer on to the first ink layer, and printing a second ink layer on to the second polymer layer. The deposition and printing steps may be repeated until a three-dimensional object (36) is formed. The inks used to form at least one of the first and second ink layers may include dyes or pigments so that the three-dimensional object may be a colored three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A fabrication process and apparatus for producing three-dimensional objects (36) by depositing a first polymer layer, printing a first ink layer on to the first polymer layer (34), depositing a second polymer layer on to the first ink layer, and printing a second ink layer on to the second polymer layer. The deposition and printing steps may be repeated until a three-dimensional object (36) is formed. The inks used to form at least one of the first and second ink layers may include dyes or pigments so that the three-dimensional object may be a colored three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A materials system, kit, and methods are provided to enable the formation of articles by three dimensional printing. A method includes providing a particulate material comprising a plurality of adjacent particles, the particulate material including an aqueous-insoluble thermoplastic; applying to at least some of the plurality of particles an aqueous fluid binder in an amount sufficient to bond those particles together to define an intermediate article; and immersing the intermediate article in a liquid infiltrant medium to define a final article.

Abstract: Materials system, kit, and methods are provided to enable the formation of articles by three dimensional printing. The kit includes (i) a substantially dry particulate material including an aqueous-insoluble thermoplastic particulate material, plaster, and a water-soluble adhesive; (ii) an aqueous fluid binder, and (iii) an infiltrant.

Abstract: A materials system, kit, and methods are provided to enable the formation of articles by three dimensional printing. The kit includes (i) a substantially dry particulate material including an aqueous-insoluble thermoplastic particulate material, plaster, and a water-soluble adhesive; (ii) an aqueous fluid binder, and (iii) an infiltrant.

Abstract: aterials system, kit, and methods are provided to enable the formation of articles by three dimensional printing. The kit includes (i) a substantially dry particulate material including an aqueous-insoluble thermoplastic particulate material, plaster, and a water-soluble adhesive; (ii) an aqueous fluid binder, and (iii) an infiltrant.

Abstract: Process, materials, and equipment for producing three-dimensional objects from a particulate material by melting and adhering, for example, by fusion or sintering, portions of the particulate material.

Abstract: A casting method, rather than injection molding, to produce polymer optical components and systems is provided. The casting process controls shrinkage and stress, thus providing both high bulk uniformity and high quality, accurate surfaces, by incorporating polymer films into the mold. The films may remain incorporated into the part or may optionally be removed from the part after removal from the mold. In addition, the incorporation of separately produced components within the cast part is also provided, eliminating post-casting assembly manufacturing steps.

Abstract: A method for producing a solid optical system with embedded elements is provided. The embedded elements may include inorganic, polymer, or hybrid lenses, mirrors, beam splitters and polarizers, or other elements. The embedding material is a transparent high quality optical polymer.