Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of a fused filament fabrication (FFF) composite filament having embedded functional materials in a thermoplastic matrix. Methods of making the composite filaments are also disclosed. In one example, a FFF composite filament incorporates a MOF, in an amount greater than 10% by mass, dispersed in a matrix polymer. One example of a method of synthesizing FFF composite filaments involves mixing a suspension that has a MOF with a matrix polymer solution to yield a polymer-MOF mixture. The mixture is cast and dried into a solid composite material, which is formed a FFF composite filament having the MOF in an amount greater than 10% by mass.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for mixing a plurality of materials for fused deposition modeling printing. The systems and methods can both mix and extrude FDM printer filaments. The mixing can be accomplished via a mixing element rotating in a heated chamber of the extruder's hot-end in order to achieve the shear forces to induce mixing of the molten plastics. Further, the mixing element can provide a secondary driving mechanism to assist with extruding the extrudate.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of a fused filament fabrication (FFF) composite filament having embedded functional materials in a thermoplastic matrix. Methods of making the composite filaments are also disclosed. In one example, a FFF composite filament incorporates a MOF, in an amount greater than 10% by mass, dispersed in a matrix polymer. One example of a method of synthesizing FFF composite filaments involves mixing a suspension that has a MOF with a matrix polymer solution to yield a polymer-MOF mixture. The mixture is cast and dried into a solid composite material, which is formed a FFF composite filament having the MOF in an amount greater than 10% by mass.

Abstract: Methods and systems for three-dimensional printing of conductive materials are disclosed. A molten filament containing a conductive material is extruded from a print head of a three-dimensional printer. A magnetic field is applied to the print head. The magnetic field may be a magnet or an electromagnet. The magnetic field may be applied at the tip of the extruder, nozzle, or nozzle tip of the print head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for creating shaped implants, such as intraocular lenses in vivo, as well as the novel implants themselves. Utilizing the method of the invention, it is possible to create an implant in vivo and to adjust either the physical properties such as refractive index, viscosity, etc., mechanical properties such as modulus, tensile strength, tear, etc., or the shape of the implant by noninvasive means. For example, using the method of the patent it is possible to create an intraocular lens in vivo and then adjust the shape and power of the lens through no invasion means. The novel implants are also addressed in this application.

Abstract: An elongated structural member, which is suitable for use as a joist, beam, girder or the like, comprises first and second webs, each having a generally arcuate cross-sectional shape and, thus, one convex surface and an opposing concave surface. The webs are disposed in generally mutually parallel relation with their respective convex surfaces in confronting relation, one diverging from the other in both an upper region and a lower region. A wedge is interposed between, conforms to, and is intimately joined to the confronting convex surfaces of the webs in at least a portion of each of the upper and the lower regions. The webs are made of plywood and the wedges are made of solid wood. The wedges are capable of bearing substantial compression and tension loads so that together with the portions of the webs to which they are intimately joined, they can accept and support great loads on the member when mounted in span.