Abstract: A mold material formulation usable as mold material in a cast-mold process, in combination with a cast material formulation, is provided. The mold material formulation comprises a paraffin wax, a vegetable-based (natural) wax and a Fisher-Tropsh wax, as described and defined in the specification. Methods employing the formulation and objects and products obtained therefrom are also provided.

Abstract: A sinterable paste formulation usable as cast material in a cast-mold process, in combination with a mold material formulation, is provided. The sinterable paste formulation comprises a power of a sinterable material, in an amount of at least 85% by weight of the total weight of the formulation, a binder as described in the specification, and an aqueous solution which comprises water and a water-miscible organic solvent featuring an evaporation rate in a range of from 0.3 to 0.8 on an n-butyl acetate scale. Methods employing the formulation and objects and products obtained therefrom are also provided.

Abstract: A method for making a product or a part for a product wherein the product or part is made in a process using additive manufacture and requires sintering, the method comprising producing a support component with a shape complementary to the product or part, in an associated process, also using additive manufacture; and supporting the product or part during sintering by fitting the product or part into the complementary shape prior to placing in the furnace for sintering.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for hardening a paste within walls of a mold, comprises a sealing hood that opens to a first position allowing paste to be applied within the mold and then closes to provide an airtight seal around the mold and the paste applied within the mold. Then a vacuum source evacuates air from the sealing hood in its closed position to apply a vacuum to the paste. The vacuum causes liquids to evaporate from the paste, and thus hardens the paste.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a molded layered product comprises: printing a first mold to define one layer of the product; filling the first mold with a cast material, thereby forming a first layer; printing a second mold on top of the first layer to define a second layer; and filling the second mold, over the first layer, with a cast material. The cast material may be a paste. The alternative mold printing and casting are continued until a molded layered product or part product is formed.

Abstract: A method for producing an ink suitable for use with inkjet printing for decorating a ceramic comprising; providing a pigment stabile at ceramic production temperatures; providing a dispersant; providing a medium selected from one of glycol ether esters exhibiting a boiling point in excess of 200° C. and long chain aliphatic solvents, the medium exhibiting a surface tension suitable for use with inkjet printing equipment; mixing 40-60% by weight of the provided pigment into the provided medium together with 0.4% w/w pigment of the provided dispersant to form a mixture, such that viscosity of the mixture exceeds 50 cps; milling the mixture while maintaining viscosity between 50 cps and 800 cps, until average particle size is 1 micron; adding the medium to the milled mixture under shear until viscosity reaches 15 cps; and filtering the unfiltered ink through 3 micron and 1 micron depth cartridges.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of a pigment which is an organo-clay complex comprising introducing an aniline derivative acidified by hydrochloric acid and a secondary aromatic compound into a smectite mineral and treating the same with sodium nitrite solution whereby an azo-dye compound is obtained in the interlayer space of the clay to form pigmented particles.