Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for designing three dimensional lattice structures include, in one aspect, a method including: obtaining a lattice within a 3D lattice design space for a 3D model being created with a 3D modeling program; identifying junctions in the lattice that are potential sources of particle traps at an interface between the 3D lattice design space and a surface present in the 3D model; and removing the potential sources of particle traps by modifying cell space defined between the identified junctions and the surface. In addition, the surface can be a surface of a solid region defined in the 3D model, and the method can include: identifying beams in the lattice having junctions lying on the surface; and extending each of the identified beams by a length amount to cause overlap between the identified beams and the solid region.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to printing a three-dimensional (3D) article from a 3D design file describing a 3D design. A computer processor receives the design file in an encrypted format. The design file includes a design file identifier and a 3D printer identifier identifying a 3D printer capable of printing a 3D article in accordance with the design file. The processor constructs an authentication request for authenticating use of the design file with the printer and transmits the authentication request to an authentication server. The processor receives a response from the authentication server enabling printing of the article from the design file on the printer. The processor uses a decryption key included in the response to decrypt the design file including 2D contour data. The processor sends the decrypted design file to the printer associated with the printer identifier. The printer prints the article in accordance with the decrypted contour data.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the present invention, a blending engine blends multiple surfaces included in a three-dimensional (3D) model of an object. First, the blending engine trims off portions of the surfaces that are targeted for blending at trimming curves to generate trimmed surfaces. The blending engine then constructs a single parametric blending surface via a unified parametrization for the trimming curves. Notably, to achieve the unified parametrization, the blending engine performs one or more spherical parametrization operations that generate parametrized curves based on the trimming curves and a fundamental sphere. After constructing the parametric blending surface based on the parametrized curves, the blending engine joins the parametric blending surface to the trimmed surfaces to produce a final, smooth intersection between the surfaces.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to printing a three-dimensional (3D) article from a 3D design file describing a 3D design. A computer processor receives the design file in an encrypted format. The design file includes a design file identifier and a 3D printer identifier identifying a 3D printer capable of printing a 3D article in accordance with the design file. The processor constructs an authentication request for authenticating use of the design file with the printer and transmits the authentication request to an authentication server. The processor receives a response from the authentication server enabling printing of the article from the design file on the printer. The processor uses a decryption key included in the response to decrypt the design file including 2D contour data. The processor sends the decrypted design file to the printer associated with the printer identifier. The printer prints the article in accordance with the decrypted contour data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for designing three dimensional lattice structures include, in one aspect, a method including: obtaining a lattice within a 3D lattice design space for a 3D model being created with a 3D modeling program; identifying junctions in the lattice that are potential sources of particle traps at an interface between the 3D lattice design space and a surface present in the 3D model; and removing the potential sources of particle traps by modifying cell space defined between the identified junctions and the surface. In addition, the surface can be a surface of a solid region defined in the 3D model, and the method can include: identifying beams in the lattice having junctions lying on the surface; and extending each of the identified beams by a length amount to cause overlap between the identified beams and the solid region.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for designing three dimensional lattice structures include, in one aspect, a method including: calculating a radius of incidence for respective pairings of beams of different sizes that converge at a junction in a lattice; determining a maximized radius of incidence for each of the beams based on the radii of incidence for the pairings with that beam; comparing the maximized radii of incidence to find a global radius for the junction; calculating local intersection points and global intersection points, respectively, for each of the beams with a local sphere defined by the maximized radius of incidence for that beam and with a global sphere defined by the global radius for the junction; and generating meshing with sockets for the beams at the junction using the local intersection points and the global intersection points.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for designing three dimensional lattice structures include, in one aspect, a method including: creating nodes in a plane normal to an axis in accordance with a spiral, wherein proper subsets of the nodes occur at successive radii positions away from the axis in the plane normal to the axis; repositioning every other one of the proper subsets, from at least a portion of the nodes, in a direction in 3D space along the axis; creating a three dimensional (3D) structure in the 3D space, the 3D structure comprising beams placed between the repositioned and non-repositioned proper subsets; duplicating the 3D structure one or more times to form a lattice in the 3D space; and selecting at least a portion of the lattice for inclusion in a 3D model.

Abstract: A method of authenticating the printing of a three-dimensional (3D) article at a 3D printer according to a 3D print file describing a three-dimensional design is described.