Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a pin board tool for facilitating three-dimensional (3D) scanning and printing, comprising: an array (301) of parallel pins, wherein the parallel pins in the array are aligned in the longitudinal direction when the pin board tool is empty; a fixture (303) holding the array; and locking means (302) configured to lock the array of parallel pins in place when activated to provide a print bed for 3D printing an object having a surface corresponding to a pattern formed by the array locked in place, wherein the parallel pins are configured to be able to move freely in a longitudinal direction of the parallel pins independent of each other within a movement range when the locking means are inactive and an object is pushed against the parallel pins, the movement range being equal to or smaller than a length of each parallel pin. The application further relates to a 3D scanning and printing system (300) and also to a method for three dimensional (3D) scanning and printing.

Abstract: A 3D printer comprises a print head (500) for supplying pre-impregnated fiber composite filament (800) including inelastic axial fiber strands within thermoplastic matrix material. A first heating zone (1) between the filament supply and a heated nozzle (2) is heatable above the melting temperature of the matrix. A consolidation element (9) after the nozzle applies a consolidation force to the filament to attach the filament to the part. The nozzle is heatable to at least the melting temperature of the matrix. The filament is driven through the first heating zone into the nozzle. A cold zone (6) before the first heating zone maintains the temperature of the filament below the melting temperature of the matrix. A heat break (7) between the first heating zone and the nozzle creates a temperature gap between the first heating zone and the nozzle. The print head/consolidation element is movable in three degrees of freedom. The application further relates to a method for additive manufacturing of a part.