Abstract: A method for improving color quality in an object created by a solid freeform fabrication system keeps a colorant in an ejected material near a surface of the object.

Abstract: A method of producing an object through solid freeform fabrication includes selectively depositing a boundary structure that defines a surface of the object, and depositing a flowable build material within the boundary structure, wherein the flowable build material forms a portion of the object by flowing to the boundary structure.

Abstract: A method of producing an object through solid freeform fabrication, the method including fabricating a support structure about at least a portion of the object by applying a binder or focused energy to a build material.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object is fabricated from powder. A powder layer is deposited. The powder layer is selectively wetted to hinder movement of the powder. A binder is applied to selected areas of the powder layer to harden the areas of the powder layer. The steps are repeated until the three-dimensional object is fabricated.

Abstract: A method for aligning multiple nozzle members in a solid free form build unit is disclosed. A geometric test shape having at least one investigational topographic region projecting outward from a central base is formed and analyzed for at least one physical characteristic correlative with nozzle member targeting accuracy. The physical characteristic is at least one of color hue shift, surface pattern irregularity, and dimensional accuracy.

Abstract: A printhead for an inkjet printer having geometric features which reduce drop placement error of main and satellite drops ejected from the nozzles of the printhead. Nozzles that are tilted along an axis corresponding to the direction of scanning of the printhead while printing have reduced drop placement error in the orthogonal direction to the scanning, and create a breakoff velocity for the satellite drop that can cause the main and satellite drops to be placed in a coincident location on the medium in one of the directions of scanning, thus forming desireable round printed spots and reducing drop placement error in the scan direction. These improvements can be repeatably achieved for all nozzles. Nozzles with non-circular and asymmetric bores also reduce drop placement errors, particularly when these types of nozzles are also tilted.

Abstract: A method of producing an object through solid freeform fabrication, the method including fabricating a support structure about at least a portion of the object by applying a binder or focused energy to a build material.

Abstract: A solid freeform fabrication system including a three-dimensional fabricator with a plurality of pens and a controller configured to evaluate pen information and to control the pens to reduce a temperature of the pens.

Abstract: A method for aligning multiple nozzle members in a solid free form build unit in which a geometric test shape at least one investigational topographic region projecting outward from a central base is formed and analyzed for at lest one physical characteristic correlative with nozzle member targeting accuracy.