Abstract: A method for detecting a print fluid includes printing the print fluid from a printing device onto an indicating medium; and producing a visible contrast between a printed area of the indicating medium and a non-printed area of the indicating medium that is formed by a reaction of the indicating medium to the print fluid.

Abstract: A powder system for use in solid freeform fabrication. The powder system includes at least one polymer having reactive properties and fusible properties. The at least one polymer is reactive with a liquid binder and is fusible at a temperature above the melting point or glass transition temperature of the at least one polymer. The at least one polymer may be a single co-polymer having at least one reactive portion and at least one fusible portion or may be a mixture of polymers including at least one reactive polymer and at least one fusible polymer. A method of forming an object by solid freeform fabrication is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn toward systems and methods for free-form fabrication of solid three-dimensional objects. In one embodiment, a solid free-form fabrication system for producing a three-dimensional object can comprise a dispensing system adapted to dispense a build material having nanofiller particulates dispersed therein; and a curing system adapted to harden the build material after being dispensed. In another embodiment, a method for producing a three-dimensional object can comprise steps of a) forming a jettable build composition including build material having nanofiller particulates dispersed therein; b) jetting a portion of the build composition to form a build layer; c) curing the build layer; and d) repeating steps b) and c), wherein multiple build layers are contacted and accrued to form a three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A method for creating a three-dimensional solid freeform fabrication object with non-reactive powder includes spreading a non-reactive powder on a substrate, selectively dispensing a reactive resin onto the non-reactive powder forming a mixture of reactive resin and non-reactive powder, wherein the selective dispensing the reactive resin defines the three-dimensional object, and curing the reactive resin thereby encapsulating the non-reactive powder.

Abstract: Solid freeform fabrication (SFF) systems for producing a three-dimensional object and methods of producing three-dimensional objects are disclosed. The SFF system includes a dispensing system and a curing system. The dispensing system is adapted to dispense a radiation initiator and a build material. The radiation initiator and the build material are stored separately in the dispensing system and are dispensed separately. The curing system cures the radiation initiator and the build material after each has been dispensed.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn toward systems and methods for free-form fabrication of solid three-dimensional objects. In one embodiment, a method can comprise a) ink-jetting a first ink-jettable composition containing a reactive build material and a second ink-jettable composition containing a curing agent separately onto a substrate such that contact between the reactive build material and the curing agent occurs, thereby resulting in a reaction that forms a solidifying composition, and b) repeating the ink-jetting step such that multiple layers of solidifying composition are accrued, wherein said multiple layers are successively bound to one another to form the solid three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A method for producing an object formed through solid freeform fabrication includes dispensing a binder on successive layers of build material with a single first dispensing member; and coloring the successive layers with at least one second dispensing member, where the second dispensing member over-dispenses the first dispensing member. Another method for producing an object through solid freeform fabrication includes dispensing a first binder on successive layers of build material with a single first dispensing member; and dispensing a second binder on the successive layers of build material with at least one second dispensing member, where the second dispensing member over-dispenses the first dispensing member.

Abstract: A material for use in fabricating three-dimensional objects includes a mixture of thermoplastic particles and a water-soluble polymer matrix formed as a film that is fusible into a non-water soluble state when exposed to heating. The film further includes a surfactant system bound to the thermoplastic particles, the surfactant system providing an inversion property such that the thermoplastic particles are hydrophilic but, upon a fusing of the film, become hydrophobic as the surfactant become incorporated into the bulk.

Abstract: A method for detecting a print fluid includes printing the print fluid from a printing device onto an indicating medium; and producing a visible contrast between a printed area of the indicating medium and a non-printed area of the indicating medium that is formed by a reaction of the indicating medium to the print fluid.