Abstract: A process of for creating process build parameters includes creating a set of process build parameters for laser-sintering of a part based on a thermal model of a parts bed of a laser sintering machine and empirical data from prior laser-sintered parts built in the parts bed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for changing properties of a layer-formed plastic part comprised of at least one plastic material are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic radiation source is provided and the layer-formed plastic part is positioned within a potential exposure range of the electromagnetic radiation source. An exposure of radiation from the electromagnetic radiation source operable to change the property of the layer-formed plastic part from the existing state to an altered state is determined. The layer-formed plastic part is then exposed to the radiation to change the property of the layer-formed plastic part to the altered state.

Abstract: A method for improving production parts produced from a rapid prototyping machine that includes the step of generating a build run that produces output components having production parts and/or iterative improvement specimens. A comparison of the production parts and/or iterative improvement specimens is made to a set of input data that includes dimensions and material characteristics. The comparison produces a resultant data set that includes deviations between the input data and the output components. Build parameters are then tailored for the rapid prototyping machine to reduce deviations between the input data and the output components as compared to previous build runs.