Abstract: Embodiments of a solid free form printer and a discrete deposition head are disclosed. The solid free form printer may include one or more discrete deposition heads. A discrete deposition head includes a feeder configured to feed a target material in solid form to a deposition assembly. The deposition assembly is configured to create a deposition piece from the target material and dispense the deposition piece onto a portion of the printed object, wherein the deposition piece is in solid form within the deposition assembly. The discrete deposition head also includes a target heat source that heats the portion of the printed object where the target material is to be placed.

Abstract: 3D Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is improved by heating the deposition nozzle with one or more non-contact heat sources. 3D FFF is also improved by cooling the deposition nozzle with one or more active cooling elements. Temperature control of the deposition nozzle is improved due to the reduction in mass of the nozzle by eliminating conductive heat elements and their associated devices, such as thermal transfer blocks. Responsiveness of the nozzle is improved by using lasers as non-contact heating sources, allow for rapid changes in temperature when necessary.

Abstract: Support structure bonding in objects manufactured by 3D printing techniques is improved by one or more targeted active cooling sources that reduce the bond strength between 3D model layers and any support structures they are in contact with. A controller may use current print layer information, current print direction or other print information to activate cooling to reduce bond strength between one or more layers. This targeted cooling enables easier removal of support structure material from a finished 3d object.

Abstract: Embodiments of a solid free form printer and a discrete deposition head are disclosed. The solid free form printer may include one or more discrete deposition heads. A discrete deposition head includes a feeder configured to feed a target material in solid form to a deposition assembly. The deposition assembly is configured to create a deposition piece from the target material and dispense the deposition piece onto a portion of the printed object, wherein the deposition piece is in solid form within the deposition assembly. The discrete deposition head also includes a target heat source that heats the portion of the printed object where the target material is to be placed.

Abstract: A variable resolution print system is provided. The system includes a variable resolution printer coupled to a positional encoder and a configuration module. The position encoder provides a pulse train to a controller in the variable resolution printer, the pulse train representing the movement of a target relative to the printer. A user of the print system enters or sets a desired resolution for printing via the configuration module. The controller calculates the difference between pulses in the pulse train. The controller then determines an adjustment to the calculate difference based on the desired resolution. The adjustment is used to generate a pulse train that actuates one or more print head of the printer.

Abstract: A variable resolution print system is provided. The system includes a variable resolution printer coupled to a positional encoder and a configuration module. The position encoder provides a pulse train to a controller in the variable resolution printer, the pulse train representing the movement of a target relative to the printer. A user of the print system enters or sets a desired. resolution for printing via the configuration module. The controller calculates the difference between pulses in the pulse train. The controller then determines an adjustment to the calculate difference based on the desired resolution. The adjustment is used to generate a pulse train that actuates one or more print head of the printer.