Abstract: A liquid containing receptacle having a filter is disclosed that in one form includes a nozzle. The filter includes a passage having a portion with a size that restricts the flow of a liquid there through unless sufficient pressure is applied to overcome a liquid and filter property such as surface tension. The pressure in the liquid at the filter can be varied by changing a gas overpressure above a surface of the liquid, changing a head height of the liquid, and/or changing the liquid and filter property, among possible others. In one embodiment the liquid containing receptacle can be used to contain a molten metal that is used in an investment casting mold. The molten metal can be selectively poured into a mold by selectively changing pressure of the molten metal at the filter or by changing the pressure at which molten metal flows through the filter.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique prosthetic implant and method for making a prosthetic implant. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for prosthetic implants. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: A liquid containing receptacle having a filter is disclosed that in one form includes a nozzle. The filter includes a passage having a portion with a size that restricts the flow of a liquid there through unless sufficient pressure is applied to overcome a liquid and filter property such as surface tension. The pressure in the liquid at the filter can be varied by changing a gas overpressure above a surface of the liquid, changing a head height of the liquid, and/or changing the liquid and filter property, among possible others. In one embodiment the liquid containing receptacle can be used to contain a molten metal that is used in an investment casting mold. The molten metal can be selectively poured into a mold by selectively changing pressure of the molten metal at the filter or by changing the pressure at which molten metal flows through the filter.

Abstract: An article produced using, among other techniques, free-form fabrication having a binder matrix and particles can be supported during a temperature processing, such as burn-out of the binder matrix, with a support composition to maintain geometry and/or alleviate changes in geometry of the article. The support composition can take a variety of forms such as foams, two phase materials, plastic powders, carbon powders, etc. The support material is sacrificed during the thermal processing, such as through decomposition. Such a decomposition can occur when the support composition evolves into a carbonaceous structure. The support composition can also oxidize to a gas, melt, or vaporize, among other types of sacrificial action.

Abstract: In addition to working curves, other equally important, but previously not understood, relationships exist for both the green strength and the cured line width of ceramic-loaded resins. These characteristics of cured parts are strongly affected by the dose rate, a parameter usually controlled with laser power. Multiple smaller doses are used to produce a total integrated dose. Multiple exposures benefit from using high power to produce a fast process. However, since the dose for a given layer is broken into several smaller doses, the negative effect of high power on strength and cured linewidth is reduced.

Abstract: There is disclosed stereolithographic manufacture of more complex components including at least one active material without the need for fabrication. Fabrication can introduce component discontinuities that hinder performance of the final component. Thus, some embodiments entail a method of manufacture for complex, field activated components such as piezoelectric or magnetostrictive sensors or actuators.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a ceramic component includes generating a computer solid model of a component, converting the computer solid model to a stereo-lithographic instruction file, and preparing the component in a stereo-lithography machine in response to the stereo-lithographic instruction file. The method further includes providing an amount of solvent, where a residue left from preparing the component is at least partially soluble in the solvent. The method includes immersing at least part of the component in the solvent, heating the solvent in a liquid state, and reducing a pressure of the solvent sufficiently to boil the solvent. The method further includes heat-curing the component.

Abstract: A system for producing cast components from molten metal. One form of the present invention includes a system for the precision pouring of molten metal within a casting mold.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique filter and a method for manufacturing the same. Another embodiment is a unique system for casting a metallic object. Another embodiment is a unique method of filtering a molten metal. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for filtering molten metal. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: A method includes providing a mold including a molten casting material, moving the mold in a first direction, and guiding a solidification interface across the mold in a second direction in response to the moving the mold. The second direction is deviated from the first direction, and the solidification interface includes a transition to a negative heat transfer region. The mold moves in the first direction at a constant speed, and the mold includes heat transfer features such that a solidification time of the molten casting material at the conditions of the solidification interface is approximately constant as a function of the second direction.

Abstract: A system is disclosed including an image sensor positioned at a first specified angle relative to a projected image plane. The system includes a projector that projects a test pattern onto the projected image plane. A controller is structured to iteratively adjust the projector focus until an image focus index is maximized, where the image focus index is a function of an amplitude of at least one harmonic frequency of a scan of the test pattern. The controller is further structured to determine a skew indicator value and adjust a projector skew adjustment. The controller is further structured to compare a current zoom level to a target zoom level and adjust a projector zoom. The projected image plane is a manufacturing surface, where the projected image is utilized in a manufacturing process.

Abstract: An apparatus for bottom pouring into an investment cast includes a container that holds a melted casting material, where the container moves from a first container position to a second container position. In the first container position, holes on a stationary nozzle are not exposed to the interior of the container, and the melted casting material remains in the container. In the second container position, holes on the stationary nozzle are exposed to the interior of the container, and the melted casting material flows out the bottom of the container through the stationary nozzle. A temperature detection device determines the temperature of the melted casting material, and a heating device heats the melted casting material to a specified temperature.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods and systems for leaching material from an object. Examples include leaching ceramic from metallic components. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for leaching systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique method for forming a cast porous article. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for forming cast porous articles. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: A system includes a stereo-lithography device having a primary fluid vessel having an amount of a photo-curable fluid therein. The system includes a leveling reservoir fluidly coupled to the primary fluid vessel, where a fluid level in the leveling reservoir is vertically positionable. The system further includes a controller that maintains a pre-determined level of the photo-curable fluid in the primary fluid vessel by vertically positioning the fluid level in the leveling reservoir.

Abstract: A method of initiating a pour of a liquid alloy comprises the steps of filling an interior of a crucible with a displacement plunger and the liquid alloy until a metal head of the liquid alloy exceeds a critical height. The crucible has a bottom pour opening with a plug inserted therein. The plug is configured to be buoyant within the liquid alloy when the liquid alloy is below the critical height. Pour is initiated by at least partially withdrawing the displacement plunger until the metal head drops below the critical height.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique filter and a method for manufacturing the same. Another embodiment is a unique system for casting a metallic object. Another embodiment is a unique method of filtering a molten metal. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for filtering molten metal. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: An article produced using, among other techniques, free-form fabrication having a binder matrix and particles can be supported during a temperature processing, such as burn-out of the binder matrix, with a support composition to maintain geometry and/or alleviate changes in geometry of the article. The support composition can take a variety of forms such as foams, two phase materials, plastic powders, carbon powders, etc. The support material is sacrificed during the thermal processing, such as through decomposition. Such a decomposition can occur when the support composition evolves into a carbonaceous structure. The support composition can also oxidize to a gas, melt, or vaporize, among other types of sacrificial action.

Abstract: An apparatus for bottom pouring into an investment cast includes a container that holds a melted casting material, where the container moves from a first container position to a second container position. In the first container position, holes on a stationary nozzle are not exposed to the interior of the container, and the melted casting material remains in the container. In the second container position, holes on the stationary nozzle are exposed to the interior of the container, and the melted casting material flows out the bottom of the container through the stationary nozzle. A temperature detection device determines the temperature of the melted casting material, and a heating device heats the melted casting material to a specified temperature.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique method for forming a cast porous article. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for forming cast porous articles. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.