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: 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 corrosion resistance system is disclosed that can be used in conjunction with a leaching device for removal of a mold from a cast component. The corrosion resistance system includes a container having a working fluid, such as a caustic fluid. A cast component and mold is placed within the container and a power supply is coupled to the component. During operation of the corrosion resistance system the cast component can be configured as an anode or as a cathode to provide for anodic or cathodic corrosion resistance. In one form the power supply is connected with an electrical conductor to the container and the cast component placed in electrical coupling with the container. An inert gas purge can supply an inert gas to the container. A vacuum pump can be used to remove gas from the container. Furthermore, an oxygen getter can be used in some embodiments.

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: A container having a working fluid that can be used to build freeform fabricated components is disclosed. A distributing member and a fluid moving device are used in conjunction with the container. The fluid moving device can take the form of a pump and the distributing member is moveable across a surface of the working fluid to either deposit working fluid or withdraw working fluid from the surface. The distributing member is in fluid communication with the fluid moving device, which is in fluid communication with an opening in the container.

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 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: 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 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: Supports for green ceramic stereolithography parts are disclosed which limit or minimize deformation during burnout and sintering. The supports have a time/temperature thermal response tuned to the part being sintered and control geometrically-induced distortion or gravimetric sag.

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 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: 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: Systems and processes are disclosed to provide pre-heated air to a furnace configured to treat ceramic green bodies which are made of a particulate material and a combustible fugitive binder. In one embodiment the furnace includes a heater disposed within an intake conduit which supplies pre-heated air to a combustion chamber disposed within the furnace.

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: 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: A method for the production of a cast component comprising the steps of: 1) providing a molten metal mass in a casting mold and exposing the casting mold to a cooling environment thereby creating a solidification interface between molten metal regions and solidified metal regions, and 2) applying at least one focused energy source either to a portion of the filled casting mold to control a temperature gradient near the solidification interface.

Abstract: The removal of ceramic material from the interior of cast metallic components is accomplished in a closed system. A vessel within the system is filled with a chemical leaching fluid that immerses the cast component having the ceramic material and/or ceramic cores therein. The leaching fluid is superheated and boiling is controlled by varying the pressure within the closed system without changing the molecules in the vessel.

Abstract: The removal of ceramic material from the interior of cast metallic components is accomplished in a closed system. A vessel within the system is filled with a chemical leaching fluid that immerses the cast component having the ceramic material and/or ceramic cores therein. The leaching fluid is superheated and boiling is controlled by varying the pressure within the closed system without changing the molecules in the vessel.

Abstract: A method for the production of a cast component comprising the steps of: