Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for aiding in the removal of one or more test specimens from a build plate. The system includes an anchor portion disposed separate from the build plate. The anchor portion may include one or more attachment points for receiving and attaching one more stretchable bands. The stretchable bands may be sized to be stretched from each of the one or more specimens to the one or more of the attachment points. In this manner, a pulling force may be imparted on each test specimen, and the test specimen is moved away from the build plate during its removal. The system may be utilized particularly in conjunction with EDM and removing the test specimens using an EDM wire.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for aiding in the removal of an article of manufacture from a build plate. The system may include a catch mechanism, namely a catch basket, a support surface to which the catch mechanism is mounted and a net disposed across the catch basket. The support surface may include a spring mechanism. The net may be disposed of at a distance above a bottom portion of the catch basket.

Abstract: A removal apparatus for aiding in the removal of an additive manufacturing build plate from a support structure is provided. The removal apparatus may include a plurality of printed geometries disposed proximate one or more fasteners securing or anchoring the build plate to the support structure. The printed geometries may be printed concurrently with the additive manufacturing article. The apparatus may further include one or more expansion bolts sized for installation between a pair of printed geometries positioned apart from one another. The expansion bolts may include a small lead screw, a large lead screw and a coupling nut. In operation, rotation of the coupling nut in a first direction lengthens the expansion bolt to push the printed geometry outward thereby reducing the distortion in the build plate so that the fastener between the build plate and the support structure may be removed.