Abstract: Method of making a current collecting grid for solar cells, including the steps of a) providing a continuous layer stack (1) on a substrate (8), the layer stack (1) including an upper (2) and a lower (3) conductive layer having a photoactive layer (4) interposed there between; b) selectively removing the upper conductive layer (2) and the photoactive layer (4) for obtaining a first contact hole (10) extending through the upper conductive layer (2) and photoactive layer (4) exposing the lower conductive layer (3); c) printing a front contact body (4) on the upper conductive layer (2) and a back contact body (5) in the first contact hole (10) on the lower conductive layer (3) and forming an electrically insulating first gap surrounding the back contact body (5) between the upper conductive layer (2) and the back contact body (2).

Abstract: A 3D additive manufacturing machine and an additive manufacturing method for manufacturing objects layer by layer, to obviate a need for a rotating prism. The machine can fill spaces in any one layer between paths generated by neighboring illumination spots from an array by sweeping subsequent paths between previously manufactured paths or by meandering along the paths. As a consequence, sufficient intensity may be provided for 3D additive manufacturing, even when using LEDs as a light sources.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to computer implemented method of supporting on support elements during 3D printing on a print platform of a 3D print object to be 3D printed based on a 3D print model, comprising: obtaining the 3D model by the computer; and displaying a visual representation of the 3D model on a display connected to the computer, CHARACTERISED BY displaying the visual representation of the model with individually user-selectable faces; receiving, by the computer, input from the user on a selected one of the faces, for support by a minimum number of added support elements to minimize scarring of the object. Based on this input, the computer implemented method proceeds to automatically orient the model, place supports, and 3D print the object from the model. The user is relieved from tedious or cumbersome manipulations of the model before printing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to create an object through excitation, curing or hardening of material, such as a three dimensional printer, comprising:—a substrate of at least a plate (1) of semi-rigid material defining a reference surface; and—a source of excitation, curing and/or hardening focussed above or below the substrate. The semi-rigidness of the substrate may be inherent to the substrate itself, or a release layer may be provided on the substrate itself.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to computer implemented method of supporting on support elements during 3D printing on a print platform of a 3D print object to be 3D printed based on a 3D print model, comprising: —obtaining the 3D model by the computer, and —displaying a visual representation of the 3D model on a display connected to the computer, CHARACTERISED BY —displaying the visual representation of the model with individually user-selectable faces; —receiving, by the computer, input from the user on a selected one of the faces, for support by a minimum number of added support elements to minimize scarring of the object. Based on this input, the computer implemented method proceeds to automatically orient the model, place supports, and 3D print the object from the model. The user is relieved from tedious or cumbersome manipulations of the model before printing.

Abstract: A 3D printer and a method implemented therein for limiting inherent material accretion which may result during the 3D printing and which results in deformations relative to a desired form for printing. Two mechanisms are disclosed for this purpose. For example, on the basis of a provided model one mechanism includes compensating the model for inherent accretion and generating layers for printing for the 3D printer on the basis of the compensated model. Another mechanism includes generating layers for printing for the 3D printer on the basis of the model and compensating the layers for printing for inherent accretion.

Abstract: Method of making an array of interconnected solar cells, including a) providing a continuous layer stack (1) of a prescribed thickness on a substrate (8), the layer stack (1) including an upper (2) and a lower (3) conductive layer having a photoactive layer (4) and a semiconducting electron transport layer (6) interposed there between; b) selectively removing the upper conductive layer (2) and the photoactive layer (4) for obtaining a contact hole (10) exposing the semiconducting electron transport layer (6); c) selectively heating the layer stack (1) to a first depth (d1) for obtaining a first heat affected zone (12) at a first center-to-center distance (s1) from the contact hole (10), the first heat affected zone (12) being transformed into a substantially insulating region with substantially the first depth (d1) in the layer stack, thereby locally providing an increased electrical resistivity to the layer stack (1).

Abstract: A 3D printer and a method implemented therein for limiting inherent material accretion which may result during the 3D printing and which results in deformations relative to a desired form for printing. Two mechanisms are disclosed for this purpose. For example, on the basis of a provided model one mechanism includes compensating the model for inherent accretion and generating layers for printing for the 3D printer on the basis of the compensated model. Another mechanism includes generating layers for printing for the 3D printer on the basis of the model and compensating the layers for printing for inherent accretion.

Abstract: Solar cell arrangement of a thin film solar cell array on a substrate; each solar cell being layered with a bottom electrode, a photovoltaic active layer, a top electrode and an insulating layer. A first trench and a second trench parallel to the first trench at a first side, separate a first solar cell and an adjacent second solar cell. The first and second trenches are filled with insulating material. The first trench extends to the substrate. The second trench extends into the photovoltaic active layer below the top electrode. A third trench extending to the bottom electrode is between the first and second trench. A fourth trench extending to the top electrode is at a second side of the first trench. The third and fourth trench are filled with conductive material. A conductive bridge connects the third trench and the fourth trench across the first trench.

Abstract: Method of making a current collecting grid for solar cells, including the steps of a) providing a continuous layer stack (1) on a substrate (8), the layer stack (1) including an upper (2) and a lower (3) conductive layer having a photoactive layer (4) interposed there between; b) selectively removing the upper conductive layer (2) and the photoactive layer (4) for obtaining a first contact hole (10) extending through the upper conductive layer (2) and photoactive layer (4) exposing the lower conductive layer (3); c) printing a front contact body (4) on the upper conductive layer (2) and a back contact body (5) in the first contact hole (10) on the lower conductive layer (3) and forming an electrically insulating first gap surrounding the back contact body (5) between the upper conductive layer (2) and the back contact body (2).

Abstract: Solar cell arrangement of a thin film solar cell array on a substrate; each solar cell being layered with a bottom electrode, a photovoltaic active layer, a top electrode and an insulating layer. A first trench and a second trench parallel to the first trench at a first side, separate a first solar cell and an adjacent second solar cell. The first and second trenches are filled with insulating material. The first trench extends to the substrate. The second trench extends into the photovoltaic active layer below the top electrode. A third trench extending to the bottom electrode is between the first and second trench. A fourth trench extending to the top electrode is at a second side of the first trench. The third and fourth trench are filled with conductive material. A conductive bridge connects the third trench and the fourth trench across the first trench.

Abstract: Method of making an array of interconnected solar cells, including a) providing a continuous layer stack (1) of a prescribed thickness on a substrate (8), the layer stack (1) including an upper (2) and a lower (3) conductive layer having a photoactive layer (4) and a semiconducting electron transport layer (6) interposed there between; b) selectively removing the upper conductive layer (2) and the photoactive layer (4) for obtaining a contact hole (10) exposing the semiconducting electron transport layer (6); c) selectively heating the layer stack (1) to a first depth (d1) for obtaining a first heat affected zone (12) at a first centre-to-centre distance (s1) from the contact hole (10), the first heat affected zone (12) being transformed into a substantially insulating region with substantially the first depth (d1) in the layer stack, thereby locally providing an increased electrical resistivity to the layer stack (1).