Abstract: In an injection molding mold, a cavity to shape an impeller is formed on a cavity piece. The cavity piece includes an inner piece portion on which the cavity is formed, and a support piece portion turnably supporting the inner piece portion and movably mounted on a fixed-side mold. This cavity piece is moved to a first mold separating position together with a movable-side mold. The inner piece portion is formed such that a spiral pattern groove to shape a plurality of spiral pattern vanes of the impeller constitutes a part of the cavity. When the movable-side mold separates from the cavity piece at the first mold separating position, the impeller moves integrally with the movable-side mold and separates from the inner piece portion while turning the inner piece portion such that the vane slides and moves inside the spiral pattern groove of the inner piece portion.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a timepiece component having a first step (E1) consisting in arranging a metal insert in an injection mold, one surface of said metal insert being at least partially coated with a primer, a second step (E2) of injecting an elastomer material into the injection mold in order to overmold the elastomer material over the metal insert, a third step (E3) of vulcanizing the elastomer material, wherein the temperature of the injection mold is variable, and a step (E31) of increasing the temperature of the injection mold between a first temperature at a first instant during the injection second step (E2), and a second temperature higher than the first temperature at a second instant, during the vulcanization third step (E3).

Abstract: A method for moulding an optical component by means of a mould, at least one moulding station, and at least one cooling station including a cooling space, the method including: a step of moulding a moulded component in a moulding station, a step of transferring this component from this moulding station into the cooling space, keeping the moulded component facing at least one of the mould parts, a step of cooling the moulded component by sending a cooling fluid between the moulded component and the walls of the cooling space, the moulded component being kept some distance from these walls.

Abstract: Non-time dependent calculated variables based on measured strain are used to effectively determine an optimal hold profile for an expanding crosslinking polymer part in a mold cavity. A system and/or approach may first inject molten expanding crosslinking polymer into a mold cavity, then measure strain at the mold cavity or at another location within the injection molding system, and then calculate at least one non-time dependent variable during an injection molding cycle. Next, the system and/or method commences a hold profile for the part, and upon completing the hold profile, the part is ejected from the mold cavity, whereupon a cure profile is commenced.

Abstract: A system and method for extruding film with a thickened profile section. In some embodiments, the film forms bags with integral zipper profiles. Plastic film is extruded to form a tube. During extrusion, each thickened profile section is radiantly cooled in a preferential manner before thinner sections of the film freeze. A freezing control device includes at least one radiant cooling plate that is operatively aligned with a thickened profile section. The device also includes a cooling fluid recirculation system configured to maintain the plate at a temperature below the temperature of the extruded tube. The plate can be adjustably mounted on a base for positioning the plate at the desired orientation for cooling the thickened profile section of the tube.

Abstract: A consolidation system configured to consolidate a bulk molding compound, the apparatus comprises a barrel, a low compression first stage within the barrel, a high compression second stage within the barrel coupled with the low compression first stage, a die breaker coupled to the high compression second stage, and an extrusion die coupled to the die breaker. The low compression first stage includes a low compression screw for mixing and compressing a bulk molding compound comprising a resin and fillers. The high compression second stage includes a high compression screw for compressing the bulk molding compound into a compressed material. The die breaker comprises at least one of a plurality of holes or a plurality of slots.

Abstract: A blow mold unit including: a blow mold including first and second blow cavity split molds and a plurality of raised bottom molds; first and second pressure receiving members; first and second fixing plates to which the first and second blow cavity split molds and the first and second pressure receiving members are respectively fixed; a third fixing plate interposed between the first and second fixing plates and to which the raised bottom molds are fixed at a first surface thereof; a pressure receiving rod extending down from a second surface; and a placement portion fixed to at least one of the first and second fixing plates and placing the third fixing plate thereon when the first and second blow cavity split molds are closed. The pressure receiving rod includes a first engaging portion engageable with a second engaging portion in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A thermoplastic processing system includes an upper form die and a lower form die. A plurality of electrical contact devices are disposed in at least one of the upper form die and the lower form die. The plurality of electrical contact devices make electrical contact with at least one carbon reinforcing layer upon insertion of the carbon reinforcing layer into at least one of the upper form die and the lower form die. The plurality of electrical contact devices are adapted to expose the at least one carbon reinforcing layer to an electrical current, thereby causing a temperature increase in the at least one carbon reinforcing layer. The plurality of electrical contact devices are adapted to monitor a resistance of the at least one carbon reinforcing layer during application of the electrical current.

Abstract: A method for forming a composite tube includes the steps of: braiding a plurality of strips to form a workpiece tube; bending the workpiece tube to form a bend; and extending the length of the workpiece tube by continuing the braiding step.

Abstract: The invention encompasses compositions and methods for designing or producing three-dimensional articles layer-by-layer, whereby the specific approach to build-up a region of a single layer by fusion, deposition of material, or other path-based process or non-path process that creates track-like geometries requires either differing track or track-like geometry, or track or track-like geometry printing parameters, within a region of a single layer or within adjoining regions of multiple layers, is disclosed. Employing this method, single layer or multilayer parameter-varying fusing and deposition strategies can be generated that reduce article fabrication time and improve article physical properties, in part by targeting a distribution of scan paths that satisfy covering problem overlap and/or dense packing criteria.

Abstract: A method of making a foamed article, for example a foamed component for an article or footwear, comprises depositing an unfoamed, thermoplastic polymer onto a support surface in a three-dimensional printing process to form an unfoamed article; heating the article to soften the article and infusing the softened article with at least one inert gas at a first pressure greater than atmospheric pressure that is sufficient to cause the at least one inert gas to permeate into the softened article; and reducing the pressure to second pressure below the first pressure while the article is softened to at least partially foam the article, wherein a surface of a partial mold limits foam expansion in at least one direction but less than all directions.

Abstract: Various examples of systems and methods are provided for three-dimensional (3D) printing of reactive materials. In one aspect, among others, a system includes a droplet generation assembly comprising a first printhead coupled to a first reservoir of reactive material and a second printhead coupled to a second reservoir of reactive material, the first and second printheads configured to produce jets of reactive material droplets; a jet alignment assembly configured to adjust orientation of the first and second printheads to align the jets of the reactive material droplets for intersection at a collision point; and a motion control assembly configured to adjust positioning of the first and second printheads and a platform configured to position a deposition location at the collision point.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating an object on a substrate, the apparatus including a plurality of nozzles arranged in an array and each nozzle being in communication with a supply of build material and configured to expel a quantity of the build material therefrom, and also including a controller configured to selectively operate each nozzle to deposit a portion of the build material, responsive to data relating to a geometry of the object. During operation, the controller selectively operates at least some of the nozzles to deposit portions of the build material in specific locations corresponding with the object geometry, wherein at least one of the portions abuts the substrate and the portions are progressively deposited until the portions form the object.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a colored 3D object is provided. The method includes: forming, based on layer-structure data of a target object, a layer-structure product by printing of a molding material; forming a layer-print product by printing color inks on the layer-structure product based on layer-color data; and repeatedly forming the layer-print product to provide a plurality of the layer-print products, and fabricating a colored 3D object from the plurality of the layer-print products, stacked one over another. The color inks are printed synchronously or following the formation of the layer-structure product. A system for fabricating a colored 3D object includes a processing terminal, a print head, and a drive controller. The method and system improve a dimensional accuracy and printing efficiency of the colored 3D object.

Abstract: An energetic thermoplastic filament comprising an energetic material bound within a thermoplastic matrix and methods for the fabrication of an energetic thermoplastic filament are disclosed. The energetic material comprises an energetic material selected from an explosive, a propellant, a pyrotechnic, an oxidizer, or combinations thereof. The thermoplastic comprises a TPE, ETPE, or combinations thereof. The thermoplastic filaments may be formed by extrusion. The energetic thermoplastic filaments are particularly suitable for additive manufacturing by thermal FDM style 3D printing systems.

Abstract: A support material for use in an additive manufacturing system includes a copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone (VP) monomers and elastomeric monomers. The elastomeric monomers and the VP monomers are covalently bonded and copolymerized. The support material is thermally stable even at temperatures above 80° C. and is disintegrable in aqueous solutions such as tap water.

Abstract: A polymeric blend includes a blend of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymers. The polymeric material includes a blend of at least two PVP polymers wherein at least one of the PVP polymers has an average molecular weight of about 40,000 daltons or greater. The support material can be thermally stable at temperatures above 80° C. The support material is disintegrable in aqueous solutions such as tap water.

Abstract: According to the disclosure there is provided a printing apparatus for 3-D printing an object. The 3D object comprises a layered object. The apparatus has a build module, having a build platform, an application head, and a print module. The application head forming an object layer and the print module including at least one printhead for applying colour to the layer of the build object. A method of manufacturing a 3D object comprising a plurality of layers is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to additive manufacturing cartridges having an oxygen impermeable layer and to processes for producing cured polymeric products by additive manufacturing wherein the oxygen content during additive manufacturing is limited such as by use of the cartridge and/or by use of an inert gas.

Abstract: A multiple light source correction apparatus and a method of use thereof are disclosed. The multiple light source correction apparatus (10) comprises a transparent thin plate (1) having a first correction pattern (12), a second correction pattern (13) and at least one third correction pattern (14). The first correction pattern (12) includes a first straight line (121) having first and second end points (1211, 1212). The second correction pattern (13) includes a second straight line (131) and two U-shaped frames (132). The second straight line (131) includes third and fourth end points (1311, 1312). The two U-shaped frame (132) is installed at externals of the third and fourth end points (1311, 1312) respectively. The third correction pattern (14) includes a third straight line (141) having fifth and sixth end points (1411, 1412). The first, second and third straight lines (121, 131, 141) are arranged parallel to each other.

Abstract: Provided herein according to some embodiments is a method of forming a three-dimensional object, comprising: (a) forming a first intermediate object from a first polymerizable liquid; (b) forming a second intermediate object from a second polymerizable liquid; (c) optionally washing said first intermediate and said second intermediate; (d) contacting said first intermediate object to said second intermediate object; and then, (e) solidifying and/or curing a second solidifiable component (e.g., said second reactive component) in each of said first and second intermediate objects while said first and second intermediate objects are in contact with one another to couple said first and second intermediate objects to one another and form said three-dimensional object.

Abstract: The present invention is a three-dimensional modeling material containing an alicyclic structure-containing polymer and having a void fraction of 10 vol % or lower, a method for producing the three-dimensional modeling material, and a resin formed article obtained by a thermal melting lamination method using the three-dimensional modeling material. Though the present invention, there are provided a three-dimensional modeling material capable of obtaining a resin formed article having little warp and excellent in impact resistance and appearance, a production method therefor, and a resin formed article formed by using the three-dimensional modeling material.

Abstract: A method for producing a three-dimensional object on a support by applying layer by layer and selectively solidifying a building material in powder form. The method includes lowering the support to a predetermined height below a working plane, applying a layer of the building material in powder form in the working plane, selectively solidifying the applied powder layer at positions corresponding to a cross-section of the object to be produced and repeating the steps of lowering, applying and selectively solidifying until the object is completed. By doing so, the quantity of applied building material in powder form is reduced in a section in an actively controlled way or substantially no building material in powder form is applied in a section in an actively controlled way.

Abstract: A method for controlling the exposure of a selective laser sintering or laser melting apparatus. The method includes providing a selective laser sintering apparatus or laser melting apparatus that uses successive solidification of layers of a powder-type construction material that can be solidified using radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for three-dimensional printing of composite materials of continuous fibre, in which a feed head for feeding a compound material of continuous fibre is moved so as to print a three-dimensional object; a means for relative movement between the feed head and the three-dimensional object exerts a drawing force on the compound material of continuous fibre, so as to bring about the feeding of the material; this material is realized at a station arranged upstream of the feed head.

Abstract: A device and a method for producing a three-dimensional object from at least one fluid-phase, fusable material has at least one discharge unit (12) with FIG. 4 at least one outlet opening for the generative discharge of the fusable material for building up the object (50). By means of at least one fibre feeding device (60), at least one fibre element (61) is supplied for embedding 12 the fibre element in the fusable material discharged from the discharge unit (12), wherein the fibre feeding device (60) is movable for the alignment of the fibre element in relation to an advancement in the building of the object. The fact that the fibre feeding device (60) is mounted on the discharge unit (12) and is movable in relation to the discharge unit (12) means that a selective introduction of fibre elements is made available for the production of a three-dimensional object with improved material properties by the generative process.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a platform, a dispenser to deliver a plurality of successive layers of feed material on the platform, a light source to generate one or more light beams, a first galvo mirror scanner positioned to direct a first light beam onto a topmost layer of the plurality of successive layers, a second galvo mirror scanner positioned to direct a second light beam onto the topmost layer of the plurality of successive layers, and a controller configured to cause the first galvo mirror scanner to direct the first light beam to pre-heat or heat-treat an area of the topmost layer and to cause the second galvo mirror scanner to direct the second light beam to fuse the area of the topmost layer.

Abstract: A secure extruder device includes a material delivery channel, a nozzle part, a parameter part, a thermal-control part, a material auto-destruction module and/or a parameter auto-destruction module. The material delivery channel is assembled with an extrusion part. The nozzle part is connected to the material delivery channel for ejecting material in the material delivery channel out. The parameter part provides parameters for a printing task to a microcontroller. The thermal-control part heats the nozzle part according to the parameters for the printing task. The material auto-destruction module destroys the material delivery channel after the printing task is completed. The parameter auto-destruction module destroys the parameters for the printing task after the printing task is completed. The microcontroller controls the extrusion part based on the parameters for the printing task so that the extrusion part delivers the material disposed inside the material delivery channel to the nozzle part.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device and method for additive manufacturing, the device having an extrusion nozzle and a printing surface, wherein the extrusion nozzle is configured to deposit material onto a printing surface, and the printing surface is configured to rotate about a primary axis, the primary axis being normal to a centroid of the printing surface, the printing surface also being tiltable.

Abstract: A 3-D printing system comprising a plurality of printers. The printers are motorized to allow movement in X and Y directions or to rotate freely. Each printer may have one or more printheads. Also provided is a surface independent from said printers adapted to receive a printed object.

Abstract: 3-D printing transfers build material and support from an intermediate transfer belt (ITB) to a platen. The build material is the same as the support material, except that the build material includes a photoinitiator and the support material does not. The platen moves to make contact with the ITB, and the ITB transfers successive layers of build material and support material each time the platen contacts the ITB. The platen and a portion of the ITB that is adjacent the platen are heated prior to the platen contacting the ITB, and the same is exposed so as to crosslink polymers of build material, without crosslinking polymers of support material. The polymers of build material being crosslinked and the polymers of support material not being crosslinked makes the support material selectively soluble in a solvent.

Abstract: In a stereolithography device (1), a three-dimensional object (2) is generated by curing a photosensitive substance (3) under the action of specific radiation, wherein the device includes a support unit, a radiation source (8) for generating the radiation, and a cartridge unit (10) that can be positioned on the support unit and removed therefrom. The cartridge unit (10) includes an interior space (140) surrounded by a casing (14), wherein the casing of the cartridge unit is deformable and at least partially transparent to the radiation triggering the curing process. The interior space (140) surrounded by the casing has a volume including a receiving space (4) in which the photosensitive substance (3) is present for at least a duration of an irradiation and curing process and accessible to the radiation.

Abstract: A 3D printing pen for drawing conductive wires includes a tube, a nozzle, at least two conduits, at least one light, and a controller. The nozzle has a securing portion and a discharge portion. The securing portion is attached to the tube. The discharge portion is mounted on the securing portion. The conduits are disposed in the tube. Each conduit has a lower portion extending into the securing portion and the discharge portion of the nozzle. Different light curable materials are contained in each conduit. The light is mounted on the securing portion of the nozzle. The controller has a power unit disposed in the tube. The power unit causes the light curable materials to flow from the discharge portion of the nozzle, the light irradiates and cures the light curable materials to form a conductive wire.

Abstract: In a method for providing a three-dimensional object, the method comprises the steps of providing a representation of the three-dimensional object; determining a polygon mesh of a polyhedral resembling the object, wherein the polyhedral fits within the object; determining a surface difference between an outer surface of the object and an outer surface of the polyhedral; defining a relief layer corresponding to the polygon mesh based on said surface difference; instructing a printing assembly to provide the relief layer; and folding the relief layer in accordance with the polygon mesh to form the polyhedral resembling the three-dimensional object. Thus, using a printing assembly configured to print two-dimensional layers, a three-dimensional object may be provided or at least approximated.

Abstract: Resin products useful for making three-dimensional objects by additive manufacturing, as well as methods of making the same, and of using the same, are provided. The resin products may include additional oxygen solubilized in a resin in addition to that amount of oxygen otherwise absorbed by the resin from the ambient atmosphere prior to or during packaging of the resin in a container, less nitrogen solubilized in the resin as compared to that amount of nitrogen otherwise absorbed by the resin from the ambient atmosphere prior to or during packaging of the resin in a container, or both.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing apparatus includes a printing table, a line head, a conveyor, an air supplier, and a controller. The line head includes discharge holes disposed in a straight line in a first direction intersecting a scanning direction. The air supplier supplies air to a lower surface of the line head in a second direction intersecting the first direction such that the air is supplied from a rear side to a front side in the scanning direction when the line head moves relative to the printing table while discharging a curing liquid.

Abstract: In an additive 3D printing method for production of shaped articles from silicone elastomers, an elastomeric shaped body is built up step by step, by repeatedly precisely positioning portions of the crosslinkable silicone material and crosslinking by means of electromagnetic radiation. Charges that occur on the surface of the print material or on the article are neutralized by means of an ionization system.

Abstract: Embodiments include techniques for determining the uniformity of a powder layer distribution, where the techniques include pre-heating a powder layer, scanning the powder layer, and receiving a signal from the powder layer. The techniques also include filtering the received signal, measuring a radiation intensity of the received signal over a range of wavelengths, and comparing the measured radiation intensity to a reference spectrum for the powder layer.

Abstract: A process of additive manufacturing in which a stack of non-planar layers of material are deposited for manufacturing an object. The non-planar layers can conform to the surface of the object or not. The non-planar layers can create structurally-advantageous interior structures in the object. The contours of the non-planar layers can be different or can be the same.

Abstract: A method controls an additive manufacturing apparatus, in which an object is built by consolidating material in a layer-by-layer manner. The method includes receiving commands to be executed by the additive manufacturing apparatus to cause the additive manufacturing apparatus to carry out a build of an object, wherein each command includes an identifier identifying a time during the build at which the command is to be executed, and executing each command on the additive manufacturing apparatus in accordance with the time identified by the associated identifier. Further, an apparatus and a data carrier carry out the method.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for printing a three-dimensional (3D) object. A method for printing a 3D object may comprise receiving a computer model of the 3D object in computer memory and generating a parametric representation of the computer model of the 3D object. Next, a first edge in a parametric representation of a curved surface of the computer model may be selected, and a 3D tool path may be generated at least in part by: (i) selecting a first set of points on the first edge; and (ii) computing coordinates of a second set of points on a second edge parallel to the first edge in the parametric representation, wherein the first edge and the second edge define the 3D tool path. Printing instructions may then be generated for printing at least a portion of the 3D object along the tool path.

Abstract: Method for calibrating an apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by layer-wise selective solidification of building material with the step of generating an substantially periodic first modulation pattern in a first sub-area of the build area, the step of generating an substantially periodic second modulation pattern in a second sub-area of the build area, wherein in the overlap zone, the first modulation pattern and the second modulation pattern form an substantially periodic superposition pattern, whose period is larger than the period of the first modulation pattern and the period of the second modulation pattern, the step of detecting the superposition pattern, and the step of determining the deviation of the position of the superposition pattern on the build area from a reference position.

Abstract: 3D printed articles, especially those composed of elastomeric silicones, are provided with details including corners and surfaces of high accuracy by placing voxels or strands of curable material at target locations, where the actual position of the print head is determined, and this actual location rather than an assumed location is used to control material placement.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus in which a streak in a manufacturing direction is difficult to be made on the surface of a product manufactured object in a boundary region of projection regions of exposure images is provided. In this apparatus, a vessel holds a photosetting liquid resin material, a first projector makes a first exposure image incident from an incident surface and projects it into the resin material, a second projector makes a second exposure image, continuous with the first exposure image, incident from the incident surface and projects it into the resin material, and a controlling unit adjusts on a projection surface a boundary region between a first projection image obtained by projecting the first exposure image by the first projector and a second projection image obtained by projecting the second exposure image by the second projector.

Abstract: In order to improve shape accuracy of a manufactured object, there is provided an additive manufacturing apparatus which comprises: a light source; a vessel, having a light transmitting portion through which light of the light source is transmitted, for storing a photosetting resin material to be cured by the light of the light source; an image forming element for forming image light corresponding to image data from the incident light from the light source; a projection optical system for projecting the image light on a manufacturing position inside the vessel through the light transmitting portion; a moving member for moving a manufacturing layer cured by the image light at the manufacturing position, in a separation direction away from the light transmitting portion; and a controlling unit for controlling the image forming element.

Abstract: A new method for fully automatically manufacturing a fluid container with a pressure unit is described, which pressure unit is mounted in a fluid container. In a station the high-pressure container of the pressure unit is mounted with the closure and the bottom part and is clamped at the upper and lower ends by clamping means and is rotated by rotating means associated with the clamping means.

Abstract: An assembly of joined injection molded parts and a method for joining injection molded parts is disclosed herein. The assembly includes, but is not limited to, a first injection molded part having a first bonding area. The first bonding area has a plurality of first fingers extending from a surface of the first bonding area. The assembly further includes a second injection molded part having a second bonding area. The second bonding area corresponds in shape to the first bonding area and has a plurality of second fingers that extend from a surface of the second bonding area. The assembly includes an adhesive tape arranged between the plurality of first fingers and the plurality of second fingers. The adhesive tape is configured to bond the first injection molded part to the second injection molded part.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for heating a reinforcing layer of a composite material structure is disclosed. The heating apparatus includes a housing having a base and a housing body defining a housing interior space. A radiant heating assembly is disposed within the housing and configured to transfer radiant heat to the reinforcing layer. Additionally, a convection heating assembly is formed within the housing including at least one convection assembly gas passage. The heating apparatus further includes a convection assembly gas outlet coupled to the convection assembly gas passage and a convection assembly gas flows from the convection assembly gas outlet. The convection assembly gas flows along to heat the convection assembly gas. The heating apparatus further includes a redirection gas passage coupled to a redirection nozzle formed at a convection heat application point. A redirection gas flows from the redirection nozzle to direct the convection assembly gas towards the reinforcing layer.

Abstract: A three dimensional printing device includes a plane, a projector, a separation mechanism, and a driving mechanism. The plane is used to put a first photocured material and a second photocured material. The projector emits a light to cure the first photocured material and the second photocured material. The separation mechanism is disposed on the plane and used for separating the first photocured material and the second photocured material, and the driving mechanism drives the separation mechanism to change a location of the first photocured material on the plane.

Abstract: A user may create a customized virtual game character and the customized virtual game character may be physically substantiated. In some embodiments the virtual game character is physically substantiated by making a toy in the form of the virtual game character, which in some embodiments has computer readable information regarding the virtual game character. In some embodiments the toy is made by way of 3-D printing. In various embodiments portions of the toy which may be considered too thin for 3-D printing are expanded. In some embodiments internal ambient occlusion information is used in determining if a portion is too thin.