Abstract: According to an example, an apparatus may include a processor and a memory. The memory may have stored thereon machine readable instructions that may cause the processor to access an initial halftone image of a three-dimensional (3D) object, the initial halftone image being generated from a continuous tone image of the 3D object. The instructions may also cause the processor to iteratively modify voxel data for the initial halftone image to identify updated voxel data that more accurately corresponds to the continuous tone image than the initial halftone image and to generate halftone image printing data for the 3D object containing the updated voxel data.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a build plate for physically adhering or holding a three-dimensional (3D) object to a build surface and methods for mechanically anchoring the 3D object to the build surface using printing or building materials. In one embodiment, a build plate comprises a plurality of anchor holes spaced throughout a top surface of the first build plate, in which an individual anchor hole comprises a top hole portion and a bottom chamfer hole portion that is larger in size than the top portion.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for providing variation in bead size to improve geometrical accuracy of deposited layers in an additive manufacturing process. The system may include at least one processor configured to receive a plurality of toolpaths along which a 3D printer deposits beads of material in a plurality of layers in order to additively build up a product. Based on the toolpaths, the processor may determine an image for each layer and may process the images based on a default bead size to determine a bead size image for each layer comprised of pixels having values that specify bead size for locations along the toolpaths.

Abstract: Algorithmic reasoning about a cutting tool assembly's space of feasible configurations can be effectively harnessed to construct a sequence of motions that guarantees a collision-free path for the tool assembly to remove each support structure in the sequence. A greedy algorithm models the motion of the cutting tool assembly through the free-spaces around the intermediate shapes of the part as the free-spaces iteratively reduce in size to the near-net shape to determine feasible points of contact for the cutting tool assembly. Each support beam is evaluated for a contact feature along the boundary of the near-net shape that constitutes a feasible point of contact. If a support beam has at least one feasible configuration at each point, the support beam is deemed ‘accessible’ and a collection of tool assembly configurations that are guaranteed to be non-colliding but which can access all points of contact of each accessible support beam can be generated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an additive for laser-markable and/or laser-weldable polymer materials, and in particular to the use of pigments which comprise niobium-doped titanium dioxide as laser absorbing additive in polymer materials, to polymer materials which comprise a laser absorbing additive of this type and to a laser-marked or laser-welded product comprising at least one polymer material and niobium-doped titanium dioxide containing pigments as laser absorbing additive.

Abstract: Provided is a laser welded body which can be manufactured without undergoing complicated steps and maintain the characteristics of a resin contained in a resin member, which exhibits high welding strength even when scanned with a laser beam at a high speed, and which can be manufactured at high production efficiency. The laser welded body 10 comprises a first resin member 1 which is a laser-irradiated subject which contains a thermoplastic resin and nigrosine sulfate and has an absorbance a1 of 0.09 to 0.9; and a second resin member 2 which contains a thermoplastic resin as the same kind as or different kind from the thermoplastic resin and a laser beam absorbent, and has an absorbance a2 of 3.0 to 15, wherein the first resin member 1 and the second resin member 2 are laser-welded at a part at which the both resin members are overlapped and/or butted.

Abstract: Presented are repair systems for fixing filler-reinforced polymer structures, methods for making/using such repair systems, and techniques for repairing surface damage/defects of multidimensional fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) panels. A repair system for fixing a contoured surface of an FRP structure includes a flexible contact sheet that is fabricated from a thermally stable polymer, and has a textured contact surface that seats on the FRP structure and overlays the damaged area. A rigid cover sheet, which may be fabricated from a metal material, a polymeric material, and/or resin-impregnated fiber, has a complementary surface that conforms to the contoured surface of the FRP structure and covers the flexible contact sheet. The repair system also includes a heating element that lays against the rigid cover sheet and applies heat to the contoured surface with a substantially uniform profile that is sufficient to soften/melt portions of the FRP structure neighboring the damaged area.

Abstract: A fusion machine which can be top-loaded on very large polyolefin pipes and pipelines has jaws which consist of an upper half jaw and lower left and right complemental jaws which pivot on the half jaw. Left and right actuators connected between the complemental jaws and the half jaw operate in one direction to cause the complemental jaws to rotate to an opened condition in which the upper half jaw can be lowered onto and lifted from the pipes to be fused and in the other direction to cause the complemental jaws to rotate to a closed condition in which the pipes to be fused are gripped so substantially around their circumferences as to resist their deformation from round during manipulation by the machine. The top-loading machine minimizes the need for heavy equipment to load and unload pipe to and from the fusion machine.

Abstract: A shaping method is provided and includes: generating a slice data indicating a cross-section of a shaped object based on a shaped object data, and shaping the shaped object. In a shaped object data preparing step, the shaped object data including multiple pieces of part data is prepared. Each piece of the part data is data indicating at least an outer surface shape of a portion indicated by the part data and a color to be colored on an outer surface. In the slice data generating step, the slice data indicating a cross-section of the shaped object is generated by setting the color of each position of the cross-section corresponding to a portion indicated by each piece of the part data, and a color of an interior of the portion indicated by each piece of the part data is set based on a color set for the outer surface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multilayer fiber reinforced resin composite, may include preparing a multi-sheet connected by sequentially disposing and connecting a plurality of reinforced fiber sheets, in which reinforced fibers are prepared in different arrangement directions, in a longitudinal direction thereof; rolling the multi-sheet to prepare a pipe-shaped multi-core having a plurality of layers; and impregnating the multi-core with a resin.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus includes a support structure which supports a lay-up head and a trimming head, a guide member which is provided corresponding to the support structure and supports the support structure so that the support structure is movable along a lay-up base, and a driving mechanism which moves the support structure on the guide member, in which in the lay-up process, the support structure allows the trimming head supported on the support structure to be placed in a trimming head retracted position which does not interfere with the lay-up head, in the trimming process, the support structure allows the lay-up head supported on the support structure to be placed in a lay-up head retracted position which does not interfere with the trimming head.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a pultruded strip for an elongate structure. The method includes the step of: providing a pultrusion apparatus including at least a pultrusion die through which a plurality of fibers are pulled to be soaked in a resin, and changing the conduction properties of selected points along the plurality of fibers upstream the pultrusion die.

Abstract: The application relates to a method for producing a hollow support from a fiber composite material, to a core designed as a hollow body, to the use of said core, and to the use of said hollow support made from fiber composite material.

Abstract: An acoustic panel (200) for an aircraft nacelle (100) may comprise a perforated first skin (220), a second skin (230), and a core (210) sandwiched between them. A camera system (330) may scan a perforation pattern of a damaged portion (311) of the perforated first skin (220). The damaged portion (311) of the perforated first skin (220) may be removed. A replacement patch (660) may be formed. A CNC machine (450) may drill the replacement patch (660) according to the perforation pattern. The perforations (425) in the replacement patch (660) may be aligned with perforations (325) in the perforated first skin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an optical film excellent in anti-fouling properties and scratch resistance as well as anti-reflection properties. The method includes the steps of: (1) applying a lower layer resin and an upper layer resin; (2) forming a resin layer having the uneven structure on a surface thereof by pressing a mold against the lower layer resin and the upper layer resin from the upper layer resin side in the state where the applied lower layer resin and upper layer resin are stacked; and (3) curing the resin layer, the lower layer resin containing at least one kind of first monomer that contains no fluorine atoms, the upper layer resin containing a fluorine-containing monomer and at least one kind of second monomer that contains no fluorine atoms, at least one of the first monomer and the second monomer containing a compatible monomer that is compatible with the fluorine-containing monomer and being dissolved in the lower layer resin and the upper layer resin.

Abstract: Provided are a method for setting the embedding depth of loop coils in a conveyor belt which can enhance the durability of a loop coil without testing a large number of samples, and a method for manufacturing a conveyor belt in which the loop coil is embedded. A two-dimensional or three-dimensional FEM analysis model of an actual conveyor belt is prepared, and the appropriate embedding depth of the loop coils in the actual conveyor belt, i.e., the rubber thickness between the core layer and the loop coils is set on the basis of at least one of a principal stress or a deformation amount occurring in the loop coil in the analysis model when a falling object having predetermined specifications is dropped from above an upper cover rubber in the analysis model onto the upper cover rubber.

Abstract: A tire tread extractor used in the manufacture of treads includes a frame, a first nip roller rotatably associated with the frame, and a second nip roller rotatably associated with the frame. The first and second nip rollers are adapted to engage a tire tread at least partially resident in a mold. A driving mechanism associated with the first and/or second nip rollers operates to impart rotational motion thereto. The frame is configured for longitudinal movement along a substantial portion of a longitudinal length of the mold while maintaining the first and second nip rollers in a spaced relation to the mold.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tire, the method comprising the steps of providing a cured tire subassembly, the subassembly including a first bead and a second bead, a cured carcass layer extending from the first bead to the second bead, and an optional cured innerliner disposed on the carcass layer; and applying an air barrier composition to the cured carcass layer, or to the cured innerliner if present, to form an air barrier layer.

Abstract: A sheet stacking device includes a hopper unit on which box making sheet material is stacked; an ejection unit that ejects the sheet material to the hopper unit; a first blowing device that is disposed above the downstream side of the hopper unit in the transfer direction of the sheet material and that presses the sheet material downward by blowing air; a pressing device that is disposed above an upstream side of the hopper unit in the transfer direction of the sheet material and that presses the sheet material downward; and a control device that controls an operation of the first blowing device pressing a front end of the sheet material downward, and controls an operation of the pressing device so as to press a rear end of the sheet material downward with a pressing force higher than that applied to the front end of the sheet material.

Abstract: The present application relates to the producing field of honeycomb cores, and provides an aluminum honeycomb core production method and device, the method comprises: a gumming step: gumming adhesive to aluminum foil layers and then bond the aluminum foil layers to form a double/multi-layer aluminum foil; a pre-gumming step: gumming adhesive to the surface of the double/multi-layer aluminum foil; a cutting step: cutting the double/multi-layer aluminum foil; and a bonding step: bonding a plurality of the aluminum foil strips; and the apparatus is used to produce the aluminum honeycomb core according to the above method; the method can improve the structural strength and of the honeycomb core by applying aluminum foil to the honeycomb, and the apparatus can increase the production efficiency and the product quality of the aluminum honeycomb core.

Abstract: To facilitate permeation of water when water is applied to the crimping range of a sheet made of a water-permeable paper material. A binding unit applies water to placed sheets and then crimp-binds the sheets. The binding unit includes a pair of pressure teeth (pressure teeth and receiving teeth part) provided on both the front and back sides of the sheets and configured to crimp-binding the sheets, a water reservoir provided on the back surface side of any one of the pressure teeth and configured to store water to be applied to the sheet, and a pressurizing member (piston) that pressurizes the water in the water reservoir to apply water to the sheet crimping range.

Abstract: A heat-resistant two-layer heat-shrinkable tube including an outer layer and an inner layer, and a method for covering an object to be covered with the heat-resistant two-layer heat-shrinkable tube. The outer layer consists of a cross-linked product of a resin composition containing a resin, such as a tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer with a melting point of 210° C. or more and 260° C. or less, and a cross-linking aid. The outer layer thermally shrinks at 250° C. or more and 280° C. or less. The inner layer consists of a hot-melt adhesive composed mainly of an acid-modified tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer or the like and having a shear viscosity of less than 10000 Pa·s at 250° C. and at a shear rate of 10 s?1.

Abstract: Provided is a label assembly having a top film and base film with first edges and opposite second edges. Graphics may be placed on the top film. The base film may be adhered to the top film such that the top and base films include an offset portion and an opposite underhang portion. The offset portion and the underhang portion may engage to create an offset butt seam along the length of the films and form a generally tubular shaped label assembly configured to be slid or wrapped around a cylindrical shaped object. The offset butt seam may be contiguous about the perimeter of the label assembly. Alternatively, the base film with a first edge and an opposite second edge may be abutted against one another and held together with a seaming ribbon placed along an inner surface of the film adjacent to the first edge and second edge.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to custom additively manufactured core structures and the manufacture thereof. In one aspect, a panel for use in a transport structure includes first and second face sheets, and an additively manufactured (AM) core affixed between the first and second face sheets. The AM core is foldable such that at least one portion of the AM core is movable between a folded position and an unfolded position. In another aspect of the disclosure, a method for producing a panel for use in a transport structure includes additively manufacturing a core is disclosed.

Abstract: A self-supporting lattice structure is provided with high strength-to-weight ratios. In an aspect, an additively manufactured structure is provided that includes a self-supporting lattice structure formed by a plurality of unit cells. Moreover, each unit cell includes a symmetrical frame with voids or cutouts extending through each of the side surfaces of the symmetrical frame to define a negative space therein. The negative space substantially reduces the density and overall weight of the self-supporting lattice structure.

Abstract: The application relates to a nonwoven composite containing a plurality of solid regions and a plurality of porous regions. The solid and porous regions form a repeating pattern on the surface of the composite. The solid regions contain a solid region nonwoven layer, an optional solid region polymer-fiber infused layer, and a solid region cap layer. The solid region nonwoven layer contains a plurality of first staple fibers and less than about 5% by volume of a first polymer. The solid region cap layer contains the first polymer and less than about 5% by volume of the first staple fibers. The porous regions contain a porous region nonwoven layer and a porous region polymer-fiber infused layer. The porous region nonwoven layer contains a plurality of the first staple fibers and less than about 5% by volume of a first polymer. The porous region polymer-fiber infused layer contains a plurality of pores.

Abstract: A noise absorbing multilayer comprising at least 3 consecutive layers, with a nonwoven carpet facing layer being a first fibrous layer and a back layer being the second fibrous layer and an air flow resistive layer between the first and the second fibrous layer. The air flow resistive layer is a combination of a knit fabric and a thermoplastic resin material whereby the thermoplastic resin material is at least partly penetrated in the knit fabric at least closing part of the pores of the knit fabric.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for fabricating a spacer fabric composite having a pattern, fabricating machine and composite fabricated by method thereof. The method comprises a film forming step, a patterning step, a laminating step and a hole opening step.

Abstract: Provided is an embossed product on which a deep bumpy design is formed and which is also excellent in terms of a bumpy design shape-imparting property and cushioning performance and durability thereof. A composite material for embossing is a composite material in which a flexible polyurethane foam sheet is laminated on one surface of a skin material, in which the flexible polyurethane foam sheet has a thickness of 3 to 15 mm and a compression percentage of 5% to 40% in a temperature range of 100° C. to 150° C. In addition, an embossed product is obtained by embossing a surface of the skin material of the composite material for embossing.

Abstract: A system for forming low porosity carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic laminate. An apparatus includes a first heating element for heating a plurality of layers of a composite laminate. A second heating element heats a ply of composite material as the ply is applied onto the heated laminate. A pressure element applies pressure to the laminate to consolidate the laminate after the ply has been applied to the laminate.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite fabric including a first nonwoven layer composed substantially of meltblown fibers, the fibers within the first nonwoven layer having diameters that vary in accordance with a first distribution, a second nonwoven layer composed substantially of meltblown fibers, the fibers within the second nonwoven layer having diameters that vary in accordance with a second distribution, and a third nonwoven layer composed substantially of meltblown fibers, the third nonwoven layer disposed between the first and second nonwoven layers, the fibers within the third nonwoven layer having diameters that vary in accordance with a third distribution that is greater than the first and second distributions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a washable multi-component floor mat. The floor mat contains a textile component and a base component. The textile component and the base component are attached to one another by at least one surface attraction means and at least one edge attachment means. The textile component is designed to be soiled, washed, and re-used, thereby providing ideal end-use applications in areas such as building entryways. The present invention eliminates the need to wash the base component of the floor mat which results in environmental, cost and labor conservation.

Abstract: A honeycomb system including a honeycomb layer extending in a weft plane, the honeycomb layer defining plural cells; a reinforcing layer extending in a warp plane and at least partially received within the plural cells; and a mechanical interlock adapted to connect the honeycomb layer and reinforcing layer at an intersection thereof.

Abstract: Provided is an oxygen-absorbing packaging material which is used for adhesive patches or the like containing an easily oxidizable component and an oily component, and which has improved tearability, while maintaining good heat seal strength. The present invention relates to an easily tearable oxygen-absorbing packaging material which has a multilayer structure comprising an oxygen barrier layer, an oxygen absorption layer and a sealant film, and wherein: the sealant film is a multilayer resin film that comprises at least a core layer and an inner layer having heat sealability; and the core layer contains 20-40% by mass of a cyclic polyolefin resin and/or an acrylic resin and 60-80% by mass of a polyethylene terephthalate resin relative to the total mass of the core layer.

Abstract: A laminate aluminium/multilayer biaxially oriented polyester film with successively: M—an aluminum support; C—an amorphous layer C having a copolyester PET-G—which the diol units include Ethylene Glycol EG—units and CycloHexaneDiMethanol CHDM—units; B—a crystallizable layer B having: a copolyester PET-X which the diol units include Ethylene Glycol EG—units and which the acid units include Terephtalic Acid TA—units and units of at least one Dicarboxylic Acid Different From Terephtalic Acid [DADFTA units], the DADFTA units being chosen in the group consisting of Isophtalic Acid IA—units, Sebacic Acid SA—units, Adipic Acid AA—units, and mixtures thereof; and possibly a polyester PolyEthyleneTerephtalate PET; A—optionally a layer A, identical or different from the layer B i. the concentration of the CHDM units in the layer C has between 18 and 34 mol %; ii. the melting temperature of the layer B is comprised between 180 and 245° C.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to multi-layer, flat glass structures and a method of manufacturing multi-layer, flat glass structures.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a luminescent display system capable of safely and easily displaying information at a predetermined luminance over a wide area, and a head-up display including the luminescent display system. Provided is a luminescent display system including: a luminescent resin film containing a thermoplastic resin and a luminescent material; and two or more light sources each configured to emit a light beam of excitation wavelength for the luminescent material, the luminescent resin film and two or more light sources being placed such that the light beams emitted from the light sources at least partly overlap on the luminescent resin film.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a thin, light, simply structured luminescent display capable of displaying a three-dimensional image under light irradiation, and an interlayer film for a laminated glass, a laminated glass, and a luminescent display system each including the luminescent display. Provided is a luminescent display including: a luminescent layer containing a luminescent material that becomes luminous in response to excitation light; and a reflecting layer that reflects visible light.

Abstract: Provided is an interlayer film for laminated glass with which a void is difficult to be formed in an end part of laminated glass, and deterioration in transparency of laminated glass can be suppressed. An interlayer film for laminated glass according to the present invention has a one-layer structure or a two or more-layer structure, the interlayer film for laminated glass contains a polyvinyl acetal resin, a plasticizer, an oxidation inhibitor, and an ultraviolet absorber, and a spectral transmittance of a pressed interlayer film when the interlayer film for laminated glass is pressed to a thickness of 3% of a thickness before pressing to obtain the pressed interlayer film is 60% or more at a wavelength of 380 nm, 40% or less at a wavelength of 350 nm, and 38% or less at a wavelength of 320 nm.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a tie layer composition comprising functionalized polyethylene, styrene block copolymer, base polyethylene, and antioxidant co-stabilizers, wherein the antioxidant co-stabilizers comprise at least one oxygen scavenger, at least one peroxy free radical scavenger, and at least one alkyl free radical scavenger. Further embodiments are directed to multilayer films or sheets which include the tie layer composition.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a multilayer assembly comprising: (L1) a first inner layer [layer (L1)] made from a first composition [composition (C1)], said composition (C1) comprising: at least one polymer comprising recurring units derived from ethylene (E) and from chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), and at least one Ti compound; and (L2) a second outer layer [layer (L2)] made from a second composition [composition (C2)], said composition (C2) being substantially free from TiO2-containing additives, said second composition comprising at least one semi-crystalline polymer comprising recurring units derived from ethylene and from at least one fluoromonomer selected from chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and mixtures thereof, said semi-crystalline polymer having a heat of fusion of at least 35 J/g [polymer (A)].

Abstract: A printable media comprising a supporting substrate, including fibers, having an image side and a non-image side, which contains an image receiving layer coated on the image side of the supporting substrate. The image receiving layer comprises pigment fillers, polymeric binders and ink optical density enhancement agents. Also disclosed is a method for producing the textured media.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced nonwoven composites having a wide variety of uses (e.g., leisure goods, aerospace, electronics, equipment, energy generation, mass transport, automotive parts, marine, construction, defense, sports and/or the like) are provided. The fiber-reinforced nonwoven composite includes a plurality of carbon fibers and a polymer matrix. The plurality of carbon fibers have an average fiber length from about 50 mm to about 125 mm. The fiber-reinforced nonwoven composite comprises a theoretical void volume from about 0% to about 10%.

Abstract: Packaging material with antimicrobial and antifungal properties including: a) a core layer of polymeric material including at least one active substance having antimicrobial and/or antifungal activity dispersed in the polymer matrix, b) a coating applied to a side of the core layer obtained from a lacquer or a polymeric paint including nano-fillers of a phyllosilicate or hydrotalcite, c) a coating for the release of an active antimicrobial or antifungal agent comprising encapsulated ethanol and a polymeric component selected from chitosan grafted with polyethylene glycol or cyclodextrin, a mixture of chitosan and polyethylene glycol and a polymer or mixture of polymers for printable paint applied to other side of the base layer; optionally the material further comprises: d) a coating with oxygen scavenger activity applied to the coating layer c) and/or a further coating e) including active substances of type b).

Abstract: This present invention relates to a method for making a two-layered product (3) comprising a hydrophilic first material (1) made from electrospun fibers connected to a hydrophobic second material (2) made from electrospun fibers, and wherein said first material (1) contains a drug substance, characterized in that—said method comprises using a press (5) comprising a first surface (100) and a second surface (200), and wherein said second surface (200) has a temperature being higher than the temperature of said first surface (100),—said first (1) and second material (2) being arranged in a layered combination between the first (100) and second surface (200) of the press (5), wherein a pressure is provided towards said layered combination from said first (100) and second surface (200) of said press (5), and whereby said first material (1) comes into contact with said first surface (100) of said press (5),—wherein the combination of pressure between the first (100) and second surface (200) and the temperature of s

Abstract: A method for recycling of packaging material is disclosed. The packaging material comprises a multilayer material (10) comprising a metal layer (30) and at least one polymer layer (20, 40). The method comprises placing the packaging material in a vat (310) comprising a separation fluid (330) to produce a mixture of metal shreds from the metal layer (30), plastic shreds from the polymer layer (20, 40) and residual components. The separation fluid comprises a mixture comprising a mixture of water, a short-chained carboxylic acid, phosphoric acid and an alkali metal hydroxide solution.

Abstract: A transfer material, a printed material, and a manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method for the printed material are provided in which water resistance of the printed material can be enhanced. A protective sheet allows moisture in a color material receiving layer to be discharged to the outside through passages through which the moisture can be discharged.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards systems for transferring graphene from the surface of one substrate to another. In one particular embodiment, the graphene layer is grown on a surface of a first substrate, where the bottom of the first substrate is then affixed to the surface of a second substrate. The second substrate may include material made of a rigid or semi-rigid composition to provide structural support and backing to the first substrate. The graphene layer may then be delaminated from the first substrate and transferred to a target surface, such as the surface of an electronic device or biosensor.

Abstract: A 3D bio-printer capable of detecting cell activity is provided. The 3D bio-printer includes an upper PC and a lower 3D printer. A conveying hose is connected to a printhead base of the printer, and a temperature controller is connected to the conveying hose. A printhead controller is connected to the other end of the conveying hose, a printhead is connected to the bottom of the printhead controller, and a main control cabinet controls the printhead to work via a signal generator. A prototyping table is provided under the printhead and is connected with a cell activity detecting device for detecting activity of a printed product. Cell activity can be detected in the process of printing, which ensures that the printed biological tissues maintain biological activity. It can supply multi-biological raw materials and realize multi-biological material printing, which ensures an environment suitable for biological material printing.

Abstract: A module for an additive manufacturing system includes a frame, a dispenser configured to deliver a layer of particles over a platen, an energy source to generate a beam to fuse the particles, and a metrology system having a first sensor to measure a property of the surface of layer before being fused and a second sensor to measure a property of the layer after being fused. The dispenser, first sensor, energy source and second sensor are positioned on the frame in order along a first axis, and the dispenser, first sensor, energy source and second sensor are fixed to the frame such that the frame, dispenser, first sensor, energy source and second sensor can be mounted and dismounted as a single unit from a movable support.