Abstract: A valve insert (4) for use in an air venting valve (1) of a vulcanizing mould of a vehicle tyre, which valve insert (4) comprises a valve stem (6) arranged to be inserted into a valve sleeve (3) of the air venting valve (1), a first end of which valve stem (6) is provided with a valve disk (7) and a second end of which valve stem (6) is provided with an elastically compressible retainer member (8) for detachably attaching the valve insert (4) to the valve sleeve (3) and for limiting an opening stroke of the valve insert (4). The retainer member (8) comprises a stop surface (14) which is arranged to abut an end surface (16) of the valve sleeve (3) and thus limit the opening stroke of the valve insert (4).

Abstract: A method of removing a lens forming material deposited on a lens forming surface (1) of a reusable glass mold for forming ophthalmic lenses, in particular contact lenses or intraocular lenses, comprises the steps of providing a plasma (2), exposing the lens forming surface (1) of the reusable glass mold to the plasma (2) for removing the lens forming material deposited on the lens forming surface (1). The plasma (2) is generated under atmospheric pressure and potential-free, or is generated under reduced pressure.

Abstract: A method of creating an interface includes: a) adding organometallic compounds to a polymeric material to create an interfacial layer; b) placing the polymeric material having the interfacial layer in a mold; c) heating a deposit material until the deposit material has a predetermined-minimized volumetric density; and d) depositing the deposit material on the interfacial layer. The latent heat of the molten metallic material transfers to the interfacial layer to create chemical bonds and physical interlocks between the interfacial layer and the metallic material. The deposit material cools to form solidified layer on the interfacial layer.

Abstract: Simulated anatomical components, such as simulated vascular vessels, produced by a method that includes forming an anatomical component mold from a soluble polymer such that the mold defines an interior void of the simulated anatomical component. One or more layers of an elastomeric material is applied around the anatomical component mold and the material is allowed to cure to form a wall of the simulated anatomical component. At least a portion of the mold is dissolved to form a passage for liquid within the simulated anatomical component. Simulated anatomical components are connectable to other components of a surgical simulation system and can be modularized.

Abstract: A protective member forming method for forming a protective member on a surface on one side of a wafer includes a resin state recognizing step of heating a thermoplastic resin in contact with the surface on the one side of the wafer while propagating an ultrasonic vibration between a resin placing surface of a stage and a wafer holding surface and recognizing whether or not the thermoplastic resin sandwiched between the surface on the one side of the wafer held on the wafer holding surface and the resin placing surface has been unified. When the thermoplastic resin is recognized to have been unified, the thermoplastic resin is spread out onto a whole area of the surface on the one side of the wafer, followed by cooling the thermoplastic resin to cure the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: Thermoplastic composite preforms for continuous fiber thermoplastic composite structural profiles and a system and method of manufacture for structural profiles utilizing thermoplastic filaments comingled with high strength fibers such as carbon fibers and braided into complex preforms suitable for automated press forming is disclosed. Utilizing flexible preforms in lieu of conventional rigid thermoplastic pre-preg material forms allows for manufacture of complex shapes, including both straight and curved shapes by an automated process.

Abstract: There are provided methods of producing a component incorporating a bioactive material. In one embodiment the method comprises: (a) using a screw extruder to mix a polymeric material (I) with a bioactive material (II) and melt the polymeric material (I); and (b) making a component by moulding; and wherein the polymeric material (I) is of a type which includes: (i) phenyl moieties; (ii) ketone moieties; and (iii) ether moieties. Also provided are components comprising a polymeric material and a bioactive material.

Abstract: In an injection molding machine including a base, a pivot pin provided on the base, and an injection unit supported by the pivot pin so as to be pivotable relative to the base in a pivoting direction, the injection molding machine is equipped with a rod-shaped member configured to cause the injection unit to pivot in the pivoting direction by pushing the injection unit, and a first support member provided on the base and configured to be screw-engaged with the rod-shaped member.

Abstract: A composite containing directly adjoining and firmly bonded sections (I) and (II) of the following type: (I) section, formed from a thermoplastic moulding compound FM-1 containing at least one polyamide (A) and optionally fillers and reinforcing materials (C) and additives (D); (II) section, formed from a thermoplastic moulding compound containing at least one olefinic and/or vinyl aromatic polymer (E) and optionally fillers and reinforcing agents (F), plasticisers (G) and additives (H); wherein the moulding compound FM-1 or FM-2 contains 0.1 to 5.0 percent by weight of polyethyleneimine (B) or a copolymer or derivative thereof and a method for producing such composites.

Abstract: A storage container manufactured from an injection molding process which includes a mold and at least one injector. The mold has a top surface, a bottom wall, a plurality of side surfaces, and at least two separable sections. Where the at least two separable sections are in a closed position, a cavity is formed in the mold. The at least one injector is disposed through at least one of the plurality of sidewalls and further disposed into the cavity. The storage container has a plurality of sidewalls, an upper edge, and a bottom surface. At least one of the plurality of sidewalls of the resulting storage container contains at least one sprue mark.

Abstract: An injection molding system (5) comprised of: a valve (10) comprising an actuator (1000) that includes a linear drive member (150, 154, 158) adapted to travel along a first linear path of travel (L1), a valve pin (80) adapted to travel linearly upstream and downstream within the flow passage (15) between pin upstream (81) and pin downstream (82) positions along a second linear path of travel (L2) that is non-coaxial relative to the first linear path of travel (L1), the actuator (1000) being interconnected to the valve pin (80) in an arrangement wherein movement of the linear drive member (150, 154, 158) along the first linear path of travel (L1) drives the valve pin (80) along the second linear path of travel (L2).

Abstract: The dating system for molds comprises a marking element (1) that engraves a determined date; wherein said marking element (1) comprises interchangeable inserts (2) indicating said determined date, said determined date being defined by letters and/or numbers, forming a line. It permits to obtain the advantages of: the reading of the information is much clearer than the traditional date stamps; it requires a minimum space, which allows to adapt it to practically any mold; and it is much more dynamic than traditional daters, as it can provide date information in multiple formats, such as day and month, or week and year number, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An injection apparatus of the invention injects a molding material supplied from a material supply port, and includes a die, a material supply apparatus that extrudes the molding material that is thread-like or strip-like via the die, and a material guide apparatus that guides the molding material supplied via the die to the material supply port. The material discharge port of the material supply apparatus and the die protrude downward in the material supply apparatus, and a pressure inside the material guide apparatus is reduced by a pressure reducing apparatus from a pressure reducing port provided above the material discharge port of the material supply apparatus and the die.

Abstract: A self-lubricating alignment mold or bar lock assembly which has male and female lock halves with slidably contacting engagement surfaces formed with lubricant-retaining recesses deep enough to hold lubricant that re-lubricates the engagement surfaces during slidable contact therebetween shallow enough to be self-cleaning by shedding debris that ordinarily would cause abrasive wear. The recesses are uniformly spaced and arranged into an array of uniformly spaced rows and columns of recesses that define a lubricant-film retaining region of the engagement surface. Recesses form at least 40% of the total area of the engagement surface and overlap adjacent recesses in adjacent rows and columns providing uniform re-lubrication and lubricant distribution. Each recess has a depth no greater than 25 microns deep enough to hold lubricant but shallow enough to shed debris into an adjacent deeper debris well. Each debris well serves as a gravity feed lubricant reservoir that returns lubricant to recesses.

Abstract: A preheat assisted injection/compression molding system for producing thin wall, high fiber content, high flex modulus thermoplastic composites at high temperature includes a press, an injection mold operably coupled to the press and including a first mold portion having a first inner mold surface, and a second mold portion with a second inner mold surface, and a resin injection system configured to inject a molten, free flowing resin into the injection mold. A mold surface pre-heating system includes a heating element configured to selectively heat at least one of the first and second inner mold surfaces to a predetermined temperature at a predetermined depth before the resin is injected into the mold. A cooling system is configured to selectively cool at least one of the first and second inner mold surfaces to rapidly cool a molded part formed by compressing the resin with the press.

Abstract: In a temperature control device, a resin flow channel is formed from a nozzle section and a cylinder section that is connected to the nozzle section and the device controls the temperature of the resin that flows in the resin flow channel. The temperature control device is provided with: a first temperature sensor for detecting the nozzle temperature of the resin flowing through the nozzle section; a first temperature control unit for performing PID control so that the nozzle temperature achieves a first target temperature; multiple second temperature sensors for detecting the cylinder temperature of the resin flowing through the cylinder section; and second temperature control units for performing PID control so that the cylinder temperature achieves a second target temperature. The second temperature control units perform PID control of the cylinder temperature using temperature control information from the first temperature control unit.

Abstract: Methods of producing substantially amorphous pharmaceutical formulations by hot melt extrusion (HME) are provided. In some aspects, the methods can be performed at lower temperatures than are typically required for HME. Pharmaceutical formations produced by these methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method of producing a glueless dustless composite flooring material system providing PVC-based flooring having waterproof layers providing different qualities of hardness, wear-resistance, sound deadening, and decorative patterns, avoiding the use of moisture-susceptible compressed cellulose-based filler, with layers fused together, avoiding the manufacturing complexity and delamination risks of using glue or adhesive, with a quickly-cured, UV-cured top coating providing long-lasting high performance and shortening and simplifying the manufacturing, which can be done in a sheet-form, essentially continuous-run manner, with an ability to quickly and simply change the optional design printing and texturing produced, and having an optional underlayment layer.

Abstract: The invention, belonging to the field of biological treatment of pollutants and functional materials, presents a method for the preparation of biofilm carrier with biochar fixed by thermoplastic resin. Extrusion grade polyethylene/polypropylene particles are used as the basic material. One or some combination of plant biochar, straw biochar, rice husk biochar, shell biochar, excess sludge and animal waste biochar are used as the functional material. The biofilm carrier with biochar fixed by thermoplastic resin is prepared by the screw extrusion process, which is a simple, flexible and controllable method, and possesses strong adaptability. The reactor with these biofilm carriers has high removal efficiency of refractory organic pollutants.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a container includes injecting a first material into a first mold to form a top portion of a preform. The first material and a second material are injected into the first mold to form a bottom portion of the preform. The preform is disposed in a second mold. The preform is blow molded into a finished container.

Abstract: A laminate including at least a heat-sensitive adhesive layer, a substrate layer, and a protective layer in this order, wherein the substrate layer has a thermoplastic resin film, the heat-sensitive adhesive layer contains a higher fatty acid amide, and the protective layer contains a silicone-based release agent. An in-mold label comprising this laminate. A molded body obtained by affixing this in-mold label. An in-mold label in the form of a roll obtained by winding this in-mold label. This invention provides an in-mold label that is less susceptible to dirt and scratches, excellent in decorativeness and visibility, less likely to cause friction when the labels are stacked on each other, and easy to handle, and has strong adhesive strength to a molded body.

Abstract: A thermoforming method includes heating a thermoplastic panel to a forming temperature, and compressing the thermoplastic panel between a first tool and a second tool, wherein the thermoplastic panel is bent about a first axis extending along a first direction with respect to the thermoplastic panel in response to being compressed between the first tool and the second tool. The thermoplastic panel may then be cooled to a hardened temperature and disposed between a third tool and a fourth tool. The method further includes heating the thermoplastic panel to the forming temperature, and compressing the thermoplastic panel between the third tool and the fourth tool, wherein the thermoplastic panel is bent about a second axis extending along a second direction with respect to the thermoplastic panel in response to being compressed between the third tool and the fourth tool.

Abstract: A system for forming a thermoplastic may comprise a mandrel configured to receive a thermoplastic charge. The mandrel may rotate about a mandrel axis. A series of rollers may be located circumferentially about the mandrel and configured to apply radially inward pressure. A heating element may be located upstream of the series of rollers.

Abstract: A method of manipulating thermoplastic film to create integrated features and particularly relates to an improved method of manufacturing a packaging bag that is reclosable after initial opening. Multiple sections of thermoplastic film are layered on top of themselves to form a multi-layer portion of the thermoplastic film. The multi-layer portion may then be conglomerated into a unitary thicker portion of the film that can then be shaped into a closure strip. In order to form a bag, a second such closure strip may be made. The two closure strips are then aligned and the remaining open portions of the bag are then sealed such that the closure strips form a reclosable opening that may be opened and closed repeatedly.

Abstract: An intelligent module pipeline, an intelligent module helical pipeline winding machine and a winding method thereof. In the cross section of the pipeline, a plurality of intelligent modules (1) are clamped and helically wound end to end to form a circular pipeline; each of the intelligent module units is an arch-shaped module which is formed by injection molding or compression molding; the each intelligent module unit is provided a reinforcing rib structure inside, a fixing device for fixing and clamping from left to right on the side surfaces, and a clamping device for fixing and clamping end to end at the edges.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for transferring an embossed structure to at least a part of a surface of a coating (B2), using a composite (F1B1) composed of a substrate (F1) and of an at least partially embossed and at least partially cured coating (B1), where the coating (B2) and the coating (B1) of the composite (F1B1) have embossed structures which are mirror images of one another. Also described herein is a composite (B2B1F1). Further described herein is a use of this composite for producing an at least partially embossed coating (B2) in the form of a free film or a composite (B2KF2) composed of a substrate (F2), at least one adhesive (K), and the coating (B2).

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods for making large areas of high aspect ratio micro or nanostructured foil using existing extrusion coating equipment. A method is disclosed for producing a high aspect ratio micro- or nanostructured thermoplastic polymer foil, or a nanostructured thermoplastic polymer coating on a carrier foil, comprising at least one high aspect ratio nanostructured surface area. The method comprises applying a high aspect ratio nanostructured surface on an extrusion coating roller and maintaining the temperature of the roller below the solidification temperature of the thermoplastic material. A thermoplastic foil and a thermoplastic coating made by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: It is possible to prevent a tip portion of a guide portion in a spiral pipe-forming apparatus allowing an inner periphery restriction body to be omitted from colliding a peripheral surface portion of a non-circular existing pipe. A non-circular guide portion (73) is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to an apparatus frame (3a) around a rotary axis (32). The guide portion (73) is applied to a peripheral surface of a preceding spiral pipe portion (91). An acting portion (41) acts such that the guide portion (73) follows the peripheral surface of the existing pipe (1).

Abstract: Both diameter expansion and contraction control and fitting stabilization are achieved at the same time in a pipe end release-type pipe-forming apparatus having a non-inner periphery restriction structure. A driving part (10) provided in an apparatus frame (30) of a pipe-forming apparatus (3N) presses an unformed following strip portion (92) of the strip member (90). A reverse side guide portion (83) is engaged with a pipe end portion (91e) of a preceding spiral pipe portion (91) from a reverse side. A face side guide portion (82) is engaged with the pipe end portion (91e) from a face side. The face side guide portion (82) is shifted to the propulsion rear side beyond the reverse side guide portion (83). The following strip portion (92) is extruded from the driving part (10) toward an inter-guide clearance (84) between the reverse side guide portion (83) and the face side guide portion (82).

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently and safely installing a pipe liner is provided, as well as methods of using the same. The system and method for efficiently and safely installing, a pipe liner may provide an inverter configured to invert the pipe liner by introducing pressure into the pipe liner; provide a top roller; provide an assist system located between the inverter and the top roller, the assist system comprising: a main housing having a main housing top and a main housing bottom, and each of the main housing top and the main housing bottom having an opening; a first interior roller; a second interior roller; and a first motor; and feed the pipe liner onto the tarp roller, wherein the assist system feeds the pipe liner from the top roller to the inverter in an efficient and controller manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a three-dimensional, multi-layer fibre composite component. In the method, a curable matrix material is applied to an object carrier in layers, in matrix layers arranged on top of one another. The object carrier can be a plate, for example, which is not part of the component and on which a fibre composite component is constructed layer by layer. In a further embodiment, the object carrier can be a component core, which is part of the fibre composite component and on which the matrix layers can be applied.

Abstract: Described are techniques for additive manufacturing including a method comprising generating printing parameters for fabricating a wireframe component using additive manufacturing, where the printing parameters include a print head path of travel and a print head speed of travel for a respective portion of the wireframe component. The method further comprises fabricating the wireframe component using a three-dimensional printer by applying, using at least one inductor, a magnetic field to an oscillating printer head, where the magnetic field is configured to influence a first direction of travel and a first speed of travel of the oscillating printer head during fabrication of the respective portion of the wireframe component, and applying a movement to a moveable platform, where the movement includes a second direction of travel and a second speed of travel during fabrication of the respective portion of the wireframe component.

Abstract: Processes for modifying a surface geometry of a thermoplastic part are provided. One process includes placing a thermoplastic part in proximity to a head of an extruder; positioning the extruder head relative to a surface of the thermoplastic part; extruding plasticized material from the extruder head to the surface of the thermoplastic part such that the plasticized material exerts a first melt pressure on both of the extruder head and the thermoplastic part; moving the extruder head from a first position to a second position corresponding on the surface; producing a portion of plasticized material having a thickness that is substantially constant between the first position and the second position; and cooling the plasticized material to fuse it to the surface. The head may be movable on guide rails, and the surface and head may be urged to a predetermined position relative to each other by one or more springs.

Abstract: An approach to improving optical scanning increases the strength of optical reflection from the build material during fabrication. In some examples, the approach makes use of an additive (or a combination of multiple additives) that increases the received signal strength and/or improves the received signal-to-noise ratio in optical scanning for industrial metrology. Elements not naturally present in the material are introduced in the additives in order to increase fluorescence, scattering or luminescence. Such additives may include one or more of: small molecules, polymers, peptides, proteins, metal or semiconductive nanoparticles, and silicate nanoparticles.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing process includes creating an aerosol from a powder at a spray generator, charging the aerosol to produce a charged aerosol having a first charge, forming a blanket charge on a deposition surface having a second charge with an opposite polarity from the first charge, selectively removing regions of the blanket charge, leaving charged regions on the deposition surface, and transporting the charged aerosol to the charged regions to form structures on the charged regions from the charged aerosol.

Abstract: A method for post-treating a three-dimensional object (2) produced by selectively solidifying, layer by layer, of a building material (15) in powder form and/or unsolidified building material (13) in which the three-dimensional object (2) is embedded, wherein the three-dimensional object (2) produced and/or the unsolidified building material (13) are treated with a liquid (33). The liquid (33) comprises a liquid carrier substance and at least one further substance that reduces the surface tension of the carrier substance.

Abstract: A method of laser processing including generating a laser beam having, at different longitudinal positions in a propagation direction, first and second transverse beam profiles of energy density. The first transverse beam profile is different to the second transverse beam profile and is non-Gaussian. The method includes carrying out a scan of the laser beam across a working surface, wherein, during the scan, the laser beam and/or working surface is adjusted such that, for a first part of the scan, the first transverse beam profile is located at the working surface and, for a second part of the scan, the second transverse beam profile is located at the working surface.

Abstract: A system for use in additively manufacturing an object. The system includes a powder bed configured for containment within a build chamber, wherein the powder bed is formed from a mixture of a build material and a bonding agent. The system also includes a heat source configured to selectively heat the powder bed to a temperature such that the build material is at least partially sintered together by the bonding agent. The heat source also selectively heats the powder bed to the temperature that maintains the build material in a solid state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for moulding a polymeric object, the process comprising the steps of: (a) providing a substantially flat horizontally positioned layer of a material, the layer being a film or sheet; (b) providing a layer of a thermoplastic powder onto the layer provided under (a); (c) subjecting a pre-defined part of the thermoplastic powder to irradiation to heat the pre-defined part of the thermoplastic powder to a temperature at which the thermoplastic fuses or sinters onto at least a part of the flat layer of material; (d) terminating the exposure to irradiation; (e) providing a further layer of the thermoplastic powder onto the layer provided under (b); (f) subjecting a pre-defined part of the thermoplastic powder of the layer provided under (e) to irradiation to heat the pre-defined part of the thermoplastic powder to a temperature at which the thermoplastic fuses or sinters onto at least a part of the flat layer of the material fused under (c); (g) terminating the exposure to

Abstract: Some examples include an additive manufacturing method for controlling electrostatic discharge of a build object. The method includes receiving data related to a build object, the data including conductivity data, selectively depositing a first portion of a printing agent onto a build material layer in a pattern of an object layer of a build object, the printing agent being electrically conductive at a predetermined dosage, the first portion deposited at less than the predetermined dosage, selectively depositing a second portion of the printing agent onto the build material layer at an area of the pattern, the printing agent at the area deposited at or above the predetermined dosage, and applying fusing energy to form the object layer, the object layer of the build object including a shell formed at the area and a core, the shell being electrically conductive and the core being electrically non-conductive.

Abstract: According to one example, there is provided a method of additive manufacturing that comprises obtaining data relating to a 3D object to be manufactured, forming a layer of build material on a build platform, applying a cooling agent in a pattern surrounding a portion of build material to be solidified, and applying energy only to the build material on which cooling agent is applied and to the surrounded portion of build material such that the surrounded portion of build material heats up sufficiently to coalesces, and such that build material on which cooling agent is applied is cooled by the cooling agent and is prevented from heating up sufficiently to coalesce.

Abstract: Methods of embedding a heating circuit in an article fabricated by additive manufacturing. The methods describe techniques such as co-extruding a wire, capable of being heated, along with print material in additive manufacturing of the article, and placing a pre-shaped wire capable of being heated between adjacent layers of the article. A third method includes dispensing a wire, capable of being heated, during the additive manufacturing of the article, and compacting the wire into the printed material. An apparatus for embedding a heating circuit in an article fabricated by additive manufacturing. The apparatus contains a wire dispenser, a cutter to control the length of the wire dispensed, and a compactor capable of embedding the wire capable of being heated into the printed material. An article made by additive manufacturing is disclosed. The article contains at least one heating element embedded in the article during the additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: A device comprising an execution component to execute an additive printing task to create a first article and a second article, and a monitoring component to, during execution of the additive printing task, monitor a quantity of consumable resources used to create the first article.

Abstract: Systems for material deposition. One such system includes a number of containers arranged relative to one another in a conical or other shape, pointing toward a common deposition point. When not actively depositing material, the containers are held at a distance from the deposition point. Another system has a rod disposed within a container and a flexible tip on the rod seals a material exit of the container when biased closed. Pressurized gas introduced into the container forces the rod away from the material exit and material from the container. In yet another system, a container includes a barrel adapter having a one-way air valve that seals the container and creates a vacuum, preventing material from leaking from the container. Upon application of a pressurized gas, the one-way valve is forced open and material is deposited from the container. The valve closes automatically in the absence of the gas.

Abstract: Apparatuses for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects may include at least one interacting device comprising at least one functional unit, in particular a drone unit, adapted to fly across and/or hover in a movement region. Plants for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects may include at least two apparatuses for additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects and at least one interacting device, in particular for each apparatus, which interacting device may include at least one functional unit adapted to fly across and/or hover over in a movement region. Methods for operating an apparatus for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects may include flying at least one functional unit of an interacting device across a movement region and/or hovering the at least one functional unit in a movement region.

Abstract: A leveling system for a 3D printing system for laser dispensing includes inner and outer frames, each supported at its corners by respective actuators of first and second sets of actuators. The outer frame supports an optical plane within which material to be dispensed by laser irradiation is disposed. The inner frame supports a receiving medium plane within which a substrate on which said material to be dispensed by laser irradiation is disposed. Each actuator operates independently to displace a respective frame corner in the vertical direction. The inner and outer frames each is attached at their respective corners to a respective actuator by a rod, thus allowing the inner and outer frames to freely rotate with respect to one another. An additional frame may support sensors for monitoring the 3D printing system.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to a container for storing a material for a printing system. The container has a channel structure for conveying the material, the channel structure providing an opening of the container and an axis of the channel structure defining an axial direction. The container also has a valve structure disposed within the channel structure. The valve structure is translatable within the channel structure between a proximal position and a distal position in the axial direction. The valve structure is non-rotatable relative to the channel structure about the axis of the channel structure. The valve structure is arranged to seal the channel structure when the valve structure is in the proximal position.

Abstract: A light valve panel and a manufacturing method thereof, a three-dimensional printing system, and a three-dimensional printing method are disclosed. The light valve panel includes a first light valve array substrate and at least one second light valve array substrate, the first light valve array substrate and the at least one second light valve array substrate are arranged in a stack; the first light valve array substrate includes a plurality of first pixel units arranged in an array, and the second light valve array substrate includes a plurality of second pixel units arranged in an array; and an orthographic projection of at least one of the second pixel units on the first light valve array substrate partially overlaps with at least one of the first pixel units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing powder from a component or part produced by a powder bed additive manufacturing system. The method comprises the steps; providing a part, the part having at least one internal cavity with at least one external opening, the at least one cavity being at least partly filled with powder grains, the powder grains being connected to each other and to the walls of the cavity by mechanical, frictional, electrical, physical or chemical forces; adding medium in liquid phase to the at least one cavity of the part, the liquid having the property that it expands in phase transition from liquid to solid phase; transforming added medium to solid phase to loosen and break up at least a fraction of the powder grains connections from each other; and removing powder from the at least one internal cavity.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing system includes a support plate, a transparent sheet, gas pressure source, and a conduit. The support plate includes a transparent central portion and defines a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The transparent sheet overlays the transparent central portion, the gas inlet, and the gas outlet of the support plate. A central chamber is defined between the transparent sheet and the support plate. The gas pressure source is coupled to the gas inlet through the conduit. An input fluid flow resistance Li is defined from the gas pressure source to the central chamber. An output fluid flow resistance Lo is defined out through the gas outlet and to an outside location. A ratio of Li to Lo is sufficient to allow a stable control of a physical configuration of the central unsupported portion of the transparent sheet above the support plate.