Abstract: In various embodiments, the beam parameter product and/or beam shape of a laser beam is adjusted by directing the laser beam across a path along the input end of a cellular-core optical fiber. The beam emitted at the output end of the cellular-core optical fiber may be utilized to process a workpiece.

Abstract: A system for additive manufacturing uses a pulsed laser beam with one or more low flux components on the order of kW/cm2, and one or more high flux components on the order of MW/cm2 during the duration of the pulse. The pulsed laser beam is directed onto the powder particles on the substrate thereby melting the powder particles and melting the substrate at the interface layer between the powder and the substrate such that the powder particles bond to the substrate. This is accomplished by using low power (and low cost) lasers to do the majority of the energy transfer, and using high power (and higher cost) lasers to complete the melting process, overcoming the kinetics of powder agglomeration through surface tension forces by partially melting the powder-substrate interface layer before surface tension can take effect on the molten powder particles.

Abstract: A composition includes specific amounts of an amorphous polycarbonate, a partially crystalline polyester, and an ultraviolet absorbing agent comprising a hydroxyaryl group and a hydrogen-bond accepting group. The ultraviolet absorbing agent has a lambda-max less than 400 nanometers. The composition excludes white pigments, and colorants having a lambda-max of 400 to 700 nanometers. The composition is useful for forming a near infrared laser-transmissive part in a laser welded article that further includes a near infrared laser-absorbing part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane and a method for manufacturing a membrane for filtering a fluid, said membrane comprising: a substrate having a three-dimensional structure and consisting of an one-piece ceramic porous body; and at least one separating filtering layer having a porosity that is lower than that of the substrate, in which the three-dimensional structure of the substrate is produced by forming elemental layers that are stacked and connected in series with one another, by repeating steps: a) depositing a continuous bed of powder at least partially consisting of a powder intended for forming the ceramic porous body; b) locally consolidating, part of the deposited material such as to create the elemental layer, and simultaneously linking the elemental layer thus formed with the preceding layer such as to gradually grow the desired three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method for supporting an object made by means of stereo lithography or any other rapid prototype production method. The generation of the support begins by determining the region that requires support in each layer of the object and defines a number of support points in this region. In a next step, a support mesh is generated connected to the object using these support points. The present invention also discloses different techniques that reduce superfluous edges to further optimize the support mesh. Finally, a support is generated from this support mesh. The present invention may facilitate the generation of supports data by employing more automation and less user analysis.

Abstract: Provided is a photocurable adhesive with which curing by direct irradiation of laser light is possible with almost no occurrence of surface carbonization and which is capable of satisfactory curing even when the coating thickness is increased. A photocurable adhesive, which is cured by irradiation of laser light, is provided. The curable adhesive contains an epoxy adhesive component, a light-absorbing component for thermal curing of the epoxy adhesive component by absorption of laser light, and an inorganic filler. The content of the light-absorbing component is 0.1 mass % or less. The pre-curing thermal conductivity of the photocurable adhesive is at least 0.2 W/m·K and the post-curing thermal conductivity is at least 0.5 W/m·K.

Abstract: A device comprises elements for measuring current, the elements being housed in a casing. The casing includes a first portion and a second portion made of plastic, welded to each other, which together define a housing for receiving the measuring elements. The first portion is opaque in order to absorb a laser beam for welding the portions, and the second portion is transparent in order to let the laser beam pass. The process for manufacturing the device includes a fitting step in which the measuring elements are fitted into the casing and an assembly step in which the portions of the casing are joined together using a laser welding process.

Abstract: A method of selective laser sintering is disclosed. The method comprises providing composite particles made by emulsion aggregation, the composite particles comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer and at least one carbon particle material. The composite particles are exposed to a laser to fuse the composite particles.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing method for a 3D object is provided and includes (a) providing a 3D digital model of the 3D object; (b) dividing the 3D digital model into repeat arrangement of at least one type of polyhedral 3D units and an X-Y plane is an acute angle or an obtuse angle; (c) cutting the 3D digital model along a Z-axis into a plurality of 2D slices; (d) defining a scanning path covering one of the 2D slices; (e) providing an energy beam to a material on a working plane along the scanning path to form a construction layer corresponding to the one of the 2D slices; and (f) repeating the steps (d) and (e) to build up the 3D object by adding a plurality of construction layers in sequence.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a build plate for additive manufacturing, along with a related system. The build plate may include: a first build surface having at least one recess therein; and at least one block configured to matingly engage with, and disengage with, the at least one recess, the block including a second build surface.

Abstract: A three-dimensional fabricating apparatus includes a fabrication chamber, a supply chamber, a flattening unit, and a controller. In the fabrication chamber, powder is layered to form a powder layer and bonded together in a desired shape to form a layered fabrication object. The supply chamber stores the powder. The flattening unit is reciprocally movable above the supply chamber and the fabrication chamber, to transfer the powder and flatten the powder in the fabrication chamber to form the powder layer. The controller is configured to control the flattening unit to move in a first direction to transfer and supply the powder from the supply chamber to the fabrication chamber. The controller is configured to control the flattening unit to move in a second direction opposite the first direction to form the powder layer and transfer an unused portion of the powder from the fabrication chamber to the supply chamber.

Abstract: A powder processing arrangement (10) for use in an apparatus (100) for producing three-dimensional work pieces by selectively irradiating a raw material powder with electromagnetic or particle radiation comprises a carrier element (16) having a build section (46) adapted to carry a raw material powder layer while being selectively irradiated with electromagnetic or particle radiation and at least one transfer section (48a, 48b) adapted to carry the raw material powder prior to being applied to the build section (46) so as to form the raw material powder layer to be selectively irradiated with electromagnetic or particle radiation.

Abstract: A fastenerless anti-peel adhesive joint includes a first part having a first surface and forming a first anti-peel feature including a first anti-peel surface, a second part having a second surface and forming a second anti-peel feature including a second anti-peel surface, and an adhesive disposed between the first and second surfaces and within the first and second anti-peel features. The adhesive connects the parts via adhesive bonds at the first and second surfaces and at the first and second anti-peel surfaces. The first and second anti-peel features are configured to load the adhesive bonds at the first and second anti-peel surfaces in shear stress when the fastenerless anti-peel adhesive joint is subjected to a peel force that is normal to the first and second surfaces such that the shear strength of the adhesive bonds at the first and second anti-peel surfaces prevents the parts from being peeled apart.

Abstract: A method of making a shoe includes printing a midsole having a platform and a lattice structure. The platform and lattice structure are integrally formed by printing a first surface of the platform to conform to a sole of a foot of a user and, in association therewith, printing the lattice structure on a second surface of the platform opposite the first surface of the platform. The method also includes positioning the midsole substantially within an outsole such that the lattice structure is substantially facing the outsole and the platform is substantially facing an upper.

Abstract: A flexible display motherboard and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The flexible display motherboard includes a carrier substrate and a flexible display panel unit formed thereon. The flexible display panel unit includes a flexible base formed on the carrier substrate, and a display region and a periphery region which are positioned on the flexible base. A display device is formed in the display region, and the periphery region surrounds the display region. The flexible display panel unit further includes a dissolvable layer positioned between the carrier substrate and the flexible base. The dissolvable layer is formed at least in an area corresponding to the display region. The dissolvable layer is dissolvable in a solvent.

Abstract: An SiC wafer producing method includes setting a focal point of a pulsed laser beam to a single crystal SiC inside an ingot at a predetermined depth from an end surface of the ingot, the predetermined depth corresponding to the thickness of the wafer to be produced. The pulsed laser beam is applied to the ingot, thereby forming a small circular modified portion on a c-plane present in the ingot at the predetermined depth, in which the modified portion is a region where SiC has been decomposed into Si and C. A separation layer is formed for separating the wafer from the ingot, the separation layer being composed of a plurality of continuous modified portions and a plurality of cracks isotropically formed on the c-plane so as to extend from each modified portion.

Abstract: Layers of build and support material on an intermediate transfer surface are moved past a transfuse station and a platen moves relative to the intermediate transfer surface to contact the platen to one of the layers on the intermediate transfer surface. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the build material and the support material to the platen each time the platen contacts the layers on the intermediate transfer surface at the transfuse station to successively form a freestanding stack of the layers of build and support material on the platen. The build material has a higher melting temperature than the support material. A support material removal station heats the stack to a temperature above the melting temperature of the support material, but below the melting temperature of the build material, to melt the support material, but leave a 3-D structure made of only the build material.

Abstract: The invention provides a porous stamp material for laser processing that is available for continuous extrusion molding. A material including at least 100 parts by weight of thermoplastic resin, 50-250 parts by weight of hydroxylated compound whose dehydration starting temperature is 100 to 500° C., and water-soluble pore-forming material that has 10-60 ?m average particle diameter is mixed to obtain a mixed material. The obtained mixed material is extruded to obtain an extrusion molded product. The obtained extrusion molded product is processed with an aqueous solvent to elute the water-soluble pore-forming material, thereby yielding a porous stamp material that has continuous pores having 10-60 ?m pore diameter. The obtained porous stamp material is laser-processed to manufacture a stamp.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for implementing a unique electrophotographic layered manufacturing scheme for creating higher fidelity electrophotographic composite laminate layers using tri-level electrophotography or electrostatic imaging scheme as a process for rendering individual laminate layers to be built up to form and/or manufacture three-dimensional objects, parts and components as 3D objects. A multi-stage 3D object forming scheme is described involving steps of multi-component laminate forming in a particularized electrophotographic layer forming process. This process renders a part component and a support component precisely next to one another with a single exposure by an exposing device to form a latent image of variable discharge voltages. Multiple toner product sources are used to dispose part component toner and support component toner in the forming of the multi-component laminate layer.

Abstract: A method for providing spacers on a construction component to be adhered involves applying a planar formation, including passages, on the construction component to be adhered, and inserting a setting liquid in the passages of the planar formation, so that the liquid forms spacer on the construction component to be adhered after setting and peeling off the planar formation. The spacer ensures a predetermined minimum bondline when adhering the construction component.

Abstract: Composite operating station and method of drilling and fixing for the continuous production of conductive backsheets with an integrated encapsulating and dielectric layer, for photovoltaic panels of the back-contact type. The composite operating station is automated and integrates a plurality of working processes carried out simultaneously in a cyclic sequence. In particular, it is based on a multifunction cylindrical roller which by rotating lays out the film of integrated encapsulating and dielectric material, heats it and presses it on the conductive layer of the supporting backsheet for the purpose of the fixing in a correct position, the roller being provided with openings to enable drilling from outside with a laser device and also to enable the forced suction from inside of the fumes and of the residues by means of an exhaust fan.

Abstract: A manufacturing method includes i) emitting a primary laser beam along a primary trajectory on a boundary between a first member and a second member by a welding apparatus; ii) emitting an advanced laser beam along an advanced trajectory that does not overlap the primary trajectory by the welding apparatus; and iii) emitting a subsequent laser beam along a subsequent trajectory that does not overlap the primary trajectory and the advanced trajectory by the welding apparatus.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods of producing a mesh implant having a compartment to enclose a bone material therein are provided. These methods include generating a 3D digital model of the mesh implant having the compartment, the 3D digital model including a virtual volume of the compartment and a virtual depth, thickness and volume of the mesh implant; generating a 3D digital model of a covering configured for closing the compartment of the mesh implant, the 3D digital model including a virtual volume of the covering for closing the compartment of the mesh implant; and instructing a 3D printer coupled to a computer to generate the mesh implant based on the 3D digital models. A computer system for making a mesh implant and a delivery system including the mesh implant are also provided.

Abstract: A hybrid core for manufacturing high temperature parts includes a non-refractory metal portion and a refractory metal portion wherein at least a portion of the non-refractory metal portion and the refractory metal portion are manufactured by using an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method includes providing a metallic first powder having a plurality of first particles with a first mean particle diameter. A second powder added to the first powder has a plurality of second particles with a second mean particle diameter less than the first mean particle diameter. Energy is applied to at least the second powder so as to selectively heat the second particles. The first powder is combined with the heated second powder to form a modified powder including modified powder particles. Modified powder particles have an interior portion containing an interior composition, and an outer surface portion with an outer composition different from the interior composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a packaging method, a display panel, and a display device. The packaging method includes forming a glass adhesive on a packaging area of an OLED array substrate or on a packaging cover plate, aligning the packaging cover plate with the OLED array substrate, and applying, from a side of the packaging cover plate facing away from the OLED array substrate a laser to the glass adhesive, to sinter the glass adhesive, wherein the packaging method further includes forming a barrier layer on the packaging cover plate, the barrier layer being configured to block the laser from irradiating an OLED device on the OLED array substrate when the laser irradiates the glass adhesive.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a laser scanning system is provided. Various embodiments involve the use of a calibration plate with reference markings which is positioned to receive a directed beam in a set of known laser scanner positions. The directed beam forms a laser spot on the calibration plate, and the laser spot is captured using an image acquisition assembly such as a digital camera along with a motorized mount. The movement of the image acquisition assembly may be coordinated with the movement of the laser scanner to track the laser spot across the plate. After photographing various positions, actual laser spot coordinates are deduced from their position relative to the known positions of the reference markings.

Abstract: A method for forming a carbon-metal composite material for a heat sink, comprising the following steps: applying at least one layer comprising carbon particles and at least one layer comprising metal particles on top of one another; and fusing of the layers by irradiating the layers with laser radiation to form the carbon-metal composite material. The invention also relates to a heat sink having a shaped body that comprises a plurality of layers, each layer containing carbon particles in a metal matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control device for a 3D printer, which controls the 3D printer including a supply unit for supplying a forming material and a degradable agent, and a printing unit for printing a 3D object. The control device includes a display unit and a controller. The display unit outputs screen information for setting a use period of the 3D object. The controller controls the addition amount of the degradable agent, based on the set use period.

Abstract: Provided are a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a polarizing plate, and a liquid crystal display device. The pressure-sensitive adhesive may be used to provide a polarizing plate which has a tensile modulus that varies in a thickness direction, and for example, which has a smaller thickness and a lighter weight, and also satisfies all of the physical properties required for the polarizing plate such as durability, water resistance, workability and light leakage preventability, and a liquid crystal display device including the same.

Abstract: An electrical heating bonding device 1 bonds a member M1 to be bonded, which is made of a metal, and a member M2 to be bonded, which is made of a resin. The electrical heating bonding device 1 includes: an upper electrode 11 and a lower electrode 12 which sandwich the member M1 to be bonded, and are electrically conductive with the member M1 to be bonded; a pressurizing unit 20 which applies pressure to a bonding surface between the member M1 to be bonded and the member M2 to be bonded; a temperature sensor 30 which detects a temperature of the member M1 to be bonded; and a control unit 40 which controls the pressurizing unit 20 to apply the pressure to the bonding surface, after the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 30 reaches a predetermined set temperature Ts.

Abstract: In some examples, a technique includes forming, on a surface of a first layer of material, a second layer of material using an additive manufacturing process. The technique also may include imaging the second layer using a laser imaging device to generate a second layer image. Further, the technique may include determining, by a computing device, whether a thickness of the second layer, in a direction substantially normal to the surface of the first layer of material, is within a defined range of thickness for the second layer.

Abstract: Provided is a welding structure which enables external visual checks and has improved stability of bonding properties at a laser weld between a cover and a housing of this flow sensor. This flow sensor is provided with a housing, a cover, a circuit chamber sealed between these and housing electronic components or wiring, and a subpassage through which the fluid flows that is to be sensed, and is characterized in that at least the part near the gate section of the cover that transmits the laser is thinner than the other parts that transmit the laser.

Abstract: A method for controlling an irradiation system (20) for use in an apparatus (10) for producing a three-dimensional work piece and comprising a plurality of irradiation units (22a, 22b) a first and a second irradiation area (18a, 18b) as well as an overlap area (26) arranged between the first and the second irradiation area (18a, 18b) is defined on a surface of a carrier (16) adapted to receive a layer of raw material powder. A first irradiation area (22a) of the irradiation system (20) is assigned to the first irradiation area (18a) and the overlap area (26), and a second irradiation unit (22b) of the irradiation system (20) is assigned to the second irradiation area (18b) and the overlap area (26).

Abstract: Electronic components are often assembled using robotic equipment, such as pick-and-place machines, that is not optimized for components such as ultra-thin semiconductor bare dice. Selective laser-assisted die transfer is described based on the unique blistering behavior of a multilayer dynamic release layer when irradiated by low energy focused laser pulse(s) in which the blister creates translation of the article being placed. Accurate placement results are provided with negligible lateral and angular displacement.

Abstract: A polar functional group is added onto a surface of a metallic member. A resin member contains an adhesive functional group. The adhesive functional group and the polar functional group attract each other. A method for joining the metallic member and the resin member to each other includes: heating a junction between the metallic member and the resin member while pressing the metallic member and the resin member against each other with a first load; maintaining temperature of the junction higher than melting temperature of a resin that structures the resin member while pressing the metallic member and the resin member with each other with a second load smaller than the first load; and cooling the junction to temperature lower than the melting temperature while pressing the metallic member and the resin member against each other with a third load larger than the second load.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, mask manufacturing equipment includes a detector, an irradiator, a calculator, and a controller. The detector detects positional deviation of a pattern formed on a mask substrate. The irradiator irradiates the mask substrate with laser light to form a heterogeneous layer that is expanded in volume in the mask substrate. The calculator calculates an area periphery irradiation condition under which the irradiator is caused to emit laser light to a peripheral area of the pattern on the basis of the positional deviation detected by the detector so that the pattern area is reduced by forming the heterogeneous layer in the peripheral area of the pattern. The controller controls the irradiator to form the heterogeneous layer in the peripheral area of the pattern according to the area periphery irradiation condition.

Abstract: To provide a balloon catheter and an apparatus and method for manufacturing the balloon catheter, whereby the degree of welding can be appropriately adjusted and the balloon catheter can be formed so as to have a desired surface profile suitable for various uses including medical use. With a shaft 14 inserted through a catheter tube 30a inserted into an end portion 28b of a balloon and also with a pressure tube 32a fitted around a welding section where the end portion 28b of the balloon 28 is lapped over the catheter tube 30a, the shaft 14 is heated by emitting laser light from a laser radiation unit 8 to the welding section while the shaft 14 is rotated by a chuck, to weld the welding section.

Abstract: An article and a process of producing an article are provided. The article includes a base material, a cooling feature arrangement positioned on the base material, the cooling feature arrangement including an additive-structured material, and a cover material. The cooling feature arrangement is between the base material and the cover material. The process of producing the article includes manufacturing a cooling feature arrangement by an additive manufacturing technique, and then positioning the cooling feature arrangement between a base material and a cover material.

Abstract: A bonding device for charging a liquid material into a space between plate-shaped members for bonding them together in situ, in which the liquid material may be prevented from exuding from the space between the plate-shaped members. The bonding device includes pair retaining base members for retaining the pair plate-shaped members facing each other, and a retaining base member movement unit for causing movement of the retaining base members towards and away from each other. The bonding device also includes an illumination unit that illuminates curing light to a photo-curable liquid material charged between the pair plate-shaped members held by the pair retaining base members, and a sensor that detects the wetting spreading state of the liquid material charged between the pair plate-shaped members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for forming sleeved containers. The system includes a conveyor for transporting a row of containers, a sleeving unit for arranging sleeves around containers and a heat oven for attaching the sleeve around the container by heat shrinking. The conveyed containers are provided with a sleeve and the sleeved container is transported in the oven to allow the sleeve to shrink. According to the invention, part of the sleeve is removed using a removal unit. The part is removed after heat shrinking. Removing the part allows to uncover part of the container otherwise covered by sleeve.

Abstract: A multi-step method of making a mammalian subcutaneous medical implant for releasing self-contained drugs on a controlled basis over at least a 3 day period includes depositing at least portions of one or more individual layers of the implant by at least one computer controlled 3-D printer. The 3-D printing method may be accomplished via an array of 3-D nozzles that deposit materials (such as plastics, thermoplastics, coating materials, drug-containing matrix materials, non-drug containing matrix materials, bonding materials, biodegradable materials and/or the like) in very small, precise portions. The materials may be deposited in liquid, powder, sheet or other forms. Non-implant forms may also be provided by the techniques disclosed herein.

Abstract: A device for adhering different kinds of materials is configured to adhere a metal material and a composite material having an adhering hole. The device includes a frame having first and second free ends that face each other. A laser head is provided at the first free end of the frame and irradiates a laser beam to an adhering point of the metal material. An upper tool moves back and forth at the first free end of the frame and presses the metal material. A lower tool is fixed to the second free end of the frame so as to correspond to the upper tool and supports an adhering point of the composite material. An air suction member is connected to the lower tool to suck air between the lower tool and the adhering hole of the composite material.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing device is disclosed that enables the manufacturing of 3D objects at a short time. The device uses multiple writing heads to write simultaneously different segments of the object and thus complete the object manufacture in a shorter time as compared to a one head additive manufacturing device.

Abstract: A method for printing a three-dimensional tissue scaffold. An embodiment can include printing a first layer of scaffold fiber with a printer onto a base gel substrate; and disposing a first gel layer over the printed first layer. Another embodiment can include printing a first and second sacrificial fiber with a printer onto a base gel substrate; printing a first scaffold fiber between the first and second sacrificial fiber to form a printed first layer; and disposing a first gel layer over the printed first layer.

Abstract: A method of sealing a container and a lid by melt adhesion by laser. Either the container or the lid has a thermoplastic resin that permits the laser beam to transmit through and the other one has a resin composition of the thermoplastic resin containing a heat-generating substance. Further, the laser beam applies a rectangular beam having a uniform intensity distribution. The upper-limit of temperature is not lower than a melting point of the thermoplastic resin but lower than a thermal decomposition start temperature thereof in the melt adhesion interface between the container and the lid, and the temperature reaches the upper-limit in a heating time t (msec) represented by the following formula (1), t (msec)=L/S??(1) where L is the length (mm) of the rectangular beam in the scanning direction, and S is the rate of laser scanning (mm/msec) of not higher than 1.65 mm/msec.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capsule-type medical apparatus and a method of manufacturing a capsule-type medical apparatus which can prevent a contact between a burr formed on an optical dome which is a part of a capsule-like casing and a living body in a subject. The capsule-type medical apparatus has a capsule-like casing which can be introduced inside the subject. The casing is configured with optically transparent optical domes and a cylindrical trunk member having an outer diameter dimension larger than an outer diameter dimension of the optical domes. The cylindrical trunk member is fitted onto an outer circumferential surface of the optical domes so as to cover each of the optical domes up to a portion near the burr formed thereon. The cylindrical trunk member has a step higher than the burr so as to prevent a contact between the burr and a living body in the subject.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a composite work piece for a drug delivery device, comprising the steps: Providing a first work piece part 1 and a second work piece part 2, arranging both work piece parts 1, 2 with respect to each other in such a way that both work piece parts 1, 2 are in mechanical contact with one another in a contact area 3, irradiating a surface of the first work piece part 1 with electromagnetic radiation, thereby softening the first work piece part 1 and/or the second work piece part 2 in a region adjacent to the contact area 3, and joining the first work piece part 1 to the second work piece part 2 in the contact area 3 for the composite work piece. Furthermore, a composite work piece for a drug delivery device is provided.

Abstract: A method of permanently joining plastic components is provided. The method includes orienting a first plastic component having at least one first rib in close proximity to a second plastic component having at least one second rib. Also included is positioning a plurality of fiber-optic cables in a location between the first plastic component and the second plastic component, wherein each of the plurality of fiber-optic cables include a first end and a second end. Further included is generating a laser beam that is directed into the first end of the plurality of fiber-optic cables and terminating proximate the second end of the plurality of fiber-optic cables.

Abstract: A powder removing apparatus includes a box, a stage moving mechanism, and a powder removing processing mechanism. The box has a main body with an opening and a stage movably provided in the main body. The box is capable of accommodating a molded object and non-bonding powder so as to arrange the molded object, which is formed using powder according to a rapid prototyping technique, on the stage together with the non-bonding powder. The stage moving mechanism is capable of moving the stage upward relative to the main body inside the main body. The powder removing processing mechanism is configured to remove the non-bonding powder existing around the molded object extruded by a driving operation of the stage moving mechanism via the opening.