Abstract: A DLP projector apparatus is provided for projecting a monochromatic display from plurality of monochromatic light sources. The DLP projector is adapted to radiate from each micromirror of its DMD chip an image comprising a plurality of radiated locations which are shifted with respect to each other. The DLP projector apparatus comprise a controller unit that is adapted to control the radiation from the plurality of light sources to the image according to a radiation scheme in an object production file. A DLP projector apparatus is also provided comprising an imaging table that is adapted to be moved in a plane perpendicular to an imaging beam of the projector. The movements of the table are coordinated and synchronized with the imaging scheme of the projector. The imaging scheme and the movements of the table are controlled according to a radiation scheme in an object production file.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system may include a nozzle having an inlet for receiving a flowable material and an outlet for depositing the flowable material. The system also may include an applicator head surrounding at least a portion of the nozzle. Additionally, a roller may be mounted on the applicator head and rotatable about an axle. A coolant circuit may extend through at least a portion of the applicator head and through a lumen of the axle.

Abstract: A three dimensional printing method for producing a self-destructible temporary structure, comprising: depositing, layer by layer, a degradable material solution having a biosynthetic copolymer as a degradable component and a disintegrating agent solution comprising enzyme as the disintegrating agent, wherein the disintegrating agent is capable of disintegrating the degradable component. The steps include curing deposited layers to form gel layers and activating the disintegrating agent by an external trigger during or after depositing the disintegrating agent to gradually degrade the degradable component.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to three dimensional printers, and reinforced filaments, and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a void free reinforced filament is fed into an conduit nozzle. The reinforced filament includes a core, which may be continuous or semi-continuous, and a matrix material surrounding the core. The reinforced filament is heated to a temperature greater than a melting temperature of the matrix material and less than a melting temperature of the core prior to drag the filament from the conduit nozzle.

Abstract: A carousel system includes a platform and a plurality of material delivery systems mounted on a periphery of the platform, each respective material delivery system including a first gear and an extruder nozzle head. The carousel system also includes a carousel rotatably mounted on the platform, a first motor adapted to cause the carousel to rotate from a first radial position to a second radial position, a second motor mounted on the carousel, a drive shaft coupled to the second motor, and a second gear coupled to the drive shaft. Engagement of the second gear with one of the first gears causes the corresponding material delivery system to force an amount of a selected material into the corresponding extruder nozzle head, heat the selected material to soften the selected material, and deposit the selected material on a surface. Each material delivery system provides material having a respective color. The carousel system may be used in a 3D printing system.

Abstract: A method of building a three dimensional (3D) structure includes micro-dispensing a layer comprising a material using a syringe-based micro-dispensing tool, curing the layer, and repeating the steps of micro-dispensing and curing a plurality of times in order to build the three-dimensional structure. The material may be loaded with nano to micron sized particles, tubes, or strings.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object printer ejects drops of a build material from a plurality of ejectors in a first printhead to form an object on a first region of a member and ejects drops of a support material from a plurality of ejectors in a second printhead to support the object on the first region of the member. The second printhead ejects drops of the support material onto a second region of the member that is separate from the first region to form a substrate layer. The first printhead ejects drops of the build material onto the substrate layer to form a printed test pattern. An image sensor generates image data of the printed test pattern to identify an inoperable ejector in the first printhead.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article fabrication system having a plurality of material deposition tools containing one or more materials useful in fabricating the article, and a material deposition device having a tool interface for receiving one of the material deposition tools. A system controller is operably connected to the material deposition device to control operation of the material deposition device. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating an article using the system of the invention and a method of fabricating a living three-dimensional structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to additive manufacturing systems and methods on a large-scale format. One aspect involves a build unit that can be moved around in three dimensions by a positioning system, building separate portions of a large object. The build unit has an energy directing device that directs, e.g., laser or e-beam irradiation onto a powder layer. In the case of laser irradiation, the build volume may have a gasflow device that provides laminar gas flow to a laminar flow zone above the layer of powder. This allows for efficient removal of the smoke, condensates, and other impurities produced by irradiating the powder (the “gas plume”) without excessively disturbing the powder layer. The build unit may also have a recoater that allows it to selectively deposit particular quantities of powder in specific locations over a work surface to build large, high quality, high precision objects.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to additive manufacturing systems and methods on a large-scale format. One aspect involves a build unit that can be moved around in three dimensions by a positioning system, building separate portions of a large object. The build unit has an energy directing device that directs, e.g., laser or e-beam irradiation onto a powder layer. In the case of laser irradiation, the build volume may have a gasflow device that provides laminar gas flow to a laminar flow zone above the layer of powder. This allows for efficient removal of the smoke, condensates, and other impurities produced by irradiating the powder (the “gas plume”) without excessively disturbing the powder layer. The build unit may also have a recoater that allows it to selectively deposit particular quantities of powder in specific locations over a work surface to build large, high quality, high precision objects.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a three-dimensional object from a solidifiable material using a linear solidification device is shown and described. The apparatus includes a solidification substrate assembly that is tiltable about a tilting axis to peel a solidification substrate from a recently formed object surface and to level the solidification substrate assembly and squeeze out accumulated solidifiable material between the solidification substrate and the recently formed object surface. Intelligent peeling and leveling may also be provided by providing a tilting parameter database that is used to adjust tilting parameters based on object geometry and/or solidifiable material properties.

Abstract: A DLP projector apparatus (10) for projecting a monochromatic display comprising a plurality of monochromatic light sources (111-113). The DLP projector (10) being adapted to radiate from each micromirror of its DMD chip (100) an image comprising a plurality of radiated locations which are shifted with respect to each other. The DLP projector apparatus (10) comprising a controller unit that is adapted to control the radiation from the plurality of light sources (111-113) to the image according to a radiation scheme in an object production file. The DLP projector apparatus (10) is also provided with an imaging table (240) that is adapted to be moved in a plane perpendicular to an imaging beam of the DLP projector apparatus (10). The movements of the table are coordinated and synchronized with the imaging scheme of the DLP projector apparatus (10). The imaging scheme and the movements of the table are controlled according to a radiation scheme in an object production file.

Abstract: An interdependent dual driver system for advancing and extruding thermoplastic material to be used in 3-dimensional printing applications. The system and process uses a two-driver system where one driver pushes the material through the device while the second driver pulls the material. The material is advanced through a nozzle designed to heat and extrude thermoplastic materials.

Abstract: A sensing device of a three dimensional object being printed is provided. The sensing device includes a roller, a ring shape equipment, a sensor, and a processor. The roller is utilized to perform planarization of the 3D printing object. The ring shape equipment has the same axial as the roller and rotates with the roller. The sensor is utilized to detect rotational speed of the ring shape equipment. The processor determines whether the roller is in contact with the 3D printing object according to the rotational speed of the ring shape equipment. Thereby, contact between the roller and the 3D printing object may be determined without disposed sensor on the roller.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to additive manufacturing systems and methods on a large-scale format. One aspect involves a build unit that can be moved around in three dimensions by a positioning system, building separate portions of a large object. The build unit has an energy directing device that directs, e.g., laser or e-beam irradiation onto a powder layer. In the case of laser irradiation, the build volume may have a gasflow device that provides laminar gas flow to a laminar flow zone above the layer of powder. This allows for efficient removal of the smoke, condensates, and other impurities produced by irradiating the powder (the “gas plume”) without excessively disturbing the powder layer. The build unit may also have a recoater that allows it to selectively deposit particular quantities of powder in specific locations over a work surface to build large, high quality, high precision objects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing three-dimensional molded parts in two method steps and infiltrating the molded part, as well as a material system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a liquid radiation curable resin capable of curing into a solid upon irradiation comprising at least one thermally sensitive visual effect initiator. The liquid radiation curable resin is capable of curing into three-dimensional articles having selective visual effects. The resulting three-dimensional articles possess excellent color and/or transparency stability and excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object layer by layer by applying and selectively solidifying a constituent material in powder form layer by layer by supply of energy has the steps: applying a layer (32+33) of the powdery constituent material (11) having a pre-determined height (h) onto a support (6) or a previously at least selectively solidified layer of the constituent material, and supplying energy (14) from an energy source (13) into the applied layer at positions corresponding to the cross sectional area of the object to be manufactured for selectively solidifying the constituent material. The step of applying the layer having the pre-determined height (h) is subdivided into a step of applying a first partial powder layer (32) having a first height (h1) which is smaller than the pre-determined height (h), and a step of at least applying a second partial powder layer (33) having a second height (h2) which is smaller than the pre-determined height (h), wherein the total height.

Abstract: Three-dimensional object bridge between virtual and physical worlds. A method, system, apparatus and/or computer-usable medium includes steps of selecting a three-dimensional item in a first state for subsequent rendering into a second state and rendering the three-dimensional item in the second state via the three-dimensional rendering apparatus. An additional step of locating a three-dimensional rendering apparatus for rendering the three-dimensional item in a second state can be included. The three-dimensional rendering apparatus can be configured as a kiosk (manned or unmanned), Internet-enabled vending machine, and the like. The first state can comprise a virtual state and the second state can comprise a physical state. Likewise, the first state can comprise a physical state and the second state can comprise a virtual state. Additionally, the three-dimensional item/object can be mapped in the first state for rendering in the second state.

Abstract: A three dimensional printing apparatus including a tank filled with liquid forming material, a platform disposed in the tank and immersed in the liquid forming material, and a curing tool disposed next to the tank is provided. The tank has at least two forming areas in step manner. The tank and the platform are controlled to generate a relative planer motion, wherein the platform moves from a forming area in higher step towards another forming area in lower step. When the platform moves to one of the forming areas, the curing tool cures the liquid forming material between the platform and the forming area to form a solidification layer on the platform. As the platform moves by at least two forming areas to form at least two solidification layers, the solidification layers are stacked to form a three dimensional object.

Abstract: Printer plates for used in connection with three dimensional printing are described. The printer plate can include a plurality of layers. The printer plate can include a base layer that has a first face and an opposite second face. The printer plate can include a first outer layer. The first outer layer can be operatively connected to the first face of the base layer. The first outer layer can have an outer surface that defines a first build surface of the printer plate. The first outer layer can be made of a different material than the base layer. The first outer layer being at least partially made of an uncross-linked methyl methacrylate-based acrylic resin, a reinforced acrylic resin, an acrylic resin impregnated laminate, or polyetherimide. In one or more arrangements, the printer plate can also include a second outer layer operatively connected to a second face of the base layer.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses for 3D printing for colored models on multi-head fused-deposition modeling (FDM) printers. These techniques are capable of enabling FDM printers to create 3D objects based on colored models, in some cases by determining printer instructions for multiple printer heads based on a 3D model and color data for the surface of the 3D model. These techniques can also tailor printer instructions to characteristics of a particular type or individual FDM 3D printer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for manufacturing three-dimensional models by means of a 3D printing process, whereby a build platform for application of build material is provided and a support frame is arranged around the build platform, to which said support frame at least one device for dosing the particulate material and one device for bonding the particulate material is attached via the guiding elements and the support frame is moveable in a Z direction, which essentially means perpendicular to the base surface of the build platform. In so doing, the device provides a material feeding device having a particle material container to supply particulate material in batches from the storage area to the dosing apparatus and to do so with the least possible amount of shearing forces and without significant interaction with the atmosphere.

Abstract: A printing head assembly including a fixing member, two nozzle heads, two driving units, two position-limiting members, and two position-restoring members is provided. Each nozzle head has a filament connection tube and a material extrusion port respectively penetrating through the fixing member, wherein the filament connection tube has a position-limiting portion. The driving units drive the corresponding filaments to feed into the corresponding nozzle heads. The position-limiting members are respectively disposed between the corresponding driving unit and the fixing member, and are connected to the corresponding filament connection tubes. The position-restoring members are respectively disposed between the corresponding position-limiting member and the fixing member.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein integrates several technological concepts: novel three-dimensional accretive manufacturing mechanisms and processes; combinations of fiber materials with plastics, typically thermoplastics, in accretive manufacturing (three-dimensional printing, for example); position-awareness for manufacturing control systems; and computer-aided design optimization processes with novel feedbacks.

Abstract: There are provided a method of manufacturing a three-dimensional structure, and three-dimension formation composition, by each which a three-dimensional structure can be manufactured with high dimensional accuracy, and provided a three-dimensional structure manufactured with high dimensional accuracy. There is provided a method of manufacturing a three-dimensional structure, in which the three-dimensional structure is manufactured by laminating a layer, the method including: forming the layer using a three-dimension formation composition containing particles, a binding resin, and a water-based solvent; removing the water-based solvent from the layer by heating the layer; and applying a binding solution containing a binder to the layer, in which the binding resin has an ammonium salt of a carboxyl group as a functional group.

Abstract: In one aspect, methods of printing a three-dimensional article are described herein. In some embodiments, a method described herein comprises jetting an ink at a temperature T1 onto a substrate at a temperature T2 to form a layer of the ink on the substrate. The method further comprises subsequently curing the layer of the ink. In some embodiments, T1 is greater than T2 and the ink in an uncured state has a liquid-gel transition temperature below T1 and above T2. Further, the layer of the ink is deposited on the substrate at a rate R1 in mg/s/in2 that is within 60% of a gelation rate R2 of the ink in inverse minutes in an uncured state at T2. The ink can comprise a curable material and a gellant.

Abstract: A three-dimensional model built with an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, and having a perimeter based on a contour tool path that defines an interior region of a layer of the three-dimensional model, where at least one of a start point and a stop point of the contour tool path is located within the interior region of the layer.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus with assembled and dissembled feature includes a base having a cavity, a control circuit is installed in the cavity. An upper surface of the base defines a through hole for an electrical socket extending through the base and being exposed on the upper surface. A stand connecting member is provided on the upper surface. A material deposition device for depositing material is provided with a beam connecting member. A movable platform capable of moving along a Y axis direction for carrying the deposited material is provided with a column connecting member. A stand having a column, a beam is provided on a top of the column. The beam is provided with a material, deposition device connecting member. The column is provided with a movable platform connecting member. A bottom of the column is provided with at least one base connecting member corresponding to the base.

Abstract: A heating platform including a substrate, a heating plate, a conducting plate and a temperature sensing element is provided. The substrate has a first surface for forming a three dimensional (3D) object and an opposite second surface. The heating plate is attached to the second surface of the substrate to heat the substrate. The conducting plate is attached to the heating plate, and the heating plate is coved between the substrate and the conducting plate, wherein the area of the conducting plate is smaller than the area of the substrate, and an end of the conducting plate extends to the outer of the heating plate. The temperature sensing element is disposed at the end of the conducting plate extending to the outer of the heating plate to sense the temperature of the substrate through the conducting plate. A 3D printing apparatus including the heating platform aforementioned is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) printing methods, apparatuses, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable medium. The disclosure delineates real time manipulation of three-dimensional printing to reduce deformation. The present disclosure further provides 3D object formed using the methods, apparatuses, and systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for printing a three-dimensional structure with a smooth surface comprising the following steps of depositing multiple droplets of printing material at least partially side by side and one above the other and curing the deposited droplets by light irradiation to build up a three-dimensional pre-structure in a first step, and smoothing at least one surface of the three-dimensional pre-structure by targeted placement of compensation droplets in boundary areas of adjacent deposited droplets and/or in edges of the surface to be smoothed in a second step to build up the three-dimensional structure with a smooth surface.

Abstract: A method of producing an object by sequentially printing layers of construction material one on top of the other, the method comprising: providing the construction material at a first lower temperature; flowing the construction material through a heated flow path in a flow structure to heat the construction material and delivering the heated construction material to a heated reservoir in a printing head; and dispensing the heated construction material from the reservoir to build the object layer by layer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for additive manufacturing that include reactive or thermosetting polymers, such as urethanes and epoxies. The polymers are melted, partially cross-linked prior to the depositing, deposited to form a component object, solidified, and fully cross-linked. These polymers form networks of chemical bonds that span the deposited layers. Application of a directional electromagnetic field can be applied to aromatic polymers after deposition to align the polymers for improved bonding between the deposited layers.

Abstract: A three-dimensional modeling apparatus includes: a stage; a regulating body having a surface including a linear region along a first direction and being arranged to face the stage so that the linear region of the surface comes closest to the stage; a supply nozzle configured to supply a material to be cured by energy of an energy beam to a slit region which is a region between the stage and the linear region; a movement mechanism configured to move the regulating body and the stage relative to each other along a second direction other than the first direction to form a cured layer of the material for at least one layer; and an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the material supplied from the supply nozzle to the slit region with the energy beam under a state in which the stage and the regulating body rest relative to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus performing as a base for printing 3D objects using high temperature thermoplastics employing additive manufacturing methods is provided. The apparatus comprises a heated build platform, a thin removable plate secured on top of the build platform, a high temperature polymer coating applied over the removable plate, and surface treatment of high temperature polymer coating to maintain adhesion between 3D object and printing surface. Also, the removable plate has low coefficient of thermal expansion compared to build platform below it, for avoiding bowing of the plate as it is heated due to heated build platform, hence providing flat printing surface. The thin removable plate allows 3D objects to pop off the plate upon cooling, without damaging the polymer coating, the plate, or the object. It also allows for continuous operation of printing, while the plate is released for cooling, a new plate is installed for printing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preparing a layer of an object being fabricated by a three-dimensional printing process. Embodiments of the invention combine selective deposition with selective curing to benefit from the respective advantages of both techniques. Multiple printing heads deposit a two-dimensional cross section of the object being fabricated on a substrate which is transparent to curing radiation. The multiple printing heads selectively deposit different object body materials in different regions of the cross section and also selectively deposit regions of support material as necessary. The transparent substrate is then moved into registration with the object being fabricated so that the new layer is in contact with the object body, and an ultraviolet two-dimensional image of the cross section is projected through the substrate to selectively cure the new layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating three-dimensional objects. The system includes an optical imaging system providing a light source; a photosensitive medium adapted to change states upon exposure to a portion of the light source from the optical imaging system; a control system for controlling movement of the optical imaging system, wherein the optical imaging system moves continuously above the photosensitive medium. The method includes moving a maskless optical imaging system providing the light beam in a continuous sequence; presenting the light beam on a portion of the photosensitive medium; lowering a plate upon which the photosensitive medium resides; and applying a new layer of the photosensitive medium.

Abstract: A consumable assembly comprising a container portion configured to retain a supply of filament, a guide tube connected to the container portion, and a pump portion connected to the guide tube.

Abstract: A liquid composition for producing a self-destructible temporary structure by additive manufacturing is provided. The liquid composition includes a biosynthetic copolymer as a degradable component and an enzyme as a disintegrating agent, the disintegrating agent is capable of disintegrating the degradable component, wherein after exposure to an external trigger, the disintegrating agent gradually degrades the degradable component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a three-dimensional object from a solidifiable paste is shown and described. The apparatus includes a pastes spreader, at least a portion of which extends into the solidifiable paste. The container holding the solidifiable paste and the spreader are movable relative to one another. In one system, the spreader vibrates as the container and the spreader move relative to one another. In another system, the spreader is part of a spreader assembly in which a first spreader and second spreader are angled with respect to one another, and the assembly is rotatable and lockable into multiple rotational positions. The apparatus and method allow three-dimensional objects to be progressively built upside down by ensuring that the previously solidified object section has a substantially homogeneous layer of solidifiable material available for forming a new layer of the solidified object prior to exposure to solidification energy.

Abstract: There is provided a support structure for use with 3D printing of objects from computer-aided designs. The support structures include fine points that contact the down-facing surfaces of the 3D object being printed in order to adequately support the 3D object while also being adapted for easy removal after the 3D print process is complete. The fine points are possible by controlling the operation of the dispenser to provide a precise amount of material in a precise location. The dispenser jumps from a first fine point to a second fine point by retracting the print material after the first fine point is printed and then moving the dispenser vertically relative to the first fine point before the dispenser is moved horizontally to the second fine point.

Abstract: Iterative techniques are disclosed for in-filling enclosed, interior volumes of three-dimensional shapes during an additive fabrication process.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing method for forming a three-dimensional object on a base is provided. The method comprises providing a model library comprising at least one supporting member, selecting the at least one supporting member from the model library and disposing the at least one supporting member onto the base. The three-dimensional object is printed over the base and the at the least supporting member, and the three-dimensional object has an overhanging portion relative to the base and the at least one supporting member is filled between the overhanging portion and the base.

Abstract: A printer (106) for building a three-dimensional model by sequential deposition of a plurality of cross-sectional layers by using a thermal print head (1) movable relative to a material bed (102) over a deposited layer. A protective sheet (3) is disposed between the thermal head (1) and deposited layer. Temperature control of the material bed (102) to prevent warping of the model is provided by an independently heatable cover (52, 58) in contact with the surface of the material bed (102) e.g. via the protective sheet (3).

Abstract: A method of three-dimensional fabrication of an object is disclosed. The method comprises: forming a plurality of layers in a configured pattern corresponding to the shape of the three-dimensional object, at least one layer of the plurality of layers being formed at a predetermined and different thickness selected so as to compensate for post-formation shrinkage of the layer along a vertical direction. In various exemplary embodiments of the invention spread of building material of one or more layers is diluted at least locally such as to maintain a predetermined thickness and a predetermined planar resolution for the layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating three-dimensional objects are disclosed. The system includes an optical imaging system providing a light source; a photosensitive medium adapted to change states upon exposure to a portion of the light source from the optical imaging system; a control system for controlling movement of the optical imaging system, wherein the optical imaging system moves continuously above the photosensitive medium. The method includes moving a maskless optical imaging system providing the light beam in a continuous sequence; presenting the light beam on a portion of the photosensitive medium; lowering a plate upon which the photosensitive medium resides; and applying a new layer of the photosensitive medium.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) printing structure that includes an object and a support member is provided. The support member is located on one side of the object to support the object. The support member includes a plurality of support bricks and a filler. The support bricks are stacked together. A first portion of the filler fills the space among the support bricks, and a second portion of the filler fills the space between the object and the support bricks adjacent to the object. Accordingly, the support member of the 3D printing structure is able to support the object, and thus the object can be formed through 3D printing.

Abstract: A method of three-dimensional printing of the disclosure is used to form a three-dimensional object stacked by a plurality of layers of object unit. The method of three-dimensional printing includes: forming and curing a layer of uncolored body; forming a color layer at the contour of the layer of uncolored body so that the layer of uncolored body and the color layer form a layer of object unit; and forming a cover layer at the contour of the layer of object unit so that the color layer is located between the layer of uncolored body and the cover layer.

Abstract: A liquefier assembly for use in an additive manufacturing system, which includes a rigid member having a gap, a liquefier tube operably disposed in the gap, one or more heater assemblies disposed in the gap in contact with the liquefier tube, and configured to heat the liquefier tube in a zone-by-zone manner, preferably one or more thermal resistors disposed in the gap between the rigid member and the heater assemblies, and preferably one or more sensors configured to operably measure pressure within the liquefier tube. The one or more heater assemblies may be operated to provide dynamic heat flow control.