Abstract: Disclosed is a three-dimensional object shaping apparatus for forming an object with a desired shape in a three-dimensional space represented by a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system of XYZ. The three-dimensional object shaping apparatus includes a light source; a drive mechanism to move the shaping surface parallel to an XY plane in a Z axis direction; an optical scanning unit to scan light emitted from the light source along a Y axis direction perpendicular to the Z axis; and a rotation mechanism to rotate one of the optical scanning unit and the shaping surface relative to each other with respect to the Z axis as a rotation axis, where a pattern of the light to be applied to the shaping surface is controlled by a combination of a rotation of the shaping surface performed by the rotation mechanism and the scanning of the light performed by the optical scanning unit.

Abstract: A powder bed containment system for use with a rotating direct metal laser melting (DMLM) system includes an annular build plate, which includes an inner wall, an outer wall concentric with the inner wall and spaced radially apart from the inner wall, and a substantially planar build surface extending between the inner wall and the outer wall, where the substantially planar build surface is arranged to receive a weldable powder for manufacture of an object.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, comprising a radiation emission arrangement adapted for generating a grow radiation pattern, a container adapted for receiving a build base material solidifying under the effect of irradiation by the grow radiation pattern, and fixing means (12) adapted for holding a build base adapted for dividing the container into a first container part (11a) and a second container part (11b), the build base having a first grow side facing the first container part (11a) and a second grow side facing the second container part (11b). The radiation emission arrangement comprises a first radiation emission unit (10a) adapted for generating a first grow radiation pattern allowing of growing the build base from the first grow side and a second radiation emission unit (10b) adapted for generating a second grow radiation pattern allowing of growing the build base from the second grow side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a three-dimensional object by solidifying a photohardenable material are shown and described. A photohardening inhibitor is admitted into a surface of a photohardenable material through a flexible film to create a “non-solidification zone” where little or no solidification occurs. The non-solidification zone prevents the exposed surface of the photohardenable material from solidifying in contact with the film. The inhibitor tends to cause the film to deform along the build axis, thereby creating a non-planar interface between the photohardenable material and the film, which distorts the resulting three-dimensional object. An apparatus is provided to stabilize the flexible film and eliminate or minimize such deformation.

Abstract: A method of assembling a three-dimensional printing system includes providing a plurality of components, providing a plurality of spacer rings, and measurement, analysis and assembly steps. The components include a light engine, an adaptive support apparatus, a plurality of elongate struts, and a support plate. The measurement, analysis and assembly steps include (1) measuring a scale factor for the light engine, (2) determining a selection of one or more of the spacer rings based upon the measured scale factor, and (3) assembling the components with the determined selection of one or more spacer rings.

Abstract: Examples are described that generate control data for production of a three-dimensional object. Build material profile data is accessed for an indicated build material. The build material profile data for a given build material defines one or more parameter values that are dependent on the properties of the given build material and that are configured to generate a three-dimensional object with predefined build properties.

Abstract: Methods for imprinting on abutted fields of a substrate are described. Generally, a first field of a substrate may be imprinted using an imprint lithography template. The template may then be placed such that a portion of the template overlaps the first field of the substrate while imprinting a second field of the substrate.

Abstract: A print system and a method for curing marking material on an object using an active transparent display in a three dimensional (3D) object printer are disclosed. For example, the print system includes a plurality of printheads, a curing light source, a movable member to hold an object, an active transparent display and a controller to control movement of the movable member to move the object past the array of printheads, to operate the plurality of printheads to eject the marking material onto the object as the object passes the two-dimensional array of printheads, to control movement of the movable member, to control the active transparent display and to operate the curing light source to apply energy to cure the marking material, wherein the amount of energy that is applied to the object is controlled by a mask that is displayed on the active transparent display.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a system, apparatus and method for 3D printing an object using an industrial robot; such object is larger and may be more accurate than the print volume and accuracy of the industrial robot that is performing the print. The system is further capable of scanning the irregular 3D surface of the printing platform in which to create the 3D object and adapt the toolpath to print on this surface. The system is further capable of scanning the 3D surface of a specimen that is larger than the print volume of the industrial robot and make a scaled copy larger or smaller. The system is also capable of monitoring the quality of the object being printed while the print is in process.

Abstract: A measurement device is configured to measure a three-dimensional shape of an object for measurement. The measurement device includes a projector, an imager, an identifier, and a calculator. The projector is configured to project a plurality of light lines onto the object for measurement. The imager is configured to capture an image of the object for measurement on which the plurality of light lines are projected. The identifier is configured to identify a projection condition of the light lines based on shaping information of the object for measurement. The calculator is configured to calculate a plurality of line shapes from the image captured by the imager, based on the projection condition.

Abstract: A DLP 3D printer, using a DLP projector to generate two images successively, and using a set of mirrors to deflect the irradiation of the two images through two routs respectively to form a complete image on the curing surface of the solidifiable material. In this manner, the printing area is enlarged without increasing the resolution of the DLP projector.

Abstract: An optically shaping apparatus includes a light modulation element having a plurality of pixels and configured to modulate light from a light source for each pixel, an optical system configured to irradiate modulation light from the light modulation element onto the photocurable resin through the light-transmissive portion, a controller configured to control the light modulation element based on each of a plurality of two-dimensional shape data corresponding to a plurality of sections in a three-dimensional object, and a moving member configured to move a cured portion cured by the modulation light among the photocurable resin in a direction separating from the light-transmissive portion. The controller controls an irradiation timing of the modulation light onto the photocurable resin for each pixel to form the cured portion corresponding to the same section in the three-dimensional object, in accordance with information on a shape of the light-transmissive portion.

Abstract: Device for production of three-dimensional components, namely a laser melting device or laser sintering device, in which a component is produced by successive solidifying of individual layers made from solidifiable construction material, by radiation, through melting of the construction material, wherein the dimensions and/or temperature of the melt area generated by a point-shaped or line-shaped energy input can be captured by a sensor device of a process monitoring system, and sensor values for evaluation of a component quality can by deduced therefrom, wherein the radiation created by the melt area and used for the generation of the sensor values passes through the scanner used for the melt energy input, and guided to the sensor device of the process monitoring system, wherein an optical focus tracking device is arranged in the radiation path used for generation of the sensor values between the scanner and the sensor device.

Abstract: A modular system for blow molding a container. The system may include a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion and second portion may each include a shell, a mold removably coupled to the shell, and a top plate. The third portion may include a base and a base mold. The molds may be 3D printed. The molds together may define a blow mold cavity. The modular system may be used at lab scale, pilot scale, or full production scale. The molds may be durable and smooth enough for full production scale. Some embodiments are directed methods for making a modular system for blow molding a container.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to additive manufacturing of an object using both a digital light processing (DLP) projector and a focused energy source to irradiate a photopolymerizable material, and apparatuses and methods for the same. The DLP projector irradiates and cures an outer perimeter of the object, and the focused energy source irradiates and cures an inner region of the object. In a preferred embodiment, irradiation by both the DLP projector and the focused energy source occur from underneath a tank holding the photopolymerizable material and through a transparent window.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects are disclosed. Two or more materials are extruded simultaneously as a composite, with at least one material in liquid form and at least one material in a solid continuous strand completely encased within the liquid material. A means of curing the liquid material after extrusion hardens the composite. A part is constructed using a series of extruded composite paths. The strand material within the composite contains specific chemical, mechanical, or electrical characteristics that instill the object with enhanced capabilities not possible with only one material.

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

Abstract: A method of monitoring an additive manufacturing process, in which an object is built in a layer-by-layer manner by directing a laser beam using at least one movable guiding element of a scanner to solidify selected regions of a material bed. The method includes recording position values generated from a transducer measuring positions of the at least one movable guiding element, recording sensor values generated from a sensor for detecting radiation emitted from the material bed and transmitted to the sensor by the movable guiding element of the scanner, and associating each sensor value with a corresponding one of the position values.

Abstract: According to some aspects, techniques for reducing time-dependent fabrication artifacts in additive fabrication are provided. By selectively activating and deactivating an element of an additive fabrication device that forms solid material, adjacent regions of material may be formed sequentially, thereby reducing time-dependent fabrication artifacts at the cost of increasing the time taken to fabricate an object. In some embodiments, selective activation and deactivation of an element of an additive fabrication device that forms solid material may be performed to a subset of an object being fabricated based on an assessment of which portions of an object will be visible upon fabrication.

Abstract: The invention is generally a 3D printer configured for printing 3D objects using a high-viscosity photosensitive material. The 3D printer may include a fluid retaining assembly which comprises a rotating tank. A printing platform is situated in a manner such that a bottom surface of the printing platform makes contact with the printing solution in the tank. To facilitate printing using the high-viscosity printing material, a scraper assembly may be implemented in order to properly prepare the printing solution onto a surface of the tank. The scraper assembly prepares the material by scraping a layer of the material onto the surface of the tank for facilitating curing of the layer onto the printing platform.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing method includes receiving a design model indicative of a part that may be fabricated using the additive manufacturing method, and generating expected-warping information based on the design model, the expected-warping information being indicative of an expected change in a shape of the part resulting from the additive manufacturing method. The method also includes modifying the design model based on the expected-warping information and fabricating the part using the modified design model.

Abstract: A nozzle for depositing fiber-reinforced polymer having a radiative chamber comprising an outer structure of a nozzle end; a cooling chamber coupled to the outer structure; and a filament guide tube extending into the cooling chamber.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system including a two-dimensional energy patterning system for imaging a powder bed is disclosed. The two-dimensional energy patterning system may be used to control a state of matter of each successive additive layer. Accordingly, the system may be used to alter the chemical bond arrangement of the material forming the various additive layers.

Abstract: A method of making a composite article comprised of a first component (10) and a second component (30) includes (a) providing a first component (10) and an optically transparent member (22) having a build surface with the first component having a first three-dimensional interfacing segment formed thereon; (b) immersing the first three-dimensional interfacing segment in polymerizable liquid (21); (c) forming an intermediate object by irradiating a build region with light through an optically transparent member and also advancing the first three-dimensional component and the build surface away from one another to form from the polymerizable liquid (21) a second component (30) on said first three-dimensional interfacing segment, with the second component including a second three-dimensional interfacing segment in contact with the first three-dimensional interfacing segment; then (d) optionally washing the intermediate; and then (e) further solidifying the second three-dimensional component (30) on said first thr

Abstract: Methods, processes, systems, devices and apparatus are provided for additive manufacture resulting in the 3D printing of ceramic materials and components with a thickness greater than three millimeters (3 mm). A sulfur-free 3D printable formulation comprises a liquid inorganic polymer resin using Stereolithograpy (SLA) printers and Digital Light Processing (DLP) curing of the polymer resin via the chemical bonding of the materials rather than sintering. Thus, the process has shorter manufacturing intervals, significantly lower energy use and produces larger scale ceramic components having less linear shrinkage, less mass loss and high ceramic yield with no corrosive sulfur compounds present in the ceramic component.

Abstract: In one aspect, inks for use with a three-dimensional (3D) printing system are described herein. In some embodiments, an ink described herein comprise 10-70 wt. % or 20-40 wt. % of a cyclopolymerizable monomer, based on the total weight of the ink. The cyclopolymerizable monomer comprises an acrylate moiety and an ethenyl or ethynyl moiety, and the ?-carbon of the acrylate moiety and the ?-carbon of the ethenyl or ethynyl moiety may have a 1,5-, 1,6-, 1,7-, or 1,8-relationship. Additionally, an ink described herein can have a viscosity of 1600 centipoise (cP) or less at 30° C., or of 500 cP or less at 30° C. and can be used to print a desired 3D article having mechanical properties similar to those of articles formed from thermoplastic materials.

Abstract: Methods and computer-readable media for producing at least one portion of a layer of a three-dimensional component by irradiating at least one powder layer by at least one high-energy beam, e.g., a laser beam are disclosed. The methods include irradiating the powder layer by the at least one high-energy beam in a processing field, wherein the at least one high-energy beam is moved in a continuous oscillating movement over the powder layer in a first direction to produce a line-shaped irradiation region in which the powder layer is melted, and wherein the line-shaped irradiation region is moved over the powder layer in a second direction that differs from the first to produce the portion of the layer of the three-dimensional component.

Abstract: A method of additive manufacturing includes dispensing successive layers of feed material to form a polishing pad, and directing first and second radiation beams toward the layers of feed material to form a polishing pad. Dispensing each successive layer of the layers of feed material includes dispensing a drop of feed material, and directing the first and second radiation beams toward the layers of feed material includes, for each successive layer, directing the first radiation beam toward the drop of feed material to cure an exterior surface of the drop of feed material, and directing the second radiation beam toward the drop of feed material to cure an interior volume of the drop of feed material.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of forming a three-dimensional object, which may be carried out by: (a) forming a three-dimensional intermediate by polymerization of a polymerizable liquid in an additive manufacturing process, the polymerizable liquid comprising a light polymerizable component; then (b) contacting at least a portion of the three-dimensional intermediate to a penetrant fluid, the penetrant fluid carrying a solidifiable component, the contacting step carried out under conditions in which the solidifiable component penetrates into the three-dimensional intermediate; (c) optionally but preferably separating the three-dimensional intermediate from the penetrant fluid; and then (d) solidifying and/or curing the solidifiable component in the three-dimensional intermediate to form the three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A print head is disclosed for use in an additive manufacturing system. The print head may include a discharge outlet configured to discharge a continuous reinforcement, and an applicator disposed upstream of the discharge outlet and configured to apply a solid film to the continuous reinforcement prior to discharge. The print head may also include a cure enhancer configured to soften the solid film after discharge.

Abstract: A system for three-dimensional (3D) optical trap printing (OTP) comprises a first particle susceptible to being cured by a light beam, a first light source to generate a trapping light beam to trap the particle, and a second light source to generate a curing light beam to cure the first particle. Using scanning and other optics, the trapping light beam may move the first particle to a desired printing location at which the curing light beam may cure the first particle, thereby adding the first particle to a printed structure. Using OTP, structures may be printed in any orientation, with or without support structures. Additionally, OTP allows for printing composite materials, high resolution color printing, printing of complex structures without sacrificial filler material, simultaneous printing of multiple particles, and combining particles at a print location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for casting a component by an adjustable molding box. A generating unit serves for generating a component model of the component to be molded, a transmitting unit serves for transmitting the component model via a data network to a determining unit, and the determining unit serves for determining a casting mold model based on the component model. The determining unit is configured such that adjustment data for adjusting the adjustable molding box based on the casting mold model are generatable. A control unit is coupled to the determining unit such that the adjustment data are providable to the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured such that the control unit adjusts the molding box, based on the adjustment data, with a casting mold, which is indicative for a negative profile of the component, and the component is castable by the adjusted molding box.

Abstract: Integrated core-shell investment casting molds that provide tongue or groove structures corresponding, respectively, to groove or tongue structures in the surface of the turbine blade or stator vane, including in locations that are otherwise inaccessible provide a pathway to restrict cooling flow between turbine blades to the flowpath.

Abstract: A carrier plate assembly for use in producing a three-dimensional object by bottom-up stereolithography includes: (a) an upper support; (b) an adhesion plate having a substantially flat planar lower adhesion surface, on which surface the three-dimensional object can be formed; (c) at least one energy absorber interconnecting the upper support and the adhesion plate; and (d) a carrier lock portion connected to the upper support.

Abstract: A vat heating device is provided, including a vat and a heater. The vat has a bottom plate. The vat is used to accommodate a photosensitive resin. The heater is disposed on the bottom plate, adjacent to the photosensitive resin. The heater is used to heat the photosensitive resin. The heater is on an optical path of a light source for curing the photosensitive resin. A photocuring three-dimensional molding system containing the above vat heating device is also provided.

Abstract: Method for operating an apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects (2) by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material (3) which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam (4), wherein at least one part of a first layer (7) is irradiated based on at least one first irradiation parameter and at least one part of a second layer (8) is irradiated based on at least one second irradiation parameter, wherein the at least one first irradiation parameter and the at least one second irradiation parameter are different for the at least two layers (7, 8).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object by a layer-by-layer application and selective solidification of a building material by exposure to a radiation. A hollow body is arranged in a process chamber above a build area which hollow body substantially extends from the build area in a direction of an upper side of the wall of the process chamber. Gas is supplied to the process chamber in such a manner and gas is discharged from the process chamber in such a manner that a lower pressure exists in the region of the process chamber lying within the hollow body than in the region of the process chamber lying outside the hollow body.

Abstract: An adhesive dispensing device, for use in layered object manufacturing (LOM) systems for rapid prototyping of a 3 dimensional (3D) object, for the application of adhesive to a target substrate S defining a layer of a 3D object, the device comprising an adhesive applicator wheel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart recesses for receiving adhesive, the adhesive dispensing device being movable relative to the target substrate to deposit adhesive at selected locations thereon, wherein the adhesive dispensing device is mounted for translation relative to the target substrate via a pivot mount configured such that the wheel aligns with its direction of translation relative to the target substrate to deposit adhesive at the selected locations.

Abstract: A printer and method having a print assembly movable over a print zone, and a controller associated with the print assembly. The printer is capable to receive a second print assembly with an associated second controller. The first controller positions the first print assembly over the print media and to position the second print assembly over the print media. The first controller directs the first print assembly in printing. The second controller to direct the second print assembly in printing.

Abstract: A system for releasing an additive manufactured part from a build location is disclosed having a cure inhibitor transport system to resupply a cure inhibitor at a cure inhibited photopolymer resin layer where the additive manufactured part is built, the transport system comprises a cure inhibiting reservoir to initially hold the cure inhibitor, a cure inhibiting distributor layer adjacent to the cure inhibiting reservoir through which the cure inhibitor passes from the cure inhibitor reservoir to the cure inhibited photopolymer resin layer and into the adjacent photopolymer creating a cure inhibited photopolymer resin layer. Another system and method are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A method of separating excess resin (15) from at least one object (11), includes: (a) stereolithographically producing at least one object (11) on at least one carrier platform (10), each carrier platform (10) having a planar build surface to which at least one object (11) is connected, each object (11) carrying excess resin (15) on a surface thereof; then (b) mounting each carrier platform (10) to a rotor (31); (c) centrifugally separating excess resin (15) from each object (11) by spinning the rotor (31) with each carrier platform (10) connected thereto while each object (11) remains connected to each carrier platform (10); and then (d) removing each carrier platform (10) from the rotor (31) with each object (11) thereon, with excess resin (15) separated therefrom.

Abstract: A method of making a three-dimensional object from a light polymerizable resin, includes the steps of: (a) producing an object adhered to a carrier plate by light polymerization of the resin in a bottom-up stereolithography process (e.g., continuous liquid interface production); (i) the object including a carrier plate adhesion portion, a main body portion, and a circumferential boundary portion included in the carrier plate adhesion portion and optionally extending into at least part of the main body portion; (ii) the stereolithography process including overexposing the boundary portion (as compared to the exposure of the adhesion portion or main body portion) with light; (b) optionally cleaning the object; and then (c) optionally baking the object to produce a further cured three-dimensional object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for producing 3D moulded parts by means of a layer construction technique wherein a recoater is used which can coat in both directions of movement.

Abstract: Provided is an active-energy-ray-curable liquid composition containing a monomer (A) having a hydrogen-bonding capacity and a solvent (B) having a hydrogen-bonding capacity, wherein the active-energy-ray-curable liquid composition satisfies conditions below, <Conditions> a cured product obtained by irradiating the active-energy-ray-curable liquid composition with 500 mJ/cm2 of an active energy ray is a solid having a compressive stress of 2.0 kPa or greater when compressed by 1% at 25 degrees C., and the cured product has a water decaying property.

Abstract: A method of controlling an additive manufacturing process in which one or more energy beams are used to selectively fuse a powder to form a workpiece, in the presence of one or more plumes generated by interaction of the one or more energy beams with the powder. The method includes controlling at least one of: a trajectory of the one or more plumes, and the one or more energy beams, so as to prevent the one or more energy beams from intersecting the one or more plumes.

Abstract: The present application provides not only a heating device for additive manufacturing but also a heating module and a manufacturing apparatus utilizing the heating device. The heating device utilizes a rotational reflective cover to modulate a heating direction of a heating source, which expands an area correspondingly irradiated by the heating source and enhances uniformity of heating. Besides, the heating modules can be coupled and controlled by a controlling subsystem so as to respectively irradiate different areas with ranges at least partially intersecting each other, which also improves heating uniformity for heating a large area.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a three-dimensional model by sequentially forming layers of photopolymer material one on top of the other responsive to data defining the three-dimensional model is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one printing head configured to dispense the photopolymer material, an array of LEDs controllable to provide radiation to polymerize the photopolymer material and a controller. The controller is configured to control the at least one printing head to dispense the photopolymer material to sequentially form the layers of material. The controller is also configured to turn on the array of LEDs to provide the radiation to cure the photopolymer material when situated above the model and to turn off the array of LEDs when not situated above the model.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of fabricating a ceramic composite components. The method may include providing at least a first layer of reinforcing fiber material which may be a pre-impregnated fiber. An additively manufactured component may be provided on or near the first layer. A second layer of reinforcing fiber, which may be a pre-impregnated fiber may be formed on top the additively manufactured component. A precursor is densified to consolidates at least the first and second layer into a densified composite, wherein the additively manufactured material defines at least one cooling passage in the densified composite component.

Abstract: According to some aspects, a method is provided of forming a metallic object via additive fabrication, the method comprising obtaining a geometric description of a first object with an exterior surface, generating a geometric description of a second object, the second object bounded by the exterior surface of the first object and having one or more voids, fabricating said second object via additive fabrication based on said geometric description of the second object, and depositing a metallic material onto said second object, wherein the metallic material is deposited into said voids of second object.