Abstract: A lamination molding apparatus which can improve the lamination molding accuracy, is provided. A lamination molding apparatus, including a chamber covering a desired molding region, the chamber being filled with an inert gas of a predetermined concentration; and a molding table provided in the molding region, the molding table being configured so as to be capable of being moved vertically by a driving mechanism; wherein the molding table is configured to be temperature-controllable; and a thermostatic section is provided in between the molding table and the driving mechanism or in the driving mechanism, temperature of the thermostatic section being maintained substantially constant, is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a three-dimensional object from a solidifiable material using a linear solidification device and contourless object data is shown and described. A voxel matrix is superimposed over an object model defined by three-dimensional object data to determine active voxels that intersect at least a portion of the object model. The active voxels are related to a path generation reference frame of an apparatus for making a three-dimensional object to generate solidification energy source event data that defines scanning (y) axis locations and/or solidification times at which a linear solidification device supplies solidification energy to a solidifiable material.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing an object by sequentially forming thin layers of a construction material one on top of the other responsive to data defining the object, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of printing heads each having a surface formed with a plurality of output orifices and controllable to dispense the construction material through each orifice independently of the other orifices; a shuttle to which the printing heads are mounted; a support surface; and a controller adapted to control the shuttle to move back and forth over the support surface and as the shuttle moves to control the printing heads to dispense the construction material through each of their respective orifices responsive to the data to form a first layer on the support surface and thereafter, sequentially the other layers; wherein each printing head is dismountable from the shuttle and replaceable independently of the other printing heads.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) objects, 3D printing processes, as well as methods, apparatuses and systems for the production of a 3D object. Methods, apparatuses and systems of the present disclosure may reduce or eliminate the need for auxiliary supports. The present disclosure provides three dimensional (3D) objects printed utilizing the printing processes, methods, apparatuses and systems described herein.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) printing apparatus, a printing calibration board and a three dimensional printing calibration method thereof are provided. The three-dimensional printing apparatus is adapted to spray the printing material. The three-dimensional printing apparatus includes a nozzle module, a printing platform and a control unit. The printing platform has a carrying surface, where the calibration pattern is disposed on the carrying surface. The calibration pattern at least includes a datum path and a first auxiliary path. The control unit controls the nozzle module coupled to the control unit to spray the printing material along the datum path, and the printing speed of the nozzle module is adjusted in response to the width of coverage of the printing material on the calibration pattern.

Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) printer and method for dispensing a material to form a 3D substructure and for dispensing an adhesive onto the 3D substructure. The adhesive printed onto the 3D substructure may be used to attach the 3D substructure to another substructure such as a conventionally formed substructure or another 3D printed substructure. Printing the adhesive using the 3D printer during the same 3D manufacturing process used to print the 3D substructure may improve precision of the location at which the adhesive is dispensed, thereby improving the quality of superstructure created by joining the substructures. An embodiment of the present teachings may decrease the overall time and cost to attach substructures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming objects. Layers of precursor material may be placed on top of each other. The layers of precursor material may be selectively cured as the layers of precursor material are placed on top of each other to form an object and a frame associated with the object.

Abstract: Three-dimensional fabrication resources are improved by adding networking capabilities to three-dimensional printers and providing a variety of tools for networked use of three-dimensional printers. Web-based servers or the like can provide a single point of access for remote users to manage access to distributed content on one hand, and to manage use of distributed fabrication resources on the other.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing apparatus includes a base including an opening, a tank placed on the base and storing a liquid photo-curable resin, an optical device including a light source that emits light and arranged to irradiate the resin inside the tank with light emitted from the light source through the opening, a shutter that covers the opening in an openable and closable manner, a slide guide that guides sliding of the tank so that the tank is slidable between a preparation position located outside of a region over the opening and an installation position located over the opening, and an interlocking device that opens and closes the shutter in conjunction with sliding of the tank so that the shutter is opened when the tank is located over the entire opening, and the shutter is closed when the tank is not located over at least a portion of the opening.

Abstract: Exemplary production methods for producing a paint plant component, e.g., for producing a component of a color changer, a color valve, or a spray device, are disclosed. According to the exemplary illustrations, the paint plant component may be produced in a rapid prototyping method. The exemplary illustrations also include a paint plant component that is produced accordingly.

Abstract: A device for forming a glass semi-product loaded in a die set is comprised of: a first chamber enclosing a heating zone, a waiting zone and a cooling zone arranged in a row along a first direction and being controllable of an atmosphere in the first chamber; a second chamber in spatial communication with the first chamber and closable so as to keep vacuum in the second chamber, the second chamber so neighboring on the waiting zone as to receive the die set moving from the waiting zone in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a ram disposed in the second chamber and movable to get contact with the die set and carry out press-forming on the glass semi-product in the vacuum kept in the second chamber.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing apparatus including a tank filled with a liquid-state forming material, a platform disposed at the tank, a rotating shaft, a rotating arm, and at least one light source is provided. The rotating shaft is disposed under the tank or above the tank. The rotating arm connects to the rotating shaft such that the rotating arm is driven by the rotating shaft to rotate. The light source disposed on the rotating arm rotates along with the rotating arm and generates light projecting toward the forming material along with the part of the platform moving in the forming material, such that the forming material is solidified in layers and forms a three-dimensional object on the platform.

Abstract: The invention provides a lens forming apparatus that can suppress generation of burrs even if gaps between outer walls of an upper die and a lower die and an inner wall of a trunk die is made wide. A lens forming apparatus 11 according to the present invention includes a trunk die 12 having a through-hole 17 therein; first and second dies 13 and 14 that are fitted into the through-hole 17 from both ends thereof, respectively, and have pressing surfaces 20 and 30 for sandwiching and pressing a forming material 24; and induction-heating coils 15 and 16 that heat the first and second dies 13 and 14 to a temperature equal to or higher than a glass transition point, in a state where the trunk die 12 is not heated and the temperature thereof is set to a temperature equal to or lower than the glass transition point.

Abstract: A system for melting a substance may be provided. The system may include a crucible insulated with fused silica, a microwave generator configured to supply microwaves, and at least one burner probe extending into the crucible. The at least one burner probe may include a wave guide. The wave guide may be configured to receive microwaves from the microwave generator and transmit the microwaves. The at least one burner probe may further include an absorber. The absorber may have a geometry configured to cause a minimal amount of microwave energy to be reflected back into the wave guide. In addition, the absorber may include a one piece cast of silicon carbide configured to dissipate heat along an exterior of the absorber. The absorber may be further configured to receive the microwaves from the wave guide and convert energy from the microwaves into the heat.

Abstract: The method and the device according to the invention are used to sterilize preforms (1) made of a thermoplastic material that are intended for producing blow-molded containers. During the sterilization, a sterilizing agent is introduced into the area of the preform (1). The sterilizing agent is discharged at least partially from at least one nozzle (44) in the direction of the preform (1). An average direction (45) of the escape of the sterilizing agent from the nozzle (44) is provided with an angle of inclination (46) from a longitudinal axis (47) of the preform (1).

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates to a transparent and reusable vacuum infusion heating bag for heating one or more curable materials against a tool, dispersing a permeating substance through the curable material and forming composite parts. The transparent and reusable vacuum infusion heating bag comprises a substantially transparent laminate containing a heating element. The heating element is sandwiched between a first layer and a second layer of flexible polymer material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical component includes, bringing a mold including at least one portion made of an infrared transmitting material into tight contact with a substrate, heating the substrate by irradiating the substrate with an infrared ray in a state that a gap is present between the substrate and the mold, and placing the mold and the substrate into tight contact with each other.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing apparatus includes a tank that stores a liquid photo-curable resin; a base on which the tank is placed and which includes a light passage portion through which light passes; an optical device that is disposed below the base, includes a light source, and irradiates the resin with light emitted from the light source through the light passage portion; and a holder provided above the tank so that when lowered, the holder is immersed in the resin, and when raised, the holder lifts the cured resin. A front-rear length of the tank is longer than a front-rear length of the holder. A front-rear center of the holder is located rearward relative to a front-rear center of the tank, and a front-rear length between a front end of the tank and a front end of the holder is equal to or longer than the front-rear length of the holder.

Abstract: A variety of techniques for color mixing support a user-controllable palette of colors for use when fabricating three-dimensional objects.

Abstract: By reversing the direction of a first build material fed into an extruder, the first build material can be wholly or partially evacuated from the extruder before a second material is introduced. This approach mitigates transition artifacts and permits faster, more complete changes from one build material to another.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and an apparatus for the layer-by-layer production of three-dimensional objects, wherein material vapors formed during processing in the construction chamber are prevented from deposition on apparatus components by exposing the gases to deposition surfaces where the materials condense and deposit.

Abstract: Three-dimensional molding equipment includes powder supply equipment configured to supply powder material and form a powder layer, and a light beam scanning unit configured to radiate a light beam to the powder layer and move a radiated location thereof, where a three-dimensional shaped molding object is manufactured by alternately repeating processes of forming the powder layer and sintering the powder layer with light beam radiation. A region used for manufacturing the three-dimensional shaped molding object is divided into a plurality of divided regions such that respective divided regions have an equal-length molding path which is to be a scanning route of the beam such as having unequal-length molding parts by a scanning route of the beam, and radiation is executed by a plurality of the light beam scanning units to the respective plurality of divided regions to improve molding efficiency.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a reflective film is disclosed. A nozzle is used to spray a mixture of photosensitive adhesive and white powder on a conveyor belt. A first roller and a second roller are used to press the mixture transferred by the conveyor belt. A first light source and a second light source are used to illuminate the mixture to form the reflective film. The reflective film is further pressed by a third roller and then coiled by a rolling device. An apparatus for manufacturing the reflective film is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for fabricating a lens. The apparatus for fabricating a lens includes a molding frame to receive a source material injected through an injection port, and a light source or a heat source to irradiate a light or a heat onto the source material in the molding frame. The molding frame includes a plurality of molding grooves adjacent to each other and at two connection passages to connect the molding grooves to each other.

Abstract: Examples of methods and systems for laser processing of materials are disclosed. Methods and systems for singulation of a wafer comprising a coated substrate can utilize a laser outputting light that has a wavelength that is transparent to the wafer substrate but which may not be transparent to the coating layer(s). Using techniques for managing fluence and focal condition of the laser beam, the coating layer(s) and the substrate material can be processed through ablation and internal modification, respectively. The internal modification can result in die separation.

Abstract: A tool provided that individually creates three-dimensional structural elements which are sequentially positioned into formation of a shaped object.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing apparatus including a tank filled with a liquid-state forming material, a platform disposed at the tank, a rotating shaft, a rotating arm, and at least one light source is provided. The rotating shaft is disposed under the tank or above the tank. The rotating arm connects to the rotating shaft such that the rotating arm is driven by the rotating shaft to rotate. The light source disposed on the rotating arm rotates along with the rotating arm and generates light projecting toward the forming material along with the part of the platform moving in the forming material, such that the forming material is solidified in layers and forms a three-dimensional object on the platform.

Abstract: A system for a thermal manufacturing system including a heliostat and a mold. The heliostat includes at least one reflecting surface, a steering mechanism and a controller. The steering mechanism is coupled to the at least one reflecting surface and capable of directing at least a first portion of the at least one reflecting surface toward a first one of multiple, selectable focal points. The mold is located in a second one of the selectable focal points. A manufacturing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A powder shaping method comprises: providing a powder on a target surface; providing a laser beam to illuminate the powder so as to form a pre-treated powder; and providing an energy beam to illuminate the pre-treated powder for enabling a shaping process. In addition, a powder shaping apparatus comprises a base, a target surface, a powder supply unit and an energy beam source system. The target surface is disposed on the base and can be fixed or moved on the base. The powder supply unit provides a powder on the target surface. The energy beam source system has a laser source and an energy source, the laser source provides a laser beam to illuminate the powder to form a pre-treated powder, and the energy source provides an energy beam to further illuminate the pre-treated powder to make a shaping process.

Abstract: Three-dimensional fabrication resources are improved by adding networking capabilities to three-dimensional printers and providing a variety of tools for networked use of three-dimensional printers. Web-based servers or the like can provide a single point of access for remote users to manage access to distributed content on one hand, and to manage use of distributed fabrication resources on the other.

Abstract: A molding method includes drawing cross-section elements of a three-dimensional object as a molding target on a drawing surface of a drawing stand with a liquid whose curing is precipitated by receiving activation energy as cross-section patterns; applying the activation energy to the liquid configuring the cross-section patterns in a state in which the cross-section patterns is pinched between the drawing stand and a molding stand; and detaching the cross-section patterns after being applied with the activation energy from the drawing stand and transferring the cross-section patterns to the molding stand side, wherein the drawing surface has a liquid repellent area that is an area representing liquid repellency for the liquid and a lyophilic area that is independently formed in an island shape within the liquid repellent area and is an area representing lyophillicity stronger than that of the liquid repellent area for the liquid.

Abstract: A method for forming three dimensional objects is disclosed. The method includes printing building material, layer by layer, to form a three dimensional object on a printing tray by moving a printing block that comprises a printing head, at least two curing sources and a leveler in forward and reverse passages. The printing is done by moving the printing block in a forward passage when the distance between the printing block and the printing tray is such that the leveler does not touch a layer being built, adjusting a height position of the printing tray relative to the printing block prior to printing a reverse passage and moving the printing block in the reverse passage, wherein during the reserve passage the leveler touches and levels the layer being built.

Abstract: A first mask layer (13) and a second mask layer (12) are transferred and imparted to a target object (20) using a fine-pattern-forming film (I) provided with a cover film (10) having a nanoscale concavo-convex structure (11) formed on one surface thereof, a second mask layer (12) provided in a recess of the concavo-convex structure (11), and a first mask layer (13) provided so as to cover the concavo-convex structure (11) and the second mask layer (12). A surface of a fine-pattern-forming film (II) to which the first mask layer (13) is provided is pressed toward a surface of the target object (20), energy rays are irradiated to the first mask layer (13), and the cover film (10) is then separated from the second mask layer (12) and the first mask layer (13). Pressing and energy ray irradiation are each performed independently. The target object is etched using the second mask layer (12) and the first mask layer (13).

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 of forming a three-dimensional object, is carried out by (a) providing a carrier and a build plate, the build plate comprising a semipermeable member, the semipermeable member comprising a build surface with the build surface and the carrier defining a build region therebetween, and with the build surface in fluid communication by way of the semipermeable member with a source of polymerization inhibitor; (b) filling the build region with a polymerizable liquid, the polymerizable liquidcontacting the build surface, (c) irradiating the build region through the build plate to produce a solid polymerized region in the build region, while forming or maintaining a liquid film release layer comprised of the polymerizable liquid formed between the solid polymerized region and the build surface, wherein the polymerization of which liquid film is inhibited by the polymerization inhibitor; and (d) advancing the carrier with the polymerized region adhered thereto away from the build surface on the build plate to

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel and inventive presentation form of a digital image, prepared by advancement in three-dimensional additive printing manufacture technique, e.g., stereolithographic or Polyjet printing. In particular, the present invention provides three-dimensional presentation forms with dynamic tonal definition derived from two dimensional images, as well as the methods of producing such images using a three-dimensional additive printing manufacture technique enhanced with image dependent advanced contrast technology.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating plastic receptacles includes a transport device which transports the receptacles along a predetermined transport path and at least one heating device for heating the plastic receptacles. The heating device includes at least one radiation source which directs radiation at the plastic receptacles and at least one first reflector element which reflects radiation emitted from the radiation source. The apparatus includes a proportional reflection device which transmits radiation emitted by the radiation source with wavelengths in a first predetermined wavelength range onto the receptacle and reflects radiation with wavelengths in a second predetermined wavelength range onto the radiation source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for continuous flow production of nanometric or sub-micrometric powders under the action of laser pyrolysis by interaction between a beam emitted by a laser and a flow of reagents emitted by at least one injector, wherein the laser is followed by an optical device allowing the energy of the beam to be distributed along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the flow of reagents, in an elongated cross-section with adjustable dimensions at least at one interaction area between this beam and the flow of reagents emitted by at least two injectors located perpendicularly to the axis of the beam. It also concerns a method for producing such powders.

Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional object, is carried out by (a) providing a carrier and a build plate, the build plate comprising a semipermeable member, the semipermeable member comprising a build surface with the build surface and the carrier defining a build region therebetween, and with the build surface in fluid communication by way of the semipermeable member with a source of polymerization inhibitor; (b) filling the build region with a polymerizable liquid, the polymerizable liquid contacting the build surface; (c) irradiating the build region through the build plate to produce a solid polymerized region in the build region, while forming or maintaining a liquid film release layer comprised of the polymerizable liquid formed between the solid polymerized region and the build surface, the polymerization of which liquid film is inhibited by the polymerization inhibitor; and (d) advancing the carrier with the polymerized region adhered thereto away from the build surface on the build plate to create

Abstract: Stereolithography machine (1) comprising: a supporting frame (2); a tank (3) suited to contain a liquid substance; a supporting plate (4) associated with the supporting frame (2), suited to support the tank (3); a stopping unit (5) suited to firmly hold the tank (3) on the supporting plate (4) in a resting position; emitter means (6) suited to direct a predefined electromagnetic radiation (6a) towards the tank (3); a holding unit (7) of the tank (3) operatively associated with the supporting plate (4) through first actuator means (8) configured so as to move the tank (3) with respect to the supporting plate (4) according to a predefined trajectory of movement. The stopping unit (5) comprises second actuator means (17) that define for the stopping unit (5) an active configuration for holding the tank (3) and a rest configuration for releasing the tank (3).

Abstract: An apparatus for laser processing a board is provided. The apparatus for laser processing a board includes a chip, a laser, a modulating device and a focus device. The chip receives a first frequency signal to generate a second frequency signal. The laser receives the first frequency signal to emit a first laser beam. The modulating device receives the second frequency signal and the first laser beam, and adjusts the first laser beam to emit a second laser beam. The focus device focuses the second laser beam to emit a third laser beam onto the board for forming plural dots on the board.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an injection molded article is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pumping system to deliver a silicone formulation to a mold, the silicone formulation having a viscosity of about 50,000 centipoise to about 2,000,000 centipoise. The mold has an exterior housing and an interior cavity therein, wherein the silicone formulation flows into the cavity of the mold. The apparatus further includes a source of radiation energy, wherein the radiation energy substantially cures the silicone formulation within the cavity of the mold to form the injection molded article. The present disclosure further includes a method of forming the injection molded article and a mold for an injection molded article.

Abstract: An assembly and methods for providing a contoured biological tissue are described. The assembly comprises a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is configured to receive a biological tissue. The second plate is configured to apply a compressive force on the biological tissue that is disposed on the first plate. One or both of the first and second plates comprise a defined shape and a contoured area within the defined shape. The contoured area comprises at least first and second elevations and a continuous transition between the first and second transitions. One or more energy sources is associated with one or both of the first and second plates. The one or more energy sources delivers energy while the second plate applies the compressive force on the biological tissue disposed on the first plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying low emissivity (low-E) coated glass, so that windows using the processed glass allow uninterrupted use of RF devices within commercial or residential buildings. Glass processed in the manner described herein will not significantly diminish the energy conserving properties of the low-E coated glass. This method and apparatus disrupts the conductivity of the coating in small regions. In an embodiment, the method and apparatus ablates the low-E coating along narrow contiguous paths, such that electrical conductivity can no longer occur across the paths. The paths may take the form of intersecting curves and/or lines, so that the remaining coating consists of electrically isolated areas. The method and apparatus are applicable both to treating glass panels at the factory as well as treating windows in-situ after installation.

Abstract: Nail gel curing devices emitting ultraviolet light, as well as methods of their making and use are disclosed. The devices are useful for curing, inter alia, acrylic compositions, more particularly, acrylic nail gel compositions, and typically employ ultraviolet and/or visible light emitting diodes (“LED”) to cure such ultraviolet and/or visible light curable nail gel resins.

Abstract: Three-dimensional fabrication resources are improved by adding networking capabilities to three-dimensional printers and providing a variety of tools for networked use of three-dimensional printers. Web-based servers or the like can provide a single point of access for remote users to manage access to distributed content on one hand, and to manage use of distributed fabrication resources on the other.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional article. The method includes establishing control commands effective to form a three-dimensional article and dispensing a first layer of particulate material onto a build platform. The method also includes irradiating the first layer of particulate material with microwaves and guiding a directed energy, according to the control commands, at the first layer of particulate material to form a first consolidated layer of the three-dimensional article.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing apparatus is provided, including a container, a display, a control unit and an optical film. The container contains a photosensitive material. The display has a plurality of display units. Each of the display units is capable of emitting a light beam. The control unit is capable of controlling the display units. The optical film is capable of projecting the light beams emitted from the display units onto the photosensitive material, forming a plurality of projected patterns. An arranging sequence and an arranging direction of the projected patterns are substantially the same as an arranging sequence and an arranging direction of the display units.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system and process for producing three-dimensional parts, which includes forming layers of the three-dimensional part from a part material at a first resolution, and ablating selected voxels of the formed layers with a laser beam at a second resolution that is higher than the first resolution.

Abstract: Method for aseptic molding of containers (2) of plastic material, comprising the steps of: heating parisons (4) of plastic material; sterilizing the parisons (5) by means of soft X-rays inside an advancing tunnel (7) after heating them and before molding them; blowing the heated and sterilized parisons (4) in such a way as to obtain the containers.