Abstract: An example multi-dimensional component building system includes a first chamber having at least one base, a second chamber adjacent to and in fluid communication with the first chamber through a first door, and a third chamber adjacent to and in fluid communication with the second chamber through a second door. The second chamber is fluidly sealed from the first chamber if the first door is in a closed position. The second chamber includes a directed heat source, a build-up material and is configured to receive the at least one base if the fluid parameters of the first chamber and second chamber are approximately equal. The third chamber is fluidly sealed from the second chamber if the first door is in a closed position. The third chamber is configured to receive the at least one base, having a formed component disposed thereon, if the second door is in an open position.

Abstract: A laser system with multiple laser pulses for removing material from a solar cell being fabricated. The laser system includes a single pulse laser source and a multi-pulse generator. The multi-pulse generator receives a single pulse laser beam from the single pulse laser source and converts the single pulse laser beam into a multi-pulse laser beam. A laser scanner scans the multi-pulse laser beam onto the solar cell to remove material from the solar cell.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems (300), devices and methods for machining a work-piece from a plurality of directions using a single laser beam and galvanometer scan head (302). In some embodiments, such a system includes, for example, a scanning galvanometer head (“scan-head”) (302), having one or more mirrors (323) for directing a laser beam in at least one plane. Preferably, in some embodiments, the scan-head includes two mirrors for deflecting the laser beam in the at least one plane (e.g., an X-Y plane). A plurality of second mirrors (312A, 312B, 312C) is arranged after the scan-head (302) to direct the laser onto a predetermined portion of the exterior of the object to be machined. In some preferred embodiments, there are three such second mirrors (312A, 312B, 312C) each to direct the laser over a 120 degree area of the object.

Abstract: A process for producing containers includes the steps of providing a container having a shaping region, the shaping region comprising a thermoplastic material; applying an ink to the shaping region; discretely heating the shaping region to a shaping temperature; and discretely shaping the shaping region to take a desired three dimensional shape. A system for producing containers having three dimensional decorations, and containers having three dimensional decorations, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A non-metallic material is separated using a single laser beam that is converted into a scribe beam and a break beam. A system includes a single laser source for generating a laser beam and a beam separator for converting the laser beam into a scribe beam having a first average power and a break beam having second average power. The beam separator directs the scribe beam to a scribe line on a substrate and the break beam to the substrate at a location that is spaced apart from the scribe beam. The scribe beam rapidly heats the substrate along the scribe line. A quenching subsystem applies a stream of cooling fluid to the substrate to propagate a microcrack along the scribe line. The break beam rapidly reheats the substrate quenched by the stream of cooling fluid to separate the substrate along the microcrack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanoimprint lithography method.

Abstract: There is provided a method of making an optical polymer waveguide having an arbitrary refractive index profile, the method including: a) providing a first input optical beam having a first beam intensity profile and a second input optical beam having a second beam intensity profile; b) combining the first and second input optical beams to form an output optical beam having an output beam intensity profile; and c) forming the optical waveguide on a substrate by: exposing the optical materials of the waveguide to the output optical beam; and curing the optical materials using said output optical beam.

Abstract: In order to allow for aligning a relative position between a transferred object and a stamper with high accuracy without providing an alignment pattern in the transferred object, there are provided: a pattern transfer method, including: when adjusting the relative position between the stamper and the transferred object, a step of detecting at least two or more edge positions of the transferred object and calculating an arbitrary point from the detected edge positions; a step of detecting a position of the stamper from an edge of the stamper or an alignment mark formed in the stamper; and a step of adjusting the relative position between the transferred object and the stamper from the arbitrary point and the position of the stamper; and an imprint device using the same.

Abstract: A method of electron-beam lithography by direct writing solves the reliability of design of etched components through rounding of the corners of contiguous patterns, notably in patterns to be etched of critical dimension of the order of 35 nm. The method determines critical patterns, and correction patterns by subtracting patterns of corrections of dimensions and of locations as a function of rounding of external or internal corners to be corrected and etching of the corrected design. The corrections may be by a correction model taking account of the parameters of the critical patterns. A correction of the proximity effects specific to these methods is also performed, by resizing of edges of blocks to be etched in combination optimized by the energy latitude with a modulation of the radiated doses. A rescaling and negation functions and eRIF functions may be used to optimize the parameters and the realization of the extrusion.

Abstract: A method for layer-by-layer production of a three dimensional object is provided. The method includes applying a layer of a polymer powder having a thickness; selectively irradiating portions of the polymer powder layer with a laser beam having an average power density and a focus maximum power density to melt and sinter the irradiated polymer powder; cooling the melted and sintered powder to obtain a solid mass having a shape; and repeating the application, irradiating and cooling operations until the three dimensional object is obtained; wherein a duty factor of the laser beam is greater than 60%. Also provided is an apparatus to carry out the method and a molding obtained therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the layer-by-layer production of three-dimensional objects wherein a powder layer is melted with a laser beam shaped such that the focus maximum power density is less than 50% greater than the average power density, is provided. Also provided are the corresponding mouldings.

Abstract: A method for scribing transparent materials uses ultrashort laser pulses to create multiple scribe features with a single pass of the laser beam across the material, with at least one of the scribe features being formed below the surface of the material. This enables clean breaking of transparent materials at a higher speed than conventional techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a three-dimensional shaped product in which a powder and a shaped article are loaded on a base plate, a frame body is installed upright on a table, a support projecting from the frame body and/or a restraining support provided at the top of the frame body are used to support the base plate, the base plate is supported by arranging the center of gravity of the base plate so as to be present, two or more recesses provided at the back of the base plate are fitted into two or more extension supports which cross each other and/or restraining supports, and projected parts provided on supports and/or wall parts of the frame body are contacted with horizontally surrounding parts of the base plate on both sides in the longitudinal direction of at least one recess among the recesses, thereby attaining the above object.

Abstract: An apparatus for the layer-by-layer production of three-dimensional objects having a material application unit containing a doctor blade with an edge closest to the construction field having a non-continuous straight line. In one embodiment the blade may vibrate. A process for layer-by-layer production, wherein the construction field is completely coated with applied powder prior to irradiation is also provided. Three dimensional articles made according to the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the layer-by-layer production of three-dimensional objects, to processes for layer-by-layer production, and also to corresponding shaped articles.

Abstract: There are provided a method and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional image. The method and apparatus adjust the density in consideration of the influence of the expansion of a thermally expandable layer on the density of a display color or a color development state so that the originally planned density of the display color can be achieved, on the surface of a thermally expandable sheet. The method and apparatus form a mirror image of a colored image, of which the density of a black component is adjusted so as to correspond to the bulge height of the thermally expandable layer, on the back of the thermally expandable sheet. The method and apparatus expand the thermally expandable layer when irradiating the thermally expandable layer with light, which includes infrared wavelengths, from the back of the thermally expandable sheet.

Abstract: A system for producing sheet- or plate-shaped objects having at least one active surface, in particular for producing electrodes for constructing an electrochemical energy storage, preferably configured for use in a motor vehicle, or parts of such electrodes, is described, wherein the sheet- or plate-shaped objects have a first object side and a second object side opposite the first object side, and wherein the production system has a first radiating apparatus, particularly a first laser apparatus, which is arranged and configured in such a manner that it can change the roughness of the active surface on the first object side of the electrode. Furthermore, a method for producing sheet- or plate-shaped objects is described.

Abstract: A direct-write apparatus and end use device for selective separation of at least one layer of material from another layer of material at the interface between them using a beam of electromagnetic radiation from an ultrashort pulse source is disclosed.

Abstract: There are provided a method and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional image. The method and apparatus form an arbitrary colored image on the surface of a thermally expandable sheet by using surface image data. The method and apparatus form a mirror image, of which the density of a black component is adjusted in consideration of the influence of the density of the colored image on a bulge height of a thermally expandable layer so that an originally scheduled bulge height can be achieved, on the back of the thermally expandable sheet. The method and apparatus can achieve an intended bulge height by expanding the thermally expandable layer with thermal energy that is generated in the mirror image and the colored image when the thermally expandable sheet is irradiated with light including infrared wavelengths from the back of the thermally expandable sheet.

Abstract: A imaging assembly for generating a light beam suitable for sintering comprises a lamp housing and a lamp mounted in the lamp housing comprising a filament and a lamp base, wherein the lamp is oriented with the lamp base to the side of the filament. The imaging assembly further comprises a reflector, an aperture, and at least one condenser lens configured to focus light emitted by the filament through the aperture. The imaging assembly further comprises a set of achromatic doublet lenses, each achromatic doublet lens comprising three surfaces optimized to focus light at three wavelengths, wherein the set of achromatic doublet lenses focuses light over a range including the three wavelengths. The imaging assembly further comprises an outer lens, wherein the focused light beam exits the imaging assembly through the outer lens.

Abstract: A golf ball including one or more configurable materials allows the attributes of the golf ball, including physical properties and play characteristics, to be changed by selective exposure of energy from an energy source to the golf ball. The exposure to the energy from the energy source causes certain configurable materials within the golf ball to undergo a physical change in structure, thereby changing the attributes of the modified golf ball. A method of post production modification of a golf ball allows the attributes of the golf ball to be changed to meet the desired attributes of a consumer. A customization system including multiple stock golf ball sets with different configurations is used with different energy sources to produce a variety of modified golf balls having different attributes. A distribution system processes stock golf balls using post production modification processes to produce different modified golf balls to consumers.

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: An apparatus for producing a three-dimensional shaped product installs on a surface of a table a base plate which loads powder and a shaped article, with a vertical space being formed. A frame body is installed upright on the table. The base plate is placed on a support horizontally projecting from the frame body and/or a step portion which provides an inner direction part of the table of the frame body. The base plate is supported so the center of gravity of the base plate is inside a triangle formed by three locations or a quadruple formed by four locations inside a region of the support or the step portion on which the base plate is placed, and the part projecting above the support and/or an inner wall of the frame body are contacted with a horizontally surrounding part of the base plate at three or more locations.

Abstract: A laser machining system is used to precision laser drill holes in an elastomeric material, preferably silicone rubber, to form holes to support miniature electronic components temporarily while they are being processed or tested. The holes are formed by directing laser pulses from a laser to a top surface of the elastomeric material in a plurality of passes in a direction proceeding from a non-zero inner diameter to the desired diameter or from the desired diameter to the inner diameter. The plurality of passes forms a first pattern such that a successive pass of the plurality of passes overlaps a previous pass of the plurality of passes. The first pattern is repeated without changing direction or the first pattern is repeated while reversing the direction until the hole is formed through a bottom surface of the elastomeric material.

Abstract: A lens manufacturing apparatus includes a concave-convex shape forming unit that makes a notch in the surface of a workpiece to form a concave-convex shape portion, a resin supply unit that supplies resin for a lens onto the surface of the workpiece, a resin curing unit that cures the supplied resin for a lens, a moving unit that moves the concave-convex shape forming unit, the resin supply unit, and the resin curing unit relative to the workpiece, and a control unit that controls driving of the concave-convex shape forming unit, the resin supply unit, the resin curing unit, and the moving unit so as to form the concave-convex shape portion extending in a predetermined direction, supply the resin for a lens between adjacent concave-convex shape portions and cure the supplied resin for a lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for modifying in a spatially periodic manner at least in some regions a surface of a substrate (24), said surface being disposed on a sample plane (P) for which end different regions (211, 221, 231, 232) of the substrate surface are acted upon successively with a spatially periodic illumination pattern of an energy density above a processing threshold of the substrate surface, where the illumination pattern is generated by diffraction of an input beam (10) and superimposition of resulting, diffracted sub-beams (12, 14) by means of a grid interferometer (100), and where, in order to select the substrate surface region to be illuminated in each case (211, 221, 231, 232), the input beam (10) is deviated by means of a beam-deviating unit (16) arranged upstream of the grid interferometer (100).

Abstract: A method for layerwise production of a tangible object comprises repeatedly performing method cycles. Each method cycle comprises the steps of solidifying a predetermined area of an uppermost liquid layer (10) of a liquid (3) in a reservoir (2), so as to obtain a solid layer of the tangible object, and creating, above, parallel and adjacent to the solid layer, a successive uppermost liquid layer of the liquid. Said creating of the successive liquid layer is carried out by spraying such liquid onto upper parts of the contents in the reservoir. A height distribution over at least part of the surface of the uppermost liquid layer is measured by means of a measuring device (6). Based on the measured height distribution, the solidifying is carried out to compensate for unflatness of the measured height distribution.

Abstract: An optical shaping apparatus includes: an exposing unit for turning on/off irradiation of light to a hardening resin surface for each predetermined unit area to irradiate light collectively on multiple the unit areas with irradiation of light being on; and a scanning unit for irradiating an optical beam with a predetermined diameter to scan the optical beam on the hardening resin surface; with the exposing unit irradiating the light in an area offset by a predetermined number of unit areas toward the inner side than the unit areas overlapped with the profile line of the cross-sectional-shaped data on the hardening resin surface; and with the scanning unit scanning an optical beam having a first diameter along a center line offset from the profile line of the cross-sectional-shaped data, and scanning an optical beam having a second diameter shorter than the first diameter along the inner side of the profile line.

Abstract: An optical irradiation device is provided which includes a multimode optical fiber suitable for the central wavelength of a beam of light having a first beam profile which enters through an input connection for multimode guidance; a switching device, which can be switched between a first and second light conducting state and is configured to conduct the beam of light entering through the input connection in the first light conducting state to an output connection, such that the beam of light has the first beam profile on emerging from the output connection, and guides the beam of light entering the input connection to the output connection by the multimode optical fiber in the second light conducting state, so that the beam of light has a second beam profile different from the first beam profile on emerging from the output connection by the multimode guidance in the multimode optical fiber.

Abstract: Apparatus, method and system for cutting a polymeric stent including the use of a polymeric mandrel as a laser shielding device. The polymeric mandrel is allowed to roll freely within a polymeric tube that is cut into a polymeric stent.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a forming molded underfills. A method is disclosed including loading a flip chip substrate into a selected one of the upper mold chase and lower mold chase of a mold press at a first temperature; positioning a molded underfill material in the at least one of the upper and lower mold chases while maintaining the first temperature which is lower than a melting temperature of the molded underfill material; forming a sealed mold cavity and creating a vacuum in the mold cavity; raising the temperature of the molded underfill material to a second temperature greater than the melting point to cause the molded underfill material to flow over the flip chip substrate forming an underfill layer and forming an overmolded layer; and cooling the flip chip substrate to a third temperature substantially lower than the melting temperature of the molded underfill material. An apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite film (10), in particular for packaging (1) in the food industry, having at least one sealing layer (12), which consists of sealable material and is connected, at least indirectly, to a first layer (11) which acts as an outer layer, wherein the sealing layer (12) has a lower melting point than the first layer (11). According to the invention, it is provided that, on that side of the sealing layer (12) which is directed away from the first layer (11), a second layer (13), which acts as an inner layer, is arranged in operative connection with the sealing layer (12), that the second layer (13) has a higher melting point than the sealing layer (12), and that the second layer (13) has at least one through-opening (17; 17a to 17c), which is covered over by the sealing layer (12).

Abstract: A method for porating one or more cells comprising positioning a particle near each cell; and causing laser-induced breakdown of the particle to create one or more cavitations, wherein the cavitation(s) causes poration of the cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing products having individual geometries, comprising a substrate carrier device, a material application device for applying material, preferably above the substrate carrier device, which material application device can be moved relative to the substrate carrier device, and a control device which is coupled to the material application device for signaling. According to the invention, the material application device is coupled to an input interface for signaling and for selection of a first or a second application mode, the control device and the application device being designed such as to produce, in the first application mode, a three-dimensional product on the surface of a substrate plate by way of an additive production method, said substrate plate being connected to the substrate carrier device.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for an optical waveguide structure including a clad structure having grooves in a curved surface thereof and a clad film attached to the curved surface includes a clad film shape retaining portion that has a curved surface along which the clad film is held. a position checking portion that checks the position of the clad film on the clad film shape retaining portion, and a first position adjusting portion that adjusts the position of the clad film shape retaining portion so that the clad film on the clad film shape retaining portion is disposed at a reference position while checking the position of the clad film with the position checking portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and an apparatus for the layer-by-layer production of three-dimensional objects, wherein material vapours 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: A method of at least partially removing at least one of a coating and a masking layer from an area of at least one part, including the steps of orienting the at least one part; and removing the area of the at least one of coa tmg and masking layer from the at least one part using at least one removal device. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes a plurality of parts, orienting the plurality of parts and removing the area of the at least one coating and masking layer from each of the plurality of parts using a plurality of removal devices. A system for at least partially removing at least one of a coating and masking layer from an area of at least one part is also provided. In a preferred embodiment, the removal device(s) are lasers.

Abstract: A laser-engraveable composition comprises one or more elastomeric rubbers and specific amounts of inorganic, non-infrared radiation absorber fillers, a vulcanizing composition, carbon nanotubes, and other near-infrared radiation absorbers such as non-conductive carbon blacks, within certain weight ratios. This laser-engraveable composition can be used to form various flexographic printing precursors that can be laser-engraved to provide relief images in flexographic printing plates, printing cylinders, or printing sleeves.

Abstract: It is presented a method for producing a cured polymer structure from a polymer compound which is UV curable and partly UV transparent. The method comprises injecting the polymer compound into a mould (2), which mould (2) has at least one wall (7) defining a mould space (6) for receiving the polymer compound in the mould space (6). The at least one wall (7) of the mould (2) is UV transparent and comprises a thermoplastic polymer. The polymer compound is then irradiated through the at least one wall (7), by means of at least one UV semiconductor light source, thereby curing the polymer compound to form the cured polymer structure. An assembly for producing a polymer structure and a mould (2) is also presented herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for curing, sterilization and aseptic packaging of products, especially medical devices, in a single unit. The process is streamlined with an aseptic packaging step eliminating the need for a second sterilization cycle following packaging. The ability to sterilize and cure products in a dry heat sealed autoclave tube prior to packaging, transfer the products in a sterile airtight environment to the packaging chamber, and to place the products into packages in an aseptic chamber prevents recontamination of the products during packaging and results in a savings of time, product, and packaging expenses.

Abstract: An embodiment is a molding chamber. The molding chamber comprises a mold-conforming chase, a substrate-base chase, a first radiation permissive component, and a microwave generator coupled to a first waveguide. The mold-conforming chase is over the substrate-base chase, and the mold-conforming chase is moveable in relation to the substrate-base chase. The first radiation permissive component is in one of the mold-conforming chase or the substrate-base chase. The microwave generator and the first waveguide are together operable to direct microwave radiation through the first radiation permissive component.

Abstract: Method and device for producing a 3D object by means of a generative 3D-method, for example, selective laser sintering (SLS) and selective laser melting (SLM). An infrared sensor can be cross-flown by a tempered fluid in order to prevent the infrared sensor, which is provided in the process chamber of the device, from being impaired by monomer deposits, oligomers or solid material particles during the construction thereof.

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 fluidic channel system is provided. The fluidic channel system includes a light projection apparatus, a fluidic channel, and a rail. The light projection apparatus provides light. A photocurable fluid, which is selectively cured by the light, flows inside the fluidic channel. A fine structure which is to be formed by curing the photocurable fluid moves along the rail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for producing a three-dimensional body consisting of individual solidified layers, whereby a coating material is disposed on one of a carrier plate and an already-solidified layer of the body in a first layer thickness by slidably withdrawing a bottom plate of a storage container filled with the coating material, thereby allowing coating material to descend from the storage container onto the carrier plate or already-solidified layer of the body. The first layer thickness of the coating material is then reduced to a lesser second layer thickness by re-inserting the bottom plate through the coating material disposed on the carrier plate or already-solidified layer. The coating material is then solidified at predetermined locations in order to generate a desired layer contour of one solidified layer of the three-dimensional body.

Abstract: There is provided solid imaging methods and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from solid imaging material. A tray with a film bottom is provided to hold solid imaging material that is selectively cured into cross-sections of the three-dimensional object being built. A coater bar is moved back and forth over the film to remove any uncured solid imaging material from a previous layer and to apply a new layer of solid imaging material. A sensor is provided to measure the amount of resin in the tray to determine the appropriate amount of solid imaging material to be added, from a cartridge, for the next layer. A shuttle, which covers the tray when the exterior door to the solid imaging apparatus is opened for setting up a build or removing a three-dimensional object, can also be used to move the coater bar and to selectively open one or more valves on the cartridge to dispense the desired amount of solid imaging material.

Abstract: There is provided solid imaging methods and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from solid imaging material. A tray with a film bottom is provided to hold solid imaging material that is selectively cured into cross-sections of the three-dimensional object being built. A coater bar is moved back and forth over the film to remove any uncured solid imaging material from a previous layer and to apply a new layer of solid imaging material. A sensor is provided to measure the amount of resin in the tray to determine the appropriate amount of solid imaging material to be added, from a cartridge, for the next layer. A shuttle, which covers the tray when the exterior door to the solid imaging apparatus is opened for setting up a build or removing a three-dimensional object, can also be used to move the coater bar and to selectively open one or more valves on the cartridge to dispense the desired amount of solid imaging material.

Abstract: In an imprint method according to embodiments, light that hardens a resist is irradiated to a light irradiation region near an alignment mark in order to prevent the resist from being filled in the alignment mark of a template, when the alignment process between the template and a substrate is performed. After the alignment process is completed, the resist is filled in the template pattern and the alignment mark, and then, light that hardens the resist is irradiated onto the template.

Abstract: In an imprint method of an embodiment, in the imprinting of an imprint shot including an outermost peripheral region of a substrate where resist is not desired to be entered at the time of imprinting, light curing the resist is applied to a light irradiation region with a predetermined width including a boundary between the outermost peripheral region and a pattern formation region more inside than the outermost peripheral region, whereby the resist which is to enter inside the outermost peripheral region is cured. Then, light curing the resist filled in a template pattern is applied onto a template.

Abstract: Method for moulding a receptacle (2) starting from a parison (3) of plastic material, comprising the steps of: positioning the parison (3) inside a mould (5); progressively introducing a stretching rod (8) into the parison (3) until it reaches a bottom thereof; injecting pressurised air into the parison (3), passing radiation through the stretching rod (8), in order to sterilise the inner walls of the parison (3).