Abstract: A contact coating device comprising a high viscosity rapid deposition head comprising a deposition body defining a material supply passage; a dispensing/shaping nozzle being formed adjacent in a leading end surface of the high viscosity rapid deposition head for dispensing of the high viscosity material from the high viscosity rapid deposition head, and the dispensing/shaping nozzle comprising a dispensing cavity; at least one dispensing passage providing communication between the material supply passage and the dispensing/shaping nozzle for suppling the high viscosity material to the dispensing cavity; and a heating element for heating a portion of the high viscosity rapid deposition and facilitating flow of the high viscosity material through the high viscosity rapid deposition head. A multi-head material deposition system which comprises a first drop-on-demand device, a second drop-on-demand device and at least one contact coating rapid deposition head is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus (10) for generating a three-dimensional work piece containing an information code are provided. The method comprises the steps of applying a raw material powder (18) onto a carrier (14) by means of a powder application device (16), irradiating electromagnetic or particle radiation (22) onto the raw material powder (18) applied onto the carrier (14) by means of an irradiation device (20), and controlling the operation of the powder application device (16) and the irradiation device (20) so as to generate an information code pattern (36) on or in the work piece (12), wherein the information code pattern (36) is defined by the microstructure (34) of the work piece (12).

Abstract: A manufacturing method for reinforced structural elements includes providing a reinforcement structure including a first material, and embedding the reinforcement structure in an encasing matrix comprising a second material using additive layer manufacturing, ALM. A manufacturing tool for reinforced structural elements includes a positioning component including a jig for clamping a reinforcement structure including a first material and an ALM robot configured to embed a reinforcement structure clamped in the jig in an encasing matrix including a second material.

Abstract: acting on a powder layer in a working zone, containing a device for layering said powder, said device including: means for storing powder, means for distributing powder that travel over the working zone to distribute powder in a layer having a final thickness for additive manufacturing, feeding means that transfer powder from storage means to distributing means, metering means that control the quantity of powder transferred from storage means to distributing means, said machine being wherein: storage means are positioned higher than the working zone, feeding means utilize gravity, feeding means and the metering means move with the distributing means, the machine has two separate working zones and two separate working trays that move independently of one another, each of the working trays is associated with only one working zone, and the layering device is common to both working zones.

Abstract: A method of forming a component (30) by isostatic pressing, the method comprising: providing a canister (4) suitable for isostatic pressing, the canister comprising first and second membranes (14, 16) which, in use, are disposed within the canister (4); the first and second membranes (14, 16) defining a component cavity (24) disposed between the first and second membranes (14, 16), a first tool cavity (26) disposed between the first membrane (14) and an adjacent wall (10) of the canister (4), and a second tool cavity (28) disposed between the second membrane (16) and another adjacent wall (12) of the canister (4); filling the component cavity (24) with the component powder for forming the component (30); filling the first and second tool cavities (26, 28) with a second tool powder; and isostatically pressing the canister (4) to form the component (30).

Abstract: A mixed powder placed in a container cavity is transferred to the cavity of a first die. A first pressure is applied to the mixed powder in the first die to form an intermediate green compact. The first die and the intermediate green compact are heated to heat the intermediate green compact to the melting point of a lubricant. The heated intermediate green compact is transferred to the cavity of a second die, and a second pressure is applied to the intermediate green compact to form a high-density final green compact.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus (10) and process including selectively heating a processing plane of a bed of powdered material (14) that includes a powdered metal material (14?), and may also include a powdered flux material (14?). The heating may be accomplished by directing an energy beam, such as a laser beam (20), toward a processing plane (27) of the bed. One or more masking elements (61, 62) are disposed between a source (18) of the beam and the processing plane; and the masking elements are variable to change a beam pattern at the processing plane according to a predetermined shape of a component (22) to be formed or repaired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a rare earth sintered magnet, capable of reducing variation in magnetic characteristics of a rare earth sintered magnet and suppressing deformation of the rare earth sintered magnet.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus and process for selectively heating a fluidized bed of powdered material (14), including powdered metal material (14?) and powdered flux material (14?)? with an energy beam (20). The powdered material is held within a chamber (12) to repair or manufacture a component (22). The powdered bed is fluidized by introduction of a non-inert gas into the chamber. Relative movement between the energy beam and component is controlled in accordance with a predetermined shape of the component. As the powdered material is heated, melted and solidified, a layer of slag (32) forms over a deposited metal (38) and is then removed so that fluidized powdered metal settling on a previously deposited metal substrate (34) can be heated, melted and solidified to build up the component.

Abstract: A system and process of additive manufacturing using a fluidized bed of powdered material (14) including powdered metal material (14?) and powdered flux material (14?)? including heating the powdered material with an energy beam (20) delivered from a location below a top surface (25) of the powdered material. The powdered bed is fluidized by introduction of an inert or non-inert gas into a chamber (12). As the powdered material is heated, melted and solidified, a layer of slag (32) forms over a deposited metal (38) and is then removed so that fluidized powdered settling on a previously deposited area (34) can be heated, melted and solidified to build up a component (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a press furnace for a denture or partial denture, having a combustion chamber in which a press mold, in particular a muffle, having a press channel for the introduction of a ram can be positioned, and a drive for driving the ram, wherein, in order to improve the drive of the press furnace, the drive provided is an electromagnet, the magnetic armature or magnetic coil of which drives the ram.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ceramic and/or metal powder press, comprising a die (1) with a die surface (1o) and a die opening (2) for filling in and compressing a material, a fill shoe (3) arranged to be moveable along a travel path (4) across the die surface (1o) for filling the material (p), and feed tubes (7, 8) connected with the fill shoe (3) for filling the material into or via the fill shoe (3), wherein at least two such feed tubes (7, 8) are connected to the fill shoe (3) from a direction lateral to the travel path. The invention also relates to a method for compressing a compact (12) of a metallic and/or ceramic powder and/or granular material (p) in such a ceramic and/or metal powder press.

Abstract: A first die is sequentially filled with a first-layer mixed powder that is a mixture of a basic metal powder having a small particle size and a low-melting-point lubricant powder, a second-layer mixed powder that is a mixture of the basic metal powder having a large particle size and the low-melting-point lubricant powder, and a third-layer mixed powder that is a mixture of the basic metal powder having a small particle size and the low-melting-point lubricant powder. A first pressure is applied to each mixed powder to form an intermediate green compact. The intermediate green compact is heated, and placed in a second die. A second pressure is applied to the intermediate green compact to form a high-density three-layer green compact.

Abstract: A first die is filled with a mixed powder that is a mixture of a basic metal powder and a low-melting-point lubricant powder. A first pressure is applied to the mixed powder to form a mixed powder intermediate compressed body having a protrusion that protrudes in the pressing direction as compared with the configuration of a mixed powder final compressed body. The mixed powder intermediate compressed body is heated to the melting point of the lubricant powder. The heated mixed powder intermediate compressed body is placed in a second die. A second pressure is applied to the mixed powder intermediate compressed body to press-mold the mixed powder intermediate compressed body while crushing the protrusion in the pressing direction to form the high-density mixed powder final compressed body having high density and the desired configuration.

Abstract: The invention concerns a press muffle made of an embedding mass for the production of dental restoration parts, with the embedding mass comprising at least one weakly heat-conducting, in particular ceramic, basic powder, with up to 70%, in particular 2% to 40% of the entire embedding mass (12) consisting of an additive having a higher thermal conductivity than the basic powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for building a layer body (2) from a plurality of superimposed layers of free-flowing material, in particular particulate material, on a building platform (3) in a build space (4), the layers being solidified and joined to each other in locally predetermined areas, so that at least one layer body (2) is formed by the solidified and joined areas of the layers, including an elongated discharge container (5), which is movable back and forth over the build space (11 [sic; 4]) in at least one discharge direction and which has at least one discharge opening (6) from which the free-flowing material is dischargeable in individual superimposed layers during the movement of the discharge container (5), it being possible to supply the discharge container (5) with free-flowing material from a filling device with at least one storage or filling container (10) having at least one outflow opening (11) by vertically covering the at least one outflow opening (11) of the storage or filling

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using optical interferometry in the context of material modification processes such as surgical laser or welding applications. An imaging optical source that produces imaging light. A feedback controller controls at least one processing parameter of the material modification process based on an interferometry output generated using the imaging light. A method of processing interferograms is provided based on homodyne filtering. A method of generating a record of a material modification process using an interferometry output is provided.

Abstract: A laser sintering powder to be sintered by irradiation with a laser light is provided. The sintering powder includes a plurality of metal particles and a binder which binds the metal particles to one another. The binder is sublimated by the irradiation with the laser light. The average particle diameter of the metal particles is 5 ?m or more and 10 ?m or less, and the average particle diameter of the laser sintering powder is 30 ?m or more and 50 ?m or less. Further, after a powder layer is formed using the laser sintering powder, this powder layer may be compressed in the thickness direction before or after irradiation with the laser light.

Abstract: A spacecraft coupling system includes an integral component that can be deformed and placed into a stable state that locks one component into a mating component, and can easily be released from the deformed state, decoupling the two components. The integral component may include a central ring, a plurality of leaf elements arranged at the perimeter of the component, and a plurality of fins that extend outward from the ring to the plurality of leaf elements. A rotation of the ring element while the component is held stationary causes the fins to urge the leaf elements toward the receiving surface areas and to subsequently tension the leaf elements against surfaces on the mating component. To reduce cost and complexity, the integral component is a metal, such as titanium, that can be formed using an additive manufacturing process, commonly termed a 3-D printing process.

Abstract: Acquiring expected precision even in a case that partial shrinkage occurs. The present invention is a technique for providing data for minimizing a difference between dimensions of a three-dimensional structure formed by laser radiation and design values of a scan path of the three-dimensional structure, in which the technique includes: modeling a manufacturing process of the three-dimensional structure and formulating a shrinkage of material used in the manufacturing process; and performing an optimization calculation for minimizing the difference between the dimensions of the three-dimensional structure after the shrinkage of the material and the design values by using the formulated shrinkage model to compute the scan length x minimizing the difference, and in which the formulation includes formulating a shrinkage function in the case where the material shrinks according to the scan length xi of the scan path of the laser.

Abstract: A first die is filled with a mixed powder including a lubricant. A first pressure is applied to the mixed powder to form a mixed powder intermediate compressed body having a density ratio of 85 to 96%, provided that the maximum density of the mixed powder intermediate compressed body that can be molded by applying the first pressure is 100%. The mixed powder intermediate compressed body is heated to the melting point of the lubricant powder. The mixed powder intermediate compressed body is placed in a second die that is pre-heated to the melting point. A second pressure is applied to the mixed powder intermediate compressed body in the second die to form a high-density mixed powder final compressed body.

Abstract: A device for additive manufacturing of components by selective irradiation of a powder bed, having a processing chamber -in which at least one powder bed chamber and at least one radiation source are arranged such that the radiation source can irradiate a powder in the powder bed chamber, and wherein the device includes at least one induction coil, so that a component which is produced by irradiation of the powder bed can be at least partially inductively heated, and wherein the induction coil is movable relative to one or more powder bed chambers. A method for additive manufacturing of components by selective irradiation of a powder bed, in which method the component being manufactured is inductively heated at the same time, wherein the position of one or more induction coils for inductive heating is determined and adjusted based on the geometry of the component to be produced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a canister 12 from a component 18 by forming an opening 30 in the canister wall thickness 14, 16 and introducing a pressurised fluid into the opening 14, 16 causing hydrostatic pressure build up between an internal canister surface 14 and the component 18, leading to the removal of the canister 12. This method and apparatus obviates the need to expend significant machining or chemical processing to remove the canister 12.

Abstract: A first die is filled with a mixed powder that is a mixture of a basic metal powder and a low-melting-point lubricant powder, the internal dimension of the first die being smaller than the internal dimension (=100%) of a second die by 1 to 5%. A first pressure is applied to the mixed powder in the first die to form a mixed powder intermediate compressed body. The mixed powder intermediate compressed body is heated to the melting point of the lubricant powder. A second pressure is applied to the heated mixed powder intermediate compressed body in the second die that has been pre-heated to the melting point of the lubricant powder to form a high-density mixed powder final compressed body.

Abstract: Method for fabricating a three-dimensional object by successive consolidation, layer by layer, of selected regions of a layer of powder, consolidated regions corresponding to successive sections of the three-dimensional object, comprising in order: a—deposit layer of powder onto a support; b—fuse the layer of powder by a first laser energy source so as to obtain a fused layer corresponding to the section of the object and exhibiting a first state of its mechanical properties, c—heat at least a part of the fused layer by a second electron beam energy source to a temperature which follows a controlled variation over time so as to modify the first state of the fused layer and to obtain a consolidated layer with improved mechanical properties, d—repeat the preceding steps until several superposed consolidated layers are formed with improved properties forming the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a press for producing pellets from powdered material comprising at least one die with a mould cavity imaging the pellet, at least one upper punch and at least one lower punch that interact with the mould cavity to form the pellet, and at least one electric drive for driving the upper punch, and/or the lower punch, and/or the die along a main press axis, wherein the press also comprises at least one movable element acting on the die and/or the mould cavity of the die, wherein at least one electro-hydrostatic drive is provided to drive the at least one movable element.

Abstract: A powder press in which seals of cylinder/piston units that can hydraulically activate or apply pressure to additional plates with reference to a die plate, the upper yoke and/or the lower yoke are kept free of powder to the greatest possible extent disposes a cylinder of a cylinder/piston unit facing away from a die plate and/or an additional plate, preferably below the additional plate.

Abstract: Pellet fabrication device comprising a powder distributor and a table provided with cavities to be filled with powder, on which the distributor moves. The distributor comprises two assemblies of rollers cooperating with rails fixed on the table on each side of the distributor displacement zone, a set of rollers being used to guide displacement of the distributor and a set of rollers being used to press the distributor in contact with the table.

Abstract: Cam lobe packs and methods of producing the same. The method uses a tool made up of an insert disposed within a sleeve such that both are responsive to a dynamic magnetic compaction (DMC) pressure source. The insert defines a substantially axisymmetric exterior surface and a cam lobe-shaped interior surface that can receive a compactable material such that upon DMC, the material is formed into the shape of the cam lobe. The sleeve is disposed about the insert and defines a substantially axisymmetric exterior surface such that an axisymmetric compaction imparted to the sleeve by the DMC pressure source forms the desired shaped cam lobe. The tool is configured such that individual tool members corresponding to one or more of the cam lobes can be axially aligned so that an aggregate interior surface is formed that defines an exterior surface profile of a camshaft being formed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing an object, the method comprising: performing an Additive Manufacturing process to produce an intermediate object from provided metal or alloy, whereby the intermediate object comprises regions having a contaminant concentration level above a threshold level; based upon one or more parameters, determining a temperature and a duration; and performing, on the intermediate object, a contaminant dispersion process by, for a duration that is greater than or equal to the determined duration, heating the intermediate object to a temperature that is greater than or equal to the determined temperature and less than the melting point of the metal or alloy, the contaminant dispersion process being performed so as to disperse, within the intermediate object, a contaminant from regions of high contaminant concentration to regions of low contaminant concentration until the intermediate object comprises no regions having a contaminant concentration level above the threshold level.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to fabricate additive manufactured parts with in-process monitoring are described. As parts are formed layer-by-layer, a 3D measurement of each layer or layer group may be acquired. The acquisition of dimensional data may be performed at least partially in parallel with the formation of layers. The dimensional data may be accumulated until the part is fully formed, resulting in a part that was completely inspected as it was built. The as-built measurement data may be compared to the input geometrical description of the desired part shape. Where the part fails to meet tolerance, it may be amended during the build process or rejected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a press for producing a pellet from powdered material, comprising a press frame and a press unit arranged in the press frame with at least one upper press punch and/or at least one lower press punch, as well as at least one receptacle for the powdered material to be pressed by the upper and/or lower press punch, at least two upper drive units, each with one upper electric drive motor for moving the upper press punch in a vertical direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for generatively producing components by layer-by-layer building from a powder material by selective material bonding of powder particles by a high-energy beam. An eddy current testing is carried out concurrently with the material bonding. Also disclosed is an apparatus which is suitable for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A metal injection molding apparatus includes a metal injection mold die having first and second die halves, a first set of features provided in the first die half, a second set of features provided in the second die half and complementary to the first set of features provided in the first are half and an ultrasonic transducer disposed in contact with the metal injection mold die. A binderless metal injection molding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for fabricating a component includes an additive manufacturing device and a computing device. The additive manufacturing device is configured to fabricate a first component by sequentially forming a plurality of superposed layers based upon a nominal digital representation of a second component, which includes a plurality of nominal digital two-dimensional cross-sections, each corresponding to a layer of the first component.

Abstract: A method for forming a three-dimensional article comprising the steps of: applying a model of the three dimensional article, applying a first powder layer on a work table, directing a first electron beam from a first electron beam source over the work table causing the first powder layer to fuse in first selected locations according to the model to form a first cross section of the three-dimensional article, directing a second electron beam from a second electron beam source over the work table, registering at least one setting of the first electron beam source, registering at least one setting of the second electron beam source, correcting the position of the second electron beam depending on the at least one setting of the first electron beam source and the at least one setting of the second electron beam source.

Abstract: A machine, which is usable for additive manufacturing by sintering or melting of powder using an energy beam acting on a powder layer in a working zone, includes a device for producing a layer of the powder. The device includes a storage apparatus for storing the powder, a distributor for distributing the powder, a feeder for transferring the powder from the storage apparatus to the distributor, and a dose controller for controlling a quantity of the powder transferred from the storage apparatus to the distributor. The distributor travels over the working zone in order to distribute the powder in a layer having a final thickness adapted to the additive manufacturing. The storage apparatus is located above the working zone such that the feeder utilizes gravity. The feeder and the dose controller are movable with the distributor.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cutting insert having a through-hole that extends in a direction that is non-parallel to the main pressing direction. The method includes the steps of moving first and second punches within a die cavity toward each other along a first pressing axis and compacting a powder around a core rod into a cutting insert green body, wherein, during at least a portion of the compaction step, the core rod is turned a predetermined angle in alternating direction around its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method for forming a three-dimensional article through successive fusion of parts of a powder bed, which parts corresponds to successive cross sections of the three-dimensional article, said method comprising the steps of: providing a model of said three dimensional article, providing a first powder layer on a work table, directing a first energy beam from a first energy beam source over said work table causing said first powder layer to fuse in first selected locations according to said model to form a first cross section of said three-dimensional article, directing a second energy beam from a second energy beam source over said work table causing said first powder layer to fuse in second selected locations according to said model to form the first cross section of said three-dimensional article, wherein said first and second locations of said first powder layer are at least partially overlapping each other.

Abstract: A method for flexibly sintering rare earth permanent magnetic alloy comprises: (1) weighing fine powder of rare earth permanent magnetic alloy, loading the fine powder in moulds, and orientedly compacting the fine powder in a press machine and in inert atmosphere to obtain blanks and loading the blanks into charging boxes; (2) opening the two isolating valves connected with each other; wherein after a first rolling wheel transmission in the second conveying vehicle transfers the charging tray into the first chamber of the glove box, the two isolating valves are closed, and the second conveying vehicle leaves; (3) locking two matching flanges of the two isolating valves tightly; (4) locking matching flanges tightly; and (5) processing the blanks with heating and heat preservation according to a preset process curve; wherein the blanks are sintered at a highest temperature of 1200° C.

Abstract: A NdFeB sintered magnet production system including: a first weight unit for measuring the mold weight when the alloy powder is not yet filled; a guide attachment unit to extend the mold cavity with a guide to form a supply cavity with a predetermined volume; a powder supply unit for supplying the alloy powder into the supply cavity so that the alloy powder volume is equal to the supply cavity capacity; a filling unit for pressing the alloy powder contained in the supply cavity into the mold cavity to densify the alloy powder to the filling density; a second weight unit for measuring the mold weight after being filled with the alloy powder; and a controlling unit for computing the alloy powder weight filled into the mold cavity based on the difference between the measurement value from each of the first weight unit and the second weight unit.

Abstract: A method of selectively combining particulate material, comprising: (i) providing a layer of particulate material to a part bed; (ii) providing radiation to sinter a portion of the material of the layer; (iii) providing a further layer of particulate material overlying the prior layer of particulate material including the previously sintered portion of material; (iv) providing radiation to sinter a further portion of the material within the overlying further layer and to sinter said further portion with the previously sintered portion of material in the prior layer; (v) successively repeating blocks (iii) and (iv) to form a three-dimensional object; and wherein at least some of the layers of particulate material are pre-heated with a heater prior to sintering a portion of the material of the respective layer, the heater being configured to move relative to, and proximate, the particulate material.

Abstract: A powder alloy rolling case (1) includes a side face configuring member (10) formed like a rectangular frame with two members (10a, 10a) combined, and surrounding side faces of metal powder (2); an upper lid configuring member (11) provided to cover one opening of the side face configuring member (10), and covering an upper face of the metal powder; and a lower lid configuring member (12) provided to cover the other opening of the side face configuring member (10), and covering a lower face of the metal powder (2), wherein joints (10b, 10b) between the members (10a, 10a) configuring member (10) are provided in opposing two side faces out of four side faces of the side face configuring member (10).

Abstract: A method for detecting defects in three-dimensional articles. Providing a model of said article. Providing a first powder layer on a substrate, directing an energy beam over said substrate causing said first powder layer to fuse in selected locations forming a first cross section of said three-dimensional article, providing a second powder layer on said substrate, directing the energy beam over said substrate causing said second powder layer to fuse in selected locations to form a second cross section of said three-dimensional article. A first and second image of a first and second fusion zone of said first powder layer respectively is captured. Comparing said first and second images with corresponding layers in said model. Detecting a defect in the three-dimensional article if a deviation in said first image with respect to said model is at least partially overlapping a deviation in said second image with respect to said model.

Abstract: A press for producing a pellet from a powdered material, comprising a press frame with an upper and a lower retaining plate, which are connected with one another by several vertical spacers and with at least one supporting element disposed between the upper and the lower retaining plate, at least one upper punch unit with at least one upper press punch and/or at least one lower punch unit with at least one lower press punch as well as at least one holder for powdered material, which is to be pressed by the upper and/or lower press punch, at least one upper drive unit with at least one upper drive motor for moving the upper punch unit in the vertical direction and/or at least one lower drive unit with at least one lower drive motor for moving the lower punch unit and/or the holder in the vertical direction, wherein, when the press is operating, the upper drive unit and/or the lower drive unit are supported at the supporting element in such a manner, that the reaction forces, which are generated as action force

Abstract: A method for producing three-dimensional work pieces comprises the steps of supplying gas to a process chamber accommodating a carrier and a powder application device, applying a layer of raw material powder onto the carrier by means of the powder application device, selectively irradiating electromagnetic or particle radiation onto the raw material powder applied onto the carrier by means of an irradiation device, discharging gas containing particulate impurities from the process chamber, and controlling the operation of the irradiation device by means of a control unit such that a radiation beam emitted by at least one radiation source of the irradiation device is guided over the layer of raw material powder applied onto the carrier according to a radiation pattern containing a plurality of scan vectors.

Abstract: A forming die assembly for microcomponents includes a forming die, a plunger, and a punch. The forming die is formed with a cavity, a storage portion for storing a raw material with a metal powder and a binder having plasticity, and a punch hole that connects the cavity and the storage portion so as to form a gate therebetween. The plunger is formed so as to be slidably inserted into the storage portion and to fill the raw material stored in the storage portion into the cavity through the punch hole. The punch is slidably inserted into the plunger in the sliding direction of the plunger and opens and closes the gate by reciprocatory sliding. The punch closes the gate and compresses the raw material in the cavity into a green compact by sliding in the direction of the cavity.

Abstract: A press for producing a pellet from powdered material, comprising a press frame with an upper and a lower retaining plate, which are connected to one another by several vertical spacers and with at least one supporting element, which is disposed between the upper and the lower retaining plate, a tool guiding unit with at least one upper punch unit with at least one upper press punch and/or at least one lower punch unit with at least one lower press punch and with a die assembly with at least one holder for powdered material, which is to be pressed by the upper and/or lower press punch, wherein the tool guiding unit is disposed at the supporting element, and at least one upper drive unit for moving the upper punch unit in the vertical direction and/or at least one lower drive unit for moving the lower punch unit and or the die assembly in the vertical direction, wherein, when the press is operating, the upper drive unit and/or the lower drive unit are supported at the supporting element in such a manner, that

Abstract: A 3D printing system may print a desired 3D object. A fusible powder may fuse when subjected to a fusing condition. A deposition system may deposit portions of the fusible powder on a substrate. A fusing system may apply the fusing condition to the deposited fusible powder. Inhibitor material may not fuse when subjected to the fusing condition. An insertion system may insert a portion of the inhibitor material between portions of the deposited fusible powder after having been deposited by the deposition system, but before being fused by the fusing system, so as to form a boundary that defines at least a portion of a surface of the desired 3D object.

Abstract: There is provided improved laser sintering systems that increase the powder density and reduce anomalies of the powder layers that are sintered, that measure the laser power within the build chamber for automatic calibration during a build process, that deposit powder into the build chamber through a chute to minimize dusting, and that scrubs the air and cools the radiant heaters with recirculated scrubbed air. The improvements enable the laser sintering systems to make parts that are of higher and more consistent quality, precision, and strength, while enabling the user of the laser sintering systems to reuse greater proportions of previously used but unsintered powder.