Abstract: 3D printing may be optimized by segmenting input jobs and/or combining parts of input jobs together. In an embodiment, a user-defined metric is received associated with each input job and this is used in scheduling input jobs to optimize latency and/or throughput of the 3D printing process, along with the printing envelope and other characteristics of the 3D printers used. In various embodiments, the scheduling may comprise dividing a 3D object into a number of parts and then scheduling these parts separately and/or combining 3D objects, or parts of 3D objects, from various input jobs to be printed at the same time on the same 3D printer. In various embodiments, the scheduling is repeated when a new input job is received and changes made during printing. In various embodiments, a user may submit an updated version of an input job which is already in the process of being printed.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) printing apparatus includes a processing unit, a base, and a printing head. The processing unit is configured to read and process a first digital 3-D model and is adapted to receive an adjustment signal to adjust the first digital 3-D model to a second digital 3-D model according to the adjustment signal. The printing head is coupled to and controlled by the processing unit. If the second digital 3-D model is confirmed, the processing unit saves the second digital 3-D model and controls the printing head to dispense a construction material in a layer-by-layer manner on the base to form a 3-D object associated with the second digital 3-D model.

Abstract: A method for instructing a 3D printing system that includes a 3D printer provided with a printing coordinate system to print at least one first object onto an existing second object comprises providing or receiving at least one image representing at least a part of the existing second object, determining or receiving an alignment between at least part of the at least one first object and at least part of the existing second object, determining a pose of the existing second object relative to the printing coordinate system according to the at least one image, and providing the 3D printing system with the pose and the alignment for the 3D printer to print at least part of the at least one first object onto the existing second object according to the pose and the alignment.

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

Abstract: A head tool changer for use with a deposition-based digital manufacturing system, the head tool changer comprising a tooling unit configured to retain a deposition head, a grip unit configured to engage with tooling unit and to relay electrical power to the tooling unit, and a master unit operably mounted to a gantry and configured to engage with the tooling unit and to relay electrical power to the tooling unit.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an operating system configured to enable arbitrary applications to output 3D models to be physically formed by arbitrary 3D manufacturing devices. The operating system manages the 3D manufacturing devices, including installation of related software, device drivers, device properties, and so forth. The operating system also provides a path through which the arbitrary applications pass arbitrary print jobs (or documents) of 3D models, in a standard format, to the 3D manufacturing devices. The operating system handles queuing and spooling on behalf of the applications and the 3D manufacturing devices. Drivers of the 3D manufacturing devices may translate the 3D models outputted by the applications (in the standard format) to instructions or device language content that is specific to the respective 3D manufacturing devices.

Abstract: The three-dimensional printing apparatus includes a main unit and movement means that is connected to the main unit, in which the main unit has a printing unit for printing by laminating a target printing object and a stage portion at a printing locus, the movement means moves the three-dimensional printing apparatus over the printing locus with a stage portion that is printed by the printing unit as a stage, and the printing unit prints at least a part of a target printing object at a position to which the three-dimensional printing apparatus is moved.

Abstract: A method for printing a three-dimensional part with an additive manufacturing system, the method comprising generating and printing a planarizing part having a substantially-planar top surface relative to a build plane, and a bottom surface that substantially mirrors a topography of a platen surface, and printing the three-dimensional part over the substantially-planar top surface of the printed planarizing part.

Abstract: A set of two-dimensional layers is determined based on a digital three-dimensional model. An image corresponding to each of the layers is rendered on each of a corresponding number of sheets of at least partially transparent material. The sheets of material are assembled together to produce a three-dimensional structure corresponding to the digital model.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method for supporting an object made by means of stereo lithography or any other rapid prototype production method. The generation of the support begins by determining the region that requires support in each layer of the object and defines a number of support points in this region. In a next step, a support mesh is generated connected to the object using these support points. The present invention also discloses different techniques that reduce superfluous edges to further optimize the support mesh. Finally, a support is generated from this support mesh. The present invention may facilitate the generation of supports data by employing more automation and less user analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a part penetrated by fluid channels or ducts for the manufacture of a mold that includes channels or ducts for the circulation and/or transfer of a fluid from the molding portion to the non-molding portion and vice versa. The part is formed and manufactured by a Stratoconception (TM) method based on the principle of decomposing the part, via a set of inter-stratum planes, into a succession of strata. After assembly, the part is formed, and channels are provided in the various inter-stratum planes for allowing a fluid to pass through the part. The invention also relates to the parts obtained by the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method of manufacturing customised 3D objects. The method includes retrieving a source model for a 3D object and a plurality of defined control points for the 3D object from a database; receiving modifications to at least some of the control points from a first user; automatically applying the modifications to the source model to create a modified model; and automatically generating print instructions for manufacture of a customised version of the 3D object. A system and 3D models generated by the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and techniques of using 3D printers to create physical models from image data are discussed. Geometric representations of different physical models are described and complex data conversion processes that convert input image data into geometric representations compatible with third party 3D printers are disclosed. Printing templates are used to encapsulate complex geometric representations and complicated data conversion processes from users for fast and simple 3D physical model printing applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to orthopedic implants and methods of rapid manufacturing orthopedic implants using in vivo data specific to an orthopedic implant or orthopedic trial. Specifically, the instant disclosure utilizes permanent orthopedic implants and orthopedic trials (collectively, “implants”) outfitted with kinematic sensors to provide feedback regarding the kinematics or implant to discern which implant is preferable, and thereafter rapid manufacturing the implant.

Abstract: A 3D modeling apparatus includes: a support body which supports a modeled object formed by laminating a resin material that is cured by energy of an energy ray; an illumination mechanism which illuminates the resin material with the energy ray, on the basis of image data of laminated cross-sections which constitutes 3D data of an object to be modeled which is an object of modeling, in order to form the modeled object; and a supply mechanism which supplies a material that constitutes a part of the modeled object and is different from the resin material, to the resin material that is cured as being illuminated by the illumination mechanism, on the basis of the cross-section image data.

Abstract: A programmable pipeline for synthesis of multi-material 3D printed objects supports procedural evaluation of geometric detail and material composition, using program modules allowing models to be specified easily and efficiently. A streaming architecture enables only a small fraction of the final volume to be stored in memory. Output is fed to the printer with little startup delay. A variety of multi-material objects are described. Procedural control over surface and volume stages as well as dithering is provided, together or independent of each other.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some aspects a custom orthopedic implant is designed, fabricated and sterilized for immediate surgical use to treat a patient's injury. In some aspects, the orthopedic implant is designed using patient and injury specific scan data, fabricated using a five axis milling machine, and sterilized with a sterilization system. In other aspects, the fabricated orthopedic implant is transferred into the sterilization system with a transport system. In some aspects, methods to design, fabricate and sterilize a custom orthopedic implant are presented. In other aspects, patient and injury specific scan data is used to design and plan the placement of a custom orthopedic implant to treat the injury, and the custom orthopedic implant is then fabricated and sterilized to be used in surgery.

Abstract: A system for computer-aided design of an object, including a first computer system operated by a first user, a second computer system operated by a second user, an application server hosting a design software application, and a web server providing an interface for at least the first user to access the design software application. The design software application may be configured to receive a first input comprising a first modification to a design template or creating a new design from the first computer system, receive a second input comprising a second modification to the design template from second computer system, and modify the design template based on the first and second modifications to generate a modified design.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards adapting a three-dimensional model to surface geometry when fabricating a three-dimensional object. While partitioning model data into planar regions and non-planar regions of the three-dimensional object, the model data associated with the non-planar regions is modified to more accurately generate a path that follows the object's curved surface geometry. This path is transformed into an instruction set, which when executed by a device, causes movement along the path while depositing material on the three-dimensional object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process or device for the production of a three-dimensional object by layer-wise solidification of a material which is solidifiable under the application of electromagnetic irradiation by means of mask illumination, wherein the mask is produced using an image forming unit having a prescribed resolution, which is formed from a constant number of image forming elements (pixels) being discrete and being arranged in a spatially mutually fixed manner. For the improvement of the resolution along the outer and inner contours of the sectional areas of the object to be generated layer-wise in the sub-pixel range, a multiple illumination per layer is performed, which consists of a series of multiple images that are mutually shifted in the sub-pixel range in the image/construction plane, wherein a separate mask/bitmap is produced for each shifted image.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards three-dimensional object fabrication using an implicit surface representation as a model for surface geometries. A voxelized space for the implicit surface representation, of which each machine addressable unit includes indirect surface data, may be used to control components of an apparatus when that apparatus fabricates a three-dimensional object. Instructions generated using this representation may cause these components to move to surface positions and deposit source material.

Abstract: Certain examples provide systems, methods, and apparatus for patient care and support. An example three-dimensional printed model of a portion of a patient anatomy is to be formed for the patient based on image data obtained of the patient. The three-dimensional printed model includes an output device to provide an output from the three-dimensional printed model that is perceptible to the patient. The three-dimensional printed model includes a communication device to facilitate exchange of information between the three-dimensional printed model and one or more external systems. The three-dimensional printed model includes a controller to facilitate exchange of information, via the communication device, between the three-dimensional printed model and the one or more external systems. The controller is also to provide feedback to the patient via the output device with respect to a condition affecting the portion of the patient anatomy represented by the three-dimensional printed model via the output device.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards technology managing three-dimensional object fabrication in full color. In order to transform the object's model into an instruction set for a fabrication device, a fabrication manager computes color values corresponding to geometry within a later of the object's model. After determining an amount of each colored material to deposit, the fabrication manager generates coordinated instructions configured to deposit a combination of colored materials according to the geometry and efficiently transitioning between colored materials during object fabrication.

Abstract: The unique advantages of computer-controlled fabrication of a patient-specific orthotic device using an automated fabrication machine capable of following computer instructions to create 3D surface contours and new developments in non-invasive three-dimensional (3D) scanning have made it possible to acquire digital models of freeform surfaces such as the surface anatomy of the human body and to then fabricate such a patient-specific device with high precision. Such a patient-specific device brings significant improvement in patient-specific fit, comfort, and function of medical devices (and, in particular, to orthoses that require a close fit to the wearer's body to act effectively). The combination of these two technologies is ideally suited for the development of patient-specific orthotic devices. A patient specific ankle-foot orthotic device using this technology is disclosed. This exemplary device is used to help stabilize the ankle-foot region, for example, in patients with impaired gait.

Abstract: A 3D object (the “New Object”) is fabricated layer by layer by 3D printing. The shape and relative dimensions of the various parts of the New Object match that of another 3D object (the “Target Object”). In addition, the exterior of the New Object appears to be a photographic likeness of the Target Object. The “photographic” likeness is created by variations in visual characteristics of materials in the layers comprising the New Object, and in particular by variations at or near the surface of the New Object. Thus, the photographic likeness is an integral part of these layers comprising the New Object. An object is scanned, from which a texture map is obtained. A CAD model is sliced into slices (bit maps files) which are then colored by a program with the boundary to match the color or gray scale to color the appropriate pixels, derived from the texture map.

Abstract: A method for calculating a support material volume, the method comprising generating a grid of cells for a tree data structure of a digital part, where the cells define a plurality of cell arrays, and pinging the cells of one of the cell arrays until a cell containing a subset of the tree data structure is reached or until each cell in the cell array is pinged, where if a cell containing the subset of the tree data structure is reached, then designating the reached cell and all remaining unpinged cells in the cell array as filled. The method also includes repeating the pinging step for each remaining cell array to determine a total filled volume, and subtracting a volume of the digital part from the total filled volume to determine a support material volume.

Abstract: Methods and techniques of using 3D printers to create physical models from image data are discussed. Geometric representations of different physical models are described and complex data conversion processes that convert input image data into geometric representations compatible with third party 3D printers are disclosed. Printing templates are used to encapsulate complex geometric representations and complicated data conversion processes from users for fast and simple 3D physical model printing applications.

Abstract: A device for endodontic treatment simulation is described including: at least one physical tooth model including pulp chamber and root canals, manufactured by way of layered manufacturing or rapid prototyping techniques and corresponding to a real-life endodontic case. Methods and systems for designing and manufacturing the device are also described.

Abstract: A material supply apparatus for supplying printing materials to a printing system is provided. The apparatus includes a container to store printing material and a source of electromagnetic radiation to cure remnant printing material within the container. The printing system may be a three-dimensional printing system for producing three-dimensional objects.

Abstract: A filter assembly for an additive manufacturing apparatus has a housing defining a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A filter element is located within the housing between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The assembly includes valves that can be actuated to seal the gas inlet and the gas outlet. Additionally the assembly has a fluid inlet for allowing ingress of a fluid into the housing. The assembly allows a filter element, which may contain volatile particles, to be changed safely. By sealing the gas inlet and outlet and flooding the housing with a suitable fluid, volatile particles captured by the filter can be neutralised.

Abstract: A method of modeling may include obtaining an input file defining a first geometry, establishing a control related to the first geometry, adjusting the control, and using a thin plate spline transform to adjust the first geometry to a second geometry based on the control.

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

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a custom orthosis, such as an ankle brace, includes use of scanning processes. A digital model of a surface may be applied to a digital orthosis model to define a custom digital orthosis model. The digital model and, thus, the custom digital orthosis model may include one or more standard features. The custom digital orthosis model may be used with an automated manufacturing process to make some or all of the custom orthosis. In some embodiments, additive manufacturing processes may be used to form a portion or all of the custom orthosis.

Abstract: A device for making an object comprises a substantially flat surface, an applicator, and a controller. The applicator is operable to project at an elevation angle without a substantial downward component a material used to make the object towards the substantially vertical flat surface. The controller is adapted to receive instructions for making the object and is configured to coordinate relative movement of the applicator and the surface and the application of the material by the applicator such that the material applied over at least one portion of the surface as a plurality of individually determined layers. In use the object is made adjacent to the surface.

Abstract: Scanning Laser Epitaxy (SLE) is a layer-by-layer additive manufacturing process that allows for the fabrication of three-dimensional objects with specified microstructure through the controlled melting and re-solidification of a metal powders placed atop a base substrate. SLE can be used to repair single crystal (SX) turbine airfoils, for example, as well as the manufacture functionally graded turbine components. The SLE process is capable of creating equiaxed, directionally solidified, and SX structures. Real-time feedback control schemes based upon an offline model can be used both to create specified defect free microstructures and to improve the repeatability of the process. Control schemes can be used based upon temperature data feedback provided at high frame rate by a thermal imaging camera as well as a melt-pool viewing video microscope. A real-time control scheme can deliver the capability of creating engine ready net shape turbine components from raw powder material.

Abstract: A method of authenticating the printing of a three-dimensional (3D) article at a 3D printer according to a 3D print file describing a three-dimensional design is described.

Abstract: A method of forming a dielectric film including a zirconium oxide film includes: forming a zirconium oxide film on a substrate to be processed by supplying a zirconium material and an oxidant, the zirconium material including a Zr compound which includes a cyclopentadienyl ring in a structure, and forming a titanium oxide film on the zirconium oxide film by supplying a titanium material and an oxidant, the titanium material including a Ti compound which includes a cyclopentadienyl ring in a structure.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein employ a combination of digital three-dimensional modeling and rapid fabrication technologies to provide pre-indexed, pre-registered, and/or precut components for articulated dental models. Dental articulators and components of dental models as described herein use a positioning key to encode positional information for components of the dental model, and/or a reference grid on mounting surfaces to enforce local accuracy of fabricated parts against a fixed reference array.

Abstract: A variety of computer automated tools are disclosed to assist consumers with using three-dimensional printers. Where a user also has access to a three-dimensional scanner, the tools may also support automated modifications to scanned subject matter.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a material delivery system including: a plurality of nozzles and one or more controllers adapted and configured to control the plurality of nozzles to simultaneously deposit heterogeneous materials including one or more cells to manufacture a part or device. Another aspect of the invention provides a method including simultaneously depositing heterogeneous materials including one more cells using a plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer is configured to fill interior cavities of a fabricated object with functional or aesthetic materials during fabrication. In general, a number of layers can be fabricated with an infill pattern that leaves void space within an exterior surface of the object. These void spaces can receive a second material such as an epoxy or adhesive that spans multiple layers of the object to increase structural integrity. Similarly, aesthetic materials may be used to add color, opacity or other desired properties to a fabricated object. The void spaces can also or instead form molds that are filled with a build material to provide a fabricated object.

Abstract: A process for designing and fabricating a custom-fit implant, comprising: a) processing medical image data of a patient's pathologically defective or anatomically deformed area having a symmetrical part to construct a three-dimensional (3D) digital model; b) forming a mirror image of the left or right side of the three-dimensional (3D) digital model based on its axis of symmetry depending on which side the pathologically defective or anatomically deformed area is; c) overlying the mirror image on the original image to form a composite image with a non-overlapping area wherein the implant will be fitted; d) generating a digital implant by cutting off the non-overlapping area of the mirror image; e) designing mounting points between the digital implant and the pathologically defective or anatomically deformed area where the implant is mounted thereon; f) building a positive and a negative mold based on the digital implant to fabricate a custom-fit implant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modified fused deposition modeling process for production of multicolored three-dimensional objects. More particularly, the invention relates to a 3D printing process with which 3D objects with particularly good color appearance compared to the prior art can be produced. The process according to the invention is based on surface coloring or additive coating of the polymer strand used for production of the actual object or of the melt which results therefrom in the nozzle.

Abstract: A slicing method for a rapid prototyping apparatus with a printing module is provided, which comprises the following steps: (a) accessing data of plural cut points generated from a slicing plane of an object intersecting with plural grids; (b) determining whether a printing module performs an achromatic color printing or not; (c) if yes, connecting two cut points to form a first slicing outline based on the data of the plural cut points, wherein the cut points are generated from the slicing plane intersecting with each grid; (d) checking whether a discontinuous plane exists in the first slicing outline or not, wherein if yes, cut points are paired with a polar coordinate, a connecting path with a smaller included angle is selected, and the first slicing outline connects with the connecting path to form a closed slicing outline to perform an achromatic inkjet printing in the closed slicing outline.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a three-dimensional object from a solidifiable material using a linear solidification device is shown and described. In certain examples, the linear solidification device includes a laser diode that projects light onto a scanning device, such as a rotating polygonal mirror or a linear scanning micromirror, which then deflects the light onto a photohardenable resin. As a result, the linear solidification device scans a line of solidification energy in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the direction of travel of the laser diode. In other examples, the linear solidification device is a laser device array or light emitting diode array that extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of travel of the array.

Abstract: A method for printing a three-dimensional part with an additive manufacturing system, comprising printing the three-dimensional part in a layer-by-layer manner along a printing axis in the additive manufacturing system, printing a scaffold in a layer by layer manner along the printing axis along with the printing of the three-dimensional part, and bracing the three-dimensional part laterally relative to the printing axis with the scaffold while printing the three-dimensional part.

Abstract: An IMR (in-mold roller or in-mold release)/IMF (in-mold forming) making method using a digital printer printing and pre-forming technique is disclosed to employ a digital printing technique to prepare a release layer, a protective wear-resistance layer (durable layer), an ink pattern layer, a metal pattern layer and a bonding layer (adhesive layer). In-mold roller or in-mold forming film is shaped and then molded on a plastic material through an injection-molding or pressure-casting technique so that the finished product is obtained after release from the mold and removal of the outer base layer. Further, shaped in-mold decoration film is put in an injection-molding mold or pressure-casting mold for molding and then the molded product is cut into the desired shape, finishing the fabrication. Trimming process may be applied to the shaped in-mold forming film before injection molding or pressure casting.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing Raman spectroscopy may include a first laser source having a first emission wavelength and a second laser source having a second emission wavelength. A separation between the first and second emission wavelengths may correspond to a width of a Raman band of a substance of interest. A switch may provide switching between the first and second laser sources. An ensemble of individually addressable laser emitters may be provided. A Bragg grating element may receive laser light from the ensemble. An optical system may direct light from the Bragg grating element into an optical fiber. A combined beam through the optical fiber may contain light from each of the emitters.

Abstract: A variety of computer automated tools are disclosed to assist consumers with using three-dimensional printers. Where a user also has access to a three-dimensional scanner, the tools may also support automated modifications to scanned subject matter.

Abstract: The invention concerns a contactless numerical printing machine for products of average fluidity, such as varnish, glue, and conducting or scratchable ink, onto a substrate of variable thickness and dimensions. The machine includes a special device for printing without contact by projection. The projected materials are materials of average fluidity or composed of large-dimension molecules. The process used includes an electro-acoustic device for control of the projection, and a multiplicity of projection nozzles, each controlled individually. The machine also includes a production chain with different work stations, whose printing devices are controlled by a computer management system. The production chain allows printing with a certain precision in given zones located during the processing by an appropriate work station.