Abstract: In an aspect an apparatus for analyzing machinability of a part for manufacture, wherein the apparatus comprises a processor. The processor is configured to receive a representative part model of a part for manufacture. The processor may also be configured to extract a semantic datum from the print of the part for manufacture. A machinability datum is determined as a function of the semantic datum. A manufacturing quote is generated as a function of the machinability datum.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a three-dimensional representation of an object to be manufactured in an additive manufacturing process comprises determining a processing operation to be applied to the object, and adjusting the three-dimensional representation of the object based on adjustment parameters associated with the processing operation.

Abstract: An example method of reserving a resource of virtualized infrastructure in a data center on behalf of a client includes: obtaining, by a distributed semantic network, a set of facts corresponding to resources in the virtualized infrastructure and a set of rules corresponding to relationships between the resources; receiving, at the first semantic network instance, a first reservation request for a first resource of the virtualized infrastructure from a first client, wherein the first reservation request comprises a first rule specifying a requested exclusive lock on the first resource; passing the first rule from the first semantic network instance to the second semantic network instance; receiving an acknowledgement from the second semantic network instance in response to passing the first rule; and sending an acknowledgement to the first client that the first rule specifying the requested exclusive lock on the first resource has been created.

Abstract: Metallic alloy development has been traditionally based on experimental or theoretical equilibrium phase diagrams and the like. The synthesis, processing and mechanical testing of small and large real samples are a challenging task requiring huge amount of effort in terms of time, money, resource, tedious testing and processing equipment and man-hour for which conventional Calphad calculations etc. alone do not help much in their local structure and related property prediction. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide simulation systems and methods for structure evolution and property prediction Molecular Dynamics (MD) combined with accelerated Monte Carlo techniques, wherein information on atomic elements and composition specific to alloy material is obtained to generate a MD potential file that is further used to generate a 3D structure file by executing a structure equilibration technique.

Abstract: A system and method for making made-to-order architectural millwork of custom dimensions; including the design of wood joints and a system for deploying them within the overall structural design of individual architectural millwork units, as well as methods for online design and ordering, automated writing of machine code, robotic part preparation, and simplified on-site installation. With the automation and generation of digital code for manufacturing custom architectural components, this method makes the formation of distributed manufacturing centers possible. Through this method and with minimum re-tooling and/or training, these centers are able to produce custom millwork more efficiently and effectively than traditional custom millwork woodshops.

Abstract: Systems, devices, media, and methods are presented for presentation of modified objects within a video stream. The systems and methods receive a set of images within a video stream and identify at least a portion of a face in a first subset of images. The systems and methods determine face characteristics by analyzing the portion of the face in the first subset of images. The systems and methods apply a graphical representation of glasses to the face based on the face characteristics and cause presentation of a modified video stream including the portion of the face with the graphical representation of the glasses in a second subset of images of the set of images while receiving the video stream.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for performing quality control assessments of a three dimensional (3D) printing system. In particular, the present disclosure provides a phantom designs for use in 3D printing systems, as well as methods of quality control for a 3D printing system performed using a 3D printed phantom.

Abstract: There is provided a method of representing a three dimensional (3D) object using univariate curves, comprising: receiving an initial definition of a 3D object representation, calculate a covering set of univariate curves, the covering set comprising at least one non-planar univariate curve, wherein the covering set of univariate curves represent the volume of the 3D object within a tolerance requirement, and generating a representation of the 3D object based on the set of univariate curves, wherein the set of univariate curves represent the volume of the 3D object.

Abstract: One aspect is an apparatus including a plurality of additively manufactured components each having an adhesive injection channel. The components are connected together such that adhesive injection channels are aligned to form an adhesive path that allows adhesive flow between the components. Another aspect is an apparatus, including an additively manufactured component having an adhesive injection channel and an adhesive flow mechanism comprising at least one of an adhesive side end effector or a vacuum side end effector, the adhesive flow mechanism configured to provide adhesive to the adhesive injection channels.

Abstract: A tool allows a user to create new designs for apparel and preview these designs in three dimensions before manufacture. Software and lasers are used in finishing apparel to produce a desired wear pattern or other design. Based on a laser input file with a pattern, a laser will burn the pattern onto apparel. With the tool, the user will be able to create, make changes, and view images of a design, in real time, before burning by a laser. The tool can be accessed or executes via a Web browser.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments herein, a system for creating a decision support material indicating damage to at least a part of an anatomical joint of a patient, wherein the created decision support material comprises one or more damage images, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for generating a three-dimensional model of a bone and generating a cut plan for excavating a portion of the bone according to the cut plan to allow the insertion of a custom implant. In a particular arrangement, the method also includes excavating the bone with an autonomous extremity excavator utilizing the cut plan generated by a processor. In a further arrangement, the method includes generating a digital model of a custom implant and generating, using the digital model, a physical model sharing the same dimensions as the digital module using manufacturing device.

Abstract: In an example, a method includes receiving, at least one processor, a mesh model for an object, a first transformation matrix to apply to the mesh model to describe a first object for generation in additive manufacturing and a second transformation matrix to apply to the mesh model to describe a second object for generation in additive manufacturing. The method may further include determining, by at least one processor, if the first and second transformation matrices describe transformations which are equivalent in terms of mesh errors and, if so, inspecting the mesh model for mesh errors once for both the first and second transformation matrices.

Abstract: A method for assembling a shoe upper and a bottom unit includes digitally determining a bite line on the shoe upper. The method further includes storing a set of data representing the bite line in a computing device. The method also includes utilizing the set of data to automatically indicate the location of an actual physical bite line on the shoe upper.

Abstract: A method for producing a three-dimensional shaped article includes acquiring first shape data for indicating a shape of the three-dimensional shaped article, and identification information for identifying the three-dimensional shaped article, generating second shape data for indicating the shape of the three-dimensional shaped article representing the identification information by an arrangement of layers having different characteristics using the first shape data and the identification information, producing the three-dimensional shaped article according to the second shape data, and transmitting the identification information and production information of the three-dimensional shaped article to a server.

Abstract: A forming device that forms a 3D object includes a head section including a plurality of nozzle rows, and a scanning driving section that causes the head section to carry out a scanning operation; where the head section includes a first nozzle row group, a second nozzle row group, and a support nozzle row group; in an operation of at least one of the forming modes, the forming device forms at least one part of the 3D object using the first nozzle row group and the second nozzle row group and forms a support layer in a periphery of the 3D object; and when a maximum value of a material dischargeable in unit time in one scanning operation is defined as a material discharging ability, the material discharging ability of the support nozzle row group is greater than the material discharging ability of the first nozzle row group.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing between types of intraoral areas of interest (AOIs) includes receiving or generating a first 3D model comprising teeth; receiving or generating a second 3D model comprising the teeth; comparing the first 3D model to the second 3D model; determining a difference between the first 3D model and the second 3D model at a dental site comprising a tooth; determining an intraoral AOI that is associated with the difference; determining whether the difference comprises a first type of change indicative of a first type of intraoral AOI or a second type of change indicative of a second type of intraoral AOI; and responsive to determining that the difference comprises the first type of change, determining that the intraoral AOI is the first type of intraoral AOI and generating an indicator of the first type of intraoral AOI for the tooth.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system for acquiring images of real stone slabs, visualize them virtually them in a 1:1. ratio, and design and view the final installation in 2D and 3D with the actual slabs instead of sample photography. This feat is achieved by the combination of multiple systems. Which include: 1.—A process to take the photographies 2.—A computer system to store and manage a virtual warehouse of actual slab images, 3.—a 1:1 display system, 4.—a catalog application and 5.—a visualization tool.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods capable of controlling an additive manufacturing print process on an additive manufacturing printer. The disclosed embodiments may include: a plurality of sensors capable of monitoring at least one of an input of print filament to a print head of the printer, and a temperature of a nozzle of the printer, as indicative of a state of the additive manufacturing print process; at least one processor associated with at least one controller and capable of receiving sensor data regarding the monitoring from the plurality of sensors, and comprising non-transitory computing code for applying to the sensor data at least one correct one of the state of the additive manufacturing print process; a comparator embedded in the non-transitory computing code for assessing a lack of compliance of the print process to the correct one of the state; and at least one modifying output of the at least one controller to revise the compliance of the print process to the correct one of the state.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for use in additively manufacturing a structure. The system may include a print head configured to discharge a material, and a support connected to and configured to move the print head during discharging to fabricate a structure. The system may also include a receiver mounted to the print head and configured to generate a signal indicative of at least one of a shape, a size, and a location of the discharged material, and a processor in communication with the receiver and the support. The processor may be configured to generate a data cloud of the structure fabricated by the additive manufacturing system based on the signal and based on a known position of the receiver at a time of signal generation. The processor may also be configured to make a comparison of the data cloud and a virtual model of the structure during discharging, and to selectively affect discharging based on the comparison.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a nozzle for 3-D printing. The nozzle may include a first nozzle tip defining a first outlet, where the first nozzle tip includes a first channel extending therethrough. The nozzle may further include a second nozzle tip defining a second outlet, where the second nozzle tip includes a second channel extending therethrough, and where the first channel surrounds the second outlet. The second nozzle tip may be retracted longitudinally with respect to the first nozzle tip such that the second outlet of the second nozzle tip is located in the first channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to technology for providing eyewear recommendation and try-on services to a customer and allowing the customer to select optimal eyewear based on the eyewear recommendation and try-on services. A system for providing eyewear try-on and recommendation services according to one embodiment may include a feature data extraction unit for extracting feature data from the face mesh of a customer created using a TrueDepth camera, an eyewear adjustment unit for performing rendering by adjusting the specifications of eyewear by reflecting the extracted feature data, a matching processing unit for matching the facial image of the customer and the face mesh, and a try-on processing unit for performing a try-on process by overlapping the rendered eyewear on the facial image of the customer in an augmented reality manner with reference to the face mesh in the matching state.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic components includes receiving, by a movable die, spread dry fiber tows. The method also includes receiving, by the movable die and from a polymer extruder fluidically coupled to the movable die, molten polymer. The method also include wetting, by the movable die, the spread fiber tows with the molten polymer. The method also includes maintaining, by the movable die, the wet fiber tows spread as the wet fiber tows exit the die. The method also includes depositing, by the movable die, a layer of the wet fiber tows on a printing surface. The movable die is configured to move along the printing surface to form a thermoplastic component of one or more layers of fiber tows on the printing surface.

Abstract: A computer-based system and method generate a movement of a 3D part of a 3D assembly in a 3D scene. Movement of the 3D part represents rotation by a predetermined angle. The method a) displays a 3D assembly of 3D parts in the 3D scene; b) selects a 3D part of the 3D assembly; and c) displays in the 3D scene a 3D manipulator. The 3D manipulator comprises three axes, and is anchored to the 3D part at an anchor point. The method then d) drags the 3D manipulator along one axis by a current distance from the anchor point on the axis. The predetermined angle corresponds to a maximum distance from the anchor point. The method e) while dragging the 3D manipulator, computes a ratio of the current distance to the maximum distance, and f) generates the movement of the 3D part proportionally to the ratio.

Abstract: A method and system provide the ability to generate models. A generative shelled base is created as a hollow computer-aided design (CAD) design. A t-spline mid-surface shell is created from the generative shelled base, which is then used to create a shell mesh model. A t-spline solid body is created from the generative shelled base, which is used to create an internal support structure that is converted into a shell CAD geometry, which is used to create a support structure mid-surface shell. The support structure mid-surface shell is combined with the shell mesh model into a generative mid-surface mesh that is used in a computer-aided engineering (CAE) crash simulation. The generated shelled base is combined with the shell CAD geometry into a generative shelled solid that is utilized in an additive build simulation.

Abstract: A system includes a scanner to convert a packaging sketch into a pixelated image and a convolutional neural network configured to segment the pixelated image into bounded objects including fold lines and cut lines. A controller is configured to transform the fold lines and the cut lines into control commands to a folding machine and a cutting machine. A method includes converting a packaging sketch into a pixelated image using a scanner and segmenting, using a convolutional neural network, the pixelated image into bounded objects including fold lines and cut lines. The method also includes transforming, using a controller, the fold lines and the cut lines into control commands to a folding machine and a cutting machine.

Abstract: A three-dimensional shaped article manufacturing method includes: a first shaping step of forming a first layer in contact with a stage provided with a recess portion by moving a discharge unit while discharging a first shaping material; and a second shaping step of stacking a second layer on the first layer by moving the discharge unit while discharging a second shaping material from the discharge unit toward the first layer, in which the first shaping step includes acquiring first data including a first route; acquiring stage data indicating a position of the recess portion; a first data changing step of generating first changed data based on the first data such that an overlap degree between the first changed route and the recess portion is larger than an overlap degree between the first route and the recess portion, and forming the first layer according to the first changed data.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus forms layers with a material that is molten to produce a formed object. The additive manufacturing apparatus includes a CMT power supply that supplies as a power supply current to heat a wire that is the material fed to a workpiece, to the material; a laser oscillator that produces as a beam source a laser beam that is a beam with which the workpiece is irradiated; and a head drive unit that shifts as a drive unit a feed position for the material on the workpiece and an irradiation position for the beam on the workpiece. The additive manufacturing apparatus shifts the feed position and the irradiation position, with the irradiation position leading in a moving path for the feed position in spaced relation to the feed position.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present application provides a method of fabricating a shell-shaped repositioner for repositioning teeth from a first tooth arrangement to a second tooth arrangement, comprising: obtaining a first 3D digital model representing the first tooth arrangement, a second 3D digital model representing the second tooth arrangement and information of restrictions on anchorage force bearing of a first tooth among the teeth; modifying the second 3D digital model based on the first 3D digital model, the second 3D digital model and the information of restrictions on anchorage force bearing of the first tooth, to obtain a third 3D digital model; and controlling an apparatus using the third 3D digital model to fabricate the shell-shaped repositioner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for generating an image of corrected teeth. The apparatus includes: a control unit configured to generate dental curves representative of dental arches after the completion of correction from an image of teeth, and to generate an image of corrected virtual teeth by aligning the locations of the teeth with the dental curves; and an input/output unit configured to provide the image of corrected virtual teeth via a screen. The control unit is further configured to model the dental curves with functions corresponding to sets of teeth.

Abstract: One embodiment of the apparatus and method comprises a physical recording instrument (2000) for forming a right and a left side engraved analog (150), the analogs (150) being subsequently attached to a physical articulating instrument (3000), the analogs (150) with timing controls then serving as guides for simulating the motion of mounted patient dental models (142). Another embodiment comprises a digital recording system (4000) for generating the right and left side virtual engraved analogs (150), the analogs (150) being subsequently milled or digitally formed in a CNC rapid prototyping machine, the analogs (150) then being attached to the physical articulating instrument (3000), the analogs (150) with the timing controls serving as guides for simulating the motion. Some of the foregoing embodiments facilitate production of technologist fabricated dental restorative and orthodontic treatments.

Abstract: The application provides a method, system for registration of a bone, and a trackable element, it is configured to obtain a mark point information which can be obtained from a certain operation performed by a distal end of a trackable element on a surface of the bone when a switch of the trackable element meets a setting condition corresponding to the operation; and to perform a virtual reconstruction of the surface of the bone according to the obtained mark point information and an image data of the bone which is obtained in advance. As a result, a precise registration of the patient's physical space coordinate system and image space coordinate system can be achieved, during which only one operator is enough for completing the registration. Therefore, operations with high accuracy and convenience are ensured, which can significantly improve the registration efficiency, and the operating experience of operators.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for biomedical object segmentation includes one or more processors; one or more memory modules communicatively coupled to the one or more processors, and machine readable instructions stored on the one or more memory modules. The machine readable instructions cause the system to perform the following when executed by the one or more processors: receive image data of one or more biological constructs; analyze the image data to generate processed image data via a data analytics module to recognize biomedical objects; and automatically annotate the processed image data to indicate a location of one or more biological objects within the one or more biological constructs.

Abstract: A method of processing data for additive manufacturing of a 3D object comprises: receiving graphic elements defining a surface of the object, and an input color texture to be visible over a surface of the object; transforming the elements to voxelized computer object data; constructing a 3D color map having a plurality of pixels, each being associated with a voxel and being categorized as either a topmost pixel or an internal pixel. Each topmost pixel is associated with a group of internal pixels forming a receptive field for the topmost pixel. A color-value is assigned to each topmost pixel and each internal pixel of a receptive field associated with the topmost pixel, based on the color texture and according to a subtractive color mixing. A material to be used during the additive manufacturing is designated based on the color-value.

Abstract: An object and camera localization system and localization method for mapping of the real world. The mapping can be done in real-time or near real-time to the detection of the real objects by a camera device which is used to capture one or more images of an object. The localization method can be used to generate an object label of the object and a bounding box of the object in the image. The localization method can be used to generate anchor points in real world coordinates of the real 3D space of the object, a cuboid of the object, and a centroid of the cuboid. A virtual 3D map can be generated that which includes the location and pose of the real object in the real-world coordinates.

Abstract: A method of generating a tessellated output file comprising receiving a computer-aided design (CAD) model file defining a CAD model including a plurality of vertices, a plurality of curves, a plurality of surfaces, and at least one volume; generating base polygon data defining the CAD model for additive manufacturing, the base polygon data including a plurality of connected polygons, each polygon including a plurality of nodes, a plurality of edges, and a face; generating data for a vertex metadata container including a listing of CAD model vertices and one polygon node associated with each CAD model vertex; generating data for a curve metadata container including a listing of CAD model curves and at least one polygon edge associated with each CAD model curve; and generating data for a surface metadata container including a listing of CAD model surfaces and at least one polygon face associated with each CAD model surface.

Abstract: A system and method perform a registration such as for a surgical navigation system by fitting a plurality of anatomical points as received to a digital model and developing a map having a corresponding confidence level indicating a degree of certainty. As additional anatomical points are received, they are continually matched to the digital model and the confidence level continually updated. The confidence level is output in any form, such as a score, a color code, or other metric. The output may include a graphical representation e.g. overlaid on an image from the digital model. The output may be a heat map overlaid on the image. The heat map may indicate an overall confidence level, and/or may indicate a plurality of confidence levels at various locations on the digital model. The overlay may provide an indication as to one or more suggested probe points to increase the level.

Abstract: Systems and methods for continuous printing of a three-dimensional (3D) object are provided. The system includes a resin tank, an optical image source, a support fluid reservoir and a pumping structure. The resin tank is where the 3D object is printed and includes a print bed to form a base of the 3D object. The optical image source modulates light in accordance with a 3D image to vary a degree and pattern of crosslinking in a photocrosslinkable resin in the resin tank. The support fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with the resin tank and includes a support fluid which is immiscible with the photocrosslinkable resin. And the pumping structure is configured to transfer the support fluid from the support fluid reservoir to the resin tank such that the support fluid rises in the resin tank at a same rate as vertical height of a top of the 3D object as the 3D object is printed on the print bed.

Abstract: A tessellated output file format describing a computer-aided design (CAD) model including a plurality of vertices, a plurality of curves, a plurality of surfaces, and at least one volume, the tessellated output file format comprising base polygon data, a vertex metadata container, a curve metadata container, and a surface metadata container. The base polygon data defines the CAD model for additive manufacturing and includes a plurality of connected polygons, each polygon including a plurality of nodes, a plurality of edges, and a face. The vertex metadata container includes a listing of CAD model vertices and one polygon node associated with each CAD model vertex. The curve metadata container includes a listing of CAD model curves and at least one polygon edge associated with each CAD model curve. The surface metadata container includes a listing of CAD model surfaces and at least one polygon face associated with each CAD model surface.

Abstract: Methods of performing a rotational and translational calibrations of a print control system of an inkjet printer system having an inkjet printhead assembly with one or more inkjet printheads are disclosed. Rotational calibration is performed by printing a first rotational calibration pattern from a first standoff distance and a second rotational calibration pattern from a second standoff distance on a first calibration object. The print control system is calibrated until the rotational calibration patterns are within a direction difference tolerance of each other. Translational calibration is performed by printing a first translation calibration pattern on a second calibration object, rotating the inkjet printhead assembly 180°, and printing a second translational calibration pattern on the second calibration object. The print control system is calibrated until the translational calibration patterns are within a direction difference tolerance of each other.

Abstract: The specification discloses methods and systems for additive manufacturing or 3D printing an object to be used as a licensed spare part for an assembly. A licensor, typically an original equipment manufacturer or approved part supplier provides to a part purchaser of a 3D printed spare part a license to an enhanced computer aided design data file (CAD) used to produce the part. The enhanced CAD file may be provided with security features programmed therein such that it can be used only on 3D printing equipment, and/or at 3D printing locations that are pre-approved or authorized by the licensor.

Abstract: A hybrid manufacturing apparatus utilizing both additive and subtractive manufacturing processes has a cutting mechanism, a magazine, and a deposition nozzle. A cutting mechanism engages and modifies material fed from a magazine, the finished material of this process to be positioned by a deposition nozzle. More specifically, the cutting mechanism provides a chamber supporting an inlet, an outlet, and at least one cutting head. The inlet receives fresh material, the cutting head is positioned within the chamber to create the desired contours in or on the material, and the material then exits the chamber via the outlet to be deposited according to instructions extracted from a digital model in a form of numerical control (NC) programming language. This model is natively subdivided into individual constructs each defining a set of values to guide creation of corresponding physical sections, and the placement thereof.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system for batter material screening is disclosed. First, microstructure generation parameters for a plurality of microstructures are received, where the microstructure generation parameters include microstructure characteristics. Microstructure statistics are generated using a first artificial intelligence (“AI”) model, where the received microstructure generation parameters are inputs for the first AI model. Microstructure properties are predicted using a second AI model for the microstructures based on the generated microstructure statistics, the received microstructure generation parameters, and battery cell characteristics. It is determined whether at least one of the microstructures is within a predefined energy profile range based on the predicted microstructure properties.

Abstract: A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions executable a processor is described. In some examples, the instructions cause the processor to receive object data representing an object to be manufactured by an additive manufacturing process. The object data comprises data representing a plurality of planar surfaces of the object. The object data is processed to determine, for each of the plurality of planar surfaces, an angle between the respective planar surface and a plane of a reference surface of an additive manufacturing apparatus. A manufacturing orientation of the object is selected on the basis of the angles determined for the plurality of planar surfaces and a further property of the object different to the determined angles.

Abstract: The present disclosure teaches a method of utilizing image “match points” to measure and detect changes in a physical object. In some cases “degradation” or “wear and tear” of the physical object is assessed, while in other applications this disclosure is applicable to measuring intentional changes, such as changes made by additive or subtractive manufacturing processes, which may, for example, involve adding a layer or removing a layer by machining. A system may include a scanner, and a digital fingerprinting process, coupled to an object change computer server. The server is coupled to a datastore that stores class digital fingerprints, selected object digital fingerprints collected over time, match measurements, and deterioration metrics.

Abstract: A lamination molding apparatus of the present disclosure includes: a recoater head that forms a material powder layer by uniformly spreading metal material powder on a modeling table at a predetermined height; a laser light irradiation device that irradiates the material powder layer with laser light, and heats and melts the material powder to form a sintered layer; and a control device that forms a sintered body, which is an three-dimensional molded object, by repeatedly driving and controlling the recoater head and the laser light irradiation device; the control device reads sintered body data, that is configured by the shape of a base part in which at least a plurality of support members with constricted central portion are arranged continuously and the shape of a main body part which is a final molded product, and drives and controls the laser light irradiation device and the recoater head to form the sintered body.

Abstract: An object management system, an aircraft design system, and a method for managing an object. A three-dimensional environment with a model of an object and an avatar representing a human operator from a viewpoint relative to the avatar is displayed on a display system. A motion of the human operator is detected. An interaction between the avatar and the model of the object is identified in real time using information about motions of the human operator that are detected in real time. The interaction changes a group of dimensions in the model of the object. Further, the interaction between the avatar and the model of the object in the three-dimensional environment is displayed on the display system, enabling design changes in the model of the object made by the human operator.

Abstract: A fused filament deposition head is employed for depositing filament materials on workpieces to join the workpieces together. The workpieces can be of an automotive application, aerospace application, or something else. The fused filament deposition head, in an example, has a feed end, a dispensing end, and a heater. The feed end introduces more than one filament in the fused filament deposition head, as demanded in the larger application. The dispensing end delivers materials of the filaments to the underlying workpieces. The materials are delivered together. The heater serves to heat the filaments as they travel through the fused filament deposition head. The filaments can include a filament having a core portion of liquid-crystal polymer material.

Abstract: A fluid distributor unit comprising a channel system where one or more inlet channels (2) starting on an inlet side (3) of the distributor unit branch out successively into several channels (6) ending on the other side of the distributor unit, called the outlet side (4), characterised in that said distributor unit is provided in one single body (1) by free form fabrication.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of generating a reduction coping includes receiving a digital model comprising a virtual preparation tooth, determining one or more virtual reduction regions on the virtual preparation tooth, and generating a virtual reduction coping comprising one or more exposed regions corresponding to the one or more virtual reduction regions. A method of generating a physical reduction coping includes receiving a 3D digital model of a virtual reduction coping and performing additive manufacturing to generate a physical reduction coping from the virtual reduction coping.