Abstract:
The present invention relates to a system and a method for optimizing printing parameters, such as slicing parameters and tool path instructions, for additive manufacturing. The present invention comprises a property analysis module that predicts and analyses properties of a filament object model, representing a constructed 3D object. The filament object model is generated based on the tool path instructions and user specified object properties. Analysis includes comparing the predicted filament object model properties with the user specified property requirements; and further modifying the printing parameters in order to meet the user specified property requirements.
Abstract:
An apparatus performing as a base for printing 3D objects using high temperature thermoplastics employing additive manufacturing methods is provided. The apparatus comprises a heated build platform, a thin removable plate secured on top of the build platform, a high temperature polymer coating applied over the removable plate, and surface treatment of high temperature polymer coating to maintain adhesion between 3D object and printing surface. Also, the removable plate has low coefficient of thermal expansion compared to build platform below it, for avoiding bowing of the plate as it is heated due to heated build platform, hence providing flat printing surface. The thin removable plate allows 3D objects to pop off the plate upon cooling, without damaging the polymer coating, the plate, or the object. It also allows for continuous operation of printing, while the plate is released for cooling, a new plate is installed for printing.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a system and a method for real time monitoring and identifying defects occurring in a three dimensional object build via an additive manufacturing process. Further, the present invention provides in-situ correction of such defects by a plurality of functional tool heads possessing freedom of motion in arbitrary planes and approach, where the functional tool heads are automatically and independently controlled based on a feedback analysis from the printing process, implementing analyzing techniques. Furthermore, the present invention provides a mechanism for analyzing defected data collected from detection devices and correcting tool path instructions and object model in-situ during construction of a 3D object. A build report is also generated that displays, in 3D space, the structural geometry and inherent properties of a final build object along with the features of corrected and uncorrected defects. Advantageously, the build report helps in improving 3D printing process for subsequent objects.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides methods for printing at least a portion of a three-dimensional (3D) object, comprising receiving, in computer memory, a model of the 3D object. Next, at least one filament material from a source of the at least one filament material may be directed towards a substrate that is configured to support the 3D object, thereby depositing a first layer corresponding to a portion of the 3D object adjacent to the substrate. A second layer corresponding to at least a portion of the 3D object may be deposited. The first and second layer may be deposited in accordance with the model of the 3D object. At least a first energy beam from at least one energy source may be used to selectively melt at least a portion of the first layer and/or the second layer, thereby forming at least a portion of the 3D object.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for additive manufacturing wherein a fiber composite filament having an arbitrarily shaped cross section is softened and then flattened to tape-like form factor for incorporation into a part that is being additively manufactured.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a system and a method for real time monitoring and identifying defects occurring in a three dimensional object build via an additive manufacturing process. Further, the present invention provides in-situ correction of such defects by a plurality of functional tool heads possessing freedom of motion in arbitrary planes and approach, where the functional tool heads are automatically and independently controlled based on a feedback analysis from the printing process, implementing analyzing techniques. Furthermore, the present invention provides a mechanism for analyzing defected data collected from detection devices and correcting tool path instructions and object model in-situ during construction of a 3D object. A build report is also generated that displays, in 3D space, the structural geometry and inherent properties of a final build object along with the features of corrected and uncorrected defects. Advantageously, the build report helps in improving 3D printing process for subsequent objects.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for additive manufacturing wherein a fiber composite filament having an arbitrarily shaped cross section is softened and then flattened to tape-like form factor for incorporation into a part that is being additively manufactured.
Abstract:
A system and method for additive manufacturing of otherwise thermosetting polymers, such as PAI, is disclosed. The system includes fast-curing hardware that facilitates curing each deposited layer before a successive layer is deposited. This reduces the time to provide a finished part from weeks to hours.
Abstract:
A material for use with a 3D printer comprises a polyaryletherketone (PAEK) having an amorphous morphology. In some embodiments, the material also includes one or more further compounds having an amorphous morphology. In some further embodiments, the material includes, in addition to an amorphous PAEK, a compound having a semi-crystalline morphology.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a system and a method for optimizing printing parameters, such as slicing parameters and tool path instructions, for additive manufacturing. The present invention comprises a property analysis module that predicts and analyses properties of a filament object model, representing a constructed 3D object. The filament object model is generated based on the tool path instructions and user specified object properties. Analysis includes comparing the predicted filament object model properties with the user specified property requirements; and further modifying the printing parameters in order to meet the user specified property requirements.