Abstract:
In one aspect, support materials operable for use in 3D printing systems are described herein. In some embodiments, a support material comprises a wax component comprising at least one ethoxylated fatty alcohol and a viscosity modifying agent, wherein the support material is water dispersible. In some embodiments, the wax component comprises a mixture of at least one fatty alcohol and at least one ethoxylated fatty alcohol.
Abstract:
A crutch includes a grip and a forearm support that are coupled to an elongated member that extends from the forearm support to the ground. The inner surface of the forearm support can correspond to a digital representation of a forearm of the patient and the outer surface of the hand grip can correspond to a digital representation of a palmar surface of the patient's hand in at least a partially closed position.
Abstract:
A 3D printing system comprises an X-axis base for positioning stationarily relative to movable Y-axis and Z-axis components. The X-axis base has first and second sides and a workpiece opening. A Z-axis base is secured to the X-axis base's second side adjacent the opening. The Z-axis base is configured to support a model being printed and to controllably move the model in a Z direction through the opening. There is a movable arm member slidingly coupled to the second side of the X-axis base and extending over the first side of the X-axis base. The movable arm is movable in an X direction. A Y-axis carriage is slidingly coupled to the movable arm member and is movable in a Y direction. A printhead coupled to the Y-axis carriage is controllably movable in the X and Y directions to print successive layers of the model supported by the Z-axis base.
Abstract:
A computer provides a graphical user interface that allows designers to design string instruments. The dimensions and shape of the string instrument design can be altered using controls. The wind instrument design can be stored in a database and transmitted to a 3 dimensional printer which can fabricate the string instrument.
Abstract:
In one aspect, water removable compositions are described herein, including for use in various printing applications. In some embodiments, a composition described herein comprises 50-95% by weight alcohol wax having the formula CH3(CH2)nOH, wherein n is an integer from 15 to 40; 5-50% by weight tackifier; and 0.5-5% by weight colorant. In other instances, a composition described herein comprises 50-95% by weight carboxylic acid wax having the formula CH3(CH2)mCOOH, wherein m is an integer from 14 to 40; 5-50% by weight tackifier; and 0.5-5% by weight colorant. Additionally, in some cases, the tackifier of a composition described herein comprises a rosin acid, a rosin ester, a rosin alcohol, or a mixture or combination thereof. Further, the solubility of a colorant in a composition described herein can be characterized by a spectral strength delta value of 5% or less or 3% or less.
Abstract:
A spiral brace has an inner surface that corresponds to a digital representation of an injured limb. The spiral brace can wrap around a length of the limb in a helical manner. The body of the spiral brace may be a single piece structure that is fenestrated to provide air circulation to the injured limb.
Abstract:
A socket for a prosthetic limb is created by making a cast of a residual limb. Marks can be applied to the interior surface of the cast to indicate the locations of anatomical features of the residual limb. The marked interior surface can be scanned and the scan data can be sent to a master fabrication center. The scan data can be modified and a master can be produced from the modified scan data. The socket can then be formed from the plastic material on the master.
Abstract:
There are provided techniques for direct printing material into parts made by additive manufacturing, such as parts made by laser sintering. The direct printed material may be a metal, elastomer, ceramic, or any other material. Further, the direct printed material is typically different than the laser sintering material. Other aspects of the invention include using direct printed materials in the laser sintered parts to improve part strength, provide multi-materials, selectively provide electrical conductivity, and/or provide other desirable features to the parts.
Abstract:
There is provided solid imaging methods and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from solid imaging material. A tray with a film bottom is provided to hold solid imaging material that is selectively cured into cross-sections of the three-dimensional object being built. A coater bar is moved back and forth over the film to remove any uncured solid imaging material from a previous layer and to apply a new layer of solid imaging material. A sensor is provided to measure the amount of resin in the tray to determine the appropriate amount of solid imaging material to be added, from a cartridge, for the next layer. A shuttle, which covers the tray when the exterior door to the solid imaging apparatus is opened for setting up a build or removing a three-dimensional object, can also be used to move the coater bar and to selectively open one or more valves on the cartridge to dispense the desired amount of solid imaging material.
Abstract:
A three dimensional object creation system that prints objects layer by layer, the system including a plurality of printheads, the system printing at least part of each of multiple layers simultaneously, wherein the printheads are configured to enable printing of at least two different materials in at least one layer.