Examples of methods for predicting object deformations are described herein. In some examples, a method includes predicting a point cloud. In some examples, the predicted point cloud indicates a predicted object deformation. In some examples, the point cloud may be predicted using a machine learning model and edges determined from an input point cloud.

An apparatus for generating a layout for an additive manufacturing of an electric drive for a disc rotor. The disc rotor is adapted for being driven by a magnetic field. The apparatus comprises an input module configured to receive one or more input parameters. The apparatus further comprises a generating module configured to generate, from the one or more input parameters, a layout of a plurality of coil structures, wherein the plurality of coil structures is adapted to generate the magnetic field by an electric current, and a layout of a control structure, wherein the control structure is adapted to connect the plurality of coil structures with a connector for a supply of the electric current, and to distribute the electric current to the plurality of coil structures in order to drive the disc rotor.

A system comprising a support member to support a three-dimensional printed job. The three-dimensional printed job has at least one printed part and associated excess build material. The system further includes a force generating arrangement to impart a force on a three-dimensional printed job supported by the support member; and a build material outlet to allow removal of excess build material from a three-dimensional printed job supported by the support member. The system further includes a sensor to sense a change in the support member, a three-dimensional printed job supported by the support member or a combination thereof wherein the change is due to removal of excess build material from the three-dimensional printed job; and a controller to modify the force imparted on a three-dimensional printed job supported by the support member, wherein the controller modifies the force in dependence upon the change sensed by the sensor.

A system comprising a support member to support a three-dimensional printed job. The three-dimensional printed job has at least one printed part and associated excess build material. The system further includes a force generating arrangement to impart a force on a three-dimensional printed job supported by the support member; and a build material outlet to allow removal of excess build material from a three-dimensional printed job supported by the support member. The system further includes a sensor to sense a change in the support member, a three-dimensional printed job supported by the support member or a combination thereof wherein the change is due to removal of excess build material from the three-dimensional printed job; and a controller to modify the force imparted on a three-dimensional printed job supported by the support member, wherein the controller modifies the force in dependence upon the change sensed by the sensor.

A surface functionalizing method for use in high-throughput in situ synthesis of nucleic acids by 3D inkjet printing. The method includes subjecting a surface of a substrate to hydroxyl enrichment treatment; adding hydrophobic molecules to the surface of the substrate, the hydrophobic molecules being not reactive with phosphoramidite monomers; spraying, by a multi-channel piezoelectric inkjet head assembly, an etching ink to a predetermined area on the surface of the substrate for micro-etching, the etching ink being prepared with a fluoride compound reactive with the hydrophobic molecules; and adding hydrophilic molecules to the surface of the substrate. By using the method, a functionalized surface with given areas being patterned can be formed on the surface of the substrate, and then a same multi-channel piezoelectric inkjet head assembly can be directly used for subsequent high-resolution printing of phosphoramidite monomers and synthesis of nucleic acids.

A continuous filament additive manufacturing machine for building a part by laying down a continuous mono-filament or composite filament material layer by layer on a tool or substrate. The machine includes a system operable to move in at least three degrees of freedom, and a placement module coupled to the system and being configured to deposit the continuous filament material. The placement module includes a guide for guiding the material to the part and an ultrasonic compaction device for compacting the material as it is being deposited from the placement module. The compaction device includes an ultrasonic driver, an attachment member and a plurality of ultrasonic horns independently coupled to the attachment member and being movable independent of each other. The plurality of ultrasonic horns are ultrasonically vibrated to melt or flow the material and cause the material to fuse and be compacted to the tool or substrate.

A 3D printing apparatus is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a container, a build material extraction module, an energy source and a controller. The container is to receive a build volume comprising portions in which an un-cured thermally curable binder has been applied to define a 3D object to be generated and portions on which no binder has been applied. The build material extraction module is to remove part of the build material on which no binder has been applied. The energy source to heat the contents of the container. And the controller is to control the build material extraction module to remove part of the build material on which no binder has been applied; and control the energy source to heat the build material to thermally cure any binder in the container.

A 3D printing apparatus is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a container, a build material extraction module, an energy source and a controller. The container is to receive a build volume comprising portions in which an un-cured thermally curable binder has been applied to define a 3D object to be generated and portions on which no binder has been applied. The build material extraction module is to remove part of the build material on which no binder has been applied. The energy source to heat the contents of the container. And the controller is to control the build material extraction module to remove part of the build material on which no binder has been applied; and control the energy source to heat the build material to thermally cure any binder in the container.

A continuous filament additive manufacturing machine for building a part by laying down a continuous mono-filament or composite filament material layer by layer on a tool or substrate. The machine includes a system, such as a robot, operable to move in three degrees of freedom, and a placement module coupled to the system and being configured to deposit the continuous filament material. The placement module includes a guide for guiding the material to the part and an ultrasonic compaction device for compacting the material as it is being deposited from the placement module. The compaction device includes an ultrasonic horn having at least one guide hole through which the material passes before it is laid down and compacted. The ultrasonic horn is ultrasonically vibrated to melt or flow the material and cause the material to fuse and be compacted to the tool or substrate.

A continuous filament additive manufacturing machine for building a part by laying down a continuous mono-filament or composite filament material layer by layer on a tool or substrate. The machine includes a system, such as a robot, operable to move in at least three degrees of freedom, and a placement module coupled to the system and being configured to deposit the continuous filament material. The placement module includes a guide for guiding the material to the part, a heat source for pre-heating the material as it is being deposited from the placement module and a compaction device for compacting the material as it is being deposited from the placement module. The compaction device includes an ultrasonic horn that is ultrasonically vibrated to melt or flow the material and cause the material to fuse and be compacted to the tool or substrate.