Aspects of the disclosure include apparatuses and systems for rotatably engaging an additive manufacturing build plate. An apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure can include: a height adjustable platform; a rotatable member coupled to the height adjustable platform; an alignment member coupled to a first end of the rotatable member; and first and second coupling members each extending from the first radial end of the alignment member wherein the first and second coupling members are oriented substantially parallel to the rotatable member.

The invention relates to a stereolithography apparatus comprising: a container for a fluid material curable by radiation, a substrate plate, an actuator means for generating a relative movement between the container and the substrate plate, and an irradiation device for selectively irradiating the material arranged in the container. According to the invention, the actuator means and the irradiation device are mounted on a frame assembly, and the container and the substrate plate are combined to form an assembly and the assembly consisting of the container and the substrate plate is jointly inserted into the frame assembly, detachably secured therein by means of an attachment means and to be jointly removed from the frame assembly.

A method of operating a cleaning system removes support material from parts made by a three-dimensional printer. The method operates the cleaning system to correlate data for features on a part located within a receptacle with structural data in a file used by the three-dimensional printer to fabricate the part. The method then operates one or more actuators to locate a fluid directing nozzle pneumatically connected to a pressurized fluid source opposite areas containing support material and operates the pressurized fluid source to enable pressurized fluid to be directed by the fluid directing nozzle at the support material. The method includes generating image data of the cleaned areas with an image sensor so the removal of the support material can be confirmed, and if an area is not sufficiently cleaned, the cleaning operation can be repeated.

A computer implemented method and apparatus for storing and retrieving data embedded into the surface of a 3D printed object is described. The method and apparatus develops an electronic file used for printing a 3D object which embeds as structure into the 3D object, a 3D symbol matrix representative of data to be printed concurrently with the 3D object, such as a 3D barcode. A selected symbology is used for making the symbol matrix in accordance with the type of printing process to be used to print the 3D object.

A computer implemented method and apparatus for storing and retrieving data embedded into the surface of a 3D printed object is described. The method and apparatus develops an electronic file used for printing a 3D object which embeds as structure into the 3D object, a 3D symbol matrix representative of data to be printed concurrently with the 3D object, such as a 3D barcode. A selected symbology is used for making the symbol matrix in accordance with the type of printing process to be used to print the 3D object.

Additive manufacturing structures and methods that enable the facile release of 3D printed parts are described. In one implementation, an additive manufacturing structure includes: a body; and a recessed section formed through a surface of the body, the recessed section comprising: a pour hole for filling the recessed section with a liquid metal or metal alloy that solidifies into an insert having a surface for forming a 3D object in a 3D printing device; and one or more air holes configured to release air displaced by the liquid metal or metal alloy.

Additive manufacturing structures and methods that enable the facile release of 3D printed parts are described. In one implementation, an additive manufacturing structure includes: a body; and a recessed section formed through a surface of the body, the recessed section comprising: a pour hole for filling the recessed section with a liquid metal or metal alloy that solidifies into an insert having a surface for forming a 3D object in a 3D printing device; and one or more air holes configured to release air displaced by the liquid metal or metal alloy.

Wires for use in electron beam or plasma arc additive manufacturing of titanium alloys are disclosed. The wires have a first portion comprising a first material, and a second portion comprising a second material. The combination of the first and second materials results in a titanium alloy product of the appropriate composition.

Wires for use in electron beam or plasma arc additive manufacturing of titanium alloys are disclosed. The wires have a first portion comprising a first material, and a second portion comprising a second material. The combination of the first and second materials results in a titanium alloy product of the appropriate composition.

A method for producing a molded body having the following steps: a) providing a foil ply; b) applying a plastic molding compound in a predefined three-dimensional shape onto the foil ply by means of a three-dimensional printing method.