A system and method are described for post-processing a 3D printed component. For example, support structures for the 3D printed component may be removed during post-processing. In the system and method, a first image of a component is stored in memory. A second image of a 3D printed component corresponding to the component is also captured. One or more cutting paths between the 3D printed component and the support structures is then determined based on the first image and the second image. The 3D printed component may then be autonomously separated from the support structures by cutting through the cutting path.

A system and method are described for post-processing a 3D printed component. For example, support structures for the 3D printed component may be removed during post-processing. In the system and method, a first image of a component is stored in memory. A second image of a 3D printed component corresponding to the component is also captured. One or more cutting paths between the 3D printed component and the support structures is then determined based on the first image and the second image. The 3D printed component may then be autonomously separated from the support structures by cutting through the cutting path.

Methods of forming 3D printed metal objects and compositions for 3D printing are described herein. In an example, a method of forming a 3D printed metal object can comprise: (A): a build material comprising at least one metal being deposited; (B): a fusing agent being selectively jetted on the build material, the fusing agent comprising: (i) at least one hydrated metal salt having a dehydration temperature of from about 100° C. to about 250° C., and (ii) a carrier liquid comprising at least one surfactant and water; (C): the build material and the selectively jetted fusing agent being heated to a temperature of from about 100° C. to about 250° C. to: (a) remove the carrier liquid, (b) dehydrate the hydrated metal salt, and (c) bind the build material and the selectively jetted fusing agent; and (D): (A), (B), and (C) being repeated at least one time to form the 3D printed metal object.

The present invention discloses the zonal trabecular femoral condylar component containing zirconium-niobium alloy on oxidation layer and its preparation method. The preparation method is as follows: using zirconium-niobium alloy powder as a raw material, conducting a 3D printing for one-piece molding, and obtaining intermediate products of the zonal trabecular femoral condylar component containing zirconium-niobium alloy on oxidation layer, after Sinter-HIP, cryogenic cooling and surface oxidation, the zonal trabecular femoral condylar component containing zirconium-niobium alloy on oxidation layer is prepared. Partial of the zonal trabecular femoral condylar component containing zirconium-niobium alloy on oxidation layer is provided with Zonal trabecula. The present invention achieves that the micro-strain in most areas of the bone tissue on the femoral condylar component is between the minimum effective strain threshold and the super-physiological strain threshold, which is conducive to bone ingrowth, thereby improving long-term stability.

A technique of removing material from metal parts referred to as OPECM and a corresponding OPECM processing machine are disclosed. A tool electrode is manufactured for removing material from a target workpiece, and the workpiece and tool electrode are fixed into a processing machine that imparts an oscillatory motion path or profile and applies a voltage through a flowing electrolyte solution. The disclosed technique and processing machine removes material from the surface of the target workpiece through proximal surface dissolution as the workpiece and tool electrode are brought within proximity of one another.

Aspects for implementing 3-D printed metrology feature geometries and detection are disclosed. The apparatus may a measurement device for a 3-D printed component. The component may include a plurality of printed-in metrology features arranged at different feature locations on a surface of the component. The measurement device can be configured to detect the feature locations of the printed-in metrology features and to determine a position or an orientation of the component based on the detected feature locations. In various embodiments, the metrology feature may be a protruding or recessed spherical portion, with the corresponding feature location at the center of the sphere.

Aspects for implementing 3-D printed metrology feature geometries and detection are disclosed. The apparatus may a measurement device for a 3-D printed component. The component may include a plurality of printed-in metrology features arranged at different feature locations on a surface of the component. The measurement device can be configured to detect the feature locations of the printed-in metrology features and to determine a position or an orientation of the component based on the detected feature locations. In various embodiments, the metrology feature may be a protruding or recessed spherical portion, with the corresponding feature location at the center of the sphere.

A binder jet printing apparatus (10), along with methods of its use, is provided. The binder jet printing apparatus (10) may include: a job box (18) having a actuatable build plate (46) therein; a supply box (54) having a bottom platform (56) that is actuatable within the supply box (54); a print system including at least one print head (32) connected to a binder source (38) and configured to apply a pattern of binder onto an exposed powder layer (42) over the build plate (46) of the job box (18); a recoat system (16) including a recoater configured to move from the supply box (54) to the job box (18) to transfer powder from the supply box (54) to the job box (18) so as to form a new powder layer (48) over the build plate (46) of the job box (18); and a cure system (14) configured to direct electromagnetic radiation onto the job box (18).

A protective mask for a part, the part including a plurality of openings in a surface thereof, is provided. The protective mask includes a mounting member at least partially within each of at least two of the plurality of openings. Each mounting member includes a water soluble material. A masking member couples the at least two mounting members. The masking member includes a non-water soluble material. Each mounting member includes a first plurality of integral layers of the water soluble material, and the masking member includes a second plurality of integral layers of the non-water soluble material. The protective mask can be made by a two material additive manufacturing system. A related method is also provided.

A protective mask for a part, the part including a plurality of openings in a surface thereof, is provided. The protective mask includes a mounting member at least partially within each of at least two of the plurality of openings. Each mounting member includes a water soluble material. A masking member couples the at least two mounting members. The masking member includes a non-water soluble material. Each mounting member includes a first plurality of integral layers of the water soluble material, and the masking member includes a second plurality of integral layers of the non-water soluble material. The protective mask can be made by a two material additive manufacturing system. A related method is also provided.