A method for producing a three-dimensional object by selectively solidifying a build material applied layer by layer includes, in at least one process chamber, applying the build material layer by layer to a build platform, generating at least one beam for solidifying the build material using a radiation source, feeding the at least one beam to the build material in the build platform using at least one beam guiding element, and generating a primary gas flow along the build platform using a process assistance device. The process assistance device includes a centre module and at least one outer module aligned with the centre module, so that a section over which primary gas flows is formed between the centre module and the at least one outer module. The centre module and/or the at least one outer module are triggered so as to be movable along the build platform.

A manipulator device such as a robot arm that is capable of increasing manufacturing throughput for additively manufactured parts, and allows for the manipulation of parts that would be difficult or impossible for a human to move is described. The manipulator can grasp various permanent or temporary additively manufactured manipulation points on a part to enable repositioning or maneuvering of the part.

A manipulator device such as a robot arm that is capable of increasing manufacturing throughput for additively manufactured parts, and allows for the manipulation of parts that would be difficult or impossible for a human to move is described. The manipulator can grasp various permanent or temporary additively manufactured manipulation points on a part to enable repositioning or maneuvering of the part.

A method of additive manufacture is disclosed. The method may include restricting, by an enclosure, an exchange of gaseous matter between an interior of the enclosure and an exterior of the enclosure. The method may further include running multiple machines within the enclosure. Each of the machines may execute its own process of additive manufacture. While the machines are running, a gas management system may maintain gaseous oxygen within the enclosure at or below a limiting oxygen concentration for the interior.

A method of additive manufacture is disclosed. The method may include restricting, by an enclosure, an exchange of gaseous matter between an interior of the enclosure and an exterior of the enclosure. The method may further include running multiple machines within the enclosure. Each of the machines may execute its own process of additive manufacture. While the machines are running, a gas management system may maintain gaseous oxygen within the enclosure at or below a limiting oxygen concentration for the interior.

A system is configured for machining a workpiece (100), the workpiece includes an interior surface (110) that defines an internal passage (112). The system includes an electrode (116) located within the internal passage and electrically isolated from the workpiece, an electrolyte supply, a power supply, and a remover. The electrolyte supply is configured for circulating an electrolyte in a gap between the electrode and the workpiece. The power supply is configured for applying a voltage between the electrode and the workpiece to facilitate smoothing the interior surface. The remover is configured for completely removing the electrode from within the internal passage after smoothing the interior surface.

A system is configured for machining a workpiece (100), the workpiece includes an interior surface (110) that defines an internal passage (112). The system includes an electrode (116) located within the internal passage and electrically isolated from the workpiece, an electrolyte supply, a power supply, and a remover. The electrolyte supply is configured for circulating an electrolyte in a gap between the electrode and the workpiece. The power supply is configured for applying a voltage between the electrode and the workpiece to facilitate smoothing the interior surface. The remover is configured for completely removing the electrode from within the internal passage after smoothing the interior surface.

A method of additive manufacture suitable for large and high resolution structures is disclosed. The method may include sequentially advancing each portion of a continuous part in the longitudinal direction from a first zone to a second zone. In the first zone, selected granules of a granular material may be amalgamated. In the second zone, unamalgamated granules of the granular material may be removed. The method may further include advancing a first portion of the continuous part from the second zone to a third zone while (1) a last portion of the continuous part is formed within the first zone and (2) the first portion is maintained in the same position in the lateral and transverse directions that the first portion occupied within the first zone and the second zone.

A distributed manufacturing network information technology system includes a cloud-based additive manufacturing management platform with a user interface, connectivity facilities, data storage facilities, and monitoring facilities. The distributed manufacturing network information technology system includes a set of applications for enabling the additive manufacturing management platform to manage a set of distributed manufacturing network entities. The distributed manufacturing network information technology system includes an artificial intelligence system configured to learn on a training set of outcomes, parameters, and data collected from the distributed manufacturing network entities to optimize manufacturing and value chain workflows.

A distributed manufacturing network includes a distributed ledger system and an artificial intelligence system. The distributed ledger system is integrated with digital threads of a set of distributed manufacturing network entities for storing information on event, activities and transactions related to the distributed manufacturing network entities. The artificial intelligence system is configured to learn on a training set of outcomes, parameters, and data collected from the distributed manufacturing network entities to optimize manufacturing and value chain workflows.