A method includes processing circuitry acquiring a first indication of an extent of fusion of build material forming a first object generated by an additive manufacturing apparatus. A second indication of an extent of fusion of build material forming a second object generated by the additive manufacturing apparatus in a second additive manufacturing operation may also be acquired, wherein in the first operation, the fusing energy modules are controlled to provide energy at a first energy level and in the second operation, the fusing energy modules are controlled to provide energy at a second energy level, different from the first energy level. An energy contribution of each of the fusing energy modules to a zone of the additive manufacturing apparatus in which the first and second objects were generated may be determined and based on the indications of extent of fusion and the contributions of the fusing energy modules.

An additive manufacturing apparatus includes: a build plate, at least a portion of which is transparent, the build plate defining a build surface; a plate transport mechanism operable to selectively move the build plate into or out of a build zone defined within the apparatus; a material depositor operable to deposit a curable resin on the build surface; a stage positioned adjacent the build zone and configured to hold a stacked arrangement of one or more cured layers of the resin; a mechanism operable to manipulate a relative position of the build plate and the stage; and a radiant energy apparatus positioned adjacent to the build zone opposite to the stage, and operable to generate and project radiant energy through the build plate in a predetermined pattern. A method is provided for use of the apparatus.

An additive manufacturing apparatus includes: a build plate, at least a portion of which is transparent, the build plate defining a build surface; a plate transport mechanism operable to selectively move the build plate into or out of a build zone defined within the apparatus; a material depositor operable to deposit a curable resin on the build surface; a stage positioned adjacent the build zone and configured to hold a stacked arrangement of one or more cured layers of the resin; a mechanism operable to manipulate a relative position of the build plate and the stage; and a radiant energy apparatus positioned adjacent to the build zone opposite to the stage, and operable to generate and project radiant energy through the build plate in a predetermined pattern. A method is provided for use of the apparatus.

An additive manufacturing system includes a high power laser to form a laser beam directed against a light valve. An active light valve cooling system is arranged to remove heat from the light valve and a heat exchanger is connected to the active light valve cooling system. A heat exchange fluid is circulated through the active light valve cooling system and the heat exchanger.

An additive manufacturing system includes a high power laser to form a laser beam directed against a light valve. An active light valve cooling system is arranged to remove heat from the light valve and a heat exchanger is connected to the active light valve cooling system. A heat exchange fluid is circulated through the active light valve cooling system and the heat exchanger.

A laser operating machine for laser sintering (100) is described for making three-dimensional objects starting from a digital 3D model by sintering the layers with the use of a laser source and an optical system, mechanical means for depositing a powder bed on a work surface, and a mechanical system to remove the fumes and/or pollutants deriving from the selective powder melting process as close as possible to the melted layer or layer, before they are dispersed inside the work chamber, and to introduce in the same chamber the process gases necessary for the processing of powder bed fusion in a localized manner, close to the layers or layers subject to the selective melting process.

A laser operating machine for laser sintering (100) is described for making three-dimensional objects starting from a digital 3D model by sintering the layers with the use of a laser source and an optical system, mechanical means for depositing a powder bed on a work surface, and a mechanical system to remove the fumes and/or pollutants deriving from the selective powder melting process as close as possible to the melted layer or layer, before they are dispersed inside the work chamber, and to introduce in the same chamber the process gases necessary for the processing of powder bed fusion in a localized manner, close to the layers or layers subject to the selective melting process.

The present disclosure is drawn to material sets for 3-dimensional printing. The material set can include a thermoplastic polymer powder having an average particle size from 20 m to 100 m, a conductive fusing ink comprising a transition metal, and second fusing ink. The second fusing ink can include a fusing agent capable of absorbing electromagnetic radiation to produce heat. The second fusing ink can provide a lower conductivity than the conductive fusing ink when printed on the thermoplastic polymer powder.

An additive manufacturing machine includes an energy beam system situated in a fixed position relative to a reference plane coinciding with an expected location of a build plane, an energy beam system with an irradiation device configured to generate an energy beam and to direct the energy beam upon the build plane, and a position measurement system configured to determine a position of the build plane. A position measurement assembly includes one or more position sensors, and one or more mounting brackets configured to attach the one or more position sensors to an energy beam system of an additive manufacturing machine. The position measurement assembly is configured to determine a position of a build plane with the energy beam system situated in a fixed position relative to a reference plane coinciding with an expected location of the build plane.

An additive manufacturing machine includes an energy beam system situated in a fixed position relative to a reference plane coinciding with an expected location of a build plane, an energy beam system with an irradiation device configured to generate an energy beam and to direct the energy beam upon the build plane, and a position measurement system configured to determine a position of the build plane. A position measurement assembly includes one or more position sensors, and one or more mounting brackets configured to attach the one or more position sensors to an energy beam system of an additive manufacturing machine. The position measurement assembly is configured to determine a position of a build plane with the energy beam system situated in a fixed position relative to a reference plane coinciding with an expected location of the build plane.