A support system includes a base support to be secured in a process chamber of a production system, and includes at least one positioning element. A workpiece holder has upper and lower faces. The workpiece support has at least one first positioning device. The positioning element and the first positioning device form a pin/hole pair. A section of the pin has a first thermal expansion coefficient. A section of the hole controlling positional accuracy has a second thermal expansion coefficient. In a first alternative, the second thermal expansion coefficient is lower than the first, producing a clamping effect between the pin and hole upon temperature increase of the support system. Alternatively, the first thermal expansion coefficient is lower than the second, producing a clamping effect upon temperature increase of the support system. The invention additionally relates to a method for producing a workpiece.

A support system includes a base support to be secured in a process chamber of a production system, and includes at least one positioning element. A workpiece holder has upper and lower faces. The workpiece support has at least one first positioning device. The positioning element and the first positioning device form a pin/hole pair. A section of the pin has a first thermal expansion coefficient. A section of the hole controlling positional accuracy has a second thermal expansion coefficient. In a first alternative, the second thermal expansion coefficient is lower than the first, producing a clamping effect between the pin and hole upon temperature increase of the support system. Alternatively, the first thermal expansion coefficient is lower than the second, producing a clamping effect upon temperature increase of the support system. The invention additionally relates to a method for producing a workpiece.

Power transmission systems are provided that include polycrystalline diamond power transmission surfaces that are engaged with diamond solvent-catalyst power transmission surfaces. The power transmission systems may be or include gears, universal joints, or other power transmission systems or components.

Power transmission systems are provided that include polycrystalline diamond power transmission surfaces that are engaged with diamond solvent-catalyst power transmission surfaces. The power transmission systems may be or include gears, universal joints, or other power transmission systems or components.

A multi-piece part includes multiple pieces fabricated via different types of fabrication processes, wherein the multiple parts are configured to be coupled to one another to form the assembly. At least one of the multiple parts is fabricated via an additive manufacturing method. The multi-piece part also includes a holder assembly that couples and holds together the multiple pieces of the multi-piece part, wherein the holder assembly comprises a reversible, mechanical-type coupling.

Provided is a method of manufacturing a sintered bearing including, on an inner peripheral surface, a cylindrical portion and a one-side increased-diameter portion (increased-diameter portion), which are provided so as to be continuous in the axial direction. When sizing is performed on a sintered compact, the cylindrical portion and the one-side increased-diameter portion are molded on an inner peripheral surface of the sintered compact by press-fitting a cylindrical portion molding surface formed on a core into an inner peripheral surface of the sintered compact from the one side in the axial direction, and then by pressing a one-side increased-diameter portion molding surface provided so as to be continuous with the cylindrical portion molding surface in the axial direction against an inner peripheral surface of the sintered compact under a state in which an outer peripheral surface of the sintered compact is retained by a die.

Provided is a method of manufacturing a sintered bearing including, on an inner peripheral surface, a cylindrical portion and a one-side increased-diameter portion (increased-diameter portion), which are provided so as to be continuous in the axial direction. When sizing is performed on a sintered compact, the cylindrical portion and the one-side increased-diameter portion are molded on an inner peripheral surface of the sintered compact by press-fitting a cylindrical portion molding surface formed on a core into an inner peripheral surface of the sintered compact from the one side in the axial direction, and then by pressing a one-side increased-diameter portion molding surface provided so as to be continuous with the cylindrical portion molding surface in the axial direction against an inner peripheral surface of the sintered compact under a state in which an outer peripheral surface of the sintered compact is retained by a die.

A bonding member according to an embodiment includes: a metal member including a first base portion made of metal and a first engagement portion made of metal and provided integrally with the first base portion; and a resin member including a second base portion made of resin and a second engagement portion made of resin and provided integrally with the second base portion so as to engage with the first engagement portion. The first engagement portion includes a three-dimensional structure formed by a frame to form a plurality of cavities communicating with each other inside the frame, and the second engagement portion includes a resin filled in the plurality of cavities of the three-dimensional structure. A ratio of the frame per unit volume including the cavity and the frame in the first engagement portion gradually increases toward the first base portion while fluctuating.

A bonding member according to an embodiment includes: a metal member including a first base portion made of metal and a first engagement portion made of metal and provided integrally with the first base portion; and a resin member including a second base portion made of resin and a second engagement portion made of resin and provided integrally with the second base portion so as to engage with the first engagement portion. The first engagement portion includes a three-dimensional structure formed by a frame to form a plurality of cavities communicating with each other inside the frame, and the second engagement portion includes a resin filled in the plurality of cavities of the three-dimensional structure. A ratio of the frame per unit volume including the cavity and the frame in the first engagement portion gradually increases toward the first base portion while fluctuating.

Molds including 3D printed components can be used to cast objects. A model of the object can be separated into multiple components, with each component not having non-printable overhang structures, thus allowing the components to be directly printed without support structures. Shell models and shell molds, e.g., molds with hollow interior, can be used for cost effectiveness. The surface of the printed object can be smoothened, for example, by solvent vapor (such as acetone for plastic), by sanding, or by a smooth coating. The object can be combinatorially cast.