An apparatus for detaching printed objects from 3D printer enables continuous use of a 3D printer by automatically removing a completed 3D printed object from the printer bed, leaving an empty print bed that is ready for the next print job. Some embodiments of the apparatus include a moveable 3D print bed, a specially shaped raft at the base of the printed object and a stationary ejection bar with a blade that cuts and ejects the printed object from the print bed.

An asymmetric mold core for forming curved floor openings in pallets is taught. The mold core contains: a base, the base attachable to a frame in a rotomold, a bottom section integral at a distal end to the base, the bottom section comprising a bottom convex curve having a bottom convex curve radius and a bottom convex curve rotational center, a top section integral at a distal end to the base, the top section comprising a top convex curve, the top convex curve having a top convex curve radius and a top convex curve rotational center, the top convex curve radius being different from the bottom convex curve radius and the top convex curve rational center differing from the bottom convex curve rotational center; a first side section, the first side section positioned and integral at a distal end to the base and positioned between and integral with the bottom section and the top section; a second side section the second side section positioned and integral at a distal end to the base and positioned between and integral with the bottom section and the top section, the second side section positioned parallel to the first side section; and a face.

An asymmetric mold core for forming curved floor openings in pallets is taught. The mold core contains: a base, the base attachable to a frame in a rotomold, a bottom section integral at a distal end to the base, the bottom section comprising a bottom convex curve having a bottom convex curve radius and a bottom convex curve rotational center, a top section integral at a distal end to the base, the top section comprising a top convex curve, the top convex curve having a top convex curve radius and a top convex curve rotational center, the top convex curve radius being different from the bottom convex curve radius and the top convex curve rational center differing from the bottom convex curve rotational center; a first side section, the first side section positioned and integral at a distal end to the base and positioned between and integral with the bottom section and the top section; a second side section the second side section positioned and integral at a distal end to the base and positioned between and integral with the bottom section and the top section, the second side section positioned parallel to the first side section; and a face.

An additive manufacturing apparatus having a container for holding a radiation-curable liquid, and a build platform having a build surface for holding a product being manufactured during a manufacturing process. The build platform is movable relative to the container in a predetermined direction. The apparatus also includes a radiation source for providing hardening radiation to selectively solidify radiation-curable liquid in the container by exposure to form the product. The container includes an interior floor having a flexible floor part maintainable in a planar configuration in which the flexible floor part is planar. A radiation-curable liquid in contact with the interior floor is confined by a container wall having a flexible wall section arranged to move intactly with the flexible floor part. The apparatus includes a deformation system configured to cause a displacement of at least a part of the flexible floor part in a direction having a component normal to and pointing away from the build surface of the build platform.

An additive manufacturing apparatus having a container for holding a radiation-curable liquid, and a build platform having a build surface for holding a product being manufactured during a manufacturing process. The build platform is movable relative to the container in a predetermined direction. The apparatus also includes a radiation source for providing hardening radiation to selectively solidify radiation-curable liquid in the container by exposure to form the product. The container includes an interior floor having a flexible floor part maintainable in a planar configuration in which the flexible floor part is planar. A radiation-curable liquid in contact with the interior floor is confined by a container wall having a flexible wall section arranged to move intactly with the flexible floor part. The apparatus includes a deformation system configured to cause a displacement of at least a part of the flexible floor part in a direction having a component normal to and pointing away from the build surface of the build platform.

A method of printing a three-dimensional (3D) object and a support construction for the 3D object includes depositing a model material, layer-by-layer, on a fabrication platform, to print a first portion of the 3D object, and depositing a support material, layer-by-layer on the fabrication platform, to print the support construction, wherein, in a predetermined number of the deposited layers, the model material and the support material are deposited such that a gap is formed between a surface of the first portion of the 3D object and a surface of the support construction.

Tool arrangement for compacting a composite preform assembly comprising a support structure preform and an array of component preforms each extending from the support structure preform and spaced apart along the support structure preform. The tool arrangement comprises a support tool defining a lay-up surface for laying up the support structure preform; a plurality of component moulds, each component mould comprising a pair of blocks configured to cooperate with one another to receive and compact a respective component preform extending from the support structure therebetween, each block having a compaction surface for engaging the component preform and a driving surface.

A mold assembly, for an overhead console button carrier having a unitary body, includes a cavity side and a core side. The core side includes at least one zero draft core insert, a first buried retractor mechanism and a first slide mechanism.

The improved mold assembly for cultured marble molding is provided. The mold assembly can comprise a male mold portion and a female mold portion. The assembly can further comprise a molding tool. The molding tool can have a side wall having an upper curved s and a lower curved portion. The molding tool can be constructed from a flexible and/or soft material. The lower curved portion of the molding tool can be coated with a gel coat having a first color. The molding tool can facilitate molding of a countertop having a recessed bowl portion having a color different from a counter portion of the countertop.

The improved mold assembly for cultured marble molding is provided. The mold assembly can comprise a male mold portion and a female mold portion. The assembly can further comprise a molding tool. The molding tool can have a side wall having an upper curved s and a lower curved portion. The molding tool can be constructed from a flexible and/or soft material. The lower curved portion of the molding tool can be coated with a gel coat having a first color. The molding tool can facilitate molding of a countertop having a recessed bowl portion having a color different from a counter portion of the countertop.