Techniques for evaluating support for an object to be fabricated via an additive fabrication device are provided. In some embodiments, a three-dimensional representation of the object is obtained and a plurality of voxels corresponding to the representation of the object is generated. A first supportedness value may be assigned to a first voxel of the plurality of voxels based on an amount of support provided by a support structure to the first voxel, and a second supportedness value determined for a second voxel of the plurality of voxels, wherein the second voxel neighbors the first voxel, and wherein the second supportedness value is determined based on the first supportedness value of the first voxel and a weight value representing a transmission rate of supportedness through voxels of the plurality of voxels.

Printer control data is generated which includes a three dimensional model for a protective structure to be built around a printed object by a three-dimensional printing apparatus, which protective structure is configured to compensate for the distorting effects of uneven shrinkage during cooling. The three dimensional model for the protective structure comprises a plurality of side panels and at least one extensible member interconnecting two or more of the side panels, which extensible member is configured to be extensible in response to shrinkage of the plurality of side panels during cooling. A method and apparatus is disclosed which obtains object model data defining an object to be built by a three-dimensional printing apparatus and automatically generates a three dimensional model for a suitable protective structure that has extensibility as an integral feature of the design to compensate for uneven shrinkage.

Printer control data is generated which includes a three dimensional model for a protective structure to be built around a printed object by a three-dimensional printing apparatus, which protective structure is configured to compensate for the distorting effects of uneven shrinkage during cooling. The three dimensional model for the protective structure comprises a plurality of side panels and at least one extensible member interconnecting two or more of the side panels, which extensible member is configured to be extensible in response to shrinkage of the plurality of side panels during cooling. A method and apparatus is disclosed which obtains object model data defining an object to be built by a three-dimensional printing apparatus and automatically generates a three dimensional model for a suitable protective structure that has extensibility as an integral feature of the design to compensate for uneven shrinkage.

A method of additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional object. The method comprises: sequentially dispensing and solidifying a plurality of layers comprising (i) a stack of model layers arranged in a configured pattern corresponding to the shape of the object and being made of a modeling material, (ii) a sacrificial structure having a stack of sacrificial layers made of an elastomeric material, and (iii) a stack of intermediate layers made of a support material having an elastic modulus less than the elastomeric material and being between the stack of model layers and the sacrificial structure; and applying a peeling force to the sacrificial structure (e.g., in dry environment) to remove the sacrificial structure, and to expose the stack of model layers and/or the stack of intermediate layers beneath the sacrificial structure.

A method of additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional object. The method comprises: sequentially dispensing and solidifying a plurality of layers comprising (i) a stack of model layers arranged in a configured pattern corresponding to the shape of the object and being made of a modeling material, (ii) a sacrificial structure having a stack of sacrificial layers made of an elastomeric material, and (iii) a stack of intermediate layers made of a support material having an elastic modulus less than the elastomeric material and being between the stack of model layers and the sacrificial structure; and applying a peeling force to the sacrificial structure (e.g., in dry environment) to remove the sacrificial structure, and to expose the stack of model layers and/or the stack of intermediate layers beneath the sacrificial structure.

An additively manufactured structure and methods for making and using same. In a method for making the structure, a first layer structure can be formed. A second layer structure can be formed on the first layer structure and a support structure. The support structure can be removed from the second layer structure. The second layer structure can include an overhang structure that does not deform or break after the support structure is removed. The support structure can provide support to the second layer structure during printing. Strong bridging capability of the second layer structure is not required. The support structure can be quick and easy to make. The support structure can be reusable and does not add weight to the printed structure. The support structure can be easily removed after completing of printing. Installation of the support structure can be fast without significantly interfering with printing process.

An additively manufactured structure and methods for making and using same. In a method for making the structure, a first layer structure can be formed. A second layer structure can be formed on the first layer structure and a support structure. The support structure can be removed from the second layer structure. The second layer structure can include an overhang structure that does not deform or break after the support structure is removed. The support structure can provide support to the second layer structure during printing. Strong bridging capability of the second layer structure is not required. The support structure can be quick and easy to make. The support structure can be reusable and does not add weight to the printed structure. The support structure can be easily removed after completing of printing. Installation of the support structure can be fast without significantly interfering with printing process.

Apparatuses, systems and methods of providing heat to enable an FDM additive manufacturing nozzle having refined print control and enhanced printing speed. The heating element may include at least one sheath sized to fittedly engage around an outer circumference of the FDM printer nozzle; at least one wire coil at least partially contacting an inner diameter of the sheath; and at least one energy receiver associated with the at least one wire coil.

Apparatuses, systems and methods of providing heat to enable an FDM additive manufacturing nozzle having refined print control and enhanced printing speed. The heating element may include at least one sheath sized to fittedly engage around an outer circumference of the FDM printer nozzle; at least one wire coil at least partially contacting an inner diameter of the sheath; and at least one energy receiver associated with the at least one wire coil.

A three-dimensional object manufacturing method includes a molding step of molding a first three-dimensional object, a second three-dimensional object and a first support part for coupling the first and second three-dimensional objects at mutually different positions on a base plate by an additive manufacturing, and a separation step of separating the first three-dimensional object, the second three-dimensional object, the first support part and the base plate from each other. In the separation step, the first and second three-dimensional objects are separated from each other by dividing the first support part after at least one of the first and second three-dimensional objects is separated from the base plate.