A system and method are provided for implementing localized and directed laser welding joining techniques in a process of building up laminate layers to form and/or manufacture three-dimensional objects, parts and components (3D objects). A multi-stage 3D object forming scheme is described involving steps of laminate cutting (with lasers or other cutting devices); laminate transport between processing stations (including using one or more of conveyors, robotic pick and place devices and the like); laminate stacking, clamping and adhering through a targeted laser welding technique; and mechanical surface finishing (via CNC machining or other comparable process).

A system and method are provided for implementing localized and directed laser welding joining techniques in a process of building up laminate layers to form and/or manufacture three-dimensional objects, parts and components (3D objects). A multi-stage 3D object forming scheme is described involving steps of laminate cutting (with lasers or other cutting devices); laminate transport between processing stations (including using one or more of conveyors, robotic pick and place devices and the like); laminate stacking, clamping and adhering through a targeted laser welding technique; and mechanical surface finishing (via CNC machining or other comparable process).

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing microfluidic chips having at least one capillary for through-flow of a fluid, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a starting material; (b) forming at least one shared capillary in the starting material, said shared capillary comprising an fluidic inlet and an fluidic outlet; (c) functionalizing the chips by supplying a functionalization fluid to the shared capillary; and (d) dividing the starting material into separate chips. The invention further relates to a device for functionalizing microfluidic chips having at least one capillary for through-flow of a fluid, said device comprising a material holder for holding a starting material in a fixed position during functionalization, said material holder comprising at least one inlet connector for connecting at least one shared capillary formed in the starting material to a functionalization fluid supply. The invention further relates to a microfluidic chip and a device for holding a microfluidic chip.

A method of fabricating a connecting rod (6) out of composite material using three-dimensional fabric of woven reinforcing fibers, the connecting rod (6) extending in a main direction. The method comprises the steps of: cutting out one or more base pieces (7, 8) from a three-dimensional fabric; cutting out one or more reinforcing pieces (9, 10) from a three-dimensional fabric; installing the various pieces (7, 8, 9, 10) on a support in order to shape them; securing the various pieces (7, 8, 9, 10) to one another by stitching (12, 13, 14, 15) using reinforcing fibers in order to constitute a reinforcing fiber preform; installing the preform on a mandrel; and injecting resin into the preform and polymerizing the resin.

An apparatus for forming a three-dimensional (3D) object includes a 3D printing head, for fabricating a first portion of the 3D object by forming a plurality of successive layers of a first material. The apparatus also includes a delivery head for fabricating a second portion of the 3D object by dispensing onto the first portion of the 3D object a plurality of layers of a continuous-fiber reinforced second material. Further, the delivery head includes comprising a roller for pressing the continuous-fiber rein-forced second material into place during the dispensing thereof. A controller controls the 3D printing head and the delivery head to cooperatively form the 3D object, based on a dataset corresponding to a 3D object model.

There is provided a method of manufacturing a combustible heat source having a barrier affixed to an end face thereof, including providing a hollow die having a first opening and an opposed second opening; covering the first opening with a laminar barrier material; punching a barrier from the laminar barrier material by inserting a first punch into the hollow die through the first opening; placing one or more particulate components in the hollow die through the second opening; compressing the one or more particulate components to form a combustible heat source and affixing the barrier to an end face of the combustible heat source by inserting a second punch into the hollow die through the second opening; and ejecting the combustible heat source having the barrier affixed to the end face thereof from the hollow die.