Laser cutting systems and methods are described herein. One or more systems include a laser generating component, an optical component, a fixture for holding a support with a part positioned on the support, and a control mechanism for adjusting at least one of the laser generating component, the optical component, and the fixture such that a ratio of a laser energy applied to the part and a part material thickness is maintained within a predetermined acceptable range at each point along a cut path to cut through the part while maintaining the integrity of the support. Other systems and methods are disclosed herein.

This invention concerns a module for insertion into an additive manufacturing apparatus. The module comprising a frame mountable in a fixed position in the additive manufacturing apparatus, the frame defining a build chamber and a dosing chamber. A build platform is movable in the build chamber for supporting a powder bed during additive manufacturing of a part. A dosing piston is movable in the dosing chamber to push powder from the dosing chamber. A mechanism mechanically links the build platform to the dosing piston such that downward movement of the build platform in the build chamber results in upward movement of the dosing piston in the dosing chamber.

A system and method depositing metal to form a three-dimensional (3D) part on a substrate. A wire is moved relative to a location on the substrate while a laser heats a proximal end of the wire at the location using a laser beam. The laser causes the wire and substrate to reach a melting point of the wire to fuse the wire at the location on the substrate. The wire can be preheated by passing a current through the wire.

The thermal processing device includes a stage, a continuous wave electromagnetic radiation source, a series of lenses, a translation mechanism, a detection module, a three-dimensional auto-focus, and a computer system. The stage is configured to receive a substrate thereon. The continuous wave electromagnetic radiation source is disposed adjacent the stage, and is configured to emit continuous wave electromagnetic radiation along a path towards the substrate. The series of lenses is disposed between the continuous wave electromagnetic radiation source and the stage, and are configured to condense the continuous wave electromagnetic radiation into a line of continuous wave electromagnetic radiation on a surface of the substrate. The translation mechanism is configured to translate the stage and the line of continuous wave electromagnetic radiation relative to one another. The detection module is positioned within the path, and is configured to detect continuous wave electromagnetic radiation.

Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for forming canted holes in materials. In one example, a forming angle and a central axis for a vent through a panel is determined. A vent is formed in the panel about the central axis along the forming angle. The angled vent is formed with a circular shape at a first opening of the vent on a first surface of the panel when viewed at an angle perpendicular to the first surface of the panel. Additional systems and methods are also provided.

The present invention describes an apparatus for a first laser scribing (P1) on the front electrode of a thin film solar cell panel and a similar apparatus for subsequent laser scribing (P2,P3) on the semiconductor layer and semiconductor layer/rear electrode. Before starting scribing process (P1), the left hand edge or reference line on the left hand edge on a workpiece is aligned substantively parallel to the linear drive before translating the workpiece on the apparatus. Similarly, the first and second scribed lines (Lp1,Lp2) formed during the P1 and P2 processes are separately aligned parallel to the linear drive before starting the relevant process (P2,P3). Alternatively, parallelism of the workpiece is carried out for each batch of the workpiece. In both apparatuses, the laser sources are mounted on independently motorised axes.

A system is disclosed for use in manufacturing a component. The system may have a build chamber, a stage movable within the build chamber, and a recoater configured to deposit a layer of powdered material on top of the stage. The system may also have an energy source configured to direct a beam onto the layer of powdered material in a pattern corresponding to a shape of the component, and a brace fabricated before manufacturing of the component. The brace may be located adjacent a periphery of the component and extend from the stage toward the recoater.

Self-retaining suture systems including a suture thread bearing a plurality of laser-cut retainers are disclosed. A laser system allows the creation of retainers and self-retaining suture systems in configurations which are difficult and/or impossible to achieve using mechanical cutting technology.

The application relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing a natural fiber based staple fibers. The application further relates to the staple fibers, staple fiber based raw wool and products comprising such. A method comprises providing a cellulose suspension (101, 310, 510) including water, refined cellulose fibrils and at least one rheology modifier, directing the cellulose suspension through a nozzle (102, 320, 520) onto a surface (300, 400, 500), drying the cellulose suspension onto the surface (103, 300, 400, 500) for forming a fiber (350, 550), and cutting the cellulose suspension on the surface for forming staple fibers (105).

A laser processing device includes: a laser light source emitting laser light; a converging optical system converging the laser light at an object to be processed; a reflective spatial light modulator modulating the laser light such that the laser light is caused to branch into 0th order light and ±nth order light (n is a natural number) including at least first processing light and second processing light, and the first processing light is converged at a first converging point and the second processing light is converged at a second converging point; and a light blocking part blocking light to be converged at an outside with respect to the first processing light and the second processing light of the 0th order light and the ±nth order light to be converged at the object.