A filter element, useful for filtering molten metals and the like, is made from a precursor or template (10) having at least two layers (20). Each layer is assembled from three-dimensional geometric cages (22), joined in fixed relationship to each other: Some embodiments include a peripheral member (26) that encompasses the layer. In such cases, spacer members (28) can span the peripheral members to hold the layers in fixed spaced-apart relationship. In other embodiments, at least some of the cages in adjacent layers can be joined in fixed relationship, providing the spaced-apart relationship. The cages can be built from linear segments of a material joined in a pattern based on the edges of the geometric solid. The template may be formed by an automated technique, such as three-dimensional printing. If manufactured from a polymer, the precursor is coated with a ceramic slurry and calcined to provide the filter element.

A method for moulding a part, including the following steps: placing at least one pre-stressing device in a first element; placing the first element facing a second element; pre-stressing the at least one pre-stressing device; introducing ultra-high performance fibre concrete into the reception volume; controlling gradual modification of one of the elements; and removing the tubular element from the mould.

A method of making a heat exchanger is disclosed that includes identifying a space for a heat exchanger fluid flow path. A carbon template is formed in the shape of the flow path space, with void space in the shape of a fluid guide that forms the flow path space. A ceramic or a ceramic precursor fluid composition is deposited to the template void space, and a solid ceramic is formed from the fluid composition. The template is removed by oxidizing the carbon.

In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a part includes placing a die mold and a part substance in a heating zone of a microwave heating apparatus, and subjecting the die to microwave radiation. The die mold supports at least a portion of the part substance and includes a first dopant, which has a greater microwave radiation heating susceptibility than the die mold. In another embodiment, a die mold material includes a plastic and a dopant, the dopant having a greater microwave radiation heating susceptibility than the plastic. In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a part includes placing a part substance in a microwave radiation heating zone, and subjecting the part substance to microwave radiation to heat the dopant. The part substance includes a dopant, the dopant having a first microwave radiation heating susceptibility greater than a second microwave radiation heating susceptibility of the part substance.

An extrusion method and apparatus are described for producing ceramics, glass, glass-ceramics, or composites suitable for use as proppants. The method includes forming one or more green body materials, extruding the green body materials to form a green body extrudate, separating and shaping the green body extrudate into individual green bodies, and sintering the green bodies to form proppants. The apparatus includes a means for forming an intimate mixture of green body materials, means to produce a green body extrudate, means for separating and shaping the green body extrudate into individual green bodies, and means to sinter the green green bodies to form proppants.

The disclosure relates to a bio-artificial periosteum based on micropatterning of biomimetic mineralized calcium-phosphorus nanoparticles and a method for manufacturing the same. The method includes: first, a micropatterned biomimetic mineralized calcium-phosphorus nanoparticle layer is manufactured on a surface of an inert substrate; then, an organic polymer is cross-linked and solidified on the micropatterned biomimetic mineralized calcium-phosphorus nanoparticle layer; at last, the inert substrate is removed, so that the bio-artificial periosteum based on micropatterning of biomimetic mineralized calcium-phosphorus nanoparticles is obtained. The bio-artificial periosteum not only simulates the composition of natural bone in material components, but also realizes high degree of biomimesis in micro-nano size in structure. Moreover, the distribution of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can be regulated by the bio-artificial periosteum, so that the cells can be effectively defined on a surface of calcium-phosphorus particle micropattern and a high degree of ordered alignment thereof can be realized.

This invention relates to a product and a method of preparing ceramic and/or ceramic hybrid materials through the construction of a printed die. The printed die being made by three dimensional printing or additive manufacturing processes possesses both an external geometry and an internal geometry.

A molding tool and method for making the molding tool by additive manufacturing is provided. The molding tool includes a tool body having a tooling surface for molding a part, the tool body comprising a eutectic alloy. The method for making the molding tool by additive manufacturing includes forming a first layer of eutectic alloy, the forming comprising depositing the eutectic alloy in liquid form and then cooling for form a solid eutectic alloy; forming an additional layer of the eutectic alloy on the first layer, the forming of the additional layer comprising depositing the eutectic alloy in liquid form and then cooling to form the solid eutectic alloy; and repeating forming an additional layer of the eutectic alloy on the first layer, the forming of the additional layer comprising depositing the eutectic alloy in liquid form and then cooling to form the solid eutectic alloy, and repeating one or more times to form a structure comprising a tool body having a tooling surface.

A nut plate (10) and a gang channel (78) are constructed of ceramic material. In one version, the nut plate (10) and gang channel (78) are constructed of aluminum oxide ceramic material reinforced with silicon-carbide crystal whiskers. In another version, the nut plate (10) and gang channel (78) are constructed of silicon-nitride. In a third version the nuts (54) are constructed of oxide ceramic material reinforced with silicon-carbide crystal whiskers or silicon-nitride and gage channel (78) are constructed of CMC (either oxide or non-oxide).

In exemplary implementations of this invention, a nozzle sprays foam, layer by layer, to fabricate a fabricated object according to a CAD model, and a subtractive fabrication tool removes material from the fabricated object according to a CAD model. The fabricated object comprises a mold or an interior form. The foam may be low-density, high strength and fast-curing. The foam may be used for large-scale 3D printing. For example, the foam may be used to 3D print molds for walls of homes. The foam molds may be left in place, after casting concrete in the molds, to serve as insulation. Or for example, the foam may be used to 3D print on site an internal form for a large wind turbine blade. The wind turbine blade may then be produced on site by depositing fiberglass on the outside of the internal form.