A method for providing control data for a generative layer construction device includes accessing layer data records that have data models of buildup material layers to be selectively solidified, where a base surface region of an object cross section exists in at least one layer data record, where in at least one of p layers below the base surface region, no solidification of buildup material is specified. The method further includes changing the layer data record such that a temporal sequence for scanning the associated object cross section with energy radiation is specified such that at least one portion of the base surface region is scanned before all other parts of the object cross section; and a third step, where the changed layer data record is provided for the generation of a control data record for the device.

An additive manufacturing system includes a platform to support an object to be fabricated, a dispenser to deliver a plurality of layers of a feed material over the platform, a controller configured to store digital data representing a pre-defined pattern, a laser configured to generate a laser beam to impinge an outermost layer of the feed material and coupled to the controller to fuse the feed material in the pre-defined pattern, and a plurality of independently controllable infrared lamps, each infrared lamp directed to a different section of an outermost layer of the feed material.

A control system for thermo optical control of focus position of an energy beam in an additive manufacturing apparatus has a first doped medium and a second doped medium, each of which is optically transparent and doped with a dopant. The first doped medium has a positive thermo-optical coefficient (dn/dT) and the second doped medium has a negative thermo-optical coefficient (dn/dT) and is in series with the first doped medium. An energy beam input or coupling is configured to generate or receive an energy beam that is required to be controlled, the energy beam being within a first wavelength range and directed towards the first and second doped mediums. An absorbed beam input or coupling is configured to generate or receive at least one absorbed beam in a second wavelength range which is different from the first wavelength range, the absorbed beam being directed towards the first and second doped mediums. The first and second doped mediums have a higher beam absorption characteristic in the second wavelength range than in the first wavelength range, causing the absorbed beam to have a higher absorption than the energy beam in the first and second doped mediums and the first and second doped mediums each have a coating which allows transmission at both the first and the second wavelength ranges.

An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a platform, a dispenser configured to deliver a plurality of successive layers of feed material onto the platform, at least one light source configured to generate a first light beam and a second light beam, a polygon minor scanner, an actuator, and a galvo minor scanner. The polygon minor scanner is configured to receive the first light beam and reflect the first light beam towards the platform. Rotation of the first polygon mirror causes the light beam to move in a first direction along a path on a layer of feed material on the platform. The actuator is configured to cause the path to move along a second direction at a non-zero angle relative to the first direction. The galvo mirror scanner system is configured to receive the second light beam and reflect the second light beam toward the platform.

A cable-driven parallel robot (CDPR) includes at least two sets of rotors each coupled to a respective one of at least two supports, the sets of the rotors positioned above a surface; an effector positioned at a horizontal planar location between the sets of the rotors and at a vertical location above the surface; and at least two sets of cables each coupled to a respective one of the sets of the rotors at first ends of the respective set of the cables and to the effector at second ends of the respective set of the cables. Each set of the sets of the rotors controls tension to the respective one set of the sets of the cables for moving the horizontal planar location. Each set of the sets of the rotors is vertically movable on the respective one of the supports for moving the vertical location when the sets of the rotors are vertically moved synchronously.

The method comprises the steps of: a) supplying building material; and b) fusing the building material using a light beam (2); wherein steps a) and b) are carried out so as to progressively produce the object out of the fused building material. In step b), the beam (2) is projected onto the building material so as to produce a primary spot on the building material, the beam being repetitively scanned in two dimensions in accordance with a first scanning pattern so as to establish an effective spot (21) on the building material, said effective spot having a two-dimensional energy distribution. The effective spot (21) is displaced in relation to the object being produced to progressively produce the object by fusing the building material.

A system and method for manufacturing a set of cast stones includes a set of spray stations, a set of fill stations, a set of vibration tables, a drying rack, and a demolder connected to the drying rack. A controller is connected to each of the set of spray stations, the set of fill stations, the set of vibration tables, the drying rack, and the demolder, each of which has a set of sensors connected to the controller. The set of spray stations include a set of release stations and a set of color stations. A mold is sprayed with a release product, a set of colors, and then filled with a cementitious material. Once vibrated, the cementitious material is dried to form the set of cast stones, which is then automatically released from the mold utilizing the demolder.

According to an example, a three-dimensional (3D) printer may include a spreader to spread build material granules into a layer on a build area platform, a pressing die positioned above the layer of spread build material granules, in which the pressing die is to apply pressure onto the layer of build material granules to fragment the build material granules into primary particles to increase the density of the layer of build material granules, and a printhead to selectively deposit a fusing agent between the primary particles of the spread layer of build material granules.

Build material application device (6) for an apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing three-dimensional components by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material (3) which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam (4), the build material application device (6) being configured to apply a layer of build material (3) in a build plane (7) of a respective apparatus (1), the build material application (6) device comprising at least one build material application member (10, 11), wherein the at least one build material application member (10, 11) is at least partially additively manufactured by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material (3) which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam (4).

A silicone extrusion plant has a silicone extruder and a silicone feed device configured to load the silicone extruder. The silicone feed device has a feed hopper. The feed hopper opens into a feed opening at the bottom thereof. The feed opening is in a fluidic connection, via a feed duct, with an inlet zone of the silicone extruder. A feed screw arranged in the feed hopper in such a way as to be drivable for rotation protrudes into the feed opening at least partly. The feed screw has a cone portion and a cylinder portion. According to another aspect, the silicone extrusion plant has at least one feed pressure sensor configured to measure an actual feed pressure of silicone material to be extruded. A control unit is in a signal communication with the feed pressure sensor and a feed drive device in order to drive the silicone feed device.