An ordered, 3-dimensional, micro-scale, open-cellular truss structure including interconnected hollow polymer tubes. The hollow micro-truss structure separates two fluid volumes which can be independently pressurized or depressurized to control flow, or materials properties, or both. Applications for this invention include deployable structures, inflatable structures, flow control, and vented padding.

A functional polymeric cutting edge structure and methods for manufacturing cutting edge structures using polymeric materials are provided. A razor blade for use in a razor cartridge or a blade box for assembly in a razor cartridge frame may be formed using the present invention.

A method of printing a three-dimensional (3D) object and a support construction for the 3D object includes depositing a model material, layer-by-layer, on a fabrication platform, to print a first portion of the 3D object, and depositing a support material, layer-by-layer on the fabrication platform, to print the support construction, wherein, in a predetermined number of the deposited layers, the model material and the support material are deposited such that a gap is formed between a surface of the first portion of the 3D object and a surface of the support construction.

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a dental component, in particular a dental prosthesis or a partial dental prosthesis, by means of a dental furnace, comprising the following steps: (i) additively manufacturing, in particular by means of 3D printing, a model of the dental component from a model material on the basis of a virtual 3D model of the dental component; (ii) embedding the model in an investment material; (iii) removing the model from the investment material, in particular by heating or burning out, to obtain a negative mold of the model; (iv) inserting a raw material required for manufacturing the dental component into the negative mold; (v) producing the dental component in the negative mold; and (vi) removing the negative mold.

A mold for forming a joint spacer device or a part thereof includes a rigid container body having a first perimeter profile delimiting a first molding surface configured to shape a first portion of the joint spacer or part thereof; and a rigid cover provided with a second perimeter profile delimiting a second molding surface configured to shape a second portion of the joint spacer or part thereof. The rigid container body and the rigid cover are removably engageable to each other, at the first and the second perimeter profile, so as to delimit a cavity corresponding to the external configuration of the joint spacer or part thereof. The mold includes a weakening system on the rigid container body and on the rigid cover, making them separable into parts to enable the extraction of the spacer device or part thereof, molded therebetween.

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a dental component, in particular a dental prosthesis or a partial dental prosthesis, by means of a dental furnace, comprising the following steps: (i) producing a model of the dental component; (ii) embedding the model in an investment material; (iii) removing the model from the investment material, in particular by heating or burning out, to obtain a negative mold of the model;

(iv) inserting a raw material required for manufacturing the dental component into the negative mold; (v) producing the dental component in the negative mold; and (vi) deflasking the dental component in an at least partly automated manner, in particular by means of a stripping manufacturing process, on the basis of a virtual model of the dental component.

A method for the manufacture of a fiber-composite article for a bicycle frame or other bicycle component uses an outer mold configured to define an outer surface of the fiber-composite article and an inner mold configured to define an inner surface of the fiber-composite article. The method comprises: securing in the inner mold a supportive armature for a space-filling mandrel, the mandrel being configured to occupy a space within the inner surface of the fiber-composite article during lay up and curing of the fiber-composite article; forming the mandrel by injection molding a solidifiable fluid into the inner mold, around the armature, the solidifiable fluid being configured to form a solidified, molded material; applying a fiber composition to the mandrel; securing the mandrel with the fiber composition in the outer mold; heating the fiber composition in the outer mold to form the fiber-composite article and concurrently heating the solidified, molded material. In this manner, the fiber composition is compressed into the outer mold due to expansion of the solidified, molded material.

A method of printing a three-dimensional (3D) object and a support construction for the 3D object includes depositing a model material, layer-by-layer, on a fabrication platform, to print a first portion of the 3D object, and depositing a support material, layer-by-layer on the fabrication platform, to print the support construction, wherein, in a predetermined number of the deposited layers, the model material and the support material are deposited such that a gap is formed between a surface of the first portion of the 3D object and a surface of the support construction.

An additive lathe integrates the advantages of additive manufacturing (also called 3d printing) with the cylindrical motion of a lathe to reduce material waste, print times, and increase creative potential. A post-processing system allows for an improved surface finishing on parts. The additive lathe no longer prints in cartesian (X, Y, Z) coordinates as other 3D printers and instead prints using cylindrical (R, Theta, Z) coordinates. The traditional bed or build plate is replaced with a horizontal cylindrical starter bar, on which 3D printed material is deposited along and around the bar. Essentially, the additive lathe works like a conventional lathe, but in reverse. Instead of taking a cylinder and slowly removing material as the part spins, the additive lathe adds material along and around the bar iteratively building up the part. The finishing mechanism allows for the creation of a smooth outer finish on printed parts while still in the printer.

A functional polymeric cutting edge structure and methods for manufacturing cutting edge structures using polymeric materials are provided. A razor blade for use in a razor cartridge or a blade box for assembly in a razor cartridge frame may be formed using the present invention.