A solution-based system for printing a 3D structure is provided and includes a substrate; a first solution including an organic molecule including a functional group at each end for creation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) including a first self-assembled monolayer (SAM) as a building block for printing the 3D structure, wherein the first solution is applied to a surface of the substrate to form the first SAM including a first SAM surface as a basis for the 3D structure; a second solution including metal ions, wherein the substrate with the first SAM is immersed into the second solution, and wherein the first solution is applied to the substrate which is immersed in the second solution thereby obtaining molecular-metal SAMs to provide a multiple layered SAM material; and means for applying a force and forming the 3D structure from the multiple layered SAM material, wherein the 3D structure is provided on the substrate.

A device and method for manipulating particles is provided. The device generally includes a screen acting as a support for a structure formed by particles, which may be selectively deposited on a first substrate. The device may be included in a 3D printing system.

A device and method for manipulating particles is provided. The device generally includes a screen acting as a support for a structure formed by particles, which may be selectively deposited on a first substrate. The device may be included in a 3D printing system.

An additive manufacturing apparatus includes an environmentally sealed first chamber, a second chamber separated from the first chamber by a first valve, a platform positionable in the first chamber, a dispenser configured to deliver a plurality of successive layers of feed material onto the platform in the first chamber, at least one energy source to selectively fuse feed material in a layer on the platform in the first chamber, and an air knife assembly to direct a laminar flow of air across a layer of feed material on the platform in the first chamber. The air knife assembly includes an inlet module and an exhaust module that are movable through the first valve between the first chamber and the second chamber.

An additive manufacturing apparatus includes an environmentally sealed first chamber, a second chamber separated from the first chamber by a first valve, a platform positionable in the first chamber, a dispenser configured to deliver a plurality of successive layers of feed material onto the platform in the first chamber, at least one energy source to selectively fuse feed material in a layer on the platform in the first chamber, and an air knife assembly to direct a laminar flow of air across a layer of feed material on the platform in the first chamber. The air knife assembly includes an inlet module and an exhaust module that are movable through the first valve between the first chamber and the second chamber.

Apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam, with a stream generating unit (2) configured to generate a stream of a process gas (3) being capable of being charged with particles (4), in particular non-consolidated particulate build material and/or smoke and/or smoke residues, generated during operation of the apparatus (1) and a filter unit (5) configured to separate particles (4) from the stream of process gas (3), wherein the filter unit (5) comprises a filter chamber (6) with at least one filter element (7) at least partly arranged in the streaming path of the generated stream of process gas (3), wherein particles (4) in the stream of process gas (3) are separated from the process gas (3) by the filter element (7).

Apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam, with a stream generating unit (2) configured to generate a stream of a process gas (3) being capable of being charged with particles (4), in particular non-consolidated particulate build material and/or smoke and/or smoke residues, generated during operation of the apparatus (1) and a filter unit (5) configured to separate particles (4) from the stream of process gas (3), wherein the filter unit (5) comprises a filter chamber (6) with at least one filter element (7) at least partly arranged in the streaming path of the generated stream of process gas (3), wherein particles (4) in the stream of process gas (3) are separated from the process gas (3) by the filter element (7).

A method for fabricating three-dimensional structures. In-flight heating or UV illumination modifies the properties of aerosol droplets as they are jetted onto a target surface. The UV light at least partially cures photopolymer droplets, or alternatively causes droplets of solvent-based nanoparticle dispersions to rapidly dry in-flight, and the resulting increased viscosity of the aerosol droplets facilitates the formation of free standing three-dimensional structures. This 3D fabrication can be performed using a wide variety of photopolymer, nanoparticle dispersion, and composite materials. The resulting 3D shapes can be free standing, fabricated without supports, and can attain arbitrary shapes by manipulating the print nozzle relative to the target substrate.

A method for fabricating three-dimensional structures. In-flight heating or UV illumination modifies the properties of aerosol droplets as they are jetted onto a target surface. The UV light at least partially cures photopolymer droplets, or alternatively causes droplets of solvent-based nanoparticle dispersions to rapidly dry in-flight, and the resulting increased viscosity of the aerosol droplets facilitates the formation of free standing three-dimensional structures. This 3D fabrication can be performed using a wide variety of photopolymer, nanoparticle dispersion, and composite materials. The resulting 3D shapes can be free standing, fabricated without supports, and can attain arbitrary shapes by manipulating the print nozzle relative to the target substrate.

Various processes for producing three dimensional electrically conductive polymer structures, such as three dimensional structures of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), are described as well as materials produced by these processes.