A mold assembly for producing a part includes a first section, a second section movably coupled to the first section, and a cavity defined by the first section and the second section, the cavity being shaped to receive a part while the first section and the second section are movably coupled to each other. The mold assembly includes a joint formed by adjacent surfaces of the first section and the second section and a seal extending along the joint.

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 apparatus for additive manufacturing having a body; a plurality of articulated arms, each having a jointed connection to the body opposite a free end, the plurality of articulated arms movable relative to each other and the plurality of articulated arms having opposable motions about the jointed connection; an extruder at the free end of each of the plurality of articulated arms, the extruder having an extruder nozzle extending from the free end; and at least one cooling nozzle extending from the free end of each of the plurality of articulated arms.

An apparatus for additive manufacturing having a body; a plurality of articulated arms, each having a jointed connection to the body opposite a free end, the plurality of articulated arms movable relative to each other and the plurality of articulated arms having opposable motions about the jointed connection; an extruder at the free end of each of the plurality of articulated arms, the extruder having an extruder nozzle extending from the free end; and at least one cooling nozzle extending from the free end of each of the plurality of articulated arms.

An FDM printer that provides five degree-of-freedom printing capabilities. In one embodiment, the FDM printer includes three transitional drive devices that allow a printer print head to be translationally moved in the X, Y and Z axes planes and a pair of rotationally drive devices that allow a workpiece platform to be rotated in the Y-axis plane and the combined X-axis and Z-axis planes. In this manner, the relative position between the print head and the workpiece platform allows the printer to print complex workpieces in a single continuous print, such as workpieces including large closed, hollow geometries, and without the need for providing support structures for overhangs and the like.

An FDM printer that provides five degree-of-freedom printing capabilities. In one embodiment, the FDM printer includes three transitional drive devices that allow a printer print head to be translationally moved in the X, Y and Z axes planes and a pair of rotationally drive devices that allow a workpiece platform to be rotated in the Y-axis plane and the combined X-axis and Z-axis planes. In this manner, the relative position between the print head and the workpiece platform allows the printer to print complex workpieces in a single continuous print, such as workpieces including large closed, hollow geometries, and without the need for providing support structures for overhangs and the like.

A three-dimensional printer with improved adjustment mechanisms for calibrating the orientation of the build platform and an extrusion assembly to optimize the accuracy of models deposited on the build platform. The printer includes a frame carrying an extrusion assembly proximate the top, and a carriage within. A build platform is mounted on the top of the carriage. Carriage adjustment mechanisms are provided at at least two corners of the carriage for calibrating the orientation of the build platform with respect to the X-Y plane. An extrusion assembly adjustment mechanism is provided at at least one end of the extrusion mechanism for calibrating the orientation of the extrusion mechanism with respect to the Y-axis. A height adjustment mechanism is provided for translating the carriage within the frame along the Z-axis.

A three-dimensional printer with improved adjustment mechanisms for calibrating the orientation of the build platform and an extrusion assembly to optimize the accuracy of models deposited on the build platform. The printer includes a frame carrying an extrusion assembly proximate the top, and a carriage within. A build platform is mounted on the top of the carriage. Carriage adjustment mechanisms are provided at at least two corners of the carriage for calibrating the orientation of the build platform with respect to the X-Y plane. An extrusion assembly adjustment mechanism is provided at at least one end of the extrusion mechanism for calibrating the orientation of the extrusion mechanism with respect to the Y-axis. A height adjustment mechanism is provided for translating the carriage within the frame along the Z-axis.

Aspects of the disclosure include apparatuses and systems for rotatably engaging an additive manufacturing build plate. An apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure can include: a height adjustable platform; a rotatable member coupled to the height adjustable platform; an alignment member coupled to a first end of the rotatable member; and first and second coupling members each extending from the first radial end of the alignment member wherein the first and second coupling members are oriented substantially parallel to the rotatable member.

Liquid metals or plastic are deposited into a reservoir of powder that supports the liquid metal or plastic as it cools.