A method, computer program product, and system. The embodiments include a method for three-dimensional printing of an object. The method provides for one or more processors to receive image data of an object to print. The one or more processors receive a position of a light-emitting robot inserted within photosensitive material. The one or more processors initiate movement of the light-emitting robot within the photosensitive material. The one or more processors control navigation of the light-emitting robot through the photosensitive material, based on continual feedback of the position of the light-emitting robot within photosensitive material and the received image data of the object to print, and the one or more processors control activation and deactivation of emitted light of the light-emitting robot, based on the image data of the object to print, wherein the emitted light of the light-emitting robot solidifies the photosensitive material.

A method, computer program product, and system. The embodiments include a method for three-dimensional printing of an object. The method provides for one or more processors to receive image data of an object to print. The one or more processors receive a position of a light-emitting robot inserted within photosensitive material. The one or more processors initiate movement of the light-emitting robot within the photosensitive material. The one or more processors control navigation of the light-emitting robot through the photosensitive material, based on continual feedback of the position of the light-emitting robot within photosensitive material and the received image data of the object to print, and the one or more processors control activation and deactivation of emitted light of the light-emitting robot, based on the image data of the object to print, wherein the emitted light of the light-emitting robot solidifies the photosensitive material.

The present subject matter is directed towards a system and a method for selectively post-curing a three-dimensional (3D-printed) object to attain variable properties. The system comprises a selective post-curing chamber coupled to a computer in communication with a database for accessing a digital model or data concerning the 3D-printed object. The chamber comprises a movable light source assembly and a mounting platform for supporting at least one 3D-printed object thereon. The computer includes one or more executable instructions for selectively emitting a curing light onto the 3D-printed object along a predetermined curing toolpath based on the digital model. The curing of the 3D-printed object along the predetermined curing toolpath generates variable properties along different regions of the 3D-printed object.

The present subject matter is directed towards a system and a method for selectively post-curing a three-dimensional (3D-printed) object to attain variable properties. The system comprises a selective post-curing chamber coupled to a computer in communication with a database for accessing a digital model or data concerning the 3D-printed object. The chamber comprises a movable light source assembly and a mounting platform for supporting at least one 3D-printed object thereon. The computer includes one or more executable instructions for selectively emitting a curing light onto the 3D-printed object along a predetermined curing toolpath based on the digital model. The curing of the 3D-printed object along the predetermined curing toolpath generates variable properties along different regions of the 3D-printed object.

The invention provides a method for producing a 3D item (1) by means of fused deposition modelling, the method comprising a 3D printing stage comprising layer- wise depositing an extrudate (321) comprising 3D printable material (201), to provide the 3D item (1) comprising 3D printed material (202), wherein the 3D item (1) comprises layers (322) of 3D printed material (202), wherein the method further comprises controlling a first temperature T.sub.1 of the 3D printable material (201) within a first temperature range, wherein the 3D printable material (201) comprises a thermoplastic host material (401) and a dopant material (410) in the range of 1-20 vol %, the dopant material (410) comprising polymeric flake-like particles having a metal coating, wherein the 3D printable material (201) has an optical property that irreversibly changes from a low-temperature optical property to a high-temperature optical property when increasing a temperature of the 3D printable material (201) over a change temperature T.sub.c, the optical property being selected from the group consisting of reflection, transmission, luminescence, absorption, and color, wherein the change temperature T.sub.c is within the first temperature range, wherein during at least a first part of the 3D printing stage the first temperature T.sub.1 is below the change temperature T.sub.c, and wherein during at least a second part of the 3D printing stage the first temperature T.sub.1 is above the change temperature T.sub.c.

The invention provides a method for producing a 3D item (1) by means of fused deposition modelling, the method comprising a 3D printing stage comprising layer- wise depositing an extrudate (321) comprising 3D printable material (201), to provide the 3D item (1) comprising 3D printed material (202), wherein the 3D item (1) comprises layers (322) of 3D printed material (202), wherein the method further comprises controlling a first temperature T.sub.1 of the 3D printable material (201) within a first temperature range, wherein the 3D printable material (201) comprises a thermoplastic host material (401) and a dopant material (410) in the range of 1-20 vol %, the dopant material (410) comprising polymeric flake-like particles having a metal coating, wherein the 3D printable material (201) has an optical property that irreversibly changes from a low-temperature optical property to a high-temperature optical property when increasing a temperature of the 3D printable material (201) over a change temperature T.sub.c, the optical property being selected from the group consisting of reflection, transmission, luminescence, absorption, and color, wherein the change temperature T.sub.c is within the first temperature range, wherein during at least a first part of the 3D printing stage the first temperature T.sub.1 is below the change temperature T.sub.c, and wherein during at least a second part of the 3D printing stage the first temperature T.sub.1 is above the change temperature T.sub.c.

An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a stage configured to hold a component. A radiant energy device is operable to generate and project radiant energy toward the stage. An actuator is configured to change a relative position of the stage relative to the radiant energy device. A feed module is configured to support a feed roll of a resin support upstream of the stage about a feed mandrel. A first control device is operably coupled with the feed mandrel. A take-up module is configured to support a take-up roll of the resin support downstream of the stage about a take-up mandrel. A second control device is operably coupled with the take-up mandrel. A computing system is operably coupled with one or more sensors. The computing system is configured to provide commands to at least one of the first control device or the second control device to respectively rotate the first control device or the second control device to obtain a target tension on the resin support.

A three-dimensional object printing method includes first operation of concurrently performing ejection of liquid toward a workpiece by a head, emission of energy toward the workpiece by an energy emitter, and movement of the head and the energy emitter with respect to the workpiece by a moving mechanism, and second operation of concurrently performing emission of energy toward the workpiece by the energy emitter and movement of the head and the energy emitter with respect to the workpiece by the moving mechanism, without performing ejection of liquid by the head. A first irradiation distance, which is a distance between the workpiece and an emission face during execution of the first operation, and a second irradiation distance, which is a distance between the workpiece and the emission face during execution of the second operation, are different from each other.

Embodiments disclosed herein represent powder based additive manufacturing processes which provide a microstructure having improved mechanical properties. The methods may include the use of ultrasonic excitation in combination with the active control of a substrate's temperature to provide some level of control over the microstructure and hence the properties.

Embodiments disclosed herein represent powder based additive manufacturing processes which provide a microstructure having improved mechanical properties. The methods may include the use of ultrasonic excitation in combination with the active control of a substrate's temperature to provide some level of control over the microstructure and hence the properties.