Patent classifications
B29C64/35
FILTER CLEANING
According to one example, there is provided a method of cleaning a filter in a filter housing. The filter has a dirty side at which a dirty airflow is received, and a clean side through which a cleaned airflow flows. The method comprises generating a cleaning airflow at the dirty side of the filter, the cleaning airflow having a predetermined volume and pressure, and generating an extraction airflow to extract from the filter housing the same volume and pressure of air from the filter housing as that generated in the filter housing by the cleaning airflow.
OBJECT DECAKING
The invention relates to a decake apparatus. The decake apparatus has a chamber with a base to support a build cake. The build cake includes a build object and non-solidified build material. The apparatus includes a distributor from which to force a fluidisation medium into a lower portion of a build cake supported on the base to fluidise non-solidified build material around the build object so that the build object sinks through the fluidised non-solidified build material towards the base. The also includes a material outlet through which non-solidified build material can be removed from the chamber.
OBJECT DECAKING
The invention relates to a decake apparatus. The decake apparatus has a chamber with a base to support a build cake. The build cake includes a build object and non-solidified build material. The apparatus includes a distributor from which to force a fluidisation medium into a lower portion of a build cake supported on the base to fluidise non-solidified build material around the build object so that the build object sinks through the fluidised non-solidified build material towards the base. The also includes a material outlet through which non-solidified build material can be removed from the chamber.
WASHING APPARATUS AND METHODS USED TO PROCESS ADDITIVELY FABRICATED PARTS
Washing apparatus and methods used to process additively fabricated (e.g., 3D printed) parts are described herein. The apparatus and methods may be used to wash uncured liquid resin from the parts.
WASHING APPARATUS AND METHODS USED TO PROCESS ADDITIVELY FABRICATED PARTS
Washing apparatus and methods used to process additively fabricated (e.g., 3D printed) parts are described herein. The apparatus and methods may be used to wash uncured liquid resin from the parts.
Methods and multi-purpose powder removal features for additive manufacturing
The present disclosure generally relates to methods for additive manufacturing (AM) for fabricating multi-walled structures. A multi-walled structure includes a first wall having a first surface and a second wall having a second surface facing the first surface to define a passage having a width between the first surface and the second surface in a first direction. The multi-walled structure also includes an enlarged powder removal feature connecting the first wall and the second wall. The enlarged powder removal feature has an inner dimension greater than the width in the first direction and at least one open end in a direction transverse to the first width.
Methods and multi-purpose powder removal features for additive manufacturing
The present disclosure generally relates to methods for additive manufacturing (AM) for fabricating multi-walled structures. A multi-walled structure includes a first wall having a first surface and a second wall having a second surface facing the first surface to define a passage having a width between the first surface and the second surface in a first direction. The multi-walled structure also includes an enlarged powder removal feature connecting the first wall and the second wall. The enlarged powder removal feature has an inner dimension greater than the width in the first direction and at least one open end in a direction transverse to the first width.
Three-dimensionally printed object
A method of manufacturing an object via three-dimensional printing is disclosed. Data regarding the object is received. The object is three-dimensionally printed from the data. A wrapper is also three-dimensionally printed from the data. The wrapper encloses the object and includes information regarding the object.
Techniques for depowdering additively fabricated parts via rapid pressure change and related systems and methods
Techniques for depowdering additively fabricated parts are described in which powder is separated from parts by creating a large pressure differential between the powder and parts and a nearby location. The pressure differential may cause gas to quickly flow into and/or around the powder and parts, thereby producing a force against the powder and parts. Since the powder is generally much lighter than the parts, this force may be much more effective at moving the powder than moving the parts. As a result, the powder and parts may be separated from one another. The pressure differential may be created in various ways, such as by holding the parts and part in a chamber that is pressurized with air and/or other gas(es). Rapid depressurization of the chamber may produce the aforementioned pressure differential, leading to powder movement away from the parts.
3D printed objects with selective overcure regions
A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional (3D) object may include fabricating a support structure and fabricating the 3D object on the support structure, wherein the support structure contacts the 3D object at a support region of the 3D object. The method further includes overcuring the 3D object at an overcure region of the 3D object, wherein the overcure region is distinct from the support region, and removing the support structure from the 3D object. After removal of the support structure, a support mark remains on the 3D printed object where the support structure had contacted the 3D object, wherein the overcure region of the 3D object projects past the support mark.