A method for forming at least one three-dimensional article through successive fusion of parts of a powder bed, which parts correspond to successive cross sections of the three-dimensional article, the method comprising the steps of: providing a model of the at least one three-dimensional article; applying a first powder layer on a work table; directing a first energy beam from a first energy beam source over the work table causing the first powder layer to fuse in first selected locations according to corresponding models to form a first cross section of the three-dimensional article, where the first energy beam is fusing at least a first region of a first cross section with parallel scan lines in a first direction; varying a distance between two adjacent scan lines, which are used for fusing the powder layer, as a function of a mean length of the two adjacent scan lines.

Adjustment of a halftoning threshold can, in an example implementation, include assigning a relative energy value, relative to a reference energy value, to a location of a build area and adjusting a halftoning threshold based on the relative energy value.

Apparatuses and methods associated with authenticated production are disclosed herein. In embodiments, a digital fingerprint processor may be configured to: identify an activation of at least one of the one or more machines to attempt to produce or manufacture at least one of physical product or physical manufacture; responsive to completion of one or more operations associated with the activation by the one or more machines, acquire digital image data of a portion of a physical object on or inside the one or more machines; analyze the digital image data to form a digital fingerprint of the physical object, wherein the digital fingerprint is responsive to structure of the physical object; and store the digital fingerprint in a database record of the database system. Other embodiments may be disclosed or claimed.

An additively manufactured component has a plurality of overlapping layers bonded to each other. The plurality of overlapping layers includes at least a first subset of layers, and at least one layer of the at least a first subset of layers includes adjacent tracks bonded to each other. At least one of the adjacent tracks has a tool path pattern that is encoded with information.

A hand-held three-dimensional drawing device can include an anti-rotation mechanism that can restrict rotation of a filament moving through the device. The anti-rotation mechanism can have a filament-engaging component in a passage of the anti-rotation mechanism and positioned to engage and restrict rotation a filament extending through the passage. The drawing device can also include a moveable member to control an operation of the drawing device. The moveable member can include a rotatable control mechanism including a portion of an outer profile of a housing of the device. Finally, the drawing device can also include a cover member comprising a portion of an outer profile of housing of the device and positioned adjacent to an actuator to control an operation of the device.

A three-dimensional data generation device includes a data division unit, a detection unit, an output command unit, and a data correction unit. The data division unit divides sectional shape data on one layer of a shaped object into mark data for shaping a mark for correction of sectional shape data on a different layer to be output as superposed on the one layer and post-removal data obtained by removing the mark data from the sectional shape data on the one layer. The detection unit detects an amount of misregistration of the mark output using the mark data from a position determined in advance. The output command unit commands output using the post-removal data so as to form the one layer of the shaped object together with the mark. The data correction unit corrects the sectional shape data on the different layer using the amount of misregistration of the detected mark.

In example implementations, a method is provided. The method includes printing a three-dimensional (3D) object that includes a secondary structure. The secondary structure is removed. A representation of a surface of the 3D object where the secondary structure was removed is captured. The 3D object is authenticated based on the representation of the surface.

In example implementations, a method is provided. The method includes printing a three-dimensional (3D) object that includes a secondary structure. The secondary structure is removed. A representation of a surface of the 3D object where the secondary structure was removed is captured. The 3D object is authenticated based on the representation of the surface.

In example implementations, an apparatus includes a storage unit, an auger screw, a housing enclosing the auger screw and at least one heater coupled to the housing. The auger screw receives a build material from the storage unit and delivers the build material to a build platform via movement of the auger screw. The build material is heated by the at least one heater as the build material is being moved by the auger screw.

In example implementations, an apparatus includes a storage unit, an auger screw, a housing enclosing the auger screw and at least one heater coupled to the housing. The auger screw receives a build material from the storage unit and delivers the build material to a build platform via movement of the auger screw. The build material is heated by the at least one heater as the build material is being moved by the auger screw.