A system for de-powdering one or more objects within a powder print bed comprises a build box configured to contain the powder print bed, and a de-powdering subsystem configured to engage the build box. The de-powdering subsystem comprises a vacuum device configured to withdraw loose powder agitated by the air jet device, and a robotic arm configured to convey the vacuum device to one or more locations on the powder print bed. The system may further comprise an air jet device disposed on the robotic arm, the air jet device configured to agitate, with a jet of air, unbound powder within the powder print bed. The system may further comprise a mechanical agitation instrument configured to facilitate agitation of the unbound powder within the powder print bed. The mechanical agitation instrument may be used in conjunction with one or both of the vacuum device and the air jet device

A method of forming an article including: contacting a fugitive tool with a powdered parent material; densifying the powdered material; and destructively removing the fugitive tool. A coating of a different material may be formed against the parent material using a similar approach.

A method of forming an article including: contacting a fugitive tool with a powdered parent material; densifying the powdered material; and destructively removing the fugitive tool. A coating of a different material may be formed against the parent material using a similar approach.

A system for separating objects within a stacked powder print bed of nested objects comprises a build box configured to contain the powder print bed. The build box has a build box top and a build box floor. The system further includes an elongated aperture formed in a side wall of the build box, and a de-powdering subsystem configured to mechanically and electrically engage the build box. A separating blade associated with the de-powdering subsystem is configured to be inserted through the elongated aperture and into the powder print bed between a top-most print bed layer of the nested objects and a second print bed layer directly below and contiguous with the top-most layer, thereby forming an isolated powder print bed between the separating blade and the build box top. The unbound powder may be agitated by various techniques and subsequently removed from the objects.

A method for heat treating a powder part preform including a titanium alloy, includes heat treating the preform in a furnace at a predefined temperature, wherein the preform is on a holder during the heat treatment. The holder includes a titanium alloy having a mass titanium content no lower than 45%, or a zirconium alloy having a mass zirconium content no lower than 95%, wherein the material making up the holder has a melting temperature higher than the predefined heat treatment temperature, and an antidiffusion barrier is arranged between the preform and the holder to prevent the preform from becoming welded to the holder.

A method for heat treating a powder part preform including a titanium alloy, includes heat treating the preform in a furnace at a predefined temperature, wherein the preform is on a holder during the heat treatment. The holder includes a titanium alloy having a mass titanium content no lower than 45%, or a zirconium alloy having a mass zirconium content no lower than 95%, wherein the material making up the holder has a melting temperature higher than the predefined heat treatment temperature, and an antidiffusion barrier is arranged between the preform and the holder to prevent the preform from becoming welded to the holder.

The present disclosure relates to an additive manufacturing method. The method includes applying metallic powder in layers to a base surface. The base surface is formed in part by a base plate and in part by at least one insert arranged in a through opening in the base plate. The metallic powder layers are bonded in some region or regions by heating, whereby an object having connecting structures that are connected to the at least one insert is manufactured. After manufacture is finished, each insert is adjusted within a through opening relative to the base plate, thereby separating at least parts of the connecting structures from the insert.

The present disclosure relates to an additive manufacturing method. The method includes applying metallic powder in layers to a base surface. The base surface is formed in part by a base plate and in part by at least one insert arranged in a through opening in the base plate. The metallic powder layers are bonded in some region or regions by heating, whereby an object having connecting structures that are connected to the at least one insert is manufactured. After manufacture is finished, each insert is adjusted within a through opening relative to the base plate, thereby separating at least parts of the connecting structures from the insert.

In printing a sinterable part using a 3D printing model material including a binder and a ceramic or metal sintering material, a release layer intervenes between support structures and the part, each of the support structures and the part formed of the model material. The release layer includes a spherized or powdered higher melting temperature materialceramic or high temperature metal for example, optionally deposited with a similar (primary) matrix or binder component to the model material. After sintering, the release layer may become a loose powder, permitting the supports to be easily removed.

In printing a sinterable part using a 3D printing model material including a binder and a ceramic or metal sintering material, a release layer intervenes between support structures and the part, each of the support structures and the part formed of the model material. The release layer includes a spherized or powdered higher melting temperature materialceramic or high temperature metal for example, optionally deposited with a similar (primary) matrix or binder component to the model material. After sintering, the release layer may become a loose powder, permitting the supports to be easily removed.