The invention relates to a 3D printing method and a device with a narrow wavelength range.

A fabrication device includes a build surface to receive layers of material for production of a 3-dimensional solid representation of a digital model and an imaging component to bind respective portions of the build material into cross sections representative of portions of data contained in the digital model. The imaging component may be a programmable planar light source utilizing a micropixelation system and refractive pixel shifting mechanism, or other imaging system. The device may include a system for controlling the density of the printed part. The object may be a powder composite component using any of a variety of powder materials or a plastic component. The object may be further post-processed to produce a high precision metal or ceramic component.

A fabrication device includes a build surface to receive layers of material for production of a 3-dimensional solid representation of a digital model and an imaging component to bind respective portions of the build material into cross sections representative of portions of data contained in the digital model. The imaging component may be a programmable planar light source utilizing a micropixelation system and refractive pixel shifting mechanism, or other imaging system. The device may include a system for controlling the density of the printed part. The object may be a powder composite component using any of a variety of powder materials or a plastic component. The object may be further post-processed to produce a high precision metal or ceramic component.

A system is disclosed for use in additively manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a head configured to discharge a continuous reinforcement at least partially coated with a matrix. The head may have a matrix reservoir, and a nozzle connected to an end of the matrix reservoir. The system may further include a support configured to move the head during discharging, and a supply of matrix. The system may also include at least one sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a matrix characteristic inside of the head, and a controller configured to selectively affect the supply of matrix based on the signal.

In some examples, an additive manufacturing machine includes an unfocused energy source to heat portions of a layer of build material as the unfocused energy source moves across the layer of build material during a build operation of a three-dimensional (3D) object. A focused energy source is controllable to selectively direct focused energy on the layer of build material during the build operation.

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for printing three-dimensional (3D) objects. A system for printing a 3D object may comprise a platform comprising an area configured to hold a mixture including a photoactive resin. The platform may comprise a first coupling unit. The system may comprise an optical source configured to provide light to the mixture for curing the photoactive resin in at least a portion of the mixture to print at least a portion of the 3D object. The system may comprise a build head configured to support the at least he portion of the 3D object during printing. The build head may comprise a second coupling unit that is configured to couple to the first coupling unit to provide an alignment of the area of the platform relative to a surface of the build head while printing the at least the portion of the 3D object.

A method of fabricating an object in layers, comprises, for at least one layer: dispensing a building material formulation to form a first portion of the layer, and leveling the first portion by a leveling device; increasing a vertical distance between the first portion and the leveling device; and while a topmost surface of the first portion is exposed and beneath a segment of the leveling device: dispensing a building material formulation to form a second portion of the layer, laterally displaced from the first portion along an indexing direction, and leveling the second portion by the leveling device.

According to examples, a three-dimensional (3D) fabrication system may include an agent delivery device, an energy generator, and a controller. The agent delivery device may selectively deposit an agent onto a layer of build material particles. In some examples, the agent may include a first substance and a second substance. The controller may control the energy generator to emit energy at selective levels. In some examples, the controller may determine a first energy level tuned to the first substance and a second energy level tuned to the second substance, and may control the energy generator to sequentially emit energy at the first energy level and at the second energy level onto the deposited agent and the layer of build material particles.

According to examples, a three-dimensional (3D) fabrication system may include an agent delivery device, an energy generator, and a controller. The agent delivery device may selectively deposit an agent onto a layer of build material particles. In some examples, the agent may include a first substance and a second substance. The controller may control the energy generator to emit energy at selective levels. In some examples, the controller may determine a first energy level tuned to the first substance and a second energy level tuned to the second substance, and may control the energy generator to sequentially emit energy at the first energy level and at the second energy level onto the deposited agent and the layer of build material particles.

The present invention provides a metal powder-polymer matrix film for use in delivering metal powder to a three-dimensional printing process, the matrix comprising at least one metal powder and a polymer sheet, wherein the metal powder is incorporated within the polymer sheet architecture or on the polymer sheet surface, and wherein the polymer sheet has a thickness that is at least half that of the powder thickness.