A method for determining a set point for a thermal sensor. The method includes: (a) distributing a layer of particulate material forming a build bed surface; (b) optionally, preheating the layer to a temperature below its melting temperature; (c) measuring a first temperature value with a primary or secondary thermal sensor; (d) depositing absorption modifier over the test region and/or surrounding area; (e) heating the test region; (f) measuring a second temperature value with the primary sensor; (g) distributing another layer of material over the preceding layer; repeating steps (b) to (g), such that the test region of each layer reaches a higher temperature than that of the preceding layer, at least until the test region starts to melt; determining a set point for the primary sensor from a characteristic in the evolution of the measured temperature values; and applying the set point to subsequent measurements of the primary sensor.

A 3D printing system uses lasers for manufacturing parts in metal additive manufacturing, such as powder-bed fusion. The lasers may be arranged on a dome-shaped structure, vertically above powdered metal. The dome-shaped structure, and arrangement of the lasers on the dome-shaped structure, permits a higher density of the lasers to be packaged onto the 3D printing system and increases a utilization of the lasers during manufacturing. Mirror(s) allow the lasers to be selectively, and individually, steered towards particular locations within the powdered metal in which the parts are manufactured. Lens(es) may actuate to adjust a spot size of laser beams emitted by the lasers. Imaging sensor(s) may also monitor the powdered metal, such as a melt pool of the powdered metal, for feedback and use in driving and steering the lasers.

An additive manufacturing apparatus includes: first and second spaced apart side walls extending along a pre-defined path and defining a build chamber therebetween; one or more build units mounted for movement along the pre-defined path, the one or more build units including at least one of: a powder dispenser positioned above the build chamber; an applicator configured to scrape powder dispensed into the build chamber; and a directed energy source configured to fuse the scraped powder.

A 3D printing system uses heat sources, such as lasers, for manufacturing parts in metal additive manufacturing, such as powder-bed fusion, on one or more movable build modules. The build modules may be moved (e.g., by a conveyor system) into and out of a lasing module. Parts may be manufactured on multiple build modules simultaneously and/or sequentially, in some cases while the build module(s) are moving relative to the heat sources. Sensor(s) are arranged to determine a position, orientation, and/or movement of the build modules and feedback from the sensor(s) may be used to control the heat sources to compensate for motion of the build modules.

A 3D printing system uses heat sources, such as lasers, for manufacturing parts in metal additive manufacturing, such as powder-bed fusion, on one or more movable build modules. The build modules may be moved (e.g., by a conveyor system) into and out of a lasing module. Parts may be manufactured on multiple build modules simultaneously and/or sequentially, in some cases while the build module(s) are moving relative to the heat sources. Sensor(s) are arranged to determine a position, orientation, and/or movement of the build modules and feedback from the sensor(s) may be used to control the heat sources to compensate for motion of the build modules.

Methods and apparatuses for additive manufacturing are described. A method for additive manufacturing may include exposing a layer of material on a build surface to one or more projections of laser energy including at least one line laser having a substantially linear shape. The intensity of the line laser may be modulated so as to cause fusion of the layer of material according to a desired pattern as the one or more projections of laser energy are scanned across the build surface.

An irradiation device for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects may include a beam generation device configured to generate an energy beam, an optical modulator including a micromirror array disposed downstream from the beam generation device, and a focusing lens assembly disposed downstream from the optical modulator. The micromirror array may include a plurality of micromirror elements configured to reflect a corresponding plurality of beam segment of the energy beam along a beam path incident upon the focusing lens assembly. The focusing lens assembly may include one or more lenses configured to focus the plurality of beam segments such that for respective ones of a plurality of modulation groups including a subset of micromirror elements, a corresponding subset of beam segments are focused to at least partially overlap with one another at a combination zone corresponding to the respective modulation group.

An apparatus for additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional object by successive layer-by-layer selective illumination and thus selective solidification of construction material layers formed in a construction plane, consisting of a solidifiable construction material by at least one energy beam, comprising a housing structure, and a combined coating and illumination assembly firmly arranged or formed on the housing structure of the apparatus, comprising a coating device provided for applying the construction material into the construction plane and for forming construction material layers to be solidified in the construction plane, and an illumination device provided for the selective illumination of respective construction material layers formed in the construction plane by the coating device, and a carrying device.

A curable resin or adhesive composition includes at least one monomer, a photoinitiator capable of initiating polymerization of the monomer when exposed to light, and at least one energy converting material, preferably a phosphor, capable of producing light when exposed to radiation (typically X-rays). The material is particularly suitable for bonding components at ambient temperature in situations where the bond joint is not accessible to an external light source. An associated method includes: placing a polymerizable adhesive composition, including a photoinitiator and energy converting material, such as a down-converting phosphor, in contact with at least two components to be bonded to form an assembly; and, irradiating the assembly with radiation at a first wavelength, capable of conversion (down-conversion by the phosphor) to a second wavelength capable of activating the photoinitiator, to prepare items such as inkjet cartridges, wafer-to-wafer assemblies, semiconductors, integrated circuits, and the like.

A printing apparatus is for printing a three-dimensional object. The apparatus includes an operative surface, an energy source for emitting at least one energy beam onto the operative surface and a powder dispensing mechanism for depositing powder onto the operative surface, the powder being adapted to be melted by the or each energy beam. The powder dispensing mechanism is configured to deposit multiple layers of powder onto the operative surface simultaneously.