In exemplary implementations of this invention, an actuated fabricator deposits structural elements (e.g., tensile structural elements) in a 3D pattern over large displacements. The fabricator is supported by at least three elongated support members. It includes onboard actuators that translate the fabricator relative to the ends of the support members. The fabricator is configured, by actuating different translations along different support members, to translate itself throughout a 3D volume. In some implementations, each of the actuators use fusible material to fuse metal tapes together, edge-to-edge, to form a hollow structure that can be shortened or lengthened.

A variety of techniques are disclosed for customizing a digital model of an aesthetic housing to receive a functional component and an interface component for the functional component.

This invention relates to a method for manufacturing an individualized immobilization element for the non-invasive immobilization and/or mobilization of at least a segment of a body part of a patient in a predetermined position relative to a reference and/or in a pre-certain configuration. The method comprises the steps of (i) providing a data set that comprises a three-dimensional image of an outer contour of at least a part of the segment of the body part to be immobilized and/or mobilized and (ii) the manufacture of at least a part of the immobilization element by rapid manufacturing of a shape on the basis of said data set using a polymeric material containing a thermoplastic polymer having a melting point less than or equal to 100° C., wherein the polymer material contains a nucleating agent for enhancing the of the crystallization of the thermoplastic polymer.

This invention relates to a method for manufacturing an individualized immobilization element for the non-invasive immobilization and/or mobilization of at least a segment of a body part of a patient in a predetermined position relative to a reference and/or in a pre-certain configuration. The method comprises the steps of (i) providing a data set that comprises a three-dimensional image of an outer contour of at least a part of the segment of the body part to be immobilized and/or mobilized and (ii) the manufacture of at least a part of the immobilization element by rapid manufacturing of a shape on the basis of said data set using a polymeric material containing a thermoplastic polymer having a melting point less than or equal to 100° C., wherein the polymer material contains a nucleating agent for enhancing the of the crystallization of the thermoplastic polymer.

Described is a high throughput machine for manufacture of large size 3D objects. The machine uses a combination of a large size main material dispensing head with a satellite lightweight material dispensing head. A motion system could move each material dispensing head along a path identical to the other dispensing head path or move it along a path different from the path of the other material dispensing head. Such complementary movement supports increase in machine throughput.

Described is a high throughput machine for manufacture of large size 3D objects. The machine uses a combination of a large size main material dispensing head with a satellite lightweight material dispensing head. A motion system could move each material dispensing head along a path identical to the other dispensing head path or move it along a path different from the path of the other material dispensing head. Such complementary movement supports increase in machine throughput.

An automatic mechanical spool changer for 3-D printers includes a filament guide and a pre-loading device. The input to the filament guide receives at least a primary filament from a primary spool and a secondary filament from a secondary spool. The output from the filament guide connects to an extruder, and the output from the filament guide sequentially and automatically provides the primary filament and then the secondary filament to the extruder. The pre-loading device exerts a pre-loaded force on the secondary filament during the extrusion of the primary filament. After the primary filament passes a predetermined location within the filament guide, the force exerted on the secondary filament threads the secondary filament through the output of the filament guide and into the extruder.

The disclosed embodiments relate to portions of an article of footwear formed from an extruded member. In certain embodiments, a sole or portion of a sole can be formed from one or more extruded members. In certain embodiments, the extruded member can be a single, continuous piece of solid material. In certain embodiments, a sole for an article of footwear can be fashioned from an extruded member formed in a controlled geometric pattern. In certain embodiments, the sole can include one or more layers.

The invention provides a method for manufacturing a 3D item (10), wherein the 3D item (10) comprises an outer layer (210) and a support structure (220) with cavities (230), wherein the outer layer (210) at least partly encloses the support structure (220), and wherein the method comprises: (a) a 3D printing stage comprising 3D printing with fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printable material (201) the outer layer (210) and the support structure (220) and at least partly filling the cavities (230) with a filler material (204); and (b) a post-treatment stage comprising post treating at least part of the outer layer (210) for reducing surface roughness.

The invention is describing an intrauterine delivery system comprising non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) and a progestogenic compound, containing anti-inflammatory active compound in the frame material and that the progestogenic compound is contained in a silicon based reservoir attached to the frame, wherein the frame consist of a thermoplastic material. A further object of the invention is to fabricate drug-containing T-intrauterine systems (I US) with the drug incorporated within the entire backbone of the medical device by using 3D printing technique, based on fused deposition modelling (FDM™). Indomethacin was used to prepare drug-loaded poly-caprolactone (PCL)-based filaments with different drug contents 5-40 wt %, namely 5%, 15% and 30% wt %: of Indomethacin.