A 3D-object production system equipped with a layering sheet or a reference 3D-formed object, and a 3D production device. The layering sheet is provided with information pertaining to the 3D object, and serves as a member used in the layering of the object. In addition, the reference 3D-formed object serves as a reference 3D object equipped with information pertaining to the 3D object. The 3D-object production device reads the 3D object information from the layering sheet or the reference 3D-formed object, and on the basis of the read 3D object information, layers and forms the 3D object.

A 3D-object production system equipped with a layering sheet or a reference 3D-formed object, and a 3D production device. The layering sheet is provided with information pertaining to the 3D object, and serves as a member used in the layering of the object. In addition, the reference 3D-formed object serves as a reference 3D object equipped with information pertaining to the 3D object. The 3D-object production device reads the 3D object information from the layering sheet or the reference 3D-formed object, and on the basis of the read 3D object information, layers and forms the 3D object.

A 3-D printer includes a development station positioned to electrostatically transfer layers of material to an intermediate transfer surface, and a transfer station adjacent the intermediate transfer surface. The transfer station is positioned to receive the layers as the intermediate transfer surface moves past the transfer station. Also, a platen is included that moves relative to the intermediate transfer surface. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the material to the platen each time the platen contacts one of the layers on the intermediate transfer surface at the transfer station to successively form a freestanding stack of the layers on the platen. A fusing station is positioned to apply light to each layer, after each layer is transferred from the transfer station to the platen. The fusing station selectively applies the light to sinter a portion of the material within the layer.

A method for making an object and an apparatus for making the object in accordance with the method is disclosed. A section of the object is formed by irradiating a layer of material with a radiation, the layer of material being disposed on a material receiving surface of a flexible element shaped by a shaping member contacting the flexible element. The radiation passes through the member and the flexible element. The member is tilted to induce a peeling separation of the member from the element.

Methods and apparatus for the fabrication of solid three-dimensional objects from liquid polymerizable materials at high resolution. A material is coated on a film non-digitally, excess material is removed digitally, by laser, leaving an image of a layer to be printed, and the image is then engaged with existing portions of an object being fabricated and exposed to a non-digital UV curing light source. Since the only part of the process that is digital is the material removal, and this part is done by laser, the speed of printing and the robustness of the manufacturing process is improved significantly over conventional additive or 3D fabrication techniques.

Apparatus and method for forming a three-dimensional object. The apparatus includes a platform on which the three-dimensional object is formed. The apparatus includes an oxygen soluble liquid having a build surface. The build surface and the platform define a build region therebetween. The apparatus includes a photosensitive liquid disposed on the oxygen soluble liquid. The density of the oxygen soluble liquid is greater than the density of the photosensitive liquid. The apparatus includes an optically transparent member. The optically transparent member supports the oxygen soluble liquid. The apparatus includes a radiation source configured to irradiate the build region through the optically transparent member and the oxygen soluble liquid to form a solid polymer from the photosensitive liquid. The apparatus includes a controller configured to advance the platform away from the build surface.

In 3-D printing a platen moves toward an intermediate transfer belt (ITB) to have a sheet positioned on the platen contact the ITB to electrostatically transfer a layer of different materials to the sheet, and then the platen moves to a stabilization station to join the layer to the sheet. This processing is repeated to have the sheet repeatedly contact the ITB (with intervening stabilization at the stabilization station) to successively form layers of the materials on the sheet. The freestanding stack is fed to a platform to successively form a 3-D structure of freestanding stacks of the layers. Heat and/or pressure and/or light are applied to the 3-D structure to bond the freestanding stacks to one another through the sheets of collapsible media on the platform.

In 3-D printing a platen moves toward an intermediate transfer belt (ITB) to have a sheet positioned on the platen contact the ITB to electrostatically transfer a layer of different materials to the sheet, and then the platen moves to a heater to join the layer to the sheet. This processing is repeated to have the sheet repeatedly contact the ITB (with intervening heating at the heater) to successively form layers of the materials on the sheet. The sheet having the layers thereon moves to a rinsing station, where a liquid is applied to dissolve the sheet and leave a freestanding stack of the layers. The freestanding stack is fed to a platform to successively form a 3-D structure of freestanding stacks of the layers. Light and/or heat are applied to the 3-D structure to bond the freestanding stacks to one another on the platform.

Layers of build and support material on an intermediate transfer surface are exposed to a solvent using a solvent application station to make the build material tacky, without affecting the support material. Then, the intermediate transfer surface moves past a transfuse station (the transfuse station is positioned to receive the layers after exposure to the solvent) and a platen moves relative to the intermediate transfer surface to contact the platen to one of the layers on the intermediate transfer surface. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the build material and the support material to the platen each time the platen contacts the layers on the intermediate transfer surface at the transfuse station to successively form a freestanding stack of the layers of build and support material on the platen.

An additive manufacturing system for forming 3D parts includes a platen, a gantry, at least one print head, and a retention device. The gantry is configured to move the platen along a vertical axis. The at least one print head is configured to extrude part and/or support material onto a sheet substrate that is positioned on a support surface of the platen. The retention device includes a frame that is configured to press two or more edge portions of the sheet substrate against the support surface of the platen when the retention device is in a lowered position relative to the platen or support surface.