The present subject matter is directed towards a system and a method for selectively post-curing a three-dimensional (3D-printed) object to attain variable properties. The system comprises a selective post-curing chamber coupled to a computer in communication with a database for accessing a digital model or data concerning the 3D-printed object. The chamber comprises a movable light source assembly and a mounting platform for supporting at least one 3D-printed object thereon. The computer includes one or more executable instructions for selectively emitting a curing light onto the 3D-printed object along a predetermined curing toolpath based on the digital model. The curing of the 3D-printed object along the predetermined curing toolpath generates variable properties along different regions of the 3D-printed object.

Embodiments related to systems and methods of forming structures on substrates (e.g., flexible substrates, fabrics, textiles, leathers) are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of forming a structure on a substrate is provided. The method may involve submerging at least one surface of the substrate into a resin bath. The method may include patterning electromagnetic radiation through a window onto one or more regions of the substrate to polymerize the resin onto the one or more regions of the substrate. An alternative method may involve covering a surface of the substrate with a layer of polymeric powder. The alternative method may include directing electromagnetic radiation toward one or more regions on the surface of the substrate to heat the polymeric powder to form a layer on the surface of the substrate. A method of depositing an ultraviolet (UV)-curable material onto a substrate by a valve jetting process is also provided.

Embodiments related to systems and methods of forming structures on substrates (e.g., flexible substrates, fabrics, textiles, leathers) are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of forming a structure on a substrate is provided. The method may involve submerging at least one surface of the substrate into a resin bath. The method may include patterning electromagnetic radiation through a window onto one or more regions of the substrate to polymerize the resin onto the one or more regions of the substrate. An alternative method may involve covering a surface of the substrate with a layer of polymeric powder. The alternative method may include directing electromagnetic radiation toward one or more regions on the surface of the substrate to heat the polymeric powder to form a layer on the surface of the substrate. A method of depositing an ultraviolet (UV)-curable material onto a substrate by a valve jetting process is also provided.

An STL model slicing method includes: reading and loading an STL model; obtaining a first slice plane; according to a first set thickness, making the first slice plane be horizontally tangential to an STL model to obtain a first profile curve, which is a profile curve of a tangent plane of the STL model and the first slice plane; determining whether the profile curve contains a physical portion of the STL model; if the profile curve contains the physical portion of the STL model, filling the physical portion with white to obtain a white portion; determining a non-physical portion in the profile curve according to the physical portion; filling the non-physical portion with black to form a mask of the tangent plane; and projecting the mask onto a liquid photosensitive resin by means of a first 3D printer, and then curing the white portion to be a first cured profile.

An STL model slicing method includes: reading and loading an STL model; obtaining a first slice plane; according to a first set thickness, making the first slice plane be horizontally tangential to an STL model to obtain a first profile curve, which is a profile curve of a tangent plane of the STL model and the first slice plane; determining whether the profile curve contains a physical portion of the STL model; if the profile curve contains the physical portion of the STL model, filling the physical portion with white to obtain a white portion; determining a non-physical portion in the profile curve according to the physical portion; filling the non-physical portion with black to form a mask of the tangent plane; and projecting the mask onto a liquid photosensitive resin by means of a first 3D printer, and then curing the white portion to be a first cured profile.

A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional (3D) article includes: (1) receiving a solid model defining a 3D article, (2) receiving information defining an information bearing image which can includes machine and/or human readable indicia, (3) defining a solid model of a 3D tag to be attached to the article, the 3D tag having thick sections and thin sections that define the information bearing image, (4) merging the solid model of the 3D article with the solid model of the 3D tag to provide a composite solid model defining the 3D article integral with the 3D tag, (5) sending the composite solid model to an additive manufacturing system, and (6) operating the additive manufacturing print engine to integrally fabricate the 3D article and 3D tag from a single material.

A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional (3D) article includes: (1) receiving a solid model defining a 3D article, (2) receiving information defining an information bearing image which can includes machine and/or human readable indicia, (3) defining a solid model of a 3D tag to be attached to the article, the 3D tag having thick sections and thin sections that define the information bearing image, (4) merging the solid model of the 3D article with the solid model of the 3D tag to provide a composite solid model defining the 3D article integral with the 3D tag, (5) sending the composite solid model to an additive manufacturing system, and (6) operating the additive manufacturing print engine to integrally fabricate the 3D article and 3D tag from a single material.

A connective or supportive sheath comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of a hollow tube having a circumferential or perimeter wall, the wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the wall comprising interconnected, radially projecting, partitions, the partitions forming radially extending pores, the pores extending from said inner surface through said outer surface, and wherein the tube is comprised of, consists of, or consists essentially of a flexible or elastic polymer.

A connective or supportive sheath comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of a hollow tube having a circumferential or perimeter wall, the wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the wall comprising interconnected, radially projecting, partitions, the partitions forming radially extending pores, the pores extending from said inner surface through said outer surface, and wherein the tube is comprised of, consists of, or consists essentially of a flexible or elastic polymer.

A post-exposure unit for post-exposure of a body manufactured using an additive manufacturing method from a substance curable by radiation, the post-exposure unit comprising at least one radiation source configured for post-exposure, the post-exposure unit including at least one radiation sensor, the radiation sensor being adapted to capture radiation emitted by the radiation source. The post-exposure unit has a receiving space for receiving a body to be post-exposed. The radiation sensor is adapted to capture radiation emitted by the radiation source and traverses at least a part of the receiving space at least once.