Devices, systems, and/or methodologies are provided for three dimensional printing, for example, additive manufacturing, wherein an array of energy patterning (e.g., light patterning) modules are used in conjunction with an automated positional control system to coordinate implementation of patterning modules of the array. Implementation of the array can be controlled by a sensory feed-back.

An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a first print module includes a first stage configured to hold a first component and a first radiant energy device. The resin support is configured to be positioned between the first stage and the first radiant energy device. A second print module includes a second stage configured to hold a second component and a second radiant energy device. The resin support is configured to be positioned between the second stage and the second radiant energy device. A control system is configured to translate the resin support based on a condition of the first print module and the second print module through the first print module and the second print module.

An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a first print module includes a first stage configured to hold a first component and a first radiant energy device. The resin support is configured to be positioned between the first stage and the first radiant energy device. A second print module includes a second stage configured to hold a second component and a second radiant energy device. The resin support is configured to be positioned between the second stage and the second radiant energy device. A control system is configured to translate the resin support based on a condition of the first print module and the second print module through the first print module and the second print module.

Apparatus (1) for manufacturing a three-dimensional object from a powder, the apparatus (1) comprising: a build bed (201) having a build area (190), wherein successive layers of said three-dimensional object are formed in the build bed (201); a powder distribution sled (300) operable to distribute a layer of powder within the build area (190), the powder distribution sled (300) being driveable in a first direction along a first axis, across the build area (190), and driveable in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, along the first axis; and a print sled (350) operable to deposit a pattern of fluid onto the layer of powder within the build area (190) to define the cross section of said object in said layer, the print sled (350) being driveable in the first direction along a second axis across the build area, and driveable in the second direction along the second axis; wherein the first axis is parallel to, or coaxial with, the second axis; wherein the print sled (350) comprises one or more droplet deposition heads (370) for depositing the fluid, a first radiation source assembly (L1), and a second radiation source assembly (L2); wherein the powder distribution sled (300) comprises a powder distribution device (320) for distributing the powder, a third radiation source assembly (L3) and a fourth radiation source assembly (L4); and wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth radiation source assemblies is operable to both preheat and sinter powder within the build area (190). A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object from a powder using such apparatus is also provided.

Apparatus (1) for manufacturing a three-dimensional object from a powder, the apparatus (1) comprising: a build bed (201) having a build area (190), wherein successive layers of said three-dimensional object are formed in the build bed (201); a powder distribution sled (300) operable to distribute a layer of powder within the build area (190), the powder distribution sled (300) being driveable in a first direction along a first axis, across the build area (190), and driveable in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, along the first axis; and a print sled (350) operable to deposit a pattern of fluid onto the layer of powder within the build area (190) to define the cross section of said object in said layer, the print sled (350) being driveable in the first direction along a second axis across the build area, and driveable in the second direction along the second axis; wherein the first axis is parallel to, or coaxial with, the second axis; wherein the print sled (350) comprises one or more droplet deposition heads (370) for depositing the fluid, a first radiation source assembly (L1), and a second radiation source assembly (L2); wherein the powder distribution sled (300) comprises a powder distribution device (320) for distributing the powder, a third radiation source assembly (L3) and a fourth radiation source assembly (L4); and wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth radiation source assemblies is operable to both preheat and sinter powder within the build area (190). A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object from a powder using such apparatus is also provided.

A high-speed additive manufacturing apparatus includes a main body, a sintering module, a product carrying member, a raw material carrying member, and a raw material wiper. The main body includes a printing tank and a raw material tank adjacent to the printing tank. The sintering module is arranged on the main body. The sintering module includes a plurality of sintering light source assemblies. Each of the sintered light source assemblies has a light beam emitting end. The light beam emitting end emits a sintering light beam. The light beam emitting ends of the sintering light source assemblies are arranged in a plurality of rows. Each light beam emitting end in one row is unaligned with the light beam emitting end in adjacent rows along a direction in which the light beam emitting end moves.

A high-speed additive manufacturing apparatus includes a main body, a sintering module, a product carrying member, a raw material carrying member, and a raw material wiper. The main body includes a printing tank and a raw material tank adjacent to the printing tank. The sintering module is arranged on the main body. The sintering module includes a plurality of sintering light source assemblies. Each of the sintered light source assemblies has a light beam emitting end. The light beam emitting end emits a sintering light beam. The light beam emitting ends of the sintering light source assemblies are arranged in a plurality of rows. Each light beam emitting end in one row is unaligned with the light beam emitting end in adjacent rows along a direction in which the light beam emitting end moves.

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for additively manufacturing a product in a layer-by-layer sequence, wherein the product is formed using powder particles deposited on an interface layer of a substrate. A laser generates first and second beam components. The second beam component has a higher power level and a shorter duration than the first beam component. A mask creates a 2D optical pattern in which only select portions of the second beam components can irradiate the powder particles. The first beam component heats the powder particles close to a melting point, where the particles experience surface tension forces relative to the interface layer. While the particles are heated, the second beam component further heats the particles and also melts the interface layer before the surface tension forces can act on and distort the particles, enabling the particles and the interface layer are able to bond together.

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for additively manufacturing a product in a layer-by-layer sequence, wherein the product is formed using powder particles deposited on an interface layer of a substrate. A laser generates first and second beam components. The second beam component has a higher power level and a shorter duration than the first beam component. A mask creates a 2D optical pattern in which only select portions of the second beam components can irradiate the powder particles. The first beam component heats the powder particles close to a melting point, where the particles experience surface tension forces relative to the interface layer. While the particles are heated, the second beam component further heats the particles and also melts the interface layer before the surface tension forces can act on and distort the particles, enabling the particles and the interface layer are able to bond together.

A modular light for removably attaching to a bio-printer robot end effector, where the light includes: an annular modular light ring housing with an annular opening for receiving the end effector of the bioprinting robot; the housing substantially surrounding a dispensing tip of the end effector; a power supply interface to receive electrical power from the end effector; a plurality of LEDs positioned annularly around the end effector within the annular modular light ring housing, where the plurality of LEDs are spaced in at least two annular rows, where each of the at least two annular rows are at a unique elevational position within the annular modular light ring housing with respect to a light output plane of the annular modular light ring housing; the LEDs are in electrical communication with the power supply interface; and a controller communicatively coupled with the LEDs and the power supply interface.