A method for forming a desired hydrocarbon fuel product from a mixed oxygenate feedstock by utilizing chemical processes to form ketones from the oxygenate feed, upgrade the ketones, recycle selected upgraded ketones through the upgrading process to obtain a desired intermediate and hydrogenating the desired intermediate to obtain the desired hydrocarbon fuel product. In various alternative configurations and embodiments this can be accomplished in a number of ways, and originate in a number of different positions and occasions.

The present disclosure provides techniques for calibration systems and methods for additive manufacturing systems with multiple image projection. In some embodiments, a method of calibrating two or more image projectors of a photoreactive 3D printing system (PRPS) includes: projecting a sub-image from each of the two or more image projectors; measuring light from an image projector using a light sensor of a calibration system; receiving a signal from the light sensor; processing information from the light sensor; and changing a parameter of a sub-image based on the processed information. In some cases, a PRPS includes a calibration fixture comprising the light sensor. In some cases, a PRPS can be calibrated using a modular calibration fixture comprising the light sensor, wherein the modular calibration fixture can be coupled to the PRPS, leveled and height adjusted, and then a calibration routine can be performed.

The present disclosure provides techniques for calibration systems and methods for additive manufacturing systems with multiple image projection. In some embodiments, a method of calibrating two or more image projectors of a photoreactive 3D printing system (PRPS) includes: projecting a sub-image from each of the two or more image projectors; measuring light from an image projector using a light sensor of a calibration system; receiving a signal from the light sensor; processing information from the light sensor; and changing a parameter of a sub-image based on the processed information. In some cases, a PRPS includes a calibration fixture comprising the light sensor. In some cases, a PRPS can be calibrated using a modular calibration fixture comprising the light sensor, wherein the modular calibration fixture can be coupled to the PRPS, leveled and height adjusted, and then a calibration routine can be performed.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are drawn to additive manufacturing apparatus and methods. An exemplary additive manufacturing method may include forming a part using additive manufacturing. The method may also include bringing the part to a first temperature, measuring the part along at least three axes at the first temperature, bringing the part to a second temperature, different than the first temperature, and measuring the part along the at least three axes at the second temperature. The method may further include comparing the size of the part at the first and second temperatures to calculate a coefficient of thermal expansion, generating a tool path that compensates for the coefficient of thermal expansion, bringing the part to the first temperature, and trimming the part while the part is at the first temperature using the tool path.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are drawn to additive manufacturing apparatus and methods. An exemplary additive manufacturing method may include forming a part using additive manufacturing. The method may also include bringing the part to a first temperature, measuring the part along at least three axes at the first temperature, bringing the part to a second temperature, different than the first temperature, and measuring the part along the at least three axes at the second temperature. The method may further include comparing the size of the part at the first and second temperatures to calculate a coefficient of thermal expansion, generating a tool path that compensates for the coefficient of thermal expansion, bringing the part to the first temperature, and trimming the part while the part is at the first temperature using the tool path.

The present disclosure relates generally to photocurable compositions and methods for continuously forming a three-dimensional body from these compositions. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to photocurable compositions comprising a mixture of polysiloxanes capable of being dually cured, i.e., first by UV radiation followed by thermal treatment, or being cured by UV radiation. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a photocurable composition, including: a first polysiloxane comprising at least two acrylate or methacrylate groups per molecule; a second polysiloxane containing at least one (e.g., at least two) Si—H group per molecule; a third polysiloxane containing at least one (e.g., at least two) reactive aliphatic ethylene group per molecule; a free radical photoinitiator in an amount of about 0.01 to about 10 weight % based on the total weight of (meth)acrylate-containing polysiloxane in the composition; and a hydrosilylation catalyst in an amount of about 0.001 to about 10 weight % hydride-containing polysiloxane and vinyl-containing polysiloxane in the composition.

Provided is a photo-curable composition capable of creating a three-dimensional object excellent in both of: stiffness and strength; and toughness. Specifically, provided is a photo-curable composition including: a blocked isocyanate represented by the general formula (1); a chain extender; and a photo-radical generator: ##STR00001##
wherein, in the general formula (1), A.sub.1 to A.sub.4 each independently represent a structure represented by the following general formula (2), and B represents a structure represented by the following general formula (3) ##STR00002##

Provided is a photo-curable composition capable of creating a three-dimensional object excellent in both of: stiffness and strength; and toughness. Specifically, provided is a photo-curable composition including: a blocked isocyanate represented by the general formula (1); a chain extender; and a photo-radical generator: ##STR00001##
wherein, in the general formula (1), A.sub.1 to A.sub.4 each independently represent a structure represented by the following general formula (2), and B represents a structure represented by the following general formula (3) ##STR00002##

A three-dimensional printing system is configured to selectively solidify a build material at a build plane in a layer-by-layer manner. The three-dimensional printing system includes a laser module, a scan module, and a controller. The laser module is for emitting a light beam along a main optical path from the laser module to the build plane. The scan module includes a motorized mirror and a sensor. The motorized mirror includes a substrate having an optical coating that reflects at least 90% of incoming beam power such that the mirror transmits no more than 10% of the incoming beam power. The sensor is positioned to receive transmitted light from the mirror. The controller is configured to operate the laser module to emit the light beam along the main optical path, analyze a signal from the sensor, and based upon the analysis, to estimate a calibration error for the laser module.

A system for manufacturing a three-dimensional article includes a resin vessel, a vertical movement mechanism, and a light engine. The resin vessel includes a lower opening closed by a transparent sheet. The vertical movement mechanism is for positioning a support tray which supports the three-dimensional article. The light engine is disposed below the transparent sheet and is configured to selectively harden layers of resin over a build plane above the transparent sheet. The light engine includes a light bar coupled to a lateral movement mechanism. The light bar includes an array of light emitting devices and a device for impinging upon the transparent sheet. The impingement maintains a proper operating distance H between the transparent sheet and the build plane.