Examples of methods for determining displacement maps are described herein. In some examples of the methods, a method includes determining a displacement map for a three-dimensional (3D) object model based on a compensated point cloud. In some examples, the method includes assembling the displacement map on the 3D object model for 3D manufacturing.

Examples of methods for determining displacement maps are described herein. In some examples of the methods, a method includes determining a displacement map for a three-dimensional (3D) object model based on a compensated point cloud. In some examples, the method includes assembling the displacement map on the 3D object model for 3D manufacturing.

An additive manufacturing apparatus, a computing system, and a method for operating an additive manufacturing apparatus are provided. The method includes obtaining two or more images corresponding to respective build layers at a build plate, wherein each image comprises a plurality of data points comprising a feature and corresponding location at the build plate; removing variation between the features of the plurality of data points; and normalizing each feature to remove location dependence in the plurality of data points.

A computer-implemented dynamic supporting base creation method that interacts with a three-dimensional (3D) printer that prints an object, the method including providing a physical support, via a first robotic gripper, for an object during three-dimensional (3D) printing using a printing head of the 3D printer and transferring the object to a second robotic gripper to provide a physical support at a different location on the object.

A computer-implemented string based force component creation method for a three-dimensional (3D) printer that interacts with a three-dimensional (3D) printer that is installed in a printing apparatus and that prints an object, the method including attaching a string mechanism to the 3D printer, and creating a force component to support the 3D printer and the object via the string mechanism that is attached to the 3D printer.

A computer-implemented string based force component creation method for a three-dimensional (3D) printer that interacts with a three-dimensional (3D) printer that is installed in a printing apparatus and that prints an object, the method including attaching a string mechanism to the 3D printer, and creating a force component to support the 3D printer and the object via the string mechanism that is attached to the 3D printer.

A geometry model is defined of a part targeted for a manufacturing operation that includes an additive process followed by a subtractive process. Potential build orientations of the geometry model used in the additive processes are defined, as are one or more removal tools of the subtractive process. For each of the potential build orientations, supports that are used by the additive process at the orientation are determined. One of the build orientations is selected that minimizes portions of one of the supports that are inaccessible via at least one of the removal tools.

In an example, a method includes operating, by a processor, on object model data and operating, on a processor, on pattern data. The object model data describes at least part of an object to be generated in additive manufacturing and the pattern data describes an object pattern intended to be formed on at least a portion of the part of the object to be generated in additive manufacturing. The method includes determining, by a processor, control data to control a print agent applicator to apply a pattern of fusing agent onto a part of a layer of build material. The pattern of fusing agent comprises a fusing agent area and a gap area that lacks fusing agent. The gap area corresponds to the object pattern such that no fusing agent is applied to a part of the layer of build material that corresponds to the object pattern.

In an example, a method includes operating, by a processor, on object model data and operating, on a processor, on pattern data. The object model data describes at least part of an object to be generated in additive manufacturing and the pattern data describes an object pattern intended to be formed on at least a portion of the part of the object to be generated in additive manufacturing. The method includes determining, by a processor, control data to control a print agent applicator to apply a pattern of fusing agent onto a part of a layer of build material. The pattern of fusing agent comprises a fusing agent area and a gap area that lacks fusing agent. The gap area corresponds to the object pattern such that no fusing agent is applied to a part of the layer of build material that corresponds to the object pattern.

In in-process inspection or calibration of a print bed or 3D printed part with a 3D printer, toolpaths defining printing material shells for deposition by a 3D printer are compared to surface profile scans from a range scanner to identify differences between the print bed, instructed deposition and the measured result, permitting pausing or alteration of the toolpaths or printing process.