3D Systems, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150352785 | Direct Writing For Additive Manufacturing Systems - There are provided techniques for direct printing material into parts made by additive manufacturing, such as parts made by laser sintering. The direct printed material may be a metal, elastomer, ceramic, or any other material. Further, the direct printed material is typically different than the laser sintering material. Other aspects of the invention include using direct printed materials in the laser sintered parts to improve part strength, provide multi-materials, selectively provide electrical conductivity, and/or provide other desirable features to the parts. | 12-10-2015 |
20140345521 | PRINTING SYSTEM FOR FORMING THREE DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS - A three dimensional object creation system that prints objects layer by layer, the system including a plurality of printheads, the system printing at least part of each of multiple layers simultaneously, wherein the printheads are configured to enable printing of at least two different materials in at least one layer. | 11-27-2014 |
20140333625 | Apparatus and Methods for Haptic Rendering Using a Haptic Camera View - The invention provides systems and methods for using a “haptic camera” within a virtual environment and for using graphical data from the haptic camera to produce touch feedback. The haptic camera obtains graphical data pertaining to virtual objects within the vicinity and along the trajectory of a user-controlled haptic interface device. The graphical data from the camera is interpreted haptically, thereby allowing touch feedback corresponding to the virtual environment to be provided to the user. | 11-13-2014 |
20140275317 | THREE DIMENSIONAL PRINTING MATERIAL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A materials system and methods are provided to enable the formation of articles by 3D printing. In some embodiments, a materials system includes a substantially dry particulate material that includes an insoluble filler, a soluble filler, and a transition metal catalyst. The materials system further comprises a fluid binder including a (meth)acrylate monomer, an allyl ether functional monomer and/or oligomer, and a free-radical photoinitiator. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271326 | Powder Distribution for Laser Sintering Systems - There is provided improved laser sintering systems that increase the powder density and reduce anomalies of the powder layers that are sintered, that measure the laser power within the build chamber for automatic calibration during a build process, that deposit powder into the build chamber through a chute to minimize dusting, and that scrubs the air and cools the radiant heaters with recirculated scrubbed air. The improvements enable the laser sintering systems to make parts that are of higher and more consistent quality, precision, and strength, while enabling the user of the laser sintering systems to reuse greater proportions of previously used but unsintered powder. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267268 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DETAILING SUBDIVISION SURFACES - The present disclosure provides a system and method for the development and manipulation of three-dimensional voxel-based models. The method includes accessing, by a processor of a computing device, a subdivision surfacing geometry (SubD) model and converting a portion of features of the SubD model to a voxel model. The method includes accessing a texture for application to the voxel model and combining the texture and the voxel model to create a textured voxel model. The method includes determining displacement maps determined based in part on a difference between a surface portion of the voxel model and a surface portion of the SubD model and applying the displacement maps to the surface portion of the SubD model to determine a second SubD model where the second SubD model is configured for manipulation while preserving a visual aesthetic and a geometric placement of the added texture. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265045 | Chute for Laser Sintering Systems - There is provided improved laser sintering systems that increase the powder density and reduce anomalies of the powder layers that are sintered, that measure the laser power within the build chamber for automatic calibration during a build process, that deposit powder into the build chamber through a chute to minimize dusting, and that scrubs the air and cools the radiant heaters with recirculated scrubbed air. The improvements enable the laser sintering systems to make parts that are of higher and more consistent quality, precision, and strength, while enabling the user of the laser sintering systems to reuse greater proportions of previously used but unsintered powder. | 09-18-2014 |
20140154378 | Apparatus And Method For Producing A Three-Dimensional Food Product - A freeform fabrication system for the production of an edible three-dimensional food product from digital input data is disclosed. Food products are produced in a layer-by-layer manner without object-specific tooling or human intervention. Color, flavor, texture and/or other characteristics may be independently modulated throughout the food product. In addition, in some cases, the food products may further undergo one or more post-processing steps. | 06-05-2014 |
20140142486 | BIKINI BRACE - A bikini brace has an inner surface that corresponds to a digital representation of an injured limb. The bikini brace can wrap around a length of the limb in a helical manner. The body of the bikini brace may be a single piece structure that is fenestrated to provide air circulation to the injured limb. | 05-22-2014 |
20140100825 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DESIGNING AND FABRICATING STRING INSTRUMENTS - A computer provides a graphical user interface that allows designers to design string instruments. The dimensions and shape of the string instrument design can be altered using controls. The wind instrument design can be stored in a database and transmitted to a 3 dimensional printer which can fabricate the string instrument. | 04-10-2014 |
20140084517 | Solid Imaging Systems, Components Thereof, and Methods of Solid Imaging - There is provided solid imaging methods and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from solid imaging material. A tray with a film bottom is provided to hold solid imaging material that is selectively cured into cross-sections of the three-dimensional object being built. A coater bar is moved back and forth over the film to remove any uncured solid imaging material from a previous layer and to apply a new layer of solid imaging material. A sensor is provided to measure the amount of resin in the tray to determine the appropriate amount of solid imaging material to be added, from a cartridge, for the next layer. A shuttle, which covers the tray when the exterior door to the solid imaging apparatus is opened for setting up a build or removing a three-dimensional object, can also be used to move the coater bar and to selectively open one or more valves on the cartridge to dispense the desired amount of solid imaging material. | 03-27-2014 |
20140081190 | FLEXIBLE BRACES, CASTS AND DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DESIGNING AND FABRICATING - A custom device and method for fabricating the custom device includes marking a body with reference points and/or other indicators. Multiple images of the body from multiple angles are then obtained. The images are used to determine the contours of the body and the other markings are located and used to design the custom device. The custom device can be fabricated as a single piece structure or in multiple pieces that are assembled to complete the custom device. | 03-20-2014 |
20140076499 | Compositions And Methods For Selective Deposition Modeling - There is provided compositions and methods for producing three-dimensional objects by selective deposition modeling with a polar build material and a non-polar support material. The build material comprises a hydrocarbon wax material and a viscosity modifier, and the support material comprises a hydrocarbon alcohol wax material and a viscosity modifier. After the selective deposition modeling process has been completed, the object can be placed in a bath of polar solvent to remove the support material. The particular materials provided herein, and the post-processing methods associated therewith, provide for improved part quality of the three-dimensional object and for improved post-processing techniques. The three-dimensional objects can subsequently be used in a number of applications, such as patterns for investment casting. | 03-20-2014 |
20140072712 | Opaque Inks And Applications Thereof - In one aspect, inks for use with a three dimensional printing system are described herein. In some embodiments, an ink for use in a three dimensional printing system comprises about 10-95 weight % polymerizable component and about 3-25 weight % non-reactive wax component, wherein the ink when cured has a T | 03-13-2014 |
20140065378 | Color Stable Inks And Applications Thereof - In one aspect, inks for use with a 3D printer are described herein. In some embodiments, an ink comprises a polymerizable material and a reactive wax comprising a saturated alkyl moiety bonded to an ethyleneically unsaturated moiety through a urethane, urea, ester, or carbonate ester linkage, wherein the ink is free or substantially free of non-reactive wax. | 03-06-2014 |
20140052039 | SPIRAL BRACE - A spiral brace has an inner surface that corresponds to a digital representation of an injured limb. The spiral brace can wrap around a length of the limb in a helical manner. The body of the spiral brace may be a single piece structure that is fenestrated to provide air circulation to the injured limb. | 02-20-2014 |
20140027950 | Compositions and Methods for Selective Deposition Modeling - There is provided compositions and methods for producing three-dimensional objects by selective deposition modeling with a polar build material and a non-polar support material. The build material comprises a hydrocarbon wax material and a viscosity modifier, and the support material comprises a hydrocarbon alcohol wax material and a viscosity modifier. After the selective deposition modeling process has been completed, the object can be placed in a bath of polar solvent to remove the support material. The particular materials provided herein, and the post-processing methods associated therewith, provide for improved part quality of the three-dimensional object and for improved post-processing techniques. The three-dimensional objects can subsequently be used in a number of applications, such as patterns for investment casting. | 01-30-2014 |
20140017460 | Build Material And Applications Thereof - In one aspect, build materials operable for use in 3D printing systems are described herein. In some embodiments, a build material comprises about 10 to 30 percent by weight of an oligomeric curable material; about 50 to 75 percent by weight of at least one diluent; and about 3 to 15 percent by weight of a reactive component. Moreover, in some cases, the build material is free or substantially free of a non-reactive wax component. | 01-16-2014 |
20130310507 | Adhesive for 3D Printing - In one aspect, adhesives for use with a 3D printer are described herein. In some embodiments, an adhesive for use with a 3D printer comprises a first polymeric component comprising a poly(vinyl alcohol) and a second polymeric component. The poly(vinyl alcohol), in some embodiments, comprises amorphous poly(vinyl alcohol). In some embodiments, the second polymeric component comprises a water-soluble polymer. Further, in some embodiments, an adhesive described herein further comprises a solvent, a surfactant, and/or a preservative. | 11-21-2013 |
20130307193 | Support Structures and Deposition Techniques for 3D Printing - There is provided a support structure for use with 3D printing of objects from computer-aided designs. The support structures include fine points that contact the down-facing surfaces of the 3D object being printed in order to adequately support the 3D object while also being adapted for easy removal after the 3D print process is complete. The fine points are possible by controlling the operation of the dispenser to provide a precise amount of material in a precise location. The dispenser jumps from a first fine point to a second fine point by retracting the print material after the first fine point is printed and then moving the dispenser vertically relative to the first fine point before the dispenser is moved horizontally to the second fine point. | 11-21-2013 |
20130247946 | CRUTCH APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DESIGNING AND FABRICATING - A crutch includes a grip and a forearm support that are coupled to an elongated member that extends from the forearm support to the ground. The inner surface of the forearm support can correspond to a digital representation of a forearm of the patient and the outer surface of the hand grip can correspond to a digital representation of a palmar surface of the patient's hand in at least a partially closed position. | 09-26-2013 |
20130236706 | Support Material and Applications Thereof - In one aspect, support materials operable for use in 3D printing systems are described herein. In some embodiments, a support material comprises a wax component comprising at least one ethoxylated fatty alcohol and a viscosity modifying agent, wherein the support material is water dispersible. In some embodiments, the wax component comprises a mixture of at least one fatty alcohol and at least one ethoxylated fatty alcohol. | 09-12-2013 |
20130226533 | METHOD FOR CREATING A DESIGN FOR A REPLACEABLE FAIRING - A fairing can be attached to a prosthetic limb or over a brace to alter the appearance of the prosthetic limb or brace. The outer surface of the prosthetic limb can be a mirror image of an intact limb and the outer surface of the brace can have an outer surface that corresponds to an injured limb. Because the fairing fits closely around the prosthetic limb or brace, the interior surface of the fairing has a surface that corresponds to a mirror image of an intact limb or an outer surface of an injured limb. | 08-29-2013 |
20130164402 | Imaging Assembly - A imaging assembly for generating a light beam suitable for sintering comprises a lamp housing and a lamp mounted in the lamp housing comprising a filament and a lamp base, wherein the lamp is oriented with the lamp base to the side of the filament. The imaging assembly further comprises a reflector, an aperture, and at least one condenser lens configured to focus light emitted by the filament through the aperture. The imaging assembly further comprises a set of achromatic doublet lenses, each achromatic doublet lens comprising three surfaces optimized to focus light at three wavelengths, wherein the set of achromatic doublet lenses focuses light over a range including the three wavelengths. The imaging assembly further comprises an outer lens, wherein the focused light beam exits the imaging assembly through the outer lens. | 06-27-2013 |
20130154160 | Stereolithography Systems and Methods Using Internal Laser Modulation - Stereolithography systems ( | 06-20-2013 |
20130150762 | BRACE WITH ELONGATED FENESTRATIONS - A brace has a plurality of elongated beams that extend in parallel along the length of the brace. The adjacent beams are coupled to posts that extend around the circumference of the brace in a staggered pattern and hold the beams in place around the brace. The beams and posts define a plurality of elongated fenestrations. The configuration of the beams and fenestrations allow the brace to be strong in compression and bending and also provide elastic radial expansion. | 06-13-2013 |
20130100092 | Systems And Methods For Seam Resolution - Systems and methods are provided for resolving seams in computer graphics when a two-dimensional image is applied to a three-dimensional structure. The method can include providing a two-dimensional image in a UV space, identifying at least one sub-image on the two-dimensional image, defining a seam connectivity for the two-dimensional image in the UV space, and remapping the location of an object on the two-dimensional image when the location of the object is within at least one seam boundary of the seam map. | 04-25-2013 |
20130096708 | Systems And Methods For Construction Of An Instruction Set For Three-Dimensional Printing Of A User-Customizableimage Of A Three-Dimensional Structure - Systems and methods for construction of an instruction set for three-dimensional printing of a user-customizable image of a three-dimensional structure are provided. Methods can include receiving user input for customizing an image of a three-dimensional structure, control circuitry constructing an instruction set for the customized image of the three-dimensional structure, and control circuitry rendering the instruction set into a printable file usable by a three-dimensional printer. | 04-18-2013 |
20130078325 | Solid Imaging Systems, Components Thereof, and Methods of Solid Imaging - There is provided solid imaging methods and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from solid imaging material. A tray with a film bottom is provided to hold solid imaging material that is selectively cured into cross-sections of the three-dimensional object being built. A coater bar is moved back and forth over the film to remove any uncured solid imaging material from a previous layer and to apply a new layer of solid imaging material. A sensor is provided to measure the amount of resin in the tray to determine the appropriate amount of solid imaging material to be added, from a cartridge, for the next layer. A shuttle, which covers the tray when the exterior door to the solid imaging apparatus is opened for setting up a build or removing a three-dimensional object, can also be used to move the coater bar and to selectively open one or more valves on the cartridge to dispense the desired amount of solid imaging material. | 03-28-2013 |
20130075954 | Solid Imaging Systems, Components Thereof, and Methods of Solid Imaging - There is provided solid imaging methods and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from solid imaging material. A tray with a film bottom is provided to hold solid imaging material that is selectively cured into cross-sections of the three-dimensional object being built. A coater bar is moved back and forth over the film to remove any uncured solid imaging material from a previous layer and to apply a new layer of solid imaging material. A sensor is provided to measure the amount of resin in the tray to determine the appropriate amount of solid imaging material to be added, from a cartridge, for the next layer. A shuttle, which covers the tray when the exterior door to the solid imaging apparatus is opened for setting up a build or removing a three-dimensional object, can also be used to move the coater bar and to selectively open one or more valves on the cartridge to dispense the desired amount of solid imaging material. | 03-28-2013 |
20120231232 | Build Material and Applications Thereof - In one aspect, build materials operable for use in 3D printing systems are described herein. In some embodiments, a build material comprises an oligomeric curable material, a reactive component that is solid at 25° C., and at least one diluent, wherein the reactive component comprises at least one chemical moiety that is polymerizable with a chemical moiety contained in the oligomeric curable material and/or the at least one diluent. | 09-13-2012 |
20120213976 | Support Material and Applications Thereof - In one aspect, support materials operable for use in 3D printing systems are described herein. In some embodiments, a support material comprises a wax component comprising at least one ethoxylated fatty alcohol and a viscosity modifying agent, wherein the support material is water dispersible. In some embodiments, the wax component comprises a mixture of at least one fatty alcohol and at least one ethoxylated fatty alcohol. | 08-23-2012 |
20120133080 | Additive Manufacturing Methods for Improved Curl Control and Sidewall Quality - There is provided methods and apparatus for improving the accuracy of three-dimensional objects formed by additive manufacturing. By depositing or hardening build material within the interior of the layers in certain patterns, the stresses that lead to curl in the object can be isolated and controlled. Similarly, certain patterns for depositing or hardening the build material provide for reduced layer thicknesses to improve the sidewall quality of the object being formed. The patterns within the interior of the layers can include gaps or voids for particular layers being deposited or hardened, and the gaps or voids can be partially filled, fully filled, or not filled at all when subsequent layers are deposited or hardened. Accordingly, the accuracy of three-dimensional objects formed by additive manufacturing is improved. | 05-31-2012 |
20110304074 | Selective Deposition Modeling Methods for Improved Support-Object Interface - There are provided method and apparatus for the forming of three-dimensional objects in a layered fashion, wherein improvements are made to the support structure to improve the quality of the resulting three-dimensional objects. The support structure may include encapsulation along the interface boundary of the support-object interface to prevent or reduce the likelihood of separation of the build material, that forms the three-dimensional object, from the support material, that forms the support structure, or vice versa. The support structure may also or alternatively include both a porous support structure and a solid support structure to prevent or reduce the likelihood of, separation of the support structure from the build platform and to improve the quality of the down-facing surfaces of the three-dimensional object. Methods are also provided for selectively depositing the support material and build material and for encapsulating the interface boundary with support material. | 12-15-2011 |
20110207057 | Edge Smoothness With Low Resolution Projected Images For Use in Solid Imaging - A solid imaging apparatus and method employing sub-pixel shifting in multiple exposures of the digitally light projected image of a cross-section of a three-dimensional object on a solidifiable liquid medium. The multiple exposures provide increased resolution, preserving image features in a three-dimensional object and smoothing out rough or uneven edges that would otherwise be occur using digital light projectors that are limited by the number of pixels in an image projected over the size of the image. Algorithms are used to select pixels to be illuminated within the boundary of each image projected in the cross-section being exposed. | 08-25-2011 |
20100288194 | Compositions and Methods for Selective Deposition Modeling - There is provided compositions and methods for producing three-dimensional objects by selective deposition modeling with a polar build material and a non-polar support material. The build material comprises a hydrocarbon wax material and a viscosity modifier, and the support material comprises a hydrocarbon alcohol wax material and a viscosity modifier. After the selective deposition modeling process has been completed, the object can be placed in a bath of polar solvent to remove the support material. The particular materials provided herein, and the post-processing methods associated therewith, provide for improved part quality of the three-dimensional object and for improved post-processing techniques. The three-dimensional objects can subsequently be used in a number of applications, such as patterns for investment casting. | 11-18-2010 |
20090072447 | Region-Based Supports for Parts Produced by Solid Freeform Fabrication - Methods for generating supports ( | 03-19-2009 |
20080226346 | Inkjet Solid Imaging System and Method for Solid Imaging - Solid imaging apparatus and methods for use are disclosed that reduce the amount of uncured solid imaging build material remaining on a completed build object following the completion of the solid imaging build process. The amount of uncured build material is reduced through the use of either an uncoating web that removes excess build material from the build object during the course of the building process or an ink jet source of build material that uses only as much build material as is necessary for the fabrication of the build part. Also disclosed is an imager assembly for use with such a solid imaging apparatus that incorporates two or more individual imagers in an array and accounts for variations in the intensity and alignment of adjacent imagers. The apparatus can be modified for semi-continuous operation and for integrating into a manufacturing operation, if desired. | 09-18-2008 |