A method for manufacturing includes operating a beam system selectively to fuse and melt a powder layer to form each layer of a 3D article. Each layer includes at least one fused solid area that defines a dimensional parameter such as a width. When the dimensional parameter is above a threshold, the beam system is operated with a first operating mode that includes separately fused contour and hatch areas. When the dimensional parameter is below the threshold, the beam system is operated with a second operating mode that includes a zig-zag pattern with no contour. This method of operation can greatly reduce a time required to fuse complex layers having many very small features.
A three-dimensional printing system for manufacturing a three-dimensional article includes a housing, a door, and a door locking system. The housing encloses a process chamber and has a vertical front surface with an opening providing access to the process chamber. The door is coupled to the front surface to be moved between an open position and a closed position. The door locking system includes a plurality of pins, a locking plate, and a lock actuator. The plurality of pins extend along a direction that is perpendicular to the vertical front surface when the door is in the closed position. The locking plate defines a plurality of holes positioned to receive the plurality of pins when the door is rotated into the closed position. The lock actuator is coupled to the locking plate and configured to translate the locking plate between an unlocked position and a locked position.
B22F 12/00 - Apparatus or devices specially adapted for additive manufacturingAuxiliary means for additive manufacturingCombinations of additive manufacturing apparatus or devices with other processing apparatus or devices
A three-dimensional (3D) printing system for forming a 3D article includes a print engine and a controller. The print engine includes a build plate, a coater, and a plurality of beam units. The coater is configured to coat a layer of fusible powder over the build plate to span a build plane. The first beam unit is configured to generate and scan an energy beam over a first lateral region of the build plane. The second beam unit is configured to generate and scan an energy beam over a second lateral region of the build plane. The first and second lateral regions overlap over an overlap zone. In forming contours, the controller is configured to define sub-contours that connect along a seam within a layer. In the overlap zone, the sub-contours have an offset along the seam that varies from layer to layer.
A three-dimensional (3D) printing system for forming a 3D article includes a print engine and a controller. The print engine includes a build plate, a coater, and a plurality of beam units. The coater is configured to coat a layer of fusible powder over the build plate to span a build plane. The first beam unit is configured to generate and scan an energy beam over a first lateral region of the build plane. The second beam unit is configured to generate and scan an energy beam over a second lateral region of the build plane. The first and second lateral regions overlap over an overlap zone. In forming contours, the controller is configured to define sub- contours that connect along a seam within a layer. In the overlap zone, the sub- contours have an offset along the seam that varies from layer to layer.
A three-dimensional printing system for manufacturing a three-dimensional article includes a build chamber, an overflow chamber adjacent to the build chamber, a motorized build plate, a powder coater including a vibration generator, a lateral movement mechanism coupled to the powder coater, and a controller. The controller is configured to perform a process to remove accumulated powder from surfaces of the powder coater according to the steps: (1) operate the lateral movement mechanism to position the powder coater over a location outside of the build chamber; (2) operate the vibration generator to shake the accumulated powder into the location outside of the build chamber. The location outside of the build chamber can be defined by the overflow chamber.
A three-dimensional printing system includes a build platform, a movement mechanism, a coating module, a consolidation module, and a controller. The controller is configured to (1) operate the movement mechanism and the coating module to deposit a new powder layer over an upper surface of the build platform or powder, (2) operate the consolidation module to selectively consolidate the new powder layer, and (3) repeat (1) and (2) until a three-dimensional article is fabricated from a plurality of layers. Step (1) includes, at least one of the plurality of layers (a) operate the movement mechanism and the coating module to deposit a first sublayer of powder having a thickness T1 over the upper surface, and (b) operate the movement mechanism and the coating module to deposit a second sublayer of powder having at thickness T2 over the first sublayer of powder. T2 is less than 20% of T1.
B22F 10/28 - Powder bed fusion, e.g. selective laser melting [SLM] or electron beam melting [EBM]
B22F 10/38 - Process control to achieve specific product aspects, e.g. surface smoothness, density, porosity or hollow structures
B29C 64/00 - Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
A three-dimensional printing system includes a motorized build platform, a material coating module, and a beam generation module. The beam generation module is configured to selectively fuse or harden material over a build plane. The build plane defines a centroid. The beam generation module includes a laser beam formation unit, a scan module, and flat field focusing component (FFFC). The scan module has a scanner optical axis that intersects the build plane at a location that is offset from the centroid. The FFFC is configured to focus the laser beam across the build plane. The FFFC includes a plurality of lenses at least one of which has an optical asymmetry relative to the scanner optical axis. The asymmetry includes one or more of a lateral offset with an offset distance D and an angular offset with an offset angle α.
A three-dimensional printing system includes a motorized build platform, a material coating module, and a beam generation module. The beam generation module includes a laser beam formation unit, a scan module, and flat field focusing system. The laser beam formation unit includes a laser configured to output a laser beam. The scan module is configured to receive the laser beam and to scan the laser beam over a build plane that is above the motorized build platform. The flat field focusing system is configured to focus the laser beam across the laser beam and includes an input component and an output component. The input component is configured to receive the laser beam from the beam formation unit and to pass the laser beam to the scan module. The output component is configured to receive the laser beam from the scan module and pass the laser beam to the build plane.
A three-dimensional printing system includes a motorized build platform, a material coating module, and a beam generation module. The beam generation module includes a laser beam formation unit, a scan module, and flat field focusing system. The laser beam formation unit includes a laser configured to output a laser beam. The scan module is configured to receive the laser beam and to scan the laser beam over a build plane that is above the motorized build platform. The flat field focusing system is configured to focus the laser beam across the laser beam and includes an input component and an output component. The input component is configured to receive the laser beam from the beam formation unit and to pass the laser beam to the scan module. The output component is configured to receive the laser beam from the scan module and pass the laser beam to the build plane.
A three-dimensional (3D) printing system includes a print engine and a controller. The print engine includes a motorized build platform, a coating apparatus, and a beam forming unit. The controller is configured to perform the following steps: (a) receiving a virtual 3D body, (b) processing the 3D body to define a plurality of N slices, the N slices individually representing intersections of the 3D body with the slice, (c) processing the N slices to represent solid portions of the 3D body with vectors, the vectors defining contours and hatching patterns, the vectors individually bounded by two endpoints, (d) for the individual slices, analyzing a scan speed error for one or more of the plurality of vectors, and (e) for the individual slices, moving some of the endpoints when the scan speed error exceeds a predetermined threshold to provide a speed corrected slice.
B29C 64/00 - Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
11.
Three-dimensional printing system optimizing contour formation for multiple energy beams
A system for forming a three-dimensional (3D) article includes a powder dispenser, a fusing apparatus, and a controller. The plurality of energy beams include at least a first beam and a second beam. The controller is configured to operate the powder dispenser to dispense a layer of powder and to operate the fusing apparatus to selectively fuse the layer of powder. Operating the fusing apparatus includes operating the first beam to fuse a first hatch pattern over a first area of the layer of powder and operate at least the second beam to fuse a contour that bounds the hatch pattern. The contour is formed from N scans along the contour. N is an integer that is at least equal to one. N is determined by a lateral alignment uncertainty between at least two of the energy beams.
B29C 64/393 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
B22F 10/28 - Powder bed fusion, e.g. selective laser melting [SLM] or electron beam melting [EBM]
B22F 10/366 - Scanning parameters, e.g. hatch distance or scanning strategy
A three-dimensional (3D) printing system includes a print engine and a controller. The print engine includes a motorized build platform, a coating apparatus, and a beam forming unit. The controller is configured to perform the following steps: (a) receiving a virtual 3D body, (b) processing the 3D body to define a plurality of N slices, the N slices individually representing intersections of the 3D body with the slice, (c) processing the N slices to represent solid portions of the 3D body with vectors, the vectors defining contours and hatching patterns, the vectors individually bounded by two endpoints, (d) for the individual slices, analyzing a scan speed error for one or more of the plurality of vectors, and (e) for the individual slices, moving some of the endpoints when the scan speed error exceeds a predetermined threshold to provide a speed corrected slice.
A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional article is provided for a system including a powder handling module containing stored metal powder. The stored metal powder includes used metal powder that was previously part of the metal powder loaded into a print engine during a previous fabrication process. The method includes (1) loading a volume of the metal powder into an agitation device, (2) operating the agitation device until an avalanche angle of the metal powder is modified to within a specified range to provide a volume of usable metal powder, (3) loading the usable metal powder into a three-dimensional print engine, and (4) operating the print engine to fabricate a the three-dimensional article. This process improves coating quality within the print engine. Improving coating quality improves dimensional accuracy of the three-dimensional article along with reducing defects resulting from coating artifacts.
B22F 12/00 - Apparatus or devices specially adapted for additive manufacturingAuxiliary means for additive manufacturingCombinations of additive manufacturing apparatus or devices with other processing apparatus or devices
B22F 10/28 - Powder bed fusion, e.g. selective laser melting [SLM] or electron beam melting [EBM]
B23K 26/12 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring in a special environment or atmosphere, e.g. in an enclosure
A manufacturing system for fabricating a three-dimensional article includes a housing, a sensor within the housing, a coater, a removable powder module (RPM) with a platen, a laser system, and a controller. A method of operating the manufacturing system includes installing the RPM into the housing, forming pillars onto the platen, positioning the top surfaces of the pillars a distance D below a build plane, installing a calibration plate onto the top surfaces of the pillars, and then calibrating the laser system using the sensor. The sensor can include one or more of an optical sensor and an acoustic sensor.
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
B29C 64/393 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
B23K 26/082 - Scanning systems, i.e. devices involving movement of the laser beam relative to the laser head
B29C 64/259 - Enclosures for the building material, e.g. powder containers interchangeable
B29C 64/232 - Driving means for motion along the axis orthogonal to the plane of a layer
B33Y 50/00 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
G05B 19/401 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control arrangements for measuring, e.g. calibration and initialisation, measuring workpiece for machining purposes
B22F 12/90 - Means for process control, e.g. cameras or sensors
A three-dimensional printing system for manufacturing a three-dimensional article includes a chassis, a door, and a plurality of latches. The chassis defines an internal process chamber and a vertical opening for accessing the internal process chamber. A peripheral seal surrounds the vertical opening. The plurality of latches are arranged around the peripheral seal. The latches individually include a hook. The vertical door is mounted to the chassis by a linkage. The door includes a plurality of laterally extending pins individually corresponding to the latches. The pins have locations along the door to be individually engaged by the latches when the door is positioned in the closed position. The latches are individually configured to rotate the hooks around a second lateral axis (Y) when the door is positioned in the closed position with the door closing over the opening to secure the door with respect to a first lateral axis (X).
B29C 64/371 - Conditioning of environment using an environment other than air, e.g. inert gas
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
B22F 10/00 - Additive manufacturing of workpieces or articles from metallic powder
E05B 47/06 - Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electromagnetically-operated detents
E05B 63/00 - Locks with special structural characteristics
B33Y 30/00 - Apparatus for additive manufacturingDetails thereof or accessories therefor
B33Y 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional article includes: (1) Loading a metal platen into a build chamber, the metal platen defines an upper surface; (2) Performing concurrent processes including operating a movement mechanism to vertically translate the platen, operating a laser system to impinge a radiation beam upon the upper surface of the platen, and receiving a signal from an acoustic sensor that is positioned within the build chamber; (3) Analyzing the signal including determining a height of optimal laser convergence for the platen; and (4) Based upon the analysis, adjusting the laser convergence height to a build plane height.
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
B29C 64/268 - Arrangements for irradiation using laser beamsArrangements for irradiation using electron beams [EB]
A system for manufacturing a three-dimensional article includes a controller. The controller is configured to: (a) receive an input file defining a solid body; (b) slice the solid body into horizontal slices; (c) analyze the sliced body to identify downward-facing slice regions, a downward-facing slice region intersects with a downward-facing surface of the solid body; (d) for the individual slices, define a contour region to span a Boolean union between a default lateral peripheral contour and the downward-facing slice region; and (e) for the individual slices, define a hatch region that spans a Boolean difference between the slice and the contour region.
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
G06T 19/00 - Manipulating 3D models or images for computer graphics
B29C 64/386 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
B22F 10/28 - Powder bed fusion, e.g. selective laser melting [SLM] or electron beam melting [EBM]
B22F 10/366 - Scanning parameters, e.g. hatch distance or scanning strategy
G03F 7/00 - Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printed surfacesMaterials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresistsApparatus specially adapted therefor
B22F 10/36 - Process control of energy beam parameters
18.
System for Aligning Laser System to a Carrier Plate
A three-dimensional printing system for manufacturing a three-dimensional article includes a build chamber, a carrier plate, a vertical positioning apparatus, a laser system, a sensor, a powder dispenser, and a controller. The carrier plate defines a receptacle and an alignment target. The receptacle is for receiving and aligning a prefabricated body. The alignment target is in precise lateral alignment with respect to the receptacle. The controller is configured to: (1) operate the laser system to generate and scan a radiation beam over an upper surface of the carrier plate; (2) concurrent with scanning the radiation beam, receive a signal from the sensor; (3) analyze the signal to align the radiation beam to the prefabricated body; and (4) operate the vertical positioning apparatus, the laser system, and the powder dispenser to selectively form layers of metal over the prefabricated body to complete manufacture of the three-dimensional article.
B33Y 30/00 - Apparatus for additive manufacturingDetails thereof or accessories therefor
B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
B23K 26/03 - Observing, e.g. monitoring, the workpiece
B23K 26/082 - Scanning systems, i.e. devices involving movement of the laser beam relative to the laser head
B23K 26/10 - Devices involving relative movement between laser beam and workpiece using a fixed support
B23K 26/06 - Shaping the laser beam, e.g. by masks or multi-focusing
B23K 26/14 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beamNozzles therefor
19.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING SYSTEM OPTIMIZING SEAMS BETWEEN ZONES FOR MULTIPLE ENERGY BEAMS
A system for fabricating a three-dimensional article includes a powder dispenser and a fusing apparatus. The fusing apparatus is configured to generate and scan a plurality of beams across a build plane including a first beam and a second beam. The controller is configured to operate the powder dispenser and the fusing apparatus to form a sequence of at least three fused layers. The layers individually include a first hatch area defined by the first energy beam and a second hatch area defined by the second energy beam. The first and second hatch areas overlap along a seam with a transverse overlap distance. A lateral location of the seam varies layer by layer. No two layers in the sequence have a transverse distance between seams of less than u. The distance u is at least equal to twice the transverse overlap distance.
B33Y 30/00 - Apparatus for additive manufacturingDetails thereof or accessories therefor
B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
B23K 26/06 - Shaping the laser beam, e.g. by masks or multi-focusing
B23K 26/08 - Devices involving relative movement between laser beam and workpiece
B23K 26/10 - Devices involving relative movement between laser beam and workpiece using a fixed support
B23K 26/14 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beamNozzles therefor
20.
Three-dimensional printing system optimizing contour formation for multiple energy beams
A system for forming a three-dimensional (3D) article includes a powder dispenser, a fusing apparatus, and a controller. The plurality of energy beams include at least a first beam and a second beam. The controller is configured to operate the powder dispenser to dispense a layer of powder and to operate the fusing apparatus to selectively fuse the layer of powder. Operating the fusing apparatus includes operating the first beam to fuse a first hatch pattern over a first area of the layer of powder and operate at least the second beam to fuse a contour that bounds the hatch pattern. The contour is formed from N scans along the contour. N is an integer that is at least equal to one. N is determined by a lateral alignment uncertainty between at least two of the energy beams.
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
B33Y 30/00 - Apparatus for additive manufacturingDetails thereof or accessories therefor
B29C 64/393 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
A system (2) for forming a three-dimensional (3D) article includes a powder dispenser (14), a fusing apparatus (16), and a controller (20). The plurality of energy beams (18) include at least a first beam and a second beam. The controller is configured to operate the powder dispenser to dispense a layer of powder (15) and to operate the fusing apparatus to selectively fuse the layer of powder. Operating the fusing apparatus includes operating the first beam to fuse a first hatch pattern (32) over a first area of the layer of powder and operate at least the second beam to fuse a contour (30) that bounds the hatch pattern. The contour is formed from N scans along the contour. N is an integer that is at least equal to one. N is determined by a lateral alignment uncertainty between at least two of the energy beams.
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
B29C 64/268 - Arrangements for irradiation using laser beamsArrangements for irradiation using electron beams [EB]
B29C 64/282 - Arrangements for irradiation using multiple radiation means, e.g. micromirrors or multiple light-emitting diodes [LED] of the same type, e.g. using different energy levels
B29C 64/393 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
A system for manufacturing a three-dimensional article includes a support plate, a powder dispenser, a fusing apparatus, and a controller. The controller is configured to operate various printer components of the system to: (1) dispense a first layer of powder, (2) fuse a first boundary contour that is fused at least through the first layer of powder, (3) dispense a second layer of powder over the first layer of powder, (4) fuse a first infill section that is fused through the first and second layers of powder, (5) dispense a third layer of powder over the second layer of powder, (6) fuse a second boundary contour that is fused through the second and third layers of powder and is fused to the first boundary contour; and (7) continue to operate printer components to complete a fabrication of the three-dimensional article.
A system for manufacturing a three-dimensional article includes a support plate, a powder dispenser, a fusing apparatus, and a controller. The controller is configured to operate various printer components of the system to: (1) dispense a first layer of powder, (2) fuse a first boundary contour and a first infill section at least through the first layer of powder and are laterally separated by an unfused zone of powder, (3) dispense a second layer of powder over the first layer of powder, (4) fuse the unfused zone of powder through the first and second layers of powder to define a first fused connecting zone, (5) dispense a third layer of powder over the second layer of powder, (6) fuse a second boundary contour and a second infill section through the second and third layers of powder.
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
A system for manufacturing a three-dimensional article includes a support plate, a powder dispenser, a fusing apparatus, and a controller. The controller is configured to operate various printer components of the system to: (1) dispense a first layer of powder, (2) fuse a first boundary contour and a first infill section at least through the first layer of powder and are laterally separated by an unfused zone of powder, (3) dispense a second layer of powder over the first layer of powder, (4) fuse the unfused zone of powder through the first and second layers of powder to define a first fused connecting zone, (5) dispense a third layer of powder over the second layer of powder, (6) fuse a second boundary contour and a second infill section through the second and third layers of powder.
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
A system for manufacturing a three-dimensional article includes a support plate, a powder dispenser, a fusing apparatus, and a controller. The controller is configured to operate various printer components of the system to: (1) dispense a first layer of powder, (2) fuse a first boundary contour that is fused at least through the first layer of powder, (3) dispense a second layer of powder over the first layer of powder, (4) fuse a first infill section that is fused through the first and second layers of powder, (5) dispense a third layer of powder over the second layer of powder, (6) fuse a second boundary contour that is fused through the second and third layers of powder and is fused to the first boundary contour; and (7) continue to operate printer components to complete a fabrication of the three-dimensional article.
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
B29C 64/393 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
The invention concerns a method and a device for calibrating at least one scanning system (4, 5, 17) when producing an object (8) by additive manufacturing, wherein the coordinates of one or several reference positions are measured in the relative coordinate system of each scanning system (4, 5, 17), after which the calibration of each of the scanning systems is adapted starting from the measured coordinates of the reference positions.
B23K 26/02 - Positioning or observing the workpiece, e.g. with respect to the point of impactAligning, aiming or focusing the laser beam
B23K 26/08 - Devices involving relative movement between laser beam and workpiece
G03F 9/00 - Registration or positioning of originals, masks, frames, photographic sheets or textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. automatically
B29C 67/00 - Shaping techniques not covered by groups , or
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
G03F 7/00 - Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printed surfacesMaterials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresistsApparatus specially adapted therefor
B23K 26/00 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring
B23K 26/04 - Automatically aligning, aiming or focusing the laser beam, e.g. using the back-scattered light
G01B 11/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques
The invention concerns a method for manufacturing at least one thin-walled structure (1,11,13,17,18), whereby this structure is built layer by layer by applying successive powder layers extending substantially horizontally and by moving an energy beam over each of these powder layers according to a predetermined pattern so as to make said powder melt and subsequently make it solidify or sinter, such that successive layers connected to each other of said thin-walled structure (1,11, 13,17,18) are formed which extend according to a horizontal cross section of this thin-walled structure (1, 11,13,17,18). According to the method a support structure (20) is built in layers together with said thin-walled structures (1,11,13,17,18) and connected to it such that a rigid unit (14) is manufactured, whereby after building this unit (14) layer by layer, at least the thin-walled structures (1,11,13,17,18) are annealed in order to at least partly eliminate any stresses present, and whereby both structures are separated from each other.
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
B22F 5/00 - Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the special shape of the product
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
B29C 64/40 - Structures for supporting 3D objects during manufacture and intended to be sacrificed after completion thereof
B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
The invention concerns an implant for adjusting the position of at least one tissue holder (6) for soft tissue, whereby this implant can be fixed to bone tissue at a distance from said tissue holder (6) and has a guide (3) for an elongate pulling member (4), whereby this pulling member (4) is connected to said tissue holder (6), and whereby the implant includes a fixing element (10) which can be moved between a fixing position in which the pulling member (4) is clamped by the fixing element (10) and a free position in which said pulling member (4) can freely move through said guide (3), characterised in that said fixing element (10) cooperates with a control element (14) which makes it possible to move this fixing element (10) between said fixing position and said free position when the implant is attached to said bone tissue and when the implant is covered with soft tissue such as muscle tissue or skin tissue.
A61B 17/04 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods for closing wounds or holding wounds closedAccessories for use therewith for suturing woundsHolders or packages for needles or suture materials
A61B 17/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods
29.
METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THIN-WALLED STRUCTURES IN LAYERS
The invention concerns a method for manufacturing at least one thin- walled structure (1,11,13,17,18), whereby this structure is built layer by layer by applying successive powder layers extending substantially horizontally and by moving an energy beam over each of these powder layers according to a predetermined pattern so as to make said powder melt and subsequently make it solidify or sinter, such that successive layers connected to each other of said thin- walled structure (1,11, 13,17,18) are formed which extend according to a horizontal cross section of this thin-walled structure (1, 11,13,17,18). According to the method a support structure (20) is built in layers together with said thin-walled structures (1,11,13,17,18) and connected to it such that a rigid unit (14) is manufactured, whereby after building this unit (14) layer by layer, at least the thin-walled structures (1,11,13,17,18) are annealed in order to at least partly eliminate any stresses present, and whereby both structures are separated from each other.
The invention concerns a supporting structure for a dental prosthesis and a method for producing this supporting structure, whereby this supporting structure (6) comprises means (7) to be fixed to at least one implant (4) and/or at least one tooth which is set into a person's jawbone, whereby the supporting structure (6) has a nominal surface (9) having a surface texture (8) which is at least partly formed of retention elements (12). Said retention elements retention elements (12) comprise protrusions and/or recesses in relation to said nominal surface (9) each having an undercut (13).
The present invention provides methods allowing the use of selective laser powder processing techniques for the production of medically acceptable prosthetic dental frameworks. The frameworks produced according to the present invention have high grade mechanical properties as well as a high accuracy.
A61C 8/00 - Means to be fixed to the jaw-bone for consolidating natural teeth or for fixing dental prostheses thereonDental implantsImplanting tools
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
10 - Medical apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Metal components made by rapid manufacturing technologies; machine components and machine component prototypes, metallic housings and fixtures for components; industrial tools namely injection moulding and die casting moulds or moulds inserts, engine components, functional metallic end components, metallic sculptures and art pieces. Standard or patient-specific dental and medical prostheses, implants and instruments. Design, redesign, technical geometric adaptation and functional optimisation of industrial, medical or artistic metal components to reduce the cost and/or increase performance and/or improve appearance of products; reverse engineering services; development and testing of new materials for rapid manufacturing processes; improvement and development of hard- and software for rapid manufacturing processes.
