Methods, apparatus for three-dimensional printing, and nanoparticle inks

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an apparatus for three-dimensional printing. Further, the apparatus may include a reservoir which may be configured for containing a nanoparticle ink. Further, the nanoparticle ink includes a nanoparticle. Further, the apparatus may include a printer head fluidly coupled with the reservoir. Further, the printer head may be configured for receiving the nanoparticle ink from the reservoir. Further, the printer head may be configured for discharging the nanoparticle ink through a nozzle for depositing the nanoparticle ink on a surface to obtain a structure. Further, the printer head includes the nozzle. Further, the apparatus may include a control unit communicatively coupled with the printer head. Further, the control unit may be configured for controlling the discharging of the nanoparticle ink based on a deposition instruction to obtain the structure.

Description

[0001] METHODS, APPARATUS FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING, AND NANOPARTICLE INKS

[0002] FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of printing. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods, apparatus for three-dimensional printing, and nanoparticle inks.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The present invention relates generally to the field of additive manufacturing. The field of additive manufacturing continues to grow in importance due to the capability to produce complex geometries, reduce material waste, enable decentralized production, and accelerate design-to-manufacturing timelines across a wide range of industries, including aerospace, medical, electronics, and automotive.

[0006] An important objective in the field of additive manufacturing is the development of efficient, flexible, and high-resolution fabrication systems that are capable of producing strong, functional, and dimensionally accurate parts with minimal post-processing. Achieving this objective can unlock significant economic and technological value by enabling the production of intricate components with optimized properties and reduced production overhead.

[0007] However, several limitations are currently encountered in pursuing this objective. Existing systems for 3D printing often rely on energy-intensive processes such as selective laser melting or electron beam melting, which involve high thermal budgets, require precise atmospheric controls, and may result in poor surface finish or structural inconsistencies. Multi-material printing adds further complexity, typically requiring separate deposition heads, intermediate purging, or sequential print cycles, thereby increasing the risk of alignment errors and prolonging manufacturing times. Additionally, fabrication systems that rely on particle-based inks frequently face problems related to nozzle clogging, instability of particle dispersion, and limited control over deposition accuracy. Furthermore, traditional systems offer limited ability to adapt the heating mechanism to different part geometries, leading to uneven fusion or suboptimal energy utilization.

[0008] Material waste is also a persistent challenge, as failed builds often must be discarded in their entirety, with minimal recovery or recycling of embedded materials. In quality- critical applications, there is limited in-process verification of particle size or material integrity, making it difficult to ensure consistent performance across prints. Finally, many systems are not equipped to efficiently switch between or blend different metals during a single fabrication process, constraining the production of hybrid or composite parts.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for improved methods, apparatus for three-dimensional printing, and nanoparticle ink that can overcome one or more of the preceding problems.

[0010] SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

[0011] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter’s scope.

[0012] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for three-dimensional printing. Further, the apparatus may include a reservoir which may be configured for containing a nanoparticle ink. Further, the nanoparticle ink includes a nanoparticle. Further, the apparatus may include a printer head fluidly coupled with the reservoir. Further, the printer head may be configured for receiving the nanoparticle ink from the reservoir. Further, the printer head may be configured for discharging the nanoparticle ink through a nozzle for depositing the nanoparticle ink on a surface to obtain a structure. Further, the printer head includes the nozzle. Further, the apparatus may include a control unit communicatively coupled with the printer head. Further, the control unit may be configured for controlling the discharging of the nanoparticle ink based on a deposition instruction to obtain the structure.

[0013] The present disclosure provides the apparatus for three-dimensional printing. Further, the apparatus may include a reservoir which may be configured for containing a nanoparticle ink. Further, the nanoparticle ink includes a nanoparticle. Further, the apparatus may include a printer head fluidly coupled with the reservoir. Further, the printer head may be configured for receiving the nanoparticle ink from the reservoir. Further, the printer head may be configured for discharging the nanoparticle ink through a nozzle for depositing the nanoparticle ink on a surface. Further, the printer head includes the nozzle. Further, the apparatus may include a build plate comprising the surface. Further, the printer head may be disposed above the build plate. Further, the nozzle of the print head may be directed towards the surface of the build plate. Further, the apparatus may include a heating unit which may be configured for inducing heat in the nanoparticle ink deposited on the surface of the build plate to solidify the nanoparticle ink deposited on the surface to obtain a structure. Further, the apparatus may include a drive assembly mechanically coupled with the build plate. Further, the drive assembly may be configured for imparting a translation motion to the build plate for moving the build plate into the heating unit.

[0014] The present disclosure provides the apparatus for three-dimensional printing. Further, the apparatus may include a reservoir. Further, the reservoir may be configured for containing a first nanoparticle ink. Further, the first nanoparticle ink includes a first nanoparticle. Further, the reservoir may be configured for containing a second nanoparticle ink. Further, the second nanoparticle ink includes a second nanoparticle. Further, the apparatus may include a printer head fluidly coupled with the reservoir. Further, the printer head may be configured for receiving one or more of the first nanoparticle ink and the second nanoparticle ink from the reservoir. Further, the printer head may be configured for discharging one or more of the first nanoparticle ink and the second nanoparticle ink through one or more nozzles for depositing one or more of the first nanoparticle ink and the second nanoparticle ink on a surface to obtain a structure. Further, the printer head includes the one or more nozzles. Further, the apparatus may include a control unit communicatively coupled with the printer head. Further, the control unit may be configured for controlling the discharging of one or more of the first nanoparticle ink and the second nanoparticle ink based on a deposition instruction to obtain the structure.

[0015] The present disclosure provides a method for three-dimensional printing. Further, the method may include containing, using a reservoir, a nanoparticle ink. Further, the nanoparticle ink includes a nanoparticle. Further, the method may include receiving, using a printer head, the nanoparticle ink from the reservoir. Further, the method may include discharging, using the printer head, the nanoparticle ink through a nozzle for depositing the nanoparticle ink on a surface to obtain a structure. Further, the printer head includes the nozzle. Further, the method may include controlling, using a control unit, the discharging of the nanoparticle ink based on a deposition instruction to obtain the structure.

[0016] The present disclosure provides a nanoparticle ink. Further, the nanoparticle ink may include a nanoparticle. Further, at least one dimension of the nanoparticle ranges between 1 to 100 nm. Further, a concentration of the nanoparticle in the nanoparticle ink varies from ten to seventy-seven weight percentages. Further, the nanoparticle ink may include a solvent. Further, the nanoparticle ink may be configured to form a structure by three- dimensional printing of the nanoparticle ink.

[0017] Both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing summary and the following detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings contain representations of various trademarks and copyrights owned by the Applicants. In addition, the drawings may contain other marks owned by third parties and are being used for illustrative purposes only. All rights to various trademarks and copyrights represented herein, except those belonging to their respective owners, are vested in and the property of the applicants. The applicants retain and reserve all rights in their trademarks and copyrights included herein, and grant permission to reproduce the material only in connection with reproduction of the granted patent and for no other purpose.

[0019] Furthermore, the drawings may contain text or captions that may explain certain embodiments of the present disclosure. This text is included for illustrative, non-limiting, explanatory purposes of certain embodiments detailed in the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 1 illustrates an apparatus 100 for three-dimensional printing, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0021] Fig. 2 illustrates the apparatus 100 for three-dimensional printing, including a print- head drive assembly 202, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0022] Fig. 3 illustrates the apparatus 100 for three-dimensional printing, including a built- plate drive assembly 302, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0023] Fig. 4 illustrates the apparatus 100 for three-dimensional printing, including a heating unit 402, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0024] Fig. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method 500 for three-dimensional printing, in accordance with some embodiments. Fig. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method 600 for three-dimensional printing including imparting, using a printer-head drive assembly 202, a translation motion to the printer head 106, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0025] Fig. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method 700 for three-dimensional printing including controlling, using the control unit 110, the discharging of the second ink, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0026] Fig. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method 800 for three-dimensional printing including imparting, using a build-plate drive assembly 302, a translation motion to a build plate 306, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0027] Fig. 9 illustrates a flowchart of a method 900 for three-dimensional printing including retrieving, using the control unit and the movement control unit, the instruction data from the storage device, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0028] Fig. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a method 1000 for three-dimensional printing including generating, using a laser source, a laser beam directed towards the mixture contained in the chamber, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0029] Fig. 11 illustrates a flowchart of a method 1100 for three-dimensional printing, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0030] Fig. 12 illustrates a flowchart of a method 1200 for synthesizing a nanoparticle ink, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0031] Fig. 13 is a block diagram of an apparatus 1300 for three-dimensional printing, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0032] Fig. 14 illustrates an apparatus 1400 for three-dimensional printing, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0033] Fig. 15 illustrates an apparatus 1500 for three-dimensional printing, in accordance with some embodiments. Fig. 16 is an illustration of an online platform 1600 consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Fig. 17 is a block diagram of a computing device 1700 for implementing the methods disclosed herein, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSURE

[0036] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the abovedisclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure, and are made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim limitation found herein and / or issuing here from that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself. Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and / or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.

[0038] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein — as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term — differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.

[0039] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

[0040] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims found herein and / or issuing here from. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosed under the header.

[0041] The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in the context of the disclosed use cases, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context.

[0042] In general, the method disclosed herein may be performed by one or more computing devices. For example, in some embodiments, the method may be performed by a server computer in communication with one or more client devices over a communication network such as, for example, the Internet. In some other embodiments, the method may be performed by one or more of at least one server computer, at least one client device, at least one network device, at least one sensor and at least one actuator. Examples of the one or more client devices and / or the server computer may include, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant, a portable electronic device, a wearable computer, a smart phone, an Internet of Things (loT) device, a smart electrical appliance, a video game console, a rack server, a super- computer, a mainframe computer, mini-computer, micro-computer, a storage server, an application server (e.g. a mail server, a web server, a real-time communication server, an FTP server, a virtual server, a proxy server, a DNS server etc.), a quantum computer, and so on. Further, one or more client devices and / or the server computer may be configured for executing a software application such as, for example, but not limited to, an operating system (e.g. Windows, Mac OS, Unix, Linux, Android, etc.) in order to provide a user interface (e.g. GUI, touch-screen based interface, voice based interface, gesture based interface etc.) for use by the one or more users and / or a network interface for communicating with other devices over a communication network. Accordingly, the server computer may include a processing device configured for performing data processing tasks such as, for example, but not limited to, analyzing, identifying, determining, generating, transforming, calculating, computing, compressing, decompressing, encrypting, decrypting, scrambling, splitting, merging, interpolating, extrapolating, redacting, anonymizing, encoding and decoding. Further, the server computer may include a communication device configured for communicating with one or more external devices. The one or more external devices may include, for example, but are not limited to, a client device, a third party database, public database, a private database and so on. Further, the communication device may be configured for communicating with the one or more external devices over one or more communication channels. Further, the one or more communication channels may include a wireless communication channel and / or a wired communication channel. Accordingly, the communication device may be configured for performing one or more of transmitting and receiving of information in electronic form. Further, the server computer may include a storage device configured for performing data storage and / or data retrieval operations. In general, the storage device may be configured for providing reliable storage of digital information. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the storage device may be based on technologies such as, but not limited to, data compression, data backup, data redundancy, deduplication, error correction, data finger-printing, role based access control, and so on.

[0043] Further, one or more steps of the method disclosed herein may be initiated, maintained, controlled and / or terminated based on a control input received from one or more devices operated by one or more users such as, for example, but not limited to, an end user, an admin, a service provider, a service consumer, an agent, a broker and a representative thereof. Further, the user as defined herein may refer to a human, an animal or an artificially intelligent being in any state of existence, unless stated otherwise, elsewhere in the present disclosure. Further, in some embodiments, the one or more users may be required to successfully perform authentication in order for the control input to be effective. In general, a user of the one or more users may perform authentication based on the possession of a secret human readable secret data (e.g. username, password, passphrase, PIN, secret question, secret answer etc.) and / or possession of a machine readable secret data (e.g. encryption key, decryption key, bar codes, etc.) and / or or possession of one or more embodied characteristics unique to the user (e.g. biometric variables such as, but not limited to, fingerprint, palm-print, voice characteristics, behavioral characteristics, facial features, iris pattern, heart rate variability, evoked potentials, brain waves, and so on) and / or possession of a unique device (e.g. a device with a unique physical and / or chemical and / or biological characteristic, a hardware device with a unique serial number, a network device with a unique IP / MAC address, a telephone with a unique phone number, a smartcard with an authentication token stored thereupon, etc.). Accordingly, the one or more steps of the method may include communicating (e.g. transmitting and / or receiving) with one or more sensor devices and / or one or more actuators in order to perform authentication. For example, the one or more steps may include receiving, using the communication device, the secret human readable data from an input device such as, for example, a keyboard, a keypad, a touch-screen, a microphone, a camera and so on. Likewise, the one or more steps may include receiving, using the communication device, the one or more embodied characteristics from one or more biometric sensors.

[0044] Further, one or more steps of the method may be automatically initiated, maintained and / or terminated based on one or more predefined conditions. In an instance, the one or more predefined conditions may be based on one or more contextual variables. In general, the one or more contextual variables may represent a condition relevant to the performance of the one or more steps of the method. The one or more contextual variables may include, for example, but are not limited to, location, time, identity of a user associated with a device (e.g. the server computer, a client device etc.) corresponding to the performance of the one or more steps, environmental variables (e.g. temperature, humidity, pressure, wind speed, lighting, sound, etc.) associated with a device corresponding to the performance of the one or more steps, physical state and / or physiological state and / or psychological state of the user, physical state (e.g. motion, direction of motion, orientation, speed, velocity, acceleration, trajectory, etc.) of the device corresponding to the performance of the one or more steps and / or semantic content of data associated with the one or more users. Accordingly, the one or more steps may include communicating with one or more sensors and / or one or more actuators associated with the one or more contextual variables. For example, the one or more sensors may include, but are not limited to, a timing device (e.g. a real-time clock), a location sensor (e.g. a GPS receiver, a GLONASS receiver, an indoor location sensor etc.), a biometric sensor (e.g. a fingerprint sensor), an environmental variable sensor (e.g. temperature sensor, humidity sensor, pressure sensor, etc.) and a device state sensor (e.g. a power sensor, a voltag e / current sensor, a switch-state sensor, a usage sensor, etc. associated with the device corresponding to performance of the or more steps). Further, the one or more steps of the method may be performed one or more number of times. Additionally, the one or more steps may be performed in any order other than as exemplarily disclosed herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise, elsewhere in the present disclosure. Further, two or more steps of the one or more steps may, in some embodiments, be simultaneously performed, at least in part. Further, in some embodiments, there may be one or more time gaps between performance of any two steps of the one or more steps.

[0045] Further, in some embodiments, the one or more predefined conditions may be specified by the one or more users. Accordingly, the one or more steps may include receiving, using the communication device, the one or more predefined conditions from one or more and devices operated by the one or more users. Further, the one or more predefined conditions may be stored in the storage device. Alternatively, and / or additionally, in some embodiments, the one or more predefined conditions may be automatically determined, using the processing device, based on historical data corresponding to performance of the one or more steps. For example, the historical data may be collected, using the storage device, from a plurality of instances of performance of the method. Such historical data may include performance actions (e.g. initiating, maintaining, interrupting, terminating, etc.) of the one or more steps and / or the one or more contextual variables associated therewith. Further, machine learning may be performed on the historical data in order to determine the one or more predefined conditions. For instance, machine learning on the historical data may determine a correlation between one or more contextual variables and performance of the one or more steps of the method. Accordingly, the one or more predefined conditions may be generated, using the processing device, based on the correlation.

[0046] Further, one or more steps of the method may be performed at one or more spatial locations. For instance, the method may be performed by a plurality of devices interconnected through a communication network. Accordingly, in an example, one or more steps of the method may be performed by a server computer. Similarly, one or more steps of the method may be performed by a client computer. Likewise, one or more steps of the method may be performed by an intermediate entity such as, for example, a proxy server. For instance, one or more steps of the method may be performed in a distributed fashion across the plurality of devices in order to meet one or more objectives. For example, one objective may be to provide load balancing between two or more devices. Another objective may be to restrict a location of one or more of an input data, an output data and any intermediate data there between corresponding to one or more steps of the method. For example, in a client-server environment, sensitive data corresponding to a user may not be allowed to be transmitted to the server computer. Accordingly, one or more steps of the method operating on the sensitive data and / or a derivative thereof may be performed at the client device.

[0047] Overview:

[0048] The present disclosure describes a method for 3D printing with nano-particle ink. The ink contains nano-particles of metal or graphite. The metal nano-particle ink is used as the main printing material, and the graphite nano-particle ink is used as a support material. The nano-particle inks comprise a thin fluid that quickly evaporates leaving a paste that is capable of holding a three-dimensional shape. The paste has a consistency similar to wet sand. The 3D printer utilizes an inkjet head to deposit layers of the nanoparticle inks. In some embodiments, the 3D printer is placed in a vacuum chamber to prevent oxidation of the metal in the nano-particle ink and to enable faster travel of the inkjet head by preventing air disturbances from deflecting droplets of the nano-particle ink.

[0049] 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is a process of building a three- dimensional structure using a series of layers, or slices. With a typical 3D printer, a material is heated to a molten state and then extruded onto a plane. The layer cools to a solid state then the next layer is deposited on top of the previous layer. Due to this process, the sidewalls of the build develop layer lines. Due to the heating energy required to achieve a molten state, plastic is typically used as the printing material. Multi -material printing is the process of 3D printing with more than one material. In order to print with multiple materials, a 3D printer must be equipped with multiple hotends and nozzles, leading to increased complexity, or the printing material must be changed mid-print, requiring purging residual material from the nozzle and causing time delays to change materials. Traditional 3D printing may take several hours to finish fabricating a build.

[0050] Therefore, the disclosed method and apparatus are for 3D printing with metal, multi-material printing, 3D printing with multiple materials from a single print head, 3D printing that does not create layer lines, 3D printing metal that produces a smooth finish that does not require post processing, to provide a rapid, cost-effective 3D printing metal, 3D printing capable of completing a build in 45 minutes.

[0051] In Fig. 11, a method for 3D printing with nano-particle ink is shown. The 3D printer receives instructions from slicer software. In some embodiments, the 3D printer receives instructions from a controller computer, such as a single-board computer (SBC). In other embodiments, the instructions are stored on a memory card, such as a flash memory card, which is inserted into a card reader on the 3D printer. The instructions contain movement instructions and instructions on where to deposit nano-particle ink. The 3D printer utilizes an inkjet head to deposit a layer of nano-particle ink. The inkjet head moves along X and Y axes to deposit the layer of nano-particle ink. In Embodiment 1, the X axis is defined as left and right movement, and the Y axis is defined as front and back movement. The first layer is deposited onto the build plate, and subsequent layers are deposited on the previous layer. The 3D printer deposits metal nano-particle ink in areas that are part of the final product. The 3D printer deposits graphite nano-particle ink in areas needed to support subsequent layers. In some embodiments, the 3D printer deposits a perimeter of graphite nano-particle ink to surround each deposited layer, providing lateral support for the deposited metal nano-particle ink. In some embodiments, the 3D printer deposits a shell of plastic to surround the nano-particle build. The 3D printer deposits the next layer of nano-particle ink. The 3D printer lowers the build plate along a Z axis to position the build for the next layer. In Embodiment 1 , the Z axis is defined as up and down movement. In alternate embodiments, the inkjet head may move up and down. Steps 2 and 3 are repeated until the build is complete. The 3D printer lowers the build plate with the deposited layers into the crucible. The 3D printer fuses the build. The 3D printer activates the induction coil surrounding the crucible to heat the build. As the build is heated, the metal in the nano-particle ink fuses together, forming a solid build. The liquid portion of the graphite nano-particle ink evaporates, leaving a graphite powder. The evaporation process removes the support material without needing further processing by a user. In some embodiments, the 3D printer raises the build plate with the build out of the crucible after the build is fused. In some embodiments, the crucible is swung to compress the deposited nano-particle ink paste. In Embodiment 2, the 3D printer fuses the build after each layer is deposited. In Embodiment 3, the 3D printer continuously fuses the build as new layers are deposited. In Embodiment 4, the build is placed in a separate crucible to allow the 3D printer to start printing a new build.

[0052] Embodiment 1 of a method for creating the nano-particle ink, as shown in Fig. 12. The ink material is inserted into a solvent. The ink material comprises a metal for the metal nano-particle ink. The ink material comprises graphite for the graphite nanoparticle ink. In Embodiment 1, the metal material is gold, and the solvent is isopropyl alcohol. In alternate embodiments, other metals may be used as the metal ink material. In alternate embodiments, distilled water may be used as the solvent. Further, the ink material is pulverized with a laser. The nano-particles cool instantly after being separated by the laser. The color of the solution changes color, giving a rough indication of the density of nanoparticles.

[0053] Referring to Fig. 13, Embodiment 1 of an apparatus for 3D printing with nanoparticle ink is shown. The 3D printer comprises a frame, motors, controllers, a graphite print surface, a 3D printer bed, an inkjet system, and a crucible system. The frame provides structural support to the 3D printer. The motors move threaded rods and belts to move the components of the 3D printer. A 3D printer control unit controls the motors, the graphite print surface, and the 3D printer bed. The graphite print surface is mounted to three shafts which pass through the bottom of the crucible and connect to the 3D printer bed. The inkjet system comprises an inkjet control unit, an ink reservoir, and an inkjet printer head. The inkjet printer head deposits nano-particle ink. In Embodiment 1, the inkjet printer head is capable of depositing two types of ink. In alternate embodiments, the inkjet printer head is capable of depositing three or four different types of ink, providing the ability to create alloys with different types of metal nano-particle ink. The ink reservoir feeds ink into the inkjet printer head. In some embodiments, multiple ink reservoirs are used, each containing a different type of ink. The inkjet control unit controls the flow of nano-particle ink from the inkjet printer head. In some embodiments, the 3D printer includes a traditional 3D printing head comprising a hotend and a nozzle. The crucible system comprises a crucible, an induction coil, and an induction coil control unit. The crucible surrounds the build as the build is heated and fused. The crucible has three holes in the bottom to allow the graphite print surface shafts to pass through the bottom of the crucible. The induction coil surrounds the crucible. The induction coil heats the interior of the crucible to fuse the build. The crucible is constructed from a non- conductive material in order to not interfere with the induction coil heating the build inside the crucible. The induction coil control unit controls the heating of the induction coil.

[0054] Further, nanoparticles of the smallest size are necessary for the creation of inkjet compatible ink so as to not block the nozzles of current and next-gen inkjets. This may be accomplished by more than one UV laser. UV separates metal from the surface. Multiple exposures by one or more UV lasers breaks the nanoparticles into smaller particles. This applies to the metal(s) and to the graphite support material. Therefore, the lasers are to be arranged into an array of inexpensive lasers for maximum productivity and smallest nanoparticle size. They may target multiple surfaces of the source material simultaneously.

[0055] A single UV laser may be added to the 3d printer head to facilitate the smallest single unit to make inks and to 3d print the metal objects. The UV laser array will operate on metal in liquid. This prevents the risk of ignition; such as will happen with CNC of magnesium.

[0056] The inks are a balance of proper viscosity and nanoparticles to facilitate maximum buildup during the hybrid 3d printing+inkjet printing process. The inkjet head may be mounted on the 3d printer head and driven by the 3d printer itself in an adaptation of the PolyDye multicolor attachment.

[0057] The polydye product permits the current invention to put a plastic shell around the graphite shell around up to 2 different metals. This allows for the unfused 3d prints to be carried safely for heating elsewhere.

[0058] The nanoparticles take very little induction energy to fuse. This process should be significantly more energy efficient. The induction coil may be made according to the part being manufactured. This apparatus makes that very easy for even more energy savings.

[0059] If a part fails to meet requirements, this part may be recycled by the UV lasers and reprinted without throwing away the failed part as is done with almost all other metal manufacturing.

[0060] A crucible is an optional aspect. There is a possibility to 3d print a graphite mould and crucible on a surface with the metal(s).

[0061] A separate laser may prove that laser particles are present in the ink. This is possible by using Rayleigh scattering to detect nanoparticle size.

[0062] The crucible with 3 rods lowering a print bed inside the crucible is an optional. The graphite Teflon support material serves as support and crucible simultaneously. Further, the raw materials may be converted into plasma and the plasma may be spitted at the liquid to make the various nano-particle inks instead of the lasers. Further, the nanoparticle inks may be synthesized using thin film deposition.

[0063] Further, the present disclosure provides a variant of the nanoparticle-based additive manufacturing system in which the printable material comprises colored plastic nanoparticle inks. The nanoparticle inks may include colored pigments suspended within thermoplastic polymer carriers, such as cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), white (W), and optionally, a transparent or clear formulation. The colored inks may be formulated using sub-micron or nanoscale polymeric particles dispersed in a solvent medium, with a dispersant added to ensure homogeneity and stability during jetting.

[0064] Each ink formulation may be stored in a dedicated ink reservoir and supplied to a multi-channel inkjet print head, which is mounted on a movable gantry or printer head. The inkjet head may include multiple nozzles to enable full-color voxel- wise deposition across the printable surface. In addition to the ink nozzles, the printer head may also be equipped with two infrared (IR) laser sources. These laser sources may be arranged to operate in tandem: one directed at the incoming droplet during flight, and the other aimed at the target area on the build surface.

[0065] The IR laser directed at the droplet may serve to preheat or partially melt the nanoparticle-laden droplet while it is airborne. Simultaneously or sequentially, the second IR laser may irradiate the target area of the previously deposited material, softening or fusing the previously deposited material in anticipation of the incoming droplet. This dual-action heating approach promotes improved layer adhesion and results in a fused structure with reduced or nearly invisible layer lines, thereby enhancing both the mechanical strength and visual finish of the build. Following deposition and fusing, a controlled cooling mechanism — such as a high-speed fan or localized thermoelectric cooling module — may be used to solidify the printed structure rapidly and stabilize the printed structure’s geometry. The combination of laser-based fusion and rapid cooling allows precise thermal control and supports the deposition of fine color gradients and complex multi-material assemblies.

[0066] To support overhanging features or voids in the model, a support material is introduced in the form of a nanoparticle ink comprising Teflon (PTFE) or other low- adhesion fluoropolymer particles. The Teflon nanoparticle ink may be deposited alongside the color inks as needed and forms removable scaffolding that does not chemically bond with the fused plastic layers. Once printing is complete, the Teflon support structures may be mechanically detached or thermally softened and collected for reuse.

[0067] 1. Online Platform for 3D Model to Instruction Data Conversion

[0068] Further, the present disclosure provides an online platform or software tool configured to process three-dimensional (3D) model data and generate fabrication instructions for use with a nanoparticle-ink-based 3D printer. The platform may include a graphical user interface that allows users to upload digital 3D model files, which are then segmented into printable layers using a slicing engine. The platform may also analyze the geometry of the uploaded models to assign appropriate ink types — such as conductive metallic nanoparticle ink or supportive graphite nanoparticle ink — to specific regions of each layer.

[0069] A control logic module may translate the layer-specific material data into corresponding deposition commands and movement paths. These commands may include nozzle firing patterns, X-Y-Z movement vectors, heating profiles, and support shell generation. The resulting instruction data may be stored in a machine-readable format and transmitted to the 3D printer via a network interface or portable memory device. In some configurations, the slicing engine may be enhanced using artificial intelligence (Al) algorithms, which optimize toolpaths and layer compositions based on feedback from previous print cycles or sensor data.

[0070] 2. Products Made Using the 3D Printing Method

[0071] The present disclosure also encompasses structures fabricated using the aforementioned 3D printing process, wherein metal and support inks are selectively deposited to form a complete object. These structures may be composed of metallic regions formed by inkjet-deposited metal nanoparticle inks, which are later fused through induction heating. Support regions may be formed from graphite nanoparticle ink, which evaporates or powders upon heating, leaving no residue and requiring minimal postprocessing.

[0072] The printed object may exhibit a surface finish with little to no layer artifacts due to the nature of the paste-like ink deposition and controlled curing process. In some examples, the structure includes multiple types of metal compositions integrated within the same part, enabling the creation of hybrid or alloyed zones. Further, in certain use cases, a protective shell — such as a plastic or graphite enclosure — may surround the build during or after printing to allow for safe transport prior to fusion. The resulting components may be suitable for applications in electronics, aerospace, medical devices, or custom hardware.

[0073] 3. Method of Manufacturing Nanoparticle Ink

[0074] Further, the present disclosure provides a method for synthesizing nanoparticle inks suitable for use in inkjet-based additive manufacturing systems. The process begins by combining a bulk ink material, such as a metal or graphite source, with a solvent to form a suspension. The ink material is then subjected to laser-induced breakdown, wherein one or more ultraviolet (UV) lasers irradiate the mixture to pulverize the ink material into nanoscale particles. The solvent medium facilitates rapid cooling of the generated particles, helping to maintain a narrow particle size distribution. In certain configurations, the laser irradiation may be performed from multiple angles using a laser array to improve uniformity and minimize particle agglomeration. The resulting ink contains nanoparticles with one or more dimensions ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers, at concentrations of 10% to 77% by weight. Real-time particle size analysis may be performed using optical scattering techniques, allowing process parameters to be adjusted dynamically to ensure consistent output. The resulting ink is formulated to be compatible with inkjet nozzles and may be directly loaded into a 3D printer for deposition.

[0075] 4. Ink Composition

[0076] The nanoparticle ink described in this disclosure is formulated for use in high- resolution, additive manufacturing processes. The ink comprises nanoparticles suspended in a solvent, where the nanoparticles may include metals (such as gold) or graphite, depending on the intended function within the printed object. These nanoparticles exhibit at least one dimension between 1 nanometer and 100 nanometers, and the overall particle loading in the ink may range from approximately 10% to 77% by weight.

[0077] The solvent component may include isopropyl alcohol, distilled water, ethanol, ethylene glycol, toluene, or cyclohexane. In some embodiments, a dispersing agent — such as a polymer or surfactant — is added to maintain particle suspension and prevent aggregation during idle periods. The ink is optimized for inkjet printing by balancing viscosity, surface tension, and particle size to ensure reliable droplet formation and nozzle compatibility. These inks may be used to deposit either functional materials for the final product or temporary support structures that are later removed by thermal evaporation or mechanical displacement.

[0078] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a technique for producing ultra-fine metal and graphite nanoparticles via laser pulverization within a solvent medium, which may be isopropyl alcohol or distilled water. This overcomes the technical challenge of nozzle clogging in inkjet systems due to large particulate sizes. The laser- induced breakdown mechanism may facilitate immediate thermal quenching, thereby controlling particle size and shape. In some implementations, a UV laser array may be configured to act on the metallic source from multiple angles or sides, thereby enabling uniform fragmentation and size distribution. The specific technology being improved is nanoparticle synthesis for inkjet-compatible conductive inks.

[0079] In some embodiments, the apparatus integrates the inkjet deposition head directly onto a 3D printer gantry, permitting simultaneous or interleaved deposition of metal and support inks. This configuration improves upon conventional 3D printing systems where inkjet functionality is not natively embedded. The inkjet head may be actuated by the 3D printer's motion control system and may be dynamically supplied by multiple ink reservoirs to enable deposition of multi-metal structures or alloys in situ. This brings significant improvement to the field of hybrid additive manufacturing systems.

[0080] In some embodiments, the apparatus improves the energy efficiency of metal part consolidation by utilizing induction heating to fuse deposited nanoparticle inks. Traditional sintering or melting methods involve high thermal budgets and environmental control systems. By contrast, the nanoparticles produced herein may exhibit superparamagnetic properties and reduced fusion thresholds, which may allow for rapid energy absorption and bonding at lower induction power levels. The specific technology improved here is thermal post-processing in metal 3D printing.

[0081] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a strategy for decoupling printing and fusion stages through the use of a crucible mechanism. This permits parallelization where one part undergoes printing while another is undergoing fusion, thereby solving the problem of printer downtime during thermal consolidation. The crucible may optionally include a swinging mechanism to compact the paste-like deposited ink for enhanced density. This architecture improves build throughput and system efficiency in additive manufacturing workflows.

[0082] In some embodiments, a vacuum chamber may surround the build environment to eliminate oxidation risks and enhance ink droplet accuracy. The vacuum environment reduces air turbulence that may deflect or decelerate ink particles during flight, particularly at nanoscale dimensions. This provides a major improvement in the precision of material deposition, enhancing resolution and dimensional accuracy in metal 3D printing.

[0083] In some embodiments, the apparatus may deposit a perimeter shell composed of plastic or graphite ink around the metal core. This allows for structural integrity during transport, especially before fusion. The shell configuration permits shipping or delayed processing while minimizing the risk of deformation. This improves logistics and scalability in distributed manufacturing settings.

[0084] In some embodiments, failed parts may be reintroduced into the fabrication cycle via in-situ UV laser re-pulverization, thereby solving the waste and cost issues commonly associated with metal part rejection. The UV laser system may be repurposed from synthesis to recycling by targeting existing metal within defective parts and converting it back into usable nanoparticles. This enhances sustainability and material efficiency in additive manufacturing.

[0085] In some embodiments, the system apparatus may tailor the induction coil geometry according to the shape of the part to be manufactured, optimizing the magnetic flux coupling and thermal envelope around the build. This customization of the coil enhances fusion uniformity and energy efficiency and represents a significant improvement over fixed-coil systems.

[0086] In some embodiments, the apparatus may incorporate real-time in-line Rayleigh scattering analysis via an auxiliary laser system for measuring nanoparticle size during or after synthesis. This allows dynamic control of laser exposure or material feed rate based on scattering intensity, thereby solving the challenge of inconsistent particle size distribution. The technology improved here is real-time quality assurance in nanoparticle ink manufacturing.

[0087] In some embodiments, artificial intelligence algorithms, such as reinforcement learning or convolutional neural networks, may be integrated into the slicing software to optimize deposition paths, fusion energy profiles, and ink selection for each layer. This could address the challenge of manual parameter tuning and suboptimal material usage. The implementation may include real-time feedback loops using visual or thermal sensors. This brings innovation to adaptive process control in digital fabrication systems.

[0088] In some embodiments, the apparatus may be enhanced by including an electrostatic lensing system or droplet focusing grid to guide nanoparticle ink droplets to their target location with sub-micrometer accuracy. This solves the challenge of deposition drift in long-stroke inkjet systems and improves resolution in complex geometries. The targeted technology improvement is droplet control and trajectory stability in inkjet-based additive manufacturing.

[0089] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a closed-loop solvent recovery and recirculation system to reclaim isopropyl alcohol or distilled water used during nanoparticle synthesis. This improves environmental sustainability and reduces operating costs. For instance, distillation columns or membrane separation units may be integrated within the printer frame or operated as external support modules. The relevant technological field improved is solvent management in nanomaterial synthesis systems.

[0090] In some embodiments, the deposition system may include an active ink mixing reservoir that is dynamically stirred, ultra-sonicated, or temperature controlled to maintain homogeneity of the metal ink. This resolves the problem of particle sedimentation or agglomeration during idle phases. This feature significantly improves ink stability and print quality for prolonged or high-volume operations.

[0091] In certain embodiments, the use of metallic nanoparticle inks combined with localized thermal fusion results not only in a smooth external surface but also in a substantially enhanced internal structural integrity. Unlike conventional additive manufacturing processes that produce discrete, layered geometries with potential weak points along interlayer boundaries, this approach enables the deposited nanoparticles to fuse across layers at a microscopic level. As the heat induces diffusion between adjacent deposited layers, the distinction between layers is effectively eliminated, yielding a continuous, cohesive metal matrix. This fusion mechanism significantly strengthens the interior of the printed object, resulting in a monolithic structure with superior mechanical properties, including improved isotropy and resistance to delamination or fatigue. Fig. 1 illustrates an apparatus 100 for three-dimensional printing, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0092] Accordingly, the apparatus 100 may include a reservoir 102 which may be configured for containing a nanoparticle ink 104. Further, the nanoparticle ink 104 includes a nanoparticle. Further, the apparatus 100 may include a printer head 106 fluidly coupled with the reservoir 102. Further, the printer head 106 may be configured for receiving the nanoparticle ink 104 from the reservoir 102. Further, the printer head 106 may be configured for discharging the nanoparticle ink 104 through a nozzle 108 for depositing the nanoparticle ink 104 on a surface to obtain a structure. Further, the printer head 106 includes the nozzle 108. Further, the apparatus 100 may include a control unit 110 communicatively coupled with the printer head 106. Further, the control unit 110 may be configured for controlling the discharging of the nanoparticle ink 104 based on a deposition instruction to obtain the structure.

[0093] Fig. 2 illustrates the apparatus 100 for three-dimensional printing, including a print- head drive assembly 202, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0094] Further, in some embodiments, the apparatus 100 further may include a movement control unit 204 which may be configured for generating a printer head-control signal based on a movement instruction to obtain the structure. Further, in some embodiments, the apparatus 100 further may include a printer-head drive assembly 202 communicatively coupled with the movement control unit 204 and operatively coupled with the printer head 106. Further, the printer-head drive assembly 202 may be configured for imparting a translation motion to the printer head 106 based on the printer head-control signal for moving the printer head 106 in one or more of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. Further, the discharging of the nanoparticle ink 104 occurs during the moving of the printer head 106.

[0095] Further, in some embodiments, the reservoir 102 may be configured for containing a second ink. Further, the printer head 106 may be configured for receiving the second ink from the reservoir 102. Further, the printer head 106 may be configured for discharging the second ink through the nozzle 108 for depositing the second ink on the surface to obtain a supporting structure on the surface. Further, the supporting structure may be configured to provide a support to the structure. Further, the control unit 110 may be further configured for controlling the discharging of the second ink based on the deposition instruction to obtain the supporting structure.

[0096] In some embodiments, the depositing of the nanoparticle ink 104 includes depositing two or more layers of the nanoparticle ink 104 on the surface. Further, the supporting structure may be configured to support one or more of the two or more layers of the nanoparticle ink 104.

[0097] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle includes a metal nanoparticle 3302.

[0098] In some embodiments, the second ink includes a second-nanoparticle ink comprising a graphite-nanoparticle.

[0099] In some embodiments, the second ink includes Teflon.

[0100] In some embodiments, the supporting structure may act as a container. Further, the supporting structure may be configured to accommodate the structure. Further, the supporting structure may facilitate inducing of heat in the structure to solidify the nanoparticle ink. Further, the inducing of the heat comprises inducing the heat using a heating unit associated with the supporting structure.

[0101] In some embodiments, the supporting structure comprises a crucible.

[0102] Fig. 3 illustrates the apparatus 100 for three-dimensional printing, including a built- plate drive assembly 302, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0103] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further include a build plate 306 comprising the surface. Further, the printer head 106 may be disposed above the build plate 306. Further, the nozzle 108 of the printer head 106 may be directed towards the surface of the build plate 306. Further, the movement control unit 204 may be further configured for generating a build plate-control signal based on the movement instruction. Further, the apparatus 100 further includes a build-plate drive assembly 302 communicatively coupled with the movement control unit 204 and operatively coupled with the build plate 306. Further, the build-plate drive assembly 302 may be configured for imparting a translation motion to the build plate 306 based on the build plate-control signal for moving the build plate 306 in a third direction.

[0104] In some embodiments, the moving of the build plate 306 in the third direction occurs one or more of during the discharging of the nanoparticle ink 104 and after the discharging of the nanoparticle ink 104.

[0105] Fig. 4 illustrates the apparatus 100 for three-dimensional printing, including a heating unit 402, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0106] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further include a heating unit 402 mechanically coupled with the build-plate drive assembly 302. Further, the moving of the build plate 306 includes moving the build plate 306 in the third direction directed towards the heating unit 402. Further, the heating unit 402 may be configured for inducing heat in the nanoparticle ink 104 deposited on the build plate 306 to solidify the nanoparticle ink 104 to obtain the structure.

[0107] Further, in some embodiments, the heating unit 402 may include container 404 mechanically coupled with the build-plate drive assembly 302. Further, the container 404 may be configured for accommodating the build plate 306. Further, the heating unit 402 may include a heating element 406 mounted on a surface of the container 404. Further, the heating element 406 may be configured for the inducing of the heat in the nanoparticle ink 104 deposited on the surface of the build plate 306.

[0108] In some embodiments, the surface of the build plate 306 further includes a second ink comprising a mixture of a liquid and a graphite nanoparticle. Further, the heating element 406 may be further configured for the inducing of the heat in the second ink. Further, the heat evaporates the liquid to obtain the structure with the graphite nanoparticle.

[0109] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle ink 104 includes two or more metallic nanoparticles. Further, the heat fuses the two or more metallic nanoparticles to solidify the nanoparticle ink 104. In some embodiments, the depositing of the nanoparticle ink 104 includes depositing two or more layers of the nanoparticle ink 104. Further, the inducing of the heat in the nanoparticle ink 104 occurs one or more of during the depositing of the two or more layers and after the depositing of one or more of the two or more layers.

[0110] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further include a heating elementcontrol unit communicatively coupled with the heating element 406. Further, the heating element-control unit may be configured for controlling the heating element 406 to control the inducing of the heat.

[0111] Further, in some embodiments, the apparatus 100 further may include a chamber which may be configured for containing a mixture of a solvent and an ink material. Further, in some embodiments, the apparatus 100 further may include a laser source which may be configured for generating a laser beam directed towards the mixture contained in the chamber. Further, the laser beam may be configured to induce a pulverization of the ink material into the nanoparticle to obtain the nanoparticle ink 104.

[0112] In some embodiments, the laser source includes a UV-laser source 1002.

[0113] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further include a frame which may be configured for providing a structural support to one or more of the reservoir 102, the printer head 106, and the control unit 110. Further, one or more of the reservoir 102, the printer head 106, and the control unit 110 may be attached to the frame.

[0114] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further include a communication device communicatively coupled with the control unit 110 and the movement control unit 204. Further, the communication device may be configured for receiving an instruction data from one or more of a data source and an external device. Further, the instruction data indicates one or more of the deposition instruction and the movement instruction. Further, the deposition instruction and the movement instruction may be tailored based on the structure. In some embodiments, the depositing of the second ink includes depositing the second ink around one or more of the two or more layers to obtain the supportingstructure. Further, the support includes a lateral support.

[0115] In some embodiments, the second ink includes a plastic material.

[0116] In some embodiments, the heating element 406 includes an induction coil.

[0117] In some embodiments, the printer head 106 includes an ink-jet head.

[0118] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be configured to be disposed in a vacuum chamber to facilitate the three-dimensional printing. Further, the vacuum chamber includes an interior space characterized by a vacuum environment.

[0119] In some embodiments, the vacuum environment prevents an oxidation of the nanoparticle during the depositing of the nanoparticle ink 104.

[0120] In some embodiments, the vacuum environment prevents a deflection of the nanoparticle ink 104 due to a disturbance of an air during the depositing of the nanoparticle ink 104.

[0121] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further include a storage device communicatively coupled with the control unit 110 and the movement control unit 204. Further, the storage device may be configured for storing an instruction data representing one or more of the deposition instruction and the movement instruction. Further, the control unit 110 and the movement control unit 204 may be configured for retrieving the instruction data from the storage device.

[0122] In some embodiments, the depositing of the second ink around one or more of the two or more layers includes depositing the second ink on a perimeter of one or more of the two or more layers.

[0123] In some embodiments, the moving of the build plate 306 in the third direction to position the nanoparticle ink 104 deposited on the build plate 306 for a sequential depositing of the nanoparticle ink 104 on the nanoparticle ink 104 deposited on the build plate 306. In some embodiments, the container 404 includes a crucible.

[0124] In some embodiments, the build-plate drive assembly 302 may be further configured for imparting the translation motion to the build plate 306 based on the build plate-control signal for moving the build plate 306 out of the container 404.

[0125] In some embodiments, the build-plate drive assembly 302 may be communicatively coupled with the heating element-control unit. Further, the moving of the build plate 306 out of the container 404 may be further based on the controlling of the heating element 406.

[0126] In some embodiments, the container 404 may be further configured to exhibit a mechanical motion to includes the nanoparticle ink 104 deposited on the surface of the build plate 306.

[0127] In some embodiments, the ink material includes one or more of a gold and a graphite.

[0128] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle ink 104 includes one or more of a gold- nanoparticle ink and a graphite nanoparticle ink. Further, the nanoparticle includes one or more of a gold nanoparticle and a graphite nanoparticle.

[0129] In some embodiments, the printer-head drive assembly 202 includes one or more of a motor, a belt, and a threaded rod.

[0130] In some embodiments, the build-plate drive assembly 302 includes one or more of a motor, a belt, and a threaded rod.

[0131] In some embodiments, the build-plate drive assembly 302 includes two or more shafts 304 extending between a first end and second end. Further, the first end of the two or more shafts 304 may be attached the build plate 306 and the second end of the two or more shafts 304 may be attached to the container 404.

[0132] In some embodiments, the two or more shafts 304 passes through two or more holes of the container 404. Further, a bottom of the container 404 includes the two or more holes. In some embodiments, the laser source includes two or more laser sources.

[0133] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further include a recycling unit comprising an additional laser source which may be configured for generating an addition laser beam to induce a transformation of the structure into the nanoparticle ink 104.

[0134] In some embodiments, the additional laser source includes an additional-UV laser.

[0135] In some embodiments, the reservoir 102 includes two or more reservoirs.

[0136] In some embodiments, the solvent includes one or more of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water.

[0137] Fig. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method 500 for three-dimensional printing, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0138] Accordingly, the method 500 may include a step 502 of containing, using a reservoir 102, a nanoparticle ink 104. Further, the nanoparticle ink 104 includes a nanoparticle. Further, the method 500 may include a step 504 of receiving, using a printer head 106, the nanoparticle ink 104 from the reservoir 102. Further, the method 500 may include a step 506 of discharging, using the printer head 106, the nanoparticle ink 104 through a nozzle 108 for depositing the nanoparticle ink 104 on a surface to obtain a structure. Further, the printer head 106 includes the nozzle 108. Further, the method 500 may include a step 508 of controlling, using a control unit 110, the discharging of the nanoparticle ink 104 based on a deposition instruction to obtain the structure.

[0139] Fig. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method 600 for three-dimensional printing including imparting, using a printer-head drive assembly 202, a translation motion to the printer head, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0140] Further, in some embodiments, the method 600 further may include a step 602 of generating, using a movement control unit 204, a printer head-control signal based on a movement instruction to obtain the structure. Further, in some embodiments, the method 600 may include a step 604 of imparting, using a printer-head drive assembly 202, a translation motion to the printer head 106 based on the printer head-control signal for moving the printer head 106 in one or more of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. Further, the discharging of the nanoparticle ink 104 occurs during the moving of the printer head 106.

[0141] Fig. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method 700 for three-dimensional printing including controlling, using the control unit 110, the discharging of the second ink, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0142] Further, in some embodiments, the method 700 further may include a step 702 of containing, using the reservoir 102, a second ink. Further, in some embodiments, the method 700 further may include a step 704 of receiving, using the printer head 106, the second ink from the reservoir 102. Further, in some embodiments, the method 700 further may include a step 706 of discharging, using the printer head 106, the second ink through the nozzle 108 for depositing the second ink on the surface to obtain a supporting structure on the surface. Further, the supporting structure may be configured to provide a support to the structure. Further, in some embodiments, the method 700 further may include a step 708 of controlling, using the control unit 110, the discharging of the second ink based on the deposition instruction to obtain the supporting-structure.

[0143] In some embodiments, the depositing of the nanoparticle ink 104 includes depositing two or more layers of the nanoparticle ink 104 on the surface. Further, the supporting structure may be configured to support one or more of the two or more layers of the nanoparticle ink 104.

[0144] In some embodiments, the depositing of the second ink includes depositing the second ink around one or more of the two or more layers to obtain the supportingstructure. Further, the support includes a lateral support.

[0145] In some embodiments, the second ink includes a second-nanoparticle ink comprising a graphite-nanoparticle.

[0146] In some embodiments, the second ink includes a plastic material. Fig. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method 800 for three-dimensional printing including imparting, using a build-plate drive assembly 302, a translation motion to a build plate 306, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0147] Further, in some embodiments, the method 800 further may include a step 802 of generating, using the movement control unit 204, a build plate-control signal based on the movement instruction. Further, in some embodiments, the method 800 may include a step 804 of imparting, using a build-plate drive assembly, a translation motion to a build plate 306 based on the build plate-control signal for moving the build plate 306 in a third direction. Further, the build plate 306 includes the surface. Further, the printer head 106 may be disposed above the build plate 306. Further, the nozzle 108 of the printer head 106 may be directed towards the surface of the build plate 306.

[0148] In some embodiments, the method 700 may further include inducing, using a heating unit 402, heat in the nanoparticle ink 104 deposited on the build plate 306 to solidify the nanoparticle ink 104 to obtain the structure. Further, the moving of the build plate 306 includes moving the build plate 306 in the third direction directed towards the heating unit 402.

[0149] In some embodiments, the method 600 may further include receiving, using a communication device, an instruction data from one or more of a data source and an external device. Further, the instruction data indicates one or more of the deposition instruction and the movement instruction. Further, the deposition instruction and the movement instruction may be tailored based on the structure.

[0150] Fig. 9 illustrates a flowchart of a method 900 for three-dimensional printing including retrieving, using the control unit 110 and the movement control unit 204, the instruction data from the storage device, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0151] Further, in some embodiments, the method 900 may include a step 902 of storing, using a storage device, an instruction data representing one or more of the deposition instruction and the movement instruction. Further, in some embodiments, the method 900 further may include a step 904 of retrieving, using the control unit 110 and the movement control unit 204, the instruction data from the storage device. In some embodiments, the method 700 may further include controlling, using a heating element-control unit, the heating unit 402 to control the inducing of the heat.

[0152] Fig. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a method 1000 for three-dimensional printing including generating, using a laser source, a laser beam directed towards the mixture contained in the chamber, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0153] Further, in some embodiments, the method 1000 further may include a step 1002 of containing a mixture of a solvent and an ink material in a chamber. Further, in some embodiments, the method 1000 further may include a step 1004 of generating, using a laser source, a laser beam directed towards the mixture contained in the chamber. Further, the laser beam may be configured to induce a pulverization of the ink material into the nanoparticle to obtain the nanoparticle ink 104.

[0154] In some embodiments, the laser source includes two or more laser sources.

[0155] In some embodiments, the laser source includes a UV-laser source 1002. In some embodiments, the ink material may be ionized into plasma. Further, the plasma may be directed to the solvent to obtain the nanoparticle ink 104.

[0156] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle ink 104 may be obtained by depositing the ink material using a thin film deposition technique.

[0157] Accordingly, the nanoparticle ink 104 may include a nanoparticle. Further, at least one dimension of the nanoparticle ranges between 1 to 100 nm. Further, a concentration of the nanoparticle in the nanoparticle ink 104 varies from ten to seventy-seven weight percentage. Further, the nanoparticle ink 104 may include a solvent. Further, the nanoparticle ink 104 may be configured to form a structure through a three-dimensional printing of the nanoparticle ink 104. In some embodiments, the nanoparticle includes a metal nanoparticle.

[0158] In some embodiments, the metal nanoparticle includes a gold nanoparticle.

[0159] In some embodiments, the solvent includes isopropyl alcohol.

[0160] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle includes a graphite-nanoparticle. In some embodiments, the solvent includes distilled water.

[0161] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle ink 104 may be synthesized using a laser pulverization technique.

[0162] In some embodiments, the solvent includes one or more of ethanol, ethylene glycol, toluene, and cyclohexane.

[0163] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle ink 104 may further include a dispersant which may be configured to prevent the one or more nanoparticles from aggregation to evenly distribute the one or more nanoparticles in the nanoparticle ink 104.

[0164] In some embodiments, the dispersant may include a polymer.

[0165] In some embodiments, the dispersant may include a surfactant.

[0166] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle ink 104 may be manufactured using a nanoparticle-based additive manufacturing system. Further, a variant of the nanoparticlebased additive manufacturing system may include a printable material comprising colored plastic nanoparticle inks. Further, the colored plastic nanoparticle inks may include colored pigments suspended within thermoplastic polymer carriers, such as cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), white (W), and optionally, a transparent or clear formulation. Further, the colored plastic nanoparticle inks may be formulated using submicron or nanoscale polymeric particles dispersed in a solvent medium, with a dispersant added to ensure homogeneity and stability during jetting.

[0167] In some embodiments, each ink formulation may be stored in a dedicated ink reservoir and supplied to a multi-channel inkjet print head, which is mounted on a movable gantry or printer head. Further, the multi-channel inkjet print head may include multiple nozzles to enable full-color voxel-wise deposition across a printable surface.

[0168] In some embodiments, the printer head may also be equipped with two infrared (IR) laser sources. Further, the two infrared laser sources may be arranged to operate in tandem: one directed at an incoming droplet during flight, and other aimed at a target area on a build surface. In some embodiments, the IR laser directed at the incoming droplet may serve to one or more of preheat and partially melt a nanoparticle-laden droplet. Further, sequentially, the IR laser aimed at the targeted area may irradiate the target area of a previously deposited material, softening and fusing the previously deposited material in anticipation of an incoming droplet. Further, dual-action heating approach promotes improved layer adhesion and results in a fused structure with one or more of a reduced and a nearly invisible layer lines, thereby enhancing both mechanical strength and visual finish of a build.

[0169] In some embodiments, a controlled cooling mechanism may be used to solidify a printed structure rapidly and stabilize the printer structure’s geometry. Further, the controlled cooling mechanism may include one of a high-speed fan and a localized thermoelectric cooling module. Further, the combination of laser-based fusion and rapid cooling allows precise thermal control and supports the deposition of fine color gradients and complex multi-material assemblies.

[0170] In some embodiments, a support material may be introduced in the form of the nanoparticle ink 104 comprising one of Teflon (PTFE) and other low-adhesion fluoropolymer particles. Further, the Teflon nanoparticle ink may be deposited alongside the colored plastic nanoparticle inks as needed, and forms a removable scaffolding. Further, the Teflon support structures may be mechanically detached or thermally softened and collected for reuse.

[0171] In some embodiments, the inkjet head may include an optical alignment system, such as high-resolution cameras or laser beam steering optics, to accurately direct the IR laser beams. Further, the components may be calibrated to compensate for droplet trajectory variability, motion blur, and surface reflection, ensuring precise spatial convergence of the heated droplet and fused substrate region.

[0172] Fig. 11 illustrates a flowchart of a method 1100 for three-dimensional printing, in accordance with some embodiments. Further, in some embodiments, the method 1100 may include a step 1102 of starting the three-dimensional printing. Further, the method 1100 may include a step 1104 of receiving instructions from a slicer software. Further, the method 1100 may include a step 1106 of utilizing an inkjet head to deposit a layer of the nanoparticle ink. Further, the method 1100 may include a step 1108 of depositing a next layer of the nanoparticle ink. Further, the method 1100 may include a step 1110 of lowering a build plate with deposited layers into a crucible. Further, the method 1100 may include a step 1112 of fusing a build. Further, the method 1100 may include a step 1114 of ending the three-dimensional printing.

[0173] Fig. 12 illustrates a flowchart of a method 1200 for synthesizing a nanoparticle ink, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0174] Further, in some embodiments, the method 1200 may include a step 1202 of starting synthesis of the nanoparticle ink. Further, in some embodiments, the method 1200 may include a step 1202 of inserting an ink material into a solvent. Further, the method 1200 may include a step 1206 of pulverizing the ink material with a laser. Further, in some embodiments, the method 1200 may include a step 1208 of ending the synthesis of the nanoparticle ink.

[0175] Fig. 13 is a block diagram of an apparatus 1300 for three-dimensional printing, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0176] Further, in some embodiments, the apparatus 1300 comprises a frame 1302, motors 1304, a graphite print surface 1314, and a 3D printer bed 1322. Further, the frame 1302 provides a structural support to the apparatus 1300. Further, the motors 1304 move threaded rods and belts to move components of the apparatus 1300. Further, a 3D printer control unit 1306 controls the motors 1304, the graphite print surface 1314, and the 3D printer bed 1322. Further, the graphite print surface may be mounted to three shafts that pass through a bottom of a crucible 1316 and connect to the 3D printer bed 1322. Further, an inkjet printer head 1310 deposits nanoparticle ink. Further, an ink reservoir 1308 feeds ink into the inkjet printer head 1310. Further, an inkjet control unit 1312 controls a flow of nanoparticle ink from the inkjet printer head 1310. Further, the apparatus 1300 includes a crucible 1316, an induction coil 1318, and an induction coil control unit 1320. Further, the crucible 1316 surrounds the build as the build is heated and fused. Further the crucible 1316 has three holes in the bottom to allow the shafts to pass through the bottom of the crucible 1316. Further, the induction coil 1318 surrounds the crucible 1316. Further, the induction coil 1318 heats the interior of the crucible 1316 to fuse the build. Further, the induction coil control unit 1320 controls heating of the induction coil 1318.

[0177] Fig. 14 illustrates an apparatus 1400 for three-dimensional printing, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0178] Accordingly, the apparatus 1400 may include a reservoir 1402 which may be configured for containing a nanoparticle ink 1404. Further, the nanoparticle ink 1404 includes a nanoparticle. Further, the apparatus 1400 may include a printer head 1406 fluidly coupled with the reservoir 1402. Further, the printer head 1406 may be configured for receiving the nanoparticle ink 1404 from the reservoir 1402. Further, the printer head 1406 may be configured for discharging the nanoparticle ink 1404 through a nozzle 1408 for depositing the nanoparticle ink 1404 on a surface. Further, the printer head 1406 includes the nozzle 1408. Further, the apparatus 1400 may include a build plate 1410 comprising the surface. Further, the printer head 1406 may be disposed above the build plate 1410. Further, the nozzle 1408 of the printer head 1406 may be directed towards the surface of the build plate 1410. Further, the apparatus 100 may include a heating unit 1412 which may be configured for inducing heat in the nanoparticle ink 1404 deposited on the surface of the build plate 1410 to solidify the nanoparticle ink 1404 deposited on the surface to obtain a structure. Further, the apparatus 1400 may include a drive assembly 1412 mechanically coupled with the build plate 1410. Further, the drive assembly 1412 may be configured for imparting a translation motion to the build plate 1410 for moving the build plate 1410 into the heating unit 1412.

[0179] Fig. 15 illustrates an apparatus 1500 for three-dimensional printing, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0180] Accordingly, the apparatus 1500 may include a reservoir 1502. Further, the reservoir 1502 may be configured for containing a first nanoparticle ink 1504. Further, the first nanoparticle ink 1504 includes a first nanoparticle. Further, the reservoir 1502 may be configured for containing a second nanoparticle ink 1512. Further, the second nanoparticle ink 1512 includes a second nanoparticle. Further, the apparatus 1500 may include a printer head 1506 fluidly coupled with the reservoir 1502. Further, the printer head 1506 may be configured to receive one or more of the first nanoparticle ink 1504 and the second nanoparticle ink 1512 from the reservoir 1502. Further, the printer head 1506 may be configured for discharging one or more of the first nanoparticle ink 1504 and the second nanoparticle ink 1512 through one or more nozzles 1508 for depositing one or more of the first nanoparticle ink 1504 and the second nanoparticle ink 1512 on a surface to obtain a structure. Further, the printer head 1506 includes the one or more nozzles 1508. Further, the apparatus 1500 may include a control unit 1510 communicatively coupled with the printer head 1506. Further, the control unit 1510 may be configured for controlling the discharging of one or more of the first nanoparticle ink 1504 and the second nanoparticle ink 1512 based on a deposition instruction to obtain the structure.

[0181] FIG. 16 is an illustration of an online platform 1600 consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure. By way of non-limiting example, the online platform 1600 may be hosted on a centralized server 1602, such as, for example, a cloud computing service. The centralized server 1602 may communicate with other network entities, such as, for example, a mobile device 1606 (such as a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet computer etc.), other electronic devices 1610 (such as desktop computers, server computers etc.), databases 1614, and sensors 1616 over a communication network 1604, such as, but not limited to, the Internet. Further, users of the online platform 100 may include relevant parties such as, but not limited to, end-users, administrators, service providers, service consumers and so on. Accordingly, in some instances, electronic devices operated by the one or more relevant parties may be in communication with the platform.

[0182] A user 1612, such as the one or more relevant parties, may access online platform 1600 through a web based software application or browser. The web based software application may be embodied as, for example, but not be limited to, a website, a web application, a desktop application, and a mobile application compatible with a computing device 200. With reference to FIG. 17, a system consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure may include a computing device or cloud service, such as computing device 1700. In a basic configuration, computing device 1700 may include at least one processing unit 1702 and a system memory 1704. Depending on the configuration and type of computing device, system memory 1704 may comprise, but is not limited to, volatile (e.g. randomaccess memory (RAM)), non-volatile (e.g. read-only memory (ROM)), flash memory, or any combination. System memory 1704 may include operating system 1705, one or more programming modules 1706, and may include a program data 1707. Operating system 1705, for example, may be suitable for controlling computing device 1700’s operation. In one embodiment, programming modules 1706 may include image-processing module, machine learning module. Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with a graphics library, other operating systems, or any other application program and is not limited to any particular application or system. This basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 17 by those components within a dashed line 1708.

[0183] Computing device 1700 may have additional features or functionality. For example, computing device 1700 may also include additional data storage devices (removable and / or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 17 by a removable storage 1709 and a nonremovable storage 1710. Computer storage media may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. System memory 1704, removable storage 1709, and nonremovable storage 1710 are all computer storage media examples (i.e., memory storage.) Computer storage media may include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD- ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store information and which can be accessed by computing device 1700. Any such computer storage media may be part of device 1700. Computing device 1700 may also have input device(s) 1712 such as a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, a sound input device, a touch input device, a location sensor, a camera, a biometric sensor, etc. Output device(s) 1714 such as a display, speakers, a printer, etc. may also be included. The aforementioned devices are examples and others may be used.

[0184] Computing device 1700 may also contain a communication connection 1716 that may allow device 1700 to communicate with other computing devices 1718, such as over a network in a distributed computing environment, for example, an intranet or the Internet. Communication connection 1716 is one example of communication media. Communication media may typically be embodied by computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” may describe a signal that has one or more characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media may include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media. The term computer readable media as used herein may include both storage media and communication media.

[0185] As stated above, a number of program modules and data files may be stored in system memory 1704, including operating system 1705. While executing on processing unit 1702, programming modules 1706 (e.g., application 1720 such as a media player) may perform processes including, for example, one or more stages of methods, algorithms, systems, applications, servers, databases as described above. The aforementioned process is an example, and processing unit 1702 may perform other processes. Other programming modules that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may include machine learning applications.

[0186] Generally, consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, program modules may include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that may perform particular tasks or that may implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, general purpose graphics processor-based systems, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, application specific integrated circuit-based electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Embodiments of the disclosure may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0187] Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in an electrical circuit comprising discrete electronic elements, packaged or integrated electronic chips containing logic gates, a circuit utilizing a microprocessor, or on a single chip containing electronic elements or microprocessors. Embodiments of the disclosure may also be practiced using other technologies capable of performing logical operations such as, for example, AND, OR, and NOT, including but not limited to mechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantum technologies. In addition, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced within a general-purpose computer or in any other circuits or systems.

[0188] Embodiments of the disclosure, for example, may be implemented as a computer process (method), a computing system, or as an article of manufacture, such as a computer program product or computer readable media. The computer program product may be a computer storage media readable by a computer system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. The computer program product may also be a propagated signal on a carrier readable by a computing system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. Accordingly, the present disclosure may be embodied in hardware and / or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.). In other words, embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium having computer-usable or computer-readable program code embodied in the medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system. A computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific computer-readable medium examples (a non-exhaustive list), the computer-readable medium may include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0189] Embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, are described above with reference to block diagrams and / or operational illustrations of methods, systems, and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. The functions / acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality / acts involved.

[0190] While certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described, other embodiments may exist. Furthermore, although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described as being associated with data stored in memory and other storage mediums, data can also be stored on or read from other types of computer-readable media, such as secondary storage devices, like hard disks, solid state storage (e.g., USB drive), or a CD- ROM, a carrier wave from the Internet, or other forms of RAM or ROM. Further, the disclosed methods’ stages may be modified in any manner, including by reordering stages and / or inserting or deleting stages, without departing from the disclosure.

[0191] In some embodiments, the online platform is configured to process a three- dimensional (3D) model data and generate fabrication instructions for use with a nanoparticle-ink-based 3D printer. Further, the online platform may include a graphical user interface that allows users to upload digital 3D model files, which are then segmented into printable layers using a slicing engine. Further, the platform may also analyze the geometry of the uploaded models to assign appropriate ink types, such as conductive metallic nanoparticle ink and supportive graphite nanoparticle ink, to specific regions of each layer.

[0192] In some embodiments, a control logic module may translate a layer-specific material data into corresponding deposition commands and movement paths. Further, the instruction may include nozzle firing patterns, X-Y-Z movement vectors, heating profiles, and support shell generation. Further, the resulting instruction data may be stored in a machine-readable format and transmitted to the apparatus 100 via a network interface or a portable memory device. In some configurations, a slicing engine may be enhanced using artificial intelligence (Al) algorithms, which optimize toolpaths and layer compositions based on feedback from previous print cycles or sensor data.

[0193] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for three-dimensional printing, the apparatus comprising: a reservoir configured for containing a nanoparticle ink, wherein the nanoparticle ink comprises a nanoparticle; a printer head fluidly coupled with the reservoir, wherein the printer head is configured for: receiving the nanoparticle ink from the reservoir; discharging the nanoparticle ink through a nozzle for depositing the nanoparticle ink on a surface to obtain a structure, wherein the printer head comprises the nozzle; and a control unit communicatively coupled with the printer head, wherein the control unit is configured for controlling the discharging of the nanoparticle ink based on a deposition instruction to obtain the structure.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a movement control unit configured for generating a printer head-control signal based on a movement instruction to obtain the structure; and a printer-head drive assembly communicatively coupled with the movement control unit and operatively coupled with the printer head, wherein the printer-head drive assembly is configured for imparting a translation motion to the printer head based on the printer head-control signal for moving the printer head in at least one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, wherein the discharging of the nanoparticle ink occurs during the moving of the printer head.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is further configured for containing a second ink, wherein the printer head is further configured for: receiving the second ink from the reservoir;discharging the second ink through the nozzle for depositing the second ink on the surface to obtain a supporting structure on the surface, wherein the supporting structure is configured to provide a support to the structure, wherein the control unit is further configured for controlling the discharging of the second ink based on the deposition instruction to obtain the supporting-structure.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the depositing of the nanoparticle ink comprises depositing a plurality of layers of the nanoparticle ink on the surface, wherein the supporting structure is configured to support at least one of the plurality of layers of the nanoparticle ink.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the nanoparticle comprises a metal nanoparticle.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second ink comprises a second-nanoparticle ink comprising a graphite-nanoparticle.

7. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a build plate comprising the surface, wherein the printer head is disposed above the build plate, wherein the nozzle of the printer head is directed towards the surface of the build plate, wherein the movement control unit is further configured for generating a build plate-control signal based on the movement instruction, wherein the apparatus further comprises a build-plate drive assembly communicatively coupled with the movement control unit and operatively coupled with the build plate, wherein the build-plate drive assembly is configured for imparting a translation motion to the build plate based on the build plate-control signal for moving the build plate in a third direction.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the moving of the build plate in the third direction occurs at least one of during the discharging of the nanoparticle ink and after the discharging of the nanoparticle ink.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a heating unit mechanically coupled with the build-plate drive assembly, wherein the moving of the build plate comprises moving the build plate in the third direction directed towards the heating unit, wherein the heatingunit is configured for inducing heat in the nanoparticle ink deposited on the build plate to solidify the nanoparticle ink to obtain the structure.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the heating unit comprises: container mechanically coupled with the build-plate drive assembly, wherein the container is configured for accommodating the build plate; and a heating element mounted on a surface of the container, wherein the heating element is configured for the inducing of the heat in the nanoparticle ink deposited on the surface of the build plate.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the surface of the build plate further comprises a second ink comprising a mixture of a liquid and a graphite nanoparticle, wherein the heating element is further configured for the inducing of the heat in the second ink, wherein the heat evaporates the liquid to obtain the structure with the graphite nanoparticle.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the nanoparticle ink comprises a plurality of metallic nanoparticles, wherein the heat fuses the plurality of metallic nanoparticles to solidify the nanoparticle ink.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the depositing of the nanoparticle ink comprises depositing a plurality of layers of the nanoparticle ink, wherein the inducing of the heat in the nanoparticle ink occurs at least one of during the depositing of the plurality of layers and after the depositing of at least one of the plurality of layers.

14. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a heating element-control unit communicatively coupled with the heating element, wherein the heating element-control unit is configured for controlling the heating element to control the inducing of the heat.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a chamber configured for containing a mixture of a solvent and an ink material; anda laser source configured for generating a laser beam directed towards the mixture contained in the chamber, wherein the laser beam is configured to induce a pulverization of the ink material into the nanoparticle to obtain the nanoparticle ink.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the laser source comprises a UV-laser source.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a frame configured for providing a structural support to at least one of the reservoir, the printer head, and the control unit, wherein at least one of the reservoir, the printer head, and the control unit is attached to the frame.

18. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a communication device communicatively coupled with the control unit and the movement control unit, wherein the communication device is configured for receiving an instruction data from at least one of a data source and an external device, wherein the instruction data indicates at least one of the deposition instruction and the movement instruction, wherein the deposition instruction and the movement instruction are tailored based on the structure.

19. The apparatus for three-dimensional printing, the apparatus comprising: a reservoir configured for containing a nanoparticle ink, wherein the nanoparticle ink comprises a nanoparticle; a printer head fluidly coupled with the reservoir, wherein the printer head is configured for: receiving the nanoparticle ink from the reservoir; discharging the nanoparticle ink through a nozzle for depositing the nanoparticle ink on a surface, wherein the printer head comprises the nozzle; a build plate comprising the surface, wherein the printer head is disposed above the build plate, wherein the nozzle of the printer head is directed towards the surface of the build plate;a heating unit configured for inducing heat in the nanoparticle ink deposited on the surface of the build plate to solidify the nanoparticle ink deposited on the surface to obtain a structure; and a drive assembly mechanically coupled with the build plate, wherein the drive assembly is configured for imparting a translation motion to the build plate for moving the build plate into the heating unit.

20. The apparatus for three-dimensional printing, the apparatus comprising: a reservoir is configured for: containing a first nanoparticle ink, wherein the first nanoparticle ink comprises a first nanoparticle; containing a second nanoparticle ink, wherein the second nanoparticle ink comprises a second nanoparticle; a printer head fluidly coupled with the reservoir, wherein the printer head is configured for: receiving at least one of the first nanoparticle ink and the second nanoparticle ink from the reservoir; discharging at least one of the first nanoparticle ink and the second nanoparticle ink through at least one nozzle for depositing at least one of the first nanoparticle ink and the second nanoparticle ink on a surface to obtain a structure, wherein the printer head comprises the at least one nozzle; a control unit communicatively coupled with the printer head, wherein the control unit is configured for controlling the discharging of at least one of the first nanoparticle ink and the second nanoparticle ink based on a deposition instruction to obtain the structure.

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