Thermally decomposing build plate for facile release of 3d printed objects

A method, comprising:

• obtaining a build plate assembly useable in a 3D printing device, the build plate assembly comprising:
• a top surface, a bottom surface, and sidewalls;
• a recessed section formed through the top surface, the recessed section including a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, and a lower surface between the top and bottom surfaces, the lower surface extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall;
• and
• a solid form of a metal or metal alloy filling the recessed section such that it is in touching relation with the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the lower surface, the solid form of the metal or metal alloy including a build surface;
• and
• printing, using the 3D printing device, a 3D printed metal object onto the build surface of the solid form of the metal or metal alloy, wherein the metal or metal alloy has a solidus temperature that is lower than a solidus temperature of the 3D printed metal object and lower than a solidus temperature of a material forming the top surface, the bottom surface, and the sidewalls of the build plate.

An additive manufacturing system, comprising:

• a build plate useable in a 3D printing device, the build plate comprising:
• a top surface, a bottom surface, and sidewalls;
• and
• a recessed section extending through the top surface and including a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, and a lower surface between the top and bottom surfaces, the lower surface extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall;
• and
• a solid form of a metal or metal alloy filling the recessed section such that it is in touching relation with the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the lower surface, the solid form of the metal or metal alloy including a build surface for forming a 3D printed metal object in the 3D printing device, wherein the metal or metal alloy has a solidus temperature that is lower than a solidus temperature of the 3D printed metal object and lower than a solidus temperature of a material forming the top surface, the bottom surface, and the sidewalls of the build plate.