Methods for manufacturing spatial objects

A method for producing spatial objects, which comprises:

• (a) printing a spatial object using a three-dimensional (3D) printer and a printing material that consists essentially of polyetheretherketones or polyetherketoneketones, wherein the spatial object is printed in an amorphous phase;
• (b) printing one or more structural supports in the amorphous phase along with the spatial object, wherein the structural supports are configured to (i) physically support the spatial object during printing and (ii) be removed from the spatial object after the spatial object has been completely printed;
• (c) placing the spatial object in a container and submerging the spatial object in a charging material, wherein the charging material (i) consists essentially of silicon dioxide or aluminum dioxide;
• and (ii) exhibits a granular form, with individual granules having a diameter or widest cross-section between 0.05 mm and 3 mm;
• (d) applying vibrations to the container that includes the spatial object and charging material, while the spatial object is immobilized within the charging material;
• (e) heating the container that includes the spatial object and charging material until the spatial object transitions into a semi-crystalline phase and until crystalline content of the spatial object is saturated in polyaryletherketones;
• and
• (f) following the heating cycle in (e) above, removing the spatial object from the container and charging material.