Abstract: A method for quality control monitoring of additive manufacturing processes comprising forming at least one channel in an additive manufacturing build platform, wherein the channel is formed in the upper surface of the build platform to a predetermined depth, and wherein the channel is formed in a predetermined pattern across the upper surface of the build platform; placing a sensor in the channel formed in the upper surface of the build platform, wherein the sensor gathers information relevant to an additive manufacturing process occurring on or in close proximity to the build platform; enclosing the sensor within the channel formed in the upper surface of the build platform with an additive manufacturing substrate, wherein components or parts are built directly on the substrate using an additive manufacturing process, and using the sensor to gather information about the components or parts and the additive manufacturing process itself.

Abstract: A method for quality control monitoring of additive manufacturing processes comprising forming at least one channel in an additive manufacturing build platform, wherein the channel is formed in the upper surface of the build platform to a predetermined depth, and wherein the channel is formed in a predetermined pattern across the upper surface of the build platform; placing a sensor in the channel formed in the upper surface of the build platform, wherein the sensor gathers information relevant to an additive manufacturing process occurring on or in close proximity to the build platform; enclosing the sensor within the channel formed in the upper surface of the build platform with an additive manufacturing substrate, wherein components or parts are built directly on the substrate using an additive manufacturing process, and using the sensor to gather information about the components or parts and the additive manufacturing process itself.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding assembly comprising a sonotrode having a first body portion, a first nodal region, a welding region, a second nodal region, and a second body portion; a transducer rotationally connected to the second body portion for transmitting acoustic vibrations to the welding region; a roller device connected to the transducer and sonotrode for permitting axial rotation of the transducer and sonotrode; a support device flexibly connected to the roller device for maintaining axial alignment of the transducer and sonotrode relative to a target welding area; a mount for supporting the sonotrode; and four frictionless bearings positioned around the nodal regions of the sonotrode, wherein the frictionless bearings are attached to the mount.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding assembly comprising a sonotrode having a first body portion, a first nodal region, a welding region, a second nodal region, and a second body portion; a transducer rotationally connected to the second body portion for transmitting acoustic vibrations to the welding region; a roller device connected to the transducer and sonotrode for permitting axial rotation of the transducer and sonotrode; a support device flexibly connected to the roller device for maintaining axial alignment of the transducer and sonotrode relative to a target welding area; a mount for supporting the sonotrode; and four frictionless bearings positioned around the nodal regions of the sonotrode, wherein the frictionless bearings are attached to the mount.

Abstract: A system for use in characterizing parts made by additive manufacturing processes, comprising a sensing device having an upper surface and a lower surface; at least one channel formed in the upper surface of the sensing device, wherein the at least one channel is formed to a predetermined depth in the upper surface of the sensing device, and wherein the at least one channel is formed in a predetermined pattern across the upper surface of the sensing device; and a sensor disposed within each channel formed in the upper surface of the sensing device, wherein each sensor is operative to gather information relevant to an additive manufacturing process occurring on or in close proximity to the sensing device.