Abstract: According to some embodiments, a PCM storage unit comprises a first side and a second side, each side having a perimeter; a perimeter seal joining the first and second sides together at the perimeters of the first and second side, whereby the first and second sides are at least partly spaced apart from each other to define at least one PCM storage area between the first and second sides; and PCM contained in the least one PCM storage area; wherein the first and second sides are made of metal or metal alloy. The PCM storage unit can comprise the first and second sides that are hermetically sealed by the perimeter seal, or can comprises a PCM that is flammable. The PCM contained in the least one PCM storage area can have a Smoke Developed Index greater than 50 when burned.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding system, comprising at least one sonotrode configured to ultrasonically weld a part or component having a complex geometry, wherein, the at least one sonotrode has a shape generally corresponding to the shape of the part or component to be welded, and wherein the sonotrode includes an input face; an energy input located on the input face; an output face positioned opposite the input face; and a body positioned between the input face and the output face; and wherein the at least one sonotrode has a non-uniform distribution of mass.

Abstract: In one embodiment, systems and methods include using an ultrasonic cutter in a ground detection system to prevent damage to a substrate. The method of detecting a substrate comprises attaching a workpiece clamp to the substrate. The method further comprises cutting a layer of coating disposed on the substrate with an ultrasonic cutter, wherein the ultrasonic cutter operates at a frequency of about 20 kHz to about 40 kHz, wherein the layer of coating is non-conductive. The method further comprises contacting the substrate with the ultrasonic cutter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, systems and methods include using an ultrasonic cutter in a ground detection system to prevent damage to a substrate. The method of detecting a substrate comprises attaching a workpiece clamp to the substrate. The method further comprises cutting a layer of coating disposed on the substrate with an ultrasonic cutter, wherein the ultrasonic cutter operates at a frequency of about 20 kHz to about 40 kHz, wherein the layer of coating is non-conductive. The method further comprises contacting the substrate with the ultrasonic cutter.

Abstract: A system for consolidating materials, comprising a sonotrode configured to direct ultrasonic energy into materials to be consolidated, wherein the materials to be consolidated have both a glass transition temperature and a melting temperature; a non-rigid consolidating material in proximity to the sonotrode, wherein the non-rigid consolidating material and sonotrode define a region therebetween for receiving the materials to be consolidated, and wherein the non-rigid consolidating material has a glass transition temperature that is higher than the glass transition temperature of the materials to be consolidated and a melting temperature that is higher than the melting temperature of the materials to be consolidated.

Abstract: A powder bed fusion additive manufacturing system that includes a powder bed; a material powder, wherein the material powder includes individual grains; an apparatus for spreading the material powder across the powder bed in a layer-by-layer manner; and an ultrasonic device adapted to function in cooperation with the powder-spreading apparatus for compacting the material powder in each layer and distributing the individual grains in each layer of material powder in a substantially uniform manner.

Abstract: In one embodiment, systems and methods include using an ultrasonic cutter in a ground detection system to prevent damage to a substrate. The method of detecting a substrate comprises attaching a workpiece clamp to the substrate. The method further comprises cutting a layer of coating disposed on the substrate with an ultrasonic cutter, wherein the ultrasonic cutter operates at a frequency of about 20 kHz to about 40 kHz, wherein the layer of coating is non-conductive. The method further comprises contacting the substrate with the ultrasonic cutter.

Abstract: A hybrid welding system, comprising a first welding system, wherein the first welding system includes an ultrasonic spot-welding system, and wherein the ultrasonic spot-welding system further includes at least one sonotrode for delivering ultrasonic vibration to a predetermined weld location; and a second welding system, wherein the second welding system includes a resistance spot welding system that functions simultaneously with the ultrasonic spot-welding system, and wherein the resistance spot welding system further includes at least one electrode that is configured to direct electrical current into the predetermined weld location.

Abstract: A powder bed fusion additive manufacturing system that includes a powder bed; a material powder, wherein the material powder includes individual grains; an apparatus for spreading the material powder across the powder bed in a layer-by-layer manner; and an ultrasonic device adapted to function in cooperation with the powder-spreading apparatus for compacting the material powder in each layer and distributing the individual grains in each layer of material powder in a substantially uniform manner.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonic welding of materials, comprising generating ultrasonic waves in a welding assembly; transmitting the generated waves along the welding assembly in a first direction; receiving the generated waves in a sonotrode, the waves entering the sonotrode while propagating along the first direction; causing the received waves within the sonotrode to propagate along a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction; and oscillating a welding surface of the sonotrode using peaks and valleys of the waves propagating in the second direction.

Abstract: A method for processing an order for components includes receiving, at a server, an order that specifies one or more components for procurement and constraints for procuring the one or more components. A processor determines one or more sources capable of providing one or more of the components within the received constraints. At least one of the sources corresponds to a 3D printing facility that prints components via a 3D printing process. The processor communicates one or more orders for procuring the one or more components to the determined one or more sources.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonic welding of materials, comprising generating ultrasonic waves in a welding assembly; transmitting the generated waves along the welding assembly in a first direction; receiving the generated waves in a sonotrode, the waves entering the sonotrode while propagating along the first direction; causing the received waves within the sonotrode to propagate along a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction; and oscillating a welding surface of the sonotrode using peaks and valleys of the waves propagating in the second direction.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding system that includes an ultrasonic transducer configured to convert electricity to generate ultrasonic waves, wherein the waves propagate along a first direction from the transducer; and a sonotrode that includes a single-component body having nodal and anti-nodal regions, and configured to propagate ultrasonic waves received at a nodal region along a first direction; a plurality of redirecting features formed in the body and configured to cause received ultrasonic waves propagating along the first direction to propagate along a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, upon encountering one or more of the redirecting features; wherein the body is further configured to stretch and compress along the second direction based on corresponding peaks and valleys of the waves propagating along the second direction; and at least one ultrasonic welding surface at an anti-nodal region of the body configured to oscillate based on the stretching and compressing, wherein opposing ends o

Abstract: A method for routing object data that defines a 3-dimensional (3D) object to a 3D printer includes receiving the object data at a server and determining, by the server, object attributes associated with the object defined by the object data. The server searches a database that stores 3D printer attributes for one or more 3D printers capable of printing objects that possess the determined object attributes. If one or more capable printers are identified, the server communicates a list that identifies the one or more capable printers to a user.

Abstract: An ultrasonic machining module that includes an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is adapted to receive a machining tool; a vibration-isolating housing adapted to be both compatible with a machining system and to receive the ultrasonic transducer therein, wherein the housing further includes at least one modification for isolating all vibrations generated by the ultrasonic transducer when the device is in operation except axial vibrations transmitted to the machining tool, thereby preventing unwanted vibrations from traveling backward or upward into the machining system; and a connector in electrical communication with the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the connector is operative to supply electrical energy to the ultrasonic transducer, and wherein the connector is adapted to rotate at a predetermined rate of speed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic machining module that includes an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is adapted to receive a machining tool and a vibration-isolating housing adapted to be both compatible with a machining system and to receive the ultrasonic transducer therein, wherein the housing further includes at least one modification for isolating all vibrations generated by the ultrasonic transducer when the device is in operation except axial vibrations transmitted to the machining tool, thereby preventing unwanted vibrations from traveling backward or upward into the machining system. The ultrasonic machining module may also include an acoustically tuned collet and/or an acoustically tuned system for delivering coolant fluid through the module to a machining tool or target substrate.

Abstract: A closed-loop machining system that includes a rotating spindle assembly having a body, a tool holder connected to the body, an ultrasonic machining module connected to the tool holder, and a power supply for powering the module; a processor for controlling the operation of the closed-loop machining system; a safety and compatibility bridge linking the ultrasonic machining module to the processor, wherein the safety and compatibility bridge further includes an electrical connection between the ultrasonic machining module and the processor; and at least one microprocessor located in or associated with the ultrasonic machining module for enabling and processing communication between the ultrasonic machining module and the processor.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding system that includes an ultrasonic transducer configured to convert electricity to generate ultrasonic waves, wherein the waves propagate along a first direction from the transducer; and a sonotrode that includes a single-component body having nodal and anti-nodal regions, and configured to propagate ultrasonic waves received at a nodal region along a first direction; a plurality of redirecting features formed in the body and configured to cause received ultrasonic waves propagating along the first direction to propagate along a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, upon encountering one or more of the redirecting features; wherein the body is further configured to stretch and compress along the second direction based on corresponding peaks and valleys of the waves propagating along the second direction; and at least one ultrasonic welding surface at an anti-nodal region of the body configured to oscillate based on the stretching and compressing, wherein opposing ends o

Abstract: An ultrasonic machining module that includes an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is adapted to receive a machining tool and a vibration-isolating housing adapted to be both compatible with a machining system and to receive the ultrasonic transducer therein, wherein the housing further includes at least one modification for isolating all vibrations generated by the ultrasonic transducer when the device is in operation except axial vibrations transmitted to the machining tool, thereby preventing unwanted vibrations from traveling backward or upward into the machining system.

Abstract: A method for routing object data that defines a 3-dimensional (3D) object to a 3D printer includes receiving the object data at a server and determining, by the server, object attributes associated with the object defined by the object data. The server searches a database that stores 3D printer attributes for one or more 3D printers capable of printing objects that possess the determined object attributes. If one or more capable printers are identified, the server communicates a list that identifies the one or more capable printers to a user.