Abstract: A technique for depositing fiber-reinforced thermoplastic filament in an arc is disclosed that mitigates the centripetal forces that arise in the prior art. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the centripetal forces are ameliorated by twisting the filament while depositing it in an arc.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for structurally analyzing and/or three-dimensional printing a part. The method may comprise receiving a model of the part for three-dimensional printing from a material comprising a matrix, receiving one or more properties for the material, and using the model, determining a print head tool path for use during the three-dimensional printing of the part. The method may also comprise determining a trajectory of at least one stiffness-contributing portion of the material based at least in part on the print head tool path, determining a performance of the part based at least in part on the one or more properties and the trajectory, and electronically outputting the performance of the part.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for performing analysis on a part for printing. The method may comprise receiving, in computer memory, a computer model of the part and partitioning the computer model of the part into at least (i) a first region comprising one or more voids and (ii) a second region that is filled with a representation of a material for forming the part, to yield a partitioned computer model. At least a first mesh may be generated in the first region and at least a second mesh may be generated in the second region to yield a mesh array in the partitioned computer model. The mesh array, including the first mesh and the second mesh, may be to determine one or more properties of the part. The mesh array may be used to generate a print head toolpath usable to print the part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for additive manufacturing wherein a fiber composite filament having an arbitrarily shaped cross section is softened and then flattened to tape-like form factor for incorporation into a part that is being additively manufactured.

Abstract: A technique for depositing fiber-reinforced thermoplastic filament in an arc is disclosed that mitigates the centripetal forces that arise in the prior art. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the centripetal forces are ameliorated by twisting the filament while depositing it in an arc.

Abstract: A filament inspection system is disclosed that gathers empirical data on the physical and chemical properties of filament. The illustrative embodiments need only a single video camera and two mirrors to image all of the exterior surfaces of one or more filaments simultaneously. These images can be used to analyze the physical properties of the filament. Furthermore, the illustrative embodiments need only a simple electrical network to gather empirical data on the permittivity of each segment of filament, which gives insights into the chemical properties of the filament. For example, embodiments of the present invention are particularly well suited for inspecting fiber-reinforced thermoplastic filament, and variations in the number, dispersion, wetting, and length of the fibers are all observable in variations in permittivity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing bending and other applied forces that are exerted on a filament of thermoplastic with reinforcing fibers in a 3D printing system during the deposition process that is associated with the manufacturing of an object. The quality of the manufactured object is enhanced through a process that comprises i) applying torque to certain portions of the solid filament in a manner that is commensurate with the expected motions of the deposition head while depositing those portions, but only after ii) heating each portion to a sufficient temperature. A heating device and a twisting device act on the filament while it is moving toward the deposition point and while under the control of a controller that is operating according to a computer model of the object being manufactured.

Abstract: A method of heating thermoplastic filament in additive manufacturing systems, such as 3D printing systems. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the temporal rate dE dt at which heat dE is added to a portion of a segment of filament is a function of the temporal rate d ? ? m dt at which the mass dm of the portion of the segment of filament is deposited. In particular, the temporal rate dE dt at which heat dE is added to a portion of a segment of filament is a non-linear function of the temporal rate d ? ? m dt .

Abstract: A method and apparatus for additive manufacturing wherein a fiber composite filament having an arbitrarily shaped cross section is softened and then flattened to tape-like form factor for incorporation into a part that is being additively manufactured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for additive manufacturing wherein a fiber composite filament having an arbitrarily shaped cross section is softened and then flattened to tape-like form factor for incorporation into a part that is being additively manufactured.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing bending and other applied forces that are exerted on a filament of thermoplastic with reinforcing fibers in a 3D printing system during the deposition process that is associated with the manufacturing of an object. The quality of the manufactured object is enhanced through a process that comprises i) applying torque to certain portions of the solid filament in a manner that is commensurate with the expected motions of the deposition head while depositing those portions, but only after ii) heating each portion to a sufficient temperature. A heating device and a twisting device act on the filament while it is moving toward the deposition point and while under the control of a controller that is operating according to a computer model of the object being manufactured.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for structurally analyzing and/or three-dimensional printing a part. The method may comprise receiving a model of the part for three-dimensional printing from a material comprising a matrix, receiving one or more properties for the material, and using the model, determining a print head tool path for use during the three-dimensional printing of the part. The method may also comprise determining a trajectory of at least one stiffness-contributing portion of the material based at least in part on the print head tool path, determining a performance of the part based at least in part on the one or more properties and the trajectory, and electronically outputting the performance of the part.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for structurally analyzing and/or three-dimensional printing a part. The method may comprise receiving a model of the part for three-dimensional printing from a material comprising a matrix, receiving one or more properties for the material, and using the model, determining a print head tool path for use during the three-dimensional printing of the part. The method may also comprise determining a trajectory of at least one stiffness-contributing portion of the material based at least in part on the print head tool path, determining a performance of the part based at least in part on the one or more properties and the trajectory, and electronically outputting the performance of the part.