Abstract: An automated robotic printing device for additive manufacturing or three-dimensional printing of an engineered cementitious composite (ECC) structure is provided. The device has a feeding system and an automated extrusion system configured to receive the ECC composition from the feeding system and deposit the ECC composition onto a target. The automated extrusion system comprising at least one robotic device comprising a tiltable and steerable deposition head that comprises an extrusion nozzle having a substantially rectangular opening and at least one shaping blade at a terminal end to shape and deposit the cementitious composition onto a target. Methods of additive manufacturing of a structure from the ECC compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Methods to increase structural performance, strength, and durability of textile-reinforced composite materials are provided. The textile reinforcement may be knitted, for example, in a flat bed weft knitting machine. The method may include pre-stressing a textile reinforcement preform by applying tension. A polymeric precursor may be introduced to the pre-stressed textile reinforcement preform. The polymeric precursor may then be cured or consolidated, followed by releasing of the applied tension to form the composite article comprising polymer and the pre-stressed textile reinforcement. In other aspects, a composite article is provided that has a pre-stressed textile reinforcement structure and a cured polymer. The textile reinforcement may be a knitted, lightweight, seamless, unitary structure.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an acoustic device includes forming a plurality of holes in a panel, disposing the panel in a support frame, and heating the panel to a temperature such that the panel sags while disposed in the support frame and each hole of the plurality of holes is modified.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing (AM) extrusion die system having an extrusion die configured to receive a material to be extruded. The extrusion die includes a main body having a cylindrical section and a distal tapered section terminating at an extruder tip. The main body is configured to mount to a barrel of an additive manufacturing system. The die further includes a central extruder channel extending axially along the main body configured to receive the material at the cylindrical section of the main body and output the material at the extruder tip of the main body, and a cartridge heater slot formed within the main body and generally parallel to the central extruder channel. The cartridge heater slot configured to receive a cartridge heater therein for imparting thermal energy to the material within the central extruder channel. A cooling system is provided for controlling a temperature of the material.

Abstract: Methods to increase structural performance, strength, and durability of textile-reinforced composite materials are provided. The textile reinforcement may be knitted, for example, in a flat bed weft knitting machine. The method may include pre-stressing a textile reinforcement preform by applying tension. A polymeric precursor may be introduced to the pre-stressed textile reinforcement preform. The polymeric precursor may then be cured or consolidated, followed by releasing of the applied tension to form the composite article comprising polymer and the pre-stressed textile reinforcement. In other aspects, a composite article is provided that has a pre-stressed textile reinforcement structure and a cured polymer. The textile reinforcement may be a knitted, lightweight, seamless, unitary structure.

Abstract: Methods to increase structural performance, strength, and durability of textile-reinforced composite materials are provided. The textile reinforcement may be knitted, for example, in a flat bed weft knitting machine. The method may include pre-stressing a textile reinforcement preform by applying tension. A polymeric precursor may be introduced to the pre-stressed textile reinforcement preform. The polymeric precursor may then be cured or consolidated, followed by releasing of the applied tension to form the composite article comprising polymer and the pre-stressed textile reinforcement. In other aspects, a composite article is provided that has a pre-stressed textile reinforcement structure and a cured polymer. The textile reinforcement may be a knitted, lightweight, seamless, unitary structure.

Abstract: A knit-constrained actuator system having a pneumatic actuator system configured to output a pneumatic pressure; one or more elastomeric actuators configured to receive and physically respond to the pneumatic pressure; and a knitted sleeve formed over the one or more elastomeric actuators. The knitted sleeve mechanically constraining the elastomeric actuator(s). The knitted sleeve being of a predetermined stitch configuration to achieve an actuated motion of the elastomeric actuator(s).

Abstract: An additive manufacturing (AM) extrusion die system having an extrusion die configured to receive a material to be extruded. The extrusion die includes a main body having a cylindrical section and a distal tapered section terminating at an extruder tip. The main body is configured to mount to a barrel of an additive manufacturing system. The die further includes a central extruder channel extending axially along the main body configured to receive the material at the cylindrical section of the main body and output the material at the extruder tip of the main body, and a cartridge heater slot formed within the main body and generally parallel to the central extruder channel. The cartridge heater slot configured to receive a cartridge heater therein for imparting thermal energy to the material within the central extruder channel. A cooling system is provided for controlling a temperature of the material.

Abstract: Methods to increase structural performance, strength, and durability of textile-reinforced composite materials are provided. The textile reinforcement may be knitted, for example, in a flat bed weft knitting machine. The method may include pre-stressing a textile reinforcement preform by applying tension. A polymeric precursor may be introduced to the pre-stressed textile reinforcement preform. The polymeric precursor may then be cured or consolidated, followed by releasing of the applied tension to form the composite article comprising polymer and the pre-stressed textile reinforcement. In other aspects, a composite article is provided that has a pre-stressed textile reinforcement structure and a cured polymer. The textile reinforcement may be a knitted, lightweight, seamless, unitary structure.