Abstract: Systems and methods for cutting through one or more extrudates to form one or more honeycomb bodies are provided. The systems described herein provide a low inertia vibratory cutting system configured to cut through extrudate to form honeycomb bodies, where the vibratory cutting system comprises a thin, low-inertia cutting element, and one or more sets of fluid bearings configured to mitigate or lessen out of plane vibrations of the cutting element to provide a more stable cutting element. In some examples the vibratory cutting system comprises two sets of fluid bearings arranged at two locations on the cutting element that are configured to mitigate out-of-plane vibrations on the cutting element and between the two locations. In some examples, the cutting element is double-sided to allow for single-sided or double-sided cutting operations.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses that support techniques for material hand-off using a double-acting kinematic mount are described. A kinematic mount may be mounted between a flange of a robotic manipulator and with a tool for retrieval and placement of an object. The kinematic mount may include a first sub-component and a second sub-component, where a floating structure of the first sub-component may be coupled with a plate of the second sub-component by a preloading force (e.g., via one or more springs, magnets). The kinematic mount may be configured such that the floating structure may be decoupled from the plate of the second sub-component when a force greater than the preloading force is applied to a bottom plate of the first sub-component. The first sub-component may move independently of the second sub-component while decoupled, allowing the tool to align to the object during retrieval and placement.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses that support techniques for material hand-off using a double-acting kinematic mount are described. A kinematic mount may be mounted between a flange of a robotic manipulator and with a tool for retrieval and placement of an object. The kinematic mount may include a first sub-component and a second sub-component, where a floating structure of the first sub-component may be coupled with a plate of the second sub-component by a preloading force (e.g., via one or more springs, magnets). The kinematic mount may be configured such that the floating structure may be decoupled from the plate of the second sub-component when a force greater than the preloading force is applied to a bottom plate of the first sub-component. The first sub-component may move independently of the second sub-component while decoupled, allowing the tool to align to the object during retrieval and placement.

Abstract: A system and method for vibratory cutting, including in the manufacture of ceramic honeycomb bodies. The apparatus includes a transducer configured to generate vibrations with respect to an axial direction. A cutting element is configured to receive and oscillate axially in response to the vibrations. The cutting element has a blade having a width, an axial length, and a thickness. A cutting plane of the blade is defined with respect to the width and the axial length. The blade has opposing side surfaces that extend parallel to the cutting plane. The thickness extends perpendicular to the cutting plane between the opposing side surfaces. A set of fluid bearings are configured to exert fluid pressure on each of the opposing side surfaces to constrain vibrations of the blade oriented in directions transverse to the cutting plane.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cutting through one or more extrudates to form one or more honeycomb bodies are provided. The systems described herein provide a low inertia vibratory cutting system configured to cut through extrudate to form honeycomb bodies, where the vibratory cutting system comprises a thin, low-inertia cutting element, and one or more sets of fluid bearings configured to mitigate or lessen out of plane vibrations of the cutting element to provide a more stable cutting element. In some examples the vibratory cutting system comprises two sets of fluid bearings arranged at two locations on the cutting element that are configured to mitigate out-of-plane vibrations on the cutting element and between the two locations. In some examples, the cutting element is double-sided to allow for single-sided or double-sided cutting operations.