Abstract: A system for processing a workpiece includes a robotic manipulator and an end effector coupled to a working end of the robotic manipulator. The end effector includes a machine tool and an end-effector vacuum clamp that is coupled to the machine tool. The end effector is releasably coupleable to a surface of the workpiece. A processing force is reacted through the end effector and to the workpiece.

Abstract: A laser system includes a controller, a laser source, a laser scanner, and a laser containment apparatus. The laser containment apparatus includes a mounting structure for the laser scanner, a shroud assembly coupled to the mounting structure, and a seal interface coupled to the shroud assembly at an opposite end from the laser scanner. The shroud assembly surrounds a working volume of the laser scanner and includes a vacuum port connected to a vacuum source and a purge port that guides purge gas from a purge gas source toward the laser scanner. A distal end of the seal interface is formed of a pliable material that compresses to seal the shroud assembly to a target surface of a workpiece upon establishment of a negative pressure differential between a vacuum pressure inside the shroud assembly and ambient atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A laser system includes a controller, a laser source, a laser scanner, and a laser containment apparatus. The laser containment apparatus includes a mounting structure for the laser scanner, a shroud assembly coupled to the mounting structure, and a seal interface coupled to the shroud assembly at an opposite end from the laser scanner. The shroud assembly surrounds a working volume of the laser scanner and includes a vacuum port connected to a vacuum source and a purge port that guides purge gas from a purge gas source toward the laser scanner. A distal end of the seal interface is formed of a pliable material that compresses to seal the shroud assembly to a target surface of a workpiece upon establishment of a negative pressure differential between a vacuum pressure inside the shroud assembly and ambient atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system includes a first robotic arm and a print head with a nozzle. The first robotic arm is configured to hold a build part during a build process. The print head is configured to deposit source material layer by layer during the build process to construct the build part. The first robotic arm is configured to reorient the build part relative to the print head during the build process to modify an angle of a surface layer of the build part relative to the print head.

Abstract: A method for processing a drilling location in a confined area of a workpiece along a drilling axis A using an end effector is disclosed. The method comprises positioning the end effector relative to the drilling location of the workpiece, clamping the workpiece between a clamp of the end effector and a pressure foot of the end effector, wherein the pressure foot supports the clamp movable relative to the pressure foot, and drilling the workpiece with a flat angle drill of the end effector.

Abstract: A method for processing a drilling location in a confined area of a workpiece along a drilling axis A using an end effector is disclosed. The method comprises positioning the end effector relative to the drilling location of the workpiece, clamping the workpiece between a clamp of the end effector and a pressure foot of the end effector, wherein the pressure foot supports the clamp movable relative to the pressure foot, and drilling the workpiece with a flat angle drill of the end effector.

Abstract: One example of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for processing a workpiece along a drilling axis, the apparatus comprising an end effector. The end effector comprises a pressure foot, a clamp linearly movable relative to the pressure foot along the drilling axis, and a flat angle drill linearly movable relative to the pressure foot along the drilling axis.

Abstract: One example of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for processing a workpiece along a drilling axis, the apparatus comprising an end effector. The end effector comprises a pressure foot, a clamp linearly movable relative to the pressure foot along the drilling axis, and a flat angle drill linearly movable relative to the pressure foot along the drilling axis.