Abstract: A system for fabricating a composite part using a 3D printing machine. The system includes means for forming the part by depositing consecutive part layers each including rows of filaments made of a part material from the machine, where depositing each part layer includes non-sequentially depositing one set of a plurality of filaments so that a gap is formed between the filaments and then depositing any number of additional sets of filaments so that each adjacent pair of filaments in each additional set of filaments are non-sequentially deposited.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite part using a 3D printing machine. The method includes forming a support structure by depositing consecutive support structure layers including rows of filaments made of a support structure material from the machine on a build plate, smoothing out a top surface of the support structure after it is formed, and forming the part by depositing consecutive part layers including rows of filaments made of a part material from the machine on the support structure.

Abstract: A system for fabricating a composite part using a 3D printing machine. The system includes means for forming the part by depositing consecutive part layers each including rows of filaments made of a part material from the machine, where depositing each part layer includes non-sequentially depositing one set of a plurality of filaments so that a gap is formed between the filaments and then depositing any number of additional sets of filaments so that each adjacent pair of filaments in each additional set of filaments are non-sequentially deposited.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite part using a 3D printing machine. The method includes forming the part by depositing consecutive part layers each including rows of filaments made of a part material from the machine, where depositing each part layer includes non-sequentially depositing one set of a plurality of filaments so that a gap is formed between the filaments and then depositing any number of additional sets of filaments so that each adjacent pair of filaments in each additional set of filaments are non-sequentially deposited.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite part using a 3D printing machine. The method includes forming the part by depositing an alternating sequence of first part layers including rows of filaments made of a first part material and depositing second part layers including rows of filaments made of a second part material, where the second part material is different than the first part material and provides adhesion between the first part layers.

Abstract: A 3D printing machine for fabricating high performance 3D integrated composite structures, where the machine includes a robot having a base portion, a robot arm and a rotatable connector secured to the arm opposite to the base portion, at least one source of an extrudable material, and an end-effector mounted to the rotatable connector and including at least one extruder module for extruding the extrudable material. The extruder module includes a nozzle assembly for extruding heated material out of the end-effector, and the end-effector is rotatable relative to the structure by the rotatable connector so that the nozzle assembly can be oriented normal to the part in different orientations without significantly changing a pose of the robot.

Abstract: A printing machine for fabricating high performance 3D integrated composite structures. The machine includes a robot having a base portion, a robot arm and an end joint secured to the arm opposite to the base portion, at least one source of an extrudable material, and an end-effector mounted to the end joint. The end-effector includes at least one extruder module for extruding the extrudable material and a rotary assembly, where the extruder module includes a nozzle assembly for extruding heated material out of the end-effector. The extruder module is mounted to the rotary assembly and the rotary assembly is rotatable so as to rotate the nozzle assembly relative to the part without rotating the end-effector.

Abstract: A printing machine for fabricating high performance 3D integrated composite structures, where the machine includes a robot having a base portion, a robot arm and an end joint secured to the arm opposite to the base portion, a plurality of sources of extrudable material, and an end-effector mounted to the end joint. The end-effector includes a multiple-extruder module having a first extruder and a second extruder each including a separate nozzle assembly, wherein the first extruder receives one extrudable material and the second extruder receives another extrudable material.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite part using a 3D printing machine. The method includes forming a support structure by depositing consecutive support structure layers including rows of filaments made of a support structure material from the machine on a build plate, smoothing out a top surface of the support structure after it is formed, and forming the part by depositing consecutive part layers including rows of filaments made of a part material from the machine on the support structure.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite part using a 3D printing machine. The method includes forming the part by depositing consecutive part layers each including rows of filaments made of a part material from the machine, where depositing each part layer includes non-sequentially depositing one set of a plurality of filaments so that a gap is formed between the filaments and then depositing any number of additional sets of filaments so that each adjacent pair of filaments in each additional set of filaments are non-sequentially deposited.

Abstract: A printing machine for fabricating high performance 3D integrated composite structures. The machine includes a robot having a base portion, a robot arm and an end joint secured to the arm opposite to the base portion, at least one source of an extrudable material, and an end-effector mounted to the end joint. The end-effector includes at least one extruder module for extruding the extrudable material and a rotary assembly, where the extruder module includes a nozzle assembly for extruding heated material out of the end-effector. The extruder module is mounted to the rotary assembly and the rotary assembly is rotatable so as to rotate the nozzle assembly relative to the part without rotating the end-effector.

Abstract: A 3D printing machine for fabricating high performance 3D integrated composite structures, where the machine includes a robot having a base portion, a robot arm and a rotatable connector secured to the arm opposite to the base portion, at least one source of an extrudable material, and an end-effector mounted to the rotatable connector and including at least one extruder module for extruding the extrudable material. The extruder module includes a nozzle assembly for extruding heated material out of the end-effector, and the end-effector is rotatable relative to the structure by the rotatable connector so that the nozzle assembly can be oriented normal to the part in different orientations without significantly changing a pose of the robot.

Abstract: A printing machine for fabricating high performance 3D integrated composite structures, where the machine includes a robot having a base portion, a robot arm and an end joint secured to the arm opposite to the base portion, a plurality of sources of extrudable material, and an end-effector mounted to the end joint. The end-effector includes a multiple-extruder module having a first extruder and a second extruder each including a separate nozzle assembly, wherein the first extruder receives one extrudable material and the second extruder receives another extrudable material.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite part using a 3D printing machine. The method includes forming the part by depositing an alternating sequence of first part layers including rows of filaments made of a first part material and depositing second part layers including rows of filaments made of a second part material, where the second part material is different than the first part material and provides adhesion between the first part layers.

Abstract: The system includes a ram assembly with fingers for grasping a fastener. An actuator moves the ram assembly toward the workpiece, under machine control. A housing member which is movable by the actuator includes a holding member for an anvil portion of the ram assembly, the holding member being movable within the housing member. The holding member and the housing member are arranged so there is a selected air gap between the movable member and the top of the housing at the start of the fastener cycle. An insertion sensor assembly changes signal state when the air gap begins to close. When the air gap begins to close either too early or too late relative to a properly positioned fastener, the actuator is stopped by the cycle motion controller.

Abstract: The system includes a ram assembly with fingers for grasping a fastener. An actuator moves the ram assembly toward the workpiece, under machine control. A housing member which is movable by the actuator includes a holding member for an anvil portion of the ram assembly, the holding member being movable within the housing member. The holding member and the housing member are arranged so there is a selected air gap between the movable member and the top of the housing at the start of the fastener cycle. An insertion sensor assembly changes signal state when the air gap begins to close. When the air gap begins to close either too early or too late relative to a properly positioned fastener, the actuator is stopped by the cycle motion controller.