Abstract: In the context of additive manufacturing processes wherein objects are built by layered accumulations of discrete instantaneous deposits of feedstock material at specific locations according to a three-dimensional digital data model, methods and systems are provided for selecting an advantageous alignment between an array of fillable voxel spaces and a model layer slice. In accordance with some embodiments, variable alignment achieves an overall reduction in the amount of excess material formed by discrete depositions of material and extending beyond the contours of the object.

Abstract: In the context of additive manufacturing processes wherein objects are built by layered accumulations of discrete instantaneous deposits of feedstock material at specific locations according to a three-dimensional digital data model, methods are provided for improving at least one build quality attribute by adjusting a size of one or more voxel spaces for receiving discrete deposits. According to various embodiments, the quality attribute pertains to reducing excess material used in the build process or to thermal behavior of deposited materials. According to various embodiments, the size of a voxel space may be adjusting by scaling and by subdividing into a cluster of smaller spaces that warrant smaller deposits.

Abstract: In the context of additive manufacturing processes wherein objects are built by layered accumulations of discrete instantaneous deposits of feedstock material at specific locations according to a first three-dimensional digital data model, processes and systems are provided for first forming an oversized blank part that roughly conforms to the first model and is subsequently machined to final dimensions specified by the first model. Various embodiments provide for generating a second model representing the expected shape of the blank part, as formed by a discrete deposition process, and facilitating calculation of specific toolpaths by which material removal tools may render the final shape.

Abstract: Systems and processes for additive manufacturing are set forth for constructing an object by making successive discrete deposits of unitary masses of a feedstock materials at specific locations as determined by a digital data model for the object. In accordance with some embodiments, the deposits are non-continuous and performed in a sequence such that consecutively ordered deposit actions occur at deposit locations that are not physically adjacent, enabling control of thermal behaviors as a build progresses. In accordance with some embodiments, the sequencing of discrete depositing actions may be agilely rearranged to change temperatures and temperature gradients exhibited by deposited materials.

Abstract: In the context of additive manufacturing processes wherein an object is built by layered accumulations of discrete instantaneous deposits of feedstock material at specific locations according to a three-dimensional digital data model, systems and methods are taught for operating multiple independently-moving depositing devices in a shared build space to build the object. In some embodiments, depositing components perform discrete material depositing actions according to sequential lists of deposit location instructions which are dynamically sortable, enabling a control methodology to alleviate collision risks among depositing components and to improve thermal conditions of a workpiece during construction. Further embodiments provide for dynamic apportionment of discrete deposition actions among the available depositing devices for load balancing and fault tolerance.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing using an additive manufacturing process includes providing a deposition system, the deposition system configured to provide a plurality of cells to form a blank of a part, depositing a first layer of the blank, the first layer comprising a first deposited cell, a second deposited cell spaced apart from the first deposited cell, and a third deposited cell spaced apart from the first deposited cell and the second deposited cell, and depositing a second layer of the part on the first layer, the second layer comprising a fourth deposited cell, a fifth deposited cell spaced apart from the fourth deposited cell, and a sixth deposited cell spaced apart from the fourth deposited cell and the fifth deposited cell. Each of the first layer and the second layer are formed using non-continuous deposition to form the blank.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing using an additive manufacturing process includes providing a deposition system, the deposition system configured to provide a plurality of cells to form a blank of a part, depositing a first layer of the blank, the first layer comprising a first deposited cell, a second deposited cell spaced apart from the first deposited cell, and a third deposited cell spaced apart from the first deposited cell and the second deposited cell, and depositing a second layer of the part on the first layer, the second layer comprising a fourth deposited cell, a fifth deposited cell spaced apart from the fourth deposited cell, and a sixth deposited cell spaced apart from the fourth deposited cell and the fifth deposited cell. Each of the first layer and the second layer are formed using non-continuous deposition to form the blank.