Abstract: Techniques and systems for computer aided design of physical structures using an object splitting design process that optimize manufacturing efficiency are described. A described technique includes splitting, by a computer program, a three dimensional model of an initial object into an up skin region and a down skin region based on an analysis of draft angles along at least one surface of the three dimensional model of the initial object. The technique further includes producing, by the computer program, first and second three dimensional models of respective first and second objects in accordance with the up skin region and the down skin region to create separate first and second physical structures using one or more computer-controlled manufacturing systems such that the first and second physical structures are combinable to form a combined physical structure.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for computer aided design of physical structures using an object splitting design process that optimize manufacturing efficiency are described. A described techniques includes obtaining an input model of an initial object to be manufactured, the input model providing a 3D topology and shape for the object; determining, based on the 3D topology and shape, a 3D parting surface to split the initial object into separate objects, the parting surface intersects an inflection zone that is situated between up and down skin regions of the 3D topology and shape; and providing first and second 3D models of the separate objects in accordance with the 3D topology and shape and the parting surface, for use in manufacturing separate physical structures corresponding to the separate objects using one or more computer-controlled manufacturing systems, where after respective manufacturing, the physical structures are configured to be assembled to form a combined structure.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for computer aided design of physical structures using an object splitting design process that optimize manufacturing efficiency are described. A described techniques includes obtaining an input model of an initial object to be manufactured, the input model providing a 3D topology and shape for the object; determining, based on the 3D topology and shape, a 3D parting surface to split the initial object into separate objects, the parting surface intersects an inflection zone that is situated between up and down skin regions of the 3D topology and shape; and providing first and second 3D models of the separate objects in accordance with the 3D topology and shape and the parting surface, for use in manufacturing separate physical structures corresponding to the separate objects using one or more computer-controlled manufacturing systems, where after respective manufacturing, the physical structures are configured to be assembled to form a combined structure.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for computer aided design of physical structures using an object splitting design process that optimize manufacturing efficiency are described. A described techniques includes obtaining an input model of an initial object to be manufactured, the input model providing a 3D topology and shape for the object; determining, based on the 3D topology and shape, a 3D parting surface to split the initial object into separate objects, the parting surface intersects an inflection zone that is situated between up and down skin regions of the 3D topology and shape; and providing first and second 3D models of the separate objects in accordance with the 3D topology and shape and the parting surface, for use in manufacturing separate physical structures corresponding to the separate objects using one or more computer-controlled manufacturing systems, where after respective manufacturing, the physical structures are configured to be assembled to form a combined structure.

Abstract: Some embodiments can be implemented as a system, method, or nozzle and can include some of these features. A fluid jet cutting system can include a frame, a cutting head, a high-pressure fluid source, an abrasive source, and an actuator. The cutting head can include a fluid inlet, an orifice, a mixing chamber, and a fluid jet nozzle. The fluid jet nozzle can include an elongated body which can include a body axis, a fluid inlet orifice that can be in fluid communication with a plurality of conduits, and a source of high speed fluid and abrasive, which can be the cutting head's mixing chamber. Each of the plurality of conduits can: be in fluid communication with the fluid inlet orifice; have its own conduit axis that forms an angle with the body axis; and be in fluid communication with its own fluid outlet orifice.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide multi-head fluid jet cutting systems and methods of utilizing such devices. A multi-head fluid jet cutting system includes a body having a plurality of fluid jet cutting heads installed therein. Each cutting head receives pressurized fluid from an intensifier and directs the fluid along a jet axis out of a nozzle of the head to form a cutting stream. In some embodiments, an abrasive material can be mixed with the fluid to form an abrasive fluid cutting stream. The body can be mounted to a motion system which moves the body, and therefore the cutting heads, relative to a work piece mounted upon a work bed. Each of the fluid jet cutting heads is coupled to an actuator which can control an on/off state of the cutting head. In some embodiments, an actuator mounting plate is provided to enable mounting of the actuators off of the jet axes.