Abstract: A heated nozzle assembly for a three-dimensional printer includes a shank defining a feed end and a first internal flow passage, where the feed end is fluidly coupled to the first internal flow passage. The heated nozzle assembly also includes a shank barrel coupled to the shank that includes a second internal flow passage and a body portion. The second internal flow passage of the shank barrel is fluidly coupled to the first internal flow passage of the shank and the body portion of the shank barrel defines a plurality of heater segments that are disposed along the body portion of the shank barrel that are thermally isolated from one another. The heated nozzle assembly includes a plurality of heating elements that each correspond to one of the plurality of heater segments disposed along the length of the body portion of the shank barrel.

Abstract: An ultrasonic bonding system is provided. The system includes: a) a bond head assembly carrying an ultrasonic bonding tool; b) a conductive material supply; c) a conductive material feeding system for guiding a length of the conductive material supply to a position proximate the ultrasonic bonding tool; and d) a vapor generation system for supplying a vapor proximate the ultrasonic bonding tool, the vapor including a carrier gas and a lubricating vapor.

Abstract: An ultrasonic bonding system is provided. The system includes: a) a bond head assembly carrying an ultrasonic bonding tool; b) a conductive material supply; c) a conductive material feeding system for guiding a length of the conductive material supply to a position proximate the ultrasonic bonding tool; and d) a vapor generation system for supplying a vapor proximate the ultrasonic bonding tool, the vapor including a carrier gas and a lubricating vapor.