Abstract: Methods and systems according to one or more examples are provided for testing an automated platform, such as a robot. In one example, a system comprises a first robot configured to perform one or more processing operations on a workpiece. The system further comprises a second robot configured to simulate one or more parameters of the workpiece and an associated processing operation to provide one or more test conditions corresponding to each of the one or more processing operations the first robot would perform on the workpiece to test the first robot.

Abstract: A supplementary metrology position coordinates determination system is provided for use with an articulated robot. A first accuracy level defined as a robot accuracy (e.g., for controlling and sensing an end tool position of an end tool that is coupled to a robot arm portion that moves in an XY plane), is based on using position sensors (e.g., rotary encoders) included in the robot. The supplementary system includes an imaging configuration, XY scale, image triggering portion and processing portion. One of the XY scale or imaging configuration is coupled to the robot arm portion and the other is coupled to a stationary element (e.g., a frame located above the robot). The imaging configuration acquires an image of the XY scale, which is utilized to determine a relative position that is indicative of the end tool position, with an accuracy level that is better than the robot accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an inverse kinematics modeling and solving principle for multi-axis systems based on axis invariant, including: the D-H and D-H parameter determination principle based on fixed axis invarian, “Ju-Gibbs” quaternion and class direction cosine matrix principle, the inverse solution principle of general 6R and 7R robotic arms based on axial invariant. These principles are versatile, convenient, and precise. They can be set up as circuits, code, directly or indirectly, partially or completely within a multi-axis robot system. In addition, the present invention also includes analysis verification system constructed on these principles for designing and verifying multi-axis robot systems.

Abstract: A method of covering a surface of a building, the method comprising spraying an expandable foam material onto the surface and allowing the foam material to solidify whereby to form a covering of the surface and a robotic vehicle configured to carry out the method.

Abstract: A robot system includes a user interface configured to receive an operational instruction from an operator, a robot installed in a workspace and configured to perform a series of works including a plurality of processes, a sensor installed in the workspace, a transparent type display unit configured so that the operator is visible of a physical real world and configured to display information detected by the sensor as the image screen, and a control device. The control device displays on the transparent type display unit, when the robot is operated by the user interface, first information that is information detected by the sensor, as the image screen.

Abstract: A control system for use with a robotic device can include: a) a robot control module having an imaging component configured to capture images of an environment surrounding the robot and an output module that is communicably linked to the robot to control the movement of the its end effector; and b) a user interface apparatus that is remote from the robotic device includes a base station communicably linked to the robot control module to receive images of the environment surrounding the robot from the imaging component and to transmit movement instructions to the output module; a display component communicably linked to the base station and configured to display the images of the environment surrounding the robot to a user; and an end effector controller operable by the user to provide a goal position for the first end effector.

Abstract: A device and method for manipulating a robotic end effector in a well. Actuators manipulate the end effector independently through multiple degrees of freedom to improve the perspective of the end effector. An imaging sensor may be used to image, measure and identify features of a well and objects located therein. The sensor may be an ultrasound transducer, camera or x-ray sensor arranged radially, axial or distributed over a 2D surface. The end effector may be connected to a tool, such as a fishing tool, a welder, a milling tool, or a repair tool.

Abstract: Shape-shifting fingers may enable parallel-jaw gripper to re-grasp objects. In some embodiments, a gripper includes two fingers each having a flexible membrane which is moveable between an extended state and a retracted state in response to pressure applied to a cavity at least partially formed by the membrane. In the extended and retracted state the shape of the flexible membrane may change based on the pressure and/or a force applied to the membrane and may attain two distinct geometric forms to facilitate distinct manipulation functionalities. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane switches between a wedge-shaped geometry in the extended state and a V-shaped geometry in the retracted state. The wedge-shaped geometry may provide a point contact on a cylindrical object so that the object may pivot to a vertical position under the effect of gravity. The V-shaped geometry may localize the object in a vertical position and securely hold it.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for adaptively retooling robots include programmable adapters for detachably connecting at least one robotic peripheral to a robot, providing peripheral information associated with the robotic peripheral, and causing the robot to adaptively reconfigure based on the peripheral information.

Abstract: The invention provides a sample manipulator. The sample manipulator includes a partially resilient frame having a mount for removably positioning the manipulator. A pair of opposingly positioned arms is formed at one end of the frame. A means for actuation of the frame is provided on the frame. The means for actuation facilitates manipulation of the sample.

Abstract: The fastener comprises a post, a plurality of outer bosses, an outer slab, a first hole, a first inner flange and a second inner flange. The plurality of outer bosses are provided in an upper portion of the post. The plurality of outer bosses include a first outer boss, a second outer boss and a third outer boss. The first outer boss is located under the second outer boss. An upper surface of the first outer boss and a lower surface of the second outer boss are used for clamping the first inner flange on an inner wall of a first through hole of a connected splicing piece. The outer slab, which is perpendicular to the post, is provided in a lower portion of the post. The outer slab, the first outer boss and the second outer boss are used for limiting positions of a plurality of the connected splicing pieces along a height direction of the post.

Abstract: A fastening device is useful for at least one supply hose and/or at least one supply line for fastening to an industrial-robot arm with a holder, an assignable holder unit for the supply hose and/or the supply line, and a lockable tensioning element. The holder is arranged on the lockable tensioning element so that the holder, by the tensioning element being clasped and locked around the industrial-robot arm, can be fastened and/or positioned flexibly on the industrial-robot arm and thus in the event of the holder being connected to the assignable holding unit the supply hose and/or the supply line can be oriented in a specific manner.

Abstract: A tool includes a housing comprising first and second sides, and a slidable blade assembly configured to move between first, second, third positions. The blade assembly selectively receives a removable blade such that the blade is stored within the housing when the assembly is in the first position, a portion of the blade extends outwardly from the housing when the assembly is in the second position, and the blade is completely outside of the housing, and exposed for removal of the blade from the assembly without removing or separating any portion of the first side or the second side of the housing, when the assembly is in the third position. The tool further includes a first button associated with moving the slidable blade assembly between the first and second position, and a second button associated with moving the slidable blade assembly between the second and third position.

Abstract: System and method for improving the shaving experience by providing improved visibility of the skin shaving area. A digital camera is integrated with the electric shaver for close image capturing of shaving area, and displaying it on a display unit. The display unit can be integral part of the electric shaver casing, or housed in a separated device which receives the image via a communication channel The communication channel can be wireless (using radio, audio or light) or wired, such as dedicated cabling or using powerline communication. A light source is used to better illuminate the shaving area. Video compression and digital image processing techniques are used for providing for improved shaving results. The wired communication medium can simultaneously be used also for carrying power from the electric shaver assembly to the display unit, or from the display unit to the electric shaver.

Abstract: System and method for improving the shaving experience by providing improved visibility of the skin shaving area. A digital camera is integrated with the electric shaver for close image capturing of shaving area, and displaying it on a display unit. The display unit can be integral part of the electric shaver casing, or housed in a separated device which receives the image via a communication channel The communication channel can be wireless (using radio, audio or light) or wired, such as dedicated cabling or using powerline communication. A light source is used to better illuminate the shaving area. Video compression and digital image processing techniques are used for providing for improved shaving results. The wired communication medium can simultaneously be used also for carrying power from the electric shaver assembly to the display unit, or from the display unit to the electric shaver.

Abstract: A hair clipper or cutter is provided with an adjustment slider that adjusts the gap between an inner and outer blade. A yoke is attached to the inner blade. The adjustment slider may be configured with preset gap lengths and may be adjustable before, after, or during a hair cutting operation. A T-guide couples the adjustment slider to the inner blade to slidably move the inner blade relative to the outer blade. The yoke, inner blade, outer blade and/or T-guide may be magnetized to create an attractive or repulsive force between the inner blade and the outer blade. In some embodiments, the yoke is not metallic. The magnetized yoke may be a non-conductive magnet carrier (e.g., plastic) or conductive material (e.g., ferromagnetic).

Abstract: An electric trimmer generally comprises a handle including a top, a bottom, a front panel, and a back panel, a motor housed within the handle and a blade assembly extending from the top of the handle. The handle is shaped to fit within a cupped palm of a user. At least a portion of the front panel is angled away from the back panel along the extension between the top and the bottom, and at least a portion of the back panel is curved along the extension between the top and the bottom. The blade assembly includes a stationary blade and a reciprocating blade. The stationary blade and the reciprocating blade are curved.

Abstract: Disclosed here are shaving razor systems including razor handles that dock with razor cartridges. In some embodiments, a handle is configured to dock with a razor cartridge using a single hook configured to mate with a cartridge tab a central pushrod is mounted with a spring into the handle, and is configured to exert a pushing force on the mounted cartridge.

Abstract: A blade housing assembly for a power operated rotary knife including a split blade housing and a cam mechanism for changing a blade housing diameter between blade supporting and blade changing positions. The split blade housing includes an annular blade support section, a mounting section and a split extending through the mounting section and an inner wall of the blade support section and defining a split distance between first and second circumferential ends of the inner wall. The split includes a radial split section and an angled split section adjacent the inner wall. The mounting section includes first and second body portions on opposite sides of the split. The cam mechanism includes a cam plate bridging the first and second body portions and a cam member rotatably supported by the cam plate. The cam member is rotatable between closed and open positions to change the blade housing diameter.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for cutting blank profiles comprises a first cutting device located at a first position in the apparatus, a second cutting device located at a second position, the second position being separated from the first position along a first axis of the apparatus, and a third cutting device located at a third position, the third position being separated from the first position along a second axis and along a third axis of the apparatus. A chariot moves along the third axis while a support adapted to hold a blank profile is mounted to the chariot and moves along the first and second axes of the apparatus. A greater number of cutting devices may be used. Cutting devices may be arranged in rows along the third axis.

Abstract: A system for forming apertures in a flexible film is provided. The system includes a punching tool for forming apertures in a flexible film. The punching tool defines a through hole therethrough. The system also includes a support plate. The punching tool is configured to press the flexible film against the support plate to form the apertures.

Abstract: An inflatable web is disclosed. The web includes a first and second film ply sealed together. The transverse seals define first and second inflatable chambers. The web defines a separation region extending at least partially between the first and second inflatable chambers in a substantially transverse direction across the web and configured to facilitate separation of the first and second inflatable chambers. The separation region includes a tear initiation feature that facilitates tearing of the web to separate the inflatable chambers. The separation region includes a tear propagation line including a first plurality of perforations perforation is separated from an adjacent perforation by a land having a first transverse length. A tear initiation feature includes a second plurality of perforations, each perforation separated from an adjacent perforation by a land having a second transverse length, where the first transverse length is longer than the second transverse length.

Abstract: A platform for mounting of an autonomous powering engine onto a firewood splitting apparatus includes a rigid bearing frame on which a powering engine is mounted. The engine is connected to a transmission, which is mechanically connected with a cardan coupling of a firewood splitting apparatus. The frame is arranged a distance apart from the ground and in a plane parallel to a plane defined by resting surfaces on supporting legs of a firewood splitting machine. The frame is furnished with two parallel and pivotal linear bearing beams that are pivotal around the axis that extends perpendicularly with respect to the plane of the frame and is pivotally connected with each corresponding connecting seat to establish a detachable interconnection with each disposable bottom connecting seat on a firewood splitting apparatus.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing bulked continuous carpet filament from recycled polymer. In various embodiments, the method includes: (1) reducing recycled polymer material into polymer flakes; (2) cleansing the polymer flakes; (3) melting the flakes into a polymer melt; (4) removing water and contaminants from the polymer melt by dividing the polymer melt into a plurality of polymer streams and exposing those streams to pressures below 25 millibars or another predetermined pressure; (5) recombining the streams; and (6) using the resulting purified polymer to produce bulked continuous carpet filament.

Abstract: A method for producing thermally crosslinkable polymers in a planetary roller extruder is presented. The planetary roller extruder has a filling part and a compounding part made of a roller cylinder region that comprises at least two, preferably at least three coupled roller cylinders, planetary spindles of which are driven by a common central spindle. The polymers are supplied in a plasticized state. The filling part is supplied with a vacuum. The flow temperatures of the central spindle and the at least two roller cylinders under a vacuum are set such that the polymers to be degassed remain in the plasticized state. One or more liquids, such as thermal crosslinkers, crosslinking accelerators, dye solutions, or dye dispersions, are metered to the plasticized polymers downstream of the vacuum degassing, preferably in a continuous manner. Finally, the resulting mixture is directly supplied to a coating assembly.

Abstract: A trim component for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The trim component may comprise a fiber panel comprising a compression-formed component and a structure comprising a resin. The compression-formed component may provide a structural substrate. The structure may comprise a border (e.g. edge, dimensionally accurate border, etc.); the structure may comprise a molded feature (e.g. rib, ridge, edge, ancillary component, etc.) configured to reinforce and/or support the fiber panel. The fiber panel may comprise a resin to bond the fibers; the structure comprising a resin (e.g. injection-molded plastic/material) may be bonded to the fiber panel. The trim component may comprise a cover for the structural substrate provided by the compression-formed component.

Abstract: A mould for injection moulding a closure assembly having a cap and lid includes a first and second mould part moveable with respect to each other. The lid includes a nipple made from a first material. The cap includes a dispensing passage to be sealed by the nipple and is made from a second material. The mould includes a holder adapted for receiving a pre-formed body with the nipple. This holder holds the body and nipple in place in a closure cavity for moulding the closure assembly. The holder includes a core having a recess for receiving the nipple. The holder further includes a tube part for insertion into the tubular nipple. This tube part can be connected with a suction source.

Abstract: A molding assembly for manufacturing a syringe barrel, each syringe barrel provided with a cannula and having a cylindrical portion and a hub portion to which the cannula is fastened. A mold unit is provided having a first mold portion, a second mold portion axially movable relative to the first mold portion between an open position and a closed position, and a core situated in the mold cavity; and a clip unit for the cannula movable between an open position in which a cannula can be loaded in a proximal axial end of the clip, and a closed position. The clip unit is axially movable so as to arrange a cannula in the mold cavity, the movement of the clip being independent of the axial movement of the first and second mold portions between the open and closed positions of the mold unit.

Abstract: A system comprises a fully automated fabrication cell (20) for forming overmolded oral care implements. The cell (20) includes a cluster of process stations (21) including injection molding machines operable to first form oral care implement preforms and then overmold the preforms with an overlay to create fully formed oral care implement bodies. In one example, the overlay may be a flexible elastomeric or rubber material while the preform may comprise a more rigid plastic material. Transfer of the preforms and bodies between the process stations (21) is fully automated and performed by a computer-operated robot (40) having a jointed articulated arm. A grasping tool (60) disposed on an end of the arm (42) releasably engages and transports a plurality of preforms and/or bodies simultaneously. The tool provides two different methods for engaging and holding the toothbrush skeletons/bodies. A programmable controller (130) automatically controls the robotic arm (42)'s operation and movement.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a first upstream mold having a first gate opening into which a first molding material flows, a second upstream mold having a second gate opening into which a second molding material flows, a first injection unit injecting the first material through the first gate opening, a second injection unit injecting the second material through the second gate opening, and a downstream mold clampable with each of the first and second upstream molds. The second material is injected by the second injection unit after the first material is injected by the first injection unit. The second gate opening is separated further from the downstream mold than the first gate opening, and a volume of a second cavity partitioned by the second upstream mold and the downstream mold is larger than that of a first cavity partitioned by the first upstream mold and the downstream mold.

Abstract: The invention concerns an injection overmoulding device comprising at least one indexed rotary turret on which cooled moulds are installed, each mould comprising a plurality of cavities, and at least five stationary stations arranged around said turret, including at least a first station, a second station and a third station that are used, respectively, for carrying out the operations of positioning the inserts in the cavities of the mould, injecting plastic material into the cavities of the mould, and demoulding the at least partially cooled objects. The device comprises, for each mould, at least separate injection means. The invention also concerns a method implemented by the device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an injection nozzle (1) for an injection molding device comprising. At least one closure element (4) is arranged movable in a nozzle head (2) in a first direction (a). A cam mechanism (5) comprises a cam head (6) with a cam head block (7). Per closure element (4) the cam head block (7) comprises a bracket (8). The bracket (8) comprises at least one inlay (9). Per closure element (4) the at least one inlay (9) comprises a first drive surface (10) which interacts with a second drive surface (11) arranged at the closure element (4) at least during closing of the closure element (4). The cam head block (7) per closure element (4) comprises a third drive surface (12) which interacts with a fourth drive surface (13) arranged at the closure element (4) at least during opening of the closure element (4).

Abstract: A mold slide has a slide part with a slide body movable along a first direction. The slide body has an angle pin hole formed therein and defines an axis. The angle pin hole has a pocket at one end thereof. An angle pin bushing is seated in the pocket and defines an angle pin bore that is parallel to the axis of the angle pin hole. A mold part is adjacent to the slide part and movable relative to the slide part along a second direction different from the first direction. An angle pin is carried on the mold part. A portion of the angle pin is positioned in and movable in concert with the mold part relative to the angle pin bore in the angle pin bushing to move the slide part along the first direction.

Abstract: A specific mold status Ac is caused in advance in which the interval of an inner portion Xi in the parting plane direction of a parting gap C between a fixed mold 2c and a movable mold 2m during the injection filling is larger than the interval of an outer edge portion Xo and the interval of the outer edge portion Xo is equal to or lower than a predetermined size Ls including 0. A molding injection pressure Pi is set as an injection pressure at which a non-defective product can be molded and a molding mold clamping force Pc is set as a mold clamping force by which a non-defective product can be molded. During the production, a mold 2 is clamped by a molding mold clamping force Pc and the clamped mold 2 is filled with the injected resin R by a molding injection pressure Pi. After a predetermined cooling time Tc has passed, a molded piece G is removed.

Abstract: A database 3 is previously set which is related to oxidation induction times Tg indicating the deteriorations of individual resins R based on the combinations of a plurality of oxidation induction conditions X including at least different types of resins R.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming as extruded variegated plastic profile, including a multi-manifold slotted feed block assembly having a primary input manifold assembly, a secondary input manifold assembly, a flow distribution assembly in fluid communication with the primary input manifold assembly and the secondary input manifold assembly, a zone assembly having at least one restrictor and at least one mixer, and optionally, an extra line manifold assembly in communication with the flow distribution assembly.

Abstract: A housing component, for the production of a housing of a multi-shaft screw machine, includes a base body, in which at least two bores interpenetrating each other are configured. The bores extend in a conveying direction through the base body and are limited transversely to the conveying direction by an inner wall. The inner wall configures at least one first wall section and at least one second wall section such that the at least one first wall section is harder than the at least one second wall section. The wall sections, for example, are generated by material application. The housing component allows for a reliable wear protection and a positive influence on the material processing.

Abstract: A cable jacket extruder comprises a chamber, a feeding port disposed at one end of the chamber, an extruding screw disposed inside the chamber, a pathway connected to an outlet at another end of the chamber, wherein a vent is defined on the pathway, and a nozzle connected to the pathway. In another example, a tandem-type cable jacket extruder is provided. The tandem-type cable jacket extruder comprises a first chamber and a second chamber connected in tandem via a pathway, a vent disposed on the pathway, a feeding port disposed at one end of the first chamber, and an extruding screw disposed in each of the first and second chambers. A method for manufacturing cable jackets is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing profiled plastic sections in an extrusion line consisting of multiple tools, wherein a starting material is plasticized and molded in an extruder and then cooled and calibrated in at least one drying calibration unit and at least one calibration tank. The material is then divided into individual profiled sections. The quality of the profiled sections is improved in that a central control unit is provided which is connected to the tools and obtains data from the tools for uniquely identifying the tool and data on the state of the tool and transmits back adjustment data for said tool and other tools.

Abstract: An assembly useful for thermoforming a dental aligner from polymer sheet material includes (a) a custom dental model having a planar bottom surface and a receptacle formed in said planar bottom surface; and (b) a reusable die removably received in said receptacle.

Abstract: A thermoforming device includes two conveying units, a heating unit, a heat treatment unit and a forming unit. The conveying units define a clamp space and are adapted to move a raw material in a conveying direction. The heating unit is disposed at one side of the clamp space along a first axis, and includes a plurality of heating subunits adapted for heating the raw material. The heat treatment unit abuts against the heating base, and includes a plurality of temperature control subunits adapted for adjusting the temperature of the raw material. The forming unit is disposed proximate to the heat treatment unit and is adapted for forming the shape of the raw material.

Abstract: A device for producing sealing rings made of an endless-material. The device includes a feeder unit which conveys and positions the endless-material in a cutting position, a cutting unit which cuts off a section of the endless-material, a gripper unit which grips and displaces the endless-material or the section of the endless-material and which controls a displacement of at least one free end of the section of the endless-material along a predefined path of motion in and/or out of a wetting position, a control device connected with the feeder unit, the at least one gripper unit and/or the cutting unit, and a feeding device for a bonding fluid. The feeding device is connected with the control device and is arranged so that the bonding fluid is deposited in a controlled manner on the at least one free end of the section of the endless material in the wetting position.

Abstract: The present invention is a soluble material for three-dimensional modeling that is used as a material of a support material for supporting a three-dimensional object when the three-dimensional object is manufactured by a 3D printer of a fused deposition modeling system and that contains a thermoplastic resin having a hydrophilic group and an organic salt compound represented by a general formula (I) below: (R1-SO3?)nXn+ (I). According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a soluble material for three-dimensional modeling that is used for a support material and that is capable of suppressing the degradation of the modeling accuracy of a three-dimensional object when the three-dimensional object is manufactured by a 3D printer of a fused deposition modeling system, and has a high rate of dissolution to neutral water to be removable speedily from a precursor of the three-dimensional object without use of a strong alkaline aqueous solution.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for producing electrically conductive 3D structures by immersing a substrate having a build surface into a vat containing a liquid photopolymer resin which includes a conjugated polymer, controlling a thickness of a layer of the liquid photopolymer resin on the build surface so that when the liquid photopolymer resin is photopolymerized a base layer of preselected thickness of resin is produced, followed by projecting a beam of radiation having a preselected pattern down onto a top surface of the first layer of the liquid photopolymer resin for long enough to effect photopolymerization of the layer of liquid photopolymer resin; and repeating step a), b) and c) a plurality of times on top of the base layer such each layer of the 3D object is selectively photopolymerized on top of the previously photopolymerized layer to produce the 3D structure. The presence of the conjugated polymer results in the final 3D structure exhibiting electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A polyarylene sulfide resin powder granular article mixture enabling production of a highly heat-resistant and high-ductility three-dimensional molded article has: 5-25 parts by weight of fluorine resin powder granular article with respect to 100 parts by weight of polyarylene sulfide resin powder granular article; an average particle size of greater than 1 ?m to 100 ?m or less; an angle of repose of 43 degrees or less; and a homogeneity of 4 or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a three-dimensional object by means of a powder-based additive production method from at least one first powdery material, wherein the at least one first powdery material comprises at least one first compound having a first reactive group a). The first reactive group a) is selected from the group consisting of an isocyanate group, a blocked isocyanate group, or a mixture thereof. The invention further relates to a component produced using the method according to the invention, and to powdery material that is suited for the method according to the invention.

Abstract: The extraction of a three-dimensional (3D) object is facilitated using a printed hint, which includes an additional shape that is printed along with the 3D object in a granular-based printer bed. In example implementations, the hint is indicative of a location of the 3D object. In one example, a hint has a dimension indicative of a depth to the object in the printer bed. In another example, a position of a hint is indicative that the object is below, and a size of the hint is based on a size of the object. Some hints can also protect the object. Examples include plate and shell-shaped hints. The object is located under a plate hint or within a shell hint. Further, an appearance of the object or indications of the sturdiness of different parts of the object can be printed on the hint to facilitate a safe extraction of the object.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for production of a cured polymeric product which processes include using rubber particles to form a rubber layer, applying liquid binder to form a bound layer from the rubber layer, and curing, whereby repetition of steps allows for formation of additional layers and ultimately production of the cured polymeric product.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and method for producing a 3D printed object that includes printing a plurality of cavities (110) within or interior to the object (1) and providing a plurality of passages (120) between the cavities so that at least a portion of the printed cavities are in fluid communication with each other. A fluid such as a gas or liquid (2) is then provided to fill a portion of the printed cavities, thereby providing a structure that is capable of damping impacts thereto.

Abstract: A method for additive manufacturing a part using fused deposition modeling 3D printing technology includes projecting a laser image from one or more laser emitters onto a previously printed bead or beads of thermoplastic material forming a portion of the part, along a tool path for a next bead in a subsequent part layer. The laser image has a width of between about 50% to 75% of a commanded beadwidth of the next bead, and is moved along a tool path that is generally transverse to the width thereof, to thereby selectively irradiate and heat the previously printed thermoplastic material to at least a bonding temperature thereof but below a degradation temperature. A bead of thermoplastic material is extruded from an extrusion head and deposited along the tool path while at least a top surface portion of the irradiated material remains at or above its bonding temperature, so that strong adhesion occurs between part layers.