An example method includes causing an actuator to apply a compressive force to an object. The compressive force pushes a first electrode against a first end of the object and causes a second end of the object to push against a second electrode. The method further includes detecting an initial magnitude of the compressive force. The method further includes, in response to determining that the initial magnitude of the compressive force is outside of a predetermined range of magnitude, causing the actuator to adjust the compressive force applied to the object. The method further includes detecting a magnitude of the adjusted compressive force. The method further includes, in response to determining that the magnitude of the adjusted compressive force is within the predetermined range of magnitude, detecting a conductance of the object via the first electrode and the second electrode.

A method and apparatus for joining parts. A plurality of conformable induction coils embedded in a number of elastomeric sheets is positioned relative to a first composite part of the parts and a second composite part of the parts. A magnetic field is generated with the plurality of conformable induction coils. The magnetic field is configured to generate heat in a magnetically permeable material at a joint location. The heat joins the first composite part and the second composite part to each other.

A method and apparatus for joining parts. A plurality of conformable induction coils embedded in a number of elastomeric sheets is positioned relative to a first composite part of the parts and a second composite part of the parts. A magnetic field is generated with the plurality of conformable induction coils. The magnetic field is configured to generate heat in a magnetically permeable material at a joint location. The heat joins the first composite part and the second composite part to each other.

A method and apparatus for joining using friction and current, wherein the friction/current joining apparatus includes a friction device, a forging device, an electrical current source, and a programmable controller, as well as workpiece holders for the workpieces to be joined. The friction/current joining apparatus is controlled such that, in a contacting phase, the workpieces are initially moved along a process axis, and their mutually facing joining surfaces oriented transverse to a common process axis are brought into contact. In a grinding phase, while subjected to contact pressure by mutual relative movement, the joining surfaces, are ground together and made smooth. At the end of the grinding phase, the relative frictional movement is permanently stopped and, in a forging phase following the grinding phase, the workpieces are pressed together, plasticized, and joined while subjected to contact pressure on their contacting joining surfaces along the process axis, and subjected to conductive heating with electrical current.

An induction welding system is provided. The system includes at least one induction coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field, and a smart susceptor film sized to be positioned between a first component and a second component to be welded to the first component. The smart susceptor film includes a thermoplastic resin, and a plurality of metal alloy wires disposed in the thermoplastic resin such that the plurality of metal alloy wires are oriented substantially parallel to the generated alternating magnetic field.

An induction welding system is provided. The system includes at least one induction coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field, and a smart susceptor film sized to be positioned between a first component and a second component to be welded to the first component. The smart susceptor film includes a thermoplastic resin, and a plurality of metal alloy wires disposed in the thermoplastic resin such that the plurality of metal alloy wires are oriented substantially parallel to the generated alternating magnetic field.

A method and apparatus for additive manufacturing that includes a material guide for directing a supply of working material. An electro-magnetic heater is provided to heat and deposit molten working material as a new supply of working material is forced through the material guide. A single or twin screw extruder is provided within for advancing, mixing and/or depositing the working material through a tip positioned at an end of the material guide.

A method and apparatus for additive manufacturing that includes a material guide for directing a supply of working material. An electro-magnetic heater is provided to heat and deposit molten working material as a new supply of working material is forced through the material guide. A single or twin screw extruder is provided within for advancing, mixing and/or depositing the working material through a tip positioned at an end of the material guide.

A method and apparatus for additive manufacturing that includes a material guide for directing a supply of working material and a plurality of rollers for advancing the working material. An electromagnetic heater is provided to heat and deposit molten working material as a new supply of working material is forced through the material guide.

A method and apparatus for additive manufacturing that includes a material guide for directing a supply of working material. An advancement mechanism comprising one or more pistons, pushers, plungers and/or pressure regulation systems are positioned behind at least a portion of the supply of working material for advancing the working material forward. The working material is heated using an electro-magnetic heating element and the melted or molten working material is deposited from a tip positioned at an end of the material guide.