A method for computer analysis of a quality of an as-programmed surface of a composite laminate. A first data set representing an as-programmed top surface is generated based on as-programmed ply definitions and a tool surface definition. Thereafter, a second data set representing coordinates of points of a first mesh on the as-programmed top surface is generated, which points form a first mesh. Then a third data set representing coordinates of points of a second mesh on a defined tool surface is generated. A respective angle of each mesh element of the first mesh relative to a corresponding mesh element of the second mesh is then calculated. Each angle is compared to a threshold of acceptable angle. In response to an acceptable number of angles exceeding a threshold of acceptable angle, a tow placement machine may be programmed to fabricate a composite structure using the as-programmed ply definitions.

A system and method of printing a three-dimensional (3D) object may include: receiving an original mesh file of a 3D object, said mesh file comprising a primary mesh data element, representing a respective primary mesh, defined by a plurality of polygons; identifying at least one target design element, associated with the primary mesh; producing at least one auxiliary mesh, based on a geometry of said at least one identified target design element; creating a modified mesh file comprising the primary mesh and the at least one auxiliary mesh; and printing the 3D object based on the modified mesh file.

Techniques are disclosed for converting a stereolithographic model into an STL data file that defines logically related components and subcomponents of an object. A user can categorize elements of an object to form logically related components and subcomponents of the object. Each element is represented by a triangle. All triangles representing each of these components and subcomponents are then reordered and listed sequentially within the STL. Each list is delimited at the beginning and end by two hidden triangles, one or both of which store unique identification values that are associated with the respective individual components. Additionally, a reference table can be added to the STL. The reference table includes instructions, operations or other information that is specifically associated with each component and subcomponent using the unique identification values. These instructions and operations enable users to have better control over 3D print quality than is possible using existing techniques.

A method for guiding in real time a robot arm for the processing of data of the surface of a body, includes generating a body model including a meshing of points; planning a treatment trajectory on the surface of the body model with a calculator; activating at least one transmission of a transmitter and/or acquisition of a sensor of an operator device, the operator device being arranged at the distal end of the robotised arm, the activation being carried out when the orientation of the axis of the sensor or the transmitter is merged with a predefined straight line passing through the target point, the target point being referenced on the generated body model.

In an example, a method includes receiving, at least one processor, object model data representing at least a portion of an object that is to be generated by an additive manufacturing apparatus by fusing build material within a fabrication chamber, wherein the object model data comprises a mesh model comprising data describing a surface of the object. A geometrical compensation vector may be determined for the object model data, the geometrical compensation vector having a first component applying to a first axis of the fabrication chamber and a second component applying to a second axis of the fabrication chamber. A geometrical compensation to apply to at least one location on the surface of the object may be determined by determining a product of the geometrical compensation vector and a vector indicative of the normal of the object surface at the location and the determined geometrical compensation may be applied to the object model data to generate modified object model data.

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for training a neural network including an encoder network and decoder network and configured to receive a network input that includes sensor data characterizing a deformable object and to process the network input to generate a network output that specifies a mesh of the deformable object. Once trained, the neural network can be deployed in a robotic system for use in allowing a motion planner to issue timely commands which adjust a currently planned motion according to the mesh in order to prevent any collision between the robot and the deformable object.

A design engine analyzes a complex polygonal mesh to identify regions of that mesh that can be simplified. The design engine then replaces those identified regions with simplified geometry that is more easily fabricated using traditional techniques. The remaining complex regions of the mesh are fabricated using additive fabrication techniques. The design engine interacts with both a traditional fabrication device and an additive fabrication device to fabricate the simplified and complex regions of the mesh, respectively. In this manner, a hybrid 3D structure is generated that includes both simplified geometry and complex geometry.

A robotic assembly cell is configured to generate a physical mesh of physical polygons based on a simulated mesh of simulated triangles. A control application configured to operate the assembly cell selects a simulated polygon in the simulated mesh and then causes a positioning robot in the cell to obtain a physical polygon that is similar to the simulated polygon. The positioning robot positions the polygon on the physical mesh, and a welding robot in the cell then welds the polygon to the mesh. The control application captures data that reflects how the physical polygon is actually positioned on the physical mesh, and then updates the simulated mesh to be geometrically consistent with the physical mesh. In doing so, the control application may execute a multi-objective solver to generate an updated simulated mesh that meets specific design criteria.

A robotic assembly cell is configured to generate a physical mesh of physical polygons based on a simulated mesh of simulated triangles. A control application configured to operate the assembly cell selects a simulated polygon in the simulated mesh and then causes a positioning robot in the cell to obtain a physical polygon that is similar to the simulated polygon. The positioning robot positions the polygon on the physical mesh, and a welding robot in the cell then welds the polygon to the mesh. The control application captures data that reflects how the physical polygon is actually positioned on the physical mesh, and then updates the simulated mesh to be geometrically consistent with the physical mesh. In doing so, the control application may execute a multi-objective solver to generate an updated simulated mesh that meets specific design criteria.

A method for optimizing the tolerancing of a set of flexible parts subjected to forces. At the design phase, an optimum tolerancing for flexible parts is defined according to the assembly process plan and the desired functional requirements. The structural digital models are considered as parts to be assembled and composed of a plurality of assembly points, a plurality of structural points, and mathematical relations or mechanical stiffness, such as a non-null relative displacement of a structural/assembly point in relation to the other structural/assembly points in a single digital model, modify tensor in each structural/assembly point. From a mechanical point of view, these mathematical relations express the existence of an elastic recovery property between the points that make up the digital model. The issue of optimization is simplified by: the definition of influence factors; the simulation of parts deviating from the nominal by a distortion vector.