CPC B29C 64/165 (2017.08) [B29B 15/105 (2013.01); B29C 64/147 (2017.08); B29C 64/386 (2017.08); B29C 64/40 (2017.08); B29C 70/28 (2013.01); B29C 70/54 (2013.01); B33Y 10/00 (2014.12); B33Y 30/00 (2014.12); B33Y 40/00 (2014.12); B33Y 50/02 (2014.12)] | 9 Claims |
1. An apparatus for automated preparation of areas on substrate layers corresponding to cross sections of a three-dimensional (3D) object by additive manufacture of composite-based objects, comprising:
a feeder configured and sized to retain a plurality of substrate sheets;
a printer configured and adapted to deposit a predetermined amount of a fluid onto at least one substrate sheet from the plurality of sheets;
a powder system including a powder applicator and a powder remover, wherein the powder applicator deposits a predetermined amount of a powder onto select regions of the at least one substrate sheet; and
a transfer system for transferring the at least one substrate sheet from the feeder to the printer, and from the printer to the powder system, wherein the predetermined amount of powder adheres to the select regions of the at least one substrate sheet where the predetermined amount of fluid was deposited, wherein the powder remover removes any of the predetermined amount of powder not adhering to the at least one substrate sheet, wherein the transfer system includes:
a Coanda gripper for transferring at least one other substrate sheet from the plurality of substrate sheets from the feeder to the printer;
a needle gripper for transferring the at least one other substrate sheet from the printer to the powder system; and
one or more positioners for positioning one or more of the Coanda and the needle grippers relative to a predetermined position.
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