Apparatus and method for conveying a filament

Abstract

A device (2000) for conveying a filament (100) onto an object surface, the device comprising: a shoe (2140) comprising a shoe surface (2140S), for depositing and bonding the filament (100) onto the object surface; a shoe rotation column (2120) connected to the shoe, for rotating the shoe around an axis of rotation (Z); and a tubular filament transport assembly, comprising tube components, wherein at least a portion of the tubular filament transport assembly is arranged within the shoe rotation column, for guiding the filament towards the shoe, wherein an outlet of the tubular filament transport assembly has a cross-section the center of which is offset from the axis of rotation. A system comprising the device and a method for conveying the filament are also provided.

Description

Apparatus And Method for Conveying a FilamentField

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for conveying a filament onto a surface.Summary

[0002] The disclosure presents a device for conveying a filament onto an object surface, the device comprising: a shoe comprising a shoe surface, for one or more of depositing and bonding the filament onto the object surface; a shoe rotation column connected to the shoe, for rotating the shoe around an axis of rotation; and a tubular filament transport assembly, comprising one or more tube components, wherein at least a portion of the tubular filament transport assembly is arranged within the shoe rotation column, for guiding the filament towards the shoe, wherein an outlet of the tubular filament transport assembly has a cross-section the center of which is offset from the axis of rotation.

[0003] The disclosure further presents a system for manufacturing one or more objects comprising one or more filaments, the system comprising: one or more of the devices for conveying the filament onto the surface of the object, and a motion system configured for one or more of translating and rotating one or more of: the devices for conveying the filament, and the objects.

[0004] The disclosure still further presents a method for conveying the filament onto an object surface, comprising conveying the filament within the tubular filament transport assembly comprised in the device.Brief description of drawings

[0005] Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a device for depositing a filament inserted through a baffle.

[0006] Fig. 2 is an isometric view of the device for depositing a filament onto an object on a build plate within an enclosure, the device and the build plate supported by a motion system.

[0007] Fig. 3A is a partial front cross-section of the device.

[0008] Fig. 3B is a side cross-section of the device.

[0009] Fig. 3C is an isometric view of a transport tube offset entry holder comprising a filament transport tube.

[0010] Fig. 3D is a top cross-section of tubes and columns comprised in the device.

[0011] Fig. 3E is an isometric view of a transport tube offset exit holder.

[0012] Fig. 3F is an isometric view of the transport tube offset exit holder and a cutter blade configured in a closed configuration.

[0013] Fig. 3F is an isometric view of the transport tube offset exit holder, a cutter blade support, and the cutter blade configured in an open configuration.

[0014] Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a computer system or controller used to control one or moreof a device for depositing a filament and a system comprising one or more of the devices.

[0015] Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a method or set of instructions for conveying a filament onto an object surface using the device.

[0016] Fig. 6A is an isometric view of a filament comprising continuous fibers, configured as a tape.

[0017] Fig. 6B is an isometric view of a filament comprising discontinuous fibers, configured as a tape.Detailed description

[0018] Fig.1 presents an isometric view of a device 2000 for conveying a filament 100 onto a surface or substrate 200, for example of an object or object being manufactured 1000. For example the object 1000 is manufactured additively. For example, the device, which is for example interchangeable, comprises a slender tubular arrangement that is rotatable around a Z axis and configured for insertion into a heated enclosure 3940, for example through a grommet 3966. The device is, for example, connected to a motion system 3900. The device comprises, for example, one or more rings and funnels, for example for guiding the filament, channeling and entraining dust resulting from friction of the filament against a tubular filament guiding assembly, and isolating moving parts from dust.

[0019] For example, the conveying comprises one or more of depositing the filament onto the surface and bonding to the surface. For example, the device comprises a rotating shoe 2140. For example, the shoe rotates around an axis of rotation Z that is orthogonal to a surface 2140S of the shoe that is configured for depositing the filament onto the object.

[0020] For example, the device 2000 is configured as a slender shaft. For example, the device comprises a filament cutter assembly 2300, for example embedded within the shaft. For example, a method for depositing the filament 100 onto an object comprises one or more of: inserting the device into an enclosure through a baffle; conveying one or more lengths of filament onto the object; guiding deposition of the filament along one or more deposition paths by translating the device, for example paths comprising curves, by adjusting the orientation of the shoe with respect to the deposition path; and cutting the filament within the device as the device continues its motion towards the end of the path. For example, a path is configured as one or more patterns, for example one or more of straight lines, lines comprising curves, zigzags, snaking patterns, spirals, for example overlapping a previously deposited path, hence forming an object comprising one or more layers.

[0021] Fig. 2 presents an isometric view of the device, for example, connected to a motion system 3900 arranged over an enclosure 3940, for example comprising a chamber 2020, for example a heated chamber, for example an enclosure comprising a supply 3942 of a hot gas, for example comprising one or more of air, an inert gas, nitrogen, and argon. For example, the device enters the enclosure via a grommet 3966 arranged in a baffle 3960 arranged, forexample, at a top surface of the enclosure. For example, the device is an end-effector comprised in an end-effector interchanging system comprising the motion system and one or more end-effectors or devices. For example, the motion system is configured to one or more of insert the device through the grommet into the enclosure and adjust the position in one or more directions X, Y, Z with respect to the object surface 200. For example, the motion system 3900 comprises a gantry 3902. For a further example, the motion system comprises a robotic manipulator arm (not shown). For example, the motion system further comprises one or more devices for adjusting one or more of the position and orientation of the substrate or object 200, for example comprising one or more of: actuated screws 3904, jackscrews, gantries 3902, rails, and robotic manipulator arms.

[0022] In greater detail, Fig. 1 presents an isometric view of the device 2000 for conveying a filament 100 as seen if one were to look inside the enclosure 3940 towards the roof of the enclosure comprising an arrangement of baffles 3960, 3961, 3962. A length of a slender portion 2122L of the device 2000, for example from the surface 2140S of the shoe to a collar 2122 of a shoe rotation column 2120 is, in the Z direction, in a range from 2 cm to 80 cm, for example from 5 cm to 40 cm, from 8 cm to 20 cm, from 10 cm to 15 cm. A width or diameter of the slender portion 2122L of the device is, in the X or Y directions, without limitation, for example in a range from 1 cm to 8 cm, for example from 2 cm to 4 cm.

[0023] Fig. 1 shows the filament 100 emerging from the rotatable shoe 2140, bending around the base of the shoe, for example around a flared contour, and being deposited, for example bonded, by the shoe surface 2140S, onto one or more substrate 200, for example a build plate, for example onto one or more layers of material, for example comprising one or more filaments, for example filaments comprising fibers, for example continuous fibers. For example, the shoe 2140 comprises a groove 2140G along which the filament advances, for example descends, towards the substrate 200. For example, a first side of the groove is bordered by a first lip 2140L1 and a second side of the groove is bordered by a second lip 2140L2. For example, the shoe 2140 comprises a first lip 2140L1 arranged on a first side of a plane of symmetry 2140PS of the shoe comprising the axis of rotation Z and a second lip 2140L2 arranged on a second side of the plane of symmetry. For example, the first lip 2140L1 and the second lip 2140L2 are separated by a groove 2140G arranged in the plane of symmetry 2140PS. For example, an opening between the first lip and the second lip forms a sector in a range from 45° to 170°, for example 80° to 100°. For example, the groove is arranged along the axis of rotation Z of the shoe. For example, the groove is arranged in a plane of symmetry 2140PS of the shoe. For example, at least a portion of the groove has an elevation angle 2140GA with respect to the shoe surface, for example in a range from 45° to 90°.

[0024] For example, a method for forming a straight deposition path comprises orienting the shoe so that the groove faces a frontal direction of the path. For example, a method for formingone or more curves in a deposition path comprises orienting the shoe so that the groove, for example the deepest surface into the groove, faces a direction tangent to the path at the point where the axis of rotation Z of the shoe intercepts the substrate. For a further example, a method for forming one or more curves in a deposition path comprises orienting the shoe so that the groove faces a direction tangent to the path at the point where the groove blends into the shoe surface 2140S. For yet a further example, a method for forming one or more curves in a deposition path comprises orienting the shoe so that the groove faces a direction parallel to a tangent to the path wherein the tangent contacts a point on the filament contacting the shoe surface 2140S.

[0025] Fig. 2 is an isometric view of the device 2000 for depositing a filament 100 onto a substrate 200, for example onto a build plate or an object 1000 on the build plate, within the enclosure 3940, the device and the build plate being supported by the motion system 3900. Hence, Fig. 2 presents a system 2010 for manufacturing one or more objects 1000 comprising one or more filaments 100, the system comprising: one or more devices 2000 for conveying the filament 100 onto the surface 200, for example called substrate, of the object 1000, and a motion system 3900 configured for one or more of translating and rotating one or more of: the devices for conveying the filament, and the objects.

[0026] Fig. 1 and Fig, 2 further show the arrangement of baffles 3960, 3961, 3962, for example covering a surface, for example a top surface, of the enclosure 3940. For example, the arrangement of baffles comprises a first side baffle 3961, extending along a first direction X from a first end of a surface 3950 of the enclosure. For example, the arrangement of baffles further comprises a second side baffle 3962, extending along a direction opposite the first direction from a second end of the surface opposite to the first end. For example, the arrangement of baffles further comprises a third baffle 3960, arranged on the surface between the first side baffle and the second side baffle. For example, at least a portion of the third baffle is in sliding contact, along a second direction Y orthogonal to the first direction X, with the first side baffle and the second side baffle. For example, Fig. 1 presents the third baffle 3960, and correspondingly in Fig. 2 the second and third baffles 3961 , 3962, comprising a plurality of folds or bellows at one or more sides of the grommet 3966. For example, the manufacturing system 2010 comprises a baffle 3960 wherein the baffle comprises a grommet 3966 configured for passing 5100 one or more of the shoe 2140 and the shoe rotation column 2120. For example the baffles comprise an elastomer. Other baffle designs comprise, for example: sliding blades; telescoping roof arrangements, for example comprising U-shaped or V-shaped roof blade arrangements; and sliding or rolling curtain arrangement, for example comprising one or more of a spring-loaded roll, an actuated roller, and an actuated reel. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 1 , the grommet 3966 comprises an elastomer material, for example comprising a plurality of slits. For another example, the grommet comprises one or more brushes. For example, thegrommet is centered on the axis of rotation of a circular bearing 3965 surrounding the grommet.

[0027] For example, the manufacturing system 2010 comprises: the enclosure 3940; the first side baffle 3961 , for example extending along a first direction X from a first end of a surface 3950 of the enclosure; the second side baffle 3962, for example extending along a direction opposite the first direction from a second end of the surface opposite to the first end; and the third baffle 3960, for example arranged on the surface between the first side baffle and the second side baffle, for example comprising the grommet 3966, for example at least a portion of the third baffle being in sliding contact, along a second direction Y orthogonal to the first direction X, with the first side baffle and the second side baffle.

[0028] Fig. 3A is a partial front cross-section of the device 2000 for depositing a filament 100. Fig. 3B is a side cross-section of the device. Fig. 3B shows the filament 100 conveyed by a filament transport assembly 2500 comprising, for example, one or more pinch wheels, for example one or more first pinch wheels 2512 pinching the filament against one or more second pinch wheels 2514. For example, one or more of the pinch wheels are coupled to one or more filament conveyor actuators 2510, for example comprising one or more motors connected to a control system 4000 shown in Fig. 4 that is connected to one or more actuators 4400 of the depositing system 2010. For example, the control system 4000 controls one or more of a position, for example a rotation angle, a rotations speed, and a torque, for example via measuring power consumption.

[0029] Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a computer system or controller 4000, 4001 used to control one or more of the deposition system 2010. For example, the computer system 4000 comprises one or more of: a processor 4110, a memory 4160, the NTCRSM 4120, the one or more sensors 4300, the one or more actuators 4400, a communication interface 4140, a user interface 4130, and a data bus 4150 for exchanging data between one or more of the computer system’s components. For example, the computer system 4000 comprises a data link 4141 , for example a wireless data link, for example to exchange data with one or more external systems 4200, for example one or more of the systems 2000 for applying a filament and the overmolding systems 8000. For example, one or more of the data, parameters, and instructions recited in this disclosure are stored on one or more of the NTCRSM’s 4120.

[0030] Fig. 6A is an isometric view of a filament 100, for example a filament 110FC comprising a plurality of continuous fibers 11 OF. For example, the filament 100 is configured as a tape having a width 113W, 114W. For example, a manufactured object or preform 1000 comprises a first filament having a first width 113W. For example a tape, having a rectangular cross-section, confers placement, anchoring, and filament path forming characteristics, especially in tight turns, that have greater bonding stability and reproducibility than filaments having a rounded cross-section. For example, the preform 1000 comprises a second filament 114 having a second width 114W that is different from the first width. For example, the fibers 110F extendcontinuously along an entire length 110L of the filament 100. Fig. 6B is an isometric view of a filament 100, for example a filament 110FD comprising discontinuous fibers 110FD1, 110FD2, for example configured as a tape.

[0031] For example, the filament is a pre-impregnated, also called prepreg, filament. For example, the prepreg filament comprises fibers pre-impregnated with a thermoplastic resin. For example, a filament comprises one or more of a tow, a roving, a tape, a commingled yarn, or a combination thereof. For example the combination is in one or more of: i) a parallel arrangement; and ii) a sequential arrangement along the longitudinal direction of the filament. For example, the filament comprises one or more thermoplastic resins. For example, the filament is preimpregnated with one or more thermoplastic resin. For a further example, the filament is impregnated with one or more thermoplastic resins within 10 minutes prior to or upon deposition of the filament onto a substrate. For example, the filament comprises one or more of: a plurality of continuous fibers, a plurality of discontinuous fibers, and a plurality of chopped fibers.

[0032] For example, a filament comprising a plurality of discontinuous fibers comprises one or more sets of discontinuous fibers arranged as a plurality of parallel fibers. For example, the fibers in a filament comprising discontinuous fibers have a uniform length. For example, the discontinuous fibers have a length comprised in a range from 2 mm to 20 mm, for example from 2 mm to 10 mm, for example from 3 mm to 8 mm, for example from 3 mm to 6 mm. For example, the length-to-diameter ratio of a discontinuous fiber is in a range from 500 to 1500, for example from 600 to 1200. For example, a fiber having a length that is greater than that of a discontinuous fiber is a continuous fiber. For example, a fiber having a length that is less than that of a discontinuous fiber is a chopped fiber. For example, the discontinuous fibers are arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the filament. For example, at least 50%, for example more than 75%, for example more than 90%, for example more than 95% of the fibers are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the filament, for example within 15° of the longitudinal direction of the filament, for example within 10°, for example within 5°.

[0033] For example, the filament has a filament width 113W, 114W. For example, the width of filament 110 is comprised in a range from 0.2 mm to 10 mm, for example from 0.4 mm to 5 mm, for example from 0.4 mm to 3 mm, for example from 0.4 mm to 2 mm, for example from 0.4 mm to 1 mm, for example from 0.45 mm to 0.6 mm. For example, a tape is formed by cutting a sheet or a web comprising a plurality of fibers in a direction parallel to the fibers. For example, a filament, for example a tape, has a width 113W in a range from 0.4 mm to 3 mm, for example from 0.6 mm to 2 mm, for example from 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm, for example from 0.9 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0034] For example, a filament comprises one or more fiber materials, for example selected from one or more of: a carbon fiber, a glass fiber, an aramid fiber, a basalt fiber, a metal fiber,and a natural fiber. For example, a natural fiber comprises fiber extracted from one or more of: a sisal, a flax, a ramie, a cotton, a banana, a hemp, and a byssus. For example, a set of continuous fibers or a set of discontinuous fibers comprises fibers of one or more of the fiber materials.

[0035] For example, the filament is impregnated with an adhesive material, for example a thermoplastic adhesive. For example, a thermoplastic adhesive comprises one or more of: a polyaryletherketone (PAEK), a polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), a polyetherimide (PEI), an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a nylon, a polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), a polycarbonate (PC), a polycarbonate-ABS (PC-ABS), a polyether sulfone (PES), a polyethylene (PE), a polyamide (PA), a polyimide (PI), a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), a polyphenylsulfone (PPSLI), a polyphosphoric acid (PPA), a polypropylene (PP), a polysulfone (PSU), a polyurethane (Pll), and a polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0036] For example, a thermoplastic further comprises a filler material. For example, a filler material comprises one or more of: a plurality of microspheres, a plurality of chopped fibers, and a plurality of one or more discontinuous fibers, short fibers, chopped fibers, and recycled fibers. For example, the filament comprises a slit tape, for example obtained by cutting one or more sheets or tapes comprising unidirectional fibers. For example, the filament further comprises a coating, for example comprising a thermoplastic resin.

[0037] Returning to Figs. 3A and 3B, upon exiting the filament transport assembly 2500, the filament is guided through a tubular filament transport assembly 2520 comprising, for example, one or more tube components 2522, 2525, 2527. For example, the filament passes through the filament cutter assembly 2300 and continues on to the shoe 2140. For example, the shoe 2140 is comprised at an end of the shoe rotation column 2120 that is configured to rotate around an axis of rotation Z. For example, the shoe rotation column 2120 is configured as a tube. For example, the shoe rotation column configured as a tube forms a tubular enclosure around the filament transport assembly 2500 and the cutter assembly 2300, for example isolating the inside of the column from the heat or heated gas within the enclosure 3940.

[0038] For example, the inside of the shoe rotation column is at a temperature lower than that of the enclosure, for example in a range from 40°C to 100°C, for example from 50°C to 70°C. For example, the enclosure is at a temperature in a range from 60°C to 300°C, for example from 180°C to 220°C. Other, for example non-isolating, configurations (not shown) for the shoe rotation column are possible, for example comprising one or more rods, blades, or portions of tube, for example longitudinal portions of tube, or a tube comprising cutouts.

[0039] For example, a tube component 2522, 2525, 2527 of the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 comprises at least a portion having a tubular geometry on one or more of the inside and the outside of the tube component. For example, a tubular geometry has a cross-section forming a body of revolution, for example having one or more of a circular geometry, an elliptic geometry, and a faceted polygon, for example a regular convex polygon. For example, a tube component comprises one or more of a tube 2522, 2525, 2527 and is connected to, for example supported by, a tube holder 2530, 2550. For example, a tube holder comprises a cavity configured for receiving a tube, for example configured to hold the tube in one or more of: an interference fit, for example a press fit; a transition fit; and a clearance fit, for example a sliding fit, for example locked by one or more screws. For example, an external contour of a tube holder 2530, 2540 has a cylindrical configuration. For example, the tube holder comprises one or more orifices, for example circular orifices, the center of which is offset from the axis of symmetry or revolution of the tube holder.

[0040] For example, the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 comprises one or more filament transport tubes 2525. For example, the filament transport tube has an annular crosssection. For example, the filament transport tube has an internal diameter comprised in a range from 0.5 mm to 20 mm, for example from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, for example from 0.8 mm to 3 mm, for example from 1 mm to 2.5 mm. For example, the filament transport tube has an internal diameter comprised in a range from 1.2 times to 10 times the width of the filament to be conveyed through the filament transport tube, for example from 1.5 times to 5 times, for example from 1.8 times to 3 times. For example, the filament transport tube 2525 has a funnel entry 2525F. For example, compared to a straight entry configuration, the funnel entry 2525F configuration one or more of improves guidance of the filament into the tube and improves collection of fiber residue due to, for example, the filament transport assembly 2500 conveying one or more of a filament having a curvature and a fiber residue, for example resulting from friction of the filament against one or more parts leading to and parts of the device for depositing a filament 2000.

[0041] For example, a hard material comprises one or more of a hardened metal, for example a hardened steel, for example a high-speed steel, a metal / ceramic hybrid, a carbide material, a tungsten carbide, a titanium carbide, and a ceramic material, for example as a coating. For example, a hard material has a hardness in one or more of a range from 55 to 85 Rockwell hardness HRC, a Mohs range from 9 to 9.5, and a Rockwell hardness range from 90 to 95 HRA.

[0042] For example, the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 comprises one or more entry funnels 2522. For example, the entry funnel is comprised between the filament transport assembly 2500 and the filament transport tube 2525. For example, the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 comprises one or more transport tube exit funnels 2527. For example, the transport tube exit funnel 2527 is arranged to contact a surface of a cutter blade 2360. For example, one or more of the funnels 2522, 2525F, 2527, inlets 2521, and outlets 2528, comprise a hard material. For example, the inlet 2521 comprises the surface of the entry funnel 2522 configured to be contacted by the filament 100 being conveyed.

[0043] For example, one or more cutter blades 2360 are configured to slide against the outlet 2528 of the tubular filament transport assembly 2520. For example, the outlet 2528, for example of the transport tube exit funnel 2527, for example one or more of the funnel surface and the outlet surface against which the cutter blade 2360 slides, comprise a hard material. For example, two or more of the entry funnel 2522, the transport tube 2525, and the transport tube exit funnel 2527 are coaxial on an axis ZT.

[0044] For example, the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 comprises one or more of a transport tube entry funnel 2522 and a transport tube exit funnel 2527. For example, the tubular filament transport assembly 2520, comprising one or more of the entry funnel 2522, the transport tube 2525, and the transport tube exit funnel 2527, has a tubular filament transport assembly length 2520L. For example, the length 2520L is greater than the sum of the lengths of each of the tubes and the funnels.

[0045] Fig. 3C is an isometric view of a transport tube offset entry holder 2530 comprising a filament transport tube 2525. Fig. 3E is an isometric view of a transport tube offset exit holder 2550. For example, the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 comprises one or more of the transport tube offset entry holder 2530, a transport tube offset column 2540, and the transport tube offset exit holder 2550. For example, at least a portion of the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 is arranged within the shoe rotation column 2120. For example, the transport tube offset entry holder 2530 holds one or more of an entry of the filament transport tube 2525, for example the filament transport tube entry funnel 2525F, and the entry funnel 2522, the center of which is at a distance from the axis of rotation Z. For example, the axis of revolution of one or more of the filament transport tube entry funnel 2525F and the entry funnel 2522, for example aligned on the axis ZT, are at an offset distance from the axis of rotation Z.

[0046] Fig. 3B shows the filament transport tube 2525 connecting to the transport tube offset exit holder 2550, for example into a first cavity or recess 2551 within the transport tube offset exit holder (Fig. 3E). For example, the transport tube offset exit holder further comprises a second cavity or recess 2552, for example having a cross-sectional center 2552C. For example, a center of one or more of the first cavity 2551 and the second cavity 2552, for example aligned on the axis ZT, are at an offset distance from an axis of revolution of the transport tube offset exit holder, for example aligned on the axis of rotation Z. For example, the second cavity comprises an outward extension 2553, for example having a tubular configuration. For example, the outward extension is arranged to fit, for example slidingly, within a cavity 2352 of the cutter blade support 2350, for example through which the transport tube exit funnel 2527 is arranged. For example, the cavity 2352 of the cutter blade support is configured as an arc, for example traced by a milling bit that having a diameter equal to our greater than an external diameter of the transport tube exit funnel, the arc describing a portion of a circle centered on the axis of rotation Z of the cutter blade support 2350 and, for example, spanning an angular rangecorresponding at least to the angular range of motion imparted to the cutter blade support 2350 by the cutter actuator 2310. For example, the angular range is configured so that a cutting edge of the cutter span the width or diameter of the outlet 2528 of the transport tube exit funnel 2527. For example, arc is approximated by a rectangle, a rounded rectangle, a circle, an ellipse or any other shape having a contour containing the arc. For example, one or more of the tube components 2522, 2525, 2527, 2540, 2530, 2550 comprise one or more tube holders 2530, 2550 having one or more cavities 2551, 2552 configured for receiving a tube wherein a center 2552C of a transverse cross-section of the cavity is offset from the axis of rotation Z.

[0047] For example, one or more of the tube holders is a transport tube exit holder 2550 comprising the transport tube exit funnel 2527, for example comprised in a second cavity 2552 of the transport tube exit holder. For example, the second cavity 2552 is configured to comprise, for example to comprise with a sliding fit, the transport tube exit funnel 2527. For example, an outlet 2528 of the transport tube exit funnel 2527 has a cross-section 2528X the center 2528XC of which, for example the axis of revolution of which, for example aligned on the axis ZT, is offset from the axis of rotation Z. The outlet 2528 of the transport tube exit funnel 2527 is, for example, an outlet 2528 of the tubular filament transport assembly 2520. For example, the offset distance is comprised in a range from 0.5 mm to 20 mm, for example from 1 mm to 10 mm, for example from 1 mm to 5 mm, for example from 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. For example, the center 2528XC is a centroid.

[0048] In summary, the device 2000 for conveying a filament 100 onto an object surface 200 comprises: a shoe 2140 comprising a shoe surface 2140S, for one or more of depositing and bonding the filament 100 onto the object surface 200; a shoe rotation column 2120 connected to the shoe, for rotating the shoe around an axis of rotation Z; and a tubular filament transport assembly 2520, comprising one or more tube components 2522, 2525, 2527, 2540, 2530, 2550, wherein at least a portion of the tubular filament transport assembly is arranged within the shoe rotation column, for guiding the filament towards the shoe, wherein an outlet 2528 of the tubular filament transport assembly has a cross-section 2528X the center 2528XC of which is offset from the axis of rotation Z.

[0049] Fig. 3D is a top cross-section of tubes and column comprised in the device 2000. For example, the device comprises the shoe rotation column 2120 which is coupled to the shoe 2140 and set in rotation around the Z-axis by a shoe rotation assembly 2100 which comprises, for example, a shoe rotation actuator 2110, for example comprising a motor. For example, the shoe rotation column 2120 one or more of comprises and is surrounded by, along at least a portion of its length in the Z-direction, a shoe rotation column sheath 2124, for example comprising a non-stick coating, for example on its external surface, for example comprising one or more of a ceramic, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and a PTFE alternative, for example one or more of a tetrafluorethylene-perpfluoropropylene (FEP), a chlorotrifluoroethylene (E-CTFE), and a perfluoroalkoxy (PFA). For example, a method to reduce friction against the grommet upon insertion and rotation of the shoe rotation column 2120 comprises having the shoe rotation column or the sheath coated with or comprising the non-stick material.

[0050] For example, a cutter transmission component 2340 is comprised within the volume delimited by the inner perimeter around which the shoe rotation column 2120 is configured to rotate. For example, Fig. 3D presents the cutter transmission component 2340 configured as a tube that is concentric to the shoe rotation column 2120 configured as a tube. For example, as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, the shoe rotation column 2120 is spaced away from the cutter transmission component 2340 by one or more shoe rotation column bearings 2120B1, 2120B2, for example configured as plain bearings. For example, one or more of the shoe rotation column bearings 2120B1 , 2120B2 are lodged within a portion bored out from the inside of the shoe rotation column 2120. For example, the cutter transmission component 2340 is connected to a cutter actuator component 2330, for example having a tubular configuration and comprising a ring 2330R, the component for example fitted to an inside of the cutter transmission component 2340 at its end closest to the filament transport assembly 2500, hence contributing to limit ingress of fiber dust between the cutter actuator component and a transport tube offset column 2540. For example, the cutter transmission component 2340 is connected to, for example via one or more of the cutter actuator component 2330 and a cutter actuator lever 2320, to a cutter actuator 2310, for example comprising one or more of a motor and a solenoid actuator.

[0051] Fig. 3D further shows a cross-section of the transport tube offset column 2540 which, for example, connects the transport tube offset exit holder 2550 to the transport tube offset entry holder 2530. Fig. 3D further shows a cross-section of the filament transport tube 2525, the central axis of which lies upon the centerline ZTof the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 which is offset from the axis or rotation Z of one or more of the shoe rotation column 2120 and the shoe 2140. For example, at least a portion of a length 2520L of the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 is parallel to the axis of rotation Z and offset from the axis of rotation.

[0052] The shoe rotation column 2120 rotates, for example, at least 180° in both directions around the Z axis under action of the shoe rotation actuator 2110 to which it is coupled by, for example, a shoe rotation gear 2114. For example, the shoe rotation actuator comprises a motor that is, for example, coupled to the shoe rotation gear by a shoe rotation belt 2112. The cutter transmission component 2340 rotates in both directions, for example around the Z axis, under action of the cutter actuator 2310. The transport tube offset column 2540 and the filament transport tube 2525 remain rotationally static. The shoe rotation column 2120, the cutter transmission component 2340, the transport tube offset column 2540, and the filament transport tube 2525 are, for example, translatable in one or more of the X and Y directions by, for example, the motion system 3900, relative to the object being manufactured 1000.

[0053] For example, a first circumference of the shoe rotation column 2120 at a first distancefrom the shoe surface 2140S is fit within a first shoe rotation bearing 2115-1. For example, a second circumference of the shoe rotation column at a second distance from the shoe surface is fit within a second shoe rotation bearing 2115-2. For example, one or more of the shoe rotation bearings 2115-1 , 2115-2 are embedded in a device support chassis 2000C. For example, a third circumference of the shoe rotation column at a third distance from the shoe surface comprised between the first distance and the second distance is fit within a shoe rotation gear 2114. For example, the device comprises the first shoe rotation bearing 2115-1, the second shoe rotation bearing 2115-2, and the shoe rotation gear 2114. For example, the shoe rotation column 2120 comprises one or more of a shoe rotation assembly washer 2107 and a shoe rotation assembly nut 2105, for example configured to fasten one or more of the rotation bearings and the shoe rotation gear.

[0054] For example, the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 comprises one or more springs 2345. For example, one or more of the springs are arranged to press the outlet 2528 of the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 against the cutter blade 2360. For example, one or more of the components 2522, 2525, 2527, 2540, 2530, 2550 of the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 are arranged in a compressive load, for example a combined load, in a range from 3 N to 100 N in a direction -Z towards the cutter blade 2360. For example, one or more of the tube components 2522, 2525, 2527, 2540, 2530, 2550, 2527 of the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 are forming a combined load oriented in a direction -Z towards a surface 2360S of a cutter blade 2360 and in a range from 3 N to 100 N against the surface of the cutter blade. For example, the spring 2345 is arranged in compression between a cutter transmission component support washer 2342 and the transport tube offset exit holder 2550. For example, the support washer 2342 is lodged against a bored out step 2340S within the cutter transmission component 2340. For example, the transport tube exit funnel 2527 is lodged, for example slidingly, within the a second cavity or recess 2552 of the transport tube offset exit holder. For example, the spring presses the transport tube offset exit holder which presses the transport tube exit funnel against the cutter blade 2360. For example, the transport tube exit funnel 2527, for example comprised in the tubular filament transport assembly 2520, has an outlet 2528 exerting a load in a range from 3 N to 100 N against the surface 2360S of the cutter blade 2360. For example, if the surface or edges of transport tube exit funnel wear out, it is replaceable with a new part by one or more of pivoting and removing the cutter blade 2360 which is, for example, fastened to a cutter blade support 2350, for example by one or more screws (not shown).

[0055] Figs. 3A, 3B, and 3G present respectively front, side, and isometric views of the cutter blade support 2350 that is, for example, connected to the cutter transmission component 2340. For example, upon actuation of the cutter actuator 2310, the cutter blade support rotates around an axis of rotation 2350RA that is, for example, parallel to, for example coaxial with, the axis ofrotation Z of the shoe rotation column 2120. For example, the cutter blade support comprises one or more cutter blades 2360. For example, the cutting edge 2360E of one or more of the cutter blades 2360 is arranged at an angle comprised between 0° and 80°, for example from 0° to 20°, for example from 0° to 5°, with respect to a radial 2350R to the rotating axis 2350RA of the cutter blade support, for example a radial orthogonal to the rotating axis 2350RA of the cutter blade support.

[0056] For example, the cutter actuator 2310 rotates one or more of the cutter actuator component 2330, the cutter transmission component 2340, and the cutter blade support 2350, hence sliding the cutter blade 2360, for example the surface 2360S of the cutter blade, against the transport tube exit funnel 2527. For example, the sliding configures the outlet 2528 of the filament transport assembly into one or more of a closed configuration 2360-C, for example as shown in Fig. 3F, a partly open or intermediate configuration, and an open configuration 2360- O, for example as shown in Fig. 3G.

[0057] In summary, the device 2000 comprises, for example, a cutter assembly 2300 comprising a rotative cutter blade support 2350 having a rotating axis 2350RA parallel to the axis of rotation Z and comprising one or more cutter blades 2360 the cutting edge of which is arranged at an angle comprised between 0° and 80° with respect to a radial 2350R of, for example orthogonal to, the rotating axis 2350RA of the cutter blade support. For example, the cutter assembly 2300 further comprises one or more cutter transmission components 2330, 2340, one or more of which are coaxially connected to the cutter blade support 2350 and configured for rotating concentrically on the rotating axis 2350RA of the cutter blade support. For example, one or more of the cutter transmission components 2330, 2340 are coupled to a cutter actuator 2310. For example, at least a portion of a length 2330L, 2340L of one or more of the cutter transmission components 2330, 2340 is comprised within the shoe rotation column 2120 and one or more of the cutter transmission components are coaxial with the shoe rotation column. For example, the shoe rotation column comprises 3 or more set screw ball points 2125 contacting one or more of the cutter transmission components 2330, 2340, for example the cutter transmission component 2340. For example, one or more of the cutter transmission components 2330, 2340, for example the cutter transmission component 2340, are spaced away from one or more of the transport tube offset column 2540, the transport tube offset entry holder 2530, and the transport tube offset exit holder 2550 by one or more cutter transmission component bearings 2340B1 , 2340B2, for example comprising one or more plain bearings. For example, a first cutter transmission component bearing 2340B1 contacts a first end of the cutter transmission component 2340. For example, a second cutter transmission component bearing 2340B2 contacts a second end of the cutter transmission component at a second, for example at a distance within 5 mm of the spring 2345.

[0058] For example, the outlet 2528 of the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 is facing aninlet 2371 of a cutter exit funnel 2370. For example, the conveyed filament 100, upon exiting the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 via the outlet 2528 continues its path through the cutter exit funnel 2370. For example, the cutter exit funnel 2370 comprises the hard material. For example, the cutter exit funnel 2370 is connected to the cutter blade support 2350, for example by one or more screws (not shown). For example, an inner surface of the cutter exit funnel 2370 is configured as a body of revolution the axis of which is aligned with the axis of rotation Z. For example, the cutter exit funnel 2370 comprises an outlet 2372 the cross-section of which intersects the axis of rotation Z. For example, the outlet 2528 of the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 is an outlet of the transport tube exit funnel 2527. For example, the outlet 2528 of the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 is feeding into the cutter exit funnel 2370. For example, the outlet 2528 of the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 is offset from the axis of rotation Z of the cutter exit funnel 2370. For example, the outlet 2528 of the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 is an outlet of the transport tube exit funnel 2527 feeding into the cutter exit funnel 2370 and is offset from the axis of rotation Z of the cutter exit funnel 2370. For example, the cutter blade 2360 is comprised between the outlet 2528 of the transport tube exit funnel 2527 and the cutter exit funnel 2370. For example, an outlet of the cutter exit funnel leads to the shoe 2140, for example a channel of the shoe, for example a groove 2140G of the shoe, for example an entry funnel 2141 of the shoe. For example, the entry funnel 2141 comprised in the shoe, for example the axis of revolution of the entry funnel, is coaxial with the axis of rotation Z.

[0059] For example, one or more of the cutter transmission components 2330, 2340 comprise a slip ring 2101. For example, the slip ring is electrically connected to one or more heaters 2161 , 2162 contacting the shoe 2140, for example via one or more heater wires 2164. For example, the shoe 2140 comprises a heating assembly 2160, for example comprising one or more of the heaters 2161 , 2162. For example, a first heater 2161 is comprised in a first half of the shoe 2140 with respect to a plane of symmetry 2140PS of the shoe comprising the axis of rotation Z and a second heater 2162 is comprised in a second half of the shoe 2140 with respect to the plane of symmetry.

[0060] For example, the slip ring is electrically connected to one or more shoe temperature sensors 2145 contacting the shoe 2140. For example, the shoe 2140 comprises one or more of the temperature sensors 2145. For example, one or more of the shoe temperature sensors 2145 is arranged within a plane of symmetry 2140PS of the shoe 2140 comprising the axis of rotation Z.

[0061] For example, the shoe entry 2141 is connected to a groove 2140G comprised between a first lip 2140L1 arranged on a first side of a plane of symmetry 2140PS of the shoe comprising the axis of rotation Z and a second lip 2140L2 arranged on a second side of the plane of symmetry. For example, one or more of the shoe entry 2141 and the shoe 2140 comprise thehard material. For example, the groove 2140G, comprised in the shoe 2140, is oriented with an elevation angle 2140GA with respect to the shoe surface 2140S. For example, a portion 2140GP of the groove 2140G has an elevation of 90° with respect to the shoe surface 2140S. For example, the shoe surface 2140S comprises one or more flat portions. For example, the flat portions are arranged as facets on a curve, for example arranged sequentially. For example, the shoe surface 2140S comprises one or more of flat portions and curved portions, for example arranged sequentially. For example the portions have a cross section in a plane comprising the Z axis. For another example, the portions have a cross section in a plane parallel to the Z-Y plane. For example, at least a portion 2140GP of the groove 2140G measured from the shoe surface 2140S is configured with a groove elevation angle 2140GA, measured in a plane of symmetry 2140PS of the shoe 2140 comprising the axis of rotation Z, comprised in a range from 45° to 90° with respect to shoe surface.

[0062] For example, the shoe 2140 is arranged to rotate around at least a portion 2373, along the axis of rotation Z, of the cutter exit funnel 2370. For example, the shoe 2140 is separated from the cutter exit funnel 2370 by an air gap 2140A distance of at least 0.1 mm, for example in a range from 0.1 mm to 5 mm, for example from 0.1 mm to 2 mm, for example from 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0063] For example, a shoe support 2130 is comprised between the shoe 2140 and the shoe rotation tube 2130. For example, at least 50% of a surface of the shoe support is oriented towards one or more of the Z direction and the -Z direction. For example, the at least 50% of the surface of the shoe support oriented towards one or more of the Z direction and the -Z direction faces an air gap 2131 , 2132 of at least 0.1 mm, for example in a range from 0.1 mm to 5 mm, for example from 0.1 mm to 2 mm, for example from 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0064] For example, the device is one or more of connected to or comprises a computer processor 4110. For example, the processor is connected to the shoe rotation actuator or motor 2110 coupled to the shoe rotation column 2120. For example, the processor is connected to one or more of the filament conveyor actuators 2510 coupled to one or more pinch wheels 2512, 2514 arranged, for example, for conveying 5010 the filament 100 into the tubular filament transport assembly 2520. For example, the processor is connected to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 4120 (NTCRSM). For example, the NTCRSM comprises instructions readable by the computer processor. For example, the instructions comprise instructions for measuring 5020 a rotation position of the shoe rotation column 2120. For example, the device comprises a computer processor 4110 connected to: the shoe rotation motor 2110 coupled to the shoe rotation column 2120, and one or more of the filament conveyor actuators 2510 coupled to one or more of the pinch wheels 2512, 2514 arranged for conveying 5010 the filament 100 into the tubular filament transport assembly 2520, and the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 4120 comprising instructionsreadable by the computer processor, wherein the instructions comprise instructions for measuring 5020 a rotation position of the shoe rotation column 2120.

[0065] For example, the instructions further comprise instructions for actuating 5040 the cutter actuator 2310 coupled to one or more of the cutter transmission components 2330, 2340, one or more of which are, for example, coaxially coupled to the cutter blade support 2350 and one or more of the cutter transmission components are, for example, coaxial with the shoe rotation column 2120. For example, the instructions further comprise instructions for: actuating 5040 the cutter actuator 2310 to configure the cutter in a closed cutter configuration 2360-C, and adjusting 5050 a filament twist value of the filament 100. For example, a twist value is one or more of a number of turns or cumulative rotation and twist angle of the filament in a span extending, for example, from one or more of the shoe surface 2140S and the object surface 200 to the filament transport assembly 2500, for example to one or more of the pinch wheels 2512, 2514. For example, the instructions comprise instructions to track, for example by recording in a memory, for example the NTCRSM, for example adding or subtracting, a value to one or more of the number of turns and twist angle as the shoe is turned within a process of depositing the filament onto the object surface 200.

[0066] For example, the NTCRSM 4120 comprises records 5300 of one or more of a length 2122L from the shoe surface 2140S to a shoe rotation column collar 2122, a length 2330L of a cutter actuator component 2330, a length 2340L of a second cutter transmission component 2340, a length 2500L of a filament transport assembly from a filament transport assembly 2500 to the shoe surface 2140S, and a length 2520L of a tubular filament transport assembly 2520. For example, the records 5300 comprise further information or instructions relating to one or more of mechanical dimensions, mechanical limits, for example motor speed limits, motor course range, sensor value ranges, voltage ranges, current ranges, and power supply ranges. For example, one or more of the records are one or more of supplied to a processor, read by a processor, transferred to or stored in a storage medium, for example a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium, of an external system 4200, for example comprising instructions for one or more of generating and editing path instructions, for example Geode instructions, relating to paths to be executed by the device 2000, for example the device conveyed by the motion system 3900. For example, the path instructions are adjusted by one or more of the external system 4200 and the processor 4110, for example by inserting cutting instructions, for example within a sequence of path instructions. For example, the records are transferred from the device 2000 to one or more of the motion system 3900 and the external system 4200 upon one or more of connecting and supplying an electrical current to the device 2000, for example within a depositing system 2010 comprising interchangeable devices.

[0067] For example, the instructions comprise instructions for adjusting 5015 a conveying speed of one or more of the filament conveyor actuators 2510, for example as a function of therotation position of the shoe rotation column 2120. For example, the instructions comprise instructions for adjusting 5032 one or more limits to the rotation position of the shoe rotation column 2120, for example as a function of a length comprised in a distance from the pinch wheels 2512, 2514 to the shoe surface 2140S.

[0068] Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a method 5000, for example as a set of computer-readable instructions, for conveying the filament 100 onto the object surface 200 using the device 2000. For example, the method comprises conveying 5010 the filament 100 onto the object surface 200, the method comprising conveying the filament within the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 comprised in the device 2000. For example, the method comprises rotating 5030 the shoe 2140 comprised in the device 2000 around the axis of rotation Z. For example, the method comprises one or more of translating 5110 and rotating 5120 the device 2000 relatively to the object surface 200. For example, the method comprises adjusting 5060 a temperature of the shoe 2140 comprised in the device 2000. For example, the adjusting is by adjusting electrical power delivered to one or more of the heaters 2161 , 2162. For example, the heaters are contacting the shoe. For example, the conveying 5010 the filament 100 comprises conveying along an axis ZTalong a centerline of the tubular filament transport assembly 2520 that is parallel to and offset from the axis of rotation Z of the shoe rotation column 2120. For example, the method comprises cutting 5045 the filament 100 at a location 2528X within the shoe rotation column 2120 that is offset from the axis of rotation Z of the shoe rotation column. For example, the method comprises two or more simultaneously translating 5110 the device 2000, rotating 5030 the shoe 2140, and conveying 5010 the filament within the tubular filament transport assembly 2520. For example, the method comprises cutting 5045 the filament 100 simultaneously to one or more of translating 5110 the device 2000, rotating 5030 the shoe 2140, and conveying 5010 the filament within the tubular filament transport assembly 2520. For example, the method comprises cutting 5045 the filament 100 simultaneously to two or more of translating 5110 the device 2000, rotating 5030 the shoe 2140, and conveying 5010 the filament within the tubular filament transport assembly 2520.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device (2000) for conveying a filament (100) onto an object surface (200), the device comprising: a shoe (2140) comprising a shoe surface (2140S), for one or more of depositing and bonding the filament (100) onto the object surface (200); a shoe rotation column (2120) connected to the shoe, for rotating the shoe around an axis of rotation (Z); and a tubular filament transport assembly (2520), comprising one or more tube components (2522, 2525, 2527, 2540, 2530, 2550), wherein at least a portion of the tubular filament transport assembly is arranged within the shoe rotation column, for guiding the filament towards the shoe, wherein an outlet (2528) of the tubular filament transport assembly has a cross-section (2528X) the center (2528XC) of which is offset from the axis of rotation (Z).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the shoe comprises a groove (2140G) oriented with an elevation angle (2140GA) with respect to the shoe surface (2140S).

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein a portion (2140GP) of the groove (2140G) has an elevation of 90° with respect to the shoe surface (2140S).

4. The device according to any preceding claim wherein the shoe surface (2140S) comprises one or more flat portions.

5. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of a length (2520L) of the tubular filament transport assembly (2520) is parallel to the axis of rotation (Z) and offset from the axis of rotation.

6. The device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a cutter assembly (2300) comprising a rotative cutter blade support (2350) having a rotating axis (2350RA) parallel to the axis of rotation (Z) and comprising one or more cutter blades (2360) the cutting edge of which is arranged at an angle comprised between 0° and 80° with respect to a radial (2350R) to the rotating axis (2350RA) of the cutter blade support.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the cutter assembly (2300) further comprises one or more cutter transmission components (2330, 2340), one or more of which are coaxially connected to the cutter blade support (2350) and configured for rotating concentrically on the rotating axis (2350RA) of the cutter blade support.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein one or more of the cutter transmission components (2330, 2340) are coupled to a cutter actuator (2310).

9. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein at least a portion of a length (2330L, 2340L) of one or more of the cutter transmission components (2330, 2340) is comprised within the shoe rotation column (2120) and one or more of the cutter transmission components are coaxial with the shoe rotation column.

10. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the shoe rotation column comprises 3 or more set screw ball points 2125 contacting one or more of the cutter transmission components (2330, 2340).

11. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein one or more of the cutter transmission components (2330, 2340) comprises a slip ring (2101).

12. The device according to claim 11 , wherein the slip ring is electrically connected to one or more heaters (2161 , 2162) contacting the shoe (2140).

13. The device according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the slip ring is electrically connected to one or more shoe temperature sensors (2145) contacting the shoe (2140).

14. The device according to claim 6, wherein one or more cutter blades (2360) are configured to slide against the outlet (2528) of the tubular filament transport assembly (2520).

15. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of an inlet (2521) and an outlet (2528) of the tubular filament transport assembly (2520) comprise one or more of a hardened metal, a metal / ceramic hybrid material, and a ceramic material.

16. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the tubular filament transport assembly (2520) comprises one or more of a transport tube entry funnel (2522) and a transport tube exit funnel (2527).

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein one or more of the transport tube entry funnel (2522) and the transport tube exit funnel (2527) comprise one or more of a ceramic material and a carbide material.

18. The device according to any one of claims 16 and 17, wherein one or more of the transport tube entry funnel (2522) and the transport tube exit funnel (2527) have a surface having a hardness in one or more of: a range from 55 to 85 Rockwell hardness HRC, a range from 90 to 95 Rockwell hardness HRA, and a Mohs range from 9 to 9.5.

19. The device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a filament transport assembly (2500) comprising one or more pinch wheels (2512, 2514) coupled to one or more filament conveyor actuators (2510).

20. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the tubular filament transport assembly (2520) comprises one or more springs (2345) arranged to press an outlet (2528) of the tubular filament transport assembly (2520) against a cutter blade (2360).

21. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the tube components (2522, 2525, 2527, 2540, 2530, 2550, 2527) of the tubular filament transport assembly (2520) are forming a combined load oriented in a direction (-Z) towards a surface (2360S) of a cutter blade (2360) and in a range from 3 N to 100 N against the surface of the cutter blade.

22. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the tubular filament transport assembly (2520) comprises a transport tube exit funnel (2527) having an outlet (2528)exerting a load in a range from 3 N to 100 N against a surface (2360S) of a cutter blade (2360).

23. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the tube components (2522, 2525, 2527, 2540, 2530, 2550) comprise one or more tube holders (2530, 2550) having one or more cavities (2551 , 2552) configured for receiving a tube wherein a center (2552C) of a transverse cross-section of the cavity is offset from the axis of rotation (Z).

24. The device according to claim 22, wherein one or more of the tube holders is a transport tube exit holder (2550) comprising a transport tube exit funnel (2527).

25. The device according to claim 22, further comprising a transport tube exit funnel (2527) in the cavity (2552).

26. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the outlet (2528) of the tubular filament transport assembly (2520) is facing an inlet (2371) of a cutter exit funnel (2370).

27. The device according to claim 26, wherein the cutter exit funnel (2370) comprises an outlet (2372) the cross-section of which intersects the axis of rotation (Z).

28. The device according to claims 26 to 27, wherein the outlet (2528) of the tubular filament transport assembly (2520) is an outlet of the transport tube exit funnel (2527) feeding into the cutter exit funnel (2370) and is offset from the axis of rotation (Z) of the cutter exit funnel (2370).

29. The device according to claim 28, wherein the cutter blade (2360) is comprised between the outlet (2528) of the transport tube exit funnel (2527) and the cutter exit funnel (2370).

30. The device according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the shoe (2140) is arranged to rotate around at least a portion (2373), along the axis of rotation (Z), of the cutter exit funnel (2370).

31. The device according to any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the shoe (2140) is separated from the cutter exit funnel (2370) by an air gap (2140A) distance of at least 0.1 mm.

32. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein a shoe support (2130) is comprised between the shoe (2140) and the shoe rotation tube (2130) and wherein at least 50% of a surface of the shoe support oriented towards one or more of the (Z) direction and the (-Z) direction faces an air gap (2131 , 2132) of at least 0.1 mm.

33. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the shoe (2140) comprises one or more shoe temperature sensors (2145).

34. The device according to claim 33, wherein one or more of the shoe temperature sensors (2145) is arranged within a plane of symmetry (2140PS) of the shoe (2140) comprising the axis of rotation (Z).

35. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the shoe (2140) comprises one or more heaters (2161 , 2162).

36. The device according to claim 35, wherein a first heater (2161) is comprised in a first half ofthe shoe (2140) with respect to a plane of symmetry (2140PS) of the shoe comprising the axis of rotation (Z) and a second heater (2162) is comprised in a second half of the shoe (2140) with respect to the plane of symmetry.

37. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the shoe (2140) comprises a first lip (2140L1) arranged on a first side of a plane of symmetry (2140PS) of the shoe comprising the axis of rotation (Z) and a second lip (2140L2) arranged on a second side of the plane of symmetry.

38. The device according to claim 37, wherein the first lip (2140L1) and the second lip (2140L2) are separated by a groove (2140G) arranged in the plane of symmetry (2140PS).

39. The device according to claim 38, wherein at least a portion (2140GP) of the groove (2140G) measured from the shoe surface (2140S) is configured with a groove elevation angle (2140GA), measured in a plane of symmetry (2140PS) of the shoe (2140) comprising the axis of rotation (Z), comprised in a range from 45° to 90° with respect to shoe surface.

40. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the shoe (2140) has an entry (2141) configured as a funnel coaxial with the axis of rotation (Z).

41. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein a first circumference of the shoe rotation column (2120) at a first distance from the shoe surface (2140S) is fit within a first shoe rotation bearing (2115-1), a second circumference of the shoe rotation column at a second distance from the shoe surface is fit within a second shoe rotation bearing (2115-2), and a third circumference of the shoe rotation column at a third distance from the shoe surface comprised between the first distance and the second distance is fit within a shoe rotation gear (2114).

42. The device according to claim 41 , wherein the shoe rotation gear (2114) is coupled to a shoe rotation motor (2110).

43. The device according to any preceding claim, further comprising: a computer processor (4110) connected to: a shoe rotation motor (2110) coupled to the shoe rotation column (2120), and one or more filament conveyor actuators (2510) coupled to one or more pinch wheels (2512, 2514) arranged for conveying (5010) a filament (100) into the tubular filament transport assembly (2520), and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (4120) comprising instructions readable by the computer processor, wherein the instructions comprise instructions for measuring (5020) a rotation position of the shoe rotation column (2120).

44. The device according to claim 43, wherein the storage medium (4120) comprises records of one or more of a length (2122L) from the shoe surface (2140S) to a shoe rotation column collar (2122), a length (2330L) of a cutter actuator component (2330), a length (2340L) of a second cutter transmission component (2340), a length (2500L) of a filament transportassembly from a filament transport assembly (2500) to the shoe surface (2140S), and a length (2520L) of a tubular filament transport assembly (2520).

45. The device according to claims 43 or 44, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions for actuating (5040) a cutter actuator (2310) coupled to one or more cutter transmission components (2330, 2340), one or more of which are coaxially coupled to a cutter blade support (2350) and one or more of the cutter transmission components are coaxial with the shoe rotation column (2120).

46. The device according to claim 45, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions for: actuating (5040) the cutter actuator (2310) to configure the cutter in a closed cutter configuration (2360-C), and adjusting (5050) a filament twist value of the filament.

47. The device according to any one of claims 43 to 46, further comprising instructions for adjusting (5015) a conveying speed of one or more of the filament conveyor actuators (2510) as a function of the rotation position of the shoe rotation column (2120).

48. The device according to any one of claims 43 to 47, further comprising instructions for adjusting (5032) one or more limits to the rotation position of the shoe rotation column (2120) as a function of a length comprised in a distance from the pinch wheels (2512, 2514) to the shoe surface (2140S).

49. A system (2010) for manufacturing one or more objects (1000) comprising one or more filaments (100), the system comprising: one or more devices (2000) according to any one of claims 1 to 48 for conveying the filament (100) onto the surface (200) of the object (1000), and a motion system (3900) configured for one or more of translating and rotating one or more of: the devices for conveying the filament, and the objects.

50. The system of claim 49, wherein the motion system (3900) comprises a gantry (3902).

51. The system according to any one of claims 49 to 50, further comprising a baffle (3960) wherein the baffle comprises a grommet (3966) configured for passing (5100) one or more of the shoe (2140) and the shoe rotation column (2120).

52. The system according to claim 51 , wherein the grommet (3966) is centered on the axis of rotation of a circular bearing (3965) surrounding the grommet.

53. The system according to any one of claims 51 to 52, wherein the grommet comprises one or more brushes.

54. The system according to any one of claims 51 to 53, comprising: an enclosure (3940);a first side baffle (3961), extending along a first direction (X) from a first end of a surface (3950) of the enclosure; a second side baffle (3962), extending along a direction opposite the first direction from a second end of the surface opposite to the first end; and a third baffle (3960), arranged on the surface between the first side baffle and the second side baffle, comprising the grommet (3966), at least a portion of the third baffle being in sliding contact, along a second direction (Y) orthogonal to the first direction (X), with the first side baffle and the second side baffle.

55. A method (5000) for conveying (5010) a filament (100) onto an object surface (200), comprising conveying the filament within the tubular filament transport assembly (2520) comprised in the device (2000) of any one of claims 1 to 48,56. The method of claim 55, further comprising rotating (5030) the shoe (2140) comprised in the device (2000) around the axis of rotation (Z).

57. The method according to any one of claims 55 to 56, further comprising one or more of translating (5110) and rotating (5120) the device (2000) relatively to the object surface (200).

58. The method according to any one of claims 55 to 57, further comprising adjusting (5060) a temperature of the shoe (2140) comprised in the device (2000) by adjusting electrical power delivered to one or more heaters (2161 , 2162) contacting the shoe.

59. The method according to any one of claims 55 to 58, wherein the conveying (5010) the filament (100) comprises conveying along an axis (ZT) along a centerline of the tubular filament transport assembly (2520) that is parallel to and offset from the axis of rotation (Z) of the shoe rotation column (2120).

60. The method according to any one of claims 55 to 59, further comprising cutting (5045) the filament (100) at a location (2528X) within the shoe rotation column (2120) that is offset from the axis of rotation (Z) of the shoe rotation column.

61. The method according to any one of claims 55 to 60, comprising simultaneously two or more of translating (5110) the device (2000), rotating (5030) the shoe (2140), and conveying (5010) the filament within the tubular filament transport assembly (2520).

62. The method according to claim 61, further comprising simultaneously cutting (5045) the filament (100).

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