Automated manufacturing using modular structures and real time feedback for high precision control

A method for automated manufacturing using modular structures and real time feedback for high precision control, the method comprising:

• providing an apparatus comprising (a) first gantry;
• (b) a first computer controlled motion system including the first pantry and configured to move in coordinated positions;
• (c) a second computer controlled motion system holding a part to be worked on and configured to move in coordinated positions;
• (d) a third computer controlled motion system including a second pantry holding a head for working on the part, the first pantry holding the second pantry (e) a plurality of sensors associated with the first motion system, the second motion system, and the third motion system;
• (e) wherein the first computer controlled motion system, the second computer controlled motion system, and the third computer controlled motion system use information from the plurality of sensors to assist in coordination between the first computer controlled motion system, the second computer controlled motion system, and the third computer controlled motion system;
• sensing data effecting the manufacturing using the plurality of sensors to provide real-time feedback including real-time feedback regarding location of each of the first motion system, the second motion system, and the third motion system;
• controlling manufacturing using the apparatus using the data such that control is provided in real-time and for multiple axes of motion and synchronized motion for one or more processes performed by the first computer controlled motion system and one or more processes performed by the second computer controlled motion system and one or more processes performed by the third computer controlled motion system.

An apparatus comprising:

• a first gantry comprising a rigid frame or girder system;
• a first computer controlled motion system including the first gantry and configured to move in coordinated positions;
• a second computer controlled motion system comprising a motion platform holding a part to be worked on and configured to move in coordinated positions;
• a third computer controlled motion system including a second gantry, the first gantry holding the second gantry;
• a plurality of sensors associated with the first motion system and the second motion system and the third motion system;
• at least one controller operatively connected to the first computer controlled motion system, the second computer controlled motion system, and the third computer controlled motion system;
• wherein the at least one controller is configured to use information from the plurality of sensors to assist in coordination between the first computer controlled motion system, the second computer controlled motion system, and the third computer controlled motion system;
• wherein the at least one controller is configured to use the information from the sensors to locate the first computer controlled motion system in real-time;
• wherein the at least one controller is configured to use the information from the sensors to locate the second computer controlled motion system in real-time;
• wherein the at least one controller is configured to use the information from the sensors to locate the third computer controlled motion system in real-time;
• wherein if the first computer controlled motion system is out of position based on the location of the first computer controlled motion system as determined by the at least one controller, the first computer controlled motion system is configured to move itself back into a desired position for the first computer controlled motion system;
• wherein if the second computer controlled motion system is out of position based on the location of the second computer controlled motion system as determined by the at least one controller, the second computer controlled motion system is configured to move itself back into a desired position for the second computer controlled motion system;
• wherein if the third computer controlled motion system is out of position based on the location of the third computer controlled motion system as determined by the at least one controller, the third computer controlled motion system is configured to move itself back into a desired position for the third computer controlled motion system;
• a work tool for working on the part, wherein the work tool is associated with a 3D printing process.