Methods and apparatuses for additive manufacturing

A method of forming an object, the method comprising:

• providing an additive manufacturing apparatus comprising an extrusion head, the extrusion head comprising:
• a plurality of nozzles, each nozzle comprising:
• a first opening configured to receive a solid material therein;
• a second opening configured to eject a molten material therefrom, wherein the solid material is heated to form the molten material;
• and
• a bore extending through the nozzle and connecting the first opening and the second opening;
• a plurality of microactuators, wherein the plurality of microactuators and the plurality of nozzles are arranged such that each microactuator is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of nozzles, wherein each of the plurality of microactuators is configured to control a first amount of the solid material received in the first opening of the corresponding one of the plurality of nozzles and a second amount of the molten material ejected from the second opening of the corresponding one of the plurality of nozzles, and wherein the first amount is different from the second amount;
• and
• a control device configured to signal each of the plurality of microactuators to adjust the first amount and the second amount to ensure that the second amount is deposited at a desired interval, pressure, and flow rate to form an object;
• providing the solid material to the plurality of nozzles of the extrusion head;
• adjusting the first amount and the second amount via the plurality of microactuators;
• and
• signaling each of the plurality of microactuators such that at least one nozzle deposits the second amount on a surface in a specified location to form the object.

A system for directing an extrusion head to form an object, the system comprising:

• a plurality of nozzles in the extrusion head, a plurality of microactuators, wherein the plurality of microactuators and the plurality of nozzles are arranged such that each microactuator is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of nozzles, wherein each of the plurality of nozzles comprises a first opening, and a second opening, wherein each of the plurality of microactuators is configured to control a first amount of a solid material received in the first opening of the corresponding one of the plurality of nozzles and a second amount of a molten material ejected from the second opening of the corresponding one of the plurality of nozzles, and wherein the first amount is different from the second amount;
• a processor;
• and
• a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium in communication with the processor, the non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium comprising one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:
• receive at least one request to create the object, and
• signal each of the plurality of microactuators to adjust an amount of the molten material deposited by each of the corresponding one of the plurality of nozzles in accordance with the at least one request such that the deposited molten material forms the object in a specified location on a surface.