Caterpillar Inc.

Austin Joseph Schmidt

Yihong Yang

Arun Lal Gain

Nathan John Parsons

Marchione Thierry Andre

Christian Rath

A method for evaluating part for additive manufacturing is provided. The method includes receiving data related to a set of printability factors associated with the part. The set of printability factors comprise at least: an availability of a three dimensional printer, a build density, a fraction of part to be printed, a print accuracy, a part complexity, and a number of parts needed. The method includes evaluating a printability index associated with the part based on at least three printability factors from the set of printability factors. Further, the method includes displaying the printability index associated with the part for the evaluation of the part for additive manufacturing.

System and method for evaluating additive manufacturing index

A tool for aiming a nozzle assembly having a fluid outlet and a cap is provided. The tool includes a housing defining a bore. The bore has a side wall radially disposed about an axis. The tool also includes a laser assembly including a laser emission source configured to produce a light beam collinear with the axis of the housing. The laser assembly also includes a power supply. The tool further includes at least one of a switch and an electrical contact provided within the housing and adapted to be in electrical communication with the power supply and the laser emission source based on a contact with the nozzle assembly. The tool is installed on the nozzle assembly such that the bore is adapted for placement about an outer surface of the nozzle assembly so that the fluid outlet is substantially concentric about the axis.

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Macedonia, OH, United States of America

Austin Joseph Schmidt