A method, apparatus, and program for additive manufacturing. The additive manufacturing device includes a positioning mechanism configured to provide independent movement of at least one build unit in at least two dimensions. The build unit may further include a gasflow device for providing a flow zone along a first direction with relation to the build unit. The build unit may further include a powder delivery mechanism and an irradiation beam directing unit. The irradiation bean unit may follow a first irradiation path, wherein the first irradiation path forms at least a first solidification line and at least a second solidification line formed at an angle other than 0° and 180° with respect to the first solidification line. During the formation of the first solidification line, the build unit may be positioned in a first orientation such that the first direction of the flow zone is substantially perpendicular to the first solidification line. During the formation of the second solidification line, the build unit may be positioned in a second orientation such that the flow zone along the first direction is substantially perpendicular to the second solidification line.

Examples of a gas inlet structure (1130) and a deformable structure (1120) to store build material (1126) are described. The gas inlet structure may be coupled to the deformable structure. The deformable structure may also have an outlet (1121) that is connectable to an element (1122) of an aspiration system of a three-dimensional printing system, to allow build material to be supplied from the deformable structure on application of a vacuum by the aspiration system. While the vacuum is applied to the outlet, a valve of the gas inlet structure may be selectively actuated to allow gas flow into the deformable structure.

Examples of a gas inlet structure (1130) and a deformable structure (1120) to store build material (1126) are described. The gas inlet structure may be coupled to the deformable structure. The deformable structure may also have an outlet (1121) that is connectable to an element (1122) of an aspiration system of a three-dimensional printing system, to allow build material to be supplied from the deformable structure on application of a vacuum by the aspiration system. While the vacuum is applied to the outlet, a valve of the gas inlet structure may be selectively actuated to allow gas flow into the deformable structure.

The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) printing processes, apparatuses, software, and systems for controlling and/or treating gas borne debris in an atmosphere of a 3D printer.

The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) printing processes, apparatuses, software, and systems for controlling and/or treating gas borne debris in an atmosphere of a 3D printer.

A method for gas atomization of a titanium alloy, nickel alloy, or other alumina (Al.sub.2O.sub.3)-forming alloy wherein the atomized particles are exposed as they solidify and cool in a very short time to multiple gaseous reactive agents for the in-situ formation of a passivation reaction film on the atomized particles wherein the reaction film retains a precursor halogen alloying element that is subsequently introduced into a microstructure formed by subsequent thermally processing of the atomized particles to improve oxidation resistance.

A method for gas atomization of a titanium alloy, nickel alloy, or other alumina (Al.sub.2O.sub.3)-forming alloy wherein the atomized particles are exposed as they solidify and cool in a very short time to multiple gaseous reactive agents for the in-situ formation of a passivation reaction film on the atomized particles wherein the reaction film retains a precursor halogen alloying element that is subsequently introduced into a microstructure formed by subsequent thermally processing of the atomized particles to improve oxidation resistance.

A method of making a negative electrode material for an electrochemical cell that cycles lithium ions is provided that includes centrifugally distributing a molten precursor comprising silicon and lithium by contacting the molten precursor with a rotating surface in a centrifugal atomizing reactor. The molten precursor is solidified to form a plurality of substantially round solid electroactive particles comprising an alloy of lithium and silicon and having a D50 diameter of less than or equal to about 20 micrometers. In certain variations, the negative electroactive material particles may further have one or more coatings disposed thereon, such as a carbonaceous coating and/or an oxide-based coating.

A method of making a negative electrode material for an electrochemical cell that cycles lithium ions is provided that includes centrifugally distributing a molten precursor comprising silicon and lithium by contacting the molten precursor with a rotating surface in a centrifugal atomizing reactor. The molten precursor is solidified to form a plurality of substantially round solid electroactive particles comprising an alloy of lithium and silicon and having a D50 diameter of less than or equal to about 20 micrometers. In certain variations, the negative electroactive material particles may further have one or more coatings disposed thereon, such as a carbonaceous coating and/or an oxide-based coating.

This disclosure concerns building of three-dimensional objects in a fluidized bed of particles. The invention uses the fluidized bed as a medium for building three-dimensional objects by joining individual particles together in a planned pattern to fabricate a product. The fluid-like properties of the fluidized bed permit movement of computer-controlled, mechanically driven probes through the fluidized medium. The probes deliver adhesives or energy to specific points in the fluidized bed. The adhesives bind the particles together. Energy delivered by the probes causes fusion and welding or chemical bonding of the particles. The invention encompasses any shape, size, or composition of particles. Particles may be joined but not limited to adhesion, welding, and chemical bonding. Auxiliary features include use of stationary or mobile forms, changing the pattern of fluidization, use of multiple probes working simultaneously, and introduction of solid objects into the build, etc., to assist in forming the product.