Plasma spray systems comprise multiple zones wherein the energy required for different processes within the systems can be controlled independently. In some embodiments, a plasma spray system comprises a first zone wherein ionic species are generated from the target material using a first energy input, and the ionic species either combine to form a plurality of particles in the first zone, or form coatings on a plurality of input particles input into the first zone. The plasma spray system can further comprise a second zone, comprising a chamber coupled to a microwave energy source, which ionizes the plurality of particles to form a plurality of ionized particles and form a plasma jet. The plasma spray system can further comprise a third zone, comprising an electric field to accelerate the plurality of ionized particles and form a plasma spray.

Plasma spray systems comprise multiple zones wherein the energy required for different processes within the systems can be controlled independently. In some embodiments, a plasma spray system comprises a first zone wherein ionic species are generated from the target material using a first energy input, and the ionic species either combine to form a plurality of particles in the first zone, or form coatings on a plurality of input particles input into the first zone. The plasma spray system can further comprise a second zone, comprising a chamber coupled to a microwave energy source, which ionizes the plurality of particles to form a plurality of ionized particles and form a plasma jet. The plasma spray system can further comprise a third zone, comprising an electric field to accelerate the plurality of ionized particles and form a plasma spray.

A pressure welding method and a pressure welding device (1) are provided. The pressure welding device (1) includes a plastification device (7), an upsetting device (8) and component mountings (34,35,36,37) for the components (2,3,3,4) to be welded together and a machine frame (12). The pressure welding device (1) further includes a plurality of machine heads (13,14), each having a component mount (34,35), which machine heads are movably arranged on the machine frame and are connected to respective upsetting drives (22). The machine heads (13,14) and respective upsetting drives (22) can be independently driven. An upsetting head or support head (27), which is preferably secured on the frame, is arranged between the machine heads (13,14).

A pressure welding method and a pressure welding device (1) are provided. The pressure welding device (1) includes a plastification device (7), an upsetting device (8) and component mountings (34,35,36,37) for the components (2,3,3,4) to be welded together and a machine frame (12). The pressure welding device (1) further includes a plurality of machine heads (13,14), each having a component mount (34,35), which machine heads are movably arranged on the machine frame and are connected to respective upsetting drives (22). The machine heads (13,14) and respective upsetting drives (22) can be independently driven. An upsetting head or support head (27), which is preferably secured on the frame, is arranged between the machine heads (13,14).

This specification describes systems, methods, and architectures related to generating a plasma shield for laser operations. An example system for generating a plasma shield includes a laser head for directing a laser beam towards a target area on a workpiece. The path of the laser beam from the laser head to the target area on the workpiece is substantially surrounded by a plasma shield, which may form a gas-impermeable barrier. The plasma shield is configured to prevent the ingress of atmospheric or environmental gases, for example oxygen, into an area which would allow the gas to be in contact with the area of the workpiece being interacted with by a laser beam. The shape or location of the plasma shield may be controlled or altered using a magnetic field.

This specification describes systems, methods, and architectures related to generating a plasma shield for laser operations. An example system for generating a plasma shield includes a laser head for directing a laser beam towards a target area on a workpiece. The path of the laser beam from the laser head to the target area on the workpiece is substantially surrounded by a plasma shield, which may form a gas-impermeable barrier. The plasma shield is configured to prevent the ingress of atmospheric or environmental gases, for example oxygen, into an area which would allow the gas to be in contact with the area of the workpiece being interacted with by a laser beam. The shape or location of the plasma shield may be controlled or altered using a magnetic field.

A novel plasma generation and containment system includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a power source, and an electromagnet. The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically coupled via a wire to form an open circuit. The voltage is asserted on the open circuit to form a spark between the first electrode and the second electrode to form a closed circuit. Then, a current is asserted on the closed circuit to form a plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electromagnet provides a magnetic field to contain and compress the plasma.

A novel plasma generation and containment system includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a power source, and an electromagnet. The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically coupled via a wire to form an open circuit. The voltage is asserted on the open circuit to form a spark between the first electrode and the second electrode to form a closed circuit. Then, a current is asserted on the closed circuit to form a plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electromagnet provides a magnetic field to contain and compress the plasma.

A novel plasma generation and containment system includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a power source, and an electromagnet. The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically coupled via a wire to form an open circuit. The voltage is asserted on the open circuit to form a spark between the first electrode and the second electrode to form a closed circuit. Then, a current is asserted on the closed circuit to form a plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electromagnet provides a magnetic field to contain and compress the plasma.

A novel plasma generation and containment system includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a power source, and an electromagnet. The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically coupled via a wire to form an open circuit. The voltage is asserted on the open circuit to form a spark between the first electrode and the second electrode to form a closed circuit. Then, a current is asserted on the closed circuit to form a plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electromagnet provides a magnetic field to contain and compress the plasma.