A three-dimensional printing system includes a motorized build platform, a material coating module, and a beam generation module. The beam generation module is configured to selectively fuse or harden material over a build plane. The build plane defines a centroid. The beam generation module includes a laser beam formation unit, a scan module, and flat field focusing component (FFFC). The scan module has a scanner optical axis that intersects the build plane at a location that is offset from the centroid. The FFFC is configured to focus the laser beam across the build plane. The FFFC includes a plurality of lenses at least one of which has an optical asymmetry relative to the scanner optical axis. The asymmetry includes one or more of a lateral offset with an offset distance D and an angular offset with an offset angle α.

A three-dimensional printing system includes a motorized build platform, a material coating module, and a beam generation module. The beam generation module is configured to selectively fuse or harden material over a build plane. The build plane defines a centroid. The beam generation module includes a laser beam formation unit, a scan module, and flat field focusing component (FFFC). The scan module has a scanner optical axis that intersects the build plane at a location that is offset from the centroid. The FFFC is configured to focus the laser beam across the build plane. The FFFC includes a plurality of lenses at least one of which has an optical asymmetry relative to the scanner optical axis. The asymmetry includes one or more of a lateral offset with an offset distance D and an angular offset with an offset angle α.

An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a build module. A feed module is configured to support a first portion of a resin support. The first portion of the resin support is supported by a feed mounting panel. A take-up module is configured to support a second portion of the resin support. The second portion of the resin support is supported by a take-up mounting panel and is positioned on an opposing side of the radiant energy device from the feed module. An adjustment assembly is configured to adjust a position of at least one of a feed mandrel within the feed module or a take-up mandrel within the take-up module.

In example implementations, a powder level sensor is provided. The powder level sensor includes a capacitive sensor, a processor, and a cleaning mechanism. The processor is communicatively coupled to the capacitive sensor. The processor interprets a measurement of the capacitive sensor to detect a layer of residual build material on a surface of the powder level sensor. The cleaning mechanism may be communicatively coupled to the processor. The processor activates the cleaning mechanism to remove the layer of residual build material on the surface of the powder level sensor.

In example implementations, a powder level sensor is provided. The powder level sensor includes a capacitive sensor, a processor, and a cleaning mechanism. The processor is communicatively coupled to the capacitive sensor. The processor interprets a measurement of the capacitive sensor to detect a layer of residual build material on a surface of the powder level sensor. The cleaning mechanism may be communicatively coupled to the processor. The processor activates the cleaning mechanism to remove the layer of residual build material on the surface of the powder level sensor.

A galactic extrusion manufacturing (GEM) system for performing an extrusion process includes an extruder assembly for extruding building material during the extrusion process, and a connection system including a robotic arm-tether-crimper for attachment of the GEM system to space bound vehicles and/or structures in space or on orbit. The extrusion assembly includes an extruder head outfitted with multiple different heads for shaping the building material during the extrusion process, at least one power cartridge, and at least one building material cartridge containing the building material, wherein the power cartridge and the building material cartridge are removable and replaceable. Also provided are a building material cartridge for use with a GEM system or a dispensing control unit (DCU) to perform an extrusion process, and a smart extrusion system including a building material cartridge and a DCU.

A galactic extrusion manufacturing (GEM) system for performing an extrusion process includes an extruder assembly for extruding building material during the extrusion process, and a connection system including a robotic arm-tether-crimper for attachment of the GEM system to space bound vehicles and/or structures in space or on orbit. The extrusion assembly includes an extruder head outfitted with multiple different heads for shaping the building material during the extrusion process, at least one power cartridge, and at least one building material cartridge containing the building material, wherein the power cartridge and the building material cartridge are removable and replaceable. Also provided are a building material cartridge for use with a GEM system or a dispensing control unit (DCU) to perform an extrusion process, and a smart extrusion system including a building material cartridge and a DCU.

A processing machine includes a splash guard that defines and forms a processing area, a tool spindle that is movable in a Z-axis direction and a Y-axis direction inside the processing area, an additive-manufacturing head connected to the tool spindle, and a line body that extends from the additive-manufacturing head, is drawn from an inside of the processing area to an outside, and supplies material powder and a laser beam to the additive-manufacturing head. A maximum movement amount of the tool spindle in the Y-axis direction is shorter than a maximum movement amount of the tool spindle in the Z-axis direction. A drawing direction of the line body from the inside to the outside of the processing area is a direction intersecting the Z-axis direction in top view.

A processing machine includes a splash guard that defines and forms a processing area, a tool spindle that is movable in a Z-axis direction and a Y-axis direction inside the processing area, an additive-manufacturing head connected to the tool spindle, and a line body that extends from the additive-manufacturing head, is drawn from an inside of the processing area to an outside, and supplies material powder and a laser beam to the additive-manufacturing head. A maximum movement amount of the tool spindle in the Y-axis direction is shorter than a maximum movement amount of the tool spindle in the Z-axis direction. A drawing direction of the line body from the inside to the outside of the processing area is a direction intersecting the Z-axis direction in top view.

A system for the deposition of microparticles comprises at least one launch unit configured to individually accelerate and convey a succession of microparticles in the direction of a work surface. The launch unit has a tubular shape defining a flow channel for the succession of microparticles and extends preferably linearly between an inlet end interfaceable with a device for feeding microparticles and an outlet end which can face the work surface. The launch unit comprises a charging portion, proximal to the inlet end, configured to generate an electric field of electrification adapted to electrically charge the succession of microparticles and an acceleration portion, proximal to the outlet end, configured to generate an electric field of acceleration adapted to accelerate the succession of microparticles towards the outlet end.