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.

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.

Methods for forming particulates that are highly consistent with regard to shape, size, and content are described. Particulates are suitable for use as reference materials. Methods can incorporate actinides and/or lanthanides, e.g., uranium, and can be used for forming certified reference materials for use in the nuclear industry. Methods include formation of an aerosol from an oxalate salt solution, in-line diagnostics, and collection of particles of the aerosol either in a liquid impinger or on a solid surface.

An additive material manufacturing (AMM) system is provided to deposit powder to a build. The AMM system includes a powder supply, and a delivery mechanism. The powder supply receives a first electrical charge having first polarity. The delivery mechanism receives a second electrical charge having second polarity opposite first polarity. The build receives a third electrical charge having the first polarity. The third electrical charge of the build is greater than the second electrical charge of the delivery mechanism. The delivery mechanism receives the electrically charged powder where it is retained thereto based on electrostatic attraction generated between the first polarity of the electrically charged powder and the second polarity of the delivery mechanism. The electrocharged powder is from the delivery mechanism to the build based on electrostatic attraction generated between the first polarity of the electrically charged powder and the second polarity of the build.

An additive material manufacturing (AMM) system is provided to deposit powder to a build. The AMM system includes a powder supply, and a delivery mechanism. The powder supply receives a first electrical charge having first polarity. The delivery mechanism receives a second electrical charge having second polarity opposite first polarity. The build receives a third electrical charge having the first polarity. The third electrical charge of the build is greater than the second electrical charge of the delivery mechanism. The delivery mechanism receives the electrically charged powder where it is retained thereto based on electrostatic attraction generated between the first polarity of the electrically charged powder and the second polarity of the delivery mechanism. The electrocharged powder is from the delivery mechanism to the build based on electrostatic attraction generated between the first polarity of the electrically charged powder and the second polarity of the build.

A method for removing powder from a component or part produced by metal additive manufacturing systems based on powder beds. The method includes manufacturing a part by additive manufacturing, the part having at least one internal cavity with at least one external opening. The internal cavity is at least partly filled with powder, the powder in the internal cavity having grains agglomerated or connected to each other. The method further including: evacuating gas from the internal cavity; adding liquid electrolyte to the internal cavity, and using an electrochemical process for separating connected powder grains in the cavity.

A method for removing powder from a component or part produced by metal additive manufacturing systems based on powder beds. The method includes manufacturing a part by additive manufacturing, the part having at least one internal cavity with at least one external opening. The internal cavity is at least partly filled with powder, the powder in the internal cavity having grains agglomerated or connected to each other. The method further including: evacuating gas from the internal cavity; adding liquid electrolyte to the internal cavity, and using an electrochemical process for separating connected powder grains in the cavity.

Various embodiments of the teachings herein include an apparatus for identifying a smoke event in an electron beam melting installation comprising: a current meter measuring a grounding current; and a processor programmed to identify a smoke event by evaluating the grounding current.

Various embodiments of the teachings herein include an apparatus for identifying a smoke event in an electron beam melting installation comprising: a current meter measuring a grounding current; and a processor programmed to identify a smoke event by evaluating the grounding current.

An apparatus and process for creating uniformly sized, spherical nanoparticles from a solid target. The solid target surface is ablated to create an ejecta event containing nanoparticles moving away from the surface. Ablation may be caused by laser or electrostatic discharge. At least one electromagnetic field is placed in front of the solid target surface being ablated. The electromagnetic field manipulates at least a portion of the nanoparticles as they move away from the target surface through the electromagnetic field to increase size and spherical shape uniformity of the nanoparticles. The manipulated nanoparticles are collected.