Provided are a systems and methods for manufacturing objects by solid freeform fabrication, especially titanium and titanium alloy objects, wherein the deposition rate is increased by using two separate heat sources, one heat source for heating the deposition area on the base material and one heat source for heating and melting a metallic material, such as a metal wire or a powdered metallic material.

Provided are a systems and methods for manufacturing objects by solid freeform fabrication, especially titanium and titanium alloy objects, wherein the deposition rate is increased by using two separate heat sources, one heat source for heating the deposition area on the base material and one heat source for heating and melting a metallic material, such as a metal wire or a powdered metallic material.

A directing apparatus for orienting an arc of an arc welding device for arc welding, in particular for TIG welding, using a magnetically moved arc, comprising: a retaining device having an opening for receiving a welding head of the arc welding device; one or more solenoid coils for forming a magnetic field for deflecting an arc generated by a welding device in the opening; and at least two bent pole shoes comprising at least two legs for focusing the magnetic field, a first of the legs of each pole shoe being affixed to the retaining device and/or to the solenoid coil and a second of the legs being oriented at an angle of less than 130 to the first leg.

A directing apparatus for orienting an arc of an arc welding device for arc welding, in particular for TIG welding, using a magnetically moved arc, comprising: a retaining device having an opening for receiving a welding head of the arc welding device; one or more solenoid coils for forming a magnetic field for deflecting an arc generated by a welding device in the opening; and at least two bent pole shoes comprising at least two legs for focusing the magnetic field, a first of the legs of each pole shoe being affixed to the retaining device and/or to the solenoid coil and a second of the legs being oriented at an angle of less than 130 to the first leg.

A hybrid welding system that comprises a plasma welding unit (Plasma unit) and a MIG welding unit with a non-consumable electrode (cathode) and a consumable electrode, where the electrodes are positioned relative each other so that their respective axes form an angle so that arcs initiated from the electrodes intersect a workpiece plane to define an impingement point distance D. A gas shielding nozzle forms a confined space around the tips of the electrodes, accommodates and covers them and keeps the angle between them inside the confined space and impingement point distance D. The Plasma unit comprises thermal cooling means with a channel surrounding the cathode down to the nozzle and tip of the cathode and also the tip of the MIG electrode around the gas shielding nozzle. A heat absorbing fluid circulates inside the cooling channel, especially at the electrodes tips that concentrate the highest amount of heat at highest temperature. Electrically insulating porous ceramic cover and filler surround the cathode. Oval shaped magnetic horns control the distance D and prevent the electrical arcs of the two electrodes from deflecting from and brought closer to each other. This prevents disturbances in the melting pool and controls the deposition rate.

A hybrid welding system that comprises a plasma welding unit (Plasma unit) and a MIG welding unit with a non-consumable electrode (cathode) and a consumable electrode, where the electrodes are positioned relative each other so that their respective axes form an angle so that arcs initiated from the electrodes intersect a workpiece plane to define an impingement point distance D. A gas shielding nozzle forms a confined space around the tips of the electrodes, accommodates and covers them and keeps the angle between them inside the confined space and impingement point distance D. The Plasma unit comprises thermal cooling means with a channel surrounding the cathode down to the nozzle and tip of the cathode and also the tip of the MIG electrode around the gas shielding nozzle. A heat absorbing fluid circulates inside the cooling channel, especially at the electrodes tips that concentrate the highest amount of heat at highest temperature. Electrically insulating porous ceramic cover and filler surround the cathode. Oval shaped magnetic horns control the distance D and prevent the electrical arcs of the two electrodes from deflecting from and brought closer to each other. This prevents disturbances in the melting pool and controls the deposition rate.

Provided are a systems and methods for manufacturing objects by solid freeform fabrication, especially titanium and titanium alloy objects, wherein the deposition rate is increased by using two separate heat sources, one heat source for heating the deposition area on the base material and one heat source for heating and melting a metallic material, such as a metal wire or a powdered metallic material.

Provided are a systems and methods for manufacturing objects by solid freeform fabrication, especially titanium and titanium alloy objects, wherein the deposition rate is increased by using two separate heat sources, one heat source for heating the deposition area on the base material and one heat source for heating and melting a metallic material, such as a metal wire or a powdered metallic material.