A plasmonic hierarchical structure according to an embodiment includes a nanogap formed between metal nanoparticles. The nanogap has a width of 1 nm to 100 nm. The metal nanoparticles comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), platinum (Pt), and palladium (Pd). The plasmonic hierarchical structure further includes silica (SiO.sub.2) nanoparticles or CdSe quantum dots. A method for producing a plasmonic hierarchical structure according to an embodiment includes: injecting a metal nanoparticle solution into a micropipette; releasing the metal nanoparticle solution by bringing the micropipette into contact with a substrate; and forming a meniscus of the released metal nanoparticle solution, thereby producing a plasmonic hierarchical structure.

A selective laser melting technology-based apparatus for preparing a gradient material, comprising a laser scanning array lens, and a powder storer, a powder mixer, a powder scraping plate, and a working platform that are provided in sequence from top to bottom; the powder storer is provided with two or more partitions; a bottom portion of the powder storer is provided with an outlet; the powder mixer is provided under the powder storer and is a horizontally provided rotational mixer; the powder scraping plate is disposed under the powder mixer; the working platform is provided under the powder scraping plate; the laser scanning array lens is provided on the working platform. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing a gradient material, comprising powder storing, powder scraping, powder mixing, powder laying, and printing. The method can guarantee the two-phase powder ratio in each layer of powder not change.

A selective laser melting technology-based apparatus for preparing a gradient material, comprising a laser scanning array lens, and a powder storer, a powder mixer, a powder scraping plate, and a working platform that are provided in sequence from top to bottom; the powder storer is provided with two or more partitions; a bottom portion of the powder storer is provided with an outlet; the powder mixer is provided under the powder storer and is a horizontally provided rotational mixer; the powder scraping plate is disposed under the powder mixer; the working platform is provided under the powder scraping plate; the laser scanning array lens is provided on the working platform. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing a gradient material, comprising powder storing, powder scraping, powder mixing, powder laying, and printing. The method can guarantee the two-phase powder ratio in each layer of powder not change.

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to multi-material electrical contacts, and methods of making multi-material electrical contacts.

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to multi-material electrical contacts, and methods of making multi-material electrical contacts.

A directed energy deposition system and method including a set of nozzles for directing material, such in the form of a particle stream, at a part and a set of energy sources for generating a melt pool as the material contacts the part. The system further includes apparatus for generating a sound field that controls characteristics of the particle stream as it passes through the sound field.

Systems and methods for forming a magnetically-enabled part via additive manufacturing. The method includes depositing a layer of additive manufacturing material on a build plate, melting or sintering the layer of additive manufacturing material, depositing additional layers of additive manufacturing material on previous layers of additive manufacturing material, the additive manufacturing material of at least some of the additional layers being magnetically permeable, and melting or sintering the additional layers of additive manufacturing material such that the magnetically-enabled part has a transition region including at least some of the magnetically permeable additive manufacturing material.

Systems and methods for forming a magnetically-enabled part via additive manufacturing. The method includes depositing a layer of additive manufacturing material on a build plate, melting or sintering the layer of additive manufacturing material, depositing additional layers of additive manufacturing material on previous layers of additive manufacturing material, the additive manufacturing material of at least some of the additional layers being magnetically permeable, and melting or sintering the additional layers of additive manufacturing material such that the magnetically-enabled part has a transition region including at least some of the magnetically permeable additive manufacturing material.

A mixing device serves for producing a powder mixture of a first powder component and at least one second powder component for an additive manufacturing device. The mixing device includes a first container for receiving the first and/or the second powder component, where a discharge opening for discharging the first and/or the second powder component is provided at a lower boundary of the first container, and a second container for receiving the first and/or the second powder component. The second container is designed to be at least partially open towards an upper side. The first and second container each include at least one fluidization zone for introducing a gas into the first and second container. The mixing device further includes a powder conduit that connects to the discharge opening of the first container and is guided into the second container.

A mixing device serves for producing a powder mixture of a first powder component and at least one second powder component for an additive manufacturing device. The mixing device includes a first container for receiving the first and/or the second powder component, where a discharge opening for discharging the first and/or the second powder component is provided at a lower boundary of the first container, and a second container for receiving the first and/or the second powder component. The second container is designed to be at least partially open towards an upper side. The first and second container each include at least one fluidization zone for introducing a gas into the first and second container. The mixing device further includes a powder conduit that connects to the discharge opening of the first container and is guided into the second container.