The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) objects, 3D printing processes, as well as methods, apparatuses and systems for the production of a 3D object. Methods, apparatuses and systems of the present disclosure may reduce or eliminate the need for auxiliary supports. The present disclosure provides three dimensional (3D) objects printed utilizing the printing processes, methods, apparatuses and systems described herein.

The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) objects, 3D printing processes, as well as methods, apparatuses and systems for the production of a 3D object. Methods, apparatuses and systems of the present disclosure may reduce or eliminate the need for auxiliary supports. The present disclosure provides three dimensional (3D) objects printed utilizing the printing processes, methods, apparatuses and systems described herein.

Disclosed is a switching system for a facility for 3D printing by spraying at least a first powder, including a body defining: at least one first upstream gas conduit configured to receive a gas; at least one first upstream powder conduit configured to receive the first powder; at least one first downstream discharge conduit for discharging the first powder; and a downstream work conduit configured in order to supply a nozzle designed for depositing at least the first powder. The system further includes a distributor that is movable with respect to the body, preferably in rotation about an axis, between a rest position, in which the first upstream powder conduit is fluidly connected, via the distributor, to the first downstream discharge conduit, and at least a first supply position, in which the first upstream powder conduit is fluidly connected, via the distributor, to the downstream work conduit.

Disclosed is a switching system for a facility for 3D printing by spraying at least a first powder, including a body defining: at least one first upstream gas conduit configured to receive a gas; at least one first upstream powder conduit configured to receive the first powder; at least one first downstream discharge conduit for discharging the first powder; and a downstream work conduit configured in order to supply a nozzle designed for depositing at least the first powder. The system further includes a distributor that is movable with respect to the body, preferably in rotation about an axis, between a rest position, in which the first upstream powder conduit is fluidly connected, via the distributor, to the first downstream discharge conduit, and at least a first supply position, in which the first upstream powder conduit is fluidly connected, via the distributor, to the downstream work conduit.

A laser cladding head comprises a protective housing, a focal array, a turning mirror, and a powder nozzle. The housing extends along a primary axis from a proximal end to a distal end. The focal array is situated at the proximal end and oriented to receive and focus collimated light in a beam directed substantially along the primary axis. The turning mirror is situated at the distal end and disposed to redirect the beam in an emission direction, towards a target point separated from the turning mirror by a working distance of at most a tenth the focal length. The turning mirror is a nonfocal reflective surface indexable to alter an impingement location of the beam on the turning mirror. The powder nozzle is situated at the distal end and receives and directs weld material towards the target point for melting.

A laser cladding head comprises a protective housing, a focal array, a turning mirror, and a powder nozzle. The housing extends along a primary axis from a proximal end to a distal end. The focal array is situated at the proximal end and oriented to receive and focus collimated light in a beam directed substantially along the primary axis. The turning mirror is situated at the distal end and disposed to redirect the beam in an emission direction, towards a target point separated from the turning mirror by a working distance of at most a tenth the focal length. The turning mirror is a nonfocal reflective surface indexable to alter an impingement location of the beam on the turning mirror. The powder nozzle is situated at the distal end and receives and directs weld material towards the target point for melting.

Disclosed is a system for adding material by melting powder on a determined surface of a workpiece by means of a laser beam in order to construct a volume, the system comprising: -a laser beam emitting device, -a laser scanning head provided with at least two galvanometric mirrors and provided with a lens for focusing the reflected incident laser beam on the determined surface, the system comprising the laser scanning head being held stationary relative to the workpiece while the volume is constructed, -a powder injection device positioned laterally relative to the focused reflected incident laser beam in order to distribute the powder on the determined surface, -the powder is melted by the focused reflected incident laser beam emitted on the powder distributed on the determined surface.

A directed energy deposition nozzle assembly including (1) a nozzle configured to dispense material for directed energy deposition, wherein the material comprises one or more of metallic powder, ceramic powder, and glass powder, and wherein (a) the nozzle has an orifice through which the material exits the nozzle, wherein the nozzle comprises an inner body and an outer body that is peripherally disposed around the inner body, and wherein the orifice is defined by a gap between the inner body and the outer body, or (b) the nozzle comprises a plurality of orifices through which the material exits the nozzle, and (2) a vibrator configured to apply a vibration to the nozzle.

A directed energy deposition nozzle assembly including (1) a nozzle configured to dispense material for directed energy deposition, wherein the material comprises one or more of metallic powder, ceramic powder, and glass powder, and wherein (a) the nozzle has an orifice through which the material exits the nozzle, wherein the nozzle comprises an inner body and an outer body that is peripherally disposed around the inner body, and wherein the orifice is defined by a gap between the inner body and the outer body, or (b) the nozzle comprises a plurality of orifices through which the material exits the nozzle, and (2) a vibrator configured to apply a vibration to the nozzle.

A method of reprocessing a metal product includes a welding step for welding a dummy member to the metal product, a reprocessing step for reprocessing the metal product in a state where the metal product is supported by a first support unit and the dummy member is supported by a second support unit, and a removal step for removing the dummy member from the metal product after the reprocessing step. The reprocessing of the metal product while the metal product is fixed is thus enabled without restriction from the shape of the metal product.