Methods and systems for additively casting of a metallic object include constructing a mold region of a current production layer before producing the object region of the current production layer; depositing molten metal at a predetermined temperature in working areas at the object region of the current production layer according to a building plan; and moving one or more heaters over the deposition path and heating the working areas. The heating includes (1) heating the working areas to a pre-deposition target temperature before depositing metal on the working areas to affect a bonding of the molten metal with the working areas, and/or (2) heating the working areas to a post-deposition target temperature after depositing metal on the working areas to affect a thermal cooling profile of the working areas. the heating also includes providing annealing heating to earlier production layers by heat conduction through the current production layer.

A 3D printer includes a nozzle and a cleaning system. The cleaning system includes a gas source configured to introduce a gas at least partially into the nozzle. The cleaning system also includes a cleaning tool configured to remove solidified metallic dross from within the nozzle.

A three-dimensional (“3D”) printing system for printing on a substrate, the printing system including a plurality of powder feeders, the plurality of powder feeders dispensing a powder on the substrate in a first direction and in a second direction; and a powder uniformization device located adjacent to the plurality of powder feeders, the powder uniformization device rotatable along the substrate in directions opposing the first direction and the second direction.

A three-dimensional (“3D”) printing system for printing on a substrate, the printing system including a plurality of powder feeders, the plurality of powder feeders dispensing a powder on the substrate in a first direction and in a second direction; and a powder uniformization device located adjacent to the plurality of powder feeders, the powder uniformization device rotatable along the substrate in directions opposing the first direction and the second direction.

A print engine of an additive manufacturing system includes a print station configured to hold a removable cartridge containing powder. A laser engine is positioned to direct a one or two dimensional patterned laser beam into the removable cartridge. In some embodiments powder is produced at least in part with a magnetohydrodynamic system.

A print engine of an additive manufacturing system includes a print station configured to hold a removable cartridge containing powder. A laser engine is positioned to direct a one or two dimensional patterned laser beam into the removable cartridge. In some embodiments powder is produced at least in part with a magnetohydrodynamic system.

A powder bed fusion apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a fabrication container that is provided between first and second storage containers which heat a powder material stored therein to first and second predetermined temperatures, respectively, and that heats the powder material stored therein to a third predetermined temperature higher than the first and second predetermined temperatures, and lets the powder material be irradiated with a laser beam from a laser beam emission unit based on a model to be fabricated; and an evaluation unit that, when the powder material in the first storage container is carried into the fabrication container, evaluates the carrying based on a comparison between a threshold value and a change in the temperature of the powder material stored in the second storage container calculated based on the temperature detected by a temperature measurement device.

A printer includes a heat control device configured to cause a temperature of a part that is printed by the printer to remain within a predetermined range as a height of the part increases from about 0 mm to about 30 mm. The predetermined range is from about 545° C. to about 600° C. The heat control device includes a heat plate that is configured to generate heat in a downward direction toward the part.

A printer includes a heat control device configured to cause a temperature of a part that is printed by the printer to remain within a predetermined range as a height of the part increases from about 0 mm to about 30 mm. The predetermined range is from about 545° C. to about 600° C. The heat control device includes a heat plate that is configured to generate heat in a downward direction toward the part.

Systems and methods for the manufacture of a solid wire using additive manufacturing techniques are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fine powdery material is sintered or melted or soldered or metallurgically bonded onto a metal strip substrate in a compacted solid form or a near-net shape (e.g., a near-net solid wire shape) before being turned into a final product through forming or drawing dies.