Scatter reduction in additive manufacturing

Abstract

Systems and methods for reducing charged powder particle scattering in powder-bed fusion (PBF) systems are provided. A PBF apparatus can include a structure that supports a layer of powder material having a plurality of particles of powder. For example, the structure can be a build plate, a build floor, a build piece, etc. The apparatus can also include an energy beam source that generates an energy beam and a deflector that applies the energy beam to fuse an area of the powder material in the layer. The energy beam can electrically charge the particles of powder. The apparatus can also include an electrical system that generates an electrical force between the structure and the charged particles of powder. For example, the electrical system can include a voltage source that applies a first voltage to the structure.

1 . An apparatus for powder-bed fusion, comprising:
 a structure that supports a layer of powder material having a plurality of particles of powder;   an energy beam source that generates an energy beam;   a deflector that applies the energy beam to fuse an area of the powder material in the layer, wherein the energy beam electrically charges the particles of powder; and   an electrical system that generates an electrical force between the structure and the charged particles of powder.   
     
     
         2 - 24 . (canceled)