Importance

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Abstract

A system and a method for the rapid manufacturing of objects by direct metal deposition are disclosed. The system and method include an oscillating nozzle suspended by a gantry system or a robotic arm over a workpiece build. In some embodiments, the workpiece build is supported by a rotary stage, while in other embodiments the workpiece build is stationary. In embodiments including a rotary stage, the oscillating nozzle oscillates back and forth along the X-axis, and/or rotates clockwise and counter-clockwise about the Y-axis, as the rotary stage rotates about the Z-axis, resulting in a sinusoidal toolpath. In embodiments lacking a rotary stage, the oscillating nozzle is continuously rotated about the Z-axis by the gantry system or the robot arm. The sinusoidal toolpath results in a sinusoidal deposition track, which is particularly useful for building walled structures having rotational symmetry, including conical structures.

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First Claim