Abstract: Configurations are provided to print a complex parts with a mix of materials. Configurations are provided to print multiple dissimilar materials, such as powdered metal mixed with a binder material, powdered ceramic mixed with a binder material, and plastic, into the same object. A focused beam of light may be used to heat each layer to remove any binder material and to fuse the metal powder particles or ceramic powder particles together. Embodiments include practical enhancements to 3D printing including emitting an inert gas over the heated area to prevent metal powder particles from reacting or oxidizing in room air, removing and filtering noxious fumes when optically heating the deposited filament, using a camera and laser light beam to monitor heating, adjusting focus of light beams, and adjusting the power of a light beam depending on the material, size of the light beam, and speed of the light beam movement.
Abstract: A modular beam amplifier for use in generating high power beams of particles in systems such as a spacecraft propulsion engine, comprising a distributed DC power generator including a plurality of DC generator cells connected in series to each other and a plurality of power taps at different points between the DC generator cells, an ion injector producing a particle beam and a plurality of amplifier modules in series with each other and coaxial with the particle beam. Each amplifier module in the plurality of amplifier modules includes a focus lens and a plurality of annular amplifier plates. Each amplifier plate pairs with and connects to a power tap. The plurality of DC generator cells is physically arranged in a serpentine arrangement of connected rows to minimize the physical length of the distributed DC power generator.