Abstract: The present specification relates to an additive manufacturing apparatus comprising an X-ray reference object (18) for calibrating an electron beam unit in the additive manufacturing apparatus by detecting X-rays generated by sweeping an electron beam from the electron beam unit over a reference surface (19) of the X-ray reference object (18) and processing the detected signals, the X-ray reference object (18) comprising a support body (20) that has a top surface (21) and comprises a plurality of holes (22) in the top surface (21), The X-ray reference object (18) comprises a plurality of target members (23) inserted into the plurality of holes (22) of the support body (20). The present specification also relates to an X-ray detector to be used in the additive manufacturing apparatus, and to a method for calibrating such an additive manufacturing apparatus.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a three-dimensional article through successively depositing individual layers of powder material that are fused together so as to form the article. The method includes: providing at least one electron beam source emitting an electron beam; providing a leakage current detector for sensing a current through the anode and/or the Wehnelt cup; providing a low impedance voltage source connectable to the Wehnelt cup via a switch, where the voltage source is having a more negative potential than a negative potential applied to the cathode; and protecting the cathode against vacuum arc discharge energy currents when forming the three-dimensional article by providing the Wehnelt cup to the low impedance negative voltage by closing the switch when the leakage current detector is sensing a current through the anode and/or the Wehnelt cup which is higher than a predetermined value.

Abstract: Described is a method for analyzing a build layer (1; 11) in an additive manufacturing machine when forming a three-dimensional article layer by layer by successive fusion of selected areas of powder layers, which selected areas correspond to successive layers of the three-dimensional article. The method comprises the steps of radiating a portion (4; 14) of the build layer (1; 11) by an energy beam and detecting particles emitted, backscattered or reflected from the radiated portion of the build layer, and scanning the portion (4; 14) of the build layer by moving the energy beam along a main path (5; 15) and simultaneously moving the energy beam back-and-forth across the main path in a meandering pattern (6; 16).

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a three-dimensional article through successively depositing individual layers of powder material that are fused together so as to form the article, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least one electron beam source emitting an electron beam for at least one of heating or fusing the powder material, where the electron beam source comprises a cathode, an anode, and a Wehnelt cup between the cathode and anode; providing a guard ring between the Wehnelt cup and the anode and in close proximity to the Wehnelt cup, where the guard ring is having an aperture which is larger than an aperture of the Wehnelt cup; protecting the cathode and/or the Wehnelt cup against vacuum arc discharge energy currents when forming the three-dimensional article by providing the guard ring with a higher negative potential than the Wehnelt cup and cathode.

Abstract: Provided is an additive manufacturing apparatus (1) for forming a three-dimensional article (2) layer by layer from a powder. The apparatus comprising an outer casing (3) forming a build chamber (4), and a build tank (5) arranged inside the casing in the build chamber. The apparatus (1) further comprises an arrangement (20) for controlling a temperature of the apparatus. The temperature control arrangement (20) comprises at least a first circuit (21) for a first working fluid. The first circuit being arranged at a wall portion (40; 50) of the apparatus for transferring heat between the build chamber (4) and the first working fluid.

Abstract: Described is a method for analyzing a build layer (1; 11) in an additive manufacturing machine when forming a three-dimensional article layer by layer by successive fusion of selected areas of powder layers, which selected areas correspond to successive layers of the three-dimensional article. The method comprises the steps of radiating a portion (4; 14) of the build layer (1; 11) by an energy beam and detecting particles emitted, backscattered or reflected from the radiated portion of the build layer, and scanning the portion (4; 14) of the build layer by moving the energy beam along a main path (5; 15) and simultaneously moving the energy beam back-and-forth across the main path in a meandering pattern (6; 16).

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a three-dimensional article through successively depositing individual layers of powder material that are fused together so as to form the article. The method includes: providing at least one electron beam source emitting an electron beam; providing a leakage current detector for sensing a current through the anode and/or the Wehnelt cup; providing a low impedance voltage source connectable to the Wehnelt cup via a switch, where the voltage source is having a more negative potential than a negative potential applied to the cathode; and protecting the cathode against vacuum arc discharge energy currents when forming the three-dimensional article by providing the Wehnelt cup to the low impedance negative voltage by closing the switch when the leakage current detector is sensing a current through the anode and/or the Wehnelt cup which is higher than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a three-dimensional article through successively depositing individual layers of powder material that are fused together so as to form the article, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least one electron beam source emitting an electron beam for at least one of heating or fusing the powder material, where the electron beam source comprises a cathode, an anode, and a Wehnelt cup between the cathode and anode; providing a guard ring between the Wehnelt cup and the anode and in close proximity to the Wehnelt cup, where the guard ring is having an aperture which is larger than an aperture of the Wehnelt cup; protecting the cathode and/or the Wehnelt cup against vacuum arc discharge energy currents when forming the three-dimensional article by providing the guard ring with a higher negative potential than the Wehnelt cup and cathode.

Abstract: There is provided a method for providing selenium dioxide and a copper indium gallium residue from a material comprising a compound of formula (I) CuInxGa(1-x)Se2 (I), wherein x has a value from 0.01 to 0.99, said method comprises the steps of: a) heating the material comprising the compound of formula (I) to at least 500° C., b) contacting the material with a gas flow comprising oxygen, and d) collecting the formed products. The method may be used in recycling in the field of solar cell technology.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a message from a wireless communication device to another communication device. A communications device generates a message using the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device determines a geographical location and an orientation of the wireless communication device. A geographical region is determined using the geographical location and orientation, and a remote server determines the presence of an entity associated with the other communication device in the selected geographical region. The message is then transferred to the other communication device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a message from a wireless communication device to another communication device. A communications device generates a message using the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device determines a geographical location and an orientation of the wireless communication device. A geographical region is determined using the geographical location and orientation, and a remote server determines the presence of an entity associated with the other communication device in the selected geographical region. The message is then transferred to the other communication device.

Abstract: A method is provided of establishing a communications session between first and second devices associated with first and second parties respectively. A session request message indicates a request to establish the session and comprises session information. In response to the session request message, further information is retrieved and included in the session request message. A session is established based on information in the resulting session request message. The session may be established between the first and second devices using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). Summary information is included for determining complete information by the second device after the session has been established. The complete information is stored in a mail server and the summary information derived from the complete information is stored in a database.

Abstract: A method is provided of establishing a communications session between first and second devices associated with first and second parties respectively. A session request message indicates a request to establish the session and comprises session information. In response to the session request message, further information is retrieved and included in the session request message. A session is established based on information in the resulting session request message. The session may be established between the first and second devices using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). Summary information is included for determining complete information by the second device after the session has been established. The complete information is stored in a mail server and the summary information derived from the complete information is stored in a database.