Abstract: In one aspect, A method of forming a product using an additive-manufacturing head includes forming a new layer of material of the product with the additive-manufacturing head. Forming the new layer of material includes depositing the new layer of material on an existing layer of material and melting the new layer of material so that the new layer of material is welded to the existing layer of material. The method also includes processing at least one of the new layer of material or the existing layer of material with a laser-emitting device, coupled to the additive-manufacturing head. Processing the at least one of the new layer of material or the existing layer of material with the laser-emitting device comprises smoothing a lateral surface of at least one of the new layer of material or the existing layer of material with a laser beam, emitted from the laser-emitting device.

Abstract: Additive-manufacturing systems, surface-processing apparatuses, and methods of forming products using an additive-manufacturing head are provided. In one aspect, an additive-manufacturing system includes an additive-manufacturing head and a surface-processing device coupled to the additive-manufacturing head. In another aspect, a surface-processing apparatus for an additive-manufacturing head includes a housing configured to be coupled to the additive-manufacturing head and a surface-processing device coupled to the housing. In a further aspect, a method of forming a product using an additive-manufacturing head includes forming one or more layers of the product with the additive-manufacturing head and processing at least one of the one or more layers of the product with a surface-processing device coupled to the additive-manufacturing head.

Abstract: Additive-manufacturing systems, surface-processing apparatuses, and methods of forming products using an additive-manufacturing head are provided. In one aspect, an additive-manufacturing system includes an additive-manufacturing head and a surface-processing device coupled to the additive-manufacturing head. In another aspect, a surface-processing apparatus for an additive-manufacturing head includes a housing configured to be coupled to the additive-manufacturing head and a surface-processing device coupled to the housing. In a further aspect, a method of forming a product using an additive-manufacturing head includes forming one or more layers of the product with the additive-manufacturing head and processing at least one of the one or more layers of the product with a surface-processing device coupled to the additive-manufacturing head.

Abstract: Additive-manufacturing systems, surface-processing apparatuses, and methods of forming products using an additive-manufacturing head are provided. In one aspect, an additive-manufacturing system includes an additive-manufacturing head and a surface-processing device coupled to the additive-manufacturing head. In another aspect, a surface-processing apparatus for an additive-manufacturing head includes a housing configured to be coupled to the additive-manufacturing head and a surface-processing device coupled to the housing. In a further aspect, a method of forming a product using an additive-manufacturing head includes forming one or more layers of the product with the additive-manufacturing head and processing at least one of the one or more layers of the product with a surface-processing device coupled to the additive-manufacturing head.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a deformable platform and a laser delivery system. The deformable platform has a surface capable of changing to conform to a shape of an object as the object is being manufactured during a sintering process. The laser delivery system is capable of sintering powder on the deformable platform to manufacture the object.

Abstract: A method of reducing foreign object debris (FOD) during drilling operations is provided. The method includes disposing a vacuum housing with a computer aided design (CAD) formed drill template in an operative position on a work piece, actuating a vacuum operatively connected to the vacuum housing, thereby creating negative pressure between the template and the work piece, the negative pressure acting on the debris resulting from the drilling operations, and enhancing the negative pressure without manipulating the vacuum.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a deformable platform and a laser delivery system. The deformable platform has a surface capable of changing to conform to a shape of an object as the object is being manufactured during a sintering process. The laser delivery system is capable of sintering powder on the deformable platform to manufacture the object.