Abstract: A method of metal additive manufacturing includes generating a plurality of laser beams and directing the plurality of laser beams to selected portions of a surface of a powder bed of powdered metal. The method also includes monitoring the powder bed while performing the generating and directing, and adjusting at least one of the generating or directing based on the monitoring.

Abstract: A metal additive manufacturing system includes a powder bed for powdered metal, lasers to generate laser beams, a scanner to steer the laser beams onto selected portions of a surface of the powder bed, and optical modules. Each optical module is situated between a respective laser and the scanner along the optical path of a respective laser beam. The scanner is disposed between the optical modules and the powder bed along optical paths of the laser beams. Each optical module includes a fiber coupling to receive the respective laser beam, a focus control lens having an adjustable position to control a spot size of the respective laser beam, and an objective lens to focus the respective laser beam. Multiple optical modules are arranged evenly about an axis and situated at respective acute angles to the axis. The respective acute angles are substantially the same.

Abstract: A metal additive manufacturing system includes a powder bed for powdered metal, a plurality of lasers to generate a plurality of laser beams, and a scanner to steer the plurality of laser beams onto selected portions of a surface of the powder bed. A method of metal additive manufacturing includes generating a plurality of laser beams and steering the plurality of laser beams, using a scanner, onto selected portions of a surface of a powder bed of powdered metal.

Abstract: A method of metal additive manufacturing includes generating a plurality of laser beams and directing the plurality of laser beams to selected portions of a surface of a powder bed of powdered metal. The method also includes monitoring the powder bed while performing the generating and directing, and adjusting at least one of the generating or directing based on the monitoring.

Abstract: A method of metal additive manufacturing includes generating a plurality of laser beams and directing the plurality of laser beams to selected portions of a surface of a powder bed of powdered metal. The method also includes monitoring the powder bed while performing the generating and directing, and adjusting at least one of the generating or directing based on the monitoring.