Abstract: Potted-in inserts are provided for use as attachment points for securing objects to sandwich panels. The potted-in inserts comprise a shaft having a first outer diameter, a first end having a second outer diameter that is greater than the first diameter, a second end having a third outer diameter, and an inner bore extending through the first end, the shaft, and the second end. The inner bore having an inner diameter. A lattice structure is between the first end and the second end and in an area adjacent the shaft between the first diameter and the second diameter. The lattice structure is fixed to the first end, the second end, and/or the shaft. The lattice structure has a plurality of interconnected unit cells each comprising struts connected at nodes to define voids between the struts. The voids are sufficiently large to receive therethrough a potting compound.

Abstract: A system for additive manufacture uses a powder bed with powder distributed on a build surface. A nozzle directs and controls a flow stream of gas over the powder bed. The nozzle includes a peripheral duct wall defining a channel with an inlet and an outlet. The channel directs the flow stream and diverges from the inlet to the outlet of the nozzle. Vanes are distributed across the channel as symmetric airfoils to reduce turbulence of the flow stream. Guides extend between the vanes and are disposed at an angle selected to direct the gas over the powder bed without blowing the deposited powder off the build surface.

Abstract: Devices (herein “powder spreadability inspection tools”) and methods are provided for evaluating the spreadability of powders utilized in additive manufacturing (AM) processes. In embodiments, the powder spreadability inspection tool includes a powder support surface on which a visual inspection area is provided, a spreader system including a spreader implement, and a powder dispenser. The spreader implement is movable relative to the powder support surface along a path, which extends or passes over the visual inspection area. The powder dispenser is operable to dispense a premeasured or metered volume of an AM powder sample onto the powder support surface ahead of the spreader implement. As the spreader implement moves along the path relative to the powder support surface, the spreader implement spreads a layer of the metered powder sample across the visual inspection area to allow a visual evaluation of the spreadability of the AM powder.

Abstract: Devices (herein “powder spreadability inspection tools”) and methods are provided for evaluating the spreadability of powders utilized in additive manufacturing (AM) processes. In embodiments, the powder spreadability inspection tool includes a powder support surface on which a visual inspection area is provided, a spreader system including a spreader implement, and a powder dispenser. The spreader implement is movable relative to the powder support surface along a path, which extends or passes over the visual inspection area. The powder dispenser is operable to dispense a premeasured or metered volume of an AM powder sample onto the powder support surface ahead of the spreader implement. As the spreader implement moves along the path relative to the powder support surface, the spreader implement spreads a layer of the metered powder sample across the visual inspection area to allow a visual evaluation of the spreadability of the AM powder.