Abstract: A method of treating the surface of a 3D object, comprising obtaining a digital 3D shape representation defining characteristics of the object; using a computerised device to convert the 3D shape representation into a digital 2D shape representation defining the 3D surface of the object as it if laid out flat; using the computerised device to generate a digital 2D tool path representation defining movements an applicator or removal tool would take to treat the surface of the shape defined by the 2D shape representation; using the computerised device to convert the 2D tool path representation to a digital 3D tool path representation defining movements that the applicator or removal tool will take to deposit material on, or remove it from, the surface to treat the 3D object; and using the 3D tool path representation to control the applicator tool or removal tool to treat the 3D object.

Abstract: A method for forming a 3D object, comprising running control means with reference to data which defines 3D shape parameters of an object such that the control means: •uses the data to control an applicator to spray material at a substrate to build the object out of progressively applied layers, wherein at least some of the layers have an initial inwardly tapered outer edge; and •for at least some such layers causing the control means to use the data to move the applicator to apply spray material to fill in the taper.

Abstract: A method of treating the surface of a 3D object, comprising obtaining a digital 3D shape representation defining characteristics of the object; using a computerised device to convert the 3D shape representation into a digital 2D shape representation defining the 3D surface of the object as it if laid out flat; using the computerised device to generate a digital 2D tool path representation defining movements an applicator or removal tool would take to treat the surface of the shape defined by the 2D shape representation; using the computerised device to convert the 2D tool path representation to a digital 3D tool path representation defining movements that the applicator or removal tool will take to deposit material on, or remove it from, the surface to treat the 3D object; and using the 3D tool path representation to control the applicator tool or removal tool to treat the 3D object.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming 3D objects from metallic powder, includes a delivery mechanism adapted to emit a flow of metallic powder at sufficiently high velocity to enable it to form a solid mass on a substrate; and a positioning mechanism adapted to set or adjust the distance and/or angle between the delivery mechanism and the substrate as powder builds up on the substrate. A control system is adapted to receive measured geometry data representing the state of the object as it builds and to control adjustment of the positioning means in response to that data for accurate formation of the object.

Abstract: The Invention relates to apparatus for forming 3D objects from metallic powder, comprising: •delivery means adapted to emit a flow of metallic powder at sufficiently high velocity to enable it to form a solid mass on a substrate; and •positioning means adapted to set or adjust the distance and/or angle between the delivery means and substrate as powder builds up on the substrate; and •control means adapted to receive measured geometry data representing the state of the object as it builds and to control adjustment of the positioning means in response to that data for accurate formation of the object.

Abstract: A method for forming a 3D object, comprising running control means with reference to data which defines 3D shape parameters of an object such that the control means: •uses the data to control an applicator to spray material at a substrate to build the object out of progressively applied layers, wherein at least some of the layers have an initial inwardly tapered outer edge; and •for at least some such layers causing the control means to use the data to move the applicator to apply spray material to fill in the taper.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling the output power of a permanent magnet electric motor (102) using a control means (106). The control means (106) includes a means (134) for measuring motor speed (134) and motor phase current (134), and a means for controlling motor phase current (110) to a desired level. A known relationship between motor phase current and motor torque is then employed by a torque controller so that motor shaft torque can be controlled. A power limiting means (128) then limits the output mechanical power of the motor by dividing a limit value of power by the motor speed to produce a maximum allowable torque setting for that speed.