Abstract: In various aspects, 3D printers, and sensor systems coupled to or integrated with the 3D printers are disclosed. The sensor systems may include image and second sensors for detecting potential defects or print artifacts. During printing, an energy beam source forms a weld pool by melting selected regions of print material, which solidifies to produce the build piece. The image sensor may image an area including the weld pool to determine a landing location of matter ejected during the heating of print material to form the weld pool. The second sensor may detect a defect in the build piece based on the determination of the landing location. Print operation may be suspended while the sensor data is used to repair the defect, after which 3D printing resumes. In this way, for example, high quality build pieces can be produced with reduced post-processing times, and hence a higher manufacturing throughput.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for producing spherical metallic powders through continuous ball milling are described. The apparatus comprises a comminution component including an inlet to receive a metallic material at a first region within the comminution component and an outlet to dispense the metallic powder from a second region within the comminution component. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of grinding components to grind the metallic material, the plurality of grinding components being arranged within the comminution component. The apparatus comprises a drive component, connected with the comminution component, to induce movement of the metallic material and the plurality of grinding components within the comminution component such that the metallic material is fragmented through contact with the plurality of grinding components at the first region and an external surface of the fragmented metallic material is altered at the second region to produce the metallic powder.