Claims
- 1. A nozzle assembly particularly suited to direct metal deposition, comprising:a body having a central axis and a distal end terminating in a distal tip having inner and outer surfaces; a laser beam aligned with the central axis and emerging past the inner surface of the distal tip; a gas-carried powder feed path terminating in one or more powder outlets arranged in a first concentric ring surrounding the laser beam; at least one sensor for detecting the temperature of the inner or outer surface of the distal tip; and control apparatus interconnected to the temperature sensor, the control apparatus being operative to perform a function if the sensed temperature exceeds a predetermined limit indicative of distal tip clogging or clipping of the laser beam.
- 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the function includes one, some or all of:sounding an alarm displaying the sensed temperature; and terminating material deposition.
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 60/165,678, filed Nov. 16, 2000, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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Provisional Applications (1)
|
Number |
Date |
Country |
|
60/165678 |
Nov 2000 |
US |