COMPACT AXIALLY TRANSLATIONAL POWDER DEPOSITION HEAD, SYSTEM COMPRISING THE HEAD AND METHOD USING THE HEAD

摘要

A material deposition head includes a ring configured to rotate about a first body portion and causes axial translation of the first body portion relative to a second body portion, where one or more nozzles are coupled to the first body portion. At least one anti-rotation pin substantially prevents rotation of the first body portion while the first body portion axially translates, and a seal substantially prevents external contaminants from invading an interior portion of the material deposition head. In addition, a pointer tool attached to the head and an external translational measurement tool may permit measurement of an axial position of the one or more nozzles without requiring disassembly of the head or disruption of a substantially inert environment within which additive manufacturing may proceed. A method of axially translating the first body portion of the head and a system including such a head also are disclosed.