US Patent 7358457 Nozzle for laser net shape manufacturing

Methods, apparatuses, devices, and/or systems for laser net shape manufacturing may make use of a nozzle that includes a main body with a thermal channel, a conducting channel and a gas distribution head. The thermal channel is at least partially within the main body and includes an aperture for passing thermal energy therethrough. The conducting channel includes a conducting outlet aperture that is a located adjacent to the thermal outlet aperture, and powder material can be passed through the conducting outlet aperture. The gas distribution head is capable of distributing shielding gas in a distribution path surrounding the conducting outlet aperture.