| abstract |
A method of 3D printing an item, wherein a spray material comprising a powder entrained in an oxygen comprising carrier gas is emitted from a spray nozzle (8). The nozzle (8) comprises a constricted throat (11) that has a thermal conductivity of at least (10) W/mk and a hardness of at least (10) Rockwell C (HRC). The temperature of the throat does not exceed 250°C, and preferably does not exceed 200°C. |