Patent Publication Number: US-2022227053-A1

Title: Powder removal systems and assemblies for additive manufacturing

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present specification generally relates to powder removal systems and assemblies and, more specifically, powder removal systems and assemblies for additive manufacturing procedures using a powder bed. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Various additive manufacturing methods, including selective laser melting (SLS), direct metal laser melting (DMLM), and binder jet additive manufacturing, include selective fusion of powder in a powder bed to manufacture a three-dimensional (3D) object. However, upon completion of a build, the object is surrounded by loose powder, which may require a technician to manually remove the loose powder using their hands and/or a manually positioned vacuum. These process can be time consuming, labor intensive, ergonomically challenging, leading to risk of powder contamination and potential production inefficiencies. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for alternative systems and assemblies for removing powder from a powder bed. 
     SUMMARY 
     In a first aspect A1, a powder removal assembly includes a build module comprising module sidewalls and a moveable build plate slidably coupled to the module sidewalls, and an extraction housing removably engaged with the module sidewalls of the build module and defining a turbulence chamber between the build module and the extraction housing. The extraction housing includes one or more sidewalls comprising one or more sidewall fluid flow channels extending through the one or more sidewalls and a top wall coupled to the one or more sidewalls, wherein the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels extend from a position proximate a base of the one or more sidewalls to the top wall. 
     In a second aspect A2, a powder removal assembly includes the powder removal assembly according to the first aspect A1 further includes a vacuum pump fluidicly coupled to a vacuum port formed within the top wall. 
     In a third aspect A3, a powder removal assembly includes the powder removal assembly according to any preceding aspect, wherein the one or more sidewalls define one or more fluid inlets for channeling fluid from the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels into the turbulence chamber. 
     In a fourth aspect A4, a powder removal assembly includes the powder removal assembly according to any preceding aspect, wherein the extraction housing includes a plurality of tubes coupled to the top wall and extendable in a direction into and out of the turbulence chamber. 
     In a fifth aspect AS, a powder removal assembly includes the powder removal assembly according to any preceding aspect, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of tubes are configured to deliver one or more fluid streams into the turbulence chamber. 
     In a sixth aspect A6, a powder removal assembly includes the powder removal assembly according to any preceding aspect, wherein the top wall comprises a plurality of converging flow channels defining a vacuum outtake manifold, and the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels are fluidicly coupled to at least one of the plurality of converging flow channels. 
     In a seventh aspect A7, a powder removal assembly includes the powder removal assembly according to any preceding aspect, wherein each of the plurality of tubes extends through the top wall at a position between the plurality of converging flow channels. 
     In an eighth aspect A8, a powder removal assembly includes the powder removal assembly according to any preceding aspect, wherein the plurality of tubes are telescoping tubes. 
     In a ninth aspect A9, a powder removal assembly includes an extraction housing configured to be arranged on or within a build module to define a turbulence chamber between the build module and the extraction housing and to define one or more fluid flow channels for removal of one or more fluid streams within the turbulence chamber, the extraction housing comprising a top wall, and a plurality of tubes slidably coupled to the top wall so as to be slidable in a direction into and out of the turbulence chamber. 
     In a tenth aspect A10, a powder removal assembly includes the powder removal assembly according to any preceding aspect, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of tubes defines a flow path for channeling the one or more fluid streams into the turbulence chamber. 
     In an eleventh aspect A11, a powder removal assembly includes the powder removal assembly according to any preceding aspect, wherein the extraction housing further includes one or more sidewalls, each of the one or more sidewalls comprising one or more sidewall fluid flow channels encased within the one or more sidewalls. 
     In a twelfth aspect A12, a powder removal assembly includes the powder removal assembly according to any preceding aspect the top wall includes a plurality of converging flow channels defining a vacuum outtake manifold, and the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels are fluidicly coupled to the vacuum outtake manifold. 
     In a thirteenth aspect A13, a powder removal assembly includes the powder removal assembly according to any preceding aspect, wherein a portion of the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels are configured to deliver one or more fluid streams into the turbulence chamber. 
     In a fourteenth aspect A14, a powder removal assembly includes the powder removal assembly according to any preceding aspect, wherein the extraction housing includes a lip configured to maintain a position of the extraction housing relative to the build module. 
     In a fifteenth aspect A15, an automated powder removal system includes a build module for additive manufacturing, and an automated powder removal station operable to receive the build module. The automated powder removal station includes an extraction housing configured to be engaged with the build module and remove powder from the build module, one or more positioning actuators configured to align the extraction housing and the build module with one another, a vacuum pump operatively coupled to the extraction housing, and a control unit communicatively coupled to the vacuum pump and the one or more positioning actuators. The control unit causes the one or more positioning actuators to align the extraction housing with the build module, and automatically operates the vacuum pump to cause the powder to be removed from the build module through the extraction housing. 
     In a sixteenth aspect A16, an automated powder removal system includes the automated powder removal system according to any preceding aspect, further including one or more transfer devices communicatively coupled to the control unit, and at least one of a manual powder removal station and a part removal station, wherein the control unit is configured to operate the one or more transfer devices to transfer the build module from the automated powder removal station to the at least one of the manual powder removal station and the part removal station after at least a portion of the powder is removed from the build module. 
     In a seventeenth aspect A17, an automated powder removal system includes the automated powder removal system according to any preceding aspect, wherein the extraction housing defines a turbulence chamber between the build module and the extraction housing and defines one or more fluid flow channels for removal of one or more fluid streams within the turbulence chamber. 
     In an eighteenth aspect A18, an automated powder removal system includes the automated powder removal system according to any preceding aspect, wherein the extraction housing includes one or more sidewalls comprising one or more sidewall fluid flow channels, and a top wall coupled to the one or more sidewalls, wherein the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels extend from a position proximate a base of the one or more sidewalls to the top wall. 
     In a nineteenth aspect A19, an automated powder removal system includes the automated powder removal system according to any preceding aspect, wherein the one or more sidewalls comprise one or more fluid inlets for channeling fluid from the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels into the turbulence chamber. 
     In a twentieth aspect A20, an automated powder removal system includes the automated powder removal system according to any preceding aspect, wherein the one or more fluid flow channels comprises a plurality of fluid inlet channels and a plurality of fluid outlet channels. 
     These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which: 
         FIG. 1A  schematically depicts an powder removal system, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 1B  schematically depicts the powder removal system of  FIG. 1A  with the loose, unbound powder substantially removed, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 2A  schematically depicts an powder removal system having a plurality of sliding tubes, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 2B  schematically depicts the powder removal system of  FIG. 2A  with the loose powder in the process of being removed, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 2C  schematically depicts the powder removal system of  FIG. 2A  with the loose powder substantially removed, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 2D  schematically depicts removal of an extraction housing from a build module, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 3A  schematically depicts a perspective view of one or more sidewalls of any extraction housing, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 3B  schematically depicts a top view of the one or more sidewalls of  FIG. 3A , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 3C  schematically depicts a cross-section side view of a wall panel of the one or more sidewalls of  FIG. 3A  engaged with a build module, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 3D  schematically depicts connections between wall panels and a corner of the one or more sidewalls of  FIG. 3A , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 4A  schematically depicts a perspective view of a top wall of an extraction housing, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 4B  schematically depicts a side view of top wall of  FIG. 4A , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 4C  schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the top wall taken along line A-A depicted in  FIG. 4B , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 4D  schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the top wall of  FIG. 4C  taken along line B-B depicted in  FIG. 4C , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 4E  schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the top wall of  FIG. 4C  taken along line C-C depicted in  FIG. 4C , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 5A  schematically depicts an additive manufacturing build module for additively manufacturing a one or more components of an extraction housing, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 5B  schematically depicts a top view of the build module of  FIG. 5A , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 6  schematically depicts another embodiment of an extraction housing, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 7  schematically depicts an embodiment of a sidewall of an extraction housing, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 8  schematically depicts another embodiment of an extraction housing, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 9A  schematically depicts yet another yet another embodiments of an extraction housing pre-powder extraction, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 9B  schematically depicts the extraction housing of  FIG. 9A , extracting powder from a build module, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 10A  schematically depicts an embodiment of a telescoping tube, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 10B  schematically depicts the telescoping tube of  FIG. 10A  telescoping to an extended position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 10C  schematically depicts the telescoping tube of  FIG. 10A  fully extended to the extended position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 11  schematically depicts another embodiments of an extraction housing, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 12A  schematically depicts another embodiment of an extraction housing including a plurality of extraction tubes for removing powder from a build module, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 12B  schematically depicts the extraction housing extracting powder from the build module of  FIG. 12A , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 12C  schematically depicts a portion of the extraction tubes exiting a vacuum application zone during extraction of powder from the build module of  FIG. 12A , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 12D  schematically depicts all of the extraction tubes exiting the vacuum application zone during extraction of powder from the build module of  FIG. 12C , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 13A  schematically depicts a top wall of an extraction housing, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 13B  schematically depicts a schematic view of flow channels formed in a sidewall of the extraction housing of  FIG. 13A , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 14  schematically depicts yet another embodiment of an extraction housing, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 15A  schematically depicts yet another embodiment of an extraction housing, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 15B  schematically depicts the extraction housing of  FIG. 15A  arranged over a build platform, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 15C  schematically depicts a turbulence diagram of the extraction housing of  FIG. 15A , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 15D  schematically depicts a top wall swirl pattern of the extraction housing of  FIG. 15A , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 16  schematically depicts an automated powder removal system, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and 
         FIG. 17  schematically depicts an automated powder removal station of the automated powder removal system of  FIG. 16 , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The figures generally depict various embodiments of powder removal systems and assemblies. The powder removal systems and assemblies may generally be incorporated into additive manufacturing assemblies and procedures to improve removal of unbound powder from a powder bed of a build module and from an object. For example, embodiments may include an extraction housing that engages the side walls of a build module to define a turbulence chamber between the build module and the extraction housing. Various fluid flow channels provided via the extraction housing may be used to direct one or more fluid streams into and out of the turbulence chamber to disturb unbound powder, entrain the unbound powder within one or more fluid streams, and remove the unbound powder from the turbulence chamber/build module. Such removal may be automated as part of an automated powder removal system. Accordingly, systems and assemblies as described herein improve powder removal procedures by, for example, decreasing powder removal time, limiting powder and/or part exposure to external contaminants, etc., thereby improving additive manufacturing efficiency and/or quality. The various embodiments of the powder removal systems and assemblies and their benefits will be described in more detail herein. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  schematically depict an embodiment of a powder removal system  100 . The powder removal system  100  may generally include an extraction housing  110  and a vacuum pump  101  fluidically coupled to the extraction housing  110 . The powder removal system  100  may further include a build module  104 , a powder separator  102 , and a powder container  103 . It is noted that a greater or fewer number of components may be included without departing from scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that phrases “a,” “an,”, and/or “one or more” may be interchangeably used throughout this disclosure and are not to be limited to indicating only a single component but may indicate more than one such component, unless otherwise noted. 
     The build module  104  may be any structure which may be used with an additive manufacturing apparatus (e.g., SLM, DMLM, binder jet, etc.) in which a powder bed including loose (i.e., unbound) powder  20  (e.g., metal, ceramic, and/or plastic particles) may be positioned for manufacturing of a three-dimensional object  10  via selective fusion of the powder  20 . For example, the build module  104  may define a chamber in which the powder  20  is positioned. To define the chamber, the build module  104  may generally include one or more module sidewalls  106  and a moveable build plate  108  which may be slidably coupled to the one or more module sidewalls  106 . An actuator  107  (e.g., a linear actuator) may engage the moveable build plate  108  to move the moveable build plate  108  along a vertical axis (e.g., in the +/−Z direction of the depicted coordinate axes). For example, during manufacturing, the build module  104  may be positioned in proximity to a fusion device (e.g., a laser or print head; not depicted). A layer of powder  20  may be deposited on the moveable build plate  108  and the fusion device may selectively fuse portions of the powder  20  to form a portion or layer of a printed object  10 . The actuator may move the moveable build plate  108  down (i.e., in the −Z direction of the depicted coordinate axes) and more powder  20  may be deposited on the previous layer to allow for additional powder  20  to be fused to build the desired printed object  10  layer by layer. Once the desired printed object  10  is built, the surrounding loose powder  20  may be removed from the build module  104 . As noted above, this may be done using brushes, shovels, hands, and or hand-positioned vacuums. However, such processes may be time-consuming and/or tedious, leading to manufacturing inefficiencies. 
     To aid in removal of the loose powder  20  from the build module  104 , the extraction housing  110  may be removably engaged with the build module  104  or vice versa. For example, the extraction housing  110  may be engaged with the module sidewalls  106  of the build module  104 . Such engagement may be direct or indirect. For example, such as illustrated in  FIG. 1A , a horizontal wall  90  may form part of an additive manufacturing apparatus, a powder removal station, and/or the build module  104 , and may be positioned above and/or in contact with the module sidewalls  106 . In other embodiments, the extraction housing  110  may rest directly on the module sidewalls  106 , such as is shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C . The extraction housing  110 , when engaged with the build module  104 , defines a turbulence chamber  112  between the extraction housing  110  and the build module  104 . During powder removal, in some embodiments, the moveable build plate  108  moves vertically to decrease a volume of the turbulence chamber  112  as the powder  20  is removed. However, in other embodiments, such as will be described in greater detail herein, the extraction housing  110  moves relative to the build module  104  to decrease a volume of the turbulence chamber  112  during powder removal. In yet further embodiments, only portions of the extraction housing  110  will move into and/or out of the turbulence chamber  112  during powder extraction. 
     The extraction housing  110  may generally define a structure or combination of structures configured to provide one or more fluid flow channels or paths which provide for the inlet of one or more fluid streams and/or the outlet of one of more fluid streams carrying entrained powder  20 . For example, the extraction housing  110  may comprise one or more sidewalls  114  defining one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  120  extending through the sidewall. For example, each of the one or more sidewalls  114  may have an outer surface  116  and inner surface  118 . The one or more sidewalls  114  may together define an enclosed lateral perimeter of the turbulence chamber  112  which may be substantially square, round, oval, or any other shape. It is noted that, while in some embodiments, the one or more sidewalls  114  may be an integral unit, in further embodiments, the one or more sidewalls  114  may be formed via an inner housing and an outer housing that are positionable with respect to one another and the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  120  may be formed via the space between the inner housing and the outer hosing. In some embodiments, the outer housing may be sealed around the inner housing to maintain an inert environment within the turbulence chamber  112 . In some embodiments, there may be no outer housing. In such embodiments the only sidewall fluid flow channels may extend through the inner housing, which may allow for intake of environmental air. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  120  formed within the one or more sidewalls  114  may extend from a position proximate a base  113  of the one or more sidewalls  114  to a top wall  122  coupled to the one or more sidewalls and defining the vertical extent of the turbulence chamber  112 . At the position proximate the base  113 , one or more fluid inlets  124  may be formed providing fluid communication between the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  120  and the turbulence chamber  112 . The one or more fluid inlets  124  may be sized and shaped to provide a desired flow rate into (or, in some embodiments, out of) the turbulence chamber  112 . The one or more fluid inlets  124  may include a plurality of fluid inlets  124  spaced about a perimeter of extraction housing  110 . The one or more fluid inlets  124  may be have geometric shape (e.g., round, square, rectangular, etc.). It is noted that while the one or more fluid inlets  124  are illustrated as being parallel to the horizontal axis of the depicted coordinate axes, in some embodiments, the one or more fluid inlet may be angled relative to the horizontal axis. For example, the one or more fluid inlets  124 , or a portion thereof, may be angled toward the powder  20  or toward the moveable build plate  108 . An intake fluid port  125  may be formed within one or more of the top wall  122  and the one or more sidewalls  114 . The intake fluid port  125  may allow for fluid to flow into the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  120 , in response to drawing of fluid from the turbulence chamber  112  via the vacuum pump  101 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more sidewalls  114  may be engaged with the build module  104 , e.g., through the horizontal wall  90  and/or the module sidewalls  106 . The one or more sidewalls  114  may be sealed to the horizontal wall  90  and/or the module sidewalls  106  to ensure a gas-tight interface. For example, sealing material (e.g., a polymer strip) may be coupled to the base  113  of the one or more sidewalls to provide a seal. Maintaining a seal between build module  104  and the extraction housing  110  may prevent fluid leakages and/or maintain a desired environment within the build module  104 . For example, in some embodiments, the powder  20  may be a reactive material, accordingly it may be desirable to maintain an inert environment within the turbulence chamber  112 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the top wall  122  may define a vacuum port  126  which provides fluidic communication into the turbulence chamber  112  with the vacuum pump  101 . For example, one or more fluid conduits  123  (e.g., hose, piping, etc.), represented via dashed lines, may fluidicly couple the vacuum port  126  to the vacuum pump  101 . The vacuum pump  101  may be operated to pull fluid (e.g., air, inert gas, etc.) and loose powder  20  out of the turbulence chamber  112  through the vacuum port  126 , leaving the printed object  10  positioned on the moveable build plate  108 . The vacuum port  126  may be sized and shaped to provide a desired flow rate out the turbulence chamber  112 . In some embodiments, the vacuum port  126  may include a plurality of vacuum ports. In some embodiments, such as will be described in greater detail herein, multiple vacuum ports may be provided which may all be fluidly coupled to one or more vacuum pumps  101 . In some embodiments, a vacuum port  126  may be positioned within the one or more sidewalls  114  instead of, or in addition to, the top wall  122 . 
     The vacuum pump  101  may be any type of commercially available vacuum pump  101  which provides sufficient gas volume flow (e.g., blowers, claw pumps, rotary vane pump, etc.). As should be understood, the volume flow may depend on a plurality of factors , including but not limited, system constraints, the size of the build, powder type, etc. As noted above, the vacuum pump  101  is fluidicly coupled to the vacuum port  126  via the one or more fluid conduits  123 . A powder separator  102  may be positioned along the one or more fluid conduits  123  for separating powder  20  from the fluid stream prior to entering the vacuum pump  101  and being recirculated through the extraction housing  110 . The powder separator  102  may be any commercially available powder separator  102  such as, but not limited to, cyclonic or filter based powder separators. The powder separator  102  may direct the powder  20  separated from the fluid stream being pulled from the turbulence chamber  112  into the powder container  103 , which may be any type of receptacle suitable for holding powder  20 . It is contemplated that the separated powder  20  within the receptacle may be recycled in further printing processes, disposed of, or the like. In some embodiments, the powder may be further separated into powder for recycling and powder for disposal using, for example, a sieve or filter. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , after a printed object  10  is completed, the extraction housing  110  may be placed over and/or in contact with the build module  104 . Placement of the extraction housing  110  may be manual or automated via one or more positioning actuators (e.g., a robotic arm, or the like), which will be described in greater detail herein. In some embodiments, placement of the extraction housing  110  may be automatic, via a control unit, in response to completion of a printed article  10 . Once positioned, the vacuum pump  101  may be operated via the control unit and/or an input from a user (e.g., such as through one or more user interfaces including but not limited to touchscreens, buttons, toggles, microphones, or the like) communicatively coupled to the control unit. Operation of the vacuum pump  101  may draw a fluid stream from the turbulence chamber  112  through the vacuum port  126 . Drawing a fluid stream from the turbulence chamber  112 , in turn, draws one or more fluid streams through the intake fluid port  125  into the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  120 , and out of the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  120  through the one or more fluid inlets  124  into the turbulence chamber  112 , where the one or more fluid streams impinge the powder  20 . Impingement of the powder  20  causes turbulence within the turbulence chamber  112 , and entrains powder  20  within the one or more fluid streams. The entrained powder  20  may then be removed from the turbulence chamber  112  via the vacuum pump  101  through the vacuum port  126 . 
     In some embodiments, the powder removal system  100  may be a closed system, where fluid is recirculated through the extraction housing  110  to maintain an inert environment. For example, fluid flowing to the vacuum pump  101  may be returned to the intake fluid port  125  where it is recirculated through the extraction housing  110  and turbulence chamber  112 . In other embodiments, atmospheric fluid may be drawn into the intake fluid port  125 . In yet further embodiments, compressed fluid may be provided through the intake fluid port  125  to supplement flow created via the vacuum pump  101 . Fluids can include, but are not limited to, air, nitrogen, argon, or the like. In yet further embodiments, it is contemplated that there may be multiple intake fluid ports and/or vacuum ports which may be independently plumbed to allow for selective fluid flow profiles through the extraction housing  110  and the turbulence chamber  112 . 
     As noted above, the velocity of the fluid entering through the one or more fluid inlets  124  causes the powder  20  within the build module  104  to be agitated and entrained within the one or more fluid streams being pulled through the extraction housing  110 , resulting in powder  20  being removed from turbulence chamber  112  through the vacuum port  126 . During powder removal, the moveable build plate  108  may be moved up as illustrated in  FIG. 1B  to allow substantially all of the loose powder  20  within the turbulence chamber  112  to be impinged via one or more fluid streams entering the turbulence chamber  112  through the one or more fluid inlets  124 , entrained within the one or more fluid streams, and removed through the vacuum port  126 . The moveable build plate  108  may move continuously during powder removal in the +Z direction of the depicted coordinate axes until the majority or substantially all of the powder  20  is removed and/or the printed object  10  is positioned entirely within the extraction housing  110 . Accordingly, the extraction housing  110  may have an internal height equal to greater than a height of the printed object  10  or a height that is equal to a maximum depth of the build module  104 . 
     Once powder removal is complete or substantially complete, the extraction housing  110  may be removed from the build module  104  to allow for further processing and/or removal of the printed object  10 . In some embodiments, the extraction housing  110  may be automatically removed via one or more positioning actuators controlled via a control unit. In yet further embodiments, and as will be described in further detail herein, after powder removal, the build module  104  may instead be removed from the extraction housing  110  and moved to one or more processing stations. 
     It is noted that in the above embodiment, the powder  20  is drawn via vacuum pressure through the top wall  122 . However, in some embodiments, the powder  20  may be drawn via vacuum pressure through the one or more sidewalls  114 . For example, a vacuum pump  101  may instead be coupled to the fluid intake port  125  and draw fluid out of the turbulence chamber  112  through the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  120 , which, in turn, may draw fluid through the top wall port  126 , which may instead be used to draw air into the turbulence chamber instead of being coupled to a vacuum pump. Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, fluid flow through the one of more sidewall fluid flow channels  120  is generated via operation of the vacuum pump  101 . However, in some embodiments, flow may instead be generated via a compressor that delivers compressed gas through the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  120 . For example, a compressor may force fluid into the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  120 , which may exit the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  120  through the one or fluid inlets  124 . Suction via the vacuum pump  101 , may draw the fluid out of the turbulence chamber  112  through the vacuum port  126 . 
     Additional embodiments will now be described in greater detail below. It is noted that the following embodiments may operate in a substantially similar manner to that described above with respect to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . Accordingly, the above description may be applicable to each of the embodiments described below unless otherwise noted or apparent. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A-2D , another embodiment of an extraction housing  210  fluidically coupled to a vacuum pump  101  is schematically depicted. It is noted that while the powder separator  102  and powder container  103  are not presently depicted, they may be included in a manner similar to that discussed above. The extraction housing  210  is similar to the extraction housing  110  described above, including one or more sidewalls  216  and a top wall  222 . Accordingly, when mounted to a build module  104 , the extraction housing  210  and the build module  104  form an enclosed turbulence chamber  112  therebetween. However, in the present embodiment, a plurality of tubes  230  are coupled to the top wall and extendable into and/or out of the turbulence chamber  112 . 
     As with the above-described embodiment, the one or more sidewalls  216  may define one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  218  encased within the one or more sidewalls  216  each having a fluid inlet  220 . The one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  218  may be used for either the intake of one or more fluid streams into the turbulence chamber  112  and/or the outtake of one or more fluid streams from the turbulence chamber  112 . For example, the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  218 , or a portion thereof may be fluidicly coupled to the vacuum pump  101  to pull one or more fluid streams and powder  20  entrained in the one or more fluid streams through the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  218 . In other embodiments, such as described with respect to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  218 , or a portion thereof, may deliver one or more fluid streams through the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  218  into the turbulence chamber  112 . In some embodiments, the one or more sidewalls  216  may also include fluid inlets to allow for fluid to be drawn into the turbulence chamber, such as described in the embodiments above. 
     Formed within the top wall  222  may be one or more top wall fluid flow channels  224  which may be fluidically coupled to the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  218  such that the fluid streams and/or powder may flow from the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  218  into the one or more top wall fluid flow channels  224 . One or more vacuum ports  226  are formed within or coupled to top wall  222  and fluidically couple the one or more top wall fluid flow channels  224  with the vacuum pump  101 . Accordingly, one or more fluid streams, along with entrained powder  20 , may be drawn out of the extraction housing  210  through the one or more sidewalls  216  and the top wall  222  and out of the extraction housing  210  via the vacuum pump  101 . 
     The plurality of tubes  230  may extend through the top wall  222 . For example, the plurality of tubes  230  may be rigid or flexible tubes each defining a flow path therethrough. For example, at least a portion of the plurality of tubes  230  may define a plurality of fluid inlet paths into the turbulence chamber  112  such that the plurality of tubes  230  may channel one or more fluid streams into the turbulence chamber  112  in response to the vacuum pump  101  drawing fluid through the turbulence chamber  112 . The plurality of tubes  230  may be slidably coupled to the top wall  222  such that as the moveable build plate  108  moves upward, thereby reducing the volume of the turbulence chamber  112 , the tubes which contact the printed object(s)  10 , may slide upward to accommodate the printed object(s)  10 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 2B and 2C . In some embodiments, such as where the plurality of tubes  230  are flexible, the tubes may bend or flex out of the way as they contact the printed object(s)  10 . 
     As noted above, the vacuum pump  101  may be fluidically coupled to the one or more vacuum ports  226  of the top wall  222 , though it is contemplated that the one or more vacuum ports  226  may also or instead be formed in the one or more sidewalls  216 . As with the previous embodiment, the extraction housing  210  may be sealed to the build module  104  with an airtight seal. Due to the air tight seal, operation of the vacuum pump  101  may draw fluid within the turbulence chamber  112  through the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  218 , which may, in turn, generate fluid flow through the plurality of tubes  230 . Due to the vacuum pressure the plurality of tubes  230  may act as impingement jets to impinge one or more fluid streams onto the powder  20  within the turbulence chamber to disrupt the powder  20  and entrain the powder  20  into own or more fluid streams which may be pulled via the vacuum pump  101  out of the turbulence chamber  112  and extraction housing  210 . As above, during extraction, the moveable build plate  108  may be moved upward (as illustrated in  FIGS. 2B and 2C ), thereby reducing a volume of the turbulence chamber  112 . As noted above, as tubes  230  contact a printed article  10  positioned on the moveable build plate  108 , the contacted tubes may slide relative to the top wall  222  to provide space for the printed article  10  to continue to move upward as the powder  20  is removed from the turbulence chamber  112 . Once powder removal is complete, the extraction housing  210  may be removed (e.g., manually or via one or more positioning actuators), as illustrated in  FIG. 2D . 
     It is noted that in some embodiments, the plurality of tubes  230 , or a portion thereof, may instead be coupled to one or more vacuum pumps  101  to draw entrained powder  20  out of the turbulence chamber  112  through flow channels defined by the plurality of tubes  230 . In such embodiments, at least a portion of the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  218  and/or the one or more top wall fluid flow channels  224  may deliver one or more fluid streams into the turbulence chamber  112 , such as described with respect  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  schematically depict an embodiment of the one or more sidewalls  216  of the extraction housing  210  in isolation from the top wall. In embodiments, the one or more sidewalls  216  may be formed via a plurality of wall panels  240  coupled to one another via a plurality of corners  250 . For example, the plurality of wall panels  240  may be flat substrates that are connected via the plurality of corners  250 . The plurality of corners  250  may be curved as illustrated, however, more angular corners are contemplated and possible. In some embodiments, the shape of the wall panels  240  and the corners  250  may substantially correspond to the shape of the build module  104 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D , each of the wall panels  240  may define a plurality of sidewall fluid flow channels  218  extending therethrough. For example, each wall panel may include 2 more flow channels, 3 or more flow channels, 4 or more flow channels, etc. It is noted that while each sidewall fluid flow channel  218  is depicted as having a substantially rectangular cross-section, other cross-sectional shapes are contemplated and possible (e.g., round, oval, triangular, etc.). The plurality of sidewall fluid flow channels  218  may extend from a top end  242  of the wall panel  240  to the fluid inlet  220  formed within an inner surface  244  of the wall panel  240  to a position adjacent but spaced from a bottom end  246  of the wall panel  240 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3C . For example, the inner surface  244  of the wall panel  240  may be notched at a position adjacent and spaced from the bottom end  246  of the wall panel  240 . The notch  247  may define a directing surface  248  that directs the one or more fluid streams and entrained powder into the plurality of sidewall fluid flow channels  218 . In some embodiments, such as where fluid is instead directed into the turbulence chamber through the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  218 , the directing surface  248  may angle the incoming fluid streams toward the powder within the build module  104 , as described herein, to provide improved impingement of the powder. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3C , as the bottom end  246  of each wall panel  240  may include a lip  249 . The lip  249  may engage the module sidewall  106  to maintain a position of the extraction housing  210  relative with respect to the build module  104  throughout powder extraction. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3D , in embodiments, the plurality of wall panels  240  may snap together with the plurality of corners  250  to couple the plurality of wall panels  240  with the plurality of corners  250 . For example, the each wall panel  240  may comprise a projection  260  or bead which extends from an outer surface  245  (and/or the inner surface  244 ) of each wall panel  240  along each vertical edge  261 . It is contemplated that the projection  260  may extend along an entire vertical length of the wall panel  240 , or only a portion thereof. Each corner  250  may define an interlock cuff  252  at each end to engage a wall panel  240 . The interlock cuff  252  may receive the edge  261  of the wall panel  240  and extend over the projection  260 . The interlock cuff  252  may define a recess  254  configured to receive the projection  260  to secure the wall panel  240  to the corner  250  with the interlock cuff  252 . The engagement between the interlock cuff  252  and edge  261  of the wall panel  240  may create a substantially fluid-tight seal, which may aid in maintaining an inert environment once assembled. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4A , a schematic isometric view of a top wall  222 , such as may be used in the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 2A-2D , is depicted. As illustrated, the top wall  222  may comprise a plurality of through holes  270  which extend from a first planar surface  272  to a second planar surface  274  opposite the first planar surface  272 . The plurality of holes  270  are sized and shaped to receive the plurality of tubes  230  as described above. In some embodiments, a bearing material (not shown) may line and/or be positioned within each hole  270  to facilitate the sliding motion of the plurality of tubes  230  (not shown in  FIG. 4A ). In yet further embodiments, air bearing channels may be formed in each tube hole wall to reduce friction and facilitate sliding.  FIG. 4B  depicts a side view of the top wall  222 . In the depicted embodiment, a vacuum port  226  may be positioned along an edge  271  of the top wall  222 . While only one vacuum port  226  is depicted, additional vacuum ports may be included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 4C  depicts a cross-section of the top wall  222  taken along line C-C of  FIG. 4B . Within the interior of the top wall  222  may be the plurality of top wall fluid flow channels  224 . The plurality of top wall fluid flow channels  224  may converge with one another to toward the vacuum port  226 . Accordingly, the top wall fluid flow channels  224  may also be referred to a plurality of converging flow channels. As noted herein, the top wall fluid flow channels  224  may be coupled to the sidewall fluid flow channels  218  described above, such that the sidewall fluid flow channels  218  are in fluidic communication with the top wall fluid flow channels  224 . Accordingly, the top wall  222  may act as a vacuum outtake manifold to combine flows from each of the sidewall fluid flow channels  218  into a single stream which may exit the top wall vacuum port  226 . The plurality of top wall fluid flow channels  224  may be dimensioned to maintain the velocity of the fluid streams constant. 
       FIG. 4D  illustrates a cross-section of the top wall  222  taken along line D-D of  FIG. 4C . From this perspective, one or more sidewall ports  275  formed in the second planar surface  274  are depicted. The one or more sidewall ports  275  may engage the one or more sidewalls  216  as described herein, to fluidically couple the plurality of sidewall fluid flow channels  218  with the plurality of top wall fluid flow channels  224 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4E , a cross-section of the top wall  222  taken along line E-E of  FIG. 4C  is depicted.  FIG. 4E  depicts the plurality of through holes  270  extending through the top wall  222  at a position between adjacent top wall fluid flow channels  224  of the plurality of top wall fluid flow channels  224 . Accordingly, the plurality of tubes  230  may extend through the top wall  222  at a position between the adjacent top wall fluid flow channels  224  to prevent the plurality of tubes  230  from blocking fluid flowing through the plurality of top wall fluid flow channels  224  or otherwise impeding the flow path defined through the plurality of top wall fluid flow channels  224 . 
     In some embodiments, the top wall  222  may be formed via thin-walled structures such that the top wall is substantially hollow, which may reduce waste and material costs. In some embodiments, instead of a plurality of top wall fluid flow channels  224 , there may only be a single hollow chamber and each of the plurality of tubes  230  may extend through the single hollow chamber. 
     The various components including the wall panels  240 , corners  250 , top wall  222 , and/or the plurality of tubes  230 , may be manufactured via any conventional manufacturing technique. However, in some embodiments, the various components may be manufactured via additive manufacturing. For example, the wall panels  240 , corners  250 , top wall  222 , and/or plurality of tubes  230  may be formed via binder jet, DMLM, SLM, etc. In embodiments, it is contemplated that the wall panels  240 , corners  250 , and top wall  222  may be manufactured simultaneously within the same build module  104 , schematically depicted in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , with a build direction along the +Z direction of the depicted coordinate axes. By forming the wall panels  240  and corners  250  as separate pieces, each of the wall panels  240 , the corners  250 , and the top wall  222  may be arranged within the volume of the build module  104  to allow for simultaneous manufacturing. Potential materials may include, but are not limited to stainless steel, cobalt chrome, maraging steel, aluminum, nickel alloy, titanium, plastic, or any combination thereof. 
     Additional alternative embodiments will now be described. Each of the provided embodiments provide additional variations to the above embodiments. Accordingly, the below embodiments may have substantial similar components to those described above except as otherwise noted. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , similar to the above-referenced embodiments, an extraction housing  310  may similarly include one or more sidewalls  316 , which may define one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  318 , a top wall  322  which defines one or more top wall fluid flow channels  324 , and a plurality of tubes  330  slidably engaged with the top wall  322 . In the indicated embodiments, the one or more sidewalls  316  are dimensioned to fit laterally within the module sidewalls  106  of the build module  104 . During operation, the top wall fluid flow channels  324  may be fluidically coupled to the vacuum pump  101  to draw fluid and powder from the turbulence chamber  112  into the sidewall fluid flow channels  318  which directs fluid into the top wall fluid flow channels  324  and out of the extraction housing  310 . 
     Similar to the above embodiments, suction from the vacuum pump  101  may cause fluid to flow through the plurality of tubes  330  and impinge the loose powder  20  within the build module  104  thereby creating turbulence and entraining the loose powder  20  within the one or more fluid streams, which are then extracted through the extraction housing  310 . As the loose powder  20  is removed, the extraction housing  310  may move into the build module  104 , thereby decreasing the volume of the turbulence chamber  112 . As the printed object  10  is contacted by the plurality of tubes  330 , the tubes  330  may slide as needed through the top wall  322  to accommodate the contours of the printed object  10 . The top wall  322  may be dimensioned to provide a stop  323  to limit the distance the extraction housing  310  may travel into the build module  104 . In other embodiments, the length of the one or more sidewalls  316  may limit the distance the extraction housing  310  extends into the build module  104  via contact with the moveable build plate  108 . Accordingly, in this embodiment, the moveable build plate  108  may remain stationary during powder extraction. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an alternative embodiment of a wall panel  340  is schematically depicted, which may be useful in one or more embodiments described herein, but particularly in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 . In the embodiment, the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels  318  may include a plurality of fluid inlet channels  341  and a plurality of fluid outlet channels  342 . 
     The plurality of fluid inlet channels  341  may allow for one or more fluid streams to enter the turbulence chamber  112  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) to aid in entraining loose powder  20  into one or more fluid streams. The plurality of fluid inlet channels  341  extend from a top end  344  of the wall panel  340  to a position adjacent a bottom end  346  of the wall panel  340  and arranged to direct fluid toward the powder  20  within the build module  104 . 
     The plurality of fluid outlet channels  342  may be interspersed among the plurality of fluid inlet channels  341 . However, the plurality of fluid outlet channels  342  may be fluidically coupled to the vacuum pump  101  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) to aid in vacuuming loose powder  20  from the turbulence chamber  112 . The plurality of fluid outlet channels  342  may each define one or more, or a plurality of, interior vacuum ports  348  formed on an interior surface  345  of the wall panel  340 . In embodiments, each fluid outlet channel  342  may define a plurality of interior vacuum ports  348  to provide multiple points of entry into the fluid outlet channel  342 , enabling powder entrained fluid streams to enter the fluid outlet channels  342  at multiple levels. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a similar embodiment of an extraction housing  410  is depicted which includes one or more sidewalls  416 , a top wall  422 , and a plurality of tubes  430  slidably coupled to the top wall  422 . However, in this embodiment, the one or more vacuum ports  426  may be coupled to the one or more sidewalls  416  of the extraction housing. Each vacuum port  426  may be coupled to a vacuum pump  101 . The vacuum ports  426  may be coupled to the same vacuum pump  101 , or multiple vacuum pumps  101  can be included such that each vacuum port  426  is coupled to a different vacuum pump  101  than one or more other vacuum ports  426 . Where the one or more vacuum ports  426  are located at or near bottom end  446  of the one or more sidewalls  416  as depicted, the one or more sidewalls  416  need not define one or more sidewall fluid flow channels extending toward the top wall  422 . Additionally, the top wall  422  need not define top wall fluid flow channels, as provided in the above-described embodiments. For example, in the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , once the vacuum pump  101  is active, the vacuum pressure may cause fluid streams to enter the plurality of tubes  430  and impinge the powder, cause turbulence, and entrain the powder within one or more fluid streams. The powder may then be removed through the sidewalls at the one or more vacuum ports  426 . However, it is contemplated that, in some embodiments the one or more sidewalls  416  and/or the top wall  422  may still define on or more fluid flow channels, and which may provide for suction and/or blowing of one or more fluid streams. For example, there may be multiple heights providing for suction and/or blowing formed within the one or more sidewalls  416 . 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  depict yet another embodiment of a extraction housing  510 . In this embodiment, the extraction housing may include a top wall  522 , one or more sidewalls  516 , and a plurality of sliding tubes  530 . However, in this embodiment, the one or more sidewalls  516  may be substantially shorter than in previously embodiments and may or may not provide for fluid flow channels. Similarly the top wall  522  may or may not define fluid flow channels. As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the one or more vacuum ports may be attached to the one or more sidewalls  516  and the plurality of tubes  530  may slidably extend through the top wall  522 . In the present embodiment, the plurality of tubes  530  start at a raised position  531 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9A  above the top wall  522 . To maintain alignment of the plurality of tubes  530  when in the raised position  531 , a plate  532  may be coupled to each of the plurality of tubes  530 , thereby coupling each of the plurality of tubes  530  to one another. When in the raised position  531 , the plate may be mounted to the tubes at an upper end  534  of the plurality of tubes  530 . During powder extraction, the vacuum pump  101  may draw fluid from the turbulence chamber  112 , which causes fluid to flow in through the plurality of tubes and impinge the loose powder  20 , thereby creating turbulence and entraining the loose powder  20  with one or more fluid streams which may then be removed via the vacuum port  526 . As loose powder  20  is removed, the plurality of tubes  530  may move into the build module  104  and turbulence chamber  112 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9B  under their own weight. Once a tube of the plurality of tubes  530  contacts the printed object  10 , the tube may detach from the plate  532  to allow the uncontacted tubes and the plate  532  to continue moving in a downward direction until all or substantially all of the powder  20  is removed. For example, the plurality of tubes  530  may each engage the plate  532  with an interference fit, which maintains the plate  532  at the upper end  534  of the tube. The interference fit may be overcome once a tube which contacts the printed object  10  can no longer move downward with the other tubes. 
     In embodiments, a retaining structure  536  (e.g., a nut, mass, etc.) may be coupled to the upper end  534  of each tube. The retaining structure  536  may ensure the plate  532  does disengage from the plurality of tubes  530  via the upper end  534  of the plurality of tubes  530 . In some embodiments, there may not be a friction fit between the plate  532  and the tubes  530 . For example, the plate may only be used to hold the tubes  530  in an upper position during installation of the extraction housing  510 . Once installed over the build module  104 , the plate  532  may slide down while the tubes  534  remain in an extended position. The tubes  534  may slide as powder is removed, as with embodiments described above. 
     It is noted that in any of the above described embodiments, the tubes may be fluidically coupled to a vacuum pump  101  and used for suction as opposed to blowing. Moreover, in embodiments the plurality of tubes may include laterally extending tubes which may slidably extend through a sidewall of the extraction housing. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10A-10C , in some embodiments, instead of the tubes sliding relative through the top wall, the tubes may be telescoping tubes. For example,  FIGS. 10A-10C  depict a telescoping tube  630 . The telescoping tube  630  may comprise a base housing  632  from which nested telescoping portions  634  extend, shown partially extended in  FIG. 10B  and fully extended in  FIG. 10C . Accordingly, during use, as powder is removed from the turbulence chamber  112  (not shown in  FIGS. 10A-10C ), the telescoping tube  630  may telescope from a retracted configuration ( FIG. 10A ) to an extended configuration depicted in  FIGS. 10B and 10C . 
     In some embodiments, the nested telescoping portions  634  may be perforated, as illustrated in  FIG. 10C , or solid. A perforated tube may provide for improved radial blowing from the tube as well as blowing through an end of the tube. In some embodiments, a single tube may perform both blowing and suction. For example, the tube may define multiple flow channels therein where one flow path provides for blowing, while the other flow path provides for suction via fluidic communication with a vacuum pump  101 . It is noted that in various embodiments, the plurality of tubes, whether slide or telescoping may be formed via additive manufacturing (e.g., binder jet, DMLM, SLM, etc.). 
       FIG. 11  schematically depicts yet another embodiment of an extraction housing  710 . In  FIG. 11 , the extraction housing  710  may comprise a first top wall  722   a  and a second top wall  722   b  positioned above and parallel to the first top wall  722   a,  and a plurality of tubes  730  such as described herein. A first portion  730   a  of the plurality of tubes  730  may extend through the first top wall  722   a  and be able to slide therethrough. The first portion  730   a  of the plurality of tubes  730  may be fluidically coupled to one or more fluid flow channels  724  formed within the second top wall  722   b.  As depicted, the one or fluid flow channels  724  of the second top wall  722   b  may be fluidically coupled to the vacuum pump  101 . Accordingly, the first portion  730   a  of the plurality of tubes  730  may be configured to deliver suction within the turbulence chamber  112 . A second portion  730   b  of the plurality of tubes  730  may be interspersed among the first portion  730   a  but may not extend into or through the second top wall  722   b,  may remain spaced therefrom, or instead may be slid through openings in the second top wall  722   b  without becoming fluidically coupled to the one or more fluid flow channels  724  formed within the second top wall  722   b.  When activated, the vacuum pump  101  may suction fluid and/or powder through the first portion  730   a  of the plurality of tubes  730  and the second portion  730   b  may, via the suction of the vacuum pump  101 , provide a plurality of fluid inlets to deliver fluid into the turbulence chamber  112 , impinge the powder, and entrain the powder into one or more fluid streams to be suctioned out via the first portion  730   a  of the plurality of tubes  730 . During powder removal, the second top wall  722   b  may move relative to the first top wall  722   a  as powder is removed to allow the first portion  730   a  of the plurality of tubes  730  to extend further into the turbulence chamber  112 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 11 , in some embodiments, the vacuum pump  101  may be plumbed to the turbulence chamber via a vacuum port  702  formed within a sidewall of extraction housing  710 . However, in some embodiments, there may be no sidewall, and the vacuum port may be coupled to the first top wall  722   a  and/or the second top wall  722   b.  That is, in some embodiments, both the first top wall  722   a  and the second top wall  722   b  may be fluidically coupled to the vacuum pump  101  via the same or separate vacuum ports  702 . For example, the vacuum port  702  may comprise a manifold to fluidically couple both the first top wall  722   a  and the second top wall  722   b  to the vacuum pump  101 . 
     In some embodiments, it is contemplated that there may not be a second portion  730   b  of the plurality of tubes  730 . In such embodiments, there may be holes formed within the first top wall  722   a  which may be used for the inflow of fluid. In yet further embodiments, instead of being fluidically coupled to one or more fluid flow channels  724  formed within the second top wall  722   b,  each of the first portion  730   a  of the plurality of tubes  730  may be individually plumbed to one or more vacuum pumps  101 . 
       FIGS. 12A-12D  illustrate a similar embodiment to that described above with respect to  FIG. 11 . In this embodiment, one or more slides  704  connect the first top wall  722   a  to the second top wall  722   b  and allow the second top wall  722   b  to remain in alignment with the first top wall  722   a  as it slides toward the first top wall  722   a  during powder extraction. In this embodiment, as in the above embodiment, the one or more fluid flow channels  724  of the second top wall may be fluidically coupled to a vacuum pump  101  (not shown in this these figures). An upper end  732  of each tube of the plurality of tubes  730  is positioned within the one or more fluid flow channels  724  of the second top wall  722   b,  initially as depicted in  FIG. 12A . However, in this embodiment, as the plurality of tubes  730  suction out powder and contact the printed object  10  (as illustrated in  FIGS. 12B-12D ), the tubes  730  may slide relative to the second top wall  722   b  to exit the one or more fluid flow channels  724  of the second top wall  722   b  and cease being fluidically coupled to the vacuum pump  101 . For example, the plurality of tubes  730  may pass through a valve (not shown) formed in the second top wall  722   b  to escape the one or more fluid flow channels  724 . 
     It is noted that in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 12A-12D , tubes that provide fluid inlet paths (such as depicted in  FIG. 11 ) may also be included, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, such that the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 12A-12D  includes both “blowing” and “suction” tubes. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13A and 13B , a top wall  822  is schematically depicted, and may be applicable to various embodiments shown herein. In the present embodiment, the top wall  822  includes a one or more of top wall fluid flow channels  824 , which may be fluidically coupled to a vacuum pump  101  (not shown), one or more through holes  870  may receive at least a portion of a plurality of tubes  830  (depicted in  FIG. 13B ), a portion of (e.g.,  830   a ) which may be coupled to and/or extend through the plurality of through holes  870 . In this embodiment, the top wall  822  may include a first planar surface  872 , and a second planar surface  874  opposite the first planar surface  872 . As schematically depicted in  FIGS. 13A and 13B , at least a portion of the second planar surface  874  may be a perforated plate  877  comprising a plurality of small openings sized to receive powder therein. Accordingly, in such embodiments, vacuum applied through the one or more top wall flow channels may further allow capture of powder through the perforated plate, such as indicated by arrows  888  in  FIG. 13B . 
     In some embodiment, some of the through holes  870  of  FIG. 13B  may not be coupled to a tube. In such embodiments, in combination with the perforated plate, some of the though holes  870  may provide inlets to create further turbulence within the turbulence chamber. Some of the through holes  870  may be coupled to a first portion of the tubes  830  which extend further, as opposed to through holes  870  without tubes, into the turbulence chamber to deliver fluid flow closer to powder within the turbulence chamber. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 13B , a second portion of the tubes  830   b,  may not extend through the top wall  822 , but may be coupled to the perforated plate and fluidically coupled to the one or more top wall fluid flow channels  824 . In such embodiments, the second portion of tubes  830   b  may be fluidically coupled to the vacuum pump  101  (not shown), via the vacuum port  826  and the one or more top wall fluid flow channels  824  to capture powder and remove it from the extraction housing  810 . In other embodiments, the second plurality of tubes may slide be slidable through the top wall  822  in a manner similar to embodiments described with respect to  FIGS. 11  of  12 A- 12 D. 
     It should be noted that, in some embodiments, such as illustrated with respect to  FIG. 13B , the one or more sidewalls  816 , may also include one or more perforated plates  823 . Similar to the perforated plate  877  of the top wall  822 , the one or more perforated plates  823  of the one or more sidewalls  816 , provide openings into one or more sidewall fluid flow channels, such as described herein, which may also be fluidically coupled to the vacuum pump  101 , to provide additional capture of powder through the one or more sidewalls  816 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , another embodiment, similar to that depicted in  FIGS. 11-12D , is schematically depicted. In this embodiment, the extraction housing  910  includes a first top wall  922   a  and a second top wall  922   b,  and a plurality of tubes  930 . This embodiment differs from previous embodiments in that each tube comprises a tubular housing  932  and a sliding portion  933  which is housed within the tubular housing when retracted and slides from the tubular housing  932  when extended. In this embodiment, the tubular housing  932  may be coupled to the second top wall  922   b  and the first top wall  922   a,  and may maintain the spacing between the first top wall  922   a  and the second top wall  922   b,  Additionally, in this embodiment, the sliding portion  933  may be perforated along its length as illustrated. 
     In this embodiment, one or more fluid flow channels  924  formed into first top wall  922   a  may be fluidically coupled to the sliding portion  933  of each tube, for example, through the plurality of perforations. The one or more fluid flow channels  924  formed in the first top wall  922   a  may fluidically couple to sliding portions  933  of the plurality of tubes  930  to the vacuum pump  101  to allow the sliding portions  933  of the plurality of tubes  930  to suction powder out of the build module  104 , in a manner similar to other embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the sliding portions  933  may fall under their own weigh into the turbulence chamber  112 . However, in some embodiments, an upper end of each sliding portion  933  may be closed (e.g., via a stopper, plug, or the like). In such embodiments, the second top wall  922   b  may be coupled to a pressure source  105  (e.g., a pump, compressor, or the like) which may be, in turn, fluidically coupled to the tubular housings  932  of the plurality of tubes  930 . In such embodiments, the pressure source  105  may be operated to push the sliding portions  933  down through the tubular housings  932 , which may increase the rates of powder removal. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15A , yet another embodiment of an extraction housing  1010  is depicted. In this embodiment, the extraction housing  1010 , similar to the above described embodiments, may include a top wall  1022  and one or more sidewalls  1016 . In this embodiment, the top wall  1022  and the one or more sidewalls  1016  may be integrally formed with one another, such as through additive manufacturing, molding, or the like. The extraction housing  1010  may engage with a build module  104  in a manner similar to the above-described embodiments. For example, the sidewalls  1016  may be inserted into a build module receiving housing  30  of an additive manufacturing machine, and sit upon the sidewalls  106  of the build module  104 . The sidewalls  1016  may seal to the sidewalls  106  of the build module  104  along a perimeter of the build module  104 . The sidewalls, accordingly, may be shaped to correspond to a shape and size of the build module  104 . In the indicated embodiment, the sidewalls  1016  provide a square or rectangular cross-section, though other cross-sections are contemplated and possible, and the top wall  1022  transitions from the sidewall cross-section to a round cross-section of the top of the top wall  1022 . 
     In this embodiment, the top wall  1022  is elongated in the +Z direction of the depicted coordinate axes and provided with a funnel-like shape, which may have a swirl pattern  1024  in either a clockwise (as depicted) or counterclockwise direction. A vacuum port  1026  may extend from a top end  1029  of the top wall  1022 , and may be fluidically coupled to a vacuum pump  101  (not shown). A slope from a base of the top wall  1022  to the top of the top wall  1022  may be designed to achieve a desired flow rate and/or amount of turbulence with the turbulence chamber (indicated in  FIG. 13B ). For example, the slope of the top wall  1022  may be between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees, such as about 45 degrees. For example, the slope of the top wall  1022  may be gradual to avoid loss of momentum within the turbulence chamber  112  during powder extraction thereby maintaining turbulence within the turbulence chamber  112 . 
     The one or more sidewalls  1016  are coupled to the top wall  1022 . The one or more sidewalls  1016  may define a plurality of sidewall fluid flow channels  1018  extending therethrough. For example, the plurality of fluid flow channels may have an outer inlet  1019  formed at the top of the one or more sidewalls  1016  and positioned around a perimeter of the top wall  1022  and an inner inlet  1020  formed on the one or more sidewalls  1016  within the turbulence chamber  112  for directing fluid flow into the turbulence chamber  112 . For example, the plurality of sidewall fluid flow channels  1018  may be curved and/or angled (e.g., s-shaped) to provide an angle of impingement (e.g. between about 0° to about 90° relative to the vertical axis, such as about 45° in one or more both of the YZ and the XZ planes of the depicted coordinate axes) and swirl the fluid being drawn through the plurality of sidewall fluid flow channels  1018 , such that air being pulling into the turbulence chamber  112  between the extraction housing  1010  and the build module  104  is swirled upon entry. 
       FIG. 15C  generally depicts a gas flow diagram of fluid flowing into the turbulence chamber  112 . As noted above, a vacuum pump  101  (not shown) may be fluidically coupled to the vacuum port  1026  formed in the top wall  1022 .  FIG. 15D  depicts an interior view of the top wall  1022 , from this perspective in can be seen that top wall  1022  may define a swirled funnel shape (e.g., with a swirl angle, α, between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees, such as about 60 degrees). The swirled funnel shape of the top wall  1022  may, in combination with the angled impingement from the sidewall fluid flow channels  1018 , cause a turbulent funnel-like flow, depicted in  FIG. 15C , within the turbulence chamber  112  which pushes entrained powder through the vacuum port  1026  of the top wall  1022 . 
     It is noted that, and as with any of the embodiments described herein, upon turning on the vacuum pump  101  the suction through the extraction housing  1010  may push the extraction housing  1010  down onto the build module  104  and seal the extraction housing  1010  to the build module  104 . 
     It is noted than in any of the embodiments described herein, the various flow channels may be optimized to provide desired flow parameters through the housing. For example, embodiments as described herein may provide powder removal rates of up to about powder removal rate of up to 10 kg/minute, though faster or slower powder removal rates are contemplated and possible. For example, in some embodiments, powder removal rates may be greater than or equal to 1 kg/minute, 3 kg/minute, 5 kg/minute, etc. Accordingly, embodiments as described herein may improve processing rates to remove loose powder from a build module  104  and lead to increased manufacturing efficiency. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , a system  1100  for powder removal from a build module  104  and/or a printed object  10  is schematically depicted. Generally, the system  1100  may include a control unit  1101  which comprises any number of processors, memories, etc. to perform automated powder extraction. For example, the control unit  1101  may include a computer operable to process machine readable instructions to determine and execute process steps for automated powder removal. The control unit  1101  may be communicatively coupled to the various components of the system  1100 . That is the control unit  1101  and the various components may send and/or receive electronic signals from one another via any wired and/or wireless communications. 
     The processor(s) of the control unit  1101  may include any device capable of executing machine-readable instructions (e.g., a controller, an integrated circuit, a microchip, a computer, or any other computing device). The memory(ies) may be communicatively coupled to the processor(s) over a communication path. The memory(ies) may store machine-readable instructions to perform automated powder removal. The memory(ies) may comprise RAM, ROM, flash memories, hard drives, or any non-transitory memory device capable of storing machine-readable instructions such that the machine-readable instructions can be accessed and executed by processor(s) of the control unit  1101 . The machine-readable instructions may comprise logic or algorithm(s) written in any programming language of any generation (e.g., 1GL, 2GL, 3GL, 4GL, or 5GL) such as, for example, machine language that may be directly executed by the processor(s) of the control unit  1101 , or assembly language, object-oriented programming (OOP), scripting languages, microcode, etc., that may be compiled or assembled into machine-readable instructions and stored in the memory(ies) of the control unit  1101 . Alternatively, the machine-readable instructions may be written in a hardware description language (HDL), such as logic implemented via either a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) configuration or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or their equivalents. Accordingly, the functionality described herein may be implemented in any conventional computer programming language, as pre-programmed hardware elements, or as a combination of hardware and software components. 
     The various components of the system  1100  may be communicatively coupled to one another over a communication path (not shown). The communication path may be formed from any medium that is capable of transmitting a signal such as, for example, conductive wires, conductive traces, optical waveguides, or the like. Moreover, the communication path may be formed from a combination of mediums capable of transmitting signals. In one embodiment, the communication path comprises any combination of conductive traces, conductive wires, connectors, and buses that cooperate to permit the transmission of electrical data signals to components such as processors, memories, sensors, actuators, etc. Accordingly, the communication path may comprise a bus. Additionally, it is noted that the term “signal” means a waveform (e.g., electrical, optical, magnetic, mechanical or electromagnetic), such as DC, AC, sinusoidal-wave, triangular-wave, square-wave, vibration, and the like, capable of traveling through a medium. As used herein, the term “communicatively coupled” means that coupled components are capable of exchanging data signals with one another such as, for example, electrical signals via conductive medium, electromagnetic signals via air, optical signals via optical waveguides, and the like. 
     In embodiments, the system  1100  may further include one or more stations to perform powder removal and/or part extraction. For example, the powder removal system  1100  may include an automatic powder removal station  1200 , a manual powder removal station  1300 , a part removal station,  1400  and/or a final powder removal station  1500 . Each of the stations and their associated components may be communicatively coupled to the control unit  1101  via any wired and/or wireless communication protocols. A greater or fewer number of stations may be included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, one or more of these stations may be integrated into a single station and/or within an additive manufacturing machine such that the processes conventionally associated with each of these stations can be carried out without relocating the build module  104  and/or printed object  10 . 
     In embodiments in which the various stations are separate stations (e.g., are located at different locations), the build module  104  and/or the printed object  10  may be moved to and/or between the one or more stations. For example, the build module  104  containing the printed object  10  and powder may be moved from an additive manufacturing machine (not shown) to the automated powder removal station  1200 , to the manual powder removal station  1300 , to the part removal station  1400 , and/or to the final powder removal station  1500 . In such embodiments, the powder removal system  1100  may include one or more transfer devices  1120  communicatively coupled to the control unit  1101 . The one or more transfer devices  1120  may include any number of actuators, robots, autonomous vehicles or the like configured to transfer a build module  104  and/or the printed article  10  between the various stations and/or from an additive manufacturing machine (not shown). For example, the one or more transfer devices  1120  may be controlled via the control unit  1101  to transfer the build module  104  and/or the printed article  10  from one station to the next. In some embodiments, each station may include one or more transfer devices  1120  that transfer the build module  104  and/or the printed article  10  from its present station to the next. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17 , the powder removal station  1200  is schematically depicted with some additional detail. The powder removal station  1200  may comprise a dock  1202  for receiving the build module  104 , an environment containment housing  1104 , an extraction housing  1110 , one or more positioning actuators  1106 , one or more vacuum pumps  101 , a powder separator  102 , a sieve  109 , and/or a powder container  103 . It is noted that the extraction housing  1110  may be equivalent or interchangeable with any of the extraction housings described herein. 
     In embodiments, the dock  1202  may be sized and shaped to receive and support the build module  104 , which may initially still contain powder and the printed article. In embodiments, the dock  1202  may be a platform upon which the build module  104  may be positioned for alignment with the extraction housing  110 . In some embodiments, the dock  1202  may comprise one or more of the one or more positioning actuators  1106  for positioning the build module  104  relative to the extraction housing  1110 . In some embodiments, for example, linear actuators, rotational actuators or the like may be included as the one or more positioning actuators  1206  for positioning the build module  104  as desired. In some embodiments, the one or more positioning actuators  1206  may include a movable build plate actuator configured to engage the moveable build plate of the build module  104 , as described above, to move moveable build plate up and/or down during powder extraction. The one or more positioning actuators, may each be communicatively coupled to the control unit  1101 , such that the control unit  1101  may control the one or more positioning actuators  1206  to effectuate powder removal. 
     The extraction housing  1110  may be positioned within the environment containment housing  1104  which provides a gas tight chamber to maintain an inert environment within the build module  104  and extraction housing  1110 . As described above, the extraction housing  1110  may be fluidically coupled to the vacuum pump  101 , such that operation of the vacuum pump  101  allows the extraction housing  1110  to extract one or more fluid streams with entrained powder from the extraction housing. The vacuum pump  101  may recirculate the gas through the environment containment housing  1104  to maintain the inert environment. One or more positioning actuators  1106  may be coupled to the extraction housing  1110 , for example, any number of linear and or rotational actuators may be provided to align the extraction housing with the build module  104  as described herein. Accordingly, during extraction, the control unit  1101  may operate the one or more positioning actuators  1106  to position the extraction housing relative to the build module  104 , e.g., over the build module  104 , as described herein. Once in position, the control unit  1101  may operate the vacuum pump  101  to remove powder from the build module  104 . The removed powder may be separated from the fluid stream with the powder separator  102  and then be sieved with the sieve  109 , and separated into the powder container  103  which may include separate containers for powder which may be recycled (e.g., container  103   a ) and powder which is to be disposed of (e.g., container  103   b ). 
     In some embodiments, one or more sensors  1108  or timers may be communicatively coupled to the control unit  1101  to allow the control unit to determine when powder extraction at the powder removal station  1200  is complete. For example, the one or more sensors  1108  may include weight sensors mounted to the dock. Logic executed by the control unit  1101  or input via a user input device may allow the system to determine a combined weight of the printed article(s) and the build module  104 , to determine how much weight is powder. Accordingly, powder removal may be continued until the weight is reduced by the estimated weight of the powder. In some embodiments, other sensors (e.g., optical sensors) may be used within the build module  104  to identify whether powder removal has been completed. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 16 , once powder removal is complete, or at least a portion of the powder has been removed from the build module, at the automated powder removal station  1200 , the build module  104  may be transferred, via the control unit  1101  with the one or more transfer devices  1120  to the manual powder removal station  1300  or another station, such as the part removal station  1400 . The manual powder removal station  1300  may include a window (not shown), a glove system for the operator (not shown), and/or a manual vacuum hose  1304  and suction nozzle  1306  for removing remaining loose powder. In some embodiments, the manual powder removal station may also include a dock  1302 , similar to dock  1202  described above. For example, the dock  1302  may comprise one or more of the one or more positioning actuators  1106  for positioning the build module  104  and/or the moveable build plate  108  to accommodate manual powder extraction. For example, it is contemplated that the manual powder removal station  1300  may include one or more user input devices (e.g., buttons, microphones, touchscreens, toggles, etc.) communicatively coupled to the control unit  1101  to allow an operator to input instructions to position the build module  104  as desired during manual powder removal. 
     In some embodiments, the manual powder removal station  1300  may be combined with the automated powder removal station  1200  into a single station. For example, both the extraction housing  1110  and the manual vacuum hose  1304  and suction nozzle  1306  may be positioned within the combined powder removal station. Similarly, the combined powder removal station may include a viewing window and/or a glove system to be used by the operator for reaching into the powder removal station. 
     After manual powder removal, the build module  104  may be moved (e.g., with one or more transfer devices  1120 ) to a part removal station  1400 . Similar to the powder removal stations  1200 ,  1300 , the part removal station  1400  may comprise a dock  1402  having one or more actuators  1106  operable to raise and/or lower the moveable build plate  108 . A removal device  1410 , e.g., a robotic arm, clamp, or the like may be controlled via the control unit  1101  (and/or via user inputs to a user input device) to engage the printed article  10  or the moveable build plate  108  and remove the printed object  10  from the build module  104 . At this point the printed article  10  may then be moved to the final powder removal station  1500 , which may use any combination of vibration, rotation, directed gas blowing, or the like to remove any remaining powder from the printed article  10 . 
     Further aspects of the present disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses: 
     1. A powder removal assembly comprising: a build module comprising module sidewalls and a moveable build plate slidably coupled to the module sidewalls; and an extraction housing removably engaged with the module sidewalls of the build module and defining a turbulence chamber between the build module and the extraction housing, the extraction housing comprising: one or more sidewalls comprising one or more sidewall fluid flow channels extending through the one or more sidewalls; and a top wall coupled to the one or more sidewalls, wherein the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels extend from a position proximate a base of the one or more sidewalls to the top wall. 
     2. The powder removal assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising a vacuum pump fluidicly coupled to a vacuum port formed within the top wall. 
     3. The powder removal assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more sidewalls define one or more fluid inlets for channeling fluid from the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels into the turbulence chamber. 
     4. The powder removal assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the extraction housing comprises: a plurality of tubes coupled to the top wall and extendable in a direction into and out of the turbulence chamber. 
     5. The powder removal assembly of any preceding clause, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of tubes are configured to deliver one or more fluid streams into the turbulence chamber. 
     6. The powder removal assembly of any preceding clause, wherein: the top wall comprises a plurality of converging flow channels defining a vacuum outtake manifold; and the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels are fluidicly coupled to at least one of the plurality of converging flow channels. 
     7. The powder removal assembly of any preceding clause, wherein each of the plurality of tubes extends through the top wall at a position between the plurality of converging flow channels. 
     8. The powder removal assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of tubes are telescoping tubes. 
     9. A powder removal assembly comprising: an extraction housing configured to be arranged on or within a build module to define a turbulence chamber between the build module and the extraction housing and to define one or more fluid flow channels for removal of one or more fluid streams within the turbulence chamber, the extraction housing comprising a top wall; and a plurality of tubes slidably coupled to the top wall so as to be slidable in a direction into and out of the turbulence chamber. 
     10. The powder removal assembly of any preceding clause, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of tubes defines a flow path for channeling the one or more fluid streams into the turbulence chamber. 
     11. The powder removal assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the extraction housing further comprises one or more sidewalls, each of the one or more sidewalls comprising one or more sidewall fluid flow channels encased within the one or more sidewalls. 
     12. The powder removal assembly of any preceding clause, wherein: the top wall comprising a plurality of converging flow channels defining a vacuum outtake manifold; and the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels are fluidicly coupled to the vacuum outtake manifold. 
     13. The powder removal assembly of any preceding clause, wherein a portion of the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels are configured to deliver one or more fluid streams into the turbulence chamber. 
     14. The powder removal assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the extraction housing comprises a lip configured to maintain a position of the extraction housing relative to the build module. 
     15. An automated powder removal system comprising: a build module for additive manufacturing; and an automated powder removal station operable to receive the build module, the automated powder removal station comprising: an extraction housing configured to be engaged with the build module and remove powder from the build module; one or more positioning actuators configured to align the extraction housing and the build module with one another; a vacuum pump operatively coupled to the extraction housing; and a control unit communicatively coupled to the vacuum pump and the one or more positioning actuators, wherein the control unit: causes the one or more positioning actuators to align the extraction housing with the build module; and automatically operates the vacuum pump to cause the powder to be removed from the build module through the extraction housing. 
     16. The automated powder removal system of any preceding clause, further comprising: one or more transfer devices communicatively coupled to the control unit; and at least one of a manual powder removal station and a part removal station, wherein the control unit is configured to operate the one or more transfer devices to transfer the build module from the automated powder removal station to the at least one of the manual powder removal station and the part removal station after at least a portion of the powder is removed from the build module. 
     17. The automated powder removal system of any preceding clause, wherein the extraction housing defines a turbulence chamber between the build module and the extraction housing and defines one or more fluid flow channels for removal of one or more fluid streams within the turbulence chamber. 
     18. The automated powder removal system of any preceding clause, wherein the extraction housing comprises: one or more sidewalls comprising one or more sidewall fluid flow channels; and a top wall coupled to the one or more sidewalls, wherein the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels extend from a position proximate a base of the one or more sidewalls to the top wall. 
     19. The automated powder removal system of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more sidewalls comprise one or more fluid inlets for channeling fluid from the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels into the turbulence chamber. 
     20. The automated powder removal system of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more fluid flow channels comprises a plurality of fluid inlet channels and a plurality of fluid outlet channels. 
     It should now be understood embodiments described herein are directed to powder removal systems and assemblies. The powder removal systems and assemblies may generally be incorporated into additive manufacturing assemblies and procedures to improve removal of unbound powder from a powder bed of a build module and from a build. For example, embodiments may include an extraction housing that engages the side walls of a build module to define a turbulence chamber between the build module and the extraction housing. Various fluid flow channels provided via the extraction housing may be used to direct one or more fluid streams into and out of the turbulence chamber to disturb unbound powder, entrain the unbound powder within one or more fluid streams, and remove the unbound powder from the turbulence chamber/build module. Such removal may be automated as part of an automated powder removal system. Accordingly, systems and assemblies as described herein improve powder removal procedures by, for example, decreasing powder removal time, limiting powder and/or part exposure to external contaminants, etc., thereby improving additive manufacturing efficiency and/or quality. 
     It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. 
     While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.