Abstract
A powder deposition head (100) for an additive manufacturing apparatus is described. The powder deposition head (100) comprises a hopper (110) arranged to receive a powder therein. The powder deposition head (100) comprises a nozzle (120), having a passageway (122) therethrough defining an axis A and in fluid communication with the hopper (110). The powder deposition head (100) comprises a first actuator (130) arranged to, in use, vibrate the powder in the hopper (110) and thereby control, at least in part, movement of the powder in the hopper (110) towards the nozzle (120). The powder deposition head (100) comprises a second actuator (140) coupled to the nozzle (120) and arranged to, in use, vibrate the nozzle (120), at least in part, along the axis A and thereby control, at least in part, movement of the powder from the hopper (110) through the passageway (122). In this way, the powder deposition head (100) deposits, in use, the powder at a relatively more constant (i.e. uniform) deposition rate.