Wire-straightening apparatus for directed energy deposition additive manufacturing

A method of straightening wire in a directed energy deposition additive manufacturing machine, comprising:

• feeding a wire through an apparatus including at least three roller bearings positioned along one side of a longitudinal axis, and a first adjustable bearing and a second adjustable bearing positioned along another side of the longitudinal axis, wherein the first adjustable bearing and the second adjustable bearing are connected to a body, and wherein the first adjustable bearing and the second adjustable bearing are positioned in a staggered alternating pattern with the at least three roller bearings and are each configured to apply a load to the wire;
• applying a load to the wire with the first adjustable bearing;
• applying a load to the wire with the second adjustable bearing;
• and
• plastically deforming the wire and straightening the wire.

A directed energy deposition additive manufacturing machine, comprising a spool for storing a wire;

• a directed energy deposition head;
• a feed path between the spool and the directed energy deposition head;
• and
• an apparatus for straightening the wire, the apparatus located in the feed path including:
• at least three roller bearings positioned along one side of a longitudinal axis, and a first adjustable bearing and a second adjustable bearing positioned along another side of the longitudinal axis, wherein the first adjustable bearing and the second adjustable bearing are connected to a body, and wherein the first adjustable bearing and the second adjustable bearing are positioned in a staggered alternating pattern with the at least three roller bearings and are each configured to apply a load to the wire.