US Patent 7784717 Methods and apparatus for fabricating components

A method for fabricating a nozzle includes providing at least two plates. At least one of the at least two plates includes a first opening. Each plate includes at least one mating surface. The method also includes stacking the at least two plates together such that a mating surface of a first of the at least two plates is substantially flush against a mating surface of a second of the at least two plates, and such that a fluid passage is at least partially defined by the at least two plates. The method also includes orienting the at least two plates relative to each other such that the opening within at least one of the at least two plates at least partially defines an outlet for discharging fluid from the fluid passage.