Method and apparatus for producing parts by selective sintering
First Claim
1. A device for distributing dispensed powder as a layer over a region of a target area, comprising:
- a drum;
means for moving the drum from one end of the region to another end of the region with a desired spacing between said region and drum; and
means for rotating the drum counter to the direction of movement of the drum from said one end to said other end, said drum being operable when counter-rotated and moved from said one end to said other end to contact the powder and eject powder in said direction of movement to leave a layer of powder between the drum and said one end having a thickness of approximately said desired spacing.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for selectively sintering a layer of powder to produce a part comprising a plurality of sintered layers. The apparatus includes a computer controlling a laser to direct the laser energy onto the powder to produce a sintered mass. The computer either determines or is programmed with the boundaries of the desired cross-sectional regions of the part. For each cross-section, the aim of the laser beam is scanned over a layer of powder and the beam is switched on to sinter only the powder within the boundaries of the cross-section. Powder is applied and successive layers sintered until a completed part is formed. Preferably, the powder dispensing mechanism includes a drum which is moved horizontally across the target area and counter-rotated to smooth and distribute the powder in an even layer across the target area. A downdraft system provides controlled temperature air flow through the target area to moderate powder temperature during sintering.
255 Citations
6 Claims
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1. A device for distributing dispensed powder as a layer over a region of a target area, comprising:
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a drum; means for moving the drum from one end of the region to another end of the region with a desired spacing between said region and drum; and means for rotating the drum counter to the direction of movement of the drum from said one end to said other end, said drum being operable when counter-rotated and moved from said one end to said other end to contact the powder and eject powder in said direction of movement to leave a layer of powder between the drum and said one end having a thickness of approximately said desired spacing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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Specification