Method and apparatus for producing parts by selective sintering
US4863538A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 1986 |
| Grant date | Sep 5, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/02
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
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. The powder can comprise either plastic, metal, ceramic, or polymer substance. In the preferred embodiment, the aim of the laser is directed in a continuous raster scan and the laser turned on when the beam is aimed with the boundaries of the particular cross-section being formed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.