Multiple material systems for selective beam sintering

US5076869A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System · US

Inventors

• David L. Bourell · Austin, US
• Harris L. Marcus · Austin, US
• Joel W. Barlow · Austin, US
• Joseph J. Beaman · Austin, US
• Carl R. Deckard · Round Rock, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 30, 1990
• Grant date: Dec 31, 1991
• Expiry date: Jul 30, 2010

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P90/02
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

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 onto 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 comprises a plurality of materials having different dissociation or bonding temperatures. The powder preferably comprises blended or coated materials.