Method of and apparatus for making a three-dimensional object
US6657155B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
To make a three-dimensional object, an optical beam is first irradiated on a predetermined portion of a powder layer to form a sintered layer, which is then covered with a new powder layer. The optical beam is again irradiated on a predetermined portion of the new powder layer to form another sintered layer that has been united with the underlying sintered layer. These processes are repeatedly carried out to form a plurality of sintered layers united together, which have a size greater than that of a target shape of the three-dimensional object. A surface region of a shaped object formed by then is removed during the formation of the plurality of sintered layers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.