| 摘要 |
<p>A method of forming a support for use in a selective sintering or melting process comprises the formation of a support 6 on a platen 3, wherein the support has a plurality of generally parallel grooves or channels 6a which are open at least at one end. The invention is also directed toward a method of forming an article 1 which comprises the aforementioned method and subsequently building an article on top of said support, removing loose powder 2 from the grooves, through the open ends, and heat treating the article. The support may be made by forming layers of powder using a powder recoater blade 7 which traverses the platen and wherein the grooves are aligned with the direction of travel of the blade. In another aspect, the method of forming a support is characterised in that the grooves are defined between walls which are formed in a criss-cross web.</p> |
