| 摘要 |
A method of selectively sintering particulate material, the method comprising: providing a layer 6 of particulate material; providing an amount of a radiation absorbent material, such as carbon black in powder form, over a selected surface portion of the layer of particulate material; providing an amount of a material that comprises a plurality of elongate elements 16 over at least part of the selected surface portion of the layer of particulate material; and providing radiation 8 across the selected surface portion so as to sinter a portion of the material of the layer including causing the plurality of elongate elements to become embedded in the sintered portion of material. The elongate elements are selected from the group consisting of carbon nanotubes and elongate graphene plates. The radiation absorbent material and elongate elements may be provided together in a compound 14, wherein the compound can be a liquid comprising a solvent. An apparatus for selectively sintering particulate material is also claimed which comprises one or more printing devices 12 and a radiation source 10. A compound for use in a process of selectively sintering particulate material is also claimed. |
