摘要 |
A method of forming a three dimensional object comprises: (i) providing a layer 6 of particulate material; (ii) providing an amount of a radiation absorbent material, such as carbon black nanoparticles, over a selected surface portion of the layer of particulate material; (iii) providing an amount of a material that comprises a plurality of electrically conductive elements 20 over only part of the selected surface portion; and (iv) providing radiation 8 across the selected surface portion so as to sinter a portion of the particulate material of the layer including causing the plurality of electrically conductive elements to become embedded in the portion of material. Step (iv) also includes the step of sintering the portion of material with a previously sintered portion of the material in a prior layer. Steps (i) to (iv) are performed iteratively to form the three dimensional object comprising an electrically conductive track through the object, the track being defined by the electrically conductive elements. Suitably, the electrically conductive elements are carbon nanotubes or elongate graphene plates. An apparatus for forming the three dimensional object is also claimed which comprises one or more printing devices 12 and a radiation source 10. |