摘要 |
An additive layer manufacture (ALM) machine comprises an energy source (180) for selectively melting a layer of metal powder (500), and an electron beam (110) for determining the shape of the selectively melted solid layer (320) once it has solidified. The shape is determined by detecting backscattered electrons (130) from the interaction between the electron beam (110) and the solid layer (320). If the shape of the solid layer (320) is outside a determined tolerance, it may be corrected before proceeding. The process may be repeated to generate a finished component (300) with good mechanical properties and accurate geometry. |