Method and Apparatus for forming a Part at a Location on the Work piece by Selective Laser Sintering

摘要

A method for forming a part 17 at a location on work piece 2 by selective laser sintering comprises steps of forming a flat surface 10 at the location if one is not already present, orienting the flat face in an upward horizontal alignment then forming the part 17 by selectively fusing layers of powder 16 which have been deposited on the work piece 2 to create the part 17 and also forming a bund or edge 15 to retain the powder such that succeeding layers of powder may be supported. The apparatus comprises a support for retaining the work piece, a powder delivery head with a recoater blade and a laser wherein the powder delivery head moves vertically and transversely rather than the work piece.