Producing three dimensional bodies, e.g. CAD prototypes, by melting powder particles to form flat layer, comprises forming molten layer with low pore volume

摘要

Most of the layer is heated simultaneously and the molten material comprises less than 20 vol.% pores and forms a dense, water-impermeable layer. Layers of powder are melted to form a flat layer comprising at least two different materials, the first material (2) being a binder designed to melt and the second material (1) acting as a core material. The volume of the core material changes by less than 4% during cooling from 100[deg]C to 20[deg]C. The particles in the powder comprise less than 90 vol.% core material.