APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FORMING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT

摘要

PURPOSE: An apparatus and a method are provided which form a three-dimensional object within a short period of time, and which are capable of smoothly finishing the surface of the object inexpensively regardless of the shape of the three-dimensional object. CONSTITUTION: The method for forming a three-dimensional object comprises the steps of (a) forming a sintered layer by irradiating optical beam on a predetermined portion of a powder layer; (b) covering the sintered layer with a new powder layer; (c) forming an another sintered layer integrated with the sintered layer positioned underneath by irradiating optical beam on a predetermined portion of the new powder layer; (d) forming several sintered layers each of which are integrated and have a size greater than that of the target shape of the three-dimensional object by repeating the steps (b) and (c); and (e) removing the surface region of a forming object formed during the step (d). The apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object comprises a powder layer forming unit(2) for forming a powder layer; a sintered layer forming unit(3) for forming a sintered layer(11) by irradiating optical beam on a predetermined portion of the powder layer(10); a distance controller for controlling distance between the sintered layer forming unit and the sintered layer; and a surface layer removing unit(4) for removing a surface layer having density lower than that of the sintered layer.