Apparatus and method for manufacturing three-dimensional objects

摘要

Equipment for forming a 3-d object (50) by hardening a specific cross-section of successive powdered material layers using electromagnetic or particle irradiation comprises: (a) a variable height carrier (2) for the progressively formed object; (b) a device (10) for applying material layers (11) onto the carrier (2) or a previously hardened layer; and (c) an irradiation unit (4); where: (i) an upper surface (2a) on the carrier (2) forms a temporary support plate for the object (50) and is made of a material onto which the hardenable material adheres. Also claimed is a mfg. process utilising the equipment.