Apparatus and method for thermal normalization in three-dimensional article manufacturing

摘要

A method and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional article includes dispensing build material and thermally normalizing predetermined portions thereof at predetermined intervals during construction of the article. The thermal energy may be provided by a heated body advanced adjacent to or in contact with the surface portions. Thermal energy may also be supplied by a radiation source. The thermal normalization may be performed after a predetermined number of successive layers are dispensed. Related methods are also disclosed.