Title:
【発明の名称】選択的焼結による部品の製造装置
Document Type and Number:
Japanese Patent JP2800937
Kind Code:
B2
Abstract:
A method and apparatus (10) for selectively sintering a layer of powder to produce a part comprising a plurality of sintered layers. The apparatus includes a computer (40) controlling a laser (12) to direct the laser energy onto the powder to produce a sintered mass. The computer either determines or is programmed with the boundaries of the desired cross-sectional regions of the part. For each cross-section, the aim of the laser beam is scanned over a layer of powder and the beam is switched on to sinter only the powder within the boundaries of the cross-section. Powder is applied and successive layers sintered until a completed part is formed. The powder may consist of a plastic, metal, ceramic, or polymer substance. In the preferred embodiment, the aim of the laser is directed in a continuous raster scan and the laser turned on when the beam is aimed within the boundaries of the particular cross-section being formed. Preferably, the powder dispensing mechanism includes a drum which is moved horizontally across the target area and counter-rotated to smooth and distribute the powder in an even layer across the target area. A downdraft system provides controlled temperature air flow through the target area to moderate powder temperature during sintering.
Inventors:
Deckard, Karl Earl.
Application Number:
JP29571695A
Publication Date:
September 21, 1998
Filing Date:
November 14, 1995
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
International Classes:
B22F3/02; B05C19/00; B22F3/00; B22F3/035; B22F3/10; B22F3/105; B22F7/02; B22F7/04; B23K26/00; B23K26/04; B23K26/06; B23K26/08; B23K26/34; B28B1/00; B28B11/06; B29C35/08; B29C41/12; B29C41/46; B29C67/00; B29C67/04; C04B33/32; C04B35/64; C22C1/02; C23C24/08; C23C24/10; C23C26/02; G05B19/4099; G05B19/41; B29C35/04; (IPC1-7): B22F7/04; B22F3/105; B23K26/00; B28B1/00; B29C67/04; C04B35/64; C23C24/08
Domestic Patent References:
| JP634077A | ||||
| JP57160975A | ||||
| JP5021906A |
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Kazuo Shamoto (5 outside)