摘要:
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.
摘要:
A method and apparatus 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 (30) to direct the laser energy onto the powder (26) to produce a sintered mass. The computer (40) 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 (64) is scanned over a layer of powder (57) and the beam is switched on to sinter only the powder within the boundaries of the cross-section. Powder is applied and successive layers (54, 55, 56, 57) sintered until a completed part is formed. Preferably, the powder comprises a plurality of materials having different dissociation or bonding temperatures. The powder preferably comprises blended (901, 902) or coated (1001, 1002) materials.
摘要:
An improved process for selectively coating or covering a substrate surface, e.g., that of a copper conductor, with materials like silver or gold, by using a laser beam, uses lampblack. It is essential that neither the substrate material nor the coating material should react with carbon, when applied to either the substrate surface or the material. The added lampblack, in addition to enhancing the absorbent surface characteristics of the substrate surface, acts as a deoxidizing and fluxing agent to clean the substrate surface and promote effective wetting by the molten material during a laser processing procedure.