Patent ID: 9238310
Filing Date: 2016-01-19
CPC Classification: B29C,B32B,B33Y,Y10T

Claim Text:
1. A method for layer-by-layer production of a three dimensional object, comprising: applying a layer of a polymer powder having a thickness; selectively irradiating portions of the polymer powder layer with a laser beam having an average power density and a focus maximum power density to melt and sinter the irradiated polymer powder; cooling the melted and sintered powder to obtain a solid mass having a shape; and repeating the application, irradiating and cooling operations until the three dimensional object is obtained; and further comprising refractively shaping the laser beam prior to irradiation of the polymer powder, wherein before irradiation of the polymer powder, the laser beam is shaped such that the focus maximum power density is less than 50% greater than the average power density.