Patent ID: 9555475
Date: 2017-01-31
CPC Classifications: B22F,B23K,B29C,B33Y,Y02P

Claim:
1. An additive layer manufacturing apparatus for forming a metallic component, the apparatus including: a mount comprising one or more clamps configured to mount a work piece to the apparatus; a heat source movable relative to the work piece and configured to apply heat to a portion of a surface of the work piece sufficient to melt said portion; a material delivery system configured to add metallic material to the melted portion whereby progressively to form a layer of metallic material on the work piece; a stress measuring system forming part of the one or more clamps and configured to measure stresses tending to distort the work piece; and a stress relieving system configured to apply a force to the work piece so as to relieve stress in the work piece while mounted to the apparatus whereby to reduce distortion of the work piece during forming of the component.