Patent ID: 9643281
Date: 2017-05-09
CPC Classifications: B22F,B23K,B33Y,Y02P

Claim:
1. A process for manufacturing a metal part from a metal powder using a laser to melt the metal powder comprising the steps of: depositing layers of metal powder on to a platen; using a laser to melt certain areas of the metal powder to form a section of the metal part; lightly bonding together certain areas of layers of metal powder to form a support surface for an overhanging section of the metal part dispensing a slurry of ceramic material capable of withstanding a melting temperature of the metal powder being supported by the ceramic slurry to form the support surface for the overhanging section of the metal part; depositing additional layers of metal powder over the support surface; using the laser to melt certain areas of layers of the metal powder supported on the support surface to form an overhanging section of the metal part; and, removing any unmelted metal powder and the support surface from the metal part.