Patent ID: 8206637
Filing Date: 2012-06-26
Classification: B22F,B29B,B29C,B29L,Y02P

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a deformable platform having a surface configured to conform to a shape of an object as the object is being manufactured during a sintering process, wherein the deformable platform comprises a plurality of moving stages forming the surface of the deformable platform; an enclosure having a transparent top, wherein the deformable platform is located inside the enclosure; a laser delivery system located outside of the enclosure and configured to pass laser energy through the transparent top into the enclosure and to sinter powder on the deformable platform to manufacture the object; a powder delivery system configured to deliver the powder to the deformable platform through channels in the transparent top; and a heating system adjacent to the powder delivery system and configured to heat the powder using only heated gas prior to the powder delivery system delivering the powder to the deformable platform and prior to the laser delivery system sintering the powder.