Patent ID: 10730281

Abstract:
An example method of making a component includes providing a digital model of a component to a software program, the software program operable to slice the digital model into digital layers and raster each digital layer into digital segments, the digital segments delineated by digital raster lines. The method further includes depositing a first layer of powdered material onto a platform, compacting the first layer of powered material into a first compacted layer, sintering the first compacted layer along lines corresponding to the digital raster lines using a laser, wherein the laser operates at a first power and a first scan speed, and sintering the first compacted layer along a perimeter of the first compacted layer using the laser to form a first unitary layer, wherein the laser operates at a second power and a second scan speed, wherein the ratio of the first power to the second power is less than about 3. An apparatus for making a component is also disclosed.