Method and apparatus for forming a particle layer for use in additive manufacturing

摘要

Methods and apparatus are provided for forming a particle layer. The layering method involves injecting particles within an injection zone defined at a gas-liquid interface between a carrier liquid and an ambient gas, and controlling the flow of carrier liquid along the gas-liquid interface to control the particles. Conveying downstream along the particle flow path from the injection zone to the layering zone. The method also includes accumulating particles within the layer formation zone to gradually form a particle layer on the gas-liquid interface and recovering the particle layer from the layer formation zone. A three-dimensional object can be manufactured by additive manufacturing using the particle layer formed by the layering method and apparatus.