Method and apparatus for creating a free-form three-dimensional article using a layer-by-layer deposition of a molten metal and deposition of a powdered metal as a support material

摘要

A method and apparatus for the accurate formation of a three- dimensional article comprises providing a first quantity and a second quantity of substantially uniform size droplets of a desired material wherein each droplet has a positive or negative charge. Each quantity of droplets is focused or aligned into a narrow stream by passing the droplets through or adjacent an alignment means which repels each droplet toward an axis extending through the alignment means. The droplets are deposited in a predetermined pattern at a predetermined rate onto a target to form the three-dimensional article without a mold of the shape of the three-dimensional article. The droplets of the first quantity and the second quantity are supplied at different distances, whereby the droplets of the first quantity bond to each other and the droplets of the second quantity do not bond to each other or to the first quantity of droplets.