Abstract: An additive layer manufacturing method includes the steps of: a) laying down powder layer on powder bed, and b) focussing energy on an area of powder layer to fuse area of powder layer and thereby form a cross-section of the product; wherein steps a) and b) are repeated to form successive cross-sections of product, and wherein at least one of said steps b) involves focussing energy on an area of respective powder layer which is unsupported by a previously formed cross-section of product to thereby form a downwardly facing surface of product. Method is at least some of said successive steps b) involve focussing energy on a support area of respective powder layer, to fuse support area and thereby form successive cross-sections of a support pin within powder bed, support pin extending outwardly from downwardly facing surface of product when it is formed, so as to support downwardly facing surface.