Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus comprises a processing chamber defining a window for receiving a laser beam and an optical module. The optical module is removably-mountable to the processing chamber for delivering the laser beam through the window. The optical module contains optical components for focusing and steering the laser beam and a controlled atmosphere can be maintained within the module.

Abstract: A filter assembly for an additive manufacturing apparatus has a housing defining a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A filter element is located within the housing between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The assembly includes valves that can be actuated to seal the gas inlet and the gas outlet. Additionally the assembly has a fluid inlet for allowing ingress of a fluid into the housing. The assembly allows a filter element, which may contain volatile particles, to be changed safely. By sealing the gas inlet and outlet and flooding the housing with a suitable fluid, volatile particles captured by the filter can be neutralised.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus comprises a processing chamber defining a window for receiving a laser beam and an optical module. The optical module is removably-mountable to the processing chamber for delivering the laser beam through the window. The optical module contains optical components for focusing and steering the laser beam and a controlled atmosphere can be maintained within the module.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus comprises a processing chamber (100) defining a window (110) for receiving a laser beam and an optical module (10) The optical module is removably-mountable to the processing chamber for delivering the laser beam through the window. The optical module contains optical components for focusing and steering the laser beam and a controlled atmosphere can be maintained within the module.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus comprises a processing chamber (100) defining a window (110) for receiving a laser beam and an optical module (10) The optical module is removably-mountable to the processing chamber for delivering the laser beam through the window. The optical module contains optical components for focusing and steering the laser beam and a controlled atmosphere can be maintained within the module.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus comprises a processing chamber (100) defining a window (110) for receiving a laser beam and an optical module (10) The optical module is removably-mountable to the processing chamber for delivering the laser beam through the window. The optical module contains optical components for focusing and steering the laser beam and a controlled atmosphere can be maintained within the module.

Abstract: A cassette is provided for use within the build chamber of the powder forming apparatus for dispensing powders within the build chamber without the need for opening and closing the building chamber for dispensing such powders.

Abstract: A filter assembly for an additive manufacturing apparatus has a housing defining a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A filter element is located within the housing between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The assembly includes valves that can be actuated to seal the gas inlet and the gas outlet. Additionally the assembly has a fluid inlet for allowing ingress of a fluid into the housing. The assembly allows a filter element, which may contain volatile particles, to be changed safely. By sealing the gas inlet and outlet and flooding the housing with a suitable fluid, volatile particles captured by the filter can be neutralised.

Abstract: A filter assembly for an additive manufacturing apparatus has a housing defining a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A filter element is located within the housing between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The assembly includes valves that can be actuated to seal the gas inlet and the gas outlet. Additionally the assembly has a fluid inlet for allowing ingress of a fluid into the housing. The assembly allows a filter element, which may contain volatile particles, to be changed safely. By sealing the gas inlet and outlet and flooding the housing with a suitable fluid, volatile particles captured by the filter can be neutralised.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by layerwise consolidation of powder comprises a lowerable build platform for supporting the object during manufacture and a sealable chamber for controlling the atmosphere around the object. The apparatus also has gas transport devices, such as pumps and valves. Substantially all of the gas transport devices are maintained within a controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by layerwise consolidation of powder comprises a lowerable build platform for supporting the object during manufacture and a sealable chamber for controlling the atmosphere around the object. The apparatus also has gas transport devices, such as pumps and valves. Substantially all of the gas transport devices are maintained within a controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: A filter assembly for an additive manufacturing apparatus has a housing defining a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A filter element is located within the housing between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The assembly includes valves that can be actuated to seal the gas inlet and the gas outlet. Additionally the assembly has a fluid inlet for allowing ingress of a fluid into the housing. The assembly allows a filter element, which may contain volatile particles, to be changed safely. By sealing the gas inlet and outlet and flooding the housing with a suitable fluid, volatile particles captured by the filter can be neutralised.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus comprises a processing chamber (100) defining a window (110) for receiving a laser beam and an optical module (10) The optical module is removably-mountable to the processing chamber for delivering the laser beam through the window. The optical module contains optical components for focusing and steering the laser beam and a controlled atmosphere can be maintained within the module.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for forming a three dimensional object (30) by layer-wise addition of a build material has a build-support (100) for supporting the object (30) during forming and a removable metallic base-layer (110) that is in the form of a mesh, film, sheet or foil. The base-layer (110) is removably securable to the build support (100).

Abstract: An additive manufacturing powder dispenser has a metering member for dispensing a line of powder to be used in an additive manufacturing process. The metering member has one or more metering voids that extend through the metering member with entrance openings defined in a first face of the metering member and exit openings defined in a second face of the metering member. In use, powder passes into the metering member through the entrance openings, is maintained within the metering member, and passes out of the metering member through the exit openings to dispense a line of powder.