Abstract: Method of processing a layer of material in layer-by-layer additive manufacturing process is provided, wherein successive layers of flowable material are formed and a laser beam is scanned across a selected area of each layer to consolidate the material in said selected area. The method comprises providing a first raster path for a laser beam, the first raster path having a defined spacing between successive passes, and providing at least one further raster path for a laser beam, wherein the or each further raster path has the same defined spacing between successive passes as the first raster path and is offset from the first raster path in the direction of said defined spacing by a distance that is less than said defined spacing, such that the laser beam irradiates the entire selected area in a single pass over the first path and the or each further path.