Abstract: An apparatus for making a three-dimensional object includes a table, a powdery layer-former that forms a powdery layer on the table, and an optical beam-irradiator that irradiates an optical beam on a predetermined region of the powdery layer to sinter the predetermined region of the powdery layer. A chamber for accommodating the table and the powdery layer-former and a lid for opening and closing an opening defined in the chamber at a location immediately above an optical beam-irradiating range are provided. The three-dimensional object is taken out from the chamber through the opening upon completion of the sintering, and the optical beam-irradiator is disposed at a position deviated from immediately above the optical beam-irradiating range to obliquely irradiate the optical beam on the powdery layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a three-dimensional object includes a table, a powdery layer-former that forms a powdery layer on the table, and an optical beam-irradiator that irradiates an optical beam on a predetermined region of the powdery layer to sinter the predetermined region of the powdery layer. A chamber for accommodating the table and the powdery layer-former and a lid for opening and closing an opening defined in the chamber at a location immediately above an optical beam-irradiating range are provided. The three-dimensional object is taken out from the chamber through the opening upon completion of the sintering, and the optical beam-irradiator is disposed at a position deviated from immediately above the optical beam-irradiating range to obliquely irradiate the optical beam on the powdery layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a three-dimensional object includes a powdery layer-forming unit for forming a powdery layer on a table and an optical beam-irradiating unit for irradiating an optical beam on a predetermined region of the powdery layer to sinter the predetermined region. The optical beam-irradiating unit is disposed at a position spaced from immediately above an optical beam-irradiating range to obliquely irradiate the optical beam on the powdery layer. Because fumes generated by irradiating and heating the powdery layer with the optical beam rise towards a position immediately above them, the optical beam is irradiated from the position spaced from immediately above the optical beam-irradiating range, thereby reducing a cloud of the optical beam-irradiating unit that may be caused by the fumes.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object is made by repeating a process. An optical beam is irradiated on a predetermined portion of a powdery layer to form a sintered layer. A new powdery layer is formed on a surface of the sintered layer. An optical beam is irradiated on a predetermined portion of the new powdery layer to form a new sintered layer united with the underlying sintered layer. Because a portion of the sintered layer that is higher than a predetermined level is removed as occasion demands, the abnormally sintered portion on the sintered layer can be removed, making it possible to prevent stoppage of the shaping process, which may be caused by the abnormally sintered portion.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object of a desired shape is made by irradiating an optical beam on a metal powder layer to form a sintered layer and by laminating such sintered layer one above another. A metal powder composition for use in making such a three-dimensional object includes an iron-based powder material, a nickel and/or nickel alloy powder material, a copper and/or copper alloy powder material, and a graphite powder material. The graphite powder material acts to enhance the wettability during melting and to reduce microcracks during solidification.

Abstract: In order for a surface of a three-dimensional sintered object to be smoothly finished by removing unwanted portions and an excessively sintered growth formed during sintering to form sintered layers, the three-dimensional sintered object is formed by repeating successive processes of dispensing a powdery material and directing an optical sintering beam to the powdery material to form the sintered layer, until a required number of integral laminated bodies are formed. During the formation of the integral laminated bodies, trimming is applied to a first zone different from a second zone in which each laminated body is formed, to remove unwanted portions of the respective laminated body.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object is made by repeating a process. An optical beam is irradiated on a predetermined portion of a powdery layer to form a sintered layer. A new powdery layer is formed on a surface of the sintered layer. An optical beam is irradiated on a predetermined portion of the new powdery layer to form a new sintered layer united with the underlying sintered layer. Because a portion of the sintered layer that is higher than a predetermined level is removed as occasion demands, the abnormally sintered portion on the sintered layer can be removed, making it possible to prevent stoppage of the shaping process, which may be caused by the abnormally sintered portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a three-dimensional object includes a powdery layer-forming unit for forming a powdery layer on a table and an optical beam-irradiating unit for irradiating an optical beam on a predetermined region of the powdery layer to sinter the predetermined region. The optical beam-irradiating unit is disposed at a position spaced from immediately above an optical beam-irradiating range to obliquely irradiate the optical beam on the powdery layer. Because fumes generated by irradiating and heating the powdery layer with the optical beam rise towards a position immediately above them, the optical beam is irradiated from the position spaced from immediately above the optical beam-irradiating range, thereby reducing a cloud of the optical beam-irradiating unit that may be caused by the fumes.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object of a desired shape is made by irradiating an optical beam on a metal powder layer to form a sintered layer and by laminating such sintered layer one above another. A metal powder composition for use in making such a three-dimensional object includes an iron-based powder material, a nickel and/or nickel alloy powder material, a copper and/or copper alloy powder material, and a graphite powder material. The graphite powder material acts to enhance the wettability during melting and to reduce microcracks during solidification.

Abstract: To make a three-dimensional object, an optical beam is first irradiated on a predetermined portion of a powder layer to form a sintered layer, which is then covered with a new powder layer. The optical beam is again irradiated on a predetermined portion of the new powder layer to form another sintered layer that has been united with the underlying sintered layer. These processes are repeatedly carried out to form a plurality of sintered layers united together, which have a size greater than that of a target shape of the three-dimensional object. A surface region of a shaped object formed by then is removed during the formation of the plurality of sintered layers.

Abstract: In order for a surface of a three-dimensional sintered object to be smoothly finished by removing unwanted portions and an excessively sintered growth formed during sintering to form sintered layers, the three-dimensional sintered object is formed by repeating successive processes of dispensing a powdery material and directing an optical sintering beam to the powdery material to form the sintered layer, until a required number of integral laminated bodies are formed. During the formation of the integral laminated bodies, trimming is applied to a first zone different from a second zone in which each laminated body is formed, to remove unwanted portions of the respective laminated body.

Abstract: To make a three-dimensional object, an optical beam is first irradiated on a predetermined portion of a powder layer to form a sintered layer, which is then covered with a new powder layer. The optical beam is again irradiated on a predetermined portion of the new powder layer to form another sintered layer that has been united with the underlying sintered layer. These processes are repeatedly carried out to form a plurality of sintered layers united together, which have a size greater than that of a target shape of the three-dimensional object. A surface region of a shaped object formed by then is removed during the formation of the plurality of sintered layers.