Abstract: An additive layer manufacturing apparatus comprising a doctor blade (57) having a tip (51) which, in use, is arranged proximal to a material layer (59) to be recoated during an additive layer manufacturing method, the doctor blade (57) having a cavity (50) with an inlet and an outlet, the outlet located at the tip (51) and the inlet connectable to an air supply (53) whereby air can be directed through the cavity (50) to the outlet and onto a surface (59a) of the material layer (59).

Abstract: A method of supporting a soluble insert structure within a mould die ceramic injection moulding (CIM) process, the method comprising the steps of: forming at least one chaplet that supports the soluble insert structure within the die, the chaplet being formed of a ceramic material that has substantially similar physicochemical properties to the main internal core structure; and positioning the chaplet to contact the soluble insert structure to the die, the soluble insert being spaced away from an edge of the mould die. The chaplet may comprise a refractory material or a combination of refractory materials.

Abstract: A method of providing datum features on a ceramic article including the steps of providing a ceramic member having a plurality of substantially parallel holes extending into the ceramic member. Providing a plurality of tubular mounts, the cross-sectional area of each tubular mount being less than the cross-sectional area of the corresponding hole. Applying adhesive to the exterior surface of each one of the tubular mounts and inserting an adhesive covered tubular mount into each one of the holes. Providing a fixture member having a plurality of substantially parallel projections extending from predetermined positions. Positioning the ceramic member on the fixture member such that each projection locates in one of the tubular mounts and fixes the tubular mounts at the predetermined positions. The ceramic article may be removed from the fixture member or located in a machine tool using the fixture member and machining the ceramic article.

Abstract: A doctor device configured for use in recoating in an operating additive layer manufacturing apparatus. The doctor device includes at least one blade having a first surface and a second surface. The at least one blade is configured to move in a first direction and a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction. The first surface is configured to bend in the second direction upon the at least one blade moving in the first direction and contacting a surface of an additive layer, and the second surface is configured to be rigid upon the at least one blade moving in the second direction and contacting the surface of an additive layer, such that the at least one blade does not bend.

Abstract: For forming a shell mould for investment casting, first and second core components are provided. These are formed of ceramic material. The core components are assembled together for manufacturing a wax pattern containing the core component for formation of a shell mould for investment casting. The core components have an arrangement of precursor location features. The method includes machining at least one of the precursor location features to a required shape to provide an arrangement of final location features. The core components are then positioned with respect to each other and/or with respect to a wax pattern die by contacting the arrangement of final location features with corresponding positioning features of a receiving device and/or the wax pattern die.

Abstract: An additive layer manufacturing apparatus comprising a doctor blade (57) having a tip (51) which, in use, is arranged proximal to a material layer (59) to be recoated during an additive layer manufacturing method, the doctor blade (57) having a cavity (50) with an inlet and an outlet, the outlet located at the tip (51) and the inlet connectable to an air supply (53) whereby air can be directed through the cavity (50) to the outlet and onto a surface (59a) of the material layer (59).

Abstract: Described is a ceramic core for producing cast component for a gas turbine engine, the core comprising: a first cavity forming member; a second member adjacent to or opposite the first cavity forming member; and a removable web which joins the first and second members.

Abstract: A method of providing datum features on a ceramic article including the steps of providing a ceramic member having a plurality of substantially parallel holes extending into the ceramic member. Providing a plurality of tubular mounts, the cross-sectional area of each tubular mount being less than the cross-sectional area of the corresponding hole. Applying adhesive to the exterior surface of each one of the tubular mounts and inserting an adhesive covered tubular mount into each one of the holes. Providing a fixture member having a plurality of substantially parallel projections extending from predetermined positions. Positioning the ceramic member on the fixture member such that each projection locates in one of the tubular mounts and fixes the tubular mounts at the predetermined positions. The ceramic article may be removed from the fixture member or located in a machine tool using the fixture member and machining the ceramic article.

Abstract: A doctor device (10, 11) configured for use in recoating in an operating additive layer manufacturing apparatus is configured, in use, to flex on a first sweep across a surface (8a) and remain stiff relative to the flexibility exhibited in the first sweep during a second sweep of the surface.