Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for forming an arcuate component by additive layer manufacturing (ALM). The system comprises a base plate for receiving a layer of powdered material and having opposing inner and outer transverse edges and an energy beam source for generating an energy beam for fusing a portion of the powdered material. The base plate is moveable away from the energy beam source from a first position to a vertically lower second position along an arcuate path such that the outer transverse edge traces an outer arc having a greater radius than an inner arc traced by the inner transverse edge. The present disclosure also relates to a base plate apparatus for use in ALM that is movable along an arcuate path and an ALM method using the base plate apparatus/system.

Abstract: A method of applying an electroplated layer to a surface of a polymeric composite material, the method includes the steps of: providing an uncured polymeric composite substrate; positioning a veil layer over a surface of the uncured polymeric composite substrate, the veil layer providing a conductive surface on the uncured polymeric composite substrate, the veil layer having a mat of metal coated fibres consolidated by an organic binder material; subjecting the uncured polymeric composite substrate to a curing cycle to form a cured polymeric composite material in which the veil layer is partially exposed; and applying an electroplated layer to the conductive surface of the cured polymeric composite material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for forming an arcuate component by additive layer manufacturing (ALM). The system comprises a base plate for receiving a layer of powdered material and having opposing inner and outer transverse edges and an energy beam source for generating an energy beam for fusing a portion of the powdered material. The base plate is moveable away from the energy beam source from a first position to a vertically lower second position along an arcuate path such that the outer transverse edge traces an outer arc having a greater radius than an inner arc traced by the inner transverse edge. The present disclosure also relates to a base plate apparatus for use in ALM that is movable along an arcuate path and an ALM method using the base plate apparatus/system.

Abstract: A method of applying an electroplated layer to a surface of a polymeric composite material, the method includes the steps of: providing an uncured polymeric composite substrate; positioning a veil layer over a surface of the uncured polymeric composite substrate, the veil layer providing a conductive surface on the uncured polymeric composite substrate, the veil layer having a mat of metal coated fibres consolidated by an organic binder material; subjecting the uncured polymeric composite substrate to a curing cycle to form a cured polymeric composite material in which the veil layer is partially exposed; and applying an electroplated layer to the conductive surface of the cured polymeric composite material.