Abstract: An apparatus is provided which extrudes a radiation-curable construction material above a support surface with a slot die to deposit a layer of extruded construction material above the support surface. Radiation is selectively projected with a projection unit to a construction region between the support surface and the slot die, thereby curing portions of the extruded construction material. The apparatus repeats these steps are repeated until a desired object is formed by the contiguous cured portions of the construction material extending across and between the layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to layer manufacturing, more particularly to a method for additive layer manufacturing of objects comprised of more than one material with free-form capability for all included materials. The invention can for example be used for producing packaging for Microsystems where the ceramic acts as an insulator and the secondary material is used to produce electrical or optical 3D conductor lines or electrical or optical 3D vias. The fine powder used in this method enables it to be used for building components with small feature size and demand for high precision. Other intended uses for this method is to build small mechanical precision parts or grinding tools, dental objects or medical implants.