Laser sintering powder, method for producing structure, apparatus for producing structure

Abstract

A laser sintering powder to be sintered by irradiation with a laser light is provided. The sintering powder includes a plurality of metal particles and a binder which binds the metal particles to one another. The binder is sublimated by the irradiation with the laser light. The average particle diameter of the metal particles is 5 μm or more and 10 μm or less, and the average particle diameter of the laser sintering powder is 30 μm or more and 50 μm or less. Further, after a powder layer is formed using the laser sintering powder, this powder layer may be compressed in the thickness direction before or after irradiation with the laser light.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The present invention relates to a laser sintering powder, a method for producing a structure, and an apparatus for producing a structure.[0003]2. Related Art[0004]A production method for forming a structure by irradiating a metal powder with a laser light is known. This method is suitable for the production of small amounts of various structures because the structure is formed by controlling a laser light using a computer. One such production method is disclosed in JP-T-2001-504897. According to this method, first, a metal powder is spread on a flat plate. Subsequently, a leveling plate is moved along the surface of the metal powder layer to level the metal powder to a given uniform thickness. Subsequently, a protection gas is flowed over the metal powder layer to create a protection gas atmosphere. Subsequently, a laser light is formed into a beam and scanned across the metal powder layer to draw a given image. In a region irradiated with th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes the use of a laser sintering powder where metal particles are attached to each other by a binder. When the powder is exposed to laser light, the binder decomposes and the metal particles separate from each other. The metal particles become heated by the laser and can be reliably sintered even in a deep region. The roller used in the process is simple and small, making it easy to produce the desired structure. The technical effect of this patent is that it provides a more efficient and effective method for producing structures using laser sintering powder.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, fine metal powder is easily stirred up in the air.

Thus, although a minute structure can be obtained by laser sintering, the minute structure may have a surface which a polishing tool or a polishing cloth cannot reach, and therefore, it is difficult to make the surface glossy.

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