Rotating build plate

Abstract

A powder bed additive layer manufacturing system includes a linear traversing re-coater and a build plate. The build plate is mounted for rotation relative to the re-coater on an axis extending through the build plate.

1 . A powder bed additive layer manufacturing system, comprising:
 a recoater system comprising a linear traversing re-coater and a powder dispenser for dispensing particulate material; and   a build plate having an upper surface positioned to receive powder dispensed by the powder dispenser and spread by a linear traverse of the re-coater, the build plate rotatable relative to the recoater system about an axis extending through the build plate.   
     
     
         2 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a motor for incrementally rotating the build plate. 
     
     
         3 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the axis is vertical relative a horizontal linear traversing direction of the re-coater. 
     
     
         4 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the build plate is circular, and the axis extends through a center of the build plate. 
     
     
         5 . The system as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the build plate is circular, and the axis extends through a center of the build plate. 
     
     
         6 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising scanning optics for directing a fusing beam towards a center region of the build plate. 
     
     
         7 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a motor for progressively rotating the build plate relative to the re-coater between layer depositions. 
     
     
         8 . The system as claimed in  claim 7 , further comprising an elevator mechanism for progressively lowering the build plate relative to the re-coater between the layer depositions. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the axis remains fixed between the layer depositions. 
     
     
         10 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the powder dispenser is a hopper disposed adjacent the periphery of the build plate. 
     
     
         11 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the re-coater comprises a blade having an edge oriented substantially orthogonally to the axis, and the blade is supported such that the edge thereof remains substantially orthogonal to the axis as the build plate is rotated.