CPC B29C 64/286 (2017.08) [B29C 64/153 (2017.08); B29C 64/236 (2017.08); B29C 64/245 (2017.08); B29C 64/282 (2017.08); B33Y 30/00 (2014.12)] | 20 Claims |
1. An apparatus for the formation of three-dimensional objects by consolidation of particulate material, the apparatus comprising a working space, the working space comprising:
a build bed surface of particulate material arranged at a lower surface bounding the working space, and a ceiling arranged at an upper surface bounding the working space; and
a carriage for moving across the build bed surface, the carriage comprising:
an elongate infrared lamp extending along a lamp axis;
an elongate shield extending parallel to and along one side of the lamp axis, wherein the elongate shield is mounted so as to at least partially bound the space to one side of the lamp; and
lower opening below the lamp and an upper opening above the lamp, such that radiation generated by the lamp is able to radiate through the lower opening whereintowards the build bed surface, and wherein the elongate shield comprises a dominant surface arranged so as to reflect direct lamp radiation, and lamp radiation reflected back from the build bed surface into the lower opening, towards and out of the upper opening into the working space and towards the ceiling.
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