Rolls-royce Corporation

Stewart T Welch

Stewart Lowth

Adam Nagy

Robert Bowerman

An additive layer manufacturing apparatus comprising a doctor blade () having a tip () which, in use, is arranged proximal to a material layer () to be recoated during an additive layer manufacturing method, the doctor blade () having a cavity () with an inlet and an outlet, the outlet located at the tip () and the inlet connectable to an air supply () whereby air can be directed through the cavity () to the outlet and onto a surface () of the material layer ().

Recoater for additive layer manufacture

A method of providing datum features on a ceramic article including the steps of providing a ceramic member having a plurality of substantially parallel holes extending into the ceramic member. Providing a plurality of tubular mounts, the cross-sectional area of each tubular mount being less than the cross-sectional area of the corresponding hole. Applying adhesive to the exterior surface of each one of the tubular mounts and inserting an adhesive covered tubular mount into each one of the holes. Providing a fixture member having a plurality of substantially parallel projections extending from predetermined positions. Positioning the ceramic member on the fixture member such that each projection locates in one of the tubular mounts and fixes the tubular mounts at the predetermined positions. The ceramic article may be removed from the fixture member or located in a machine tool using the fixture member and machining the ceramic article.

Method of providing a fixture for a ceramic article, a method of machining a ceramic article and a method of investment casting using a ceramic article

A doctor device configured for use in recoating in an operating additive layer manufacturing apparatus. The doctor device includes at least one blade having a first surface and a second surface. The at least one blade is configured to move in a first direction and a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction. The first surface is configured to bend in the second direction upon the at least one blade moving in the first direction and contacting a surface of an additive layer, and the second surface is configured to be rigid upon the at least one blade moving in the second direction and contacting the surface of an additive layer, such that the at least one blade does not bend.

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Birmingham, United Kingdom

Stewart T Welch