Anchors away for additives

摘要

Engineers at Sheffield University-believe they can eliminate the need for 'anchors' used in additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing can be used to build up 3D objects from computer-aided design files. Such processes typically use a laser to melt fine metal powder to create parts. Principal investigator Neil Hopkinson said: 'One of the difficulties when you build parts layer by layer like this, is that you need to have a supporting, or anchor structure, around the part, so that if you build any overhanging features they can be held in place.'