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Abstract

A method of producing three-dimensional bodies which wholly or for selected parts consists of a composite of crystalline or nanocrystalline metal particles in a matrix of amorphous metal. A metal powder layer (4) is applied onto a heat-conducting base (1, 13) and limited areas of the layer is melted successively by means of a radiation gun and cooled so that they can be made to solidify into amorphous metal. In connection with the melting of one or several of the limited areas, the radiation gun is regulated so that the melted area is cooled in accordance with a stipulated time-temperature curve in order to form a composite of crystalline or nanocrystalline metal particles in a matrix of amorphous metal. The method is repeated until a continuous layer, which contains composite metal to a desired extent, is formed. A new powder layer (4) is applied and the method is repeated, the new layer being fused to the underlying layer for successive construction of the three-dimensional body. Alternatively, a layer of only amorphous metal is produced at first, whereupon limited areas of the layer is heated by means of the radiation gun and heat-treated in accordance with the stipulated time-temperature curve in order to transform the amorphous metal into a composite of crystalline or nanocrystalline metal particles in a matrix of amorphous metal.

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First Claim