Caterpillar Inc.
Manufacturing support and method for additive manufacturing process

Abstract:

An additive manufacturing method for a part includes forming a pillar by fusing metallic material to form a hollow body portion including a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface and fusing metallic material to form a cap portion extending from a distal end of the body portion. The method includes forming the pillar by fusing metallic material to form a distal portion supported on the cap portion, supporting at least a portion of the part by the pillar, and removing the pillar from the part.