Method and system for producing an article by layer-by-layer buildup in a stamping process

A process for producing an article comprising the steps of:

• I) providing a layer on a substrate, wherein the layer contains a meltable polymer;
• II) energizing a selected portion of the layer provided in step I) corresponding to a first selected cross section of the article so that the layer in the selected portion is at least partially melted and at least one at least partially melted volume is obtained;
• III) contacting the at least one volume obtained in step II) with a carrier so that the at least one volume is joined to the carrier;
• IV) removing the carrier including the at least one volume joined to the carrier from the substrate;
• V) providing a further layer on the substrate or on a further substrate, wherein the layer contains a meltable polymer;
• VI) energizing a selected portion of the layer provided in step V) corresponding to a further selected cross section of the article so that the layer in the selected portion is at least partially melted and at least one at least partially melted volume is obtained;
• VII) contacting the at least one volume obtained in step VI) with at least one of the volumes previously joined to the carrier so that the volume obtained in step VI) is joined to at least one of the volumes previously joined to the carrier;
• VIII) removing the carrier including the volumes joined to the carrier from the substrate;
• IX) repeating steps V) to VIII) until the article is formed.