Device for Producing a Three-Dimensional Object in Layers

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2016243618-A1
Application number	US-201415029792-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Nov 7, 2014
Priority date	Nov 15, 2013
Publication date	Aug 25, 2016
Grant date	—

Abstract

A modular system ( 1 ) for producing a three-dimensional object ( 2 ) by layerwise application and selective solidification of a pulverulent build material ( 13 ) contains a first module ( 30, 34 - 36; 40, 41 ) suitable for carrying out a first process used for the production of the three-dimensional object ( 2 ), and at least a second and a third module ( 30, 34 - 36; 40,41 ) suitable for carrying out a further process used for the production of the three-dimensional object ( 2 ). The first to third modules ( 30, 34 - 36; 40, 41 ) are configured so that the second or the third module, or both, can selectively and replaceably be connected to the first module in such a way that their housings are coupled to one another directly.

First claim

1 .- 18 . (canceled)

19 . A modular system for producing a three-dimensional object by layerwise application and selective solidification of a pulverulent build material, comprising:
a first module for carrying out a first process used for the production of the three-dimensional object, and at least a second and a third module for each carrying out a further process used for the production of the three-dimensional object, wherein the first to third modules are configured so that the second or the third module, or both, can selectively and replaceably be connected to the first module in such a way that their housings are coupled to one another directly, the first module contains a manufacturing station for layerwise application and selective solidification of the pulverulent build material on a production platform and/or in a replaceable container, a module interface between the first module and the second and/or third module and/or a module interface between the second and third modules contains an opening, through which the production platform and/or the replaceable container can be passed, and the first to third modules contain an internal feed device, which is configured in such a way that it can transport the production platform and/or the replaceable container between the first module and the second or third module.

20 . The modular system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the second and/or the third module includes:
a setup station for preparing a production platform or a replaceable container, and/or a replacement station for replacing production platforms or replaceable containers, and/or an unpacking station for removing powder remaining unsolidified from the completed object, and/or a station for finishing the unpacked object.

21 . A modular system for producing a three-dimensional object by layerwise application and selective solidification of a pulverulent build material, comprising:
a first module for carrying out a first process used for the production of the three-dimensional object, and at least a second and a third module for each carrying out a further process used for the production of the three-dimensional object, wherein the first to third modules are configured so that the second or the third module, or both, can selectively and replaceably be connected to the first module in such a way that their housings are coupled to one another directly, the second and the third module each contain a manufacturing station for layerwise application and selective solidification of the pulverulent build material on a production platform and/or in a replaceable container, a module interface contains an opening between the first module and the second or third module, through which the production platform and/or the replaceable container can be passed, and the first to third modules contain an internal feed device, which is configured in such a way that it can transport the production platform and/or the replaceable container between the first module and the second or third module.

22 . The modular system as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the first module contains:
a setup station for preparing a production platform or a replaceable container, and/or a replacement station for replacing production platforms or replaceable containers, and/or an unpacking station for removing powder remaining unsolidified from the completed object, and/or a station for finishing the unpacked object.

23 . The modular system as claimed in claim 19 , wherein
the interface between two adjacent modules contains a barrier with which the gas spaces of the two adjacent modules can be separated from one another.

24 . The modular system as claimed in claim 23 , wherein
the interface between two adjacent modules contains two barriers with which the gas spaces of the adjacent modules remain sealed even when modules are separated from one another.

25 . A modular system for producing a three-dimensional object by layerwise application and selective solidification of a pulverulent build material, comprising:
a first module for carrying out a first process used for the production of the three-dimensional object, and at least a second and a third module for each carrying out a further process used for the production of the three-dimensional object, wherein the first to third modules are configured so that the second or the third module, or both, can selectively and replaceably be connected to the first module in such a way that their housings are coupled to one another directly, and the first to third modules are configured in such a way that the second or the third module can be selectively and replaceably placed on the upper side of the first module.

26 . The modular system as claimed in claim 25 , wherein
the first module contains an apparatus for receiving a production platform and/or a replaceable container, on or in which the object is intended to be built up by layerwise application and selective solidification of a powdered building material, the second and the third modules contain different apparatuses suitable for solidification of the powdered building material, and the second or third module is configured so that it can be fitted onto the first module in such a way that it can cause solidification of the pulverulent build material.

27 . The modular system as claimed in claim 26 , wherein
the different apparatuses suitable for solidification of the pulverulent build material contain different irradiation apparatuses which are configured in order to emit radiation suitable for solidification of the pulverulent build material.

28 . The modular system as claimed in claim 25 , wherein
the first module contains an unpacking station, the second and third modules contain different unpacking devices, which are configured for removing pulverulent build material remaining unsolidified from the object, and the second or third module is configured so that it can be fitted onto the first module in such a way that it can cause removal of the pulverulent build material from the object.

29 . A modular system for producing a three-dimensional object by layerwise application and selective solidification of a pulverulent build material, comprising:
a first module for carrying out a first process used for the production of the three-dimensional object, and at least a second and a third module for each carrying out a further process used for the production of the three-dimensional object, wherein the first to third modules are configured so that the second or the third module, or both, can selectively and replaceably be connected to the first module in such a way that their housings are coupled to one another directly, and the first to third modules are configured in such a way that the first module can be placed selectively and replaceably on the upper side of the second or the third module.

30 . The modular system as claimed in claim 29 , wherein
the first module contains an apparatus suitable for solidification of the pulverulent build material, the second and the third modules contain different apparatuses for receiving a production platform and/or a replaceable container, on or in which the object is intended to be built up by layerwise application and selective solidification of a pulverulent build material, and the first module is configured so that it can be fitted onto the second or third module in such a way that it can cause solidification of the pulverulent build material.

31 . The modular system as claimed in claim 30 , wherein
the apparatus suitable for solidification of the pulverulent build mater

Assignees

• Eos Gmbh Electro Optical Systems

Inventors

• Heugel Martin
• Fey Georg

Classifications

• B29C64/165

  using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber · CPC title

• B29C64/153

  using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting · CPC title

• B29C64/40

  Structures for supporting 3D objects during manufacture and intended to be sacrificed after completion thereof · CPC title

• B29C64/35

  Cleaning · CPC title

• B29C64/393

  for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes · CPC title