Exchangeable Process Unit

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2024042692-A1
Application number	US-202318381732-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Oct 19, 2023
Priority date	Feb 5, 2019
Publication date	Feb 8, 2024
Grant date	—

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and to a method for producing 3D moulded parts using at least one process unit, also suitable for a large scale production in series of 3D moulded parts such as foundry cores and moulds and other articles which are required in large amounts.

First claim

1 . A 3D printing device comprising:
i) a 3D printing machine including two parallel rails; ii an exchangeable function unit; and iii) at least three combined receiving and securing means for removably arranging the exchangeable function unit over the rails; wherein the exchangeable function unit comprises at least two functional subunits including at least one recoater, least one printhead, and optionally at least one IR radiator; wherein the functional subunits are mechanically connected to each other, directly or by a connecting means.

2 - 19 . (canceled)

20 . The 3D printing device of claim 1 , wherein the two rails include a first rail and a second rail, the at least three combined receiving and securing means includes a receiving and securing means positioned over the first rail and a receiving and securing means positioned over the second rail.

21 . The 3D printing device of claim 1 , wherein the receiving and securing means includes one or more of a quick release fastener, a magnet, a snap fastener, or an electromagnetic fastener.

22 . The 3D printing device of claim 1 , wherein the 3D printing machine has a closable insertion opening for receiving the exchangeable function unit.

23 . The 3D printing device of claim 20 , wherein the exchangeable function unit includes a gantry.

24 . The 3D printing device of claim 23 , wherein the gantry includes a first gantry portion for securing to the first rail and a second gantry portion for securing to the second rail.

25 . The 3D printing device of claim 24 , wherein the first gantry portion and the second gantry portion are generally parallel to the first and second rails.

26 . The 3D printing device of claim 25 , wherein the printing device includes two of the receiving and securing means over the first rail for securing the exchangeable functional unit to the first rail; and/or the printing device includes two of the receiving and securing means over the second rail for securing the exchangeable functional unit to the second rail.

27 . The 3D printing device of claim 23 , wherein the gantry includes a transverse portion that is generally perpendicular to the first and second rails.

28 . The 3D printing device of claim 27 , wherein one of the receiving and securing means attaches to the transverse portion of the gantry.

29 . The 3D printing device of claim 23 , wherein the gantry rides on the rails and the receiving and securing means secures the exchangeable function unit to the gantry.

30 . The 3D printing device of claim 29 , wherein the gantry includes one or more first portions that move over the first rail and one or more second portions that move over the second rail.

31 . The 3D printing device of claim 30 , wherein the gantry includes a transverse portion that is generally perpendicular to the rails.

32 . The 3D printing device of claim 31 , wherein one of the receiving and securing means secures the exchangeable function unit to the transverse portion of the gantry.

33 . The 3D printing device of claim 1 , wherein the exchangeable function unit includes the connecting means.

34 . The 3D printing device of claim 33 , wherein the connecting means includes a connecting plate.

35 . The 3D printing device of claim 34 , wherein the printing machine includes a platform and the recoater deposits particulate material in layers on the platform, and the printhead extends a width of the platform.

36 . The 3D printing device of claim 35 , wherein the printing machine has a closed process chamber.

37 . The 3D printing device of claim 1 , wherein
i) at least one recoater includes a first recoater and a second recoater, and the at least one print head includes a print head between the first and second recoaters; and/or ii) at last one print head includes a first print head and a second print head, and the at least one recoater includes a recoater between the first and second print heads.

38 . The 3D printing device of claim 22 , wherein the insertion opening includes a closure that is automatically opened and closed.

39 . A 3D printing device comprising:
i) a 3D printing machine including two parallel rails; ii) an exchangeable function unit; and iii) multiple receiving and securing means for removably arranging the exchangeable function unit over the rails; wherein the exchangeable function unit comprises at least two functional subunits including at least one recoater and at least one printhead, wherein the functional subunits are mechanically connected to each other, directly or by a connecting means.

40 . The 3D printing device of claim 39 , wherein the multiple receiving and securing means includes a receiving and securing means having no degrees of freedom.

41 . The 3D printing device of claim 39 , wherein the multiple receiving and securing means includes a receiving and securing means having one or two degrees of freedom.

Assignees

• Voxeljet Ag

Inventors

• Ederer Ingo
• Heymel Bastian
• Grasegger Josef
• Sinzinger Martin

Classifications

• B29C64/30 Primary

  Auxiliary operations or equipment · CPC title

• B29C64/214

  Doctor blades · CPC title

• B29C64/264

  Arrangements for irradiation · CPC title

• B29C64/209

  Heads; Nozzles · CPC title

• B29C64/106 Primary

  using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material · CPC title