HK1132964B - Device for building up a three-dimenskional object layer by layer - Google Patents

Description

Device for producing a three-dimensional object layer by layer

Technical Field

The invention relates to a device for producing a three-dimensional object by hardening a powdery building material layer by layer in a position corresponding to the object in a respective layer.

Background

DE 102005016940a1 describes a device for producing three-dimensional objects layer by layer, which is formed by a laser sintering device. In this plant, powdered construction material is processed. For applying the layer of powdery material, a device is provided which has an applicator, a conveyor roller and a conveyor shaft.

From WO 00/21736Al, an apparatus for producing three-dimensional objects is described, which is formed by a laser sintering machine. A replacement container is described, in which a workpiece platform is integrated as a container bottom. The replacement container can be removed from the device and a coupling device is provided in the device, by means of which the container is received in the device and the workpiece table is connected to a drive.

In this type of installation, the energy source, which is a laser in the case of a laser sintering device, for example, generates heat which must be dissipated by the installation in order to prevent overheating of the installation. The building space, in which the three-dimensional object is produced layer by layer, is also heated, so that the walls defining the building space are also heated. The heat-generating walls of the building space may transmit heat to the components of the optical system or control system of the device adjacent to these walls, thereby adversely affecting these components.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to provide a device of the type mentioned at the outset, in which heat can be removed from the device efficiently and with little effort.

The above object is achieved by an apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by layer-by-layer hardening of a building material in respective layers at positions corresponding to the object, the apparatus comprising: a machine frame and a building space provided in the machine frame; an energy source that emits radiation to selectively harden the construction material; and a ventilator that generates an air flow to cool the energy source; the device is characterized in that a connecting channel is provided, which leads the air flow to a partition wall delimiting the building space.

By cooling the energy source by means of the ventilator and further guiding the air flow in order to also cool the adjacent walls of the building space, heat can be efficiently removed from the apparatus by means of the cooling system. The use of a common cooling system enables a space-saving and inexpensive construction.

Drawings

Further features and objects of the invention result from the description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the figure:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a frame system according to one embodiment;

fig. 2 shows a schematic illustration of the beam guidance in the embodiment according to fig. 1;

FIGS. 3a and 3b show schematic details of the diaphragm (blend) of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective detail of the ventilation system in the region of the beam guide in this embodiment;

fig. 5 shows a schematic illustration of a building space in this embodiment;

fig. 6 shows a schematic view of a building container-ventilation system in this embodiment;

fig. 7 shows a schematic illustration of the fixing of the metering device in this embodiment;

fig. 8 shows a schematic illustration of the fixing of the building space to the heating module in this embodiment;

fig. 9 shows a schematic view of the fixing of the coater in this embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of a support of the construction container;

figure 11 shows a schematic view of a sealing portion of a building platform in this embodiment;

fig. 12 shows a schematic view of a construction material supply system in this embodiment;

FIG. 13 shows a schematic representation of a coating system in this embodiment;

FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of a layer used in the ray adjustment method; and

fig. 15 shows another schematic diagram for describing the construction material supply system.

Detailed Description

The basic structure of a device for producing three-dimensional objects by layer-by-layer hardening of building material, which according to one embodiment is designed as a laser sintering device, is described below with reference to fig. 1 and 5. In a device for producing three-dimensional objects, layers of building material are applied one above the other and, before the next layer is applied, the position corresponding to the object to be produced is selectively hardened in the respective layer. In the embodiment shown, a construction material in powder form is used, which is hardened at selected points by the action of energy radiation. In the embodiment shown, the building material in powder form is heated locally at selected locations by means of laser radiation, so that it is connected to the adjacent components of the building material by sintering or melting.

As shown in fig. 1, the laser sintering device has an optical system, the components of which are each fastened to a part of the machine frame. A building space 10, which is schematically shown in fig. 5, is provided in the machine frame.

In the embodiment shown, the optical system comprises a laser 6, a polarizer 7 and a scanner 8. The laser 6 generates a radiation 9, which radiation 9 impinges on the polarizer 7 and is deflected from the polarizer in the direction of the scanner 8. Alternatively, instead of a laser, another energy source, for example another radiation source, which generates energy rays, which are directed in the direction of the scanner 8, can also be used. The scanner 8 is formed in a known manner in such a way that it can, as shown in fig. 5, direct the incident radiation 9 at any position in a building plane 11 located in a building space 10. To enable this, an entrance window 12 is provided in the upper partition 56 of the building space 10 between the scanner 8 and the building space 10, the entrance window 12 allowing the radiation 9 to enter the building space 10.

The building space of the device in an embodiment is described below in connection with fig. 5.

As can be seen in fig. 5, an upwardly open container 25 is provided in the building space 10. A support device 26 is arranged in the container 25 for supporting a three-dimensional object for forming. The support device 26 is movable to and fro in the vertical direction in the container 25 by means of a drive device, not shown. Within the range of the upper edge of the container 25, a building plane 11 is defined. An entrance window 12 for the radiation 9 directed by the scanner 8 at the building plane 11 is arranged above the building plane 11. A coating device 27 is provided for applying the building material to be hardened on the surface of the support device 26 or on a previously hardened layer. The coating device 27 can be moved in the horizontal direction along the building level 11 by means of a drive device which is schematically illustrated in fig. 5 by means of an arrow. On both sides of the building level 11, dosing devices 28 and 29 are provided, which supply the applicator 27 with a predetermined amount of building material for application.

A supply opening 30 is provided on the side of the dosing device 29. The supply opening 30 extends along the entire width of the building plane 11 in a direction perpendicular to the drawing plane of fig. 5. The supply opening serves to feed the construction material, which in the embodiment shown is a powder material that can be hardened by irradiation, into the construction space.

As is schematically shown in fig. 5, in this embodiment the building space is divided into an upper region 40 and a lower region 41. The upper region 40 forms the actual working area in which the layer-by-layer application of the building material takes place and the selective hardening thereof takes place. The lower region 41 receives the container 25.

In the embodiment shown, the components are produced by a method for producing a three-dimensional element layer by selectively hardening the positions corresponding to the object in the respective layers. In this embodiment, a laser sintering method is used for its production. This method has advantages in comparison with conventional methods for producing three-dimensional objects, such as milling, turning, die casting, etc., especially when complex geometries are to be produced and/or only comparatively small numbers of parts are to be produced.

Operation of the apparatus

During operation of the installation 1, construction material is introduced into the building space via the supply opening 30 and the coating applicator 27 is supplied in predetermined amounts by means of the metering devices 28, 29. The coating device 27 applies a layer of building material to the support device 26 or to a previously hardened layer and, by means of the laser 6 and the scanner 8, directs the radiation 9 to selected locations in the building plane 11 in order to selectively harden the building material there at locations corresponding to the three-dimensional object to be formed. The support device is then lowered by the thickness of one layer, a new layer is applied, and the process is repeated until all layers of the object to be formed are produced.

Several components of the apparatus are described in more detail below.

Frame structure

The frame structure of the device of the embodiment shown is first described with reference to fig. 1. As shown in fig. 1, the device has a machine frame which is formed by three basic supports 2, 3 and 4, which are connected to one another by transverse supports 5. The three base supports 2, 3 and 4 extend substantially vertically and, in the embodiment shown, form three corners of the device. The device 1 thus has a substantially triangular profile in plan view. The basic supports 2, 3 and 4 and the transverse struts 5 are arranged in such a way that the contour corresponds substantially to the contour of a right-angled triangle, the hypotenuse side of which forms the front side of the device. The transverse struts 5 extend substantially horizontally and connect the basic supports in such a way that a rigid, torsion-resistant machine frame is formed, the components of which do not change their relative position with respect to one another, or only change very little, even when forces act on one side.

By means of the construction with three base supports 2, 3 and 4 extending substantially vertically and arranged in a triangle, the device 1 can be supported on the foundation at three points. Due to this three-legged structure, the device can be oriented so quickly and uncomplicated that rolling and tipping with respect to the foundation can be prevented. In particular, the bearing height of one of the three bearing points can be changed, resulting in a change of orientation relative to the foundation, since this would cause a rotation about the line connecting the other two bearing points. In four-point or multi-point supports, in order to change the orientation, the height of at least two support points must be changed in order to regain a stable support.

On the underside of the base supports 2, 3 and 4 facing the ground, a roller 50 and a height-adjustable support foot 51 are arranged in each case. The support feet 51 can then be mounted on the respective base support 2, 3 or 4 in a height-adjustable manner. The support feet 51 can be moved in each case into a first position in which the associated roller 50 is at a greater distance from the lower side of the associated base support than the lower side of the support foot 51. In this way, in this first position, the device 1 stands on the rollers 50, while the supporting feet 51 are at a distance from the foundation. The rollers 50 are rotatably fixed to the base brackets 2, 3 and 4 so that the apparatus 1 can be moved along the foundation in any direction on the rollers 50. Furthermore, the support foot 51 can be moved into a second position in which the underside of the support foot 51 stands further away from the underside of the base support 2, 3, 4 than the associated roller 50. In this position, the device 1 stands on the supporting foot 51 and can be reliably prevented from moving relative to the foundation.

In the embodiment shown, the support feet 51 are each designed in the form of a threaded rod with an external thread on the side facing the associated base support 2, 3 or 4. On the underside of the respectively associated base support 2, 3 and 4, a corresponding bore with an internal thread is provided in each case, into which the support foot 51 can be screwed. In this way, the distance of the respective support leg 51 from the base support can be adjusted steplessly by screwing in or out the support leg 51 in the associated base support 2, 3 or 4.

As shown in fig. 1, two levels 52 are mounted at two different locations on the machine frame. The level 52 is permanently fixed in alignment on the apparatus 1. In the embodiment shown, the two spirit levels 52 are arranged in a plane parallel to the horizontal plane and in this plane at an angle of approximately 90 ° to one another. The two levels indicate whether the device 1 is optimally oriented with respect to the horizontal. The height of the three support feet 51 can be changed individually for the orientation of the device 1, and the change in the orientation of the device 1 can be carried out visually on the basis of the level 52. The components within the apparatus are pre-adjusted relative to each other. Because they are rigidly fixed in the frame system and, due to the rigid frame structure of the device 1, can maintain their relative position to each other. Thus, after the alignment of the device 1, all the elements are in the correct relative position, the exact mutual spatial positioning of said elements being necessary for perfect function. The spirit level facilitates vertical placement of the device. Thus, it is possible to align the device 1 quickly and efficiently after transport or position change. The arrangement with the three base supports 2, 3, 4 and the associated supporting feet 51 facilitates alignment of the device 1 in a few steps.

Optical system

The optical system is described in more detail below with reference to fig. 1, 2 and 4. As can be seen in fig. 1, the energy source in the form of a laser 6 is arranged in a vertical base support 2 of the machine frame or parallel thereto and is adjustably connected thereto. The radiation 9 emerges from the laser 6 and is guided through a tube 13. The tube 13 is connected at one end to the housing of the laser 6 and at its other end to a housing 14, which housing 14 surrounds the polarizer 7 and other components. Thus, the rays 9 extend in a vertical direction from the laser 6 to the polarizer 7. As seen in fig. 4, the housing 14 has a side wall 14a which is removable from the housing 14. The housing 14 is shown in fig. 2 with the side wall 14a removed.

As can be seen in fig. 2 and 4, the end of the housing 14 facing away from the tube 13 is connected to the input side of the scanner 8, and the housing 14 is connected to the elements of the machine frame 8. The tube 13 and the housing 14 are arranged such that the radiation 9 extends from the laser 6 to the scanner 8 in an externally sealed space within the tube 13 and the housing 14. A closure 15, which is only schematically shown in the figures, is provided at the connection point of the pipe 13 to the housing 14. The shutter 15 is formed in such a way that the beam path of the beam 9 from the laser 6 to the polarizer 7 is interrupted when the side wall 14a is removed from the housing 14. By this construction it is ensured that if the side wall 14a is removed, inadvertent injury to the operator when the energy source is operating will not occur. In this embodiment, the shutter 15 can be realized by a mechanical slide, which closes the passage of radiation from the tube 13 to the housing 14 when the side wall 14a is removed.

As can be seen in fig. 1 and 2, the radiation 9 is deflected by the polarizer 7 towards the entrance area 8a of the scanner. The polarizer 7 is suspended so that its orientation can be adjusted, and an adjusting mechanism 16 is provided for adjusting the orientation of the polarizer. The adjusting mechanism 16 comprises two adjusting elements 17 and 18, which are each arranged such that the drive devices 17a and 18a of the adjusting elements 17 and 18 are located outside the housing 14. The drive devices 17a and 18a are thus accessible from the outside when the housing 14 is closed, while the change of the orientation of the polarizer 7 can take place when the housing is closed. In the embodiment shown, the adjusting elements 17 and 18 are each formed by mechanical adjusting screws, which in the region of the drive devices 17a and 18a each have a scale which corresponds to the orientation of the polarizers. The drive devices 17a and 18a are formed as knobs. In the embodiment shown, the adjusting elements 17 and 18 are produced by a laser sintering method. The knob may be lockable to prevent inadvertent adjustment.

For the optimum operation of the device, the orientation of the radiation 9 to the entrance area 8a of the scanner needs to be adjusted accurately. For this purpose, integrated diaphragms 19, 20, 21 are provided in the housing 14, which diaphragms can be installed in the beam path. In the embodiment shown, three diaphragms 19, 20, 21 are provided in the housing, but a greater or lesser number can also be provided. In this embodiment, the diaphragms 19 arranged in the vicinity of the polarizer 7 and the diaphragms arranged in the vicinity of the entrance area 8a of the scanner 8 are each formed as diaphragms with thin crosshairs, as is shown in fig. 3a, and the diaphragms 20 arranged between them are formed as aperture diaphragms, as is shown in fig. 3 b. Other configurations of the diaphragm are possible for different adjustment tasks. A plurality of diaphragm groups can be further arranged, and can be interchanged according to the requirement of required adjustment. Depending on the energy source for the radiation 9, other types of elements known to the expert, which can be used to detect the position of the radiation, can also be provided instead of mechanical diaphragms, for example optical detectors for detecting the position of the radiation.

The diaphragms 19, 20, 21 are each pivotably fastened to a support 19a, 20a or 21a fixed to the housing 14. They are placed in the beam path and fixed in a first position and removed from the beam path and fixed in a second position. The suspension of the diaphragms can be realized, for example, by an axis about which the diaphragms 19, 20 and 21 can be pivoted in a direction perpendicular to the beam path. The fixing of the diaphragms 19, 20, 21 in their respective positions can be achieved, for example, by a knurled screw which is screwed onto the shaft. However, many other types of suspension are possible, which are immediately known to experts due to their expertise. For example, there may also be a mechanism in which the diaphragm can be locked in two positions.

As is only schematically shown in fig. 1, the scanner 8 is likewise fastened to a component of the machine frame. In the embodiment shown, the scanner 8 is mounted on a transverse support 5. In this embodiment, the scanner 8 is suspended in such a way that an adjustment of the orientation of the scanner is possible by pivoting about an axis which runs parallel to the beam path from the polarizer 7 to the entrance region 8a of the scanner. For this adjustment, an adjusting mechanism 8b is provided. This makes it possible to fine-tune the orientation of the scanner 8 simply and quickly.

The radiation 9 is deflected only once from the laser 6 to the scanner 8. The deflection is effected by means of a polarizer 7, the orientation of which can be adjusted when the housing 14 is closed. This may result in a ray path which can be adjusted in a simple manner by adjusting the position of a few components. In the embodiment shown, it is therefore only necessary to adjust the positions of the laser 6, the polarizer 7 and the scanner 8. The position of the laser 6 can be adjusted by an adjusting mechanism 6 b. The laser 6, the polarizer 7 and the scanner 8 are each directly fixed to a component of the rigid frame system. Thereby, even when the transport or position of the device 1 changes, their relative positions do not change or only rarely change from each other. Therefore, fine adjustment can be efficiently performed in a short time.

To adjust the beam path, diaphragms 19, 20 and 21 can be placed in the beam path individually or in combination with one another. This additionally improves the possibility of a rapid and efficient adjustment of the beam path. This makes it possible to save costs during the operation and maintenance of the installation, since less labor is required for the adjustment.

Method for ray adjustment

Possible methods for adjusting the ray path are described below.

In one method, one of two thin reticle stops 19, 20 and 21 is placed in the path of the radiation and a luminescent paper is placed directly behind the thin reticle. The luminescent paper is then illuminated with a laser pulse and the projected image of the thin cross-hair is evaluated. The midpoint of the ray cross-section should exactly coincide with the midpoint of the thin cross-hair. The beam path is to be adjusted in a supplementary manner by adjusting the orientation of the polarizer 7 and by adjusting the position of the laser 6 via the adjusting elements 17 and 18. This method is also suitable for the case where the ray path first deviates from the desired path. It is also possible to additionally place an aperture stop 20 in the beam path in this method.

In the method for the additional adjustment of the optical system, a diaphragm 20 formed as an aperture diaphragm is placed in the beam path and the housing 14 is then closed. A power meter measuring the total power of the rays 9 is placed in the building plane 11. The scanner 8 is controlled in such a way that the beam 9 is optimally aligned with the power measuring device during the exact adjustment. The radiation power measured by the power measuring instrument is monitored and the orientation of the polarizer 7 is changed by operating the adjusting elements 17 and 18. The orientation of the polarizer 7 is changed until the maximum radiation power can be measured by the power measuring device. In this position, the rays 9 from the polarizer 7 are optimally directed at the entrance area 8a of the scanner 8. In this method, it is also possible to work without an aperture stop, so that the entry aperture on the scanner 8 assumes the role of the stop.

This adjustment makes it possible to produce only slight positional changes between the components of the optical system and to adjust the beam path simply and quickly, with only fine adjustments being required. By this method, the adjustment can be completed in a shorter time, and the cost for the adjustment at the time of operation and maintenance can be reduced. Depending on the adjustment task, it is also possible to carry out the method without first placing the aperture stop 20 in the beam path. In this case, time will be further saved and labor costs reduced.

In another method, a material layer 110 (for example a paper which changes color by the effect of temperature) which reacts sensitively to the irradiation with radiation 9 is placed in a defined region of the building surface 11. As shown in fig. 14, the layer 110 is provided with markings 111 at a selected few locations on the edge of a building site to be irradiated with the radiation 9 during the construction process. The positions corresponding to the markers 111 when correctly adjusted are then illuminated with rays 9 by the scanner 8. Next, the deviation of the illuminated position from the logo 111 is measured on the layer 110 in two directions. The measurement can be made, for example, in the simplest manner with a ruler. From the measured boundary points, it can then be determined whether, for example, a magnification error or a tilt occurs with respect to the optimal adjustment. The determination of the resulting error can be effected, for example, by inputting the measured values into a corresponding evaluation program.

The magnification error can be generated, for example, by a mechanical change in the distance between the scanner 8 and the building site in the building plane 11, or by an electronic drift of the electronic components of the scanner 8. The tilt error can be generated, for example, by a mechanical distance change or angle change. Depending on the found errors, the found magnification errors and/or tilt errors can be compensated, for example, with the fine adjustment described above, by additionally adjusting the horizontal orientation of the scanner 8, or by calculating correction parameters which within the scope of the control program controlling the scanner 8 correct the program technology of the target point for the radiation 9.

In this method, individual measuring points are measured only at the edges of the building site, and the points of the building site between the measuring points are determined by interpolation. The correction of the errors of the points between the measurement points is likewise carried out by interpolation. Thus, only a small number of measurement points need to be recorded, which can be achieved in a short time with a small amount of labor expenditure. Therefore, the additional working time for the adjustment work and the maintenance work can be significantly reduced, and thus the running cost can be additionally reduced.

Laser cooling and optical system cooling

A ventilation system for an optical system is described below with reference to fig. 1, 2 and 4.

The base support 2 has a cavity 53 in its interior in which the laser 6 and the tube 13 are located. Two ventilators 54 are provided. The ventilator 54 generates an air flow T which carries hot air away from the laser 6, thus cooling it. In this embodiment, the fan 54 is arranged in the cavity 53 in the region of the tube 13. The cavity 53 is connected with two hoses 55 to the area of the device 1 above the building space 10, in which the scanner 8, the polarizer 7 and the diaphragms 19, 20, 21 are arranged.

As can be seen in fig. 5, the air flow T is directed by the ventilator 54 against an upper partition wall 56 of the building space 10. The air flow for cooling the energy source is thereby also deflected in the direction of the optical system.

In this embodiment, the cooling system for cooling the energy source in the form of the laser 6 is thus simultaneously used for cooling the optical system. The optical system has a scanner 8, a polarizer 7 and diaphragms 19, 20 and 21. Thus, it is possible to cool all the components of the optical system with one ventilation system.

Since the air flow T is also directed to the upper partition wall 56 of the building space 10, it is also possible to cool the upper side of the building space 10 with the same ventilation system, while at the same time it is possible to prevent intensive heating of the components of the control device of the apparatus 1 which are arranged above the building space 10. The cooling of the upper side of the building space 10 is achieved with a ventilation system of the optical system. Thus, no separate cooling means need be provided, since the cooling system of the laser can also be used to conduct away the process heat from the construction process from the apparatus 1. This results in cost savings and the device 1 can be constructed in a compact manner.

In this embodiment, the connection of the cavity 53, in which the laser 6 is located, to the upper side of the building space 10 is realized by means of two hoses. But the connection can also be realized, for example, by flow channels in the machine frame itself. It is also possible to provide only one hose or one connecting channel. Although two ventilators 54 are shown, it is also possible to provide only one ventilator or more ventilators 54, depending on the required cooling power. The provision of a common ventilation system for the optical system and the upper side of the building space 10 is not limited to a configuration in which the energy source is a laser or is arranged in the base bracket 2. Efficient and economical cooling of the optics and the upper side of the building space can also be achieved in other arrangements. However, arranging the energy source in one of the basic supports of the frame makes it possible to achieve space savings.

The individual components of the device 1 in the building space 10 are described below.

Heating device

As shown in fig. 5, a heating device 31 is arranged in the building space 10 above the building level 11 for heating the powder bed in the container 25 and in particular for preheating a coated but not yet hardened layer. The heating device 31 is formed, for example, in the form of one or more heat rays, such as infrared radiators, which are arranged above the building surface 11 or which are arranged in such a way that the applied building material layer can be heated uniformly. In the embodiment shown, the heating device 31 is formed as a planar radiator, the heat radiation elements of which are formed by a graphite plate. As can be seen in fig. 8, the heat-radiating element is structured in a meandering manner (strukturert).

In the embodiment shown, the heating device 31 extends as a substantially square plate around an area, which has a substantially square recess in its middle below the entrance window 12, through which the radiation 9 extends from the scanner 8 to the building plane 11.

The fixing of the heating device 31 is described with reference to fig. 8. As shown in fig. 8, in this embodiment, the heating device 31 is composed of a support 44 and a heat radiator 45. The support 44 is received in a seat 46 arranged in the upper region 40 of the building space 10. The heat radiator 45 is received in the support 44.

As is shown schematically in fig. 8 by the arrow a, the support 44 can be removed from the support 46 together with the heat radiator 45. The support 46 is formed in the shape of a rail in which the support 44 is pushed. The support 44 may be inserted into and removed from the seat 46 without tools. The connection between the support 44 and the seat 46 may have various configurations. There is a kind of fixation that can be achieved, for example, by means of keys, clips or the like. A configuration may also be provided in which the support 44 is locked in the seat 46.

The support 44 likewise has a rail-like structure into which the heat radiator 45 is pushed. The heat radiator 45 can be inserted into the support 44 without a tool and removed from the support 44. As with the connection between the support 44 and the support 46, a different type of connection between the support 44 and the heat radiator 45 is again possible. It can also be provided that the heat radiator 45 engages in the support 44.

The described design of the support 46, the support 44 and the heat radiator 45 thus makes it possible, on the one hand, to remove the support 44 together with the heat radiator 45 without tools. This is particularly advantageous for cleaning the building space 10. On the other hand, the heat radiator 45 can be removed from the support 44 without tools. This is particularly advantageous when the heat radiator 45 is to be serviced and replaced. The removal or replacement of parts of the heating device 31 without tools makes it possible to wash the apparatus 1 quickly and without complications and to replace the heat radiator 45 quickly and without complications. This saves time during maintenance and cleaning operations, while the device 1 can be readied for the next processing step relatively quickly.

Dosing device

As is schematically shown in fig. 5, in the embodiment shown, the metering devices 28 and 29 each form a curved plate which extends in a direction perpendicular to the drawing plane of fig. 5 over the entire width of the building plane 11. The metering devices 28 and 29 can rotate like rollers about an axis extending parallel to the construction plane 11 and each form a conveyor roller. The metering devices 28, 29 are designed in such a way that they are driven by the movement of the coating device 27 into a defined angle of rotation about their axes.

In fig. 7, the dosing device 28 is schematically shown. The dosing device 29 is formed similarly to the dosing device 28 and will not be described in detail. The dosing means 28 can be removed from the device 1 without tools and reinserted. As shown in fig. 7, the dosing device 28 has an intermediate section 28c, which is formed as a curved plate and extends along the axis of rotation Z. The intermediate section 28c is used to dispense a prescribed amount of building material. The dosing device 28 furthermore has a first end 28a which, in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation Z, has a smaller cross section than the middle section 28 c. The second end 28b of the dosing device 28 likewise has a smaller cross section in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation Z than the middle section 28 c. The first end 28a of the dosing device 28 is connected to a suspension device 36, about which the dosing device 28 is rotatable or is rotatable together with it about the axis of rotation Z. For this purpose, the first end 28a and the suspension device 36 are connected to one another in a form-fitting manner. In the embodiment shown, the first end 28a has, for example, a cylindrical projection 28a 'which engages in a likewise cylindrical recess 36' of the suspension device 36 in a form-fitting manner, but the suspension device 36 and the first end 28a can also be formed in another manner, for example the first end 28a can have a recess and the suspension device a projection. The recess and the corresponding projection may, for example, have any other shape which leads to a form-locking connection.

The second end 28b of the dosing device 28 is connected to a bearing 37. The second end 28b is rotatably supported by a bearing 37. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the bearing 37 has a circular projecting edge 37a which extends concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation Z. The second end 28b is formed as a cylindrical protrusion which is inserted in a recess formed by a cylindrical protruding edge 37 a. However, other configurations of the bearing 37 and second end 28a are possible, such as the bearing 37 being formed as a protruding pivot pin and the second end 28b having a recess into which the pivot pin is inserted. It is also possible to realize the rotatable mounting of the dosing device 28 in a number of different ways.

In the embodiment shown, a pretensioning element 38 is also provided on the side of the second end 28b between the dosing device 28 and the bearing 37, the pretensioning element 38 pretensioning the dosing device 28 in the direction of the suspension device 36. In the embodiment, the biasing element 38 is formed by a helical spring, which is arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation Z along the edge 37a and the second end 28b, but alternative configurations are also possible, for example the biasing element may also be formed in the form of a leaf spring, which may be arranged in the bearing 37 or in the second end 28b, or the second end 28b itself may be mounted movably on the dosing device 28 by means of the biasing element.

In the embodiment shown, the distance between the bearing 37 and the suspension device 36 is greater by a predetermined distance than the length of the dosing device from the first end 28a to the second end 28 b. The predetermined distance is slightly larger than the length of the protrusion 28 a' in the direction of the rotation axis Z. By means of this configuration, the metering device 28 can be displaced in the direction of the bearing 37 against the pretensioning force of the pretensioning element 38, so that the positive engagement between the first end 28a and the suspension device 36 is released. The dosing device 28 can then be removed and, for example, cleaned or replaced by another dosing device. The dosing device 28 is inserted in the reverse method step.

The described construction thus makes it possible to remove the dosing device 28 without tools. The tool-less removal or tool-less replacement of the dosing means 28 makes it possible to wash the device 1 quickly and without complications and to replace the dosing means quickly and without complications. This saves time during maintenance and cleaning operations, and the device 1 can be quickly set aside for use in the next operating step and the operating costs of the device 1 can be reduced.

Alternatively, for example, the bearing 37 and/or the suspension 36 can also be designed as a drive shaft, which drives the dosing device in rotation. In this case, a form-locking connection can also be realized between the second end 28b and the bearing.

The holders on both sides of the metering device 28, in which the metering device 28 is held, can also be designed, for example, as recesses into which the metering device 28 is laterally inserted. The fixation may be achieved, for example, by means of a key, a clip or the like. It is also possible to provide a construction in which the metering device 28 engages on its support. The dosing device 28 can also be fixed, for example, with a knurled screw, which can be loosened and tightened by hand.

Building material supply/thermal protection

The areas of the dosing devices 28 and 29 in the building space 10 will now be described with reference to fig. 5.

In the region of the dosing device 28, a construction material receiving area 23 is formed, which is below the level of the construction level 11. The construction material receiving zone 23 is formed such that it can receive a defined amount of construction material supplied by the applicator 27. A construction material receiving area 24 is formed in the region of the dosing device 29 and the supply opening 30. The construction material receiving area 24 is dimensioned such that construction material supplied through the supply opening 30 and also construction material returned through the applicator 27 can be received therein.

The building material receiving areas 23 and 24 and the metering devices 28 and 29 are dimensioned such that a defined amount of building material is moved in front of the coating device 27 for each 180 ° turn of the metering device 28 or 29.

As shown in fig. 5, a radiation protection plate 32 and 33 is mounted above the dosing devices 28 and 29, respectively. The radiation protection plates 32 and 33 prevent the direct action of thermal radiation from the heating device 31 on the building material which is located in the building material receiving areas 23 and 24 in the region of the dosing devices 28 and 29 and the supply opening 30.

The underside of the building material receiving areas 23 and 24 is provided with a double-walled structure by means of which cavities 34 and 35 are formed. The cavities extend along the entire underside of the building material receiving areas 23 and 24. By means of this double-walled construction, the building material receiving space can be insulated downwards with respect to the underlying components of the apparatus 1. According to one embodiment, a fluid can be circulated through the cavities 34 and 35 in order to regulate the temperature of the building material located in the building material receiving areas 23 and 24. A regulating device may further be provided which regulates the flow rate of the fluid through the cavities 34 and/or the temperature of the fluid. By providing such a regulating device, the temperature of the construction material can be controlled.

By providing the radiation protection plates 32 and 33 and the cavities 34 and 35, the temperature of the building material in the region of the dosing devices 28 and 29 and in the powder receiving regions 23 and 24 can be kept lower than the temperature of the building space above the building level 11 and the temperature of the building material in the region below the container 25.

Thus, the provision of the cavities 34 and 35 and the radiation protection plates 32 and 33 prevents an undesired excessive increase in the temperature of the building material in the building material receiving areas 23, 24. Thereby, the thermodynamic influence on the properties of the construction material can be reduced before the construction process.

Coating system

The coating system in an embodiment is described below with reference to fig. 9 and 13.

As can be seen in fig. 13, the coating system has a coater 27 and a drive mechanism 59. The coating device 27 has a coating element 61 and a support 60. The coating element 61 is held in the support 60. The support 60 is connected to the drive mechanism 59.

As seen in fig. 9, the support 60 has a main arm 62 and two support arms, a first support arm 63 and a second support arm 64, extending vertically downward from the main arm. The first support arm 63 is made rigid and is fixedly connected to the main arm 62. The second support arm 64 is fixedly connected at one end 64a thereof to the main arm 62. The second support arm has a flexibility such that its free end 64b can move in a limited amount against the resilience of the material of the second support arm 64, as indicated by arrow C in fig. 9. By this movement, the distance between the free ends 63b, 64b of the support arms 63 and 64 can be increased. A recess 63c and 64c is provided in each of the support arms 63 and 64.

The coating element 61 has a main body 61a extending substantially parallel to the main arm 62 of the support 60, and two projections 61b projecting laterally from the main body 61 a. The two projections 61b are dimensioned such that they can be inserted in a form-locking manner into the recesses 63c and 64c of the support arms 63 and 64. The positive engagement produces a non-rotatable connection between the coating element 61 and the support 60. In the embodiment shown, the coating element 61 is formed as a coating blade, the lower edge 61c of which serves for coating and smoothing the building material.

As is shown schematically in fig. 9 by the arrows C and D, the free end 64b can be moved away from the free end 63b in the direction of the arrow C, so that the form-locking engagement between the coating element 61 and the second support arm 64 can be released. The coating element 61 can then be removed from the support 60, as indicated by the arrow D.

The fixing of the coating elements 61 on the support 60 is effected in the reverse order.

With the described construction, the coating element 61 can be removed from the support 60 and fixed to the support 60 without tools, i.e. without tools. Thereby making it possible to replace the coating element 61 faster and more efficiently. Time can be saved during maintenance work and cleaning work and the device 1 can be relatively quickly ready to be used in the next work step. In particular, it is possible to use different coating elements 61 for the successive building processes, corresponding to the respective requirements, and to replace the coating elements between the building processes with a low expenditure of labor.

Other structures for connecting the coating element 61 to the support 60 are also possible. For example, recesses can be provided on the coating element 61 and projections on the support 60 for a form-locking connection. It is also possible to provide inserts, for example in grooves, and if necessary latches between the coating element 61 and the support 60.

The coating means 59 of the coating element 27 are described below with reference to fig. 13. As can be seen in fig. 13, the support 60 of the coating element 27 is connected to a drive shaft 65 in a rotationally fixed manner. The drive shaft 65 is rotatably supported with its ends in bearings 66 and 67. The drive shaft 65 is rotatable about an axis E which extends perpendicularly to the building plane 11 shown in fig. 5. This rotation is indicated by arrow F in fig. 13. A lever 68 is furthermore mounted on the drive shaft 65 in a rotationally fixed manner. The lever 68 is connected to a drive-piston-cylinder system 69. The lever 68 is furthermore connected to a brake-piston-cylinder system 70. In the embodiment, the drive means-piston-cylinder system 69 is formed as a pneumatic system which, when the piston is acted upon with pressure, drives the drive shaft 65 in rotation about the axis E via the lever 68. Rotation of the drive shaft 65 causes rotation of the support 60 so as to cause movement of the coating element 61 parallel to the building plane 11. The drive shaft 65 is arranged laterally of the building site in the rear region of the building space, in which the hardening of the building material is effected. By means of the drive 59, the applicator 27 can be moved over a limited angular range on a track corresponding to a circular arc segment. The applicator 27 is thereby moved back and forth on the circular track between a first position on one side of the building site and a second position on the opposite side of the building site. Due to this construction, the drive mechanism 59 is arranged substantially on one side of the construction site for the movement of the applicator 27 and ensures free access to the construction site from the opposite side. By providing a pneumatic system as the drive means, the movement of the coating applicator can be realized with high precision and at low cost.

The brake piston cylinder system 70 is designed as a hydraulic brake cylinder. The brake-piston-cylinder system 70 produces damping of pressure changes when the drive-piston-cylinder system is loaded or there is a change in resistance acting against the drive (which can result in a change in the speed of flutter of the coater 27). Thereby, it is possible for the coater 27 to move uniformly according to a predetermined speed profile. An optimized movement of the coating device 27 results in an improved, uniform coating of the layers and thus in an improved quality of the component.

In this embodiment, a coating device 27 is described which moves on a circular path about an axis E parallel to the building plane 11. The circular track is dimensioned such that the applicator performs a movement along the entire building plane. The applicator can also be designed such that a linear movement along the building plane 11 is achieved. In this case, the combination of the drive unit piston cylinder system 69 and the brake piston cylinder system 70 likewise results in a uniform movement of the coating device and thus in an improved coating of the layer.

Replacement container/suspension device

In an embodiment, the configuration of the container 25 is described with reference to fig. 5 and 10. The container 25 with the support device 26 arranged therein is only schematically shown in the figures.

In one embodiment, the container 25 is designed as a replacement container which, together with the support device 26 arranged therein, forms a building platform, can be removed from the device 1. A coupling mechanism, not shown, is provided in the device 1, with which the support device 26 and the container 25 can be connected to the drive for the vertical movement of the support device 26 and can be disconnected. This coupling mechanism is controlled by the control of the device 1. The coupling mechanism may be constructed such that it is similar to that described in the prior art mentioned in the introduction.

As schematically shown in fig. 10, a support 74 is provided on the door 73. The door 73 is pivotably fixed to the machine frame of the apparatus 1 and closes the building space 10 of the apparatus 1 against the outside of the apparatus 1 in the closed state. In one embodiment, the door 73 is supported on one side thereof in such a way that it can be pivoted about an axis G, as indicated by the arrow H. The axis G extends vertically in the embodiment shown, so that the door 73 of the device 1 can be swung open to the side.

The container 25 has a fastener 75 on one side. The fastener 75 is engageable with a support 74 on the door 73 so that the container 25 can be supported on the door 73 and swung away from the machine frame together with the door 73. The support 74 is formed in the embodiment shown on the inner side of the door 73 as a projection which has a recess on its upper side. The fastening element 75 on the receptacle 25 is designed as a projecting hook which engages in a recess.

To insert the container 25 in the apparatus 1, the fastener 75 of the container 25 engages the support 74 when the door 73 is opened. This process can be performed in an easy manner, since the support 74 is easily accessible from the outside of the device 1 when the door 73 is opened. When the door 73 is closed, the container 25 is moved into the building space 10. The container 25 is disengaged from the support 74 of the door via the coupling mechanism by the control of the device 1. The bearing device 26 is connected to an associated drive.

In this case, the container 25 is not connected to the door 73, and the door 73 can be opened when necessary, without having to remove the container 25 from the apparatus 1 at this time. On the other hand, the control of the device 1 can be used to bring the container 25 back into engagement with the support 74 and to remove the bearing device 26 from the associated drive. In this case, the container 25 can be removed from the building space 10 and from the apparatus 1 by opening the door 73. The container 25 swings out together with the door 73. In this position, the container 25 can be easily removed from the apparatus without the need to access the interior of the machine.

Although the door 73 is in the embodiment shown pivoted about a vertical axis, it is also possible, for example, to arrange the door to open in a horizontal plane in another manner. Furthermore, the connection of the door 73 to the container 25 may not be limited to the described embodiments with a recess and a hook engaging with the recess. Other mechanisms may be provided to engage the door 73 with the container 25.

Building platform seal

The guidance of the support device 26 in the container 25 is described with reference to fig. 11. As already described with reference to fig. 5, the support device 26 can be moved in the vertical direction K relative to the container 25 by means of a drive. The upper side of the support device 26 forms a building platform 78 on which the three-dimensional object to be formed is produced layer by layer. Between the building platform 78 and the inner wall 79 of the container 25 there is a gap 80 which is dimensioned such that the support device 26 can be moved in the vertical direction in the container 25. There is the risk that construction material passes through the gap 80 from the area of the construction platform 78 into the area of the container 25 below the construction platform 78. However, the passage of the construction material is undesirable, since the drive can be soiled and maintenance work is required as a consequence.

To prevent the building material from passing through, the gap 80 is closed by a seal 81, which is described below. The seal 81 is formed by a layer of flexible material that is annularly disposed along the edge of the building platform 78, below the building platform 78. The sealing portion 81 is made of, for example, a flat strip of silicon material. However, it may be another material having sufficient heat resistance and flexibility. The sealing portion 81 has an outer dimension in the plane perpendicular to the displacement direction K in the flat state which is slightly larger than the inner dimension of the container 25. In the inserted state in the container 25, the sealing part 81 is thereby slightly bent in the region of the gap 80 and rests under slight tension on the inner wall 79 of the container 25 due to the flexibility of its material.

A guide plate 82 is arranged below the building platform 78 below the sealing 81, the guide plate 82 having an outer dimension in a plane perpendicular to the displacement direction K which is slightly larger than the building platform 78. The outer peripheral edge 82a of the guide plate 82 is bent in the direction of the gap 80. The outer edge 82a rests on the sealing 81 in the region of the gap 80. The outer edge 82a bends the seal portion 81 in the range of its outer periphery so that the edge of the seal portion is bent toward the upper space boundary in the gap. The guide plate 82 prevents the flexible sealing portion 81 from being turned over in its edge region in the direction opposite to the direction of the predeformation even when the building platform 78 is moved in the bending direction of the bent edge region of the sealing portion 81. This ensures that the support device 26 can be reliably displaced together with the building platform 78 in the displacement direction K relative to the container 25. Furthermore, penetration of building material particles into the area below the building platform 78, which may occur when the seal is turned over, can be prevented.

The guide plate 82 with the bent edge region 82a also has the effect that a flat plate, for example made of silicon, can be used as the sealing part 81. The sealing part 81 can also be made of other plastics, for example. Due to this implementation, the seal need not have a structure or shaping on its outer edge in the circumferential direction that specifically matches the exact dimensions of the inner diameter of the container.

Temperature control of containers

The lower region 41 of the building space 10 is described with reference to fig. 5 and 6. As can be seen in fig. 5, a chamber 85 is formed in the lower region 41, which surrounds the underside of the container 25. The chamber 85 is filled with a fluid medium when the device 1 is in operation. In an embodiment, the fluid medium is a gas. In particular, in one embodiment, this gas is an inert gas which is also used in the upper region 40 in order to prevent the building material from deteriorating, for example by oxidation.

The chamber 85 is delimited at its sides by side walls 86 and is separated from the upper region 40 of the building space 10 by a partition 87, at the level of the building level 11. The chamber 85 is bounded downwardly by a bottom 88. The bottom 88 has a through-opening 89 in the lower region of the container 25 for the connection of the support device 26 to its drive. An outlet opening 90 is provided in the bottom 88 in the area below the corner of the container 25. In the embodiment shown, two outlet openings 90 are provided below each corner of the container 25. However, other numbers of outlet openings may be provided, for example, only one outlet opening for each corner may be provided.

In the upper region within the side wall 86, as can be seen in fig. 5, a hole 91 is additionally provided. The aperture 91 is connected to the outlet aperture 90 by a ventilation system. The ventilation system is in this embodiment arranged outside the chamber 85 and is formed by a second chamber 84 extending outside the side wall 86 and below the bottom 88. There is a ventilator 92 in the ventilation system. A heating device 93 and a temperature sensor are also provided in the ventilation system. The fluid medium located in the lower region 41 is sucked into the second chamber 84 via the fan 92 via the opening 91 and flows through the outlet opening 90 into the chamber 85 again in a directed manner. Due to the arrangement of the outlet openings 90 below the corners of the container 25 and the arrangement of the openings 91 in the side wall 86, a directed flow is generated in the region of the corners of the container 25, which acts in a temperature-equalizing manner on the container 25. This flow is indicated by arrows S in fig. 5 and 6. By means of this directed flow, the temperature distribution of the container 25 can be determined and a uniform tempering of the container 25 is possible. The provision of the heating device 93 and the temperature sensor makes it possible to accurately adjust the temperature of the directional flow. In this way, the temperature of the container 25 and the building material located therein can be regulated in a defined manner during operation of the device 1. The directed flow causes heat exchange of the fluid medium with the vessel 25, especially at the vessel corners. Starting from the corners, the temperature distribution of the container 25 can be maintained particularly uniformly in an advantageous manner.

Controlled cooling of the hardened building material and the surrounding unhardened building material in the container 25 can be achieved during operation by conscious tempering of the container corners by means of directed flow. In this way, an extreme temperature gradient can be prevented during cooling of the building material, which extreme temperature gradient causes deterioration of the finished three-dimensional object by deformation during cooling.

In an embodiment, the same process gas that is also used in the upper region 40 (actual building area) of the building space 10 can be used as the fluidizing medium. Thereby, no special sealing is required between the upper region 40 and the lower region 41 of the building space 10. Thereby, an economical construction of the device 1 is possible. The thermodynamic ageing of the building material in the container 25 can be further prevented to a high degree. This is also advantageous, in particular in view of the reuse of the unhardened building material in further construction processes.

Supply of construction material

The supply of construction material to the apparatus 1 is described with reference to figures 1, 12 and 15. As can be seen in fig. 1, an opening 95 for supplying construction material is formed in the rear region of the device 1. The opening 95 is connected to the supply opening 30, which is shown in fig. 5 as leading to the building space 10. In one embodiment, the supply takes place by gravity feed depending on the weight of the construction material. The upper region of the wellbore 69 is shown schematically in fig. 12.

The shaft 96 has a cover wall 97 on its upper side, and two holes 97a and 97b are provided in the cover wall 97 for connection with filling pipes 98a and 98b for the supply of construction material. The filling pipes 98a and 98b have on their upper side fittings 99a, 99b for construction material supply containers 100a and 100 b. The joints 99a and 99b may be connected to the construction material supply containers 100a and 100b, respectively. A flap 101a, 101b is provided in each of the filling tubes 98a, 98 b. The flaps 101a, 101b can be moved into a first position, respectively, in which they close the associated section of the filling tube 98a or 98b, as is shown on the left in fig. 12. The valves 101a, 101b can also each be moved into a second position in which the cross section of the filler pipe 98a or 98b is not closed, and building material can be introduced into the shaft 96 from the building material supply container 100a or 100 b.

In the well bore 96, below the holes 97a and 97b, there are mounted level detectors 102a and 102b, respectively. The level detector 102a detects whether there is building material in the wellbore 96 below the fill tube 98 a. The level detector 102b detects whether there is building material in the wellbore below the fill tube 98 b.

The filling pipes 98a and 98b are each provided with a mechanism with which the filling pipes can be moved along the shaft 96 together with the building material supply containers 100a and 100b fixed thereto or can be removed from the shaft as schematically shown in fig. 15. This movement can be carried out separately from one another for the two filling tubes. In this embodiment, the displacement can be carried out as a pivoting movement about an axis extending substantially horizontally.

In operation, the well bore 96 is first filled with building material. The construction material supply container 100b is likewise filled with construction material, while the associated flap 101 is in the open position. The material column of the building material extends in the shaft 96 up to above the associated level detector 102 b. The second construction-material supply container 100a is likewise filled with construction material, but the associated flap is still in the closed position, as is shown in fig. 12.

During operation of the installation 1, the building material is consumed and the filling level in the shaft 96 drops, since the building material is conveyed by its weight through the supply opening 30 to the building space 10. As long as building material is present in the building material supply container 100b, the building material slides down into the shaft 96. When the construction material supply container 100b is empty, the filling level in the shaft 96 drops on the side of the filling level detector 102b when the device 1 is operated further. Then, the level detector 102b detects that the construction material supply container 100b is empty. Next, the shutter 101 in the filling pipe 98b is closed. A valve 101 in the other filling pipe 98a is opened to allow the building material to be fed from the other building material supply container 100a to the shaft 96.

In this position, the construction material supply container 100b can be removed from the apparatus 1 and filled or replaced with another already filled construction material supply container. The connection 99a or 99b can be formed, for example, as an internal thread in the filling tube 98a or 98b, into which a corresponding external thread on the construction material supply container 100a, 100b is screwed. This makes it possible to adopt a container available on the market as a construction material supply container. A building material supply container that has been filled or replaced can be reconnected to the fill tube 98b and moved down the well bore 96 so that it is ready for use while another building material supply container 100a is empty.

When the building material supply container 100a is empty, the level in the shaft 96 drops, which level detector 102a detects and sends a signal to the control device of the apparatus 1, which signal indicates that the building material supply container is empty. Then, the shutter 101 in the filling pipe 98a may be closed, and the shutter 101 in the filling pipe 98b may be opened, so that the construction material may be newly supplied from the construction material supply container 100 b. The closing and opening of the shutter 101 can be performed by control means of the device 1. Thus, the construction material supply container 100a can be replaced.

Two construction material supply containers 100a and 100b are provided, which can be connected to the device 1 independently of one another via separate connections 98a and 98 b. The operation of the apparatus 1 must not be interrupted when a construction material supply container 100a or 100b is replaced. When a three-dimensional object is to be manufactured in the construction space 10, the replacement of the construction material supply container can be performed during the ongoing construction process. Efficient operation of the apparatus 1 is obtained and the down time in which the construction process may not be carried out can be reduced. The device 1 can be operated more simply. During operation, it is possible to constantly keep a construction material supply container filled.

A cover may be further provided for closing the construction material supply containers 100a, 100 b. The construction material container is then closed before being supplied to the device 1 or after being removed.

By forming the filling pipes 98a, 98b with the connections 99a, 99b for the construction material supply containers 100a, 100b, it is possible to use construction material supply containers in the plant which are also suitable for storing and mixing construction material. Depending on the construction of the joint, commercially available containers can be used.

A plurality of construction material supply containers may further be provided for, for example, different construction materials, or may also be used for storing construction materials. In particular, a plurality of construction material supply containers can be used in such a way that the operation of the device 1 is effected using two construction material supply containers and at the same time the mixing of the construction material takes place in the other construction material supply containers. The device 1 may further be provided with one or more than two fittings for building material supply containers.

In one embodiment, the control device of the device 1 is designed such that the fill level information is automatically transmitted electronically to the operator by the fill level detectors 102a, 102 b. The sending may be done, for example, by SMS or E-mail. For this purpose, the device 1 has a suitable network interface.

It has been described that the supply of the construction material is performed by using the self-weight of the construction material. However, the supply may be performed in other manners. For example, the construction material supply container may be provided with a mechanical device that assists in the supply of construction material to the wellbore. For example, a vibration device may be provided that vibrates the construction material supply containers 100a, 100b or the construction material located therein to assist in the supply of construction material to the well bore 96. The vibrating means may also be formed by one or more mechanical exciters on the filling tubes 98a, 98b (filling segments).

Change

Various modifications to the described apparatus are possible. Instead of a laser, other energy sources, such as other light sources or, for example, electron sources or other particle sources, may also be used. Other optical systems may also be employed depending on the energy source. In the case of an electron source as the energy source, an electromagnetic lens system and a deflection system may be employed, for example.

Certain features described, such as forming a framing system, may also be implemented in an apparatus for three-dimensional printing, such as in a method similar to ink-jet printing, or in a mask exposure method.

When using a laser as the energy source, the apparatus may be configured for application in a laser sintering process, or in a laser melting process, in which the building material is locally melted.

As a building material, many materials are possible. For example, plastic powders, such as polyamide powders, or else metal powders or ceramic powders may be used. Mixtures are also possible, so that for example metal coated with plastic can be used.

Claims (10)

1. Apparatus (1) for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by layer-by-layer hardening of a building material in respective layers at positions corresponding to the object, the apparatus comprising:

a machine frame (2, 3, 4, 5) and a building space (10) provided in the machine frame;

an energy source (6) emitting radiation (9) to selectively harden the construction material; and

a ventilator (54) which generates an air flow (T) for cooling the energy source (6);

characterized in that a connecting channel (55) is provided, which leads the air flow (T) to a partition wall (56) delimiting the building space (10).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a connecting channel is formed which conveys the gas flow (T) to the outside of the device (1).

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the energy source (6) is arranged in a cavity (53) inside the base support (2) of the machine frame (2, 3, 4, 5).

4. A device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the cavity (53) forms part of a flow path for the gas flow (T).

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the ventilator (54) is arranged in the cavity (53).

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the partition wall (56) delimits the building space (10) from above.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elements of the optical system (7, 8) and/or the control device of the apparatus (1) are arranged on the side of the partition (56) facing away from the building space (10).

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the apparatus has an optical system comprising a polarizer (7) and a scanner (8), and the connecting channel (55) leads the air flow (T) into a partition (56) of the building space (10) which delimits the building space from above, into the area of the scanner (8).

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the energy source (6) is a laser.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the apparatus is a laser sintering machine.