Planning device and method for planning localized selective irradiation of machining region with energy beam, and manufacturing device and method for additive manufacturing of component from powder material

Abstract

A planning device and method for planning local selective irradiation of a machining region with an energy beam and a manufacturing device and method for additive manufacturing of a component from a powder material. The invention relates to a method for planning the localized selective irradiation of a machining region (15) with at least one energy beam (11) in order to produce at least one component (3) by means of the at least one energy beam (11) layer by layer from a plurality of powder material layers of a powder material (5) arranged in the machining region (15) in the layer sequence in chronological succession, a plurality of irradiation regions (21) are planned to be irradiated with the at least one energy beam (11) on the processing region (15), and wherein, for the irradiation region (21) of the plurality of irradiation regions (21), a respective associated parameter value of at least one irradiation parameter is selected, an associated parameter value is selected as a function of the association of the corresponding irradiation region (21) with one of the at least two sub-regions (23) of the processing region (15), in particular, an irradiation plan is acquired for locally selectively irradiating the processing region (15) with the at least one energy beam (11) in at least one layer of powder material.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a planning device and a method for planning a locally selective irradiation of a process region with an energy beam and to a manufacturing device and a method for additive manufacturing of a component from a powder material. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the production of components by means of a locally selective irradiation of a process region with an energy beam, different interference quantities can occur, which lead to different component properties depending on the location of the irradiation on the process region, even if the remaining irradiation parameters are identical. Examples of such interference quantities are locally different conditions, which result from a symmetry-breaking gas flow or by inhomogeneities in the gas flow above the process region, or from locally different angles of incidence of the energy beam. Thereby, again inhomogeneities within the component or different properties of components produced simultaneously on different locations of the process region can be caused. Both cases are undesirable, since this leads to a lack of process reproducibility and / or to a reduced component quality. SUMMARY

[0003] It is therefore the task underlying the invention to provide a planning device and a method for planning a locally selective irradiation of a process region with an energy beam and a manufacturing device and a method for additive manufacturing of a component from a powder material, in which the described disadvantages are at least reduced, preferably do not occur.

[0004] The solution to the described task is to provide the current technical teaching, in particular of the independent claims and of the embodiments disclosed in the dependent claims and the description.

[0005] The task is solved, inter alia, by providing a method for planning a locally selective irradiation of a process region with at least one energy beam - also referred to as planning method in the following - for producing a component layer by layer from a plurality of powder material layers of a powder material arranged in temporal succession in layer order in a process region with the aid of at least one energy beam, wherein a plurality of irradiation regions on the process region are planned for irradiation with at least one energy beam, wherein for an irradiation region, in particular each irradiation region, of the plurality of irradiation regions, a respectively assigned parameter value of at least one irradiation parameter is selected, wherein the assigned parameter value is selected in accordance with an assignment of the corresponding irradiation region to one of at least two subregions of the process region. By means of the assignment of the corresponding irradiation region to a subregion of the process region and the selection of the respectively assigned parameter value in accordance with the assignment, it is advantageously possible to take into account location dependencies in the manufacturing conditions on the process region at the time of irradiation and thus, inter alia, to compensate for different local conditions or, in other words, to homogenize the manufacturing at different locations of the process region. Advantageously, at least the occurrence of variations in the properties of the component that occur locally on the process region is reduced, preferably avoided, thereby increasing the reproducibility of the manufacturing and the quality of the component.

[0006] In particular, as a product or result of the planning method, inter alia, an irradiation plan is obtained for a locally selective irradiation of the process region with at least one energy beam in at least one powder material layer.

[0007] An irradiation region is understood in the context of the present technical teaching, inter alia, as a region that is irradiated completely, in particular systematically, in particular with a defined displacement direction of the energy beam, by the energy beam. Such an irradiation region comprises, inter alia, at least two irradiation vectors, which are irradiated, in particular directly in temporal succession, by the energy beam, which means, are processed by the energy beam. In particular, such an irradiation region can be configured as a strip of irradiation vectors that are oriented parallel to one another, arranged side by side perpendicular to their orientation.

[0008] An irradiation vector is understood, inter alia, as a continuous, in particular linear, displacement of the energy beam in a specific displacement direction over a specific path segment. The irradiation vector comprises, inter alia, the direction and orientation of the displacement, i.e. the vector orientation. The irradiation vector does not necessarily have to be configured as a straight path segment, but the irradiation vector can also follow at least a locally curved line or curve.

[0009] Irradiation or processing of an irradiation vector is understood in the context of the present technical teaching, inter alia, as an irradiation of the powder material in a process region that is defined by the irradiation vector.

[0010] In particular, a corresponding parameter value of the at least one irradiation parameter is assigned to each of the dependent irradiation regions. In particular, in the framework of the planning method, at least one identical irradiation parameter is used for a plurality of different irradiation regions, but wherein different irradiation regions are assigned different parameter values of the irradiation parameter in accordance with their respective affiliation to a corresponding subregion of the machining region.

[0011] In particular, the assigned parameter value is selected in accordance with a geometrical affiliation of the corresponding irradiation region to the corresponding subregion, in particular in accordance with a geometrical position of the irradiation region relative to the subregion.

[0012] In one configuration, the subregions are respectively assigned different parameter values of the at least one irradiation parameter. In another configuration, a first group of subregions is assigned identical parameter values, wherein at least one further region or at least one second group of subregions is assigned another parameter value. In particular, an irradiation region is assigned to a subregion, and the parameter value assigned to this subregion is assigned to this irradiation region.

[0013] In particular, for a plurality of powder material layers, in particular for all powder material layers, a respective planning is carried out to irradiate a plurality of irradiation regions on the machining region with at least one energy beam, wherein for an irradiation region of the plurality of irradiation regions of a corresponding powder material layer, a respectively assigned parameter value of the at least one irradiation parameter is selected, wherein the assigned parameter value is selected in accordance with an affiliation of the corresponding irradiation region to one of at least two subregions of the machining region. In particular, this is carried out for all powder material layers of the plurality of powder material layers. In particular, an irradiation planning is obtained for all powder material layers. In particular, the method is carried out iteratively - powder material layer by powder material layer.

[0014] Additive or generative manufacturing or production of a component is in particular understood to mean layerwise construction of a component from a powder material, in particular a powder bed-based method for producing a component in a powder bed, in particular from a manufacturing method selected from the group consisting of selective laser sintering, laser metal fusion (LMF), direct metal laser melting (DMLM), laser net shape manufacturing (LNSM), selective electron beam melting ((S)EBM) and laser engineered net shaping (LENS). The manufacturing device is thus in particular configured to carry out at least one of the previously described additive or generative manufacturing methods.

[0015] The energy beams are in particular selected from the group consisting of electromagnetic beams, in particular optical machining beams, in particular laser beams, and particle beams, in particular electron beams. The energy beams can be continuous or pulsed, in particular continuous laser beams or pulsed laser beams. In an embodiment with multiple energy beams, all energy beams are laser beams in a particular configuration.

[0016] In particular, it is possible within the framework of the planning method to plan the selective irradiation of the machining region with the multiple energy beams in order to produce a component or multiple components layer by layer from multiple layers of powder material arranged in time succession in layer order in the machining region by means of the multiple energy beams. Here, it is possible in a configuration for all energy beams to be displaceable over the entire machining region. However, it is also possible for a particular energy beam of the multiple energy beams to be respectively assigned to a particular sub-displacement region on the machining region in which the particular energy beam can be displaced, wherein these energy beams in particular cannot be displaced in other sub-displacement regions. It is possible in particular in the case of a larger manufacturing device or a larger machining region for a particular energy beam not to be able to reach a particular sub-displacement region of the machining region for structural reasons.

[0017] If multiple energy beams are used, it is possible for individual sub-regions on the machining region to be respectively defined for at least a minority of the energy beams, but in particular for all of the energy beams, wherein the corresponding parameter value is selected in accordance with the assignment of the irradiation region assigned to a particular energy beam to the sub-region of the machining region assigned to the same energy beam. However, it is alternatively also possible for the sub-regions on the machining region to be uniformly defined for at least a minority of the energy beams, but in particular also for all of the energy beams, when multiple energy beams are used, so that the assignment of the sub-regions to a particular energy beam is not important in this respect.

[0018] According to an extension of the application, it is provided that at least one irradiation parameter is selected from the group consisting of the irradiation order of at least two irradiation vectors within the corresponding irradiation region, the position of the irradiation region in the machining order of multiple irradiation regions, the vector direction of the irradiation vectors, the vector orientation of the irradiation vectors, the order of the vector orientation of the irradiation vectors in particular within the irradiation region, the spacing between irradiation vectors directly adjacent to one another of the irradiation region, the irradiation power of at least one energy beam, the shape of the energy beam on the machining region, the size of the energy beam on the machining region, the displacement speed of at least one energy beam on the machining region, the flow speed of a protective gas flow above the machining region, the flow direction of the protective gas flow, the position of the irradiation region on the machining region and combinations consisting of at least two of the above-mentioned irradiation parameters. The irradiation parameters are suitable in a particular manner for compensating local differences in the irradiation conditions on the machining region by changing the parameter values.

[0019] The order of irradiation of at least two irradiation vectors within a corresponding irradiation region, in the context of the present technical teaching, is understood in particular as a vectorial order of irradiation vectors, i.e. as an order in which the irradiation vectors are processed in time one after the other. In particular, the order of irradiation is a vectorial order of processing along a processing direction determined for the irradiation region. Here, the processing direction is understood in particular as a direction along which irradiation vectors arranged next to each other in particular parallel are processed in time one after the other.

[0020] The position of an irradiation region in an order of processing of a plurality of irradiation regions, in the context of the present technical teaching, is understood in particular as at which point or what rank the irradiation region under consideration is arranged within the order of processing. Here, the order of processing of a plurality of irradiation regions is understood as a temporal order in which the different irradiation regions are processed one after the other.

[0021] The vectorial direction of an irradiation vector, in the context of the present technical teaching, is understood in particular as the direction of the irradiation vector on the processing region. The direction can be given for example in the form of an angle which the irradiation vector encloses with a reference axis or a preferred direction defined on the processing region.

[0022] In contrast thereto, the vectorial orientation of an irradiation vector, in the context of the present technical teaching, is understood in particular as how the irradiation vector is oriented on the processing region, i.e. as how the start and end points of the energy beam displacement of the beam along the irradiation vector are arranged, or - in other words - as in which direction the vectorial arrow of the irradiation vector points. In particular, two different vectorial orientations result for one particular vectorial direction of an irradiation vector. The vectorial orientation of an irradiation vector is thus completely given by the specification of the vectorial direction on the one hand and of the vectorial orientation on the other hand.

[0023] In contrast thereto, the order of vectorial orientations of irradiation vectors, in the context of the present technical teaching, is understood in particular as how the vectorial orientations of irradiation vectors of an irradiation region arranged next to each other parallel along the processing direction are oriented relative to each other. In particular, adjacent irradiation vectors can be oriented homodirectionally or staggered. If the irradiation vectors are oriented staggered, the irradiation vectors can be oriented in particular individually, i.e. exactly alternately staggered, or homodirectionally within a vectorial group and staggered by the group.

[0024] The spacing between two illumination vectors directly adjacent to each other is understood in particular as the smallest geometric distance between two illumination vectors directly adjacent to each other of one illumination region, which is measured in particular perpendicularly with respect to the vector direction of at least one of the illumination vectors, in particular perpendicularly with respect to the vector directions of two illumination vectors oriented parallel to each other. The distance can be identical for each pair of two illumination vectors directly adjacent to each other within the illumination region, or can vary within the illumination region.

[0025] The shape of the energy beam on the machining region is understood in the context of the present technical teaching in particular as the shape of the projection of the energy beam on the machining region, which means in particular the energy beam cross-sectional shape generated on the machining region. The boundary lines or frame of the shape are determined here in particular at a predetermined percentage of the peak power of the energy beam. In particular, the shape of the energy beam on the machining region - in particular in the case of a non-rotationally symmetrical shape - contains the direction of the shape and preferably also the orientation of the shape.

[0026] The size of the energy beam on the machining region is understood in the context of the present technical teaching in particular as the extension dimension of the shape of the energy beam, for example the diameter or the like.

[0027] The position of the illumination region on the machining region is understood in the context of the present technical teaching in particular as the geometric position of the illumination region, possibly also of a plurality of illumination regions of a specific component or component island, or also of all illumination regions on the machining region. In particular, the position of the machining region - in particular in the case of a non-rotationally symmetrical illumination region - contains the direction of the illumination region and preferably also the orientation of the illumination region.

[0028] In particular, in one embodiment the illumination sequence of at least two illumination vectors within the corresponding illumination region is used as an illumination parameter. Alternatively or additionally, the position of the illumination region in the machining sequence of a plurality of illumination regions is used as an illumination parameter. Alternatively or additionally, the vector direction and / or the vector orientation of the illumination vector is used as an illumination parameter. Alternatively or additionally, the order of the vector orientation of the illumination vector is used as an illumination parameter. Alternatively or additionally, the position of the illumination region on the machining region, in particular its direction and / or orientation, is used as an illumination parameter.

[0029] In particular, in one embodiment only the illumination sequence of at least two illumination vectors within the corresponding illumination region is used as the only illumination parameter, the parameter value of which is selected depending on the assigned subregion. In particular, in this configuration all other possible illumination parameters that can still be used are defined independently of the assignment of a specific subregion.

[0030] In particular, in another embodiment - especially only - the order of irradiation of the at least two irradiation vectors and the vector direction of the irradiation vectors within the corresponding irradiation area are used as at least one irradiation parameter. In one configuration, additionally the order of the vector orientation of the irradiation vectors is used as irradiation parameter. Alternatively or additionally, the position of the irradiation area on the process area, especially its direction and / or orientation, is used as irradiation parameter.

[0031] In particular, in another embodiment - especially only - the order of irradiation of the at least two irradiation vectors and the vector direction of the irradiation vectors within the corresponding irradiation area are used as at least one irradiation parameter. In one configuration, additionally the order of the vector orientation of the irradiation vectors is used as irradiation parameter. Alternatively or additionally, the position of the irradiation area on the process area, especially its direction and / or orientation, is used as irradiation parameter.

[0032] In another embodiment - especially only - the order of irradiation of the at least two irradiation vectors, the position of the irradiation area in the process order of the plurality of irradiation areas, and the vector direction of the irradiation vectors within the corresponding irradiation area are used as at least one irradiation parameter. In one configuration, additionally the order of the vector orientation of the irradiation vectors is used as irradiation parameter. Alternatively or additionally, the position of the irradiation area on the process area, especially its direction and / or orientation, is used as irradiation parameter.

[0033] In another embodiment - especially only - the order of irradiation of the at least two irradiation vectors, the position of the irradiation area in the process order of the plurality of irradiation areas, and the vector direction of the irradiation vectors within the corresponding irradiation area are used as at least one irradiation parameter. In one configuration, additionally the order of the vector orientation of the irradiation vectors is used as irradiation parameter. Alternatively or additionally, the position of the irradiation area on the process area, especially its direction and / or orientation, is used as irradiation parameter.

[0034] In another embodiment - especially only - the order of irradiation of the at least two irradiation vectors, the position of the irradiation area in the process order of the plurality of irradiation areas, and the vector direction of the irradiation vectors within the corresponding irradiation area are used as at least one irradiation parameter. In one configuration, additionally the order of the vector orientation of the irradiation vectors is used as irradiation parameter. Alternatively or additionally, the position of the irradiation area on the process area, especially its direction and / or orientation, is used as irradiation parameter.

[0035] In another embodiment, - especially only - the irradiation sequence of at least two irradiation vectors within the corresponding irradiation area, the position of the irradiation area in the processing sequence of the plurality of irradiation areas, the vector direction of the irradiation vectors, the vector orientation of the irradiation vectors and the sequence of the vector orientation of the irradiation vectors are used as at least one irradiation parameter. In one configuration, additionally the position of the irradiation area on the processing area, especially its direction and / or orientation, is used as irradiation parameter.

[0036] In another embodiment, - especially only - the irradiation sequence of at least two irradiation vectors within the corresponding irradiation area, the position of the irradiation area in the processing sequence of the plurality of irradiation areas, the vector direction of the irradiation vectors, the vector orientation of the irradiation vectors and the sequence of the vector orientation of the irradiation vectors are used as at least one irradiation parameter. In one configuration, additionally the position of the irradiation area on the processing area, especially its direction and / or orientation, is used as irradiation parameter.

[0037] In another embodiment, - especially only - the irradiation sequence of at least two irradiation vectors within the corresponding irradiation area, the position of the irradiation area in the processing sequence of the plurality of irradiation areas, the vector direction of the irradiation vectors, the vector orientation of the irradiation vectors and the sequence of the vector orientation of the irradiation vectors are used as at least one irradiation parameter. In one configuration, additionally the position of the irradiation area on the processing area, especially its direction and / or orientation, is used as irradiation parameter.

[0038] According to a further extension of the application, it is provided that the processing area is divided into at least two sub-areas using fields selected from the following group: sector, sector segment, circular segment, circular ring, rectangular field, freely shaped field, and combinations of at least two of the above-mentioned fields. The fields mentioned here are particularly suitable for taking into account local differences in the irradiation conditions on the processing area within the framework of the planning method, advantageously as sub-areas.

[0039] A sector is understood in the context of the present technical teaching to be a circular sector in particular. A circular segment is understood to be a circular arc segment in particular. A sector segment is understood to be the intersection of a circular sector and a circular segment, or the intersection of a circular sector and a circular ring, optionally.

[0040] In particular, in one embodiment, a sector is used as at least two sub-areas. Alternatively or additionally, a sector segment is used as at least two sub-areas. Alternatively or additionally, a circular segment is used as at least two sub-areas. Alternatively or additionally, a circular ring is used as at least two sub-areas.

[0041] In one embodiment, a sector and a circular segment, especially in the form of the intersection of these fields, are used as at least two sub-areas.

[0042] In one embodiment, sectors and circular rings are used as the at least two sub- regions, in particular in the form of the intersection of these fields.

[0043] In particular, the at least two sub-regions can be configured as square fields, in particular arranged in a checkerboard pattern. In another configuration, an arrangement of the sub-regions in the form of a cake slice is considered, in particular when sectors are used as sub-regions. Such an arrangement of the sub-regions can also be considered as a field, which is produced by dividing a circular machining region by at least one straight line, in particular by straight lines that are parallel to one another - in particular multiple times; in this case, straight lines that are oriented parallel to one another in part and perpendicular to one another in part can also be used, in particular.

[0044] In particular in one embodiment, the irradiation sequence of the at least two irradiation vectors within the corresponding irradiation region is used as the irradiation parameter, and sectors or rectangular fields are used as the at least two sub-regions.

[0045] In another embodiment, the irradiation sequence of the at least two irradiation vectors within the corresponding irradiation region is used as the irradiation parameter, and circular segments are used as the at least two sub-regions.

[0046] In another embodiment, the irradiation sequence of the at least two irradiation vectors within the corresponding irradiation region is used as the irradiation parameter, and sectors and circular segments, in particular in the form of the intersection of these fields, are used as the at least two sub-regions.

[0047] In another embodiment, the irradiation sequence of the at least two irradiation vectors within the corresponding irradiation region is used as the irradiation parameter, and sectors and circular rings, in particular in the form of the intersection of these fields, are used as the at least two sub-regions.

[0048] According to a further development of the application, it is provided that at least one - in particular imaginary - dividing line delimiting the at least two sub-regions on the machining region from one another is determined or has been determined on the machining region, which extends adjacent to the at least one energy beam center. Advantageously, the at least one dividing line can be determined or has been determined with respect to the at least one energy beam center, wherein an advantage is derived with respect to the irradiation sequence of the at least two irradiation vectors within the irradiation region. In particular, it has been shown that better component properties are obtained if the irradiation sequence of the irradiation vectors points away from the associated energy beam center, i.e. the irradiation vectors arranged closer to the energy beam center are machined in time before the irradiation vectors arranged further away from the energy beam center. Such a correlation is also found for the vector orientation of the irradiation vectors, wherein the beam produces better component properties for the irradiation vectors oriented toward the direction of the associated energy beam center than for the irradiation vectors oriented away from the energy beam center.

[0049] The assignment of the energy beam center to the irradiation vector or the irradiation area is understood in particular as meaning that the energy beam center is assigned to the energy beam which is used to irradiate the vector or the irradiation area.

[0050] The energy beam center is understood in particular in the context of the present technical teaching as a point on the machining area which results as a foot point for a scanning device used to displace the energy beam, in particular in such a way that a perpendicular is drawn from the output point of the energy beam on the scanning device to the working area.

[0051] In one embodiment it is provided that at least one separation line is determined in the planning method. In this case, the planning method comprises as a method step the determination of at least one separation line. In another embodiment, at least one separation line is predefined from the perspective of the planning method, wherein the separation line is stored in a suitable manner or is in particular available to an external computing device or an upstream program. It is also possible for a user to define at least one separation line manually, in particular via a user interface.

[0052] In particular, at least one separation line is determined or determined on the machining area in such a way that the separation line extends at a predetermined distance from the energy beam center. In particular, the predetermined distance is the minimum distance of the energy beam center to the separation line, which is in particular measured locally perpendicularly with respect to the separation line.

[0053] Instead of or in addition to the at least one separation line extending adjacent to the at least one energy beam center, in one embodiment it is provided that at least one separation line is determined or determined on the machining area in such a way that the separation line extends through the at least one energy beam center.

[0054] Further instead of or in addition, in one embodiment it is provided that at least one separation line is determined or determined on the machining area in such a way that the separation line extends through the center of gravity of a plurality of energy beam centers.

[0055] The center of gravity is generally understood in the context of the present technical teaching in particular as the geometric center of gravity, which means in particular a point which is obtained by averaging over all relevant points, here in particular all energy beam centers. In the case of a point-symmetrical arrangement, the center of gravity is the center point of the arrangement.

[0056] According to a further development of the present application, it is provided that at least one separation line which delimits at least two sub-areas on the machining area from one another is determined or determined on the machining area in such a way that the separation line extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the flow direction of a protective gas flow above the machining area. In this way, the influence of the protective gas flow on the irradiation conditions can advantageously be taken into account additionally.

[0057] In particular, in one embodiment it is provided that the at least one separation line is so defined or defined on the machining region that the separation line runs adjacent to, or through, at least one energy beam center, or through the center of gravity of a plurality of energy beam centers, and that the separation line additionally runs transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the flow direction of the protective gas flow above the work region.

[0058] In one embodiment it is additionally provided that the at least one irradiation parameter is selected from the group consisting of the irradiation sequence of at least two irradiation vectors within the corresponding irradiation region, the position of the irradiation region in the machining sequence of a plurality of irradiation regions, the vector direction of the irradiation vector, the vector orientation of the irradiation vector, and combinations consisting of at least two of the aforementioned irradiation parameters. In particular, in this way the selection of the irradiation parameters can be made in accordance with the affiliation to the corresponding subregion such that the displacement direction of the energy beam, whether with respect to the sequence of the irradiation vectors, with respect to the displacement along the individual irradiation vectors, or with respect to the successive machining of different irradiation regions, is suitably oriented not only with respect to the at least one energy beam center, but also with respect to the flow direction, in order to achieve the highest possible reproducibility and the highest possible component quality.

[0059] If the irradiation sequence of the at least two irradiation vectors within the use of the corresponding irradiation region is advantageously used as at least one irradiation parameter, this is the case in a particularly advantageous manner: That is to say, if the at least one separation line is determined in such a way that it runs adjacently to or through the at least one energy beam center or through the center of gravity of a plurality of energy beam centers and the separation line additionally runs transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the flow direction of the protective gas flow above the machining region, the machining region is in any case divided into at least two subregions, of which a first subregion is arranged more closely to the source of the protective gas flow from the separation line, which means upstream of the protective gas flow, and a second subregion is arranged more distantly to the source of the protective gas flow from the separation line, which means downstream of the protective gas flow. Now, the irradiation sequence of the irradiation vectors is chosen for the at least one first irradiation region assigned to the first subregion in such a way that the irradiation sequence is oriented counter to the protective gas flow, so that the irradiation vectors arranged more closely to the separation line and more distantly to the source of the protective gas flow are irradiated before the irradiation vectors arranged more distantly to the separation line and more closely to the source of the protective gas flow. In the first irradiation region, the irradiation sequence is thus oriented away from the at least one energy beam center, which means that the irradiation vectors arranged more closely to the at least one energy beam center are irradiated before the irradiation vectors arranged more distantly to the at least one energy beam center. For the at least one second irradiation region assigned to the second subregion, the irradiation sequence is chosen in such a way that the irradiation sequence is oriented with the protective gas flow, so that the irradiation vectors arranged more closely to the separation line and more closely to the source of the protective gas flow are irradiated before the irradiation vectors arranged more distantly to the separation line and more distantly to the source of the protective gas flow. The irradiation sequence is thus oriented away from the at least one energy beam center even in the second irradiation region.

[0060] According to a further development of the application, it is provided that the at least two subregions are determined before the irradiation of the plurality of irradiation regions on the machining region is planned. Advantageously in this case, the determination of the at least two subregions is part of the planning method as a step upstream of the irradiation planning. In this case, there is full control of the irradiation configuration within the planning method, including the determination of the subregions. This can be determined in particular automatically by a planning device, in particular a planning device according to the application described below or a planning device according to one or more of the embodiments described below, or by a user, in particular via a human-machine interface.

[0061] In one embodiment it is provided that at least two sub-areas on the machining area are determined in such a way that at least one separation line is determined on the machining area, which delimits at least two of the at least two sub-areas from one another. By determining at least one separation line, the at least two sub-areas are advantageously defined in a simple manner at the same time. The at least one separation line can be determined in particular automatically by a planning device, in particular a planning device according to the application described below or a planning device according to one or more of the embodiments described below, or by a user, in particular via a human-machine interface.

[0062] According to a further development of the application, it is provided that a line selected from the following group is used as the at least one separation line: a radius line, a diameter line, a circular line centered on a center point or - in particular a geometric - barycenter of the machining area, a secant line, a circular chord line, a parallel line with respect to a limiting edge of the machining area, and a combination of at least two of the aforementioned lines. Advantageously, such a separation line is suitable in particular to define the at least two sub-areas as a field selected from the following group on the machining area: a sector, a sector segment, a circular segment, a circular ring, a rectangular field, a freely shaped field, and a combination of at least two of the aforementioned fields.

[0063] According to a further development of the application, a corresponding irradiation area is assigned to a particular one of the at least two sub-areas if the - in particular geometric - barycenter of the corresponding irradiation area falls within the particular one of the at least two sub-areas on the machining area. Advantageously, the corresponding irradiation area is assigned to this sub-area in such a way that the corresponding irradiation area is arranged predominantly - in particular with respect to its area - in this sub-area.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment it is provided that a corresponding irradiation area is assigned to a particular one of the at least two sub-areas if the corresponding irradiation area is arranged in the particular one of the at least two sub-areas. Advantageously, this is a particularly simple assignment rule based on the geometric position of the irradiation area with respect to the sub-areas.

[0065] In one configuration, a corresponding irradiation area is divided if it falls in more than one of the at least two sub-areas. In this way, irradiation areas that fall in more than one sub-area, in particular irradiation areas that are divided by at least one separation line, can also be assigned to the respective sub-area in a simple manner. Here it is ensured that the irradiation areas are appropriately divided such that as a result only irradiation areas that are arranged completely and unambiguously in one sub-area remain.

[0066] Alternatively, it is also possible that for illumination regions which are completely arranged in one unique subregion, a simple rule is applied to attribute said illumination region to this subregion, wherein illumination regions which are in particular divided into at least two subregions by at least one separating line are each attributed to that subregion in which the center of gravity thereof falls. The result of this, however, is the same as the attribution according to the center of gravity for each subregion, but the calculation can possibly be simpler and faster.

[0067] According to a further development of the application, it is provided that a predetermined first parameter value is assigned as the attributed parameter value to the at least one illumination parameter if the corresponding illumination region is attributed to a first of two subregions of the machining region, wherein a predetermined second parameter value different from the first parameter value is assigned as the attributed parameter value to the at least one illumination parameter if the corresponding illumination region is attributed to a second of the two subregions. This is advantageously a particularly simple and at the same time functional implementation of the planning method.

[0068] In particular, in one implementation it is provided that a predetermined first parameter value is assigned as the attributed parameter value to the at least one illumination parameter if the corresponding illumination region is attributed to a first of exactly two subregions of the machining region, wherein a predetermined second parameter value different from the first parameter value is assigned as the attributed parameter value to the at least one illumination parameter if the corresponding illumination region is attributed to a second of the exactly two subregions.

[0069] In a particularly simple implementation of the planning method, it is additionally provided that the predetermined first parameter value or the predetermined second parameter value is selectively attributed to exactly one of the plurality of illumination parameters. In particular here, the other illumination parameters of the plurality of illumination parameters are selected independently of the attribution of the corresponding illumination region to the subregions of the machining region, in particular identically for all subregions.

[0070] In one implementation, alternatively or additionally, the order of illumination of at least two illumination vectors within the corresponding illumination region is used as the at least one illumination parameter.

[0071] According to a further development of the application, it is provided that the irradiation sequence of at least two irradiation vectors within the corresponding irradiation area is used as at least one irradiation parameter, wherein, if the corresponding irradiation area is attributed to a first of the - in particular exactly - two sub-areas of the machining area, the irradiation sequence is chosen to run along a first machining direction, wherein, if the corresponding irradiation area is attributed to a second of the - in particular exactly - two sub-areas, the irradiation sequence is chosen to run along a second machining direction, wherein the first machining direction has at least one component oriented anti-parallel to the flow direction of the protective gas flow above the machining area, wherein the second machining direction has at least one component oriented parallel to the flow direction, wherein in particular the second machining direction is oriented anti-parallel to the first machining direction. Advantageously, the machining direction in the corresponding sub-area is thus defined with respect to the flow direction.

[0072] In particular in one embodiment, it is additionally provided that the separation line is so determined or determined on the machining area that the separation line runs adjacent to, or through, at least one energy beam center, or through the center of gravity of a plurality of energy beam centers. Advantageously, the machining direction in the corresponding sub-area is thus defined with respect to the flow direction and additionally with respect to the position of at least one energy beam center.

[0073] In particular in one embodiment, it is further additionally provided that the separation line is so determined or determined on the machining area that the separation line runs transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the flow direction of the protective gas flow above the machining area. Herein, in particular, the first sub-area is arranged upstream of the protective gas flow from the separation line, and the second sub-area is arranged downstream of the protective gas flow from the separation line. Thus, in at least one first irradiation area attributed to the first sub-area, the irradiation sequence has at least a component oriented against the protective gas flow and away from at least one energy beam center. In at least one second irradiation area attributed to the second sub-area, the irradiation sequence has at least a component oriented with the protective gas flow and away from at least one energy beam center.

[0074] According to a further development of the application, it is provided that the irradiation is planned with a plurality of energy beams, wherein the attribution of a specific energy beam of the plurality of energy beams to the corresponding irradiation area is used as an additional irradiation parameter. Advantageously in this way it is possible to attribute to each irradiation area a separate energy beam, the energy beam center of which is arranged as close as possible to the corresponding irradiation area, in particular to the - in particular geometric - center of gravity of the irradiation area. In this way, advantageously a flat angle of incidence of the energy beams on the machining area is avoided as far as possible.

[0075] According to a further development of the application, provision is made that the irradiation is carried out with a plurality of energy beams, wherein the assigned parameter value of at least one irradiation parameter is additionally selected in accordance with the assignment of a specific energy beam of the plurality of energy beams to the corresponding irradiation region. In particular, this advantageously allows the relative position of the corresponding energy beam center with respect to the assigned irradiation region, in particular with respect to the - in particular geometric - center of gravity of the irradiation region, to be taken into account. In particular, it can be ensured in this way that the displacement direction of the assigned energy beam within the irradiation region is oriented appropriately with respect to the energy beam center of the energy beam, and / or the parameter value of the irradiation parameter is appropriately selected to at least reduce possible adverse effects, for example of a flat angle of incidence.

[0076] In particular, the irradiation plan is obtained as a data set for a control device, in particular for a manufacturing device according to the application or according to one or more of the embodiments explained below, for additive manufacturing of a component from a powder material. Irrespective of whether the method is carried out on a planning device arranged separately from the manufacturing device or on the manufacturing device itself, the irradiation plan is in this way obtained in a simply operable, in particular machine-readable manner. In particular, it is also possible to output the irradiation plan obtained as a data set and to transmit it, in particular to transfer it, independently of a specific device, for example physically on a data carrier or virtually via a network.

[0077] The task is also solved by proposing a - in the following also referred to as manufacturing method - method for additive manufacturing of at least one component from a powder material, which method has the following steps: providing an irradiation plan obtained by means of a planning method according to the application or according to one or more of the previously described embodiments, the irradiation plan being used for locally selective irradiation of a process region with at least one energy beam in order to produce at least one component from a plurality of powder material layers of a powder material arranged in temporal succession in time sequence in layers in the process region by means of the at least one energy beam layer by layer, and manufacturing the at least one component according to the irradiation plan, in particular by means of a manufacturing device according to the application or according to one or more of the embodiments explained below. In particular, the advantages already explained in connection with the planning method are derived with regard to the manufacturing method.

[0078] In one embodiment, provision is made that the irradiation plan is provided in such a way that a planning method according to the application or according to one or more of the previously described embodiments is carried out. Thus, the method for manufacturing a component also comprises the planning method, in particular in the form of a preliminary step.

[0079] Preferably, a laser beam or an electron beam is used as the energy beam.

[0080] Preferably, the component is manufactured by means of selective laser sintering and / or selective laser melting.

[0081] In a preferred manner, in particular metal powder or ceramic powder can be used as the powder material.

[0082] A computer program product also belongs to the invention, said computer program product comprising machine-readable instructions on the basis of which, when the computer program product is run on a computing device, a planning method according to the invention or a planning method according to one or more of the previously explained embodiments is executed on the computing device.

[0083] Alternatively or additionally, the computer program product comprises machine-readable instructions on the basis of which, when the computer program product is run on a computing device, a planning method according to the invention or a planning method according to one or more of the previously explained embodiments is executed on the computing device.

[0084] In connection with the computer program product, in particular the advantages explained previously in connection with the planning method or the manufacturing method are derived.

[0085] A data carrier also belongs to the invention, said data carrier comprising a computer program product according to the invention or a computer program product according to one or more of the previously explained embodiments.

[0086] The task is also solved by proposing a planning device for planning a local selective irradiation of a process region with at least one energy beam in order to produce at least one component from a powder material arranged in the process region by means of at least one energy beam, wherein the planning device is provided for executing a planning method according to the invention or a planning method according to one or more of the previously explained embodiments. In connection with the planning device, in particular the advantages explained previously in connection with the planning method, the manufacturing method or the computer program product are derived.

[0087] In particular, the planning device can be provided for planning a local selective irradiation of the process region with a plurality of energy beams.

[0088] In an embodiment, the planning device is configured as a device selected from the group comprising a computer, in particular a personal computer (PC), a plug-in card or a control card, and an FPGA board. In an embodiment, the planning device is an RTC5 control card or an RTC6 control card of the company SCANLAB, in particular in a configuration actually available on the date of the priority of the present protection.

[0089] In particular, the planning device can be arranged externally or independently with respect to the manufacturing device, wherein preferably a data set is created by the planning device, which data set is then transmitted in an appropriate manner, for example by means of a data carrier or via a network, in particular via the Internet or via another appropriate wireless or wired connection, to the manufacturing device, in particular to a control device of the manufacturing device. It is also possible, for example, that the planning device generates CAM data, in particular instruction sequences, in particular NC programs, from the CAD data, in order to control the manufacturing device, wherein the instruction sequences are then transmitted to the manufacturing device in order to control it. It is also possible that the CAD data of the component are forwarded to the planning device, wherein the planning device generates instruction sequences for the manufacturing device therefrom. However, the planning device can also be integrated in the manufacturing device. In particular, the planning device can be integrated in a control device of the manufacturing device, or the control device of the manufacturing device can be configured as a planning device, in particular by providing appropriate hardware components and / or by implementing appropriate computer program products, in particular software. It is also possible, for example, that the CAD data of the component to be produced are forwarded to the manufacturing device, wherein the manufacturing device itself, in particular a planning device implemented in the control device, generates corresponding CAM data or instruction sequences for controlling the manufacturing device from the CAD data. However, it is also possible that the planning device comprises a plurality of computing devices, wherein the computing devices are configured in particular in a physically distributed manner. Preferably, the planning device comprises a plurality of computing devices which are networked with one another. In particular, the planning device can be configured as a data cloud or so-called cloud, or the planning device is a part of a data cloud or cloud. It is also possible in a preferred configuration that the planning device comprises on the one hand at least one computing unit which is arranged externally with respect to the manufacturing device and on the other hand the manufacturing device, in particular a control device of the manufacturing device, wherein the steps carried out by the planning device are carried out partly on the externally arranged computing device and partly on the manufacturing device, in particular on the control device. It is also possible in particular that the planning device does not assume the complete planning of the locally selectively irradiated machining region, but only a part thereof; in particular, it is possible that the planning device assumes only that part of the planning of the locally selectively irradiated machining region which relates to the steps and / or determinations described above. The other parts of the planning of the locally selectively irradiated machining region can conversely be carried out in other computing devices, in particular externally arranged computing devices with respect to the manufacturing device, or also in the manufacturing device itself, in particular in a control device thereof, or also in a data cloud or cloud. It is possible in particular that the planning device changes, adapts or corrects CAM data or instruction sequences, in particular NC programs, generated by another computing device.

[0090] The task is finally also solved by proposing a manufacturing device for the additive manufacturing of a component from a powder material. The manufacturing device has at least one beam generation device which is provided for generating at least one energy beam. Furthermore, the manufacturing device has at least one scanning device which is provided for locally selectively irradiating a processing region with the at least one energy beam in order to produce the component from the powder material arranged in the processing region by means of the at least one energy beam. Finally, the manufacturing device has a control device which is in operative connection with the at least one scanning device and is provided for actuating the scanning device. The control device is provided for carrying out the manufacturing method according to the application or the manufacturing method according to one or more of the previously described embodiments. In connection with the manufacturing device, the advantages already explained in connection with the planning method, the manufacturing method, the computer program product and the planning device result, inter alia.

[0091] In one embodiment, the beam generation device is provided for generating a plurality of energy beams and / or the manufacturing device has a plurality of beam generation devices for generating a plurality of energy beams. It is possible for a plurality of scanning devices to be provided for the plurality of energy beams. However, it is also possible for the scanning device to be provided for displacing a plurality of energy beams, in particular independently of one another, over the processing region. In particular, the scanning device can have a plurality of individually actuatable scanners, in particular scanning mirrors, for this purpose.

[0092] Preferably, the scanning device has at least one scanner, in particular a galvanometer scanner, a piezoelectric scanner, a polygon scanner, a MEMS scanner and / or a work head or processing head which is displaceable relative to the processing region. The scanning device presented here is suitable in a particular manner for displacing the energy beam within the processing region between a plurality of irradiation positions.

[0093] The work head or processing head which is displaceable relative to the processing region is understood here, in particular, as an integrated component of the manufacturing device which has at least one beam exit opening for the at least one energy beam, wherein the integrated component, i.e. the work head, as a whole is displaceable relative to the work region along at least one displacement direction, preferably along two mutually perpendicular displacement directions. Such a processing head can be constructed, in particular, in a gantry-like manner or be robot-guided. In particular, the processing head can be constructed as a robot hand.

[0094] The control device is preferably selected from the group comprising a computer, in particular a personal computer (PC), a plug-in card or actuation card and an FPGA board. In a preferred configuration, the control device is an RTC5 actuation card or an RTC6 actuation card of the company SCANLAB, in particular in a configuration which was actually available on the date of the priority of the present protection right.

[0095] Preferably, the at least one beam generation device has at least one laser. Thus, the at least one energy beam is advantageously generated as a beam of high-intensity coherent electromagnetic radiation, in particular as a coherent light beam. In this context, the irradiation is preferably an exposure.

[0096] The manufacturing device is preferably configured for selective laser sintering. Alternatively or additionally, the manufacturing device is configured for selective laser melting. This configuration of the manufacturing device has proven to be particularly advantageous.

[0097] According to a further development of the application, the manufacturing device has - as a source of a protective gas flow - a protective gas device which is configured for generating a protective gas flow having a defined flow direction above the process region.

[0098] In one embodiment, the manufacturing device additionally has a protective gas influencing device which is configured for determining, in particular for changing, a flow parameter value of at least one flow parameter of the protective gas flow, wherein the at least one flow parameter is selected from the group consisting of the flow direction above the process region and the flow speed of the protective gas flow.

[0099] In particular, the control device is in operative connection with the protective gas influencing device and is configured for selecting the at least one flow parameter value depending on the assignment of the corresponding irradiation region to one of the at least two subregions of the process region. In this context, in particular, the control device is configured for using the flow parameter as at least one irradiation parameter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0100] The application is explained further below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Figure 1 : a schematic view of an embodiment of a manufacturing device for additively manufacturing a component from a powder material, with an embodiment of a planning device, and Figure 2 : a schematic view of a first embodiment of a method for planning a locally selective irradiation of a process region with an energy beam, and Figure 3 : a schematic detail view of a further embodiment of a method for planning a locally selective irradiation of a process region with an energy beam. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0101] Figure 1 A schematic view of an embodiment of a manufacturing device 1 for additively manufacturing a component 3 from a powder material 5 is shown, with an embodiment of a planning device 7.

[0102] The manufacturing device 1 has at least one beam generation device 9, which is preferably configured as a laser, which is set up for generating at least one energy beam 11, in particular a laser beam, and furthermore has a scanning device 13, which is set up for locally selectively irradiating a processing region 15 with the at least one energy beam 11 in order to produce a component 3 from the powder material 5 arranged in the processing region 15 by means of the at least one energy beam 11. In particular, the beam generation device 9 generates more than one energy beam 11, or the manufacturing device 1 has more than one beam generation device 9 for generating a plurality of energy beams 11; in Figure 1 particular a first beam generation device 9.1 for generating a first energy beam 11.1 and a second beam generation device 9.2 for generating a second energy beam 11.2 are shown. Preferably, the manufacturing device 1 has one separate scanning device 13 for each energy beam 11, that is to say a first scanning device 13.1 for the first energy beam 11.1 and a second scanning device 13.2 for the second energy beam 11.2. The manufacturing device 1 furthermore has a control device 17, in particular configured as a computing device 8, which is in operative connection with the scanning devices 13 and preferably also with the beam generation devices 9 and is set up for actuating the scanning devices 13 and, if necessary, the beam generation devices 9. Here, the control device 17 is set up for carrying out a method for planning the locally selective irradiation of the processing region 15 with the energy beams 11, which is also referred to simply as planning method, which is explained further below.

[0103] In particular, the control device 17 for this has a planning device 7, in particular configured as a further computing device 10, which is correspondingly set up for carrying out the planning method. It is alternatively also possible for the control device 17 itself to be configured as the planning device 7. But it is also possible in one configuration not shown here for the planning method to be implemented on a planning device 7 which is set up separately in relation to the manufacturing device 1.

[0104] The control device 1 furthermore has a shielding gas device 19, which is set up for generating a shielding gas flow with a defined flow direction, which is shown by a first arrow P1, above the processing region 15.

[0105] The manufacturing apparatus 1 is specifically configured to construct the component 3 layer by layer from multiple powder material layers arranged sequentially in time within the processing zone 15. For this purpose, the processing zone 15 is arranged, in particular, as a powder bed on a construction platform, which gradually descends against the height direction as it provides sequentially arranged powder material layers within the processing zone 15. Powder material 5, forming the next powder material layer, is conveyed from the storage cylinder area to the processing zone 15 by means of coating elements, particularly constructed as scrapers or pushers, and is leveled there by the coating elements, thus providing the current powder material layer. By progressively and selectively curing the powder material 5 layer by layer in the processing zone 15 by means of an energy beam 11, the component 3 is constructed layer by layer, i.e., sequentially.

[0106] It is possible that the first energy beam 11.1 can only be displaced within the first sub-displacement region 15.1 of the processing area 15 and cannot be displaced within the second sub-displacement region 15.2, while the second energy beam 11.2, conversely, can only be displaced within the second sub-displacement region 15.2 and cannot be displaced within the first sub-displacement region 15.1. Sub-displacement regions 15.1 and 15.2 are... Figure 1 The two energy beams 11.1 and 11.2 may be displaced over the entire processing area 15, or assigned to overlapping sub-displacement areas 15.1 and 15.2, respectively.

[0107] Within the framework of a method for manufacturing component 3 from powder material 5, also referred to as a manufacturing method, an irradiation plan is provided, particularly by means of a planning method described below, for selectively irradiating the processing area 15 with an energy beam 11, and component 3 is manufactured according to the provided irradiation plan. The irradiation plan is preferably provided here by means of—particularly by—the planning method performed using a planning device 7.

[0108] Within the framework of the planning method, in particular, multiple irradiation regions 21 on the processing region 15 are planned to be irradiated with at least one energy beam 11. Specifically, at least one assigned parameter value for each irradiation region 21 is selected, wherein the assigned parameter value is selected based on the association relationship between the corresponding irradiation region 21 and one of at least two sub-regions 23 of the processing region 15. In this way, an irradiation plan is obtained for selectively irradiating the processing region 15 in at least one powder material layer with at least one energy beam 11.

[0109] Specifically, in Figure 1In the embodiment shown, the processing region 15 is divided into two sub-regions 23 by a virtual, imaginary dividing line 25 shown here in dashed lines: a first sub-region 23.1 and a second sub-region 23.2.

[0110] In Figure 1 Exemplary shown in the figure are also three strip-shaped irradiation regions 21, only one of which is designated by a reference symbol for greater clarity. In particular, in one configuration, the irradiation regions 21 are irradiated in the form of irradiation vectors 27 that are adjacent to one another and arranged parallel to one another offset with respect to one another, wherein the irradiation vectors 27 are oriented perpendicular with respect to a longitudinal direction of the irradiation regions 21 and arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction. As shown schematically, within the irradiation regions 21, the irradiation vectors 27 can be directed in the same direction as one another, in groups in opposite directions, or alternatingly in opposite directions. Other configurations are also possible. In particular, the irradiation regions 21 are each completely covered or filled by the irradiation vectors 27 or they are formed by the irradiation vectors 27, but wherein, for greater clarity, only a small number of irradiation vectors 27 are actually shown in each irradiation region 21.

[0111] The at least one irradiation parameter is selected in particular from the group consisting of: an irradiation sequence of at least two irradiation vectors 27 within the corresponding irradiation region 21, a position of the irradiation region 21 in a processing sequence of a plurality of irradiation regions 21, a vector direction of the irradiation vectors 27, an irradiation orientation of the irradiation vectors 27, an order of the vector orientation of the irradiation vectors 27, a spacing between irradiation vectors 27 of the corresponding irradiation region 21 that are directly adjacent to one another, a beam power of the at least one energy beam 11, a shape of the energy beam 11 on the processing region 15, a size of the energy beam 11 on the processing region 15, a displacement speed of the at least one energy beam 11 on the processing region 15, a flow speed of a protective gas flow above the processing region 15, a flow direction P1 of the protective gas flow, a position of the irradiation region 21 on the processing region 15, and combinations consisting of at least two of all these irradiation parameters.

[0112] In Figure 1 Exemplary shown in the figure are also two energy beam centers 29 on the processing region 15, namely a first energy beam center 29.1 that is assigned to the first energy beam 11.1 and a second energy beam center 29.2 that is assigned to the second energy beam 11.2. Here, an energy beam center 29 is understood to be a location on the processing region 15 that is generated as a foot point of the corresponding scanning device 13 for displacing the assigned energy beam 11, in particular in such a way that a perpendicular falls from the output point 31, 31.1, 31.2 of the assigned energy beam 11, 11.1, 11.2 on the corresponding scanning device 13, 13.1, 13.2 onto the processing region 15.

[0113] Figure 2Schematic diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a planning method.

[0114] The same or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all the figures and are thus referred to in each case with the preceding description.

[0115] In particular, in the embodiment shown here, the irradiation sequence of the irradiation vectors 27, which is shown here by way of example for five different irradiation regions 21, namely a first irradiation region 21.1, a second irradiation region 21.2, a third irradiation region 21.3, a fourth irradiation region 21.4 and a fifth irradiation region 21.5, is used as an irradiation parameter. In order to simplify the subsequent explanation, only one energy beam center 29 of one energy beam 11 is shown in the embodiment shown here. For greater clarity, only one of the second arrows P2 is designated with a reference numeral here.

[0116] In the embodiment shown, the machining region 15 is in turn divided into a first subregion 23.1 and a second subregion 23.2 by exactly one division line 25. The division line 25 is here in particular a diameter line of the circular machining region 15. The division line 25 is in particular so determined or determined on the machining region 15 that it extends through the energy beam center 29. Alternatively or additionally, the division line 25 can extend adjacent to the energy beam center 29 or through the center of gravity of a plurality of energy beam centers 29. Furthermore, the division line 25 extends here perpendicularly with respect to the flow direction of the protective gas flow, which is shown here by way of a first arrow P1.

[0117] The irradiation sequence of the irradiation vectors 27 is now preferably so selected for the irradiation regions 21 assigned to the first subregion 23.1 that the irradiation sequence is oriented against the protective gas flow, so that those irradiation vectors 27 which are arranged closer to the division line 25 and further away from the source of the protective gas flow, i.e. the protective gas device 19, are irradiated before those irradiation vectors 27 which are arranged further away from the division line 25 and closer to the protective gas device 19. For the irradiation regions 21 assigned to the second subregion 23.2, the irradiation sequence oriented along the protective gas flow is conversely so selected that those irradiation vectors 27 which are arranged closer to the division line 25 and closer to the protective gas device 19 are irradiated before those irradiation vectors 27 which are arranged further away from the division line 25 and further away from the protective gas device 19.

[0118] In order to assign the irradiation regions 21 to a particular subregion 23, in particular the following assignment criterion is used: The irradiation region 21 is assigned to that subregion 23 in which the center of gravity 33 of the irradiation region 21 on the machining region 15 is arranged. The center of gravity 33 of the irradiation region 21 is in particular so determined or determined that it is arranged on the energy beam center 29. Figure 2The centers of gravity 33 are each indicated schematically by a square, wherein, for greater clarity, only one of them is provided with a reference designation. Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment the assignment of an illumination region 21 to that subregion 23 in which the illumination region is arranged entirely is provided as an assignment criterion. Here, in particular, the corresponding illumination region 21 can be divided along the dividing line 25 if it falls in more than one subregion 23.

[0119] In particular, if the corresponding illumination region 21 is assigned to the first subregion 23.1, a predetermined first parameter value is assigned as the assigned parameter value to the at least one illumination parameter, wherein, if the corresponding illumination region 21 is assigned to the second subregion 23.2, a predetermined second parameter value different from the first parameter value is assigned as the assigned parameter value to the at least one illumination parameter.

[0120] In the embodiment shown, if the corresponding illumination region 21 is assigned to the first subregion 23.1, the illumination sequence is selected to be along the first machining direction, wherein, if the corresponding illumination region 21 is assigned to the second subregion 23.2, the illumination sequence is selected to be along the second machining direction, wherein the first machining direction is oriented antiparallel to the flow direction of the protective gas flow and the second machining direction is oriented parallel to the flow direction.

[0121] In particular, the first illumination region 21.1, the second illumination region 21.2 and the third illumination region 21.3 are assigned to the first subregion 23.1 due to the position of their center of gravity 33 in the first subregion 23.1, and the illumination sequence of the illumination vectors 27 is selected for these three illumination regions 21.1, 21.2, 21.3 to be along the first machining direction, i.e. against the flow direction. In contrast, the fourth illumination region 21.4 and the fifth illumination region 21.5 are assigned to the second subregion 23.2 due to the position of their center of gravity 33 in the second subregion 23.2, and accordingly, for these two illumination regions 21.4, 21.5, the illumination sequence of the illumination vectors 27 is selected to be along the second machining direction and thus parallel to the flow direction.

[0122] Preferably, - in the case of more than one energy beam 11 - the assignment of a specific energy beam 11 of the plurality of energy beams 11 to the corresponding illumination region 21 is used as an additional illumination parameter. Alternatively or additionally, the assigned parameter value of the at least one illumination parameter is selected in accordance with the assignment of a specific energy beam 11 of the plurality of energy beams 11 to the corresponding illumination region 21.

[0123] Figure 3 Schematic detail views are shown schematically for planning a method for locally selective illumination of a machining region 15 with at least one energy beam 11.

[0124] In a) it is schematically shown that a rectangular, in particular square, field 35 on the machining area 15 is used as at least two sub-areas 23. Correspondingly, two mutually orthogonal diameter lines and parallel chord lines offset with respect to the diameter lines are used as separation lines 25.

[0125] In b) it is schematically shown that a field 35 resulting as the intersection of a sector with a circular ring as machining area 15 is used as at least two sub-areas 23. Correspondingly, a diameter line and a circular line centered on the center point 37 of the machining area 15 are used as separation lines 25.

[0126] Alternatively or additionally, a field 35 selected from the group consisting of a sector, a sector segment, a circular segment, a circular ring, a freely shaped field and at least two of the aforementioned fields can be used as a sub-area 23.

[0127] Alternatively or additionally, a line selected from the group consisting of a radius line, a chord line, a parallel line with respect to the limiting edges of the machining area 15 and at least two of the aforementioned lines can be used as a separation line 25.

Claims

1. A method for planning to selectively irradiate a processing area (15) with at least one energy beam (11) to produce at least one component (3) by means of said at least one energy beam (11) from a plurality of powder material layers (5) arranged sequentially in time in the processing area (15) in a layer-by-layer manner, wherein, - The plan is to irradiate multiple irradiation areas (21) on the processing area (15) with at least one energy beam (11), wherein, - Select at least one parameter value for each of the plurality of irradiation regions (21), wherein, - The parameter value of the association is selected according to the association relationship between the corresponding irradiation area (21) and one of the at least two sub-regions (23) of the processing area (15), wherein, in particular, - Obtain an irradiation plan for locally and selectively irradiating the processing area (15) in at least one layer of said powder material with said at least one energy beam (11).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one irradiation parameter is selected from the following group: the irradiation sequence of at least two irradiation vectors (27) within the corresponding irradiation area (21), the position of the irradiation area (21) in the processing sequence of the plurality of irradiation areas (21), the vector direction of the irradiation vector (27), the vector orientation of the irradiation vector (27), the order of the vector orientations of the irradiation vectors (27), the spacing between directly adjacent irradiation vectors (27) in the irradiation area (21), the beam power of the at least one energy beam (11), the shape of the energy beam (11) on the processing area (15), the size of the energy beam (11) on the processing area (15), the displacement velocity of the at least one energy beam (11) on the processing area (15), the flow velocity of the protective gas flow above the processing area (15), the flow direction of the protective gas flow, the position of the irradiation area (21) on the processing area (15), and a combination of at least two of the listed irradiation parameters.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The fields selected from the lower group on the processing area (15) are used as the at least two sub-regions (23): fan-shaped, fan-shaped segment, circular segment, annular, rectangular field, free-form field, and a combination of at least two of the listed fields.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one dividing line (25) that separates the at least two sub-regions (23) on the processing area (15) from each other has been or is defined on the processing area (15) as follows: the dividing line - Adjacent to at least one energy beam center (29), or - Passing through at least one energy beam center (29), or -Center of gravity passing through multiple energy beam centers (29) The land extends.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one dividing line (25) that separates the at least two sub-regions (23) on the processing area (15) from each other has been or is defined on the processing area (15) in such a way that the dividing line extends laterally, and in particular perpendicularly, to the flow direction of the protective gas flow above the processing area (15).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least two sub-regions (23) are determined before planning to irradiate the plurality of irradiation regions (21) on the processing area (15), in particular by defining at least one dividing line (25) on the processing area (15) that divides at least two of the at least two sub-regions (23) from each other.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The line selected from the following group is used as the at least one dividing line (25): a radius line, a diameter line, a circular line centered at the center point or centroid of the processing area (15), a secant line, a chord line, a parallel line relative to the boundary edge of the processing area (15), and a combination of at least two of the listed lines.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Assign the corresponding irradiation area (21) to one of the at least two sub-regions (23) if -The position of the center of gravity (33) of the corresponding irradiation area (21) on the processing area (15) falls in a specific sub-area (23), or - The corresponding irradiation area (21) is arranged in a specific sub-region (23), wherein, in particular, if the corresponding irradiation area (21) falls in more than one of the at least two sub-regions (23), the corresponding irradiation area is divided.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, If the corresponding irradiation area (21) is assigned to the first sub-region (23) of the two sub-regions (23) of the processing area (15), then a predetermined first parameter value is assigned as the assigned parameter value to the at least one irradiation parameter. If the corresponding irradiation area (21) is assigned to the second sub-region (23) of the two sub-regions (23), then a predetermined second parameter value, which is different from the first parameter value, is assigned as the assigned parameter value to the at least one irradiation parameter.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The irradiation sequence of at least two irradiation vectors (27) within the corresponding irradiation area (21) is used as the at least one irradiation parameter, wherein, - If the corresponding irradiation area (21) is assigned to the first sub-region (23) of the two sub-regions (23) of the processing area (15), then the irradiation sequence is selected along the first processing direction, wherein - If the corresponding irradiation area (21) is assigned to the second sub-region (23) of the two sub-regions (23), then the irradiation sequence is selected along the second processing direction, wherein, - The first processing direction has at least one component that is oriented antiparallel to the flow direction of the protective gas flow above the processing area (15), wherein, - The second processing direction has at least one component oriented parallel to the flow direction, wherein, in particular, the second processing direction is oriented antiparallel to the first processing direction.

11. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein, The irradiation is planned to be carried out with multiple energy beams (11), wherein the association between a specific energy beam (11) and the corresponding irradiation area (21) of the multiple energy beams (11) is used as an additional irradiation parameter.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The irradiation is planned to be carried out with multiple energy beams (11), wherein, additionally, the associated parameter value of the at least one irradiation parameter is selected according to the association relationship between a specific energy beam (11) among the multiple energy beams (11) and the corresponding irradiation area (21).

13. A method for additive manufacturing at least one component (3) from powder material (5), comprising the steps of: providing an irradiation plan obtained by means of any one of claims 1 to 12 for locally selectively irradiating a processing area (15) with at least one energy beam (11) to produce the at least one component (3) by means of the at least one energy beam (11) from a plurality of powder material layers of the powder material (5) arranged sequentially in time in the processing area (15) in a layer-by-layer order, and manufacturing the at least one component (3) according to the irradiation plan.

14. A planning device (7) for planning to selectively irradiate a processing area (15) with at least one energy beam (11) to produce at least one component (3) from powder material (5) arranged in the processing area (15) by means of said at least one energy beam (11), wherein, The planning device (7) is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A manufacturing apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing components (3) from powder material (5), comprising: - At least one beam generating device (9), the beam generating device being configured to generate at least one energy beam (11). - At least one scanning device (13), the scanning device being configured to selectively irradiate a processing area (15) with the at least one energy beam (11) locally, so as to produce at least one component (3) from the powder material (5) arranged in the processing area (15) by means of the at least one energy beam (11), and having: - A control device (17), which is operatively connected to the at least one scanning device (13) and configured to operate the at least one scanning device (13), wherein... - The control device (17) is configured to perform the method according to claim 13.

16. The manufacturing apparatus (1) according to claim 15, having a protective gas device (19) configured to generate a protective gas flow having a defined flow direction above the processing area (15).

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