Mounting plates and disposable building plates for additive manufacturing systems

Abstract

an additive manufacturing system (100) comprising: a base (108); a retaining plate (102) connected to the base (108), the retaining plate (102) comprising: a seat (112) formed in an exposed surface of the retaining plate (102) between two opposing side walls (120, 126), and a plurality of support projections (124) extending laterally into the seat (112); a build plate (128) positioned within the seat (112) and in contact with the plurality of support projections (124) of the retaining plate (102) arranged on one of the side walls (126), the build plate (128) having a build surface (130) substantially in planar alignment with the exposed surface of the retaining plate (102);and a plurality of retaining plate retaining components, comprising a plurality of leaf springs (122) positioned within the seat (112) of the retaining plate (102), each of the plurality of building plate retaining components being used to hold the building plate (128) within the seat (112) of the retaining plate (102), wherein the support projections (124) arranged on one of the side walls (126) are positioned opposite the leaf springs (122) arranged on the opposite side wall (120).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The disclosure relates generally to additive manufacturing systems and more specifically to a holding plate and a disposable build plate positioned within the holding plate and used by an additive manufacturing system to build components. BACKGROUND

[0002] Components or parts for various machines and mechanical systems can be built using additive manufacturing systems. Additive manufacturing systems can build such components by continuously layering powder material in predetermined areas and performing a material transformation process on the material, such as sintering. The material transformation process can change the physical state of the powder material from a granular composition to a solid material to build the component. Components built using additive manufacturing systems have almost identical physical attributes to conventional components, which are typically manufactured by performing a machining process on stock material.

[0003] Conventional additive manufacturing systems build these components on large, solid build plates. These conventional build plates are often made of two inches of solid metal, such as stainless steel. Besides being heavy, bulky, and expensive to manufacture initially, additive manufacturing systems typically incur additional costs when using conventional build plates. For example, the build plate requires an additional processing step after a component has been built and removed. Specifically, the build plate must be machined (e.g., the surface resurfaced, flattened, milled, and the like) before it can be reused.The necessary machining after each built component is expensive and typically requires the build plate to be shipped, impacting component production time if only one or a few build plates are available for use by the additive manufacturing system. Furthermore, the build plate's service life is reduced each time it undergoes machining, and it may eventually need to be replaced. SUMMARY

[0004] A first aspect of the disclosure provides an additive manufacturing system. The additive manufacturing system may have a base and a holding plate connected to the base. The holding plate may have a first seat formed in an exposed surface of the holding plate, which has a plurality of support projections extending laterally into the seat. The additive manufacturing system may also have a build plate located within the seat and in contact with the plurality of support projections of the holding plate. The build plate may have a build surface in a substantially planar orientation with the exposed surface of the holding plate. Additionally, the additive manufacturing system may have a plurality of build plate holding components located within the seat of the holding plate.Any of the majority of build plate holding components can be used to hold the build plate within the seat of the holding plate.

[0005] In any embodiment of the system, it may be advantageous for the seat to have: a predetermined depth; and a predetermined width.

[0006] In any embodiment of the system, it may be advantageous for the thickness to be equal to the predetermined depth of the seat formed in the retaining plate; and for the width to be less than the predetermined width of the seat formed in the retaining plate.

[0007] In any embodiment of the system, it may be advantageous that at least one section of the plurality of support projections is in contact with the retaining plate opposite the plurality of leaf springs.

[0008] In any embodiment of the system, it may be advantageous for the majority of retaining plates to have a majority of leaf springs.

[0009] In any embodiment of the system, it may be advantageous for the system to also have a plurality of leaf spring recesses formed in a side wall of the seat and partially by the retaining plate, each of the leaf spring recesses being provided to accommodate at least one of the plurality of leaf springs.

[0010] In any embodiment of the system, it may be advantageous for the system to also have at least one size adjustment component within the seat, wherein the at least one size adjustment component is in contact with the build plate and is positioned between the build plate and at least one of the plurality of build plate holding components and the plurality of support projections of the holding plate.

[0011] In any embodiment of the system, it may be advantageous for the system to also have a separate build plate positioned within the seat of the retaining plate, with the separate build plate being in contact with the build plate.

[0012] A second aspect of the disclosure provides an additive manufacturing system. The additive manufacturing system can have a base and a holding plate connected to the base. The holding plate can have at least one opening formed in an exposed surface of the holding plate and a support projection extending laterally into the at least one opening. The additive manufacturing system can also have at least one build plate positioned within the at least one opening and in contact with a support projection of the holding plate. The at least one build plate can have a build surface in at least a planar orientation with the exposed surface of the holding plate. Additionally, the additive manufacturing system can have a build plate holding component that is positioned at least partially within the at least one opening of the holding plate.The building plate holding component can detachably connect at least one building plate to the holding plate.

[0013] In any embodiment of the system, it may be advantageous for the system to have at least one opening: a first seat formed in the exposed surface of the retaining plate and a second seat formed in the exposed surface of the retaining plate adjacent to the first seat.

[0014] In any embodiment of the system, it may be advantageous for the at least one building plate to have a first building plate that is arranged within the first seat.

[0015] In any embodiment of the system, it may be advantageous for the at least one build plate to have a second build plate positioned within the second seat.

[0016] In any embodiment of the system, it may be advantageous for the system to also have a filler plate positioned within the second seat.

[0017] In any embodiment of the system, it may be advantageous for the panel holding component to be selected from a group consisting of: a plurality of leaf springs, a plurality of fasteners, and a magnetic holding device.

[0018] In any embodiment of the system, it may be advantageous for the system to also have a cover plate positioned over the exposed surface of the retaining plate, the cover plate being provided for adjusting a depth of the at least one opening in the retaining plate that accommodates the at least one building plate.

[0019] In any embodiment of the system, it may be advantageous for at least one opening to have a through-hole formed by the retaining plate.

[0020] In any embodiment of the system, it may be advantageous for the system to also have spacers positioned between and connected to the base and the retaining plate, the spacers being provided for adjusting the depth of the through-hole that accommodates the at least one retaining plate.

[0021] A third aspect of the disclosure provides a holding plate for an additive manufacturing system. The holding plate can have an exposed surface and a first seat formed in the exposed surface. The first seat can have a predetermined depth. The holding plate can also have at least one support projection extending laterally from a first side wall of the first seat into the first seat, and a first group of leaf-spring recesses formed in the side wall of the first seat. Each of the first group of leaf-spring recesses can accommodate at least one leaf spring used to hold a first build plate within the first seat.

[0022] In any embodiment of the retaining plate, it may be advantageous for the retaining plate to further comprise: at least one separate seat formed in the exposed surface, wherein the at least one separate seat is formed adjacent to the first seat; at least one separate support projection extending into the at least one separate seat from a side wall of the at least one separate seat; and at least one separate group of leaf spring recesses formed in the side wall of the at least one separate seat.

[0023] In any embodiment of the retaining plate, it may be advantageous for the retaining plate to also have at least one removable seat insert positioned within the first seat, wherein the at least one removable seat insert is configured to adjust the depth of the first seat. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The revelation will be more clearly understood through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where the same reference symbols denote the same structural elements, and in which:

[0025] Fig. Figure 1A shows a top view of an additive manufacturing system and a holding plate according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] Fig. 1B a top view of an additive manufacturing system according to Fig. 1A represents, comprising a disposable building plate which is arranged within the holding plate according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] Fig. 2A a side cross-sectional view of the additive manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments showing the holding plate and the disposable build plate along line 2-2 in Fig. 1B.

[0028] Fig. 2B shows a side cross-sectional view of the additive manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments, showing the holding plate and the disposable build plate along line 2-2 in Fig. 1B.

[0029] Fig. 3 shows a top view of an additive manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments, comprising a holding plate and two separate disposable build plates.

[0030] Fig. 4 shows a top view of an additive manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments, comprising a holding plate, a disposable build plate and size adjustment components.

[0031] Fig. Figure 5 shows a top view of an additive manufacturing system according to alternative embodiments, comprising a holding plate and a disposable build plate.

[0032] Fig. Figure 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of the additive manufacturing system according to further embodiments, comprising a holding plate, removable seat inserts and a disposable build plate.

[0033] Fig. Figure 7 shows a side cross-sectional view of the additive manufacturing system according to alternative embodiments, comprising a holding plate, a cover plate and a disposable build plate.

[0034] Fig. Figure 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of the additive manufacturing system according to another embodiment, comprising a holding plate, spacers and a disposable build plate.

[0035] Fig. 9 shows a top view of an additive manufacturing system according to further embodiments, comprising a holding plate and a disposable build plate.

[0036] Fig. 10 shows a top view of an additive manufacturing system according to another embodiment, comprising a holding plate, a disposable build plate and a magnetic holding device.

[0037] Fig. Figure 11 shows a side cross-sectional view of the additive manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments, showing the holding plate, the disposable build plate and the magnetic holding device along line 11-11 in Fig. 10.

[0038] Fig. Figure 12A shows a top view of an additive manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments, comprising a holding plate with two seats and two disposable build plates.

[0039] Fig. 12B a top view of the additive manufacturing system Fig. 12A according to embodiments, comprising the retaining plate with two seats, a single disposable building plate and a filling plate.

[0040] Fig. Figure 13 shows a top view of a holding plate for an additive manufacturing system according to additional embodiments.

[0041] Fig. 14 represents a block diagram of an additive manufacturing system and a method according to exemplary embodiments, comprising a non-transient computer-readable storage medium that stores a code characteristic of a component produced by the additive manufacturing system.

[0042] It should be noted that the drawings in the revelation are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to illustrate only typical aspects of the revelation and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope of protection afforded by the revelation. In the drawings, identical numbers represent identical elements between the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Representative embodiments, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, are now described in detail. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to a preferred embodiment. On the contrary, the intention is to include alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be contained within the concept and scope of protection of the described embodiments as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0044] The following description refers generally to additive manufacturing systems and more specifically to a holding plate and a disposable build plate, which is arranged inside the holding plate and used by the additive manufacturing system to build components.

[0045] These and other embodiments are described below with reference to the Fig. 1A– Fig. 14 explained. However, experts in the field will clearly recognize that the detailed description given here with reference to these figures serves only for the purpose of explanation and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0046] Fig. 1A– Fig. Figure 2A shows illustrative views of a section of an additive manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments. In particular, they show Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B Top views of an additive manufacturing system showing a holding plate and a disposable build plate (see Fig. 1B) and Fig. Figure 2A shows a side cross-sectional view of the additive manufacturing system, showing the holding plate and the disposable build plate along line 2-2 in Fig. 1B. Additive manufacturing systems 100 can a mounting plate 102 exhibit which is designed to accommodate a disposable building panel (see Fig. 1B) to hold, receive and / or accommodate as explained herein. The retaining plate 102 can be within a support table 104 positioned on a support table 104 positioned and / or with a support table 104 an additive manufacturing system 100 be connected. As it says in the Fig. 1A and Fig. As shown in 1B, the support table 104 the mounting plate 102 essentially enclose the mounting plate 102 to support and provide an additional area and / or surface for the additive manufacturing system 100 to be provided during the component formation process. The holding plate 102 may be formed from any essentially rigid material which may be machined and / or processed to create the various features on and / or within the mounting plate 102to form them as explained in detail below. In non-restrictive examples, the retaining plate can 102 It may be made of metal, metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, and any other material that has substantially similar physical properties. As explained herein, the retaining plate may be 102 move downwards (e.g. into the sheet) as the different layers of the components are built up, while a component is being processed by the additive manufacturing system 100 is being built. Furthermore, the support table can 104 remain stationary or alternatively, connect to the mounting plate 102 move during the component manufacturing process.

[0047] The mounting plate 102 can also be used with a base 108 (see Fig. 2A) of the additive manufacturing system 100 be connected. Briefly refer to Fig. 2A and with continued reference to the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, can the base 108 below the mounting plate 102 and the support table 104 be arranged. The mounting plate 102 can be positioned above, positioned on, in contact with, attached to and / or connected to the base 108 while the component manufacturing process is carried out using the additive manufacturing system 100 is carried out. The retaining plate 102 can be detachably connected to, attached to and / or secured to the base 108 using any suitable connecting component(s) or techniques. In a manner described in the Fig. 1A and Fig. In the non-restrictive example shown in 1B, the retaining plate can be used. 102 with the base 108 using mechanical fasteners 110 (e.g. screws, bolts and the like) connected by the retaining plate 102and at least partially through the base 108 They can be positioned. In other non-restrictive examples, the mounting plate can be 102 with the base 108 using a magnetic holding device (see Fig. 10 and Fig. 11), an adjustable clamping device (not shown) and the like.

[0048] As it is in the Fig. 1A– Fig. As shown in 2A, the mounting plate 102 at least one seat 112 exhibit. The seat 112 can be formed in and / or at least partially through the exposed area 106 the mounting plate 102 and can be a disposable building panel (see Fig. 1B) take up and / or hold as described herein. In a non-restrictive example, the seat 112 only partially through the mounting plate 102It may be formed and can be a recess or depression in the mounting plate. 102 is formed. In another non-restrictive example illustrating this point, the seat can be 112 completely through the mounting plate 102 through and may be a through hole or an opening in the mounting plate 102 (see Fig. 8) be. As it says in Fig. As shown in 1A, the seat can 112 be trained to achieve a predetermined width (W sitz ) and a predetermined length (L Sitz ) to show. Additionally, and as it is in Fig. As shown in 2A, the seat can 112 the mounting plate 102 also a predetermined depth (D sitz ) exhibit. As explained herein, the predetermined geometric properties (e.g., width, length, depth) of the component in the mounting plate can be determined. 102The formed seat may be at least partly dependent on the geometric properties of the disposable build plate of the additive manufacturing system. 100 The seat 112 can be in the mounting plate 102 formed using any suitable material removal process, including but not limited to milling, grinding, cutting, blasting and the like.

[0049] The mounting plate 102 It can also have multiple leaf spring recesses. 118 exhibit. In particular, as can be seen in the Fig. 1A– Fig. As shown in 2A, the leaf spring recesses can be 118 , which in Fig. 2A, shown as dashed lines, in a first side wall 120 of the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 be trained. The leaf spring recesses 118 can at least partially penetrate and / or pass through the mounting plate 102 from the first side wall 120extend. The leaf spring recesses 118 Can build plate holding components of the additive manufacturing system 100 As explained herein, the panel holding components, which are positioned within and / or received by the leaf spring recesses, can be accommodated. 118 , the disposable construction panel inside the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 detachably connected and / or held. In the case of one in the Fig. 1A– Fig. In the non-restrictive example shown in 2A, the panel holding components can be a plurality of leaf springs. 122 be. As it is in Fig. As shown in 1A, each leaf spring opening can 118 at least one of the majority of leaf springs 122 of the additive manufacturing system 100 record. At one in Fig. The non-restrictive example shown in 2A can be used for the leaf spring recesses. 118be trained to exhibit a depth that is essentially the same as that of the predetermined depth (D Sitz ) of the seat 112 , so that the leaf spring recesses 118 Recesses and / or indentations are those that are in the mounting plate 102 are formed. In another, non-restrictive example not shown, the depth of the leaf spring recesses can be 118 be less than the predetermined depth (D Sitz ) of the seat 112 The leaf spring recesses 118 the mounting plate 102 can be formed using any material removal process, including but not limited to milling, grinding, cutting, blasting and the like.

[0050] The majority of leaf springs 122 (e.g., build plate holding components) of the additive manufacturing system 100 can at least partially affect the seat 112 and the leaf spring recesses 118be positioned. That is, a section of each of the majority of the leaf springs. 122 can be within the leaf spring recesses 118 and a remaining section of each of the plurality of leaf springs 122 can be inside the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 be positioned. As it is in Fig. As shown in 1A, one end of each of the majority of leaf springs can be used. 122 also with the first side wall 120 of the seat 112 be in contact. As explained herein, the majority of leaf springs can 122 can be used to create a disposable build plate for the additive manufacturing system 100 inside the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 to hold and / or to connect detachably. As such, the leaf springs can 122be formed from any substantially elastic material and / or a material with substantially elastic properties. In a non-restrictive example, the leaf springs could be 122 of the additive manufacturing system 100 be made of steel. Although two leaf spring recesses 118 and two leaf springs 122 in Fig. As shown in 1A, it is understood that this number of components is merely exemplary and represents an additive manufacturing system. 100 more or fewer leaf spring recesses 118 and / or leaf springs 122 may contain. Furthermore, it is understood that, although a single leaf spring 122 in each of the leaf spring recesses 118 This illustrates a plurality of leaf springs. 122 at least partially within a single leaf spring opening 118 the mounting plate 102 can be positioned.

[0051] As it is in the Fig. 1A to Fig. As shown in 2A, the mounting plate 102 of the additive manufacturing system 100 at least one hump, elevation, or supporting ledge 124 (hereinafter referred to as "support projection") 124 “) exhibit. The supporting projections 124 can from a second side wall 126 of the seat 112 Each supporting ledge must be formed. 124 can from the second side wall 126 protrudes and can move sideways into the seat. 112 the mounting plate 102 extend. As it is in Fig. As shown in 1A, the support projections can 124 , which are on the second side wall 126 are formed, are positioned opposite each other and / or are located on the first side wall 120 of the seat 112 formed leaf spring recesses 118 to extend. The supporting projections 124 can be integrated with the mounting plate102 be trained, as is the case in Fig. shown in 1A. Alternatively, the support projections can be used. 124 be formed from a separate component or part and can be attached to the second side wall 126 of the seat 112 be attached and / or connected. The support projections 124 the mounting plate 102 may have any geometry or shape to support the releasable retaining connection and / or the contacting of a disposable build plate that is placed within the seat during the build process of the component(s). 112 the mounting plate 102 is positioned as explained herein. In the case of a Fig. The non-restrictive example shown in 1A can be used for support projections. 124 exhibit a substantially curved contact surface. Although in the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B two support projections 124 As shown, it is understood that this number of support projections124 is merely an example and the mounting plate 102 of the additive manufacturing system 100 more or less supporting ledges 124 can exhibit (see Fig. 5).

[0052] Now turning to the Fig. 1B and Fig. 2A with continued reference to Fig. 1A can use the additive manufacturing system 100 also a disposable building plate 128 exhibit the disposable building board 128 (hereinafter referred to as "building panel") 128 “), can be within the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 be positioned, held and / or detachably connected and can be manufactured using the additive manufacturing system 100 They are used to build components. As it says in the Fig. 1B and Fig. As shown in 2A, the building plate 128 a building surface 130exhibiting surfaces that are essentially level, at the same level and / or essentially flat with the exposed surface 106 the mounting plate 102 During the component manufacturing process, powdered or granular material can be applied to predetermined areas of the build surface. 130 the building plate 128 added and that to the building plate 128 The added material can then be transformed (e.g. sintered) to build the component(s) layer by layer using the additive manufacturing system. 100 to build. As a consequence of the building plate 128 positioned, held and / or releasable within the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 Once connected, the building plate can 128 with the mounting plate 102 move during the component build process. Once the component(s) are on the build surface 130 the building plate 128Once built, the component(s) can be removed, scraped off and / or used for a purpose other than building components using the additive manufacturing system. 100 can be used. Alternatively, after the component(s) are on the build surface 130 the building plate 128 built and subsequently removed from the building plate 128 Once removed, the building plate can be removed. 128 through the additive manufacturing system 100 be reused and / or subjected to a different construction process, as explained herein, to create a customized component build-up on the building surface 130 to have. As explained herein, the dimensions and / or geometric properties of the building plate allow for this. 128 to be produced quickly, easily, and inexpensively. As a result, operators of additive manufacturing systems can 100 the building plate 128After only a single operation of building components, they can be removed and a different build plate or other build plates can be used. 128 within the mounting plate 102 to carry out additional component manufacturing processes.

[0053] The building plate 128 can be done using leaf springs 122 and / or supporting projections 124 inside the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 It must be positioned, held, and / or detachably connected. As stated in the Fig. 1B and Fig. As shown in 2A, the leaf springs can 122 and the supporting projections 124 the building plate 128 contact on opposite sides to secure the building plate 128 inside the seat 112 to hold and / or detachably couple components during the component manufacturing process. In particular, the leaf springs can be used for this purpose. 122 with the building plate 128be in contact and / or exert a force in the direction of the support projections 124 onto the building plate 128 apply. As a result, the building plate 128 against the support projections 124 the mounting plate 102 pressed and within the seat 112 held and / or maintained by a compressive force. If the building plate 128 inside the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 Once positioned, the building plate 128 against the leaf springs 122 be pressed and the leaf springs 122 temporarily compress, deform and / or displace before an opposite side of the building plate 128 adjacent to the supporting projections 124 is positioned. Because the leaf springs 122 Leaf springs have elastic properties. 122 decompressed and push the build plate 128 to the support projections 124, as explained herein.

[0054] The building plate 128 can be made from any suitable material capable of undergoing the process of building a component using the additive manufacturing system 100 to withstand. In non-restrictive examples, the building plate can 128 be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or other materials with similar physical, material, and / or chemical properties. As stated in Fig. As shown in 1B, the building plate 128 a width (W BP ) and a length (L BP ) exhibit a width that is smaller than the predetermined width (W) Sitz ) and the predetermined length (L Sitz ) of the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 . In particular the width (W BP ) the building plate 128 can be essentially smaller than the distance between the support projections 124 the mounting plate102 and the first page 120 of the seat 112 and the length (L BP ) the building plate 128 can be essentially smaller than the predetermined length (L) Sitz ) of the seat 112 The smaller width (W) BP ) and length (L BP ) can ensure that the building plate 128 inside the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 can be positioned. In the case of a Fig. The non-restrictive example shown in 1B can be the difference between the width (W BP ) and the length (L BP ) the building plate 128 and the predetermined width (W Sitz ) and the predetermined length (L Sitz ) of the seat should be essentially minimal (e.g. less than 0.25 inches), so that the leaf springs 122 minimally compressed and / or deformed when the building plate 128 into the seat 112is used. In a non-restrictive example, the length (L) can be BP ) the building plate 128 within a range of approximately six (6) inches and two (2) feet. Additionally, the width (W) can be BP ) the building plate 128 In a non-restrictive example, within a range of approximately one (1) inch and approximately six (6) inches.

[0055] Furthermore, and with regard to the Fig. 2A can the building plate 128 a thickness (T BP ) exhibit. The thickness (T BP ) the building plate 128 can be essentially the same as the predetermined depth (D Sitz ) of the seat, which is in the mounting plate 102 is formed by applying a thickness (T). BP ), which is essentially the same as the depth (T Sitz ) of the seat 112 , can the building plate 128 ensure that the building surface 130 the building plate 128, which are in a level alignment with the exposed surface 106 the mounting plate 102 is when the building plate 128 inside the seat 112 is positioned. In a non-restrictive example, the thickness (T) can be BP ) the building plate 128 within a range of approximately one quarter (0.25) inch and approximately two (2) inches.

[0056] As explained herein, the predetermined geometric properties (e.g. width, length, depth) of the seat can be 112 , which is in the mounting plate 102 The structure is formed, at least in part, depending on the geometric properties (e.g., width, length, thickness) of the building plate. 128 of the additive manufacturing system 100 This means that, in a non-restrictive example, the building plate can be formed first and can have predetermined geometric properties. As a consequence, the seat can 112 in the mounting plate102 The following refers to the production of the building panel 128 can be formed and can exhibit geometric properties that are at least partly dependent on the predetermined geometric properties of the building plate. 128 In another unrestricted example, the seat 112 first in the mounting plate 102 They are formed and exhibit the predetermined geometric properties. The building plate 128 Therefore, the following can be added to the mounting plate 102 can be manufactured and can be designed to exhibit geometric properties that are at least partly dependent on the predetermined geometric properties of the seat. 112 .

[0057] Fig. 2B shows a side cross-sectional view of the additive manufacturing system 100 showing the retaining plate 102 and the disposable building board 128 along line 2-2 in Fig. 1B represents a different embodiment. Compared to Fig. 2A can be in Fig. The mounting plate shown in 2B may have independent features. In particular, the one shown in Fig. 2B shown retaining plate 102 a seat 112 exhibiting a surface that is completely enclosed by the mounting plate 102 is executed and / or the seat 112 is a through hole or through opening completely through the retaining plate 102 executed. In the Fig. 2B shown, a non-limiting example, and how it relates equally to the Fig. As explained in section 2A, the thickness (T) BP ) the building plate 128 essentially the same as the predetermined depth (D Sitz ) of the mounting plate 102 formed seat. By carrying out the thickness (T BP ) essentially equal to the depth (D Sitz ) of the seat 112 , can the building plate 128ensure that the building surface 130 the building plate 128 in a level alignment with the exposed surface 106 the mounting plate 102 is when the building plate 128 inside the seat 112 is arranged. In response to the fact that the seat 112 as a through hole through the mounting plate 102 Once trained, the building plate 128 to be positioned at, in direct contact with and / or supported by the base 108 of the additive manufacturing system 100 .

[0058] Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows top views of additive manufacturing systems 100 using the manufacturing plates 128 , which may have geometric properties that are essentially smaller than the predetermined geometric properties of the seat 112 the mounting plate 102It is understood that components with the same number and / or designation operate in essentially the same way. Redundant explanations of these components have been omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0059] Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of an additive manufacturing system 100 , comprising two building plates 128A and 128B As it is in Fig. As shown in section 3, the first building plate can be used. 128A and the second building plate 128B have a width that is significantly smaller than the predetermined width (W) Sitz ) of the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 However, the combined widths of the first building plate can vary. 128A and the second building plate 128B essentially the same as the width (W BP ) the building plate 128 out of Fig. 1B and therefore only minimally smaller than the width (W Sitz ) of the seat 112, as explained above. In the non-restrictive example, both the first building plate and the 128A as well as the second building plate 128B inside the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 during the component manufacturing process, arranged, positioned and / or detachably connected, which is achieved through the additive manufacturing system 100 is executed. That is, as it is in Fig. As shown in section 3, the first building plate 128A can be inside the seat 112 adjacent to and / or in contact with the leaf springs 122 , which are in the leaf spring recesses 118 the mounting plate 102 are arranged, be positioned and the second mounting plate 128B can be inside the seat 112 adjacent to and / or in contact with the supporting projections 124 be positioned. Additionally, the first building plate can be 128A and the second building plate 128Beven inside the seat 112 They are in contact with each other. As explained herein, a force is applied to the first building plate. 128A by means of the leaf springs 122 exerted. As such, the force is applied with the first building plate. 128A also on the second building plate 128B exercised, which in turn creates the second building plate 128B into the support projections 124 pushes and / or presses and the first build plate 128A and the second building plate 128B inside the seat 112 secures. In the case of the Fig. In the non-restrictive embodiment shown in 3, components can be accessed via the first build plate. 128A and the second building plate 128B components can be built on the first build plate. 128A and the second building plate 128B can be built independently.

[0060] Fig. Figure 4 shows a top view of an additive manufacturing system 100, featuring a disposable building plate 128 and size adjustment components 132 Compared to the Fig. 1B and Fig. 3. The building plate shown in the figure can be used 128 both in width (W BP ) as well as in length (L BP ) be significantly smaller compared to the predetermined width (W) Sitz ) and length (L Sitz ) of the mounting plate 102 formed seat 112 The additive manufacturing system 100 can size adjustment components 132 use to build the base plate 128 inside the seat 112 to be able to use, hold and / or detachably connect. The size adjustment components 132 can within the seat 112 be positioned to take a dimension to the mounting plate 128 "to add" so that the building plate 128 inside the seat 112 can be maintained. As it is in Fig. As shown in section 4, the size adjustment components can be used. 132 They can be positioned in between and can be in contact with the building plate. 128 , the leaf springs 122 and the supporting projections 124 In particular, in the non-restrictive example, a size adjustment component can be used. 132 be arranged between and in contact with the building plate 128 and the leaf springs 122 and a separate resizing component 132 can be positioned between and in contact with the building plate 128 and the supporting projections 124 opposite to the leaf springs 122 The size adjustment components 132 can the building plate 128 the necessary width (W BP ) and length (L BP ) to enter the seat 112 to be held as explained herein. The number and / or dimensions of the size adjustment components 132, which are inside the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 The methods used may depend, at least in part, on the geometric properties of the building plate. 128 and / or the geometric properties of the seat 112 Although two size adjustment components 132 in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, it is understood that the number of size-adjustment components is merely exemplary and represents an additive manufacturing system. 100 more or less size adjustment components 132 can exhibit the required features.

[0061] Fig. 5 shows a mounting plate 102 an additive manufacturing system 100 , exhibiting a plurality of supporting projections 124 , which are essentially everywhere in the seat 112 are positioned. In particular, the mounting plate contains 102 , as it is in Fig. As shown in section 5, there are two support projections. 124, which are opposite the leaf springs 122 are positioned and have two separate support projections 124 , which are adjacent to the leaf springs 122 are positioned. As is evident here with reference to the Fig. As explained in 1B, the support projections can 124 , opposite the leaf springs 122 are positioned, the building plate 128 on one side opposite the leaf springs 122 contact. The separate support projections 124 , which are adjacent to the leaf springs 122 are positioned at opposite distal ends 134 the building plate 128 with the building plate 128 be in contact. The supporting projections 124 , which are connected to the building plate 128 at distal ends 134 Being in contact can help with the building plate 128 inside the seat 112 the mounting plate 102to hold, secure and / or connect in a detachable manner.

[0062] Fig. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an additive manufacturing system. 100 according to other embodiments. In the case of the one in Fig. In the non-restrictive embodiment shown in 6, the retaining plate 102 of the additive manufacturing system 100 at least one removable seat insert 136 feature the removable seat insert. 136 can be inside the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 be positioned and secured to achieve a depth (D Sitz ) of the seat 112 to adjust. In particular, and how it should be done in Fig. As shown in section 6, the removable seat insert can be used. 136 inside the seat 112 positioned and / or arranged to cover at least one section of the seat 112 to fill and a depth (D Sitz ) of the seat 112to adjust before the build plate 128 inside the seat 112 is positioned. The removable seat inserts 136 can below leaf springs 122 and supporting projections 124 Positioning. Adding or removing removable seat inserts. 136 , to determine the depth (D Sitz ) of the seat 112 Changing this can ensure that different building panels 128 with different or the same thicknesses within the seat 112 can be positioned and provide a building surface 130 the building plate 128 in a level orientation and / or level with the exposed surface 106 the mounting plate 102 That is, the depth (D Sitz ) of the seat 112 can be achieved by using removable seat inserts 136 They can be easily adjusted, adapted and / or individually configured to accommodate a different number of building panels. 128to accommodate varying thicknesses without removing the entire mounting plate 102 within the additive manufacturing system 100 to have to change.

[0063] Fig. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of an additive manufacturing system. 100 featuring a cover plate 138 Similar to the removable seat inserts 136 can the cover plate 138 through the additive manufacturing system 100 used to determine the depth (D Sitz ) of the seat 112 easy to adjust, adapt and / or customize. In particular, the seat can be adjusted. 112 the mounting plate 102 by using the cover plate 138 a varying number of building panels 128 to accommodate varying thicknesses without removing the entire mounting plate 102 within the additive manufacturing system 100 to have to change. In the case of a Fig. The 7 shown, non-limiting example can be used for the retaining plate 128 a thickness (T BP ) exhibit a depth greater than the depth (D Sitz ) of the seat 112 Without including the cover plate 138 can the building plate 128 from the seat 112 protrude, so that the building surface 130 the building plate 128 is positioned above and / or outside the plane alignment with the exposed surface 106 the mounting plate 102 In the non-restrictive example, the cover plate can 138 be positioned above and / or arranged on the exposed surface 106 the mounting plate 102 and can take up a section of the building plate 128 within an opening 140 , which are through the cover plate 138 is formed, absorb. A thickness (T CP ) the cover plate 138 can amount of the building plate 128correspond to the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 protrudes. As a result of positioning the cover plate. 138 over the exposed area 106 the mounting plate 102 can the building surface 130 the building plate 128 in a flat orientation and / or level with the covering surface 142 the cover plate 138 during the component manufacturing process, which is carried out using the additive manufacturing system 100 is executed. The cover plate 138 can be made from any material capable of withstanding the component manufacturing process applied to the build plate 128 is carried out, exhibiting, but not limited to, metal, metal alloys, polymers, ceramics and any other materials that have essentially similar physical properties.

[0064] Fig. Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of a manufacturing system 100 featuring spacers 144 in contrast to the other non-restrictive examples explained herein, the one in Fig. 8 seats shown 112 a through hole or opening that passes completely through the retaining plate 102 is formed throughout. Although the seat 112 a through hole, the building plate 128 a thickness (T BP ) exhibit a depth greater than the depth (D Sitz ) of the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 Similar to the removable seat inserts 136 out of Fig. 6 and the cover plate 138 out of Fig. 7 can spacers 144 through the additive manufacturing system 100 used to determine the depth (D Sitz ) of the seat 112easy to adjust, adapt and / or customize. In particular, the seat can be easily adjusted. 112 the mounting plate 102 by using the spacers 144 a different number of building plates 128 with varying thicknesses, without the entire mounting plate 102 within the additive manufacturing system 100 to have to change it. In the non-restrictive example, the spacers can 144 between a base 108 and the mounting plate 102 to be positioned. The spacers 144 can also be directly connected to the base 108 and also the mounting plate 102 be connected or alternatively under compression between the base 108 and the mounting plate 102 can be used. Like the cover plate 138 out of Fig. 7 can be a thickness (T S ) the spacer 144 to the difference between the thickness (T BP) the building plate 128 and the depth (D Sitz ) of the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 correspond. As a result of positioning the spacers 144 between the base 108 and the mounting plate 102 can the building surface 130 the mounting plate 128 in a level orientation and / or at the same level as the exposed surface 106 the mounting plate 102 during the component manufacturing process, which is carried out using the additive manufacturing system 100 is executed. In the non-restrictive example, the building plate can 128 be positioned on, in direct contact with and / or supported by the base 108 of the additive manufacturing system 100 The spacers 144 can be individual components that are attached to at least 2 sides of the building plate 128are designed or can alternatively be designed as a plate that has a through hole which connects to the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 is aligned and set up to at least one section of the building plate 128 to record the spacers 144 can be made from any suitable material capable of creating a gap between the base 108 and the mounting plate 102 to be maintained during the component manufacturing process, exhibiting, but not limited to, metal, metal alloys, polymers, ceramics and any other material exhibiting similar physical properties.

[0065] Fig. 9– Fig. Figure 11 shows top views of an additive manufacturing system 100 , which uses a separate building board adhesive to secure the building board 128 inside the seat 112 the mounting plate 102To be kept. It is understood that components with the same number and / or designation operate in essentially the same way. A redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity.

[0066] As it is in Fig. As shown in 9, the additive manufacturing system can 100 a plurality of building panel fasteners 146 (e.g., building panel holding components) to hold the building panel 128 inside the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 to hold, secure and / or detachably connect. The majority of construction panel fasteners 146 can through the building plate 128 be positioned through it and can at least partially pass through the mounting plate 102 and / or the base 108 (see Fig. 2A) be positioned through to place the build plate inside the seat 112 to connect. That is to say, the majority of building panel fasteners. 146can through the building plate 128 be positioned and partially positioned by and connected to the mounting plate 102 below the seat 112 Alternatively, the majority of building panel fasteners can be used 146 through the building plate 128 and the mounting plate 102 be positioned continuously and be partially positioned through and connected to the base 108 in a similar manner to that described above with regard to mechanical fasteners 110 was explained. The majority of building board fasteners 146 can also be adjacent to distal ends 134 the building plate 128 be positioned to minimize the surface area of ​​the building plate 130 to block the building plate.

[0067] The leaf springs 122 and supporting projections 124 are in Fig. 9 not shown. In the Fig. The non-limiting example shown in 9 can be used for the majority of building panel fasteners. 146 the only component used to build the base plate 128 inside the seat 112 to maintain. In another non-restrictive, not shown example, the additive manufacturing system can 100 Leaf springs 122 , supporting projections 124 and a variety of building panel fasteners 146 exhibiting, so that the majority of building panel fasteners 146 the leaf springs 122 and supporting projections 124 this supports the building plate 128 inside the seat 112 to hold. Although two building plate fasteners 146 in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, it is understood that this number of building panel fasteners is merely exemplary and the additive manufacturing system 100More or less construction board fasteners for holding, securing and / or detachably connecting the construction board 128 inside the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 The majority of building panel fasteners may exhibit this. 146 may be any suitable connecting component, comprising, but not limited to, screws, nuts and bolts, cotter pins, rivets and any other mechanical fasteners capable of securing the building plate 128 inside the seat 112 to be connected in a detachable way.

[0068] Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 represent the use of a magnetic holding device 148 as a build plate holding component. In particular, the additive manufacturing system 100 , as it is in the Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in 11, a magnetic holding device 148 (dashed line in Fig. 10 shown) which can be used to create the building plate 128 inside the seat 112 the mounting plate 102 to hold, secure and / or detachably connect. The magnetic holding device 148 can be located below the building plate 128 be positioned in a cross-sectional side view. Fig. The magnetic holding device can be used in the 11 shown, non-limiting example. 128 integral with the base 108 of the additive manufacturing system 100 be formed and can be located directly below and / or in contact with the mounting plate 102 be positioned where the building plate 128 The magnetic holding device has magnetic properties. 148 a magnetic field 148 train and / or the building plate 128 magnetically attract to the building plate 128 inside the seat 112to hold, secure and / or detachably connect. As it says in Fig. As shown in 10, these are the mechanical fasteners. 110 Dashed lines are used to illustrate optional features. In a non-restrictive example, the magnetic holding device can be used. 148 in addition to the magnetic attraction of the building plate 128 for the detachable connection of the building plate 128 inside the seat 112 also the mounting plate 102 magnetically attract to the mounting plate 102 solvable with the base 108 to connect.

[0069] Similarly, as in Fig. The nine illustrated, non-limiting examples are leaf springs. 122 and supporting projections 124 in the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 not shown. In the one in Fig. 10 and Fig. The magnetic holding device can be used in the 11 shown, non-limiting example. 148the only component used to build the base plate 128 inside the seat 112 to maintain. In other, non-limiting examples not shown, the additive manufacturing system can 100 Leaf springs 122 , supporting projections 124 and a magnetic holding device 148 exhibit. In this non-restrictive example, the magnetic holding device can 148 the leaf springs 122 and supporting projections 124 help the building plate 128 inside the seat 112 to keep.

[0070] Although a single seat 112 as in the mounting plate 102 As explained herein, it is understood that more than one seat is required. 112 in the mounting plate 102 formed and / or by the retaining plate 102 of the additive manufacturing system 100can be used. In non-restrictive embodiments, which are described in the Fig. 12A and Fig. As shown in 12B, the mounting plate 102 two (or more) seats 112A , 112B exhibiting features in the exposed area 102 are trained. A first seat 112A can in the exposed area 106 the mounting plate 102 be trained and a second seat 112B can in the exposed area 106 the mounting plate 102 adjacent to the first seat 112A be trained. Each seat 112A , 112B can be within leaf spring recesses 118 positioned leaf springs 122 and supporting projections 124 exhibit. As explained similarly herein, the leaf springs can 122 and supporting projections 124 the seats 112A , 112B used to make building panels 128A , 128Bin the respective seat 112A , 112B to hold, secure and / or detachably connect, as described in Fig. Figure 12A shows that in some versions, the component manufacturing process, which is achieved through the additive manufacturing system, 100 is executed, but only a single building plate is used. 128A to build a component. In the case of the Fig. The non-restrictive example shown in 12B can, although the retaining plate 102 two seats 112A , 112B features the first building plate 128A only within the first seat 112A be positioned. The second seat 112B can a filler plate 150 to pick up, retain, secure and / or detachably connect if only a single building plate is used. 128A necessary to carry out the component manufacturing process. As described in Fig. As shown in 12B, the filler plate 150 within the second seat 112Bbe positioned and can be the recess that forms the second seat 112B the mounting plate 102 forms, essentially fill and / or occupy. By forming two (or more) seats. 112A , 112B in the mounting plate 102 can the additive manufacturing system 100 Building multiple components during a single component manufacturing process can, in turn, increase production time.

[0071] Fig. 13 shows a top view of a mounting plate 102 which has two separate leaf spring recesses. In particular, the one in Fig. 13 shown retaining plate 102 outer leaf spring recesses 152 and inner leaf spring recesses 154 , which are in and / or partially through the exposed area 106 the mounting plate 102 are formed. The outer leaf spring recesses 152 can in and / or through the first side wall120 the mounting plate 102 be trained and can be used in the holding plate 102 opposite the supporting projections 124 be formed on the second side wall 126 are formed. The inner leaf spring recesses 154 can be adjacent to the outer leaf spring recesses 152 be trained and / or the first side wall 120 can be opposed to the supporting projections 124 be positioned. As it is in Fig. As shown in 13, the outer leaf spring recesses can be 152 and the inner leaf spring recesses 154 also through a leaf spring projection 156 be separated, which is in the mounting plate 102 is formed. The outer leaf spring recesses 152 and the inner leaf spring recesses 154 Each leaf spring can be separate. 122 contain and / or include (see Fig. 1A), which is attached to the mounting plate 128may be in contact and / or the mounting plate 128 (see Fig. 1B) within the seat 112 can be maintained as described similarly herein. Additional leaf spring projections 156 can help to separate the leaf springs 122 within the outer leaf spring recesses 152 and the inner leaf spring recesses 154 to hold each and / or can provide support for the separate leaf springs 122 provide.

[0072] To illustrate an exemplary additive manufacturing process, shows Fig. 14 a schematic block representation of an illustrative computer-controlled additive manufacturing system 900 for the production of an object 902 In this example, the system 900arranged for the DMLM. It is understood that the general teachings of this revelation are equally applicable to other forms of additive manufacturing. The object 902 This is illustrated as a double-walled turbine element. However, it is understood that the additive manufacturing process can easily be adapted to produce any component on the build plates. 128 to produce it as described herein. The additive manufacturing system 900 generally includes a computer-based control system 904 for additive manufacturing (AM) and a printer 906 for additive manufacturing (AM). The additive manufacturing system 900 , as will be described, executes a code 920 a set of computer-executable commands that define a component or components to print the object using the printer 906to physically produce additive manufacturing. Each additive manufacturing process can use different starting materials in the form of, for example, fine-grained powders, liquids (e.g., polymers), films, etc., a supply of which is stored in a chamber. 910 of the printer 906 can be made available for additive manufacturing. In this case, the component(s) can be made of stainless steel or similar materials. As illustrated, an applicator can be used. 912 a thin layer of the starting material 914 create a base layer that can be spread out as a starting point from which each subsequent layer of the final object will be created. In other cases, the applicator can 912 Apply or print the next layer directly onto a previous layer, as indicated by the code. 920It is defined where the material is a polymer. In the example shown, a laser or electron beam connects 916 Particles for each layer, as specified by the code 920 is defined. Various parts of the printer. 906 For additive manufacturing, components can move to accommodate the addition of each new layer; for example, a build platform can move. 918 lower and / or the chamber 910 and / or the applicator 912 They can rise after each layer.

[0073] The tax system 904 Additive manufacturing is done on a computer 930 shown implemented as computer program code. In this respect, the computer 930 shown as a storage 932 , a processor 934 , an input / output interface 936 (I / O interface) and a bus 938 exhibiting. Furthermore, the computer is available. 930in communication link with an external I / O device / resource 940 and a storage system 942 In general, the processor 934 a computer program code, such as the control system 904 for additive manufacturing, which adds to the storage 932 and / or the storage system 942 It is stored under the command of the code. 920 , which is characteristic of the component(s) located on the build plate 128 to be built as described herein. During the execution of the computer program code, the processor can 934 Read data from or write data to memory 932 , the storage system 942 , the I / O device 940 and / or the printer 906 for additive manufacturing. The bus 938 establishes a communication link between the components in the computer 930 ready and the I / O setup 940may have any features that enable an operator to use the computer 940 to interact (e.g., keyboard, pointing device, display, etc.). The computer 930 This is merely an illustration of various possible combinations of hardware and software. For example, a compressor 934 A memory can consist of a single processor unit or be distributed across one or more processor units in one or more locations, e.g., on a client and a server. Similarly, a memory can be... 932 and / or a storage system 942 be located at one or more physical locations. The storage 932 and / or the storage system 942 Computers can have any combination of different types of non-transient computer-readable storage media, including magnetic media, optical media, access memory (RAM), read memory (ROM), etc. 930may include any type of computing equipment, such as a network server, a desktop computer, a laptop, a handheld device, a mobile phone, a pager, a personal data assistant, etc.

[0074] Additive manufacturing processes begin with the creation of a non-transient, computer-readable storage medium (e.g., memory). 932 , storage system 942 , etc.) Code 920 stores information that is descriptive of one or more components described herein as being on a build plate or build plates of the additive manufacturing system. 100 to build upon. As explained, the code receives 920 a set of computer-executable instructions that define the component(s) that can be used to physically create the tip after the system has executed the code 900 For example, the code can 920a precisely defined 3D model of the component(s) and can be generated by any of a wide variety of well-known computer-aided design (CAD) software systems, such as AutoCAD ® , TurboCAD ® , DesignCAD 3D Max, etc. In this context, the code 920 adopt any known or subsequently developed data format. For example, the code can 920 It can be in Standard Tessellation Language (STL), which is designed for stereolithography CAD programs of 3D systems, or a file in Additive Manufacturing File (AMF) format, a standard of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) based on Extensible Markup Language (XML), which is set up to allow any CAD software to describe the shape and composition of a three-dimensional object to be manufactured on any AM printer. The code 920It can be translated between different formats, converted into a set of data signals and transmitted, received as a set of data signals and converted into code, stored, etc., as necessary. The code 920 can provide an input signal for the system 900 be and can be from any co-creator, an intellectual property (IP) provider, a design company, the operator or owner of the system 900 or from other sources. In any case, the AM control system 904 the code 920 from, subdivides the structure of the component(s) on the build plate 128 into a series of thin layers, which is achieved using the AM printer 906 in successive layers of liquid, powdered, foil, or other material. In the DMLM example, each layer is melted to the exact geometry defined by the code. 920is defined and combined with the preceding layers. Subsequently, the component(s) can be subjected to any variety of finishing processes, e.g., minor machining, sealing, polishing, assembly with parts or components, etc.

[0075] The language used herein is solely for the purpose of describing certain embodiments and is not intended to be limiting to the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the expressions "indicates" and / or "indicate" when used in this description indicate the presence of the specified features, numbers, steps, commands, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, commands, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0076] The preceding description uses specific nomenclature for explanatory purposes, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. It will be clear to a person skilled in the field that the particular details are not necessary to carry out the described embodiments. Therefore, the preceding explanations of the particular embodiments described herein are provided for illustrative and explanatory purposes. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the specific disclosed embodiments. It will be clear to a person skilled in the field that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the preceding teachings.

[0077] Additive manufacturing systems are disclosed. The systems can include a base and a holding plate connected to the base. The holding plate can have a seat formed in an exposed surface of the holding plate and a plurality of support projections extending laterally into the seat. The additive manufacturing systems can also include a build plate positioned within the seat and in contact with the plurality of support projections of the holding plate. The build plate can have a build surface in substantially planar alignment with the exposed surface of the holding plate. Furthermore, the additive manufacturing systems can include a plurality of build plate holding components positioned in the seat of the holding plate. Each of the plurality of build plate holding components can be used to hold the build plate within the seat of the holding plate. Reference symbol list 100 additive manufacturing systems 102 Mounting plate 104 Support table 106 exposed area 108 Base 110 mechanical fasteners 112 seats 118 Leaf spring recess 120 first side wall 122 leaf springs 124 Strips / Support Projections 126 second side wall 128 building plates 130 building surface 132 size adjustment components 134 distal ends 136 removable seat inserts 138 Cover plate 140 recess 142 Cover surface 144 spacers 146 Building board fasteners 148 magnetic holding device 150 Filling plate 152 outer leaf spring recesses 154 inner leaf spring recesses 156 leaf spring projection 900 illustrative computer-aided additive manufacturing system 902 Object 904 AM control system 906 Additive Manufacturing Printers 910 Chamber 912 Applicator 914 Starting material 916 Electron beam 918 Construction platform 920 Code 930 Computer 932 memory 934 processor 936 Input / Output Interface I / O Interface 938 Bus 940 external I / O device / resource 942 storage system 112A first seat 112B second seat 128A first build plate 128B second build plate

Claims

[1] Having additive manufacturing systems: a base; a retaining plate connected to the base, wherein the retaining plate has: a seat formed in an exposed area of ​​the mounting plate, and a plurality of support protrusions extending laterally into the seat; a building plate positioned within the seat and in contact with the majority of support projections of the retaining plate, wherein the building plate has a building surface that is in substantially planar alignment with the exposed surface of the retaining plate; and a plurality of retaining plate retaining components positioned within the seat of the retaining plate, each being used by the plurality of build plate retaining components to hold the build plate within the seat of the retaining plate. [2] Additive manufacturing system according to claim 1, wherein the seat has a predetermined depth and a predetermined width; and wherein the build plate has a thickness corresponding to the predetermined depth of the seat formed in the retaining plate and a width that is less than the predetermined width of the seat formed in the retaining plate. [3] Additive manufacturing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of build plate holding components comprises a plurality of leaf springs and / or wherein at least one section of the plurality of support projections is in contact with the build plate opposite a plurality of leaf springs. [4] Additive manufacturing system according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality of leaf spring openings formed in a side wall of the seat and partially through the retaining plate, wherein each of the leaf spring recesses is provided to receive at least one of the plurality of leaf springs. [5] Additive manufacturing system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one size adjustment component positioned within the seat, wherein the at least one size adjustment component is in contact with the build plate and is positioned between the build plate and at least one of: the majority of panel holding components; and the majority of support projections of the retaining plate. [6] Additive manufacturing system according to claim 1, further comprising a separate build plate arranged within the seat of the retaining plate, wherein the separate build plate is in contact with the build plate. [7] Having an additive manufacturing system: a base; a retaining plate connected to the base, wherein the retaining plate has: at least one opening formed in an exposed surface of the mounting plate, and a supporting projection extending laterally into at least one opening; at least one building plate positioned within the at least one opening and in contact with a support projection of the retaining plate, wherein the at least one building plate has a building surface that is in a substantially planar orientation with the exposed surface of the retaining plate; and a build plate holding component which is positioned at least partially within the at least one opening of the holding plate, wherein the build plate holding component detachably connects the at least one build plate to the holding plate. [8] Additive manufacturing system according to claim 7, wherein the system has at least one opening; a first seat which is formed in the exposed surface of the retaining plate; a second seat which is formed in the exposed area of ​​the mounting plate adjacent to the first seat; wherein at least one building plate has a first building plate positioned within the first seat; and wherein at least one building plate has a second building plate or a filler plate positioned within the second seat. [9] Additive manufacturing system according to claim 9, further comprising a cover plate positioned over the exposed surface of the holding plate, wherein the cover plate is provided for adjusting the depth of the at least one opening of the holding plate which accommodates the at least one build plate. [10] Holding plate for an additive manufacturing system, wherein the holding plate comprises: an exposed area; a first seat formed in the exposed area, wherein the first seat has a predetermined depth; at least one supporting projection extending laterally from a side wall of the first seat into the first seat; and a first group of leaf spring recesses formed in the side wall of the first seat, each of the first group of leaf spring recesses being provided to accommodate at least one leaf spring used to hold a first building plate within the first seat.

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