Manufacturing device for the additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional component from a build-up material
Multiple build platform units and movable coating units with dedicated service positions address the ergonomic and downtime issues of large coating units, enhancing productivity and flexibility in additive manufacturing.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AMCM GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-21
AI Technical Summary
The high weight and manual handling challenges of large coating units in additive manufacturing devices lead to increased downtime, reduced productivity, and ergonomic issues, especially for large-volume components.
The use of multiple build platform units and movable coating units with dedicated service and cleaning positions, allowing for easy maintenance and cleaning outside the process chamber, facilitated by guide rails and lifting devices, reduces manual handling and minimizes downtime.
Enhances productivity and flexibility by enabling parallel manufacturing, uniform layer application, and reduces maintenance time, ensuring precise and efficient additive manufacturing processes.
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a manufacturing device for the additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional component from a build-up material.
[0002] Such manufacturing devices for the additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional component by layer-by-layer application are generally characterized by locally selective solidification of a build-up material and are fundamentally known from the prior art. For layer-by-layer application, at least one corresponding coating unit is usually provided. For locally selective solidification, at least one corresponding irradiation unit (e.g., comprising at least one laser) is usually provided.
[0003] Especially with large-volume components manufactured in such production facilities, the use of large coating units, also called recoaters, presents a significant challenge. These coating units apply a new layer of build material after each exposure phase and the lowering of the build platform unit to enable the layer-by-layer construction of the component.
[0004] The size of the coating units is largely determined by the Y-direction of the build volume, meaning that the coating units must be designed according to the dimensions of the component. Especially with large-volume manufacturing devices, this leads to a significant increase in the size and therefore weight of the coating unit. The high weight of such assemblies poses a significant problem, as they can no longer be easily lifted in and out of the machine manually. Even if manual handling is theoretically possible, it is hardly practical due to the unergonomic nature of the operation and poses high risks to operators as well as to the precision of the manufacturing process.
[0005] In addition, the high weight of the coating unit makes maintenance and replacement of the unit more difficult, which can lead to longer downtimes of the manufacturing equipment and lower productivity.
[0006] The object of the invention is to improve manufacturing devices for the additive manufacturing of three-dimensional components. Particularly for large component sizes, measures are to be taken to avoid longer downtimes of the manufacturing device and to increase productivity.
[0007] This proposal proposes a manufacturing device for the additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional component from a build-up material. The device comprises at least one build platform unit on which the component is built up layer by layer during the manufacturing process. This build platform unit forms the basis on which the build-up material is applied and solidified layer by layer.
[0008] One advantage of using multiple build platform units is that different components can be manufactured in parallel, which can significantly increase the efficiency and productivity of the manufacturing equipment. Furthermore, the build platform units can be advantageously exchanged independently or adapted to specific requirements, increasing the flexibility of the manufacturing process. For example, one build platform unit can be used for large-volume components and another for smaller, high-precision components without significantly impacting production times.
[0009] The use of multiple coating units also offers significant advantages. Parallel or alternating coating reduces process times and ensures uniform layer application on several build platform units simultaneously. This is particularly beneficial for large-volume components or different build materials, as each coating unit can be adapted to a specific material or layer thickness. This increases flexibility and reduces downtime of the manufacturing equipment.
[0010] The build platform unit is located within a process chamber. This process chamber ensures that the build process can be carried out under controlled conditions, such as a protective gas atmosphere or a defined temperature. The enclosed process chamber thus ensures that external influences on the manufacturing process are minimized.
[0011] Furthermore, the manufacturing device includes at least one coating unit, which serves to apply the build material evenly onto the build platform unit in the process chamber. This coating unit enables the precise application of the material in thin layers to realize the layer-by-layer construction of the component.
[0012] The manufacturing device comprises at least one irradiation unit with which the build material can be solidified on the at least one build platform unit, wherein the at least one irradiation unit is arranged above the build platform unit.
[0013] According to the invention, the coating unit of the manufacturing device can be moved from a working position to a service and / or cleaning position. This makes it possible to move the coating unit from its normal operating position as needed for maintenance or cleaning. This mobility significantly facilitates access to the coating unit without the need for time-consuming disassembly work in the confined process chamber.
[0014] Furthermore, the process chamber includes an access panel located in the service and / or cleaning position. This access panel is designed to allow the coating unit to be removed in this position. This offers the advantage that the coating unit can be serviced or cleaned outside the process chamber without having to open or disassemble the chamber. This minimizes downtime of the manufacturing equipment and increases productivity, especially in high-volume build processes where replacing or maintaining the coating unit can be particularly challenging.
[0015] In other words, the working position of the coating unit lies within a process area of the manufacturing device and can consist of various individual positions. This working position corresponds to the specific positions of the coating unit that can be assumed during a build process to apply the build material evenly and precisely to the build platform unit.
[0016] In the present application, the multitude of possible work positions can also be abbreviated as process area for the sake of simplicity.
[0017] During a build process, the coating unit can move to several positions along the build platform unit to ensure that the build material is distributed across the entire surface of the build platform unit at the desired layer thickness. Each of these positions required for applying the build material is considered a working position of the coating unit.
[0018] A key advantage of the described concept is that the coating unit can be moved out of the process area and removed upwards through a separate opening, distinct from the process chamber door. This allows for easy and efficient maintenance or cleaning of the coating unit without having to open the entire process chamber. Access is provided via a dedicated inspection opening. This design ensures that the process area remains unaffected and that cleaning or maintenance can be carried out outside of a critical manufacturing environment.
[0019] To enable this process, a longer X-axis is generally required, allowing the coating unit to be moved to the appropriate service and / or cleaning position. This position is preferably strategically chosen so that the coating unit can be lifted upwards. It is particularly advantageous if there are no other components above this service and / or cleaning position that could obstruct removal. This ensures that the coating unit can be easily lifted and removed without having to overcome any additional obstacles.
[0020] Another advantage of the described concept is that, if the service and / or cleaning position of the coating unit is chosen such that the unit does not need to be moved through the process chamber door into the process chamber, it can be removed from the outside, preferably using a lifting device such as a crane or winch. This reduces the effort and complexity associated with disassembling and maneuvering heavy components into the confined space of the process chamber.
[0021] This externally accessible removal position allows for easy, ergonomic, and safe handling of the coating unit. Lifting and removing the coating unit can be performed without the physical strain associated with manual handling inside the process chamber, even with the chamber open. This not only contributes to operator safety but also reduces maintenance time, as removing and replacing the coating unit can be done more efficiently and with less effort.
[0022] An important aspect of the manufacturing device is the range of build materials that can be used in the process chamber. These materials can vary depending on the application and the desired properties of the finished component. Typical build materials include powdered metals, plastics, ceramics, or composite materials, which provide specific properties such as strength, temperature resistance, or lightness.
[0023] The build material is typically stored in (fine) powder form to ensure uniform distribution and processing during the build process. It can be transported by the dosing units in precise quantities to the coating unit, which then applies the material to the build platform unit in a predefined layer thickness.
[0024] Depending on the material, specific requirements may also be placed on a protective gas atmosphere or temperature control in the process chamber to ensure optimal processing and solidification of the build-up material.
[0025] Irradiation units are typically also part of a build process, as they are responsible for solidifying the build material on the build platform. These units can utilize various technologies, such as lasers, electron beams, or UV radiation, depending on the type of build material used and the desired properties of the component. In typical applications, the applied powder is heated and solidified at specific locations through targeted irradiation, enabling the layer-by-layer construction of the component.
[0026] The irradiation units are typically positioned above the build platform unit to ensure that the build material is solidified precisely at the intended locations. In this case, the irradiation units are preferably stationary and cannot be moved. The stationary irradiation units can selectively distribute or deflect the irradiation energy across the component to achieve the desired solidification of the build material. Uniform distribution of the irradiation energy is crucial to avoid distortions in the build material or inconsistencies in the component's structure.
[0027] Depending on the size of the device and the requirements of the manufacturing process, the production apparatus can also include several irradiation units that operate simultaneously or in a defined sequence to increase productivity. These units can also be adjusted to the required wavelength and energy intensity, depending on the build material and the specific manufacturing process, to ensure optimal solidification of the respective material.
[0028] Another aspect of the manufacturing device for additive manufacturing concerns the layer thickness of the applied build material, as it significantly influences the precision and quality of the finished component.
[0029] The typical layer thickness in the additive manufacturing process varies depending on the material used and the specific requirements of the component. For metal powders, the layer thickness is generally between 20 and 100 micrometers (µm). For plastics or ceramics, layer thicknesses can be somewhat greater, often in the range of 50 to 150 micrometers. These layer thicknesses offer a good compromise between the component's level of detail and the manufacturing speed.
[0030] A finer layer thickness leads to higher resolution and better surface quality of the component, as each layer has fewer visible transitions between the applied layers. However, finer layers increase the number of layers required and thus the overall build time of the component.
[0031] For particularly precise applications, such as in medical technology or the aerospace sector, very fine layer thicknesses at the lower end of the spectrum are common to achieve complex structures and smooth surfaces. Larger layer thicknesses, on the other hand, can be used for applications where speed and material savings are a higher priority, such as in prototype construction.
[0032] The manufacturing device should therefore preferably be able to flexibly adjust the layer thickness according to the specific requirements of the construction process. This is achieved through precise control of the coating unit and by adjusting the process parameters such as the application rate and the curing energy of the irradiation unit.
[0033] The build platform unit is a central component of the manufacturing device for the additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional component and serves as the base on which the component is built up layer by layer. It is typically not only stable but also movable, as each new layer of build material is usually applied to this build platform unit and then solidified.
[0034] The build platform unit is located in the process chamber and is typically vertically movable to enable the layer-by-layer construction of the component. After each layer of build material has been applied and solidified, the build platform unit is usually lowered in small, controlled steps to make room for the next layer of build material. This process is repeated until the component is completely built.
[0035] An important aspect of the build platform unit is its surface, which is typically flat and stable to ensure a uniform layer thickness and precise component alignment throughout the entire build process. The surface accuracy and flatness of the build platform unit directly impact the quality of the finished component, as it forms the base for the first layer of material.
[0036] Furthermore, the build platform unit can be designed in different sizes and shapes to meet the requirements of varying build volumes and component geometries. It can also be made of various materials that exhibit high thermal stability and mechanical strength to withstand the conditions within the process chamber, particularly the high temperatures and mechanical stresses encountered during the build process.
[0037] Another feature of the build platform unit is its vertical mobility. This mobility is typically ensured by precise drive systems that allow for accurate control of the lowering height after each layer. The positioning of the build platform unit must be precise to guarantee that each new layer of build material is applied exactly on top of the previous layer, without any shifting or unevenness.
[0038] The build platform unit is typically part of a so-called interchangeable frame, which encompasses, holds, and guides the build platform unit. The interchangeable frame allows, for example, the build platform unit to be easily removed from the manufacturing device after the build process is complete, either to remove the finished component or to install a new build platform unit for the next build process.
[0039] The build platform unit can be placed on a build platform support, which serves as a stable base for the build platform unit. This build platform support typically remains in the manufacturing fixture or exchange frame and is connected to it, so it does not need to be removed for each build process. The build platform unit on which the component is built and which is connected to the component, however, can preferably be removed from the system together with the finished component. This simplifies changing the build platform without having to remove the build platform support from the system.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the manufacturing device, the coating unit is arranged on a guide rail along which it can be moved. This arrangement enables the coating unit to move precisely along a defined axis in order to apply the build material to the entire surface of the build platform unit.
[0041] The guide rail can typically run along the X-axis or the Y-axis of the process chamber, depending on the specific geometry of the build volume. By moving the coating unit along this axis, the build material can be applied in controlled paths, ensuring uniform layer formation across the entire build platform unit.
[0042] This solution offers the advantage that the coating unit can flexibly move to different positions above the build platform unit to optimally adjust the layer thickness and application of the build material. Additionally, the movable coating unit ensures that the material is distributed precisely and evenly, even on large components, without the need for manual movement of the coating unit.
[0043] Another advantage of the coating unit mounted on a guide rail is that it can be easily moved from the process area to a service and / or cleaning position after each layer. The guide rail allows the coating unit to be moved almost frictionlessly out of the build volume without requiring any intervention in the process chamber. With this design, it is preferable to provide a measure that separates the protective atmosphere in the process area from the area to be opened for service and / or cleaning. This ensures that the protective atmosphere does not escape completely when the process chamber is opened to access the coating unit in this position. Such a separation can be achieved, for example, by a bulkhead or other gas-tight seals.
[0044] The guide rail also ensures precise and controlled movement of the coating unit, which is particularly important for large construction volumes to guarantee consistent material distribution. The guide rail can be manufactured in various lengths and designs to meet the specific requirements of the construction process.
[0045] In another embodiment of the manufacturing device, the inspection opening is designed such that the coating unit can be removed upwards in the service and / or cleaning position. This inspection opening is preferably located in an area of the process chamber designed so that the coating unit can be accessed and / or removed, for example after completion of the build process or for maintenance purposes, without requiring disassembly work within the process chamber.
[0046] The upward removal offers the advantage that lifting devices, such as a crane or similar lifting equipment, can be used directly to safely and ergonomically lift the coating unit out of the machine. This method minimizes the manual handling of heavy components and enables quick and easy removal of the coating unit from the manufacturing fixture, which is particularly advantageous for large or complex assemblies.
[0047] In one embodiment, the manufacturing device comprises a lifting device, preferably a crane, which serves to remove the coating unit at the service and / or cleaning position. This lifting device is preferably arranged and designed such that it makes it possible to lift the coating unit upwards out of the manufacturing device without the need for manual handling of heavy components.
[0048] The use of a crane or similar lifting device offers the advantage that the coating unit can be lifted in a controlled and precise manner and removed from the process chamber.
[0049] The lifting device is particularly capable of gripping and lifting the coating unit in the service and / or cleaning position in such a way that it is accessible from the outside without having to open and / or dismantle the process chamber.
[0050] As an alternative to top removal, the access opening can also be designed so that the coating unit can be removed from the side of the machine, for example. In this case, the access opening could be located on the side of the process chamber, and the coating unit could be moved out of the manufacturing device on a rail or other guide system. Side removal might be preferable in situations where structural limitations or the machine's layout do not allow access from above.
[0051] Another option is downward removal, where the coating unit is lowered through an opening in the bottom of the process chamber and removed from the machine. This solution could be used in combination with lifting or lowering devices to move the coating unit downwards in a controlled manner. This would be particularly useful if space above the machine is limited or if easy access from below is available.
[0052] In one embodiment, the process chamber includes at least one further opening that is not the inspection opening. Particularly in large-scale systems, the component is not removed through the actual process chamber door. The process chamber door can be opened, for example, to clean protective glass and / or the chamber itself. In smaller systems, the component can be removed through the process chamber door, and cleaning steps can also be carried out through this door. This opening can therefore preferably be used for cleaning and / or access to the process chamber.
[0053] In one embodiment, the process chamber includes a separate removal opening for the component, which is not the same as the inspection opening. This removal opening is specifically designed to remove the finished component from the manufacturing device after the construction process is complete.
[0054] The removal opening offers the advantage that the component can be removed without having to use the inspection opening, which is intended for maintenance and cleaning of the coating unit. This allows for a clear separation of functions, enabling efficient component removal without interfering with the process area of the coating unit.
[0055] The removal opening is preferably designed to be large enough to allow the removal of even bulky or complex components without damage. Furthermore, this opening is preferably positioned to enable ergonomic and easy handling of the finished component, for example, through the use of lifting devices or special gripping tools.
[0056] In one embodiment, the inspection opening of the process chamber is designed to allow a gas-tight seal of the process chamber. This design ensures that the process chamber is sealed during the construction process and that at least substantially no gases can escape, which is particularly preferred for maintaining a protective gas atmosphere inside the chamber.
[0057] The gas-tight seal of the inspection opening significantly contributes to maintaining stable environmental conditions inside the process chamber – such as low oxygen levels and / or specific temperatures – throughout the entire manufacturing process. This has a positive impact on the quality and precision of the finished component, as fluctuations in the atmosphere could lead to contamination or inconsistent material properties.
[0058] The inspection opening can be equipped with sealing elements after opening and closing to ensure a gas-tight seal. These seals preferably prevent leaks from occurring during any use of the inspection opening.
[0059] In one embodiment, the manufacturing device comprises at least one metering unit for filling the coating unit with the build material. This metering unit supplies the build material that is applied to the build platform unit during the build process. The metering unit can continuously supply the coating unit with the required amount of build material to ensure an uninterrupted and efficient build process.
[0060] A special feature of this embodiment is that the coating unit is arranged so that it can be moved under the metering unit into the service and / or cleaning position. This makes it possible to move the coating unit from its working position after completion of a build process and / or for maintenance work without having to remove the metering unit or its feed systems.
[0061] In one embodiment, the metering unit can be connected to the coating unit via a flexible connection, allowing the coating unit to continue receiving the build-up material even when in different working positions during the process. This flexible connection enables the build-up material to be conveyed continuously or quasi-continuously from the metering unit to the coating unit, even when the coating unit is moved.
[0062] Alternatively, the dosing unit can be designed to dispense the build-up material into an intermediate reservoir of the coating unit between coating processes. In this case, the coating unit is not permanently connected to the dosing unit but can use the build-up material stored in the intermediate reservoir independently during the coating phase. This makes the coating unit more flexible, as it can be moved to different positions independently of the dosing unit without affecting the material supply. This alternative offers increased freedom of movement for the coating unit and simplifies maintenance and cleaning, since the connection to the dosing unit does not need to be constantly maintained.
[0063] In one embodiment, the coating unit and / or the manufacturing device has a quick-change device that allows the coating unit to be removed without tools in the service and / or cleaning position. This quick-change device is designed so that the coating unit can be removed from the manufacturing device without the need for tools or disassembly steps.
[0064] The use of this quick-change device significantly speeds up the maintenance and cleaning process, as the coating unit can be easily removed from the manufacturing device and then reinserted.
[0065] In one embodiment, the coating unit can be moved into several, preferably two, service and / or cleaning positions. Each of these positions is preferably designed so that the coating unit can be moved flexibly into different maintenance or cleaning areas of the manufacturing device.
[0066] The process chamber preferably includes an inspection opening at each of the respective service and / or cleaning positions, designed in such a way that the coating unit can be removed at each of these positions.
[0067] The ability to move the coating unit into multiple service and / or cleaning positions offers additional handling flexibility. These multiple access points allow, for example, maintenance to be optimally designed according to the specific requirements of the manufacturing process or the available space. Thus, the coating unit can be cleaned in one position and serviced in another without requiring complex movements or adjustments within the process chamber.
[0068] In one embodiment, the manufacturing device has several, preferably two, coating units and several, preferably two, service and / or cleaning positions, with each coating unit preferably having a specific service and / or cleaning position assigned to it. This configuration allows each coating unit to be moved independently into its respective maintenance or cleaning position without affecting the other coating unit.
[0069] Each of the service and / or cleaning positions is preferably equipped with a corresponding access opening designed to allow the respective coating unit to be removed from that position. This arrangement enables parallel maintenance or cleaning of the coating units, which significantly increases the efficiency of the maintenance process and minimizes downtime of the production equipment.
[0070] In the embodiment with multiple coating units, it can be advantageous to allow a coating unit to pass under one or more dosing units and to install an access panel behind it. This would mean that only one access panel is needed to remove the coating units for maintenance or cleaning. This arrangement optimizes space utilization and simplifies the maintenance process, as only a single access opening is required to provide access to the coating units.
[0071] Further advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the figures. Fig. Figure 1 shows a manufacturing device 100 for additive manufacturing in a sectional view from one side. Fig. Figure 2 shows the manufacturing device 100. Fig. 1 in a top view. Fig. Figure 3 shows the manufacturing device 100. Fig. 1 with closed inspection hatch. Fig. Figure 4 shows the manufacturing device 100. Fig. 1 during a construction process. Fig. Figure 5 shows the manufacturing device 100 from the previous figures, in which the coating unit 50 has been moved into the service and / or cleaning position and the inspection opening 12 is open. Fig. Figure 6 shows the manufacturing device 100 after the coating unit 50 has been removed from the process chamber 10. Fig. Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the manufacturing device 110, in which two coating units are provided, each of which is assigned to several service and / or cleaning positions, wherein the process chamber 10 has corresponding inspection openings 12.
[0072] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a manufacturing device 100 for the additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional component 200 from a build material 58. The manufacturing device 100 comprises a process chamber 10, which is arranged on a base 20 and encloses an interior space 40 in which the build process can take place.
[0073] Within process chamber 10 is a build platform unit 34, positioned in a build shaft 30. The build platform unit 34 can be moved vertically to build the component layer by layer. A transfer frame 32 serves to guide and fix the build platform unit 34 during the build process. The build platform unit 34 is placed on a build platform support 35, which serves as a stable base for the build platform unit 34. This build platform support 35 typically remains in the manufacturing device 100 or in the transfer frame 32 and is connected to it, so that it does not have to be removed for each build process.
[0074] A coating unit 50 is arranged to move along a guide rail 14, thereby applying the build-up material 58 evenly to the build-up platform unit 34. Above the build-up platform unit 34 is a coating level 62, which defines the area in which the build-up material 58 is applied.
[0075] The coating unit 50 is supplied with the build-up material 58 from the respective stores 54a, 54b by two metering devices 52a, 52b. These metering devices transport the build-up material 58 from the respective stores 54a, 54b to the coating unit 50 via conveying devices 56a, 56b. This arrangement allows the coating unit 50 to be supplied with build-up material 58 on each side. The connection between the coating unit 50 and the respective stores 54a, 54b is not shown here. Alternatively, only one metering device can be arranged on one side.
[0076] An irradiation unit 60 is arranged above the coating level 62 and ensures that the build-up material 58 can be solidified in the irradiation area 64. The process chamber 10 also includes an inspection opening 12 on one side, which provides access to the top of the process chamber 10. The inspection opening 12 is provided for maintenance and cleaning purposes of the coating unit 50. In this illustration, the inspection opening 12 is shown open.
[0077] Fig. Figure 3 shows the manufacturing device 100. Fig. 1, where in this illustration the inspection opening 12 is closed. By closing the inspection opening 12, the interior space 40 within the process chamber 10 is sealed gas-tight. This gas-tight seal ensures that no gases and / or particles can escape or penetrate during the construction process and that a protective gas atmosphere is maintained in the interior space 40.
[0078] Fig. Figure 4 shows the manufacturing device 100, from the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3, however, during a construction process. In this illustration, the construction platform unit 34 is vertically shifted downwards in the construction shaft 30, as a component 200 was built on it layer by layer from the construction material 58.
[0079] Component 200 is already at an advanced stage of the construction process and is surrounded by unconsolidated build material 58, which has not been solidified by the irradiation unit 60. The inspection opening 12 remains closed during the process, so that the interior 40 of the process chamber 10 remains gas-tight and the controlled atmosphere is maintained throughout the entire construction process.
[0080] Fig. Figure 5 shows the manufacturing device 100 from the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4. In this illustration, the inspection opening 12 is open, and the coating unit 50 has been moved along the guide rail 14 below the open inspection opening 12. The coating unit 50 is thus in the service and / or cleaning position and is ready to be removed from the process chamber 10.
[0081] The coating unit 50 can be lifted out of the manufacturing device through the open inspection opening 12, either manually or with a suitable lifting device. This position allows for easy maintenance or cleaning of the coating unit 50 outside the regular process area, without having to open the entire process chamber 10.
[0082] Fig. Figure 6 shows the manufacturing device 100, in which the coating unit 50 has already been removed from the process chamber 10. In this illustration, the coating unit 50 is located outside the process chamber 10 and is positioned above the still open inspection opening 12. The coating unit 50 has been completely removed from the process chamber 10 and is now ready for maintenance and / or cleaning.
[0083] The open inspection opening 12 remains accessible in this position, allowing the removal and replacement of the coating unit 50 to be carried out efficiently and safely.
[0084] Fig. Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a manufacturing device 110 according to the invention, which is essentially the same as the illustration in Fig.1 corresponds, but with the essential difference that in this variant it comprises two coating units 50, each of which can be moved into a service and / or cleaning position.
[0085] The process chamber 10 of this embodiment has an inspection opening 12 at each of the corresponding service and / or cleaning positions, each designed such that the coating units 50 can be removed from any of these positions. This design offers additional flexibility for the maintenance or cleaning of the coating units 50.
[0086] This design makes it possible to service or clean both coating units independently without affecting the function of the other, further increasing the efficiency and flexibility of the manufacturing device 110.
[0087] The manufacturing device 110 further includes a bulkhead 70 with which the interior 40 can be gas-tightly separated. This bulkhead 70 makes it possible to completely seal the interior 40, even if an inspection opening 12 associated with the bulkhead 70 is opened during the manufacturing process. This allows the inspection opening 12 to be opened, for example for maintenance or cleaning work, without disturbing the protective gas atmosphere in the interior 40. This ensures that the manufacturing process can continue without interruption while work is being carried out on the coating unit 50. Reference symbol list 100, 110 Manufacturing device 10th Trial Chamber 12 Revision opening 14 Driving rail 20 base 30 construction shaft 32 interchangeable frames 34 Construction platform unit 35 construction platform supports 40 Interior 50 coating units 52a, 52b Dosing device 54a, 54b Stock 56a, 56b Funding institution 58 Assembly material 60 irradiation units 62 Coating level 64 Irradiation area 70 Schott 200 components
Claims
Manufacturing device for the additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional component from a build-up material, wherein the manufacturing device comprises at least one build platform unit on which the component can be built, and wherein the build platform unit is arranged in a process chamber, and wherein the manufacturing device comprises at least one coating unit by means of which the build-up material can be applied to the build platform unit in the process chamber, and characterized in that the coating unit is movable from a working position to a service and / or cleaning position, and the process chamber comprises an inspection opening at the service and / or cleaning position, which is designed such that the coating unit can be removed in this position. Manufacturing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the coating unit is arranged to be movable on a guide rail. Manufacturing device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the inspection opening is designed such that the coating unit can be removed upwards at the service and / or cleaning position. Manufacturing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manufacturing device comprises a lifting device, preferably a crane, by means of which the coating unit can be removed at the service and / or cleaning position. Manufacturing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the process chamber comprises at least one further opening, wherein this opening does not correspond to the inspection opening. Manufacturing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inspection opening is designed for a gas-tight closure of the process chamber. Manufacturing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manufacturing device comprises at least one metering unit for filling the coating unit with the build-up material, and that the coating unit can be moved under a metering unit into the service and / or cleaning position. Manufacturing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coating unit and / or the manufacturing device has a quick-change device by means of which the coating unit can be removed without tools in the service and / or cleaning position. Manufacturing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coating unit is movable into several, preferably two, service and / or cleaning positions, and the process chamber comprises a service opening at the respective service and / or cleaning position, which is designed such that the coating unit can be removed in this position. Manufacturing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manufacturing device has two coating units and two service and / or cleaning positions, wherein each coating unit is assigned a service and / or cleaning position.