PLANT FOR THE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for the additive production of three-dimensional objects, comprising one or more workstations, which workstations are each set up to carry out at least one work process within the framework of the additive production of three-dimensional objects.

[0002] Systems for the additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects are known in principle. Such systems typically comprise several workstations, each of which is configured to perform at least one process within the additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects.

[0003] Sometimes it may be necessary to transport or temporarily store powder modules, such as build modules that define a build space in which the actual additive construction of three-dimensional objects takes place, between different workstations within a system. An automated or automatable method for transporting and temporarily storing powder modules is particularly desirable.

[0004] From the document DE 10 2014 016 718 A1, a production plant for the generative production of several components is known, which comprises construction containers that can be removed from process chambers of devices of the production plant and at least one removal station for unpacking finished components from the construction containers, wherein the construction containers can be transported by means of controllable and steerable transport means.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of providing an improved system for the additive production of three-dimensional objects, particularly with regard to the possibility of automated transport and intermediate storage of powder modules.

[0006] The object is achieved by a system according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the system.

[0007] The system described herein ("System") is used for the additive manufacture of three-dimensional objects, i.e., for example, technical components or groups of technical components. The System comprises a plurality of workstations, each of which is configured to carry out at least one work process within the framework of the additive manufacture of three-dimensional objects ("Objects"). Corresponding work processes within the framework of the additive manufacture of an object relate, on the one hand, to additive work processes, i.e., additive construction processes in which an object is actually additively constructed, in particular by successive layer-by-layer selective exposure and the associated successive layer-by-layer selective solidification of construction material layers from a solidifiable construction material by means of an energy beam, as well as to preparatory work processes to be carried out or carried out before an additive work or construction process, i.e., for example,Cleaning, inerting and tempering processes of powder modules, as well as follow-up processes to be carried out or carried out after an additive work or construction process, e.g. unpacking processes of additively manufactured objects from corresponding powder modules.

[0008] A first workstation configured to perform additive work processes, also referred to as a process station, can therefore comprise a device ("device") for the additive manufacturing of objects. The device is configured for the additive manufacturing of objects, i.e., for example, technical components or groups of technical components, by successive, layer-by-layer selective exposure and the associated successive, layer-by-layer selective solidification of building material layers made of a solidifiable building material. The building material can be a particulate or powdered metal, plastic, and / or ceramic material. The selective solidification of the respective building material layers to be selectively solidified is carried out based on object-specific construction data.Corresponding construction data describe the geometric and structural design of the respective object to be additively manufactured and can, for example, include "sliced" CAD data of the object to be additively manufactured. The device can be designed as an SLM device, i.e., a device for performing selective laser melting (SLM) processes, or as an SLS device, i.e., a device for performing selective laser sintering (SLS) processes.

[0009] The device comprises the functional components typically required to carry out additive building processes. These include, in particular, a coating device which is set up to form build material layers to be selectively solidified (in the build plane of the device), and an exposure device which is set up to selectively expose build material layers to be selectively solidified (in the build plane of the device). The coating device typically comprises a plurality of components, i.e., for example, a coating element comprising a, in particular blade-shaped, coating tool, and a guide device for guiding the coating element along a defined movement path. The exposure device also typically comprises a plurality of components, i.e., for example, a beam generation device for generating an energy orLaser beam, a beam deflection device (scanner device) for deflecting an energy or laser beam generated by the beam generation device onto a region to be exposed of a build material layer to be selectively solidified, as well as various optical elements, such as lens elements, objective elements, etc. The aforementioned functional components of the device are typically arranged or formed on or in a process chamber of the device, which is typically capable of being rendered inert.

[0010] An optional additional (or second) workstation configured to carry out follow-up work processes, also referred to as a post-processing station, can comprise a device for unpacking an additively manufactured object. The device can be configured to unpack an additively manufactured object by removing the typically unsolidified building material surrounding the additively manufactured object. The device here comprises the functional components required to remove the typically unsolidified building material surrounding the additively manufactured object. This includes, in particular, a suction and / or blower device configured to generate a suction and / or blower flow by means of which the building material to be removed can be sucked away or blown away.

[0011] An optional additional (or third) workstation, also referred to as a preparation station, can comprise a device for cleaning and / or inerting and / or tempering powder modules. The device can be configured for cleaning and / or inerting and / or tempering powder modules. The device here comprises the functional components required for cleaning and / or inerting and / or tempering powder modules. This includes, in particular, a cleaning device, which is configured, for example, to generate a cleaning flow that cleans a powder chamber enclosed on the powder module side, or an inerting device, which is configured to generate an inert gas flow that inertizes a powder chamber enclosed on the powder module side, or a tempering device, which is configured to temper a powder module to a specific target temperature.

[0012] Regardless of their specific functional design, individual workstations typically comprise their own housing structure, on or in which the functional components of the respective workstation are arranged or formed. The workstations can therefore be viewed as separate functional units of the system, spatially and physically defined by their respective housing structures, which can be positioned in various configurations relative to one another, e.g., in one or more buildings (sections), especially factory halls.

[0013] The system typically comprises a plurality of powder modules used in the additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects. Each powder module is designed to receive and / or dispense build material and typically comprises a powder chamber for this purpose. The powder chamber delimits a powder space that can be filled with build material. The powder space is delimited at least laterally by walls (powder chamber walls) of the powder chamber, which is generally designed as a hollow cuboid or hollow cylinder. The bottom of the powder space is delimited by a support device. The support device is typically mounted so that it can move relative to the powder chamber between two end positions, i.e. between an upper and a lower end position (relative to the height of the powder module). The movable mounting of the support device enables the realization of a movement, in particular a linear movement, of the support device along a vertical axis of movement.in a vertical direction of movement. The movable mounting of the support device is typically realized by a drive and / or actuator device coupled to it, in particular an (electric) motor.

[0014] Specifically, a powder module can be a construction module in which the actual additive construction of objects takes place and which is successively filled layer by layer with construction material to be selectively solidified during the implementation of additive construction processes, or a dosing module via which construction material is dosed into the process chamber during the implementation of additive construction processes, or a collecting or overflow module which is filled with non-solidified construction material during the implementation of additive construction processes.

[0015] The system further comprises at least one, typically several, freely positionable mobile storage unit(s) and at least one, typically several, driverless, freely movable mobile conveyor unit(s). As will become apparent below, the interaction of a storage unit and a conveyor unit can create a modular conveying and storage system that enables simultaneous storage and conveying of powder modules.

[0016] Each storage unit comprises at least one shelf-like storage device. The storage device comprises at least one storage space designed to store at least one powder module, in particular for transporting the powder module between different workstations of the system. The storage space is formed by a frame structure that defines the outer shape of the storage unit and comprises a plurality of, in particular, wall-like, frame structure sections. The frame structure typically comprises first frame structure sections that delimit the storage space, and second frame structure sections, via which the storage unit can be placed on a surface. Respective first frame structure sections can delimit the storage space, in particular on the floor, sides, and ceiling. The first frame structure sections also define at least one access opening, via which powder modules can be moved into and out of the storage space.Respective second frame structure sections can be designed in the form of feet, i.e. in particular as feet, so that they enable the storage unit to be placed stably on a surface.

[0017] Each conveyor unit comprises at least one receiving device. The receiving device is designed to receive at least one mobile storage unit for the purpose of transporting the storage unit between different workstations of the system. Each conveyor unit comprises at least one drive device, in particular an (electric) motor, which can be supplied with energy via an energy storage device, e.g. a battery, and which is designed to generate a driving force, and a power transmission device coupled to the drive device, which is designed to transmit the driving force generated by the drive device to a subsurface to generate a movement of the conveyor unit relative to the subsurface. The power transmission device can specifically comprise a number of, e.g.Wheels, rollers or chains via which the transmission of the drive force generated by the drive device to a subsurface can be realized in order to generate a movement of the conveyor unit relative to the subsurface.

[0018] Each conveyor unit can be moved automatically in different, i.e. in particular in arbitrarily configurable, movement paths. The configuration of each movement path can be fixedly defined in a control device of each conveyor unit and can be changed via corresponding control information transmitted to the conveyor unit, e.g. by radio. For the transmission, i.e. in particular for the reception, of corresponding control information, a conveyor unit can be equipped with suitable, in particular radio-based, communication interfaces. Corresponding communication interfaces can in particular also enable communication between conveyor units; such communication includes in particular the, in particular bidirectional, exchange of movement and / or position information relating to a current or future movement or positioning of a conveyor unit.

[0019] A mounting device is arranged or configured on corresponding first frame structure sections, which is configured to mount at least one powder module in the storage space. The mounting device can be configured to mount a powder module movably relative to the frame structure, for which purpose the mounting device comprises bearing elements that enable a powder module arranged in the mounting device to be mounted movably relative to the frame structure.

[0020] The corresponding bearing elements can be, for example, plain or roller bearing elements which interact with a powder module to form a movable bearing, i.e., they engage in active sections provided for this purpose on the powder module side, e.g. formed by recesses present on the powder module side.

[0021] A first frame structure section of the frame structure bounding the floor of the storage space can be arranged or designed at a distance from a base, such that a free space is formed between the surface of the first frame structure section facing the base and the base. The conveyor unit can be dimensioned, particularly with regard to its height, such that it can be moved into the free space beneath the first frame structure section bounding the floor of the storage space. By moving the conveyor unit into the free space, i.e. beneath the first frame structure section bounding the floor of the storage space, a receiving position can be defined in which the conveyor unit can receive the storage unit.

[0022] The receiving device can comprise at least one, e.g. plate-like or -shaped, receiving element coupled to a lifting device. The receiving element is movably mounted between at least one, i.e. optionally also several, upper position(s), in which the receiving element is configured to engage a storage unit, in particular a first frame structure section bounding a floor of the storage space, in such a way that the storage unit can be lifted or is lifted off a base, and a lower position in which the receiving element is not configured to engage a storage unit, in particular a first frame structure section bounding a floor of the storage space, in such a way that the storage unit can be lifted or is lifted off a base. The lifting device can have a, in particular (electric)motor-driven, lifting drive, i.e. e.g.a lifting spindle or a lifting cylinder drive, which is designed to generate a lifting force for moving the receiving element into the respective positions.

[0023] A respective work station can comprise at least one transfer interface via which a powder module can be transferred from the work station to the storage unit or a powder module from the storage unit to the work station, i.e. can be transferred.

[0024] A respective conveyor unit can be (automatically) moved into a defined docking position, in which the conveyor unit is moved relative to the transfer interface such that a powder module can be transferred from the workstation into the storage space of a storage unit accommodated on the conveyor unit. In the docking position, a respective conveyor unit is typically moved directly onto or against the (exposed) outer surface of the housing structure of the respective workstation that has the transfer interface.

[0025] The transfer interface can be closed by a locking device. The locking device can comprise a locking element which is mounted so as to be movable between an open position, in which the transfer interface is released for transferring a powder module from the work station to a storage room of a storage unit or for transferring a powder module from the storage room of a storage unit to the work station, and a closed position, in which the transfer interface is not released for transferring a powder module from the work station to a storage room of a storage unit or for transferring a powder module from the storage room of a storage unit to the work station. Moving the locking element into the open or closed position, or vice versa, can be automated depending on the detection of a movement of a conveyor unit into the docking position orDepending on the load, the detection of a conveyor unit moving into the docking position can be carried out. Detection of the movement of a conveyor unit into the docking position or detection of a conveyor unit moved into the docking position can be implemented by a suitable detection device. The detection device can, for example, comprise a proximity or contact sensor, via which the movement of a conveyor unit into the docking position or a conveyor unit moved into the docking position can be detected.

[0026] Each workstation can comprise a housing structure with a holding device. The holding device can be configured to hold a powder module movable relative to the housing structure along a transport path extending through the workstation, for which purpose the holding device comprises bearing elements that enable movable mounting of a powder module arranged in the holding device relative to the housing structure. Corresponding bearing elements can in turn be, for example, plain or roller bearing elements that interact with a powder module to form a movable mounting, i.e., for example, engage in active sections provided for this purpose on the powder module side, e.g., formed by recesses present on the powder module side.The work station can comprise a drive device which interacts with the holding device and via which a drive force can be generated which moves a powder module along the transport path.

[0027] Respective holding devices of the work stations and respective holding devices of the storage units, in particular respective storage units accommodated on a conveyor unit, are aligned with one another, so that a continuous transport path extending between the storage unit and the work station is created, which enables powder modules held in respective holding devices to be easily transferred from a work station to a storage unit and vice versa.

[0028] For the same purpose, the respective support devices of the workstations and the respective support devices of the storage units are appropriately standardized or designed identically.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments in the drawing figures. Herein: Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a conveyor unit and a storage unit of a system for the additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects according to an embodiment; and Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a section of a system for the additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects according to an embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a driverless mobile conveyor unit 3 and a freely positionable mobile storage unit 2 of a system 1 for the additive production of three-dimensional objects according to an embodiment.

[0031] The storage unit 2 comprises a shelf-like storage device 4, which has a storage space 5 designed for storing at least one powder module 6, i.e., e.g., a construction module, in particular for the purpose of transporting the powder module 6 between different workstations 21 of the system 1. The storage space 5 is formed by a frame structure 7 that defines the outer shape of the storage unit 2 and comprises several, in particular wall-like, frame structure sections 7a, 7b. The frame structure 7 comprises first frame structure sections 7a, which delimit the storage space 5, and second frame structure sections 7b, via which the storage unit 2 can be placed on a surface. The first frame structure sections 7a delimit the storage space 5 on the floor, sides, and ceiling. The first frame structure sections 7a also define at least one access opening 8, via which powder modules 6 can be moved into and out of the storage space 5.Respective second frame structure sections can be designed in the form of feet, ie in particular as feet, so that they enable stable placement of the storage unit 2 on a surface.

[0032] A first frame structure section 7a of the frame structure 7, which delimits the floor of the storage space 5, is arranged at a distance from the ground, so that a free space is formed between the surface of the first frame structure section 7a facing the ground and the ground.

[0033] On the first frame structure sections 7a, i.e. on the inner sides of the frame structure sections 7a facing the storage space 5, a holding device 9 is arranged or formed, which is designed to hold a powder module 6 in the storage space 5. The holding device 9 is designed to hold the powder module 6 movably relative to the frame structure 7, for which purpose the holding device 9 comprises bearing elements 10, which enable a movable mounting of a powder module 6 arranged in the holding device 9 relative to the frame structure 7. The bearing elements 10 can be, for example, plain or roller bearing elements, which interact with a powder module 6 to form a movable mounting, i.e. engage in active sections provided for this purpose on the powder module side and formed by recesses 11 present on the powder module side.The active sections extend at least in sections along two oppositely arranged wall sections of the powder module 6.

[0034] The conveyor unit 3 comprises a receiving device 12, which is configured to receive a mobile storage unit 2 for the purpose of transporting the storage unit 2 between different workstations 21 of the system 1. The conveyor unit 3 comprises a drive device 13, in particular an (electric) motor, which is configured to generate a drive force, and a power transmission device 14 coupled to the drive device 13, which is configured to transmit the drive force generated by the drive device 13 to a subsurface to generate a movement of the conveyor unit 3 relative to the subsurface. The power transmission device 14 comprises a number of wheels, rollers, or chains, via which the drive force can be transmitted to the subsurface.

[0035] The figure shows that the conveyor unit 3, particularly with regard to its height, is dimensioned such that it can be moved into the free space below the first frame structure section 7a defining the floor of the storage space 5. By moving the conveyor unit 3 into the free space, i.e., below the first frame structure section 7a defining the floor of the storage space 5, a receiving position is defined, as shown in the figure, in which the conveyor unit 3 can receive the storage unit 2.

[0036] The receiving device 12 comprises a receiving element 16, e.g. plate-like or -shaped, which is coupled to a lifting device 15. The lifting device 15 comprises a, in particular (electric)motor-driven, lifting drive (not shown), e.g. a lifting spindle or a lifting cylinder drive, which is designed to generate a lifting force for moving the receiving element 16. The receiving element 16 can be engaged by means of the lifting device 15 between at least one, e.g. optionally also several, upper position(s) in which the receiving element 16 is designed, on the storage unit 2, e.g. in particular on the first frame structure section 7a delimiting the floor of the storage space 5, in such a way that the storage unit 2 can be lifted off the ground oris lifted off, and a lower position in which the receiving element 16 is not configured to engage the storage unit 2, in particular the first frame structure section 7a delimiting the floor of the storage space 5, in such a way that the storage unit 2 is lifted off the ground, movably mounted.

[0037] The conveyor unit 3 can be moved automatically in different, i.e. in particular in arbitrarily configurable, movement paths. The configuration of respective movement paths can be fixedly defined in a control device (not shown) of a respective conveyor unit 3 and can be changed via corresponding control information transmitted to the conveyor unit 3, e.g. by radio. For the transmission, i.e. in particular for the reception, of corresponding control information, the conveyor unit 3 is equipped with suitable, in particular radio-based, communication interfaces (not shown). Corresponding communication interfaces can also enable communication between conveyor units 3; such communication includes in particular the, in particular bidirectional, exchange of movement and / or position information relating to a current or future movement or positioning of a conveyor unit 3.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a section of a system 1 for the additive production of three-dimensional objects according to an embodiment.

[0039] Annex 1 includes, although in Fig. 2 only a single workstation 21 is shown, several workstations 21, e.g. process stations set up to carry out additive work processes, in which a device for the additive production of three-dimensional objects is arranged or designed.

[0040] The work station 21 comprises a housing structure 18 with a holding device 19, which is designed to hold a powder module 6 movable relative to the housing structure 18 along a transport path extending through the work station 21 (see double arrow). The holding device 19 is equipped for this purpose with bearing elements 20, which enable a powder module 6 arranged in the holding device 19 to be movable relative to the housing structure 18. Corresponding bearing elements 20 can in turn be, for example, plain or roller bearing elements, which interact with a powder module 6 to form a movable bearing, i.e., engage in the active sections provided for this purpose on the powder module side, e.g., formed by recesses 11 present on the powder module side.The work station 21 can comprise a drive device (not shown) which interacts with the holding device 19 and via which a drive force can be generated which moves a powder module 6 along the transport path.

[0041] Based on Fig. 2 It can be seen that respective holding devices 19 of the work stations 21 and respective holding devices 9 of the storage units 2, in particular respective storage units 2 accommodated on a conveyor unit 3, are aligned with one another, so that a continuous transport path extending between storage unit 2 and work station 21 is produced, which makes it possible for powder modules 6 held in respective holding devices 9, 19 to be transferred without any problem from a work station 21 to a storage unit 2, and vice versa.

[0042] The work station 21 comprises at least one transfer interface 17, via which a powder module 6 is transferred from the work station 21 to the storage unit 2 or - as in Fig. 2 shown - a powder module 6 can be transferred from the storage unit 2 to the work station 21, ie can be transferred.

[0043] A respective conveyor unit 3 can be moved (automatically) into a defined docking position, in which the conveyor unit 3 is moved relative to the transfer interface 17 of the work station 21 such that a powder module 6 can be transferred from the work station 21 into the storage space 5 of the storage unit 2 accommodated on the conveyor unit 3, or vice versa from the storage space 5 of the storage unit 2 accommodated on the conveyor unit 3 into the work station 21. As in Fig. 2As shown, a respective conveyor unit 3 in the docking position is moved directly to or against the (exposed) outer surface of the housing structure 18 of the respective work station 21 having the transfer interface 17.

[0044] The transfer interface 17 of the work station can be closed by a locking device (not shown). The locking device can comprise a locking element which can be moved between an open position, in which the transfer interface 17 is released for transferring a powder module 6 from the work station 21 into a storage space 5 of a storage unit 2 or for transferring a powder module 6 from the storage space 5 of a storage unit 2 into the work station 21, and a closed position, in which the transfer interface 17 is not released for transferring a powder module 6 from the work station 21 into a storage space 5 of a storage unit 2 or for transferring a powder module 6 from the storage space 5 of a storage unit 2 into the work station 21. Moving the locking element into the open or closed positioninto the closed position, or vice versa, can be automated depending on the detection of a movement of a conveyor unit 3 into the docking position or depending on the detection of a conveyor unit 3 moved into the docking position. The detection of the movement of a conveyor unit 3 into the docking position or the detection of a conveyor unit 3 moved into the docking position can be implemented by a suitable detection device (not shown). The detection device can, for example, comprise a proximity or contact sensor, via which a movement of a conveyor unit 3 into the docking position or a conveyor unit 3 moved into the docking position can be detected.

[0045] Through the described interaction of the storage unit 2 and the conveyor unit 3, a modular conveying and storage system is realized which enables simultaneous storage and conveying of powder modules 6.

Claims

1. A plant (1) for the additive production of three-dimensional objects, comprising one or more workstations (21), which are set up to carry out at least one work process in the context of the additive production of three-dimensional objects, characterized by - at least one freely positionable mobile storage unit (2), which comprises a shelf-like storage device (4), which comprises at least one storage room (5), which is set up for storage of at least one powder module (6) for the purpose of transporting the powder module (6) between different work stations (21) of the plant (1), - at least one driverless freely movable mobile conveying unit (3) comprising a receiving device (12) which is set up for receiving at least one freely positionable mobile storage unit (2) for the purpose of transporting the storage unit (2) between different work stations (21) of the plant (1), wherein the at least one driverless freely movable mobile conveying unit (3) comprises at least one drive device which can be supplied with energy via an energy storage device, which is configured to generate a drive force, and a power transmission device coupled to the drive device, which is configured to transfer the drive force generated by the drive device to a substrate for generating a movement of the conveying unit (3) relative to the substrate, wherein the at least one driverless freely movable mobile conveying unit (3) is automatically movable in arbitrarily configurable motion paths, wherein the storage space (5) is formed by a defining the outer shape of the storage unit (2), several, in particular wall-like, frame structure sections (7a, 7b) comprising frame structure (7), wherein the frame structure (7) comprises first frame structure sections (7a) which limit the storage space (5), and, in particular foot-like, second frame structure sections (7b), over which the bearing unit (2) can be placed on a substrate, wherein at the first frame structure portions (7a) a support device (9) is arranged or formed, which is arranged for holding at least one powder module (6) in the storage space (5), wherein the support device (9) and a support device of the storage unit (2), in particular respective bearing units (2) picked up on a conveying unit (3), fluctuate to each other, so that a continuous transport path extending between the storage unit (2) and the working station (21) results.

2. The plant according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting device (9) is arranged to hold a powder module (6) movable relative to the frame structure (7), for which the mounting device (9) comprises bearing elements (10), which enable a movable storage of a powder module (6) arranged in the mounting device (9) relative to the frame structure (7).

3. The plant according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a first frame structure portion (7a) limiting the floor of the storage space (5) is spaced apart from a substrate or formed so that a free space is formed between the surface facing the substrate of the first frame structure portion (7a) and the substrate, wherein the conveying unit (3), in particular with regard to its height dimension, is dimensioned so that it is movable into the free space below the floor of the storage space (5) limiting first frame structure portion (7a).

4. The plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving device (12) comprises at least one coupled to a lifting device (15) receiving element (16), which between at least one upper position in which the receiving element (16) is arranged to attack such at a bearing unit (2), in particular at a bottom of the storage space (5) limiting first frame structure portion (7a) that the bearing unit (2) is lifted from a substrate, and a lower position in which the receiving element (16) is not set up, such at a bearing unit (2), in particular at a bottom of the storage space (5) limiting first frame structure portion (7a) to attack that the bearing unit (2) is lifted from a substrate, movably mounted.

5. The plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a respective workstation (21) comprises at least one transfer interface (17) via which a powder module (6) can be transferred from the workstation (21) to the storage unit (2) or a powder module (6) from the storage unit (2) to the workstation (21).

6. The plant according to claim 5, characterized in that the conveying unit (3) is movable in a defined docking position, in which the conveying unit (3) is moved relative to the transfer interface (21) such that a powder module (6) from the working station (21) into the storage space (5) of a storage unit (2) picked up on the conveying unit (3), or vice versa, is transferable.

7. The plant according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the transfer interface (17) can be closed via a closure means, wherein the closure means comprises a closure element which is released between an open position in which the transfer interface (17) for transferring a powder module (6) from the working station (21) to a storage room (5) of a storage unit (2) or for transferring a powder module (6) from the storage room (5) of a storage unit (2) to the working station (21) and a closing position in which the transfer interface (17) for transferring a powder module (6) from the working station (21) to a storage room (5) of a storage unit (2) or for transferring a powder module (6) from the storage room (5) of a storage unit (2) to the working station (21) is not released.

8. The plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a respective workstation (21) comprises a housing construction (18) with a mounting device (19) which is arranged to hold a powder module (6) along a transport path extending through the workstation (21) movable relative to the housing construction (18), for which the mounting device (19) bearing elements (20) which enable a movable bearing of a powder module (6) arranged in the mounting device (19 relative to the housing construction (18) comprises.

9. The plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a powder module (6) comprises a powder chamber equipped for receiving and / or dispensing building material.

10. The plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the powder module (6) is a building module in which the actual additive construction of objects takes place and which is successively filled in layers with selectively solidified building material for this purpose as part of the implementation of additive construction processes, a dosing module via which building material is dosed into the process chamber as part of the implementation of additive construction processes, or a collection or overflow module, which is filled with selectively solidified building material or with non-selectively solidified building material as part of the implementation of additive construction processes.

11. The plant according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that a powder chamber of the powder module (6) comprises one or more walls which limit a powder space which can be filled with building material, in which a carrier device movably mounted between a relative to the height of the powder module upper and a lower end position relative to the powder chamber is arranged.

12. The plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of workstations (21), each of which is configured to carry out at least one work process in the context of additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects, wherein a corresponding work process is an additive construction process in which an additive construction of an object takes place, a preparatory operation to be carried out or carried out prior to an additive work or construction operation, in particular a cleaning, inertisation or temperature control operation of powder modules; or is a post-processing operation to be carried out or carried out after an additive work or construction operation, in particular a unpacking operation of additively manufactured objects from corresponding powder modules.