MACHINE FOR GENERATIVE MANUFACTURING FOR THE PRODUCING OF AN OBJECT FROM A PRINTED POWDER

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of additive manufacturing machines and more particularly to the field of unloading and loading powder in additive manufacturing machines. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Selective additive manufacturing consists of creating three-dimensional objects by consolidating selected areas on successive layers of additive manufacturing powder (metal powder, ceramic powder, etc.).

[0003] Typically, an additive manufacturing system includes a supply and storage module where the powder is prepared, including sieving, and then stored in a buffer hopper before use. The system also includes a manufacturing machine connected to the supply and storage module. The powder is transferred from the buffer hopper to the manufacturing machine where it is spread in layers and then consolidated to create a three-dimensional object.

[0004] Once the object has been manufactured, the spread but unconsolidated powder can be recycled to the buffer hopper for later use.

[0005] When additive manufacturing powder has been recycled too much to be used or when the user wishes to change batches of powder, it is necessary to unload the powder contained in the additive manufacturing device.

[0006] To avoid any contact between the operator and the powder, and to secure the operation in the case of powders with low minimum ignition energy (also known by the abbreviation MIE), an auxiliary device specifically dedicated to unloading in an inert atmosphere is classically used, for example a glove box.

[0007] But such an auxiliary device occupies a significant amount of space.

[0008] Document FR 3 103 125 A1 discloses in particular an additive manufacturing powder supply module comprising a hopper, a manufacturing module and a supply module, a supply circuit of the supply module being configured to transfer powder to the hopper and an extraction circuit different from the supply circuit being configured to transfer additive manufacturing powder from an inlet of the supply module to a container. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] One aim of the invention is to provide an additive manufacturing device that is less bulky than in the prior art.

[0010] The goal is achieved within the framework of the present invention by means of an additive manufacturing machine comprising: a manufacturing enclosure configured to be hermetically sealed and equipped with a glove box containing gloves, a manufacturing powder transport circuit to a powder layer deposition device, the powder layer deposition device being configured to spread the powder over a manufacturing area within the manufacturing enclosure, the powder layer deposition device comprising a powder receiving surface and a powder inlet, the powder inlet being located above the powder receiving surface, a power source configured to selectively melt the manufacturing powder spread in the manufacturing area, and a sampling circuit configured to sample powder from the transport circuit and transport the sampled powder to an outlet of the sampling circuit, the outlet of the sampling circuit being located above a receiving area,The outlet of the sampling circuit and the receiving area are located within the manufacturing facility. the receiving area being different from the manufacturing area and located opposite the exit of the sampling circuit, the gloves being configured to handle an object located in the enclosure and reach the receiving area when the enclosure is closed.

[0011] The dispensing circuit defines a possible route for extracting powder from the device and filling containers placed within the additive manufacturing chamber. The gloves in the chamber's glove box serve two functions: allowing the wearer to handle the object once it is manufactured and to refill the powder into containers. This eliminates the need for a separate auxiliary device specifically designed for powder unloading. In this scenario, the challenge of minimizing the footprint of the additive manufacturing device is resolved. Such a machine also results in lower manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0012] Such a machine is advantageously and optionally complemented by the following various features, taken alone or in combination: The sampling circuit is configured to sample powder from a portion of the transport circuit located outside the enclosure; the receiving area and the outlet of the sampling circuit are fixed relative to the enclosure; the powder receiving surface of the powder layer deposition device is mounted to move relative to the manufacturing area; the sampling circuit includes a fitting configured to isolate the sampling circuit and a receiving container in the receiving area from the enclosure so that the powder flows in a sealed manner from the sampling circuit to the container; the fitting is configured to slide along a conduit defining an outlet of the sampling circuit and to come into contact with the edges of the receiving container in the receiving area;The sampling circuit includes a vent configured to equalize pressure inside the sampling circuit with pressure outside the sampling circuit when the fitting isolates the inside of the sampling circuit and the inside of the container from the enclosure; a sensor configured to detect the powder fill level of a container when the container is received in the receiving area; a suction wand configured to draw powder from the receiving area and powder from the manufacturing area;

[0013] The invention also relates to an additive manufacturing installation comprising a machine as just described, the installation further comprising a powder supply module configured to prepare, sieve and store powder, an output of the supply module being connected to an input of the transport circuit.

[0014] Such an installation is advantageously and optionally complemented by the following features: the sampling circuit includes a fitting configured to isolate the sampling circuit and a received container from the enclosure in the receiving area so that the powder flows hermetically from the sampling circuit to the container; the fitting is configured to slide along a conduit defining an outlet of the sampling circuit and to come into contact with the edges of the received container in the receiving area, the suction wand being connected to an inlet of the supply module.

[0015] The invention further relates to a method for repotting manufacturing powder in an additive manufacturing machine comprising a manufacturing chamber, the machine being configured to manufacture an object from the powder in a manufacturing zone of the chamber, the chamber being equipped with a glove box containing gloves, the gloves being configured to manipulate the object from outside the chamber, the method comprising the steps, with the chamber closed, of: to take powder from a transport circuit so as to place the taken powder into a received container in a receiving area of ​​the enclosure, the receiving area being different from the manufacturing area and to close the container using gloves from outside the enclosure, the container not being part of the machine and being configured to be removed from the enclosure.

[0016] Such a repotting method is advantageously and optionally complemented by the following various characteristics, taken alone or in combination: a step prior to the powder sampling step, the step of moving a fitting to isolate a powder sampling circuit and the container from the enclosure, a step of positioning a sensor configured to detect a powder filling level of the container so as to define a filling level of the container;

[0017] The invention also relates to a method for loading manufacturing powder into an additive manufacturing machine comprising a manufacturing chamber, the machine being configured to manufacture an object from the powder in a manufacturing zone of the chamber, the chamber comprising a glove box with gloves, the gloves being configured to manipulate the object from outside the box, the method comprising the steps of: Insert a container filled with powder and hermetically sealed into the enclosure, the container being received in a receiving area, the receiving area being different from the manufacturing area, close the enclosure tightly, with the enclosure closed, open the container using gloves from outside the enclosure, and with the enclosure closed, aspirate the powder contained in the container so as to transfer it to a powder supply module configured to prepare, sieve and store powder. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings on which: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 is a schematic representation of an additive manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 ] ] Fig. 3 ] ] Fig. 4 ] ] Fig. 5 ] THE figures 2 to 5 are schematic representations of details of the additive manufacturing device illustrated in figure 1 . [ Fig. 6 ] there figure 6 is a schematic representation of a powder loading process for additive manufacturing according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7 ] there figure 7 is a schematic representation of a powder repotting process for additive manufacturing according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Related to figures 1 to 5 , an additive manufacturing device 1 is presented comprising a manufacturing machine 4 and a powder supply module 2. Manufacturing machine

[0020] Manufacturing machine 4 is configured to implement additive manufacturing of objects from printing powder or manufacturing powder.

[0021] This manufacturing process involves creating three-dimensional objects by consolidating selected areas within successive layers of powdered material (metal powder, ceramic powder, etc.). The consolidated areas correspond to successive sections of the three-dimensional object. Consolidation is achieved, for example, layer by layer, through total or partial selective melting using a power source.

[0022] High-power laser sources or electron beam sources can be used as power sources to achieve the fusion of powder layers.

[0023] The manufacturing machine includes an enclosure 49 in which manufacturing takes place. More specifically, manufacturing occurs in a manufacturing area 63 (or printing area) located within enclosure 49.

[0024] The powder is initially located in a part outside the enclosure 49, and preferably above the printing area 63.

[0025] For example, the manufacturing machine may include, preferably in its upper part, a suction system 41 connected to a gas exhaust circuit 43. The suction system 41 has an inlet 411 connected to the powder supply module 2. The suction system 41 is adapted to generate a suction force at the inlet 411 directed inwards. The inlet 411 of the suction system 41 is connected to a manufacturing conduit 392 which can connect the manufacturing machine to the outlet of the preparation module 2. The gas exhaust circuit 43 may include a vacuum pump to generate the suction force. The suction system 41 may include a powder filter to prevent powder from entering the gas exhaust circuit 43. The suction system 41 includes a device for separating the powder from the gas, such as a cyclone separator.Other devices exist for separating powder from gas, such as a filtration unit with filters, a cyclone separator, or a discharge box. The suction system 41 is designed to receive additive manufacturing powder from inlet 411 and store it. The stored powder is located at the bottom of the second suction system 41 and can be extracted through outlet 413.

[0026] Alternatively, the manufacturing machine may include a fixed powder reservoir, for example a buffer tank, as a complement to or replacement for the suction system 41.

[0027] The fixed powder reservoir when present or the suction system 41 have an outlet 413 located in their lower part. Transport circuit

[0028] The manufacturing machine 4 includes a conveying circuit 42 configured to convey powder from the suction system 41 or from the fixed reservoir to a powder layer deposition device.

[0029] The transport circuit 42 may include an airlock 45 connected to the outlet 413 of the suction system 41 or the fixed reservoir. The airlock 45 allows powder to be transferred without the enclosure 49 ever being in communication with the fixed reservoir or the suction system 41. This prevents disruption of the inerting and pressure within the printing chamber.

[0030] According to a first embodiment illustrated in figure 1 , the transport circuit 42 includes a diverging screw 47 downstream of the airlock 45 where applicable.

[0031] In a first preferred variant, the coating deposition device includes at least one fixed powder inlet and at least one moving powder receiving surface moving under this fixed powder inlet.

[0032] The powder layer deposition device also allows the powder to be spread from the mobile powder receiving surface to the manufacturing area 63 of the object in the enclosure 49.

[0033] It is in manufacturing area 63 that the objects are made by selective consolidation of the powder obtained with the power source.

[0034] In this first variant, the layer deposition device preferably includes a left hopper 591 and a right hopper 611. The diverging screw 47 is configured to fill the left hopper 591 and the right hopper 611. The left hopper is located on one side of the manufacturing area 63, and the right hopper is located on a second side of the manufacturing area 63, the second side being opposite the first side with respect to a horizontal axis A passing through the manufacturing area 63.

[0035] The diaper deposition device includes, corresponding to each hopper 591 and 611, a dosing unit that is fed from the hopper. Below each dosing unit, a moving surface for receiving powder from the diaper deposition device passes.

[0036] Each dispenser forms a fixed powder supply as described previously.

[0037] Each drawer 59, 61 defines a movable powder receiving surface as described previously.

[0038] Each drawer 59, 61 is configured to move along a translational path parallel to the horizontal axis A. When a dispenser delivers a flow of powder to the drawer moving beneath it, a continuous bead of powder forms on the upper surface of that drawer. Simultaneously with its movement beneath the dispenser, each drawer retracts into the enclosure 49 so as to position the bead of powder it carries opposite the manufacturing area 63.

[0039] In a second variant, a powder layer deposition device may include at least one mobile powder inlet in enclosure 49 and at least one fixed powder receiving surface in enclosure 49.

[0040] In either of these variants, the powder layer deposition device includes a roller or a squeegee, either configured to spread the powder placed on the powder receiving surface onto the manufacturing area 63. Pregnant

[0041] Three-dimensional objects are manufactured within enclosure 49. Enclosure 49 constitutes a manufacturing enclosure. Enclosure 49 is designed to be hermetically sealed. Enclosure 49 includes a door on one of its sides that can be hermetically sealed or alternatively opened to allow an operator access inside the enclosure. The operator can, in particular, extract the object manufactured by additive manufacturing from the enclosure through the door.

[0042] The enclosure 49 preferably includes a glove box. The glove box is integrated into a wall, and gloves 251 are securely attached to this wall. The gloves 251 are flexible so that an operator can handle parts located inside the enclosure 49 when it is closed. In particular, the gloves 251 are positioned and configured so that an operator can access a manufacturing area 63 of the object and handle the manufactured or in-process object. Sampling circuit

[0043] The manufacturing machine 4 includes a sampling circuit 57 configured to sample powder from the transport circuit 42.

[0044] The sampling circuit 57 constitutes an additional circuit in relation to the transport circuit.

[0045] The transport circuit and the sampling circuit 57 each include an opening opposite each other so that powder can be transferred from the transport circuit to the sampling circuit 57. A pipe can join the two openings to guide the powder from the transport circuit to the sampling circuit 57.

[0046] The opening in the transport circuit can be controlled to be closed or open to prevent or allow the transfer of powder from the transport circuit to the sampling circuit 57.

[0047] The sampling circuit 57 is configured to move powder from the opening of the sampling circuit 57 to an outlet of the sampling circuit 573, called the discharge outlet, located in the enclosure 49. The opening of the sampling circuit thus constitutes the inlet of the sampling circuit.

[0048] The opening of the sampling circuit can be placed outside the enclosure 49 so that the sampling circuit 57 is configured to sample powder from a part of the transport circuit 42 located outside the enclosure 49.

[0049] In the event that part of the transport circuit 42 is located in the enclosure 49, the opening of the sampling circuit may be placed inside the enclosure 49.

[0050] The transfer of powder from the transport circuit to the sampling circuit 57 can be carried out in a vertical plane or in a plane with a non-zero slope relative to the horizontal plane.

[0051] The sampling circuit 57 to ensure the transport of the powder may include a diverging screw, a single screw or a vibrating chute.

[0052] In addition, the sampling circuit 57 may include a powder doser to control the quantity or flow rate of powder that is transported in the sampling circuit and delivered via the discharge outlet 573.

[0053] The discharge outlet 573 of the sampling circuit 57 is located inside the enclosure 49. More precisely, the discharge outlet 573 of the sampling circuit is located above a receiving area 281 within the enclosure 49. The receiving area 281 is configured to receive a container 28 such that the upper edge of the container is below the discharge outlet 573 of the sampling circuit. The container 28 is not part of the machine and is configured to be inserted into or removed from the enclosure 49 by an operator. The container 28 is intended to hold printing powder. The receiving area 281 is also configured to be glove-accessible. In other words, an operator can move, open, and / or close a container located within the receiving area 281.

[0054] Advantageously, the receiving area 281 and the outlet of the sampling circuit 57 are fixed relative to the enclosure 49.

[0055] The manufacturing machine 4 may optionally include a sensor 283 configured to detect the powder fill level of the container 28 when the container 28 is received in the receiving area 281. The sensor is located in or near the receiving area 281. The sensor is movable so that an operator can adjust its position. By adjusting the position of the sensor 283 relative to the container 28, the operator can set the desired fill level.

[0056] The 283 sensor can be capacitive or magnetic inductive, particularly when the powder is metallic. Other types of sensors can be used to produce a signal whose value changes when the powder level in the container reaches the detector level.

[0057] When the sampling circuit 57 includes a powder dispenser and a sensor, they can be connected to each other in particular so that the sensor sends a "container full" signal to the dispenser which then stops the transport of powder in the sampling circuit.

[0058] The receiving area 281 can advantageously be directly adjacent to the manufacturing area 63. In this way, the operator can, using gloves 251 configured to access the manufacturing area, retrieve the manufactured part or manipulate a suction wand 53, also access the receiving area 281. The gloves 251 are therefore configured to allow the manipulation of objects in the manufacturing area and access to the receiving area 281. Sealing fitting

[0059] As an option and with reference to figures 4 And 5, the sampling circuit 57 may include a fitting 65 configured to isolate the sampling circuit 57 and the container 28 received in the receiving area from the enclosure 49 so that the powder flows in a sealed manner from the sampling circuit to the container.

[0060] When a container 28 is located below the discharge outlet 573, the fitting 65 can be brought into simultaneous contact with both the discharge outlet 573 and the container 28. This creates a sealed connection between the powder collection circuit and the inside of the container. The powder then flows from the collection circuit into the container without generating a dust cloud in the printing chamber. This prevents contamination of the chamber, particularly the optical blocks it contains.

[0061] More specifically, the fitting 65 can be configured to slide along a conduit defining the discharge outlet and contact the edges of the container 28 received in the receiving area 281. The conduit can be oriented vertically so that the seal 65 slides vertically. When a container 28 is located below the discharge outlet 573, the fitting 65 can: be placed in closed configuration by being lowered along the conduit until it comes into contact with the upper edge of the container 28, or be placed in open configuration by being raised along the conduit until it is no longer in contact with the upper edge of the container 28.

[0062] By maintaining sufficient pressure of the fitting against the upper edge of the container in the closed position, the necessary seal is achieved.

[0063] A deformable joint 651 can be provided between the fitting 65 and the conduit defining the discharge outlet.

[0064] A deformable seal 655 can be provided between the fitting 65 and the upper edge of the container 28.

[0065] In a variant and with reference to the figure 5 , the sampling circuit further includes a vent 67 configured to balance a pressure inside the sampling circuit with a pressure outside the sampling circuit when the fitting 65 isolates the inside of the sampling circuit and the inside of the container.

[0066] Vent 67 is located upstream of discharge outlet 573. The vent includes a filter located between the internal volume of the sampling circuit and the enclosure 49. Vent 67 prevents a cloud of powder from forming at the container 28 when the fitting 65 is removed. Powder recovery system

[0067] Optionally, manufacturing machine 4 can include a system for recovering the spread and unconsolidated powder at the end of manufacturing.

[0068] The recovery system may include a 53 suction wand configured to suction powder.

[0069] The suction tube 53 includes a suction nozzle 533 which forms the inlet of the suction tube. The gloves 251 are configured in this way so that an operator can manipulate the suction tube 53. The operator can thus place the suction nozzle 533 in different locations within the enclosure 49 and suction the powder located in these different locations.

[0070] The powder is drawn in at the nozzle 533 and transmitted to the other end of the tube which constitutes the outlet of the suction tube 53.

[0071] The manufacturing device 1 may include a first recovery conduit 531 connected to the outlet of the suction wand 53.

[0072] With reference to the figure 1 , the recovery system may also include an excess airlock 55 adapted to recover excess powder deposited on the manufacturing area 63.

[0073] The manufacturing device 1 may include a second recovery conduit 551 connected to the exceeding airlock 55.

[0074] The excess airlock 55 allows powder to be transmitted without the printer chamber ever being in communication with the second recovery conduit 551 in order to avoid disturbing the printing chamber with respect to inerting and pressure.

[0075] The invention also covers an additive manufacturing device comprising a manufacturing machine as described above and a powder supply module configured to prepare, sieve, and store powder, an output of the supply module being connected to an input of the transport circuit. Supply module

[0076] The supply module 2 includes, in its upper part, a second suction system 21 connected to a first gas exhaust circuit 23. The second suction system 21 is separate from the first suction system 41 mentioned previously. The second suction system 21 has an inlet 211 and an outlet 213 located at its bottom. The second suction system 21 is adapted to generate a suction force at the inlet 211 directed inward. The first gas exhaust circuit 23 may include a vacuum pump to generate the suction force. The second suction system 21 is adapted to receive additive manufacturing powder from the inlet 211 and retain it. The retained powder is located at the bottom of the second suction system 21 and can be extracted through the outlet 213.The second suction system 21 may include a powder filter to prevent the powder from passing into the first exhaust circuit 23. The suction system 21 includes a device that separates the powder from the gas, such as a cyclofilter 22. Other devices exist for separating the powder from the gas, such as a filtration box including filters, a cyclone, or a discharge box.

[0077] The supply module 2 includes a main hopper 29 which is located below the second suction system 21. The main hopper 29 is a container which allows for the storage of additive manufacturing powder.

[0078] The supply module 2 includes a valve 24 located between the second suction system 21 and the main hopper 29. The valve 24 in the open configuration allows the passage of powder and the valve 24 in the closed configuration allows the second suction system 21 to be hermetically sealed from the main hopper 29.

[0079] The main hopper 29 has a frustoconical shape designed to hold a large quantity of manufacturing powder. The main hopper 29 is oriented so that the axis of the frustoconical shape is vertical and the horizontal cross-section of the frustoconical shape is smaller at the bottom of the hopper. The main hopper 29 has an outlet 293 located at its bottom.

[0080] The supply module 2 includes a metering unit 33, located below the main hopper 29. The metering unit 33 allows adjustment of the powder flow rate sent downstream. The metering unit 33 is connected to the outlet 293 of the main hopper. The metering unit 33 has an outlet 331 located at its bottom.

[0081] The supply module 2 includes a sieve 35, located below the doser 33. The sieve 35 is connected to the outlet 331 of the doser 33.

[0082] The doser 33 allows the flow rate of powder sent to the sieve 35 to be adjusted, so as not to damage a sieve included inside the sieve 35.

[0083] The sieve allows the agglomerated clumps of powder to be filtered and isolated from the rest of the powder within a receptacle 351.

[0084] The supply module 2 includes a reservoir 37 located below the sieve 35. The reservoir 37 can be a hopper with a frustoconical shape suitable for holding a large quantity of manufacturing powder. This hopper can be oriented so that the axis of the frustoconical shape is vertical and the volume of the frustoconical shape has a smaller horizontal cross-section at the bottom of the hopper. The reservoir 37 has an outlet 371 located at its bottom.

[0085] The outlet 371 of the tank is connected to a return circuit 391. The return circuit 391 connects the outlet 371 of the tank 37 and the inlet 211 of the suction system 21. The second suction system 21 can suction the powder from the tank 37 to the second suction system 21 through the return circuit 391.

[0086] The outlet 371 of the tank is also connected to a manufacturing line 392. The manufacturing line 392 connects the outlet 371 of the tank 37 and the manufacturing machine 4, so that powder contained in the tank 37 can be transferred to the manufacturing machine 4.

[0087] The sifter 35 is located just above the tank 37 so that the powder contained in the tank 37 and transmitted to the manufacturing machine 4 is sifted as late as possible before being sent to the manufacturing machine 4.

[0088] The reservoir 37 may have a smaller volume than the main hopper 29. The role of the reservoir 37 is to store the powder just before its transport either to the manufacturing machine 4 or to the second suction system 21. The reservoir 37 can be described as a buffer hopper.

[0089] The main hopper 29 is designed to hold a significant portion of the manufacturing powder required for the additive manufacturing of one or more three-dimensional objects. The powder in the main hopper 29 is intended to be conveyed to the manufacturing machine 4. To this end, the main hopper 29 is designed to be connected to the manufacturing machine 4, which is configured to additively manufacture an object using the powder in the main hopper 29. The connection of the main hopper 29 to the manufacturing machine is achieved by circulating the powder through the doser 33, the sieve 35, the buffer tank or hopper 37, and finally the manufacturing conduit 392.

[0090] Supply module 2 includes a controller which allows the powder to be directed from outlet 371 to return circuit 391 or to manufacturing conduit 392.

[0091] Supply module 2 includes a circulation system comprising the suction system 21.

[0092] The second suction system 21 can suction the powder from the reservoir 37 to the second suction system 21 through the return circuit 391.

[0093] The first recovery duct 531 connects the outlet of the suction wand 53 and the inlet 211 of the second suction system 21.

[0094] The second recovery duct 551 connects the excess airlock 55 and the inlet 211 of the second suction system 21.

[0095] The manufacturing device 1 may also include a controller adapted to circulate the powder in a controlled manner from the recovery system to a suction system of the supply module. Such a controller allows the powder to be directed from the first recovery line 531 or from the second recovery line 551 to the supply module.

[0096] The input 211 can therefore be described as the input of the supply module 2 adapted to be connected to the manufacturing machine 4 and to receive powder located in the manufacturing machine 4.

[0097] It should be noted that manufacturing device 1 includes sufficient valves at the crossings of conduits 391, 392, 531 and 551 to permit or prevent the powder circulations mentioned in the description. Loading method

[0098] The invention relates to a method for loading manufacturing powder into a manufacturing chamber 49 configured to manufacture an object from the powder in a manufacturing zone 63 of the chamber 49, the chamber 49 being equipped with a glove box containing gloves 251 configured for handling the object from outside the chamber, the method comprising the steps of: insert into enclosure 49 a container 28 filled with powder and hermetically sealed, the container 28 being received in a receiving area 281, the receiving area (281) being different from the manufacturing area 63, close the enclosure tightly, the enclosure 49 being closed, open the container 28 using gloves 251 from outside the enclosure 49 and the enclosure 49 being closed, vacuum the powder contained in the container 28 to transfer it to a powder supply module 2 configured to prepare, sieve and store powder.

[0099] It should be noted that the additive manufacturing machine has been described previously and includes the transport circuit 42 of manufacturing powder to a powder layer deposition device, the powder layer deposition device being configured to spread the powder over the manufacturing area 63, the powder layer deposition device comprising a powder receiving surface and a powder inlet, the powder inlet being located above the powder receiving surface.

[0100] In this process, the enclosure 49 is configured to manufacture an object from powder inside the enclosure 49, the gloves are configured to manipulate the object inside the enclosure 49 from outside the enclosure 49, and the supply module is configured to prepare, sieve, and store powder.

[0101] In this way, powder can be loaded into the supply module from the same chamber where the manufacturing process takes place. Therefore, a separate external chamber specifically dedicated to loading the supply module is no longer required, thus reducing the overall footprint of the system.

[0102] Device 1, as described above, comprising manufacturing machine 4 and supply module 2, with the first recovery conduit 531 connecting the outlet of suction wand 53 and the inlet 211 of the second suction system 21, allows the loading of manufacturing powder according to these steps, and more broadly according to the steps described below, repeated in the figure 6 .

[0103] Initially, enclosure 49 is hermetically sealed and contains no containers.

[0104] In a first step S1, the oxygen fraction inside enclosure 49 is adjusted to reach at least 18%. An oxygen sensor can notably acquire a measurement of the oxygen fraction for this purpose.

[0105] During a second step S2, the door of the enclosure 49 is opened and a container 28 of powder is inserted or several containers of powder are inserted into it, for example they are placed on the receiving area 281.

[0106] During a third step S3, the enclosure 49 is hermetically sealed and the oxygen fraction there is adjusted to a maximum of 2%.

[0107] During a fourth step S4, the operator handles the container 28 and opens it using gloves 251 from outside the box 49.

[0108] During a fifth step S5, the operator manipulates a suction wand 53 using gloves 251 from outside the box 49 to suction the powder contained in the container, the powder then being transferred to the supply module 2.

[0109] If several containers of powder have been inserted, steps S4 to S5 are repeated until all inserted containers are empty.

[0110] During the sixth stage S6, the oxygen fraction inside the casing is adjusted to reach at least 18%.

[0111] During a seventh stage S7, the gate of enclosure 49 is opened.

[0112] During an eighth step S8, the filled and closed container or containers are extracted from enclosure 49.

[0113] During a ninth stage S9, the door of enclosure 49 is hermetically sealed.

[0114] Once it reaches the supply module 2, the powder can be sifted and stored in the reservoir 37. The powder in the main hopper 29 is conveyed to the sifter 35 via the doser 33. The sifter 35 sifts the powder and removes any excessively large clumps and aggregates. These clumps are conveyed to the receptacle 351 and stored there. The sifted powder passes through the sifter 35 and into the reservoir 37, where it is stored until use. Repotting process

[0115] The invention relates to a method for repotting manufacturing powder in an additive manufacturing machine comprising a manufacturing chamber 49, the machine being configured to manufacture an object from the powder in a manufacturing zone 63 of the chamber 49, the chamber 49 being equipped with a glove box containing gloves 251, the gloves 251 being configured to manipulate the object from outside the chamber 49, the method comprising the steps, with the chamber 49 closed, of: to take powder from a transport circuit 42 so as to place the taken powder in a container 28 received in a receiving area 281 of the enclosure 49, the receiving area 281 being different from the manufacturing area 63, and to close the container 28 using gloves 251 from outside the enclosure 49), the container 28 not being part of the machine and being configured to be extracted from the enclosure 49.

[0116] It should be noted that the additive manufacturing machine has been described previously and includes the transport circuit 42 of manufacturing powder to a powder layer deposition device, the powder layer deposition device being configured to spread the powder over the manufacturing area 63, the powder layer deposition device comprising a powder receiving surface and a powder inlet, the powder inlet being located above the powder receiving surface.

[0117] Manufacturing machine 4 thus allows the repotting of unused manufacturing powder according to these steps, and more broadly according to the steps described below, repeated in the figure 7 .

[0118] The unused powder can initially be located in the tank 37 of the supply module 2 and be routed to the manufacturing machine 4. Initially, the enclosure 49 is hermetically sealed and contains no container.

[0119] During a first step E1, the oxygen fraction inside enclosure 49 is adjusted to reach at least 18%.

[0120] During a second stage E2, the gate of enclosure 49 is opened.

[0121] During a third step E3, one or more empty containers are inserted into enclosure 49. The containers may be placed in the receiving area 281. The container lids are also inserted. The containers may be entered open. The containers may be entered closed, particularly if they contain an inert atmosphere, i.e., with a gaseous composition of no more than 2% oxygen and at least 98% inert gas.

[0122] During a fourth stage E4, the door of enclosure 49 is hermetically sealed.

[0123] During a fifth step E5, the oxygen fraction in chamber 49 is adjusted to a maximum of 2%.

[0124] During a sixth step E6, a loop of substeps is carried out.

[0125] During a first sub-step E61, an empty container is placed in the receiving area 281 under the discharge outlet 573.

[0126] During a second substep E62, the operator positions a sensor 283 configured to detect a powder fill level of the container so as to define a desired fill level of the container.

[0127] During a third substep E63, the fitting 65 is moved to isolate the sampling circuit 57 and the container 28 received in the receiving area 281 from an enclosure of the box 49.

[0128] In a fourth substep E64, the dispensing circuit is activated to draw powder from above a manufacturing area and dispense a quantity of powder towards the outlet of the dispensing circuit. This quantity is less than or equal to the maximum capacity of the container. A dosing unit in the dispensing circuit can receive a signal from the sensor to stop filling when the sensor emits a "container full" signal.

[0129] During a fifth substep E65, the container and its lid are handled using gloves 251 so as to close the container with the lid. The operator closes the container with the lid.

[0130] The sub-step loop continues as long as there is an empty container and potting powder remaining. In other words, when there is no more empty container or potting powder, the sub-step loop is interrupted. In this case, a seventh step, E7, is performed.

[0131] During the seventh step E7, the oxygen fraction inside the casing is adjusted to reach at least 18%.

[0132] During an eighth stage E8, the gate of enclosure 49 is opened.

[0133] During a ninth step E9, the filled and closed container or containers are extracted from enclosure 49.

[0134] During a tenth stage E10, the door of enclosure 49 is hermetically sealed.

[0135] It should be noted that substeps E62 and E63 are optional and are advantageously carried out when the manufacturing machine includes respectively a sensor 283 and a fitting 65.

[0136] It should also be noted that this powder can be re-sieved before re-packing. Regardless of the powder's position within the device, it can be conveyed via the second suction system 21 to the main hopper 29 (step P1). This unused powder can then be re-sieved by the sieve 35. Subsequently, the unused, re-sieved powder is returned to the manufacturing machine and a container placed in the receiving area. This allows for the repackaging of powder under a protective atmosphere in quantities transportable by an operator before being stored for possible future reuse.

Claims

1. Additive manufacturing machine (4) comprising: - a manufacturing chamber (49) designed to be sealingly closed, and equipped with a glove box having gloves (251), - a conveying circuit (42) for conveying manufacturing powder to a powder layer depositing device, the powder layer depositing device being designed to spread the powder over a manufacturing area (63) in the manufacturing chamber (49), the powder layer depositing device comprising a powder receiving surface and a powder inlet, the powder inlet being located above the powder receiving surface, - a power source designed to selectively melt the manufacturing powder spread in the manufacturing area (63), and - a collecting circuit (57) designed to collect the powder from the conveying circuit (42) and to convey the collected powder to an outlet of the collecting circuit (57), the outlet of the collecting circuit being located above a receiving area (281), - the outlet of the collecting circuit (57) and the receiving area (281) being located in the manufacturing chamber, the receiving area (281) being different from the manufacturing area (63) and being located opposite the outlet of the collecting circuit (57), the gloves (251) being designed to handle an object located in the chamber (49) and to reach the receiving area (281) when the chamber is closed.

2. Machine according to claim 1, wherein the collecting circuit (57) is designed to collect the powder from a part of the conveying circuit (42) located outside the chamber (49).

3. Machine according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the receiving area and the outlet of the collecting circuit (57) are fixed with respect to the chamber (49).

4. Machine according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the powder receiving surface of the powder layer depositing device is movably mounted with respect to the manufacturing area (63).

5. Machine according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the collecting circuit (57) comprises a coupling (65), designed to isolate the collecting circuit (57) and a container (28) received in the receiving area (281) with respect to the chamber (49) so that the powder flows in a sealed manner from the collecting circuit (57) to the container (28).

6. Machine according to claim 5, wherein the coupling (65) is designed to slide along a duct defining an outlet (573) of the collecting circuit (57) and to contact edges of the container (28) received in the receiving area (281).

7. Machine according to either of claims 5 or 6, wherein the collecting circuit (57) comprises a vent (67) designed to equalize a pressure inside the collecting circuit (57) with a pressure outside the collecting circuit (57) when the coupling (65) isolates the inside of the collecting circuit (57) and the inside of the container (28) with respect to the chamber (49).

8. Machine according to any of claims 1 to 7, comprising a sensor (283) designed to detect a powder fill level of a container (28) when the container (28) is received in the receiving area (281).

9. Machine according to any of claims 1 to 8, comprising a suction tube (53) designed to suck up the powder located in the receiving area (281) and the powder located in the manufacturing area (63).

10. Additive manufacturing apparatus comprising a machine (4) according to any of claims 1 to 9, the device further comprising a powder supply module (2) designed for preparing, sieving and storing the powder, an outlet of the supply module (2) being connected to an inlet of the conveying circuit (42).

11. Additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10, the additive manufacturing machine (4) being in accordance with claim 6, the suction pipe (53) being connected to an inlet of the supply module (2).

12. Method for repotting manufacturing powder in an additive manufacturing machine comprising a manufacturing chamber (49), the machine being designed to manufacture an object from the powder in a manufacturing area (63) of the chamber (49), the chamber (49) being equipped with a glove box having gloves (251), the gloves (251) being designed to handle the object from outside the chamber (49), the method comprising the steps, when the chamber (49) is closed, of: - collecting (E64) the powder from a conveying circuit (42) so as to place (E64) the collected powder in a container (28) received in a receiving area (281) of the chamber (49), the receiving area (281) being different from the manufacturing area (63) and - closing (E65) the container (28) by means of the gloves (251) from outside the chamber (49), the container (28) not being part of the machine and being designed for removal from the chamber (49).

13. Method for repotting powder according to claim 12, comprising a step (E63) prior to the powder collecting step (E64), the step (E63) consisting in moving a coupling (65) to isolate a powder collecting circuit (57) and the container (28) with respect to the chamber (49).

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13 comprising a step of positioning (E62) a sensor (283) designed to detect a powder fill level of the container (28) so as to define a fill level of the container.

15. Method for loading manufacturing powder into an additive manufacturing machine comprising a manufacturing chamber (49), the machine being designed to manufacture an object from the powder in a manufacturing area (63) of the chamber (49), the chamber (49) comprising a glove box having gloves (251), the gloves (251) being designed to handle the object from outside the box, the method comprising the steps of: - (S2) inserting a hermetically closed, powder-filled container (28) into the chamber (49), the container (28) being received in a receiving area (281), the receiving area (281) being different from the manufacturing area (63), - (S3) sealingly closing the chamber (49), - (S4) when the chamber (49) is closed, opening the container (28) by means of the gloves (251) from outside the chamber (49) and - (S6) when the chamber (49) is closed, sucking up the powder contained in the container (28) so as to transfer the powder to a powder supply module (2) designed for preparing, sieving and storing the powder.