Construction platform system for additive manufacturing

Abstract

The invention relates to a construction platform system for additive manufacturing, said construction platform system being flexibly installable into different additive manufacturing devices. The construction platform system comprises a construction platform (2) which is used as a component support, a panel-shaped machine interface unit (1) that is designed in the form of a base for the construction platform (2), which can be releasably secured thereon in a fixed position, and multiple base securing units for releasably securing the machine interface unit (1) in the additive manufacturing device. The machine interface unit (1) additionally has a zero-point clamping system (6) and multiple centering holes (9) on the face facing the construction platform (2). The construction platform system is suitable for the hybrid additive manufacture of new parts as well as for the repair of components which have been manufactured in a conventional or additive manner.

Description

[0001] Build platform system for additive manufacturing

[0002] The invention relates to a build platform system for additive manufacturing that can be flexibly installed in various additive manufacturing devices. The build platform system is suitable for hybrid additive manufacturing of new parts as well as for the repair of conventionally or additively manufactured components.

[0003] Additive manufacturing processes, such as powder bed-based selective laser melting (Laser Powder Bed Fusion, LPBF for short), are primarily designed for the near-net-shape production of completely new parts: Based on a virtual 3D component model, material is consolidated layer by layer on a build platform of the additive manufacturing device until the component mold specified by the 3D model is completed.

[0004] The starting material for the production of high-quality metallic components using powder-bed-based selective laser melting is usually a highly specified and therefore cost-intensive metal powder, which, however, is only melted to a fraction of its size to form the additively manufactured component. The majority of the powder serves merely as filler and support material.

[0005] The additive manufacturing of metallic components using selective laser melting is still sometimes unprofitable compared to traditional manufacturing processes in many industries due to long production times, insufficiently known material data, and high powder consumption. However, additive manufacturing has already established itself in the production of high-cost, geometrically complex, or customized components, particularly those used in the aerospace and medical technology sectors.

[0006] In addition to the production of new parts, additive manufacturing also offers the possibility of near-net-shape repairs of components. In the aircraft engine industry, for example, parts of rotor blades or guide vanes are repaired by additively building up the worn material.

[0007] Additive manufacturing, in which material is added to existing components or

[0008] Component elements are applied near-net-shape, is also referred to as hybrid (additive) manufacturing. In contrast to complete manufacturing, hybrid

[0009] Production an exact positioning of the components within the

[0010] Manufacturing device or exact knowledge of the component position on the build platform.

[0011] The build platform generally refers to the component of the additive manufacturing device on which the components are manufactured. In the context of this disclosure, the entirety of all device components of the additive manufacturing device that support the components to be manufactured is referred to as the build platform system; a build platform in the narrower sense is understood to be the usually plate-shaped device element on which the additively manufactured components are directly attached.

[0012] It is known, for example from US 2019 / 0366491 A1, WO 2020 / 159432 A1, DE 10 2021 105 918 A1 or DE 10 2017 219 333 A1, to fix worn components that are to be repaired by means of additive manufacturing with the aid of an auxiliary or holding plate, i.e. a component carrier. The holding plate equipped with the components forms the build platform in the above-mentioned sense as part of the build platform system and is attached to the permanently installed machine components of the additive manufacturing device, i.e. for example to the usually height-adjustable work plate of the manufacturing device. In order to determine the exact component position for subsequent additive manufacturing, the holding plate with the components fastened to it is measured - usually outside the actual additive manufacturing device - in relation to a reference marking present on the holding plate.The reference marking, which is fixed in position or detected in the manufacturing device, then makes it possible to precisely control the component coordinates and apply the material with precise positioning during additive manufacturing.

[0013] DE 10 2017 115 989 A1 discloses a build platform system for additive manufacturing, wherein the build platform system comprises an upper part as the build platform and a lower part as the base of the build platform, and wherein the upper part and the lower part are releasably fixed to one another by means of screw connections. A build platform system also constructed from a build platform and plate-shaped base elements mounted underneath is described in DE 10 2019 130 676 A1. DE 10 2013 014 036 A1 discloses a clamping device for holding workpieces or tools, which comprises a workpiece carrier with clamping pins and a clamping lower part with clamping sleeves. A device for clamping a workpiece in a precisely positioned manner, in which a base can be connected to a workpiece carrier by means of intermeshing clamping sleeves and clamping pins, is also known from DE 43 07 342 A1.

[0014] Attaching such a mounting plate to the machine components of the additive manufacturing device typically requires a relatively high setup effort. Furthermore, the mounting plate, which is usually customized for an additive manufacturing device, makes it difficult to use as a component carrier on other additive manufacturing devices.

[0015] The object of the invention is to provide a build platform system that can be used flexibly on various additive manufacturing devices with little setup effort, which also enables the exact positioning of a build platform designed as a component carrier or the precise control of already existing component structures on a build platform in hybrid additive manufacturing.

[0016] This object is achieved by a construction platform system having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are set out in claims 2 to 13.

[0017] According to the invention, the build platform system intended for installation in an additive manufacturing device comprises a build platform serving as a component carrier, a plate-shaped machine interface unit designed as a base for the build platform that can be releasably secured thereon, and several base fastening units for releasably securing the machine interface unit in the additive manufacturing device. The plate-shaped machine interface unit and the likewise regularly plate-shaped build platform preferably have a rectangular basic shape of the respective plate surface.

[0018] To form a screw connection with the additive manufacturing device, i.e., for the detachable fastening of the machine interface unit in the additive manufacturing device, each of the base fastening units has a connecting adapter and a base screw, which can be anchored in a screw head recess laterally provided in the connecting adapter. This means that for assembly, the screw head of the base screw - in relation to the screw's longitudinal direction - must be inserted laterally into the screw head recess of the connecting adapter. The machine interface unit also has a shape-adapted adapter recess assigned to each of the connecting adapters, open towards the build platform, into which the connecting adapter - as an anchor on the screw head of the

[0019] Socket screw - can be inserted in a twist-proof manner. At the bottom of the adapter recess there is a through-hole through which the socket screw can be passed to the additive manufacturing device. Finally, each of the connecting adapters has a threaded hole which - when the socket screw is properly mounted in the connecting adapter - is coaxially aligned with the socket screw anchored in the connecting adapter and is located on the side of the screw head of the socket screw opposite the thread. This means that the threaded hole is aligned with the mounted socket screw above its screw head. The build platform system preferably has four socket fastening units, which are arranged in the respective corner areas, for example, when the machine interface unit is designed with a rectangular base area.

[0020] According to the invention, the machine interface unit further comprises a zero-point clamping system for releasably securing the build platform to the machine interface unit, wherein the zero-point clamping system is preferably arranged centrally with respect to the plate-shaped design of the machine interface unit. Finally, the machine interface unit has several locating holes on its side facing the build platform for inserting locating pins. The locating holes are preferably arranged around the zero-point clamping system with respect to the plate-shaped design of the machine interface unit.

[0021] One of the advantages of the build platform system according to the invention is that the calibration required for high manufacturing accuracy only needs to be performed once on the machine interface unit after installation in the additive manufacturing device. The build platform attached to the machine interface unit is precisely aligned to the machine interface unit through the use of the zero-point clamping system, the base mounting units, and / or the dowel pin connections in the dowel holes, thus eliminating the need for additional calibration of the build platform on a regular basis.

[0022] The machine interface unit can be adapted to various additive manufacturing devices by parameterization, in particular the position of the adapter recesses.

[0023] The inventive build platform system is further characterized by a high degree of flexibility with regard to the attachable build platform. For example, a build platform designed as a standard build platform, as well as a quick-change build platform, can be attached to the machine interface unit with repeatable precision.

[0024] Due to improved manufacturing accuracy in additive manufacturing, the build platform system is particularly suitable for reducing costs in hybrid additive new part manufacturing, in the repair of additively designed components, in the repair of conventionally manufactured components or in the repair of additively manufactured components after so-called "failed build jobs", i.e. for correcting a faulty additive structure.

[0025] The standard build platform is designed to be removably and positionally fixed using build platform screws in the threaded holes of the anchored connection adapters. This means that the standard build platform has a predetermined number of holes, for example, in the corner areas of a rectangular build platform, through which the build platform screws are inserted and then screwed into the threaded holes of the connection adapters. The standard build platform is therefore attached to the machine interface unit with the build platform screws, which are arranged coaxially with the base screws. The build platform is therefore attached to the additive manufacturing device via the connection adapters, eliminating the constraints of direct screw connections to the machine interface unit.The term standard build platform is used here for this version of the build platform, as it is intended in particular for the standard process of direct additive complete assembly on the build platform.

[0026] In addition to the above-described option for attaching the standard build platform to the machine interface unit, alternative fastening designs are also possible, for example by screw connections at other positions or by magnetically locking the standard build platform to the machine interface unit.

[0027] The quick-change build platform design allows for a removably fixed position on the machine interface unit using the zero-point clamping system. The term "quick-change build platform" refers to a build platform with a counter element on its underside (opposite the additive manufacturing build side) that can be accommodated by the zero-point clamping system. This quick-change build platform design enables particularly fast replacement of the build platform. The build platform system with the quick-change build platform is designed specifically for hybrid additive manufacturing, with the particular advantage that only the machine interface unit needs to be calibrated.

[0028] For improved positioning of the construction platform relative to the

[0029] For the machine interface unit, the build platform can have matching locating holes in the build platform. The build platform system also includes a number of locating pins that are inserted into the corresponding locating holes when assembled. This pinning improves the positional accuracy with regard to angular rotation of the build platform and the machine interface unit in the plate plane. Particularly high accuracy is achieved when the locating holes of the build platform and the machine interface unit—mounted one above the other—are manufactured or drilled together.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the build platform system, which can be used in particular for temperature control of the build platform, the machine interface unit has heat-conducting molded bodies, also known as heat-conducting inlets, which are integrated into the machine interface unit or are part of it. For this purpose, the plate-shaped machine interface unit has recesses that extend through its thickness and are form-fittingly filled with the heat-conducting molded bodies. Especially in additive manufacturing using standard construction, i.e. in the additive production of new parts on a standard build platform, the build platform is regularly temperature-controlled, for example to temperatures in the range of 80 °C to 200 °C. Heating usually occurs from the underside of the build platform. The heat-conducting molded bodies are provided in order to ensure heat conduction with as little loss as possible even when the machine interface unit is inserted.The heat-conducting molded bodies are preferably made of copper or a copper alloy.

[0031] It can also be provided that the machine interface unit has its own heat source, for example an integrated heating unit.

[0032] The machine interface unit and / or the build platform can each further comprise an RFID transponder for contactless data storage and retrieval of identification, calibration, and / or production data. The abbreviation RFID (radio-frequency identification) describes a well-known technology for the automatic and contactless identification and localization of objects using radio waves; an RFID system typically comprises an RFID transponder and a reader. The build platform system with a quick-change build platform, whose zero-point clamping system is pneumatically operated using compressed air, can comprise a shut-off valve connected to a shut-off valve control unit for interrupting the compressed air supply. This design is intended in particular to prevent unauthorized—for example, unlicensed—use of the build platform system.For this purpose, the shut-off valve control unit can, for example, be coupled to an RFID transponder, via which the shut-off valve can be released or blocked using the shut-off valve control unit.

[0033] For calibrating the machine interface unit detachably mounted in the additive manufacturing device, the build platform system can further comprise a calibration set. The calibration set includes a calibration plate, several calibration dowel pins, and preferably a hemispherical element that can be detachably locked to the zero-point clamping system. The calibration plate, which can be detachably attached to the side of the machine interface unit intended for fastening the build platform for calibration, largely covers this side of the machine interface unit. It has openings for attaching the calibration plate, openings for the calibration dowel pins, and a recess for the hemispherical element in the area of ​​the zero-point clamping system. The calibration dowel pins, which can be detachably inserted into the fitting holes of the machine interface unit for calibration, each have a reference marking, also referred to as a reference point, just like the hemispherical element.The reference mark on the hemispherical element is located in the center of the zero-point clamping system when the hemispherical element is locked into the zero-point clamping system. The reference mark on the calibration dowel pins is usually located on one end face of the calibration dowel pin; the calibration set preferably includes up to four of the calibration dowel pins.

[0034] The components of the calibration set are further preferably designed as described in German patent application DE 10 2022 129 042.5. In this regard, reference is made to German patent application number DE 10 2022 129 042.5, the content of which is hereby incorporated into this patent application. According to an alternative embodiment, the calibration set can comprise a calibration platform designed correspondingly to the build platform—in particular the quick-change build platform—for detachable attachment to the machine interface unit, in turn, a calibration plate, and several calibration pins. The calibration pins each have the reference marking—usually located on one end face. However, the calibration pins are permanently installed on the side of the calibration platform opposite the machine interface unit, so that they protrude from the surface plane of the calibration platform.The calibration set preferably comprises up to five of the permanently installed calibration pins (in particular with one centrally arranged calibration pin and four calibration pins arranged in the corner areas). The calibration pins can be designed in the form of the calibration dowel pins described above, which are fixedly inserted into the calibration platform, or can be integrally connected to the calibration platform, for example in the form of a cylinder milled from solid material. Preferably, the calibration platform - comparable to the quick-change build platform - can be removably fastened in a fixed position on the machine interface unit using the zero-point clamping system; the calibration platform has the counter element that can be accommodated in the zero-point clamping system. The calibration plate, which is constructed similarly to the one described above, also has openings for attaching the calibration plate and openings for the calibration pins.The calibration plate according to this version of the calibration set, which can be removably attached to the side of the calibration platform provided with the calibration pins for calibration, largely covers this side of the calibration platform. Preferably, the calibration plate or the calibration pins are dimensioned such that, when the calibration plate is attached to the calibration platform, the end faces of the calibration pins bearing the reference markings lie in the surface plane of the calibration plate, i.e., they form a plane with the surface of the calibration plate.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the build platform system comprises at least one component holder that can be pivoted onto the build platform, i.e. the component can be brought into a desired angular position relative to the horizontal alignment by pivoting or rotating. The component holder can be designed to pivot continuously or in steps. In a stepless design, the component holder has, for example, a base that can be locked into the build platform and a component holding unit that is rotatably attached to this base. In a stepped pivoting design, the component holder can be designed so that it can be locked onto the build platform in different orientations or angular positions. Typically, several of these component holders are installed on the build platform.

[0036] It can further be provided that the build platform system comprises at least one component holder that can be locked to the build platform and that includes a heating unit or heating element, for example a heating cartridge. This enables temperature control close to the component during additive manufacturing. In powder bed-based selective laser melting, for example, when processing crack-sensitive materials, it is necessary to preheat the components to be processed in order to prevent cracking. By using the component holder with the integrated heating element, this preheating can be carried out, if necessary even on a component-by-component basis, i.e. the component is preheated to the desired processing temperature using the heating element. Several of the heatable component holders are usually installed on the build platform.

[0037] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the schematic drawings, wherein identical or similar features are provided with the same reference numerals; in this case:

[0038] Fig. 1: a first embodiment of the construction platform system in perspective view, Fig. 2: the first embodiment of the construction platform system in exploded view, Fig. 3: a second embodiment of the construction platform system in perspective view, Fig. 4: the fastening of the construction platform system in perspective view, Fig. 5: a construction platform system equipped with components in perspective view, Fig. 6: various embodiments of construction platforms in perspective view, Fig. 7: an embodiment of the construction platform with marking holes in perspective view,

[0039] Fig. 8: a design of the machine interface unit with heat-conducting molded bodies in perspective view, Fig. 9: the design of the machine interface unit according to Fig. 8 in section AA, Fig. 10: a first design of the machine interface unit with calibration set in perspective view,

[0040] Fig. 11 : the design of the machine interface unit according to Fig. 10 in section BB, Fig. 12: a calibration dowel pin in perspective view,

[0041] Fig. 13: a second version of the machine interface unit with calibration set in perspective view,

[0042] Fig. 14: the second version of the machine interface unit with calibration set in exploded view,

[0043] Fig. 15: a version of the machine interface unit with shut-off valve in sectional view, and

[0044] Fig. 16: a pivoting component holder mounted on the build platform.

[0045] The first embodiment of the build platform system according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 comprises the machine interface unit 1 and the build platform 2 mounted thereon, which is designed as a quick-change build platform 2.1. The centrally arranged, pneumatic zero-point clamping system 6, which is supplied with compressed air via the compressed air connection 7, serves to lock the quick-change build platform 2.1. The quick-change build platform 2.1, which is designed specifically for hybrid additive manufacturing, has several parallel T-slots or T-guides for securing components to be additively processed.

[0046] The position of the build platform 2 on the machine interface unit 1 is fixed, on the one hand, by the zero-point clamping system 6 and, on the other hand, by the locating pins 8, which are fitted into the locating holes 9 on the machine interface unit 1 and, at the same time, into corresponding (not designated) locating holes on the build platform 2. The locating holes 9 arranged outside the central zero-point clamping system 6 particularly improve the rotational accuracy of the build platform 2 relative to the machine interface unit 1.

[0047] To fasten the machine interface unit 1 in the additive manufacturing device (not shown), the machine interface unit 1 is screwed to a flat base surface of the manufacturing device using the base screws 4. The base screws 4 are held in the connection adapter 3 with a form-fitting fit on the screw head side. Each of the base screws 4 and the associated connection adapter 3 together form one of the base fastening units. The connection adapter 3 with the inserted base screw 4 is inserted into the adapter recess 1.1 in the machine interface unit 1, which is shaped to match the connection adapter 3, with the connection adapter 3 largely filling the adapter recess 1.1.

[0048] According to a second embodiment of the build platform system, shown in Fig. 3, in addition to the machine interface unit 1, it comprises the build platform 2, which is designed as a standard build platform 2.2. The standard build platform 2.2 is intended for conventional additive manufacturing, i.e., the components are additively built directly on the standard build platform 2.2. In contrast to the quick-change build platform 2.1 shown in Fig. 1, the standard build platform 2.2 is attached to the machine interface unit 1 with the build platform screws 5.

[0049] The machine interface unit 1, in turn, is anchored in the additive manufacturing device (not shown) by means of the connecting adapter 3 and the socket screws 4 inserted therein. For subsequent fastening of the build platform 2, the build platform screws 5, arranged coaxially above the socket screws 4, are screwed into the connecting adapter 3 firmly seated in the machine interface unit 1.

[0050] The fastening of the machine interface unit 1 in the additive manufacturing device by means of one of the base fastening units and the fastening of the construction platform 2 designed as a standard construction platform 2.2 by means of one of the construction platform screws 5 are shown in detail in the illustrations (a) to (d) of Fig. 4.

[0051] Fig. 4 (a) shows the connecting adapter 3 with its screw head recess 3.1 and the threaded hole 3.2. The socket screw 4 is inserted laterally with its screw head into the screw head recess 3.1, which is shaped to match the screw head (see arrow). When the socket screw 4 is inserted, the threaded hole 3.2 is located above the screw head of the socket screw 4 and is aligned coaxially with it. After inserting the socket screw 4 into the screw head recess 3.1, the screw head is held in a form-fitting manner, as shown in Fig. 4 (b). The connecting adapter 3 is inserted - see Fig. 4 (c) - together with the inserted socket screw 4 into the adapter recess 1.1 of the machine interface unit 1.

[0052] The base screw 4 can now be screwed into a suitable internal thread (not shown) or using a nut on the additive manufacturing fixture. The base screw 4 can be tightened, for example, using an Allen key inserted through the threaded hole 3.2.

[0053] After the machine interface unit 1 is mounted in the additive manufacturing device, the build platform 2 is attached to the machine interface unit 1. The build platform screw 5 used for this purpose is aligned coaxially with the base screw 4 or the threaded hole 3.2 in the connection adapter 3 (see Fig. 4 (a) to (c). The build platform screw 5 engages the internal thread of the threaded hole 3.2 of the connection adapter 3 anchored by the base screw 4 (as shown in Fig. 4 (d)) and, after the build platform screw 5 is tightened, fixes the build platform 2 to the machine interface unit 1.

[0054] Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of the build platform system with the machine interface unit 1 and a build platform 2 designed as a quick-change build platform 2.1 for hybrid additive manufacturing. The build platform 2 serves as a component carrier for 48 components to be additively machined, in Fig. 5, for example, turbine blades for aircraft engines, whose worn blade tips were rebuilt using hybrid additive manufacturing.

[0055] The build platform 2 can be designed in different ways to accommodate components during additive manufacturing. Some variants are shown as examples in Fig. 6: in Fig. 6 (a) a quick-change build platform 2.1 with parallel T-slots, in Fig. 6 (b) a quick-change build platform 2.1 with crossed parallel T-slots, so-called X-slots, in Fig. 6 (c) a quick-change build platform 2.1 with a magnetic insert or connection and in Fig. 6 (d) a quick-change build platform 2.1 with hexagonal-shaped recesses or

[0056] Slots for component insertion.

[0057] The design of the quick-change build platform 2.1 shown in Fig. 7 features, in addition to the T-slots for accommodating the components, several marking holes 10 located on the side. The marking holes 10 are used for the repeatable application of reference markings, which can be captured, for example, using stripe light projection. The drilling pattern of the marking holes 10 can be customized and thus used—similar to a 2D code—to identify the build platform 2.

[0058] The multi-part machine interface unit 1 according to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 comprises a plurality of continuous heat-conducting molded bodies 11 made of copper. By means of the heat-conducting molded bodies 11, which are in direct contact with the build platform 2 on the top side of the machine interface unit 1 after the build platform 2 has been attached and in direct contact with the additive manufacturing device on the underside of the machine interface unit 1, heat can be effectively dissipated from the build platform 2 during additive manufacturing to cool it or can be conducted to the build platform 2 for targeted temperature control. The heat-conducting molded bodies 11 shown in the exemplary embodiment have a hexagonal cross-section, as can be seen in Fig. 8. The heat-conducting molded bodies 11 are clamped between the two plate-shaped sub-elements of the machine interface unit 1, see Fig. 9, which are screwed together.

[0059] To calibrate the machine interface unit 1 mounted in the additive manufacturing device, the calibration set shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 next to the machine interface unit 1 is used. The calibration plate 12, a burnished steel plate, is attached to the machine interface unit 1 for this purpose. The hemispherical element 13 is locked on the zero-point clamping system 6; four calibration dowel pins 14 are inserted into the dowel holes 9. The hemispherical element 13 has - as shown in Fig. 10 - a centrally located reference marking 15. The calibration dowel pins 14 also each have a reference marking 15 on their front side - see Fig. 10 and Fig. 12. To enable easy assembly and disassembly of the calibration dowel pin 14, it has - as shown in Fig. 12 - a longitudinal groove 14.1 to prevent excessive or insufficient pressure in the dowel hole 9, as well as a

[0060] Threaded section 14.2, i.e. an external thread, for easier disassembly (for example by means of a slide hammer equipped with a corresponding adapter).

[0061] The second version of the machine interface unit 1 with calibration set, shown in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, comprises the calibration plate 12 and the machine interface unit 1, as well as the calibration platform 19. As can be seen from Fig. 14, the calibration platform 19 can be locked onto the machine interface unit 1 via the zero-point clamping system 6; the counter element in the form of a clamping bolt 20, which is attached to the underside of the calibration platform 19, serves to hold and position it in the zero-point clamping system 6. For exact alignment, the locating pins 8 are inserted into the locating holes 9 (each designated only once in Fig. 14). With regard to this connection to the machine interface unit 1, the calibration platform 19 is designed in a manner comparable to the quick-change construction platform 2.1 shown in Fig. 2. The upwardly projecting calibration pins 19, which are permanently installed on the calibration platform 19,1 (similar to the calibration pins 14) each have a reference marking 15 on their front side; for reasons of clarity, only selected calibration pins 19.1 or reference markings 15 are designated in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. The calibration plate 12 can be fixed in position on the calibration platform 19 by means of screw connections (not designated). The height by which the calibration pins 19.1 protrude from the upper plate level of the calibration platform 19 corresponds to the thickness of the calibration plate 12.

[0062] The sectional view through the machine interface unit 1 according to Fig. 15 shows the compressed air connection 7, which is connected to the zero-point clamping system 6 via the compressed air line 7.1. The shut-off valve 16 installed in the compressed air line 7.1, with which the compressed air supply from the compressed air connection 7 to the zero-point clamping system 6 can be interrupted or released, is connected to the shut-off valve control unit 17. The shut-off valve control unit 17 can, for example, have an RFID transponder, by means of which the release must be initiated regularly; otherwise, the zero-point clamping system 6 is locked. In this way, unauthorized use of the build platform system can be prevented.

[0063] Fig. 16 shows a pivoting component holder 18 installed on the build platform 2 in three different positions. A (unlabeled) component, here an aircraft engine blade, is clamped to the component holder 18. The component holder 18 makes it possible to align the component with respect to the structure to be built on the build platform 2 in such a way that the consolidation of the material to be built can take place in a horizontal plane during additive manufacturing. This horizontal processing plane is indicated in the three illustrations in Fig. 16 by the horizontal cutting line in the component. In order to set the component orientation that is most favorable for production, the component holder 18 - together with the component - is pivoted into the desired position. The individual illustrations in Fig. 16 show the optimal orientations for repairing different areas on the aircraft engine blade clamped in the component holder, namely Fig.Fig. 16 (a) the orientation optimized for the leading edge repair, Fig. 16 (b) the orientation optimized for the blade tip repair and Fig. 16 (c) the orientation optimized for the trailing edge repair.

[0064] List of reference symbols

[0065] 1 machine interface unit

[0066] 1.1 Adapter recess

[0067] 2 construction platform

[0068] 2.1 Quick-change build platform

[0069] 2.2 Standard build platform

[0070] 3 connection adapters

[0071] 3.1 Screw head recess

[0072] 3.2 Threaded hole

[0073] 4 socket screws

[0074] 5 build platform screw

[0075] 6 Zero-point clamping system

[0076] 7 Compressed air connection

[0077] 7.1 Compressed air line

[0078] 8 Dowel pin

[0079] 9 fitting hole

[0080] 10 Marking hole

[0081] 11 heat-conducting molded bodies

[0082] 12 Calibration plate

[0083] 13 hemispherical element

[0084] 14 Calibration dowel pin

[0085] 14.1 Longitudinal groove

[0086] 14.2 Threaded section

[0087] 15 Reference mark

[0088] 16 Check valve

[0089] 17 Check valve control unit

[0090] 18 component holders

[0091] 19 Calibration platform

[0092] 19.1 Calibration pin

[0093] 20 clamping bolts

Claims

Patent claims 1. A construction platform system for installation in an additive manufacturing device, comprising a construction platform (2) serving as a component carrier, characterized in that the construction platform system further comprises - a plate-shaped machine interface unit (1) which is designed as a base for the construction platform (2) which can be releasably fastened thereon, and - has a plurality of base fastening units for detachably fastening the machine interface unit (1) in the additive manufacturing device, wherein - each of the base fastening units for forming a screw connection with the additive manufacturing device comprises a connection adapter (3) and a base screw (4) which can be anchored in a form-fitting manner in a laterally introduced screw head recess (3.1) of the connection adapter (3), - each of the connecting adapters (3) can be inserted as an anchor on the screw head of the base screw (4) in a rotationally secure manner into an adapter recess (1.1) of the machine interface unit (1) which is adapted to the shape of the connecting adapter (3) and open towards the construction platform (2), - each of the connecting adapters (3) has a threaded hole (3.2) which is coaxially aligned with the base screw (4) anchored in the respective connecting adapter (3) and is arranged on the side of the screw head of the base screw (4) opposite the thread, - the machine interface unit (1) has a zero-point clamping system (6) for releasably fastening the construction platform (2) to the machine interface unit (1), and - the machine interface unit (1) has, on its side facing the construction platform (2), a plurality of locating holes (9) for receiving locating pins (8).

2. Construction platform system according to claim 1, characterized in that the construction platform (2) has fitting holes corresponding to the fitting holes (9) of the machine interface unit (1), into which fitting pins (8) for mutual Can be used to fix the position of the construction platform (2) and the machine interface unit (1).

3. Construction platform system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plate-shaped machine interface unit (1) has recesses passing through in the thickness direction, which are filled with form-fitting heat-conducting molded bodies (11).

4. Construction platform system according to claim 3, characterized in that the heat-conducting molded bodies (11) consist of copper or a copper alloy.

5. Construction platform system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the machine interface unit (1) and / or the construction platform (2) have an RFID transponder for contactless data storage and data retrieval of identification, calibration and / or production data.

6. Construction platform system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it has a calibration set for calibrating the machine interface unit (1) detachably fastened in the additive manufacturing device, wherein the calibration set - a calibration plate (12) which can be detachably attached to the side of the machine interface unit (1) intended for attaching the construction platform (2) for calibration purposes, and - a plurality of calibration dowel pins (14), each with a reference marking (15), which can be removably inserted into the dowel holes (9) of the machine interface unit (1) for calibration.

7. Construction platform system according to claim 6, characterized in that the calibration set further comprises a hemispherical element (13) with a reference marking (15) which can be detachably attached to the zero-point clamping system (6) for calibration, wherein the calibration plate (12) has a recess for the hemispherical element (13) in the region of the zero-point clamping system (6).

8. Construction platform system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it has a calibration set for calibrating the machine interface unit (1) detachably fastened in the additive manufacturing device, wherein the calibration set - a calibration platform (19) designed to correspond to the construction platform (2) for detachable fastening to the machine interface unit (1), - a calibration plate (12) which can be detachably attached to the calibration platform (19) for calibration purposes, and - a plurality of calibration pins (19.1), each with a reference marking (15), which are permanently installed on the surface of the calibration platform (19) facing the calibration plate (12).

9. Construction platform system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the construction platform (2) is a standard construction platform (2.2) which can be releasably fastened in a positionally fixed manner in the threaded bores (3.2) of the anchored connecting adapters (3) by means of construction platform screws (5).

10. Construction platform system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the construction platform (2) is a quick-change construction platform (2.1) which can be releasably fastened in a fixed position on the machine interface unit (1) by means of the zero-point clamping system (6).

11. Construction platform system according to claim 10, characterized in that the zero-point clamping system (6) is operated pneumatically by means of compressed air, wherein the zero-point clamping system (6) has a shut-off valve (16) connected to a shut-off valve control unit (17) for interrupting the compressed air supply.

12. Construction platform system according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it further comprises at least one component holder (18) which can be locked on the construction platform (2) and pivoted in its angular position.

13. Construction platform system according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it further comprises at least one component holder (18) which can be locked on the construction platform (2) and has an integral heating element. - 7 pages of drawings follow -

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