Improved process parameterization of an additive manufacturing method

Abstract

The invention relates to an additive manufacturing method (100). In the additive manufacturing method (100), a digital model of a product (10) is divided (102) into layers (12) to be produced successively. A separate respective segment plane (14) is assigned (106) to each of a plurality of said layers (12) in order to specify (104) locally varying values of at least one process parameter, and the corresponding layer (12) is produced (108) in accordance therewith.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Improved process parameterization of an additive manufacturing process

[0003] The invention relates to an additive manufacturing method, a production plant, a computer program and a computer-readable medium.

[0004] For the purpose of manufacturing a product using an additive manufacturing process, a set of process parameter values ​​is currently specified in a standard process which is directly linked to geometric specifications from an associated digital model of the product to be manufactured, for example a CAD model of the product to be manufactured. Local adaptation of process parameters within a single specified digital model is therefore not provided for in the standard process. In order to nevertheless be able to specify local process parameters, manual intervention in the said digital model has currently been necessary. This usually involves first cutting out a partial area from the digital model. A separate digital model is then created for this partial area to replace the cut-out partial area.A separate set of process parameter values ​​is then assigned to this sub-area using the standard procedure. The product is then manufactured using a combination of the two combined digital models.

[0005] For this reason, it has so far only been possible to take results from numerical simulations into account with sufficient accuracy by means of the manual intervention in the standard process described above. If, for example, the results of a thermal process simulation are considered against the background of an additive melting process, areas with a process temperature that is too low or too high can be identified. However, these areas are usually locally limited and distributed arbitrarily within the product. To prevent this, locally adjusted process parameter values, such as the emission energy of a laser or electron beam, would be necessary, which are increased or reduced compared to the standard specifications. However, such an adjustment of the process parameter values ​​entails an unmanageable expenditure of time and money.Therefore, a separate set of process parameter values ​​is usually assigned only to larger, contiguous areas. Furthermore, a support structure is currently formed, either alternatively or additionally, for the purpose of heat dissipation in such a way that improved heat dissipation is achieved in critical areas. To counteract resulting production defects, such as residual stresses or porous areas, downstream manufacturing steps, such as heat treatment or isostatic pressing, are provided.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an improved manufacturing process for the purpose of additive manufacturing of a product.

[0007] This object is achieved by an additive manufacturing process according to the features of independent process claim 1.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention is based on the object of providing a production plant.

[0009] This problem is solved by a production plant having the features of the present secondary claim.

[0010] Furthermore, the invention is based on the objects of specifying a computer program and a computer-readable medium.

[0011] These objects are achieved by means of a computer program according to the features of the independent computer program claim and with a computer-readable medium according to the features of claim 15.

[0012] Advantageous further developments of the present invention are the subject of dependent subclaims.

[0013] In the additive manufacturing method according to the invention for producing a product, it is provided that a digital model of the product is divided into layers to be produced one after the other. Furthermore, for the purpose of specifying locally different values ​​of at least one process parameter, a separate segment level is assigned to each of the said layers. A respective associated layer is generated in accordance with these separate segment levels. In particular, for the production of the product, at least a first of the separate segment levels is assigned a value of the at least one process parameter which differs from at least one value of the at least one process parameter which is assigned to at least one further, second separate segment level.One could speak of a first value and a second value, different from the first, of the at least one process parameter of the at least two segment levels. The product is manufactured layer by layer in accordance with the separate segment levels, a layer belonging to the first segment level being produced at least by specifying the first value of the at least one process parameter assigned to it, and a layer belonging to the second segment level being produced at least by specifying the second value of the at least one process parameter assigned to it. Different values ​​of the at least one process parameter can be specified for several segment levels. Furthermore, different values ​​can be specified for several process parameters.

[0014] Parameterization can thus take place without any direct dependency on the digital model of the product. Furthermore, this makes it possible to dispense with the need to combine several partial models of the product to produce a digital model. The digital model of the product is therefore preferably exactly one digital model. Particularly preferably, the said digital model is a coherent digital model. Furthermore, the invention makes it possible to assign separate parameter values ​​to areas of any size as well as to areas with any geometry. In this way, parameterization can be provided that can be changed flexibly and at low cost.

[0015] An advantageous development of the manufacturing method provides that the locally different values ​​of at least one process parameter are determined based on a result of a computer-implemented algorithm. This computer-implemented algorithm can, for example, relate to a numerical simulation, a rule-based algorithm or machine learning, such as a reinforced learning algorithm, a supervised learning algorithm or an unsupervised learning algorithm. By means of the computer-implemented algorithm, the quality of an additively manufactured product can be improved on the basis of available measured values ​​or on the basis of determined expected values. The manufacturing method can therefore be easily and reliably adapted to individual requirements.For example, a numerical simulation can be used to determine specifications regarding desired physical, thermal, mechanical, or optical properties of the product to be manufactured. This can provide a cost- and time-efficient process.

[0016] A further advantageous development provides that the locally different values ​​of at least one process parameter are determined based on the result of a thermal process simulation. With the help of the thermal process simulation, areas can be identified in which the temperature is too high or too low in the standard process. This can prevent the creation of areas in an additive melting process in which the starting material to be melted is unmelted, or areas in which defective properties are present due to overheating. In addition, subsequent manufacturing steps for the purpose of correcting production errors can be avoided.

[0017] Furthermore, an advantageous development provides that at least some of the aforementioned segment levels are divided into segments. Each of these aforementioned segments is assigned a value relating to at least one process parameter. In this way, the corresponding layer is then generated in accordance with the value assigned to a respective segment of the segment level.

[0018] Each of the layers mentioned can be assigned a standard parameterization. Based on this, locally different parameter values ​​can then be specified with little effort. This enables parameterization to be carried out easily and automatically. For example, products can be created from different materials in one manufacturing process. Furthermore, predefined functionally graded material properties can be generated in this way. For example, the density or strength of a material or its porosity can be selected to vary locally. This creates a needs-based and flexible option for additively manufacturing a large number of different objects.

[0019] An advantageous embodiment provides that at least some of the said segment levels are divided into segments with a triangular, a square, a rectangular, a round, an elliptical, an oval or a polygonal outer contour. Depending on the outer contour of an individually predeterminable area, process parameters can thus be specified in a systematic manner. A further advantageous embodiment provides that at least some of the said segment levels are divided into segments arranged along rows. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that at least some of the said segment levels are divided into segments arranged along columns. For example, a grid structure can be created in this way for the purpose of specifying individual process parameter values.This makes it possible to link values ​​of at least one process parameter with a flexibly configurable size of the said segments. For example, a coarsely divided grid structure can be provided in which the same value of the at least one process parameter is assigned to each of the larger segments. On the other hand, using a more finely divided grid structure, locally different values ​​of at least one process parameter can be specified for different smaller segments. In the case of a finely divided grid structure, it is also conceivable for the same value of the at least one process parameter to be assigned to a large number of segments. This makes it possible to provide a simple and reliable system by means of which process parameter values ​​can be easily assigned to predetermined segments.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, values ​​of at least one process parameter are assigned in a table to the segments of at least one segment level. This makes it possible, starting from a standard parameterization in which predetermined values ​​of at least one process parameter are linked to a geometry of a product to be manufactured, to then assign segments of the segment level of a predetermined size and in this way to specify locally deviating values ​​of at least one process parameter. If, for example, a locally deviating parameter value is to be specified for a segment which, however, only affects a sub-area of ​​the said segment, a finer subdivision of individual segments or the segment level can be selected. In this way, a predetermined and freely selectable sub-area of ​​the segment level can be specified with a value which deviates locally from the standard parameterization as required.Furthermore, despite the finer subdivision by means of the aforementioned tabular linkage, a standard parameterization of segments of the segment level can be retained without additional effort. In particular, the values ​​of a process parameter predetermined according to the standard parameterization can be assigned to the segments resulting from a subdivision. This enables inheritance of the values ​​of the at least one process parameter. As a result, a segment level can be subdivided as finely as desired, whereby a spatial resolution can be adapted as required for the purpose of assigning locally different values ​​of the at least one process parameter. The adaptation effort only consists in selecting a division of the segments as required and then providing locally different values ​​of the at least one process parameter in the predetermined areas.In this way, values ​​of at least one process parameter that deviate from a standard parameterization can be assigned locally to segments of any shape in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0021] Another advantageous embodiment provides that at least some of the aforementioned segments are assigned a value relating to at least one process parameter based on the result of a numerical simulation. Production errors or mechanical weaknesses caused by the production process can thus be easily prevented. For example, problematic mechanical stresses that arise during the additive manufacturing process can be identified using a numerical simulation. These stresses can be prevented by appropriate local adjustment of process parameter values.

[0022] Preferably, at least some of the aforementioned segments are assigned a value relating to at least one process parameter based on the result of a thermal process simulation. The results of a thermal process simulation can thus be easily and inexpensively incorporated into the additive manufacturing process. The quality of the product can be increased in this way. Furthermore, further post-treatment steps, such as subsequent tempering of the product, can be avoided.

[0023] Furthermore, an advantageous development provides that the digital model of the product to be manufactured is divided into successive layers of different thicknesses. Superimposed layers which have the same geometry but are produced individually due to the specifications of the standard process can be combined to produce a single layer. It is also conceivable that a layer with a complex geometry can be divided more finely into several layers. This can improve the time efficiency of the process. Furthermore, products can be manufactured in this way that meet high requirements for manufacturing tolerances.

[0024] In addition, an advantageous development provides that the successive layers of the product are produced by means of a powder bed-based melting of a metal or a polymer with the aid of a laser beam. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the successive layers of the product are produced by means of a powder bed-based melting of a metal or a polymer with the aid of an electron beam. Furthermore, it can be provided that the successive layers are produced by means of selective laser sintering or by means of material deposition with directed energy input or by means of extrusion or by means of a binder or by means of droplets. Producing the layers by means of material deposition with directed energy input is also known under the term "direct energy deposition". The material deposition can be achieved, for example, by means of laser radiation or an electric arc.This makes it possible to provide additive melting processes in which the problems of overheated or undercooled areas of the product that arise during standard parameterization can be easily and at least partially automated. Furthermore, production errors can be easily reduced using the aforementioned manufacturing process. Even with local adjustment of exposure parameter values, high-quality products can be produced in a reliable and reproducible manner.

[0025] An advantageous embodiment provides that, for the purpose of producing a layer of the product, a thermal energy input required for different regions of this layer is determined. This can be achieved, for example, by means of the aforementioned thermal process simulation. Suitable resolutions of the segment level are then generated on the basis of the energy input determined for the various regions mentioned. Furthermore, locally different values ​​of at least one process parameter can then be specified. This makes it possible to specify an energy input in the considered region of the layer to be produced, taking into account an energy input in an adjacent region of the layer to be produced. If, for example, a very high thermal energy input takes place in a first region of the layer, this thermal energy can affect adjacent regions.Neighboring areas can then be exposed to less thermal energy. Likewise, thermal energy introduced into a predetermined area of ​​the layer can be dissipated into neighboring, cooler areas. This prevents the thermal energy from being introduced into the area in question from being too low.

[0026] Preferably, information relating to an optical process emission is recorded. The information is expediently recorded by means of at least one optical sensor. The optical sensor can be a high-speed camera, a photodiode, a bolometer or a pyrometer. These sensors can be aligned on-axis or off-axis. On the basis of this recorded information, it can be provided that a locally deviating value of at least one process parameter is assigned to a segment of the segment plane. In this way, the manufacturing process can be monitored with regard to deviations between the locally predetermined values ​​of at least one process parameter and an actually applied value of this at least one process parameter. In addition, such deviations can be localized quickly and reliably.For example, an expected value regarding the process emission can be determined based on a value of at least one process parameter. Based on this expected value, deviations can be reliably determined by monitoring the optical process emission. This makes it possible to provide corrective measures, for example, to make an immediate in-situ process correction. The corrective measure can be determined based on defined analytical specifications or based on results from computer-implemented algorithms of the type already described.

[0027] Another advantageous development provides that locally different values ​​of an emission energy, an intensity, a focus, a laser assignment, a process speed, a dwell time, a point distance, and / or a hedge distance are specified as locally different values ​​of a process parameter. In this way, a particularly flexibly adaptable manufacturing process can be provided.

[0028] Furthermore, as an advantageous development, it is proposed that a process path, a process sequence and / or an exposure sequence for the purpose of producing one of the said layers of the product to be produced successively is selected on the basis of the locally predetermined values ​​of the at least one process parameter. Regions of the layer to which the same values ​​of the at least one process parameter are assigned by means of the segment level are preferably created directly one after the other. Subsequently, further regions to which the same values ​​of the at least one process parameter are assigned can be created. Particularly preferably, the locally predetermined values ​​are determined on the basis of a result from a computer-implemented algorithm of the type described above and assigned to the relevant segments of the segment level.

[0029] Furthermore, an advantageous development of the invention provides that an energy source for the purpose of generating a layer to be produced is selected based on the locally predetermined values ​​of the at least one process parameter. If multiple energy sources are provided, they can be operated concurrently. The manufacturing process can be accelerated in this way. Furthermore, energy sources of different types can be used in order to be able to realize significantly different values ​​of the at least one process parameter in individual applications.

[0030] The additive manufacturing process can, for example, be one of the following processes: Powder Bed Fusion - Laser Beam Metal (PBF-LB / M); Powder Bed Fusion - Laser Beam Polymer (PBF-LB / P); Powder Bed Fusion - Electronic Beam (PBF-EBM); Direct Energy Deposition - Laser Beam (DED-LB); Direct Energy Deposition - Arc (DED-Arc).

[0031] The manufacturing process according to the invention can be carried out by means of the production plant according to the invention.

[0032] For this purpose, the production facility is configured to carry out the manufacturing process. In particular, the production facility is a printer configured to carry out the additive manufacturing process according to the invention. Particularly preferably, the production facility manufactures the product based on a digital model of the product. This allows the production of products of particularly high quality.

[0033] Furthermore, the invention provides a computer program which, when executed, causes the production plant according to the invention to carry out the additive manufacturing method according to the invention.

[0034] Furthermore, a computer-readable medium is proposed which contains instructions. Based on these instructions, the production system according to the invention is also prompted to carry out the additive manufacturing method according to the invention.

[0035] The aforementioned computer-readable medium may, for example, be a CD-ROM, a DVD, a USB or flash memory or a non-physical medium such as a data stream and / or a data carrier signal.

[0036] The properties, features and advantages of the invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, are explained in more detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description of an exemplary embodiment and variations of the invention. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used in the figures for the same or corresponding elements of the invention. The following description serves to explain the invention and does not limit the invention to the combinations of features specified therein, including with regard to functional features. Furthermore, all features specified below can be considered in isolation and combined as appropriate with features of any claim.

[0037] There show: FIG 1 a schematic illustration of the method according to the invention;

[0038] FIG 2 shows an embodiment of the production plant according to the invention, by means of which the method according to the invention can be carried out, in a schematic representation and a further illustration of the example of the method according to the invention;

[0039] FIG 3 shows a plan view of a layer to be produced and a segment plane assigned to this layer, which is divided into a predeterminable number of segments, in a schematic representation;

[0040] FIG 4 shows a further schematic plan view of a layer to be produced and a segment plane assigned to this layer, which has a finer division than the segment plane shown in FIG 3.

[0041] FIG 1 illustrates an example of an additive manufacturing process 100 in a schematic representation.

[0042] The manufacturing method 100 provides that a digital model of a product 10 is divided 102 into successively produced layers 12. Such a division 102 of a product 10 to be manufactured into successively produced layers 12 is already known to the person skilled in the art.

[0043] Furthermore, it is already known to those skilled in the art that process parameter values ​​are specified for the layers 12 to be produced based on geometric specifications from the digital model of the product 10. In contrast, the example of the additive manufacturing method 100 described here provides that a separate segment level 14 is each assigned 106 to several of the aforementioned layers 12 for the purpose of specifying 104 locally different values ​​of at least one process parameter. A respective associated layer 12 is then generated 108 according to a segment level 14.

[0044] The example of the additive manufacturing method 100 described in connection with FIG 1 provides that the layers 12 of the product 10 to be produced successively are produced by means of a powder bed-based melting of a metal or a polymer with the aid of a laser beam 108. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the layers 12 are produced in a different manner known to the person skilled in the art 108. For example, it is conceivable that the layers 12 are produced by means of selective laser sintering or by means of material deposition with directed energy input 108. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the layers 12 are produced by means of extrusion technology, by means of a powder binder process, by means of stereolithography or by means of polymer jetting 108. Instead of the aforementioned laser beam, it is further conceivable that an electron beam is used.Against this background, the manufacturing method 100 is described in more detail below, using an example of an emission energy as a process parameter. Alternatively or in addition to the emission energy, it is conceivable that a process speed, a residence time, a point distance, a focus diameter, an intensity, an extrusion speed, a material throughput and / or a hedge distance or other process parameters known to the person skilled in the art for the purpose of additive layer production are specified 104 as process parameters. For the sake of clarity, however, the following description of the additive manufacturing method 100 is limited to the emission energy as a process parameter.

[0045] The locally different values ​​of the emission energy are determined 110 in connection with the example of the additive manufacturing process 100 described here on the basis of a result of a numerical simulation. In the context of the example of the additive manufacturing process 100 described here, locally different values ​​of the emission energy of a laser are determined 110 by way of example on the basis of a result of a thermal process simulation. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that such a numerical simulation relates to mechanical properties of the product 10 caused by the additive manufacturing process 100, such as mechanical stresses.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the presently described example of the method 100, it is provided that each of the said layers 12 is assigned standard values ​​relating to the emission energy as process parameters 106 in a conventional manner according to a standard parameterization. By means of the said thermal process simulation, temperature differences in different regions of the product 10 caused by a standard parameterization of the manufacturing method 100 can be determined 110. In order to avoid locally increased or locally reduced process temperatures, the additive manufacturing method 100 described here provides for the specification of emission energy values ​​that deviate from the standard values ​​104.

[0047] For this purpose, in the additive manufacturing method 100 described by way of example in connection with FIG. 1, at least some of the aforementioned segment planes 14 are divided 112 into segments 16. Each of the aforementioned segments 16 is then assigned 106 a value of the emission energy of the laser, according to which the associated layer 12 is produced 108. By way of example, these 106 values ​​assigned to the segments 16 are initially based on values ​​according to a standard parameterization. Values ​​relating to the emission energy are then determined 110 on the basis of the results of the thermal process simulation. For this purpose, a respectively required thermal energy input is determined 110 for different regions of a layer 12 of the product 10 to be produced.On the basis of this determined 110 energy input, the values ​​for the emission energy that differ locally from the standard parameterization are then specified 104 and, in the event of a relevant deviation, are assigned 106 to an associated segment 16.

[0048] In this way, each layer 12 or selected layers 12 can be individually assigned 106 a separate segment level 14, according to which a respective associated layer 12 is generated 108. This avoids having to break down the digital model of the product 10 into multiple digital models, each of which must be assigned its own set of parameter values. Instead, using the example of the additive manufacturing method 100 described here, a result of the thermal process simulation can be directly taken into account for the purpose of generating 108 the layers 12 and thus the product 10.

[0049] In addition, the example of the additive manufacturing method 100 described in connection with FIG. 1 provides that a process path of a laser beam for the purpose of generating 108 the layer 12 of the product 10 is determined 114 on the basis of the values ​​of the emission energy of the laser predetermined locally by means of the segment planes 14. If segments 16 are located directly adjacent to one another, each of which is assigned the same values ​​of the emission energy 106, the process path is selected such that these segments 16 are successively exposed to the emission energy. In this way, frequent changes in the emission energy of a laser can be prevented and a time-efficient manufacturing method 100 can be provided.

[0050] In addition, the presently described example of the method 100 provides that information relating to an optical process emission is recorded 116. In the present case, the optical process emission is, for example, a process glow, which emanates from the layer 12 to be produced due to an irradiated emission energy of the laser.

[0051] In a particular embodiment, several lasers are available for the purpose of creating 108 the layer 12. These differ, for example, in a maximum laser power. In this application, the example of the method 100 provides that, on the basis of the locally predetermined 104 values ​​of the emission energy of the laser, at least some of the several lasers are operated in parallel for the purpose of creating 108 the layer 12. Regions of the layer 12 to be produced, to which these same values ​​of an emission energy of the laser are assigned 106, can thus be created 108 with the same laser. In this way, energy sources of different types can be used in order to be able to realize values ​​of the at least one process parameter that differ greatly from one another in the individual application.

[0052] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a production plant 18 in a schematic representation. The production plant 18 is configured here to carry out the example of the additive manufacturing method 100 described in connection with FIG. 1. By way of example, this is a production plant 18 in which the product 10 is produced 108 by means of a powder-bed-based melting of a metal or a polymer with the aid of a laser beam. FIG. 2 further illustrates, by way of example, the additive manufacturing method 100 described in connection with FIG. 1.

[0053] By way of example, FIG 2 illustrates that the digital model on which the product 10 is based is divided 102 into layers 12 of different thicknesses to be produced one after the other. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the successive layers 12 have the same thickness in a manner not shown in more detail. The product 10 shown by way of example in FIG 2 already has 108 layers 12 produced according to this digital model. Furthermore, in the present case, each of the said layers 12 is assigned a separate segment level 14, by way of example. The production 108 of the said layers 12 of the product 10 takes place in each case according to a 106 segment level 14 individually assigned to the respective layer 12.

[0054] During the creation 108 of a layer 12, the aforementioned process glow is detected 116 in the present case. For this purpose, the production system 18 has, for example, an optical sensor 20. This sensor 20 can be, for example, a high-speed camera, a photodiode, a bolometer or a pyrometer. On the basis of the information thus detected 116, the method 100 is monitored with regard to deviations of an applied emission energy from the locally predetermined 104 values ​​of the emission energy of the laser. For this purpose, a value relating to an expected process glow is first determined on the basis of the predetermined 104 value of the emission energy. By comparing the expected value relating to the process glow and a value detected 116 by means of the optical sensor 20, deviations can be quickly detected and localized. On the basis of this knowledge, an in-situ corrective measure is carried out 118 in the present case.This corrective action can be determined using defined analytical specifications or based on results from a computer-implemented algorithm.

[0055] FIG 3 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a segment plane 14 already described in connection with FIG 1 or FIG 2 and of a layer 12 to which this segment plane 14 is assigned 106.

[0056] The exemplary embodiment of the segment plane 14 is divided 112 into a plurality of segments 16. These segments 16 have, for example, a square outer contour, which are arranged next to one another in rows and columns. Each of the aforementioned segments 16 is assigned 106 a value relating to an emission energy, according to which value the associated layer 12 is produced 108. In the embodiment described here, segments 16 are provided which are arranged outside a geometry of the layer 12 to be produced. In this way, regions outside the layer 12 to be produced can be preheated, for example. Alternatively, in a manner not shown in detail, the segment plane 14 can be congruent with the geometry of the layer 12 to be produced. As already described in connection with FIG. 1, the emission energy values ​​are determined 110, for example, on the basis of a result of a thermal process simulation.It is conceivable that values ​​of the emission energy are initially specified 104 according to a known standard parameterization method. In the example of the manufacturing method 100 described here, these values ​​are then assigned 106 to each segment 16 in a table for the purpose of cost-effective assignment 106. According to the results of the thermal process simulation, values ​​of the emission energy which deviate locally from standard values ​​can then be determined. These locally deviating values ​​are then assigned 106 to selected segments 16 in the manner described by way of example in connection with FIG 1. In this case, associated entries of the aforementioned table assignment 106 can be changed in a simple manner. Remaining entries, however, can be retained unchanged and inherited by further segment levels 14.This makes it possible to provide a simple system for specifying locally different values ​​with precise positioning for predetermined process parameters, such as values ​​of the emission energy in this case 104 .

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable in this context that the segment plane 14 or parts thereof are divided 112 into segments 16 having a triangular, rectangular, round, elliptical, oval, or polygonal outer contour. Furthermore, it is conceivable that only some of the segments 16 are arranged in rows and columns. Other parts can be arranged either in rows, in columns, or in a freely selectable manner.

[0058] If, for example, in the subdivision 112 of the segment level 14 described in connection with FIG. 3, a discrepancy occurs between a size of the aforementioned segments 16 and a region for which locally deviating values ​​are to be provided, a subdivision 112 of the segment level 14 can be easily adjusted. This can be achieved without any noticeable additional effort using the aforementioned tabular assignment 106 of the emission energy values.

[0059] For the purpose of illustration in this regard, the case will be considered below in which an area to which values ​​of the emission energy which deviate locally from the standard parameterization are to be assigned 106 only concerns a fraction of a segment 16 shown in connection with FIG. 3. In this case, the segment level 14 can be subdivided 112 more finely than the subdivision 112 shown in connection with FIG. 3. Such a finer subdivision 112 of the segment level 14 is shown by way of example in FIG. 4. For the purpose of simplified illustration, the segments 16 shown in FIG. 3 are quartered by way of example. The values ​​of the emission energy assigned to a segment 16 before the further subdivision 112 are assigned 106 to the four resulting segments 16. In this way, the said values ​​can be easily inherited.Limited to the aforementioned area, an emission energy value that differs from the inherited emission energy values ​​can be specified and assigned 104, 106 to predetermined ones of the now more finely subdivided 112 segments 16 by means of the tabular assignment 106. The emission energy values ​​specified by means of inheritance to the surrounding segments 16 remain unchanged. In this way, a different value that corresponds to the affected area can be specifically assigned 106 to only segment 16. The segment level 14 can therefore be subdivided 112 as finely as desired such that a spatial resolution of the segment level 14 that is appropriate for requirements can be provided for the purpose of assigning 106 locally different emission energy values. By inheritance of emission energy values, adaptation effort can therefore be minimized.

[0060] In the present case, the entire segment plane 14 is, for example, evenly divided 112. Alternatively, it is conceivable that different parts of the segment plane 14 are divided 112 to varying degrees of fineness. Furthermore, alternatively or in addition to the previously described finer subdivision 112, a combination of segments 16 to which the same emission energy values ​​are assigned can be provided 106.

[0061] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by means of the preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0062] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identity are included.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Additive manufacturing process (100) in which - a digital model of a product (10) is divided (102) into layers (12) to be produced successively; - a plurality of said layers (12) are each assigned (106) a separate segment level (14) for the purpose of specifying (104) locally different values ​​of at least one process parameter, according to which the associated layer (12) is generated (108).

2. Manufacturing method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the locally different values ​​of at least one process parameter are determined (110) on the basis of a result of a computer-implemented algorithm.

3. Manufacturing method (100) according to claim 2, wherein a numerical simulation, preferably a thermal process simulation, a rule-based algorithm or a machine learning algorithm is provided as the computer-implemented algorithm.

4. Manufacturing method (100) according to claim 1 to 3, in which - at least part of said segment planes (14) is divided (112) into segments (16); - each of said segments (16) is assigned a value relating to at least one process parameter (106), according to which the associated layer (12) is generated (108) .

5. Manufacturing method (100) according to claim 4, wherein at least a part of said segment planes (14) into segments (16) with a triangular, a square, a rectangular, a round, an elliptical, an oval or a polygonal outer contour (112) .

6. Manufacturing method (100) according to claim 4 or 5, in which - at least a part of said segment planes (14) is divided (112) into segments (16) arranged along rows and / or columns; - the values ​​of at least one process parameter are assigned (106) in a table to the segments (16) of the at least one segment level (14).

7. Manufacturing method (100) according to one of claims 4 to 6, in which at least a part of said segments (16) is assigned a value relating to at least one process parameter (106) on the basis of a result of a numerical simulation, preferably a thermal process simulation.

8. Manufacturing method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the digital model of the product to be manufactured (10) is divided (102) into successively produced layers (12) of different thicknesses.

9. Manufacturing method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which - information relating to an optical process emission is detected (116); - a locally deviating value of at least one process parameter is assigned (106) to a segment (16) on the basis of this recorded (116) information.

10. Manufacturing method (100) according to claim 9, wherein - for the purpose of producing (108) a layer (12) of the product (10), a layer (12) for different areas of this layer (12) the required thermal energy input is determined (110); - locally different values ​​of at least one process parameter are specified (104) on the basis of the energy input (110) determined for the said different areas.

11. Manufacturing method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which locally different values ​​relating to an emission energy, a process speed, a residence time, a point distance, a hedge distance, a laser assignment, a focusing and / or an intensity are specified as locally different values ​​of a process parameter (104).

12. Manufacturing method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a process path, a process sequence, an exposure sequence and / or an energy source for the purpose of producing (108) the layer (12) of the product (10) is determined (114) on the basis of the locally predetermined (104) values ​​of the at least one process parameter.

13. Production plant (18) which is designed to carry out the manufacturing method (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

14. A computer program which, when executed, causes the production plant (18) according to claim 13 to carry out the additive manufacturing method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions which cause the production plant (18) according to claim 13 to carry out the additive manufacturing method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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