A stereolithography apparatus configured to manufacture an object from printing powder

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stereolithography machine (4) comprising a production chamber (49) equipped with a glove box (251), a powder transport circuit (42), a power source configured to melt the powder in a production zone (63), an extraction circuit (57) configured to extract powder from the transport circuit (42) and send the extracted powder to the outlet of the extraction circuit (57), the outlet of the extraction circuit being located above a receiving zone (281), the receiving zone being different from the production zone (63) and being located opposite the outlet of the extraction circuit (57), the glove (251) being configured to handle an object located within the chamber (49) and reach the receiving zone (281).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of additive manufacturing machines, and more particularly to the field of powder discharge and filling in additive manufacturing machines.

Background Art

[0002] Selective additive manufacturing manufactures a three-dimensional object by solidifying selected zones of successive layers of additive manufacturing powder (such as metal powder, ceramic powder).

[0003] Generally, an additive manufacturing apparatus includes a supply and storage module that prepares powder, particularly after sieving, and stores it in a buffer hopper before use. The apparatus also includes a manufacturing machine connected to the supply and storage module. The powder is sent from the buffer hopper to the manufacturing machine, where it is laminated and then solidified to manufacture a three-dimensional object.

[0004] When the manufacturing of the object is completed, the un-solidified powder laid can be recycled and used in the buffer hopper.

[0005] When the amount of recycled additive manufacturing powder is too large to be used or when the user wants to change the powder batch, it is necessary to discharge the powder contained in the additive manufacturing apparatus.

[0006] In the case of powder with a low minimum ignition energy (also known by the abbreviation EMI), in order to prevent the operator from contacting the powder and make the operation safer, conventionally, an auxiliary device dedicated to discharging into an inert atmosphere, such as a glove box, has been used.

[0007] However, such an auxiliary device occupies a large space.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to propose an additive manufacturing apparatus that takes up less space than the prior art.

[0009] This object is, in the context of the present invention, a stereolithography machine, configured to be sealed and having a manufacturing chamber with a glove box with gloves, a transport circuit for sending manufacturing powder to a powder layer deposition device, the powder layer deposition device being configured to lay powder on a manufacturing zone within the manufacturing chamber, the powder layer deposition device having a powder receiving surface and a powder inlet, the powder inlet being located above the powder receiving surface, and the transport circuit, a power source configured to selectively melt the manufacturing powder laid on the manufacturing zone, an extraction circuit configured to extract powder from the transport circuit and send the extracted powder to an outlet of the extraction circuit, the outlet of the extraction circuit being located above a receiving zone, and the outlet of the extraction circuit and the receiving zone are arranged within the manufacturing chamber, the receiving zone being different from the manufacturing zone and being located opposite the outlet of the extraction circuit, and the gloves being configured to handle an object located within the chamber and to reach the receiving zone when the chamber is closed, is achieved by a stereolithography machine.

[0010] The extraction circuit defines a path for extracting powder from the device and filling a container installed in the stereolithography chamber. The gloves within the glove box of the chamber serve two functions: enabling handling of the manufactured object and removing the powder within the container. Therefore, there is no need to use a dedicated auxiliary device for powder discharge. In such a situation, the problem of reducing the installation area of the stereolithography device is solved. Also, with such a machine, it becomes possible to reduce manufacturing costs and maintenance costs.

[0011] Such a machine is advantageously and optionally supplemented, alone or in combination, by the following various features.

[0012] The extraction circuit is configured to extract powder from a part of the transport circuit located outside the chamber.

[0013] The receiving zone and the outlet of the extraction circuit are fixed with respect to the chamber.

[0014] The powder receiving surface of the powder layer deposition apparatus is movably attached with respect to the manufacturing zone.

[0015] The extraction circuit has a connection configured to isolate the extraction circuit and the container from the chamber so that powder flows in a sealed state from the extraction circuit to the container housed in the receiving zone.

[0016] The connection portion is configured to slide along a conduit defining the outlet of the extraction circuit and contact the edge of the container housed in the receiving zone.

[0017] The extraction circuit includes a vent configured to balance the pressure inside the extraction circuit and the pressure outside the extraction circuit when the connection portion isolates the inside of the extraction circuit and the inside of the container from the chamber.

[0018] It includes a sensor configured to detect the powder filling level of the container when the container is housed in the receiving zone.

[0019] It includes a suction rod configured to suck the powder in the receiving zone and the powder in the manufacturing zone.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a layered manufacturing facility including the above-described layered manufacturing machine, further including a powder supply module configured to prepare, sieve, and store powder, and an outlet of the supply module is connected to an inlet of a transport circuit.

[0021] Such a facility is advantageously and optionally supplemented, either alone or in combination, by the following various features. The extraction circuit has a connection configured to isolate the extraction circuit and the container from the chamber so that powder flows in a sealed manner from the extraction circuit into a container housed in the receiving zone. The connection is configured to slide along a conduit defining an outlet of the extraction circuit and to contact an edge of a container housed in the receiving zone, and a suction rod is connected to an inlet of the supply module.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention is a method for transferring manufacturing powder in a 3D printer comprising a manufacturing chamber, the 3D printer being configured to manufacture an object from powder in a manufacturing zone of the chamber, the chamber comprising a glove box with gloves, the gloves being configured to handle the object from outside the chamber, with the chamber closed, extracting powder from a transport circuit and placing the extracted powder into a container housed in a receiving zone different from the manufacturing zone of the chamber; closing the container using the gloves from outside the chamber, wherein the container is configured to be removable from the chamber and is not part of the 3D printer.

[0023] Such a transfer method is advantageously and optionally supplemented, either alone or in combination, by the following various features.

[0024] Before the step of extracting the powder, it includes the step of moving a connection to isolate the powder extraction circuit and the container from the chamber.

[0025] It includes the step of arranging a sensor configured to detect the powder filling level of the container to define the filling level of the container.

[0026] Finally, the present invention is a method for loading manufacturing powder into a 3D printer comprising a manufacturing chamber, the 3D printer 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 handle the object from outside the box, inserting a container filled and sealed with powder into the chamber, the container being received in a receiving zone different from the manufacturing zone; closing the chamber; opening the container using the gloves from outside the chamber with the chamber closed; with the chamber closed, sucking the powder in the container and sending it to a powder supply module configured to prepare, sieve, and store the powder. The present invention relates to a method comprising these steps.

[0027] Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non - limiting, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a 3D printing apparatus 1 including a 3D printer 4 and a powder supply module 2 is shown.

[0030] (3D printer) The 3D printer 4 is configured to perform additive manufacturing of an object from printing powder or manufacturing powder.

[0031] Additive manufacturing manufactures a three-dimensional object by solidifying selected zones of successive layers of a powder material (such as metal powder, ceramic powder, etc.). The solidified zones correspond to successive portions of the three-dimensional object. Solidification is performed layer by layer, for example, by overall or partial selective melting using a power source.

[0032] In particular, a high-power laser source or an electron beam source can be used as the power source for melting the powder layer.

[0033] The printer includes a chamber 49 in which manufacturing is performed. More specifically, manufacturing is performed in a manufacturing zone 63 (or printing zone) located within the chamber 49.

[0034] The powder is initially disposed outside the chamber 49, preferably above the printing zone 63.

[0035] For example, the modeling machine preferably includes, at its upper part, a suction system 41 connected to a gas discharge circuit 43. The suction system 41 has an inlet 411 connected to the powder supply module 2. The suction system 41 is designed to generate a suction force toward the inside of the suction system 41 at the inlet 411. The inlet 411 of the suction system 41 is connected to a production duct 392 that can connect the modeling machine to the outlet of the preparation module 2. The gas discharge circuit 43 may include a vacuum pump for generating a suction force. The suction system 41 may have a powder filter so that powder does not enter the gas discharge circuit 43. The suction system 41 includes a device for separating powder from gas, such as a cyclone. Other devices for separating powder from gas include a filter box with a filter, a cyclone filter, a discharge box, etc. The suction system 41 is designed to receive and store the powder for layer manufacturing from the inlet 411. The stored powder is placed at the bottom of the second suction system 41 and can be extracted through the outlet 413.

[0036] In addition to or instead of the suction system 41, the modeling machine may include a fixed powder reservoir, such as a buffer reservoir.

[0037] If there is a fixed powder reservoir, the reservoir or the suction system 41 has an outlet 413 at its lower part.

[0038] (Transport circuit) The modeling machine 4 includes a transport circuit 42 configured to send powder from the suction system 41 or the fixed reservoir to the powder layer deposition device.

[0039] 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 the chamber 49 to transfer powder without communicating with the fixed reservoir or the suction system 41. This can avoid inactivation and pressure disturbances in the printing chamber. According to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the transport circuit 42 may include a branch screw 47 on the downstream side of the airlock 45 as needed.

[0040] In a first preferred modification, the powder layer deposition device has at least one fixed powder inlet and at least one movable powder receiving surface that can move below the fixed powder inlet.

[0041] Also, the powder layer deposition device can apply powder from the movable powder receiving surface to the manufacturing zone 63 of the object in the chamber 49.

[0042] In the manufacturing zone 63, an object is manufactured by selectively solidifying the powder using a power source.

[0043] In this first modification, the powder layer deposition device preferably includes a left hopper 591 and a right hopper 611. The branch 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 zone 63, and the right hopper is located on the other side of the manufacturing zone 63, opposite to one side with respect to the horizontal axis A passing through the manufacturing zone 63.

[0044] The powder layer deposition device includes a meter supplied from the hopper corresponding to each hopper 591, 611. Below each meter, a movable powder receiving surface of the powder layer deposition device is provided.

[0045] Each meter forms the above-mentioned fixed powder inlet.

[0046] Each slide 59, 61 defines the above-mentioned movable powder receiving surface.

[0047] Each slide 59, 61 is configured to translate in parallel with the horizontal axis A. When a powder flow is supplied to the slide on which the meter moves, a continuous powder bead is formed on the upper surface of the slide. Each slide moves under the meter, enters the chamber 49, and places the powder beads being conveyed with respect to the manufacturing zone 63.

[0048] In a second variant, the powder layer deposition device may have at least one movable powder inlet in the chamber 49 and at least one fixed powder receiving surface in the chamber 49.

[0049] In any of these variants, the powder layer deposition device comprises a roller or a scraper configured to spread the powder placed on the powder receiving surface onto the manufacturing zone 63.

[0050] (Chamber) The three-dimensional object is manufactured in the chamber 49. The chamber 49 constitutes the manufacturing chamber. The chamber 49 is designed to be sealed. One of the side walls of the chamber 49 is provided with a door, which can be sealed or opened so that the operator can access the inside of the chamber. In particular, the operator can take out the object manufactured by additive manufacturing from the chamber through the door.

[0051] The chamber 49 preferably includes a glove box. The glove box is integrated into the wall, and the glove 251 is fixedly sealed to this wall. The glove 251 is flexible so that the operator can handle the components inside the chamber 49 when the chamber 49 is closed. In particular, the glove 251 is arranged and configured so that the operator can access the manufacturing zone 63 of the object and operate the manufactured or manufacturing object.

[0052] (Extraction circuit) The modeling machine 4 includes an extraction circuit 57 configured to extract powder from the transport circuit 42.

[0053] The extraction circuit 57 constitutes an additional circuit with respect to the transport circuit.

[0054] The transport circuit and the extraction circuit 57 each have openings facing each other so that powder can be transferred from the transport circuit to the extraction circuit 57. In order to guide the powder from the transport circuit to the extraction circuit 57, a pipe can be connected to the two openings.

[0055] The opening of the transport circuit can be controlled to open and close in order to transfer or stop the transfer of powder from the transport circuit to the extraction circuit 57.

[0056] The extraction circuit 57 is configured to move powder from the opening of the extraction circuit 57 to an outlet 573 of the extraction circuit located in the chamber 49. Therefore, the opening of the extraction circuit constitutes the inlet of the extraction circuit.

[0057] The opening of the extraction circuit can be arranged outside the chamber 49 so that the extraction circuit 57 can extract powder from a part of the transport circuit 42 located outside the chamber 49.

[0058] When a part of the transport circuit 42 is located inside the chamber 49, the opening of the extraction circuit may be arranged inside the chamber 49.

[0059] The transfer of powder from the transport circuit to the extraction circuit 57 can be carried out in a plane having a non-zero gradient with respect to a vertical plane or a horizontal plane.

[0060] The extraction circuit 57 for transferring powder may include a branched screw, a single screw or a vibrating chute.

[0061] Further, the extraction circuit 57 may be provided with a powder meter for controlling the amount or flow rate of the powder sent through the extraction circuit and via the outlet 573.

[0062] The discharge port 573 of the extraction circuit 57 is arranged inside the chamber 49. More specifically, the discharge port 573 of the extraction circuit is located above the receiving zone 281 positioned within the chamber 49. The receiving zone 281 is configured to accommodate the container 28 such that the upper edge of the container is positioned below the discharge port 573 of the extraction circuit. The container 28 is not part of the machine and is configured to be inserted into and removed from the chamber 49 by the operator. The container 28 is for accommodating printing powder. Also, the receiving zone 281 is configured to be accessible with gloves. In other words, the operator can move, open, and / or close the container arranged in the receiving zone 281.

[0063] Advantageously, the receiving zone 281 and the outlet of the extraction circuit 57 are fixed relative to the chamber 49.

[0064] The shaping machine 4 can optionally be provided with a sensor 283 configured to detect the powder filling level of the container 28 when the container 28 is accommodated in the receiving zone 281. The sensor is arranged inside or near the receiving zone 281. The sensor is movable such that the operator can adjust the position of the sensor. By adjusting the position of the sensor 283 higher or lower relative to the container 28, the operator can define the desired filling level.

[0065] The sensor 283 can be of the magnetic capacitance type or induction type, particularly when the powder is metallic. Other types of sensors can also be used to generate a signal whose value changes when the amount of powder in the container reaches the height of the detector.

[0066] When the extraction circuit 57 is provided with a powder meter and a sensor, these can be connected to each other, and in particular, the sensor can send a "container filled" signal to the meter to stop the movement of the powder within the extraction circuit.

[0067] The receiving zone 281 may advantageously be directly adjacent to the manufacturing zone 63. Thereby, the operator can access the receiving zone 281 as well, by accessing the manufacturing zone to take out the manufactured parts or by means of the glove 251 configured to operate the suction rod 53. Thus, the glove 251 is configured to enable the manipulation of objects in the manufacturing zone and access to the receiving zone 281.

[0068] (Sealing connection part) Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the extraction circuit 57 can optionally have a connection part 65 configured to isolate the extraction circuit 57 and the container 28 from the chamber 49 so that the powder flows in a sealed manner from the extraction circuit to the container received in the receiving zone.

[0069] When there is a container 28 below the discharge port 573, the connection part 65 can be brought into contact with both the discharge port 573 and the container 28 simultaneously. In this way, the powder extraction circuit is connected in a sealed state to the inside of the container. Thereby, the powder flows from the extraction circuit into the container without generating a cloud of powder in the printing chamber. This avoids contamination of the chamber, especially the optical unit housed therein.

[0070] More specifically, the connection part 65 can be configured to slide along the conduit defining the discharge port and contact the edge of the container 28 received in the receiving zone 281. In particular, the tube can be oriented in the vertical direction so that the connection part 65 slides in the vertical direction. When there is a container 28 below the discharge port 573, the connection part 65 · can be closed by descending along the conduit until it contacts the upper edge of the container 28, or · can be opened by ascending along the conduit until it no longer contacts the upper edge of the container 28.

[0071] By the connection part maintaining sufficient pressure against the upper edge of the container in the closed state, the required seal is achieved.

[0072] A deformable seal 651 may be provided between the connection part 65 and the conduit defining the discharge port.

[0073] A deformable seal 655 may be provided between the connection part 65 and the upper edge part of the container 28.

[0074] In a modified example, as shown in FIG. 5, the extraction circuit further includes a vent 67 configured to balance the pressure inside the extraction circuit and the pressure outside the extraction circuit when the connection part 65 isolates the inside of the extraction circuit and the inside of the container.

[0075] The vent 67 is arranged on the upstream side of the discharge port 573. In particular, the vent includes a filter arranged between the internal volume of the extraction circuit and the chamber 49. The vent 67 can prevent the formation of a powder cloud in the container 28 when the connection part 65 is removed.

[0076] (Powder recovery system) Optionally, the modeling machine 4 may be provided with a system for recovering the powder that did not solidify at the end of the manufacture of the laid object.

[0077] The recovery system may include a suction rod 53 configured to suck the powder.

[0078] The suction rod 53 includes a suction nozzle 533 that constitutes the inlet of the suction rod. In this option, the glove 251 is configured such that the operator can operate the suction rod 53. Therefore, the operator can place the suction nozzle 533 at different locations in the chamber 49 and suck the powder at these different locations.

[0079] The powder is sucked up by the nozzle 533 and sent to the other end of the pipe that constitutes the outlet of the suction rod 53. The modeling device 1 may be provided with a first recovery duct 531 connected to the outlet of the suction rod 53.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 1, the recovery system may include an airlock 55 adapted to recover excess powder deposited on the manufacturing zone 63.

[0081] The shaping device 1 may include a second recovery duct 551 connected to the excess airlock 55.

[0082] The excess airlock 55 enables the transfer of powder without the printing chamber communicating with the second recovery duct 551, in order to avoid disturbing the printing chamber with respect to inactivation and pressure.

[0083] The present invention also relates to a stereolithography facility comprising the above-described stereolithography machine and a powder supply module configured to prepare, sieve, and store powder, wherein the outlet of the supply module is connected to the inlet of a transport circuit.

[0084] (Supply module) The supply module 2 is provided at its upper part with a second suction system 21 connected to a first gas discharge circuit 23. The second suction system 21 is different from the above-described first suction system 41. The second suction system 21 has an inlet 211 and an outlet 213 located at the bottom of the second suction system 21. The second suction system 21 is designed to generate a suction force towards the inside of the second suction system 21 at the inlet 211. The first gas discharge circuit 23 may be provided with a vacuum pump for generating a suction force. The second suction system 21 is designed to receive and store the stereolithography powder from the inlet 211. The stored powder is placed at the bottom of the second suction system 21 and can be extracted through the outlet 213. The second suction system 21 may have a powder filter so that powder does not enter the first discharge circuit 23. The suction system 21 is provided with a device for separating powder from gas, such as a cyclone filter 22. Other devices for separating powder from gas include a filter box with a filter, a cyclone, a discharge box, etc.

[0085] The supply module 2 includes a main hopper 29 located below the second suction system 21. The main hopper 29 is a container capable of accommodating powder for additive manufacturing.

[0086] The supply module 2 is provided with a valve 24 disposed between the second suction system 21 and the main hopper 29. When the valve 24 is open, powder can pass through, and when the valve 24 is closed, the second suction system 21 can be separated from the main hopper 29 in a sealed state. The main hopper 29 has a conical-shaped volume suitable for accommodating a large amount of manufacturing powder. The axis of the conical shape of the main hopper 29 is vertical, and the horizontal cross-section of the conical shape is oriented to become smaller toward the bottom of the hopper. The main hopper 29 has an outlet 293 located at the bottom of the main hopper.

[0087] The supply module 2 is provided with a meter 33 disposed below the main hopper 29. The meter 33 can adjust the flow rate of the powder sent downstream. The meter 33 is connected to the outlet 293 of the main hopper. An outlet 331 is provided at the bottom of the meter 33.

[0088] The supply module 2 is provided with a sieve device 35 disposed below the meter 33. The sieve device 35 is connected to the outlet 331 of the meter 33.

[0089] The meter 33 can adjust the flow rate of the powder sent to the sieve device 35 so as not to deteriorate the sieve contained in the sieve device 35.

[0090] The sieve device is used to filter agglomerated powder and separate it from other powder in the container 351.

[0091] The supply module 2 includes a reservoir 37 disposed below the screening device 35. The reservoir 37 can be a hopper having a conical-shaped volume suitable for accommodating a large amount of manufacturing powder. The hopper can be oriented such that the axis of the conical shape is vertical and the horizontal cross-section of the conical shape becomes smaller toward the bottom of the hopper. The reservoir 37 has an outlet 371 located at its bottom.

[0092] The outlet 371 of the reservoir is connected to the return circuit 391. The return circuit 391 connects the outlet 371 of the reservoir 37 and the inlet 211 of the suction system 21. The second suction system 21 can suck powder from the reservoir 37 through the return circuit 391 into the second suction system 21.

[0093] The outlet 371 of the reservoir is also connected to the manufacturing duct 392. The manufacturing duct 392 connects the outlet 371 of the reservoir 37 and the shaping machine 4 so that the powder contained in the reservoir 37 can be sent to the shaping machine 4.

[0094] The screening device 35 is disposed directly above the reservoir 37 so that the powder contained in the reservoir 37 and sent to the shaping machine 4 is screened as slowly as possible before being sent to the shaping machine 4.

[0095] The reservoir 37 may have a smaller volume than the main hopper 29. The role of the reservoir 37 is to store the powder immediately before the powder is sent to either the shaping machine 4 or the second suction system 21. The reservoir 37 can also be referred to as a buffer hopper.

[0096] The main hopper 29 is designed to accommodate most of the manufacturing powder required for the additive manufacturing of one or more three-dimensional objects. The powder contained in the main hopper 29 is intended to be sent to the shaping machine 4. For this purpose, the main hopper 29 is designed to be connected to a shaping machine 4 configured to perform additive manufacturing of an object using the powder in the main hopper 29. The connection between the main hopper 29 and the shaping machine is achieved by the circulation of powder passing through the meter 33, the sieve device 35, the reservoir or buffer hopper 37, and finally the production duct 392.

[0097] The supply module 2 comprises a control device configured to direct powder from the outlet 371 back into the return circuit 391 or the production duct 392.

[0098] The supply module 2 comprises a circulation system including a suction system 21.

[0099] The second suction system 21 can suction powder from the reservoir 37 through the return circuit 391 into the second suction system 21.

[0100] The first recovery duct 531 connects the outlet of the suction rod 53 to the inlet 211 of the second suction system 21.

[0101] The second recovery duct 551 connects the excess airlock 55 to the inlet 211 of the second suction system 21.

[0102] Also, the shaping device 1 may comprise a control device configured to circulate powder in a controlled manner from the recovery system to the suction system of the supply module. Such a control device enables the powder to be directed from the first recovery duct 531 or the second recovery duct 551 to the supply module.

[0103] The inlet 211 can be regarded as the inlet of the supply module 2 connected to the shaping machine 4 and configured to receive the powder in the shaping machine 4.

[0104] Note that the shaping device 1 is provided with valves sufficient to permit or block the powder circulation described in this description at the intersections of conduits 391, 392, 531 and 551.

[0105] (Filling method) The present invention is a method of loading manufacturing powder into a manufacturing chamber 49 configured to manufacture an object from powder in a manufacturing zone 63, the chamber 49 comprising a glove box with gloves 251 configured to handle the object from outside the chamber, inserting a container 28 filled and sealed with powder into the chamber 49, the container 28 being accommodated in a receiving zone 281 different from the manufacturing zone 63, closing the chamber, opening the container 28 using the gloves 251 from outside the chamber 49 with the chamber 49 closed, suctioning the powder in the container 28 with the chamber 49 closed and sending the powder to a powder supply module 2 configured to prepare, sieve and store the powder.

[0106] Note that the additive manufacturing machine comprises, as described above, a circuit 42 for sending manufacturing powder to a powder layer deposition device, the powder layer deposition device being configured to lay powder on the manufacturing zone 63, the powder layer deposition device having a powder receiving surface and a powder inlet, the powder inlet being located above the powder receiving surface.

[0107] In this method, the chamber 49 is configured to manufacture an object from the powder in the chamber 49, the gloves are configured to manipulate the object in the chamber 49 from outside the chamber 49, and the supply module is configured to prepare, sieve and store the powder.

[0108] In this way, the powder can be filled into the supply module through the chamber in which the manufacturing is carried out. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated housing for filling the supply module with powder, and the size of the entire device can be reduced.

[0109] With the above-described apparatus 1 comprising a shaping machine 4, a supply module 2, and a first recovery duct 531 connecting the outlet of the suction rod 53 and the inlet 211 of the second suction system 21, the manufacturing powder can be loaded according to these steps, more generally according to the steps described below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0110] Initially, the chamber 49 is sealed and does not contain a container.

[0111] In a first step S1, the oxygen concentration (fraction) in the chamber 49 is adjusted to be 18% or more. In particular, for this purpose, an oxygen sensor can be used to obtain a measured value of the oxygen concentration.

[0112] In a second step S2, the door of the chamber 49 is opened and one or more powder containers 28 are inserted and placed, for example, in the receiving zone 281.

[0113] In a third step S3, the chamber 49 is sealed and the oxygen concentration is adjusted to 2% or less.

[0114] In a fourth step S4, the operator opens the container 28 from the outside of the chamber 49 using the glove 251.

[0115] In a fifth step S5, the operator operates the suction rod 53 from the outside of the chamber 49 using the glove 251 to suck the powder in the container. Thereafter, the powder is transferred to the supply module 2.

[0116] If a plurality of powder containers are inserted, steps S4 to S5 are repeated until all the inserted containers are empty.

[0117] In a sixth step S6, the oxygen concentration in the chamber is adjusted to be 18% or more.

[0118] In a seventh step S7, the door of the chamber 49 is opened.

[0119] In the eighth step S8, one or more filled and closed containers are removed from the chamber 49.

[0120] In the ninth step S9, the door of the chamber 49 is hermetically closed.

[0121] The powder that reaches the supply module 2 is sieved and stored in the reservoir 37. The powder contained in the main hopper 29 is sent through the meter 33 to the sieve device 35. The sieve device 35 sieves the powder and extracts powder lumps or powder aggregates that are too large. These lumps are sent to and held in the container 351. The sieved powder passes through the sieve device 35, enters the reservoir 37, and is stored until use.

[0122] (Transfer method) The present invention is a method for transferring manufacturing powder in a stereolithography apparatus including a manufacturing chamber 49, The stereolithography apparatus is configured to manufacture an object from powder in the manufacturing zone 63 of the chamber 49, the chamber 49 includes a glove box with gloves 251, the gloves 251 are configured to handle the object from outside the chamber 49, and with the chamber 49 closed, extracting powder from the transport circuit 42 and placing the extracted powder into a container 28 housed in a receiving zone 281 different from the manufacturing zone 63 of the chamber 49, closing the container 28 using the gloves 251 from outside the chamber 49, and The container 28 relates to a method configured to be removable from the chamber 49 and not be part of the stereolithography apparatus.

[0123] Note that, as described above, the stereolithography apparatus includes a circuit 42 for sending the manufacturing powder to a powder layer deposition device, the powder layer deposition device is configured to lay powder on the manufacturing zone 63, the powder layer deposition device has a powder receiving surface and a powder inlet, and the powder inlet is located above the powder receiving surface.

[0124] Thereby, the shaping machine 4 can transfer the unused manufacturing powder according to these steps, more generally according to the steps described below with reference to FIG. 7.

[0125] The unused powder is initially present in the reservoir 37 of the supply module 2 and is sent to the shaping machine 4. Initially, the chamber 49 is sealed and does not contain a container.

[0126] In the first step E1, the oxygen concentration in the chamber 49 is adjusted to be 18% or more.

[0127] In the second step E2, the door of the chamber 49 is opened.

[0128] In the third step E3, one or more empty containers are inserted into the chamber 49. The containers can be placed in the receiving zone 281. The lids of the containers are also inserted. The containers may be inserted while open. The containers can be inserted in a closed state, especially when they contain an inert atmosphere, i.e., a gas composition consisting of 2% or less oxygen and 98% or more inert gas.

[0129] In the fourth step E4, the door of the chamber 49 is sealed and closed.

[0130] In the fifth step E5, the oxygen concentration in the chamber 49 is adjusted to be 2% or less.

[0131] In the sixth step E6, a cycle of sub-steps is executed.

[0132] In the first sub-step E61, the empty container is placed in the receiving zone 281 located below the discharge port 573.

[0133] In the second sub-step E62, the operator places a sensor 283 configured to detect the powder filling level of the container so as to determine the desired filling level of the container.

[0134] In the third sub-step E63, the connection part 65 is moved to isolate the extraction circuit 57 and the container 28 housed in the receiving zone 281 from inside the chamber 49.

[0135] In the fourth sub-step E64, the extraction circuit is activated to extract powder above the manufacturing zone and discharge the amount of powder towards the outlet of the extraction circuit. This amount is below the maximum capacity of the container. The meter of the extraction circuit can receive a signal from the sensor and end the filling when the sensor emits a "container filled" signal.

[0136] In the fifth sub-step E65, the glove 251 is used to operate the container and its lid so as to close the container with a lid. The operator closes the container with a lid.

[0137] The sub-step cycle is repeated as long as there are empty containers and powder to be transferred. That is, when there are no empty containers or powder to be transferred, the sub-step cycle is interrupted. In this case, the seventh step E7 is executed.

[0138] In the seventh step E7, the oxygen concentration in the chamber is adjusted to 18% or more.

[0139] In the eighth step E8, the door of the chamber 49 is opened.

[0140] In the ninth step E9, one or more filled and closed containers are taken out of the chamber 49.

[0141] In the tenth step E10, the door of the chamber 49 is hermetically closed.

[0142] Sub-steps E62 and E63 are optional and it should be noted that they are advantageously implemented when the shaping machine has a sensor 283 and a connection part 65 respectively. Also, it should be noted that this powder can be sieved again before transfer. Regardless of the position of the powder in the device, it is possible to send the powder to the main hopper 29 via the second suction system 21 (step P1). This unused powder can be sieved by the sieving device 35. Thereafter, the sieved unused powder is returned to the shaping machine and the container is placed in the receiving zone. As a result, the operator can repackage the amount of powder that can be transported under a protective atmosphere and then store it for reuse.

Claims

1. Additive manufacturing machine (4), A manufacturing chamber (49) is configured to be sealed and includes a glove box with gloves (251), A transport circuit (42) for sending manufacturing powder to a powder layer deposition apparatus, wherein the powder layer deposition apparatus is configured to lay powder on a manufacturing zone (63) in the manufacturing chamber (49), and the powder layer deposition apparatus has a powder receiving surface and a powder inlet, and the powder inlet is connected to the transport circuit (42) located above the powder receiving surface. A power source configured to selectively melt the manufacturing powder laid in the manufacturing zone (63), An extraction circuit (57) is configured to extract powder from the transport circuit (42) and send the extracted powder to the outlet of the extraction circuit (57), wherein the outlet of the extraction circuit is located above the receiving zone (281), An additive manufacturing machine wherein the outlet of the extraction circuit (57) and the receiving zone (281) are located within the manufacturing chamber, the receiving zone (281) is distinct from the manufacturing zone (63), is located opposite the outlet of the extraction circuit (57), and the glove (251) is configured to handle objects located within the chamber (49) and reach the receiving zone (281) when the chamber is closed.

2. The additive manufacturing machine according to claim 1, wherein the extraction circuit (57) is configured to extract powder from a portion of the transport circuit (42) located outside the chamber (49).

3. The additive manufacturing machine according to claim 1, wherein the receiving zone and the outlet of the extraction circuit (57) are fixed to the chamber (49).

4. The additive manufacturing machine according to claim 1, wherein the powder receiving surface of the powder layer deposition apparatus is movably mounted relative to the manufacturing zone (63).

5. The additive manufacturing machine according to claim 1, wherein the extraction circuit (57) has a connection portion (65) configured to isolate the extraction circuit (57) and the container (28) from the chamber (49) so that the powder flows in a sealed state from the extraction circuit (57) to the container (28) housed in the receiving zone (281).

6. The additive manufacturing machine according to claim 5, wherein the connecting portion (65) is configured to slide along a conduit defining the outlet (573) of the extraction circuit (57) and to contact the edge of the container (28) housed in the receiving zone (281).

7. The additive manufacturing machine according to claim 5, wherein the extraction circuit (57) includes a vent (67) configured to balance the pressure inside the extraction circuit (57) with the pressure outside the extraction circuit (57) when the connection portion (65) isolates the inside of the extraction circuit (57) and the inside of the container (28) from the chamber (49).

8. The additive manufacturing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor (283) configured to detect the powder filling level of the container (28) when the container (28) is contained in the receiving zone (281).

9. The additive manufacturing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a suction rod (53) configured to suck up powder in the receiving zone (281) and powder in the manufacturing zone (63).

10. Additive manufacturing equipment comprising an additive manufacturing machine (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The additive manufacturing equipment further comprises a supply module (2) configured for preparing, sieving, and storing powder, the outlet of the supply module (2) being connected to the inlet of the transport circuit (42).

11. The additive manufacturing machine (4) is as described in claim 6, and the additive manufacturing equipment is as described in claim 10, wherein the suction rod (53) is connected to the inlet of the supply module (2).

12. A method for transferring manufacturing powder in an additive manufacturing machine equipped with a manufacturing chamber (49), The additive manufacturing machine is configured to manufacture an object from powder in the manufacturing zone (63) of the chamber (49), the chamber (49) is equipped with a glove box with gloves (251), the gloves (251) are configured to handle the object from outside the chamber (49), and the method is performed with the chamber (49) closed. The steps include extracting powder from the transport circuit (42) (E64), and placing the extracted powder into a container (28) located in a receiving zone (281) different from the manufacturing zone (63) of the chamber (49) (E64), The step includes closing the container (28) from the outside of the chamber (49) using the glove (251) (E65), The container (28) is configured to be removable from the chamber (49) rather than being part of the additive manufacturing machine.

13. A method for transferring powder according to claim 12, comprising the step (E63) of moving the connector (65) to isolate the powder extraction circuit (57) and the container (28) from the chamber (49) before the step (E64) of extracting the powder.

14. The method according to claim 12, comprising the step (E62) of arranging a sensor (283) configured to detect the filling level of powder in the container (28) in order to define the filling level of the container.

15. A method for loading manufacturing powder into an additive manufacturing machine equipped with a manufacturing chamber (49), wherein the additive manufacturing machine is configured to manufacture an object from the powder in a manufacturing zone (63) of the chamber (49), the chamber (49) is equipped with a glove box with gloves (251), the gloves (251) are configured to handle the object from outside the box, and the method is Step (S2) of inserting a container (28) filled with powder and sealed into the chamber (49), wherein the container (28) is housed in a receiving zone (281) different from the manufacturing zone (63), The steps include closing the chamber (49) (S3), With the chamber (49) closed, step (S4) is to open the container (28) from the outside of the chamber (49) using the glove (251), A method comprising the step (S6) of aspirating the powder in the container (28) with the chamber (49) closed and sending the powder to a powder supply module (2) configured to prepare, sift, and store the powder.

Images