Additive manufacturing using a removable build module

Abstract

According to one or more embodiments herein, an apparatus 100 for additive manufacturing is provided, wherein the apparatus 100 includes a particle beam delivery module 110 and a removable build module 120. The removable build module 120 includes a build tank 140 including a wall 145; at least one powder supply tank 150; and a recoating arrangement 160 arranged to recoat the build tank 140 with powder from the at least one powder supply tank 150. When the removable build module 120 is attached to the particle beam delivery module 110 in the apparatus 100 such that the wall 145 of the build tank 140 forms a barrier portion of the vacuum chamber, the particle beam delivery module 110 and the removable build module 120 together form a vacuum chamber. Further, a method 700 for additive manufacturing is provided. For easy access to the build tank 140, a cover 165 of the removable build module 120 is arranged to automatically detach from the removable build module 120 when the removable build module 120 is removed from the apparatus 100.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to additive manufacturing using removable build modules. [Background technology]

[0002] In additive manufacturing using particle beams, such as Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (E-PBF), a vacuum is required to prevent the particle beam from colliding with molecules and being redirected on its way to the build. Typically, the vacuum chamber of an additive manufacturing tool contains both the particle beam source and the build tank, thereby keeping the entire system under vacuum.

[0003] (Problems with the prior art) If the build tank is integrated into a vacuum chamber, the vacuum insulates the build tank, so it takes a long time for the finished build to cool down.

[0004] Therefore, a need exists for improved apparatus and methods for additive manufacturing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The above-mentioned problems are addressed by the claimed apparatus for additive manufacturing. The apparatus preferably comprises a particle beam delivery module and a removable build module. The removable build module preferably comprises a build tank including a wall; at least one powder supply tank; and a recoating arrangement arranged to recoat the build tank with powder from the at least one powder supply tank. The removable build module is preferably such that the wall of the build tank forms a barrier portion of a vacuum chamber, and when attached to the particle beam delivery module in the apparatus, the particle beam delivery module and the removable build module together form a vacuum chamber. For easy access to the build tank, the removable build module preferably forms part of the particle beam delivery module and is arranged such that a cover of the removable build module is automatically detached from the removable build module when removed from the apparatus.

[0006] The above-mentioned problems are further addressed by a claimed method for additive manufacturing using an apparatus having a particle beam delivery module and a removable build module including a build tank including walls, at least one powder supply tank, and a recoating arrangement. The method preferably includes the steps of: arranging a removable build module cover to form part of the particle beam delivery module and to be automatically detached from the removable build module when the removable build module is removed from the apparatus for easy access to the build tank; arranging the removable build module cover to form part of the particle beam delivery module and to be automatically detached from the removable build module when the removable build module is removed from the apparatus; filling the at least one powder supply tank in the removable build module with powder; and removing the removable build module cover to form a vacuum chamber in the apparatus together. The method includes attaching a removable build module to the particle beam delivery module, the wall of the build tank forming a barrier portion of the vacuum chamber; applying vacuum pressure to the removable build module and the particle beam delivery module; generating a powder bed in the build tank using the recoating arrangement and powder from the at least one powder supply tank; continuously forming builds in the build tank using selective particle beam powder bed fusion on successive layers of the powder bed while continuously recoating the build tank using the recoating arrangement; detaching the removable build module from the particle beam delivery module; and removing the build from the build tank.

[0007] This allows for improved cooling of the build tank, since it is no longer surrounded by a vacuum and is insulated. Furthermore, the walls of the build tank form a barrier part of the vacuum chamber formed together with the particle beam delivery module, so that the vacuum in the build tank is maintained only while the particle beam delivery module and the removable build module are connected. The definition that the walls of the build tank form a barrier part of the vacuum chamber should be understood to mean that the walls of the build tank are a vacuum barrier in the sense that they are airtight, so that no air can enter the vacuum chamber formed by the build tank and the particle beam delivery module.

[0008] The above mentioned problems are also addressed by the claimed arrangement for additive manufacturing. Preferably, the arrangement comprises a plurality of apparatuses for additive manufacturing, each apparatus having a particle beam delivery module and a removable build module. The arrangement preferably comprises a central module having resources shared by all apparatuses in the arrangement.

[0009] The above mentioned problems are further addressed by the claimed method for additive manufacturing using an arrangement comprising a plurality of apparatus for additive manufacturing, each apparatus comprising a particle beam delivery module and a removable build module, The method preferably comprises arranging all of the apparatus in the arrangement to share resources contained in a central module.

[0010] This allows for more efficient additive manufacturing.

[0011] In an embodiment, the method further comprises positioning the cover over both the build tank and the at least one powder supply tank so that the tops of both the build tank and the at least one powder supply tank are open when the removable build module is removed from the apparatus to facilitate refilling of the at least one powder supply tank.

[0012] In an embodiment, the walls of the build tank are arranged to be cooled by a cooling liquid disposed around the walls.

[0013] In an embodiment, the apparatus includes two separate powder supply tanks.

[0014] In an embodiment, the particle beam providing arrangement comprises a particle beam source.

[0015] In an embodiment, the particle beam source is an electron beam source.

[0016] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section by reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention, as well as a realization of further advantages thereof, will be afforded to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which will first be briefly described. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an apparatus for additive manufacturing according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an apparatus for additive manufacturing according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0018] [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates details of one embodiment of an apparatus for additive manufacturing according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0019] [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an arrangement for additive manufacturing, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an arrangement for additive manufacturing, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0020] [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interior of an additive manufacturing setup according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0021] [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a method for additive manufacturing according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the following detailed description, which should be understood as including reference numerals to identify like elements shown in one or more of the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] In additive manufacturing using particle beams, such as electron beam powder bed fusion (E-PBF), a vacuum is required to prevent the particle beam from being deflected by hitting molecules on its way to the build. If the build tank is integrated into a vacuum chamber, the vacuum insulates the build tank, so that it takes a long time to cool the completed build. With the described concept, the apparatus instead includes a particle beam delivery module and a removable build module that together form a vacuum chamber, so that the walls of the build tank form the barrier portion of the vacuum chamber. This concept allows for cooling of the build tank while a vacuum is maintained in the vacuum chamber.

[0024] The use of a removable build module also advantageously allows for avoiding any handling of metal powder in the area where additive manufacturing occurs. This concept further allows for the use of a removable build module where the tops of both the build tank and the powder supply tank are open for easier access to both the build tank (for build removal) and the powder supply tank (for refilling).

[0025] The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and method for additive manufacturing. Embodiments of the disclosed solution are presented in further detail with reference to the figures.

[0026] 1 and 2 schematically illustrate one embodiment of an apparatus 100 for additive manufacturing. The illustrated apparatus 100 comprises a particle beam delivery module 110 including a particle beam source 130, and a removable build module 120 including a build tank 140, two powder supply tanks 150, and a recoating arrangement 160 arranged to recoat the build tank 140 with powder from the powder supply tanks 150. The build tank 140 has walls 145 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 6) that can be arranged to be cooled by a cooling fluid arranged around the walls 145.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the removable build module 120 can be removed from the apparatus 100. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the particle beam delivery module 110 includes a cover 165 for the removable build module 120. Thus, when the removable build module 120 is removed, the cover 165 remains on the apparatus 100, and is positioned such that the top of the removable build module 120 is open when the removable build module 120 is removed from the apparatus 100. This allows easy access to the build tank 140 when the removable build module 120 is removed from the apparatus 100. While it is possible for the cover 165 to cover only the build tank 140, the cover 165 preferably covers both the build tank 140 and the one or more powder supply tanks 150, such that the tops of both the build tank 140 and the one or more powder supply tanks 150 are open when the removable build module 120 is removed from the apparatus 100. This allows easy refilling of the one or more powder supply tanks 150.

[0028] When the removable build module 120 is attached to the particle beam delivery module 110 in the apparatus 100, the particle beam delivery module 110 and the removable build module 120 preferably together form a vacuum chamber. Then, there is no need for the apparatus 100 to be enclosed inside any external vacuum chamber. In this manner, the walls 145 of the build tank 140 form a barrier portion of the vacuum chamber formed together with the particle beam delivery module 110. To allow the build floor of the build tank 140 to move, as is typically desired in additive manufacturing using a build tank, a vacuum seal is usually required at the bottom of the build tank 140 for a piston or similar to move the floor.

[0029] This concept allows the walls 145 of the build tank 140 to be cooled by a cooling fluid placed around the walls 145 of the build tank 140 while additive manufacturing is still in progress. This allows the build to be removed from the build tank 140 immediately after the build module 120 is removed from the apparatus 100. Because the walls 145 of the build tank 140 form a barrier part of the vacuum chamber formed together with the particle beam delivery module 110, the vacuum in the build tank 140 is maintained only while the particle beam delivery module 110 and the removable build module 120 are connected.

[0030] Once a build is completed and the build module 120 is removed from the apparatus 100, a new build module 120 is preferably immediately inserted and a new build is initiated. This allows for more efficient use of the apparatus 100. After removal from the apparatus 100, the build module 120 is preferably transported to a rotation station. At the rotation station, the build is removed from the build tank 140, thereby clearing the build module 120 of the build. The build module 120 is then prepared for the next build, for example, by refilling one or more powder tanks 150.

[0031] Since the walls 145 of the build tank 140 can be cooled by the cooling fluid while additive manufacturing is still in progress, it may be possible to remove the build from the build tank 140 without any additional cooling, either directly after removing the build module 120 from the apparatus 100 or after leaving it for a while at the rotation station. However, in an embodiment, the additional cooling of the walls 145 of the build tank 140 is performed at the rotation station.

[0032] The coolant that may be used to cool the walls 145 of the build tank 140 may be, for example, a coolant arranged to be circulated and cooled by a cooling system 170. Such a cooling system 170 may include, for example, a pump for circulating the coolant and a heat exchanger for cooling the coolant. The coolant may be, for example, water.

[0033] Figure 3 shows details of one embodiment of an apparatus for additive manufacturing, showing the wall 145 of the build tank 140. In the embodiment of Figure 3, there is a space surrounding the wall 145. This space (not shown in Figure 3, but shown schematically in Figure 6) is typically surrounded by a vessel wall 180. A cooling fluid is preferably disposed in the space between the wall 145 of the build tank 140 and the vessel wall 180. To improve circulation of the cooling fluid, a spiral ridge may be disposed in this space, as shown in Figure 3.

[0034] To maximize the cooling effect of the coolant in cooling the walls 145 of the build tank 140, it is advantageous if the vessel walls 180 are made of a material with a lower thermal conductivity than the material of the walls 145 of the build tank 140. In one embodiment, the walls 145 of the build tank 140 are made of aluminum and the vessel walls 180 are made of stainless steel.

[0035] The particle beam source 130 may be any type of particle beam source, for example an electron beam source in the form of an electron gun with the necessary electron optics and beam control devices.

[0036] To make additive manufacturing more efficient, multiple apparatuses 100 can be grouped into an additive manufacturing arrangement 200. Such an arrangement 200 may be referred to, for example, as a melting station. FIGS. 4 and 5 schematically illustrate one embodiment of such an additive manufacturing arrangement 200, in which four apparatuses 100 are grouped together. This not only allows for efficient space and handling of the apparatuses 100, but also allows for resource sharing among all of the apparatuses 100 in the arrangement 200. The arrangement 200 illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 has a support system in the form of a central module 250 that contains resources shared by the apparatuses 100 in the arrangement 200. Although FIGS. 4 and 5 show the central module 250 positioned to the side of the apparatus 100, the central module 250 may be positioned anywhere in the arrangement 200, such as between two apparatuses 100.

[0037] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of the interior of another embodiment of an arrangement 200 for additive manufacturing, as viewed from above the build module 120, with the particle beam delivery module 110 removed in this view. In this embodiment, four apparatuses 100 are grouped together with a central module 250 located centrally between two of the apparatuses 100. The central module 250 may have the same width as the apparatuses 100 or a different width. It may be fixedly attached to a specific location in the arrangement 200 or may be movable between different locations. The central module 250 may include resources such as a control computer, a backing vacuum pump, a centralized cooling system, a power supply, and / or various electronic devices. If the centralized cooling system includes a means for circulating a coolant, such as a pump, and a means for cooling the coolant, such as a heat exchanger, the apparatus 100 may not need to include any separate cooling system 170. The arrangement 200 preferably includes interfaces to each of the build modules 120, where the build modules 120 are connected to the resources. Each interface may include, for example, a vacuum connection for a backing vacuum, a coolant connection, and one or more electrical connections.

[0038] 6 shows the walls 145 of the build tank 140 and how a recoating arrangement 160 is arranged to recoat the build tank 140 with powder from two powder supply tanks 150. In each apparatus 100, there can be any number of powder supply tanks 150. The build tank 140 and one or more powder supply tanks 150 can have any shape, such as, for example, the cylindrical shape shown in FIG.

[0039] The additive manufacturing arrangement 200 may include four build modules 120, and the central module 250 may be, for example, 2.5 meters wide, where each build module 120 is, for example, about 50 cm wide.

[0040] When an arrangement 200 for additive manufacturing is used, one single rotation station is preferably shared among the apparatuses 100 in the arrangement 200. One single rotation station can also be shared among multiple different additive manufacturing arrangements 200. Each build module 120 is preferably transported to the rotation station immediately after being removed from the arrangement 200. At the rotation station, the build is removed from the build tank 140, thus clearing the build module 120 of the build. The build module 120 is then prepared for the next build, for example, by refilling the powder tank 150.

[0041] An additive manufacturing site may include many additive manufacturing arrangements 200. Each arrangement 200 preferably has a service side and an operator side. The operator side is the side from which the build module 120 is removed from the arrangement 200. The arrangements 200 are preferably arranged with their service sides facing each other to form a service shaft and their operator sides facing one or more rotation stations. This allows for more efficient operation of the arrangement 200, including the insertion and removal of the build module 120.

[0042] 7 schematically illustrates a method 700 for additive manufacturing using an apparatus 100 having a particle beam delivery module 110 and a removable build module 120 having a build tank 140, with a wall 145, at least one powder supply tank 150 and a recoating arrangement 160. The method 700 may include:

[0043] Step 710: Arrange the cover 165 of the removable build module 120 to form part of the particle beam providing module 110 and to automatically detach from the removable build module 120 when the removable build module 120 is removed from the apparatus 100 for easy access to the build tank 140.

[0044] Step 730: Fill at least one powder supply tank 150 in the removable build module 120 with powder.

[0045] Step 740: Attach the removable build module 120 to the particle beam delivery module 110 so that together they form a vacuum chamber in the apparatus 100, with the walls 145 of the build tank 140 forming a barrier portion of said vacuum chamber.

[0046] Step 750: Apply vacuum pressure to the removable build module 120 and the particle beam delivery module 110.

[0047] Step 760: Creating a powder bed in the build tank 140 using powder from the recoating arrangement 160 and at least one powder supply tank 150.

[0048] Step 770: Continuously recoating the build tank 140 using the recoating arrangement 160 while continuously forming builds in the build tank 140 using selective particle beam powder bed fusion on successive layers of the powder bed.

[0049] Step 780: Remove the removable build module 120 from the particle beam delivery module 110.

[0050] Step 790: Remove the build from the build tank 140.

[0051] This may improve cooling of the build tank since it is no longer surrounded by a vacuum and is insulated. Furthermore, because the walls of the build tank form a barrier part of the vacuum chamber formed together with the particle beam delivery module, the vacuum in the build tank is maintained only while the particle beam delivery module and the removable build module are connected.

[0052] The method 700 may further include one or more of the following.

[0053] Step 720: For easy refilling of the at least one powder supply tank 150, when the removable build module 120 is removed from the apparatus 100, a cover 165 is positioned to cover both the build tank 140 and the at least one powder supply tank 150 so that the tops of both the build tank 140 and the at least one powder supply tank 150 are open.

[0054] Step 775: Cool the walls 145 of the build tank 140 during the build formation process using a cooling fluid disposed around the walls 145. This step is preferably performed simultaneously with step 770.

[0055] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the invention to the precise form or particular field of use disclosed. Various alternative embodiments and / or modifications of the invention are contemplated in light of this disclosure, whether expressly described or implied herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims. (Other possible items) (Item 1) An apparatus (100) for additive manufacturing, the apparatus (100) comprising a particle beam delivery module (110) and a removable build module (120), the removable build module (120) comprising: Build tank (140) including walls (145); at least one powder supply tank (150); and a recoating arrangement (160) arranged to recoat the build tank (140) with powder from the at least one powder supply tank (150); and when the removable build module (120) is attached to the particle beam delivery module (110) in the apparatus (100) such that the wall (145) of the build tank (140) forms a barrier portion of a vacuum chamber, the particle beam delivery module (110) and the removable build module (120) together form the vacuum chamber; a cover (165) of the removable build module (120) forms part of the particle beam delivery module (110) and is arranged to be automatically detached from the removable build module (120) when the removable build module (120) is removed from the apparatus (100) for easy access to the build tank (140). An apparatus (100) for additive manufacturing. (Item 2) Item 1. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the cover (165) covers both the build tank (140) and the at least one powder supply tank (150) so that the tops of both the build tank (140) and the at least one powder supply tank (150) are open when the removable build module (120) is removed from the apparatus (100) to facilitate refilling of the at least one powder supply tank (150). (Item 3) 3. The apparatus (100) according to item 1 or 2, wherein the wall (145) of the build tank (140) is arranged to be cooled by a cooling liquid arranged around the wall (145). (Item 4) 4. The apparatus (100) according to any one of items 1 to 3, comprising two separate powder supply tanks (150). (Item 5) 5. The apparatus (100) according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the particle beam providing module (110) comprises a particle beam source (130). (Item 6) Item 6. The apparatus (100) according to item 5, wherein the particle beam source (130) is an electron beam source. (Item 7) 7. An arrangement (200) for additive manufacturing comprising a plurality of devices (100) according to any one of items 1 to 6. (Item 8) Item 8. An arrangement (200) according to item 7, comprising four devices (100) according to any one of items 1 to 6. (Item 9) 9. The arrangement (200) according to item 7 or 8, further comprising a central module (250) having resources shared by all the devices (100) in the arrangement (200). (Item 10) An arrangement (200) for additive manufacturing, comprising a plurality of apparatuses (100) for additive manufacturing, each apparatus (100) having a particle beam providing module (110) and a removable build module (120), the arrangement (200) further comprising a central module (250) containing resources shared by all of the apparatuses (100) in the arrangement (200). (Item 11) Item 11. The arrangement (200) of item 10, wherein when the removable build module (120) is attached to the particle beam providing module (110), the particle beam providing module (110) and the removable build module (120) together form a vacuum chamber. (Item 12) An arrangement (200) according to item 10 or 11, wherein a cover (165) of the removable build module (120) forms part of the particle beam providing module (110) and is arranged to be automatically removed from the removable build module (120) when the removable build module (120) is removed from the apparatus (100). (Item 13) 13. The arrangement (200) according to any one of items 10 to 12, wherein the particle beam providing module (110) comprises a particle beam source (130). (Item 14) Item 14. The arrangement (200) according to item 13, wherein the particle beam source (130) is an electron beam source. (Item 15) The removable build module (120) Build tank (140) including walls (145); at least one powder supply tank (150); and a recoating arrangement (160) arranged to recoat the build tank (140) with powder from the at least one powder supply tank (150); and when the removable build module (120) is positioned in the apparatus (100) such that the wall (145) of the build tank (140) forms a barrier portion of a vacuum chamber, the particle beam delivery module (110) and the removable build module (120) together form the vacuum chamber. 15. The arrangement (200) according to any one of items 10 to 14. (Item 16) Item 16. The arrangement (200) according to item 15, wherein the walls (145) of the build tank (140) are arranged to be cooled by a cooling liquid arranged around the walls (145). (Item 17) 17. The arrangement (200) according to item 15 or 16, comprising two separate powder supply tanks (150). (Item 18) 1. A method (700) for additive manufacturing using an apparatus (100) having a particle beam delivery module (110) and a removable build module (120), the method (700) comprising a build tank (140) having a wall (145), at least one powder supply tank (150), and a recoating arrangement (160), the method (700) comprising: arranging (710) a cover (165) of the removable build module (120) to form part of the particle beam delivery module (110) and to be automatically detached from the removable build module (120) when the removable build module (120) is removed from the apparatus (100) for easy access to the build tank (140); filling (730) the at least one powder supply tank (150) in the removable build module (120) with powder; attaching (740) the removable build module (120) to the particle beam delivery module (110) so that they together form a vacuum chamber in the apparatus (100), the wall (145) of the build tank (140) forming a barrier portion of the vacuum chamber; applying (750) vacuum pressure to the removable build module (120) and the particle beam delivery module (110); generating (760) a powder bed in the build tank (140) using powder from the recoating arrangement (160) and the at least one powder supply tank (150); continuously forming builds (770) on the build tank (140) using selective particle beam powder bed fusion for successive layers of the powder bed while continuously recoating the build tank (140) using the recoating arrangement (160); removing (780) the removable build module (120) from the particle beam delivery module (110); and Removing (790) the build from the build tank (140). A method (700) for additive manufacturing comprising: (Item 19) Item 19. The method (700) according to item 18, further comprising a step of positioning (720) the cover (165) to cover both the build tank (140) and the at least one powder supply tank (150) so that the tops of both the build tank (140) and the at least one powder supply tank (150) are open when the removable build module (120) is removed from the apparatus (100) to facilitate refilling of the at least one powder supply tank (150). (Item 20) 20. The method (700) according to item 18 or 19, further comprising a step of cooling (775) the walls (145) of the build tank (140) during the process of forming the build using a cooling liquid arranged around the walls (145). (Item 21) A method (700) for additive manufacturing using an arrangement (200) having a plurality of apparatuses (100) for additive manufacturing, each apparatus (100) having a particle beam providing module (110) and a removable build module (120), the method comprising a step of arranging all of the apparatuses (100) in the arrangement (200) to share resources contained in a central module (250). (Item 22) 22. The method (700) for additive manufacturing described in Item 21, further comprising a step of arranging the particle beam providing module (110) and the removable build module (120) so that together they form a vacuum chamber when the removable build module (120) is attached to the particle beam providing module (110).

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for additive manufacturing, the apparatus comprising: a particle beam delivery module and a removable build module, the removable build module comprising: Build tank including walls; at least one powder supply tank; and a recoating arrangement arranged to recoat the build tank with powder from the at least one powder supply tank. and when the removable build module is attached to the particle beam delivery module in the apparatus such that the wall of the build tank forms a barrier portion of a vacuum chamber, the particle beam delivery module and the removable build module together form the vacuum chamber; a cover of the removable build module forming part of the particle beam delivery module and arranged to be automatically detached from the removable build module when the removable build module is removed from the apparatus for easy access to the build tank. Equipment for additive manufacturing.

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover covers both the build tank and the at least one powder supply tank such that when the removable build module is removed from the apparatus, the tops of both the build tank and the at least one powder supply tank are open to facilitate refilling of the at least one powder supply tank.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the walls of the build tank are arranged to be cooled by a cooling fluid disposed around the walls.

4. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising two separate powder supply tanks.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the particle beam providing module comprises a particle beam source.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the particle beam source is an electron beam source.

7. 7. An arrangement for additive manufacturing comprising a plurality of devices according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. 8. An arrangement according to claim 7, comprising four devices according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The arrangement of claim 7 further comprising a central module having resources shared by all the devices in the arrangement.

10. 1. An arrangement for additive manufacturing comprising a plurality of apparatuses for additive manufacturing, each apparatus having a particle beam delivery module and a removable build module, the arrangement further comprising a central module containing resources shared by all of the apparatuses in the arrangement.

11. The arrangement of claim 10 , wherein when the removable build module is attached to the particle beam delivery module, the particle beam delivery module and the removable build module together form a vacuum chamber.

12. 11. The arrangement of claim 10, wherein the cover of the removable build module forms part of the particle beam providing module and is arranged to be automatically detached from the removable build module when the removable build module is removed from the apparatus.

13. The arrangement of claim 10 , wherein the particle beam providing module includes a particle beam source.

14. The arrangement of claim 13 , wherein the particle beam source is an electron beam source.

15. The removable build module comprises: Build tank including walls; at least one powder supply tank; and a recoating arrangement arranged to recoat the build tank with powder from the at least one powder supply tank. and when the removable build module is positioned in the apparatus such that the wall of the build tank forms a barrier portion of a vacuum chamber, the particle beam delivery module and the removable build module together form the vacuum chamber.

15. An arrangement according to any one of claims 10 to 14.

16. 16. The arrangement of claim 15, wherein the walls of the build tank are arranged to be cooled by a cooling liquid disposed around the walls.

17. 16. The arrangement of claim 15, comprising two separate powder supply tanks.

18. 1. A method for additive manufacturing using an apparatus having a particle beam delivery module and a removable build module, the method comprising: a build tank having a wall, at least one powder supply tank, and a recoating arrangement; arranging a cover of the removable build module to form part of the particle beam delivery module and to be automatically removed from the removable build module when the removable build module is removed from the apparatus for easy access to the build tank; filling the at least one powder supply tank in the removable build module with powder; attaching the removable build module to the particle beam delivery module so that they together form a vacuum chamber in the apparatus, the wall of the build tank forming a barrier portion of the vacuum chamber; applying a vacuum pressure to the removable build module and the particle beam delivery module; generating a powder bed in the build tank using the recoating arrangement and powder from the at least one powder supply tank; continuously forming builds on the build tank using selective particle beam powder bed fusion for successive layers of the powder bed while continuously recoating the build tank using the recoating arrangement; removing the removable build module from the particle beam delivery module; and Removing the build from the build tank.

1. A method for additive manufacturing comprising:

19. 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: positioning the cover over both the build tank and the at least one powder supply tank such that when the removable build module is removed from the apparatus to facilitate refilling of the at least one powder supply tank, the tops of both the build tank and the at least one powder supply tank are open.

20. 20. The method of claim 18 or 19, further comprising cooling the walls of the build tank during the process of forming the build using a cooling liquid disposed around the walls.

21. 1. A method for additive manufacturing using an arrangement having a plurality of apparatuses for additive manufacturing, each apparatus having a particle beam delivery module and a removable build module, the method comprising arranging all of the apparatuses in the arrangement to share resources contained in a central module.

22. 22. The method for additive manufacturing of claim 21, further comprising: positioning the particle beam delivery module and the removable build module such that together they form a vacuum chamber when the removable build module is attached to the particle beam delivery module.

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