Additive manufacturing system

Abstract

This technology provides a way to suppress dust particles attached to molded objects from scattering into the surrounding space. [Solution] The additive manufacturing system 1 comprises a molding chamber 10 in which an additive manufacturing apparatus 30 is located, a suction chamber 11 communicating with the molding chamber and in which a suction device 80 is located, a wetting chamber 12 communicating with the suction chamber and in which a wetting device 40 is located, a suction device, a wetting device, a first gate 20c configured to open and close the outlet of the molding chamber and the inlet of the suction chamber, a second gate 20d configured to open and close the outlet of the suction chamber and the inlet of the wetting chamber, and a third gate 20e configured to open and close the outlet of the wetting chamber, wherein the suction process is performed when the first and second gates are closed, and the wetting process is performed when the second and third gates are closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an additive manufacturing system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as an additive manufacturing system, there is known one including a modeling chamber in which an additive manufacturing apparatus configured to manufacture a modeled object is disposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to such an additive manufacturing system, since the manufacturing of the modeled object by the additive manufacturing apparatus is performed in the modeling chamber, it is possible to suppress the dust generated during the manufacturing of the modeled object from scattering into the external space (outdoor space) of the modeling chamber during the manufacturing of the modeled object.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional additive manufacturing system as described above, the modeled object manufactured by the additive manufacturing apparatus is then discharged (transported) from the modeling chamber to the external space. If dust adheres to the modeled object discharged to this external space, there is a risk that this dust will scatter into the external space.

[0005] In view of the above, the present invention is made, and one of its objects is to provide a technology capable of suppressing the dust adhering to the modeled object from scattering into the external space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (Aspect 1) To achieve the above objective, an additive manufacturing system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a molding chamber in which an additive manufacturing apparatus configured to manufacture a molded object is arranged; a suction chamber communicating with the molding chamber, wherein the suction chamber is equipped with a suction device configured to perform a suction process for sucking up dust adhering to the molded object discharged from the molding chamber and transported to the suction chamber; a wetting chamber communicating with the suction chamber, wherein the wetting chamber is equipped with a wetting device configured to perform a wetting process for wetting the molded object discharged from the suction chamber and transported to the wetting chamber with a liquid; the suction device; the wetting device; a first gate configured to open and close the outlet of the molding chamber and the inlet of the suction chamber; a second gate configured to open and close the outlet of the suction chamber and the inlet of the wetting chamber; and a third gate configured to open and close the outlet of the wetting chamber, wherein the suction process is performed when the first and second gates are closed, and the wetting process is performed when the second and third gates are closed.

[0007] According to this embodiment, dust adhering to the molded object discharged from the molding chamber and transported to the suction chamber can be sucked up by the suction device in the suction chamber. Furthermore, even if dust that could not be completely sucked up by the suction device remains attached to the molded object discharged from the suction chamber and transported to the wetting chamber, this dust can be wetted with liquid in the wetting chamber to prevent it from scattering. This suppresses the scattering of dust adhering to the molded object into the outside space.

[0008] As a result, this embodiment makes it possible to suppress adverse effects on workers' health due to scattered dust.

[0009] (Aspect 2) Embodiment 1 described above may include a trolley configured to transport the molded object from the molding chamber to the suction chamber.

[0010] (Aspect 3) The above embodiment 1 or 2 may include a trolley configured to transport the molded object from the suction chamber to the wetting chamber.

[0011] (Aspect 4) In any one embodiment of the above embodiments 1 to 3, the wetting chamber may be equipped with a grating floor, and the wetting treatment of wetting the molded object with a liquid may be performed on the grating floor.

[0012] (Appendix 5) Embodiment 4 described above may include a recovery device configured to receive and recover liquid that falls downward from the grating floor. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an additive manufacturing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which the gate of the additive manufacturing system according to the embodiment is open. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal layout of the suction chamber according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal state of the humid chamber according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic top view illustrating a cleanroom according to an embodiment, specifically illustrating the peripheral configuration of a cleanroom in an additive manufacturing system. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an additive manufacturing system according to a modified example of the embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are schematically illustrated to facilitate understanding of the features, and the dimensional ratios and the like of each component are not necessarily the same as the actual ones. Further, in the drawings, orthogonal coordinates of X - Y - Z are illustrated as necessary. Among these orthogonal coordinates, the Z - direction corresponds to upward, and the - Z - direction corresponds to downward (the direction in which gravity acts).

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an additive manufacturing system 1 according to the present embodiment. Note that the gate described later in FIG. 1 is in a closed state. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the gate described later is open. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the additive manufacturing system 1 includes a modeling chamber 10, a suction chamber 11, and a wetting chamber 12. Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the additive manufacturing system 1 may further include a buffer chamber 14.

[0016] The buffer chamber 14, the modeling chamber 10, the suction chamber 11, and the wetting chamber 12 may be constituted by a building, or may be constituted by booths arranged inside the building. Each chamber includes a floor, a ceiling, and side walls connecting the floor and the ceiling.

[0017] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the additive manufacturing system 1 may include a control device 100 configured to control the operation of the additive manufacturing system 1. In this case, the additive manufacturing system 1 may include sensors 110 configured to detect the state of the additive manufacturing system 1. Information detected by the sensors 110 is transmitted to the control device 100.

[0018] The control device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a microcomputer, and this microcomputer includes a processor 101, a storage device 102 as a non - temporary storage medium, and the like. In the control device 100, the processor 101 operates based on the instructions of the program stored in the storage device 102 to control the operation of the additive manufacturing system 1.

[0019] In addition, in FIG. 1, although the additive manufacturing system 1 is illustrated as including a single control device 100, it is not limited to this configuration. The additive manufacturing system 1 may include a control device 100 for each device (controlled device) controlled by the control device 100 (in this case, the additive manufacturing system 1 will include a plurality of control devices 100).

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, an additive manufacturing apparatus 30 is disposed inside the modeling chamber 10. The additive manufacturing apparatus 30 is an apparatus configured to manufacture a modeled object. Specifically, the additive manufacturing apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment is configured to manufacture a modeled object by laminating materials. Note that this additive manufacturing apparatus 30 is generally an apparatus that may be alternatively referred to as an "Additive Manufacturing apparatus (AM apparatus)".

[0021] The additive manufacturing apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment is configured to supply a material (modeling material) made of powder such as resin or metal to a predetermined modeling area (modeling platform) and irradiate the supplied powder with a beam to melt the powder. A three-dimensional modeled object is manufactured by the solidification of the melted powder. As such an additive manufacturing apparatus 30, for example, a known apparatus as exemplified in Patent Document 1 can be used. Therefore, further detailed description of the additive manufacturing apparatus 30 is omitted.

[0022] Note that the size of the modeled object manufactured by the additive manufacturing apparatus 30 is not particularly limited, but as an example, the modeled object according to the present embodiment has a volume of 1 m or more, which is a "large modeled object".

[0023] The buffer chamber 14 communicates with the modeling chamber 10. The buffer chamber 14 is a chamber configured to enable material replenishment work and various preparation work therein . Note that the configurations of the buffer chamber 14 and the modeling chamber 10 themselves are the same as those of a known additive manufacturing system as exemplified in Patent Document 1, and thus further detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0024] The suction chamber 11 is connected to the molding chamber 10. A suction device 80 is located inside the suction chamber 11. This suction device 80 is configured to perform a "suction process" to suck up dust adhering to the molded object that has been discharged from the molding chamber 10 and transported to the suction chamber 11. Specifically, this dust includes the "powder" used in the molding of the object. The additive manufacturing system 1 includes this suction device 80 as part of its components.

[0025] The wetting chamber 12 is connected to the suction chamber 11. A wetting device 40 is located inside the wetting chamber 12. The wetting device 40 is configured to perform a "wetting process" in which it wets the molded object that has been discharged from the suction chamber 11 and transported to the wetting chamber 12 with a liquid. The additive manufacturing system 1 also includes this wetting device 40 as part of its components.

[0026] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the additive manufacturing system 1 is equipped with multiple gates (gates 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d).

[0027] Specifically, gate 20a is composed of an opening / closing door that opens and closes the entrance 22a of the buffer chamber 14. Gate 20b is composed of the exit 24a of the buffer chamber 14 and the entrance 2 of the molding chamber 10. Gate 20 is composed of an opening / closing door that opens and closes 2b (i.e., the entrance / exit between the buffer chamber 14 and the build chamber 10). Gate 20c is composed of an opening / closing door configured to open and close the exit 24b of the build chamber 10 and the entrance 22c of the suction chamber 11 (i.e., the entrance / exit between the build chamber 10 and the suction chamber 11). Gate 20d is composed of an opening / closing door configured to open and close the exit 24c of the suction chamber 11 and the entrance 22d of the wetting chamber 12 (i.e., the entrance / exit between the suction chamber 11 and the wetting chamber 12). Gate 20e is composed of an opening / closing door that opens and closes the exit 24d of the wetting chamber 12.

[0028] Note that gate 20c is an example of "gate 1", gate 20d is an example of "gate 2", and gate 20e is an example of "gate 3". Also, gate 20b is an example of "gate 4", and gate 20a is an example of "gate 5".

[0029] Furthermore, while Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the gate moving vertically when opening and closing, the direction of gate movement is not limited to this. For example, the gate may be configured to move horizontally.

[0030] In this embodiment, these gates are configured to open and close automatically in response to instructions from the control device 100, for example. Each gate is controlled by the control device 100 to open automatically when an object (for example, the trolley 50 described later) approaches the gate, and to close automatically when the object moves away from the gate. In this case, the sensors 110 include sensors that detect when an object approaches the gate and sensors that detect when an object moves away from the gate. The control device 100 controls the opening and closing operation of the gates based on the output of these sensors.

[0031] When the additive manufacturing device 30 is used to manufacture an object ("molding process") in the molding chamber 10, the object is manufactured with at least gates 20b and 20c closed. In this case, other gates may be open or closed. With at least gates 20b and 20d closed and gate 20c open, the object manufactured in the molding chamber 10 is transported to the suction chamber 11 by passing through the exit 24b and inlet 22c.

[0032] Furthermore, the suction process in the suction chamber 11 is performed with at least gates 20c and 20d closed. In this case, the other gates may be open or closed. Then, with at least gates 20c and 20e closed and gate 20d open, the molded object in the suction chamber 11 is transported to the wetting chamber 12 by passing through the outlet 24c and inlet 22d.

[0033] Furthermore, the wetting process in the wetting chamber 12 is carried out with at least gates 20d and 20e closed. In this case, the other gates may be open or closed. Then, with at least gate 20d closed and gate 20e open, the molded object in the wetting chamber 12 is discharged (transported) from the outlet 24d of the wetting chamber 12.

[0034] Furthermore, when transporting an object to the buffer chamber 14, it is preferable that at least gate 20b is closed while gate 20a is open, allowing the object to be transported from the entrance 22a to the buffer chamber 14. It is also preferable that work is performed inside the buffer chamber 14 while at least gates 20a and 20b are closed. Furthermore, when transporting an object from the buffer chamber 14 to the molding chamber 10, it is preferable that at least gates 20a and 20c are closed while gate 20b is open, allowing the object to be transported from the buffer chamber 14 to the molding chamber 10.

[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal layout of the suction chamber 11. Note that the gate is not shown in Figure 3. The suction device 80 according to this embodiment is located inside the suction chamber 11. Then, the suction process is performed.

[0036] Here, the additive manufacturing system 1 may be equipped with a trolley 50 for transporting the molded object. The trolley 50 in this embodiment is a so-called automatic transport trolley, which, upon receiving instructions from the control device 100, automatically transports the molded object (OB) from the molding chamber 10 to the suction chamber 11. Furthermore, the trolley 50 automatically transports the molded object from the suction chamber 11 to the wetting chamber 12. With this configuration, the molded object can be transported from the molding chamber 10 to the suction chamber 11, and also from the suction chamber 11 to the wetting chamber 12, without the need for human intervention by an operator.

[0037] Furthermore, the trolley 50 that transports the printed object from the molding chamber 10 to the suction chamber 11 and the trolley 50 that transports the printed object from the suction chamber 11 to the wetting chamber 12 may be the same trolley or may be different trolleys.

[0038] From the perspective of reducing the number of parts in additive manufacturing system 1, it is preferable to use a single trolley 50 to transport the manufactured object from the molding chamber 10 to the suction chamber 11 and the wetting chamber 12. On the other hand, from the perspective of preventing dust adhering to the trolley 50 in the suction chamber 11 from entering the wetting chamber 12 as much as possible, it is preferable that the trolley 50 transporting the manufactured object from the molding chamber 10 to the suction chamber 11 and the trolley 50 transporting the manufactured object from the suction chamber 11 to the wetting chamber 12 are different from each other.

[0039] If the trolley 50 for transporting the molded object from the molding chamber 10 to the suction chamber 11 (i.e., the trolley 50 for the suction chamber) and the trolley 50 for transporting the molded object from the suction chamber 11 to the wetting chamber 12 (i.e., the trolley 50 for the wetting chamber) are different, as illustrated in Figure 3, a transport device 90 for transferring the molded object placed on the trolley 50 for the suction chamber to the trolley 50 for the wetting chamber may be arranged inside the suction chamber 11.

[0040] As the transport device 90, for example, a transport robot having a robot hand 91 for gripping the molded object and a robot arm 92 for moving the robot hand 91 can be used. With this configuration, the molded object inside the suction chamber 11 can be transferred from the trolley 50 for the suction chamber to the trolley 50 for the wet chamber using the transport device 90 without the need for manual labor by an operator.

[0041] The suction device 80 only needs to be able to suck up dust, and its specific configuration is not particularly limited, but for example, one with a configuration similar to that of an "electric vacuum cleaner" can be used. Specifically, the suction device 80 according to this embodiment includes, as an example, a suction nozzle 81. This suction nozzle 81 is in communication with a dust box (not shown) via a hose (not shown). The dust sucked up by the suction nozzle 81 passes through the hose and is collected in the dust box. The dust box may be located inside the suction chamber 11 or outside the suction chamber 11.

[0042] The suction device 80 may also automatically start the suction process upon receiving instructions from the control device 100. As an example, the suction device 80 automatically starts suction using the suction nozzle 81 when the trolley 50 for transporting the molded object is in a predetermined position. The suction device 80 then automatically ends the suction process, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the suction process.

[0043] Furthermore, the additive manufacturing system 1 may include a moving device 82 for moving the suction nozzle 81 of the suction device 80. This moving device 82 may include, for example, a robot hand 83 for gripping the suction nozzle 81 and a robot arm 84 for moving the robot hand 83. In this case, dust can be sucked up while moving the suction nozzle 81. However, the system is not limited to this configuration, and the suction nozzle 81 may remain stationary. It may be fixed in place. The additive manufacturing system 1 may also be equipped with multiple suction devices 80 (in other words, it may be equipped with multiple suction nozzles 81). The operation of the mobile device 82 can be controlled by the control device 100.

[0044] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 3, the suction process may be performed in the suction chamber 11 with the molded object placed on the trolley 50.

[0045] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 3, the trolley 50 may be equipped with a mounting platform 51 and a rotating device 52. The mounting platform 51 is a platform on which the molded object is placed. The rotating device 52 is configured to rotate the mounting platform 51.

[0046] The specific configuration of the rotating device 52 is not particularly limited, but the rotating device 52 according to this embodiment includes, as an example, a rotating shaft 53 connected to a mounting base 51 and a motor 54 that rotates the rotating shaft 53. The operation of the rotating device 52 is controlled by, for example, the control device 100.

[0047] As illustrated in Figure 3, with the molded object placed on the mounting table 51 and the mounting table 51 being rotated by the rotating device 52, dust adhering to the molded object may be sucked up by the suction device 80.

[0048] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal state of the wetting chamber 12. Note that the gate is not shown in Figure 4. The wetting apparatus 40 according to this embodiment performs the wetting process inside the wetting chamber 12. As mentioned above, in this wetting process, the wetting apparatus 40 wets the molded object (OB) with liquid (CL). Note that "wetting the molded object with liquid" means that the surface of the molded object (specifically, the dust adhering to the surface) should be wet to a degree that makes it moist, and it is not necessary for the surface of the molded object to be completely soaked.

[0049] The specific configuration of the wetting apparatus 40 described above is not particularly limited, but the wetting apparatus 40 according to this embodiment includes, as an example, an injection device 41 configured to spray liquid onto the molded object. The number of injection devices 41 in the additive manufacturing system 1 may be one or more. As an example, the number of injection devices 41 in this embodiment is multiple.

[0050] In this embodiment, the spraying device 41, for example, sprays liquid onto the molded object in a spray-like manner. Furthermore, multiple spraying devices 41 spray liquid so that the molded object is completely wet with the liquid.

[0051] While the specific type of liquid (CL) is not particularly limited, in this embodiment, water is used as an example of a liquid.

[0052] The wetting device 40 may also automatically start the wetting process upon receiving instructions from the control device 100. As an example, the wetting device 40 automatically starts spraying liquid from the spray device 41 when the trolley 50 for transporting the molded object is in a predetermined position. The wetting device 40 then automatically ends the wetting process, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the wetting process.

[0053] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 4, the molded object may be placed on the trolley 50 in the wetting chamber 12 and wetted with liquid by the wetting device 40. Alternatively, in this case, the molded object may be placed on the mounting table 51 in the wetting chamber 12, and the mounting table 51 may be rotated by the rotating device 52, and the molded object may be wetted with liquid by the wetting device 40. Therefore, it is easy to wet the entire structure.

[0054] After the wetting process in the wetting chamber 12 is completed, the molded object is discharged from the wetting chamber 12 to the external space (SP) by the trolley 50. The external space (SP) refers to the space outside each chamber (in other words, it can also be called the space outside the chamber).

[0055] Furthermore, the humid chamber 12 may be equipped with an exhaust device 60 configured to discharge the air inside the humid chamber 12 to the outside space (SP). This configuration allows for negative pressure inside the humid chamber 12. This minimizes the leakage of dust to the outside of the humid chamber 12 during the wetting process. The exhaust device 60 may also be provided in the suction chamber 11 as described above.

[0056] As described above, according to this embodiment, dust adhering to the molded object discharged from the molding chamber 10 and transported to the suction chamber 11 can be sucked up by the suction device 80 in the suction chamber 11. Furthermore, even if dust that could not be completely sucked up by the suction device 80 is adhering to the molded object discharged from the suction chamber 11 and transported to the wetting chamber 12, this dust can be wetted with liquid in the wetting chamber 12 to prevent it from scattering (i.e., the dust can be rendered harmless). This makes it possible to suppress the scattering of dust adhering to the molded object into the external space (SP).

[0057] As a result, it is possible to suppress adverse effects on workers' health due to scattered dust. Specifically, it is possible to suppress adverse effects on workers' health due to inhaling dust after being exposed to it.

[0058] Furthermore, when dust adhering to the molded object is wetted with liquid, the fine dust particles aggregate to form clumps (i.e., "clumps"). Therefore, even if the dust that has been wetted and solidified with liquid then dries, these clumps of dust are less likely to scatter, thus suppressing their dispersion into the atmosphere.

[0059] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the suction process in the suction chamber 11 is performed by the suction device 80, and the wetting process in the wetting chamber 12 is performed by the wetting device 40. Therefore, exposure of workers to airborne dust during the suction and wetting processes is suppressed. In this respect as well, adverse effects on workers' health due to airborne dust can be effectively suppressed.

[0060] Furthermore, after wetting is performed using the wetting device 40, the molded object may be further wetted with liquid by the operator (i.e., a "manual finishing wetting treatment" may be performed). This finishing wetting treatment can also be performed inside the wetting chamber 12. When an operator enters the wetting chamber 12, it is preferable that the operator wear protective clothing as necessary to prevent dust, liquids, etc. from adhering to the operator.

[0061] Furthermore, a drying process may be performed inside the wetting chamber 12 to dry the molded object after the wetting process. In this drying process, for example, the molded object may be allowed to air dry after the wetting process, or it may be forcibly dried by blowing air onto the molded object after the wetting process.

[0062] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 5, the humidification chamber 12 may be connected to a cleanroom 13, which is a room where a predetermined level of air cleanliness is ensured. In this case, a gate 20f configured to open and close an entrance / exit (an entrance / exit for workers) between the humidification chamber 12 and the cleanroom 13 may be provided between the humidification chamber 12 and the cleanroom 13. This gate 20f is normally in a closed state. That is, while the aforementioned humidification treatment is being carried out, the gate 20f is The gate is in a closed state. The gate 20f is opened when a worker in the cleanroom 13 enters the humid chamber 12, or when a worker in the humid chamber 12 enters the cleanroom 13. An air shower room configured to allow workers to be showered with clean air may be provided at the entrance and exit to the humid chamber 12 from the cleanroom 13.

[0063] By equipping the additive manufacturing system 1 with a cleanroom 13, even if dust adheres to a worker during manual finishing and wetting, for example, this dust can be removed in the cleanroom 13. This prevents the dust adhering to the worker from leaking into the outside space (SP).

[0064] (Variation 1) The additive manufacturing system 1 according to the above embodiment may include a grating floor 16 and a recovery device 70 as described below. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the additive manufacturing system 1 according to this modified example, and specifically illustrates the peripheral configuration of the grating floor 16 and the recovery device 70 of the additive manufacturing system 1.

[0065] The grating floor 16 is a floor having a structure in which metal members such as stainless steel are assembled in a grid pattern. As illustrated in Figure 6, the floor of the wet chamber 12 in this modified example is, for example, entirely made of a grating floor 16. However, it is not limited to this configuration, and a part of the floor of the wet chamber 12 may be made of a grating floor 16.

[0066] The wetting treatment is performed on the grating floor 16. Specifically, with the aforementioned trolley 50 (the trolley 50 on which the molded object is placed) positioned on the grating floor 16, the molded object is wetted with liquid (CL).

[0067] In this way, by providing the grating floor 16 in the wetting chamber 12, liquid discharged from the wetting device 40 that falls from the molded object or does not adhere to the molded object can be passed through the grating floor 16 and fall below the grating floor 16. This makes it easy to maintain a clean state inside the wetting chamber 12.

[0068] The recovery device 70 is configured to receive and recover liquid that falls downward from the grating floor 16. Specifically, the recovery device 70 according to this modified example comprises a receiving container 71, a connecting passage 72, a tank 73, a drainage pump 76, and a drainage passage 77.

[0069] The receiving container 71 is positioned below the grating floor 16 and is configured to receive liquid that falls from the grating floor 16. In this modified example, the bottom surface 71a of the receiving container 71 is an "inclined surface" that slopes downward as it is positioned in a predetermined direction (the Y direction in Figure 6). This makes it easy for the liquid to move across the bottom surface 71a of the receiving container 71. As a result, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of large amounts of solid components such as powder contained in the liquid on the bottom surface 71a of the receiving container 71.

[0070] A drain port 71b is provided at the downstream end of the bottom surface 71a of the receiving container 71. The liquid received by the receiving container 71 flows along the bottom surface 71a and is discharged from the drain port 71b.

[0071] The connecting passage 72 is configured to connect the receiving container 71 and the tank 73, specifically connecting the drain port 71b and the tank 73. The liquid that passes through the drain port 71b flows into the tank 73 through the connecting passage 72. In this modified example, the tank 73 is located below the receiving container 71 overall. The tank 73 may be installed, for example, in the basement of a workroom adjacent to the humidification chamber 12.

[0072] Tank 73 is configured to temporarily store the liquid discharged from the receiving container 71. Specifically, the interior of Tank 73 in this modified example is divided into a first tank 74a, a second tank 74b, and a third tank 74c by a plurality of partition walls (partition walls 75a, partition walls 75b). Specifically, partition wall 75a separates the first tank 74a from the second tank 74b, and partition wall 75b separates the second tank 74b from the third tank 74c.

[0073] The liquid that has passed through the connecting passage 72 first flows into the first tank 74a. In the first tank 74a, dust contained in the liquid (specifically, dust containing powders such as metal powder) accumulates as precipitate (PR) at the bottom of the first tank 74a. This makes it possible to remove the dust contained in the liquid.

[0074] The liquid in the first tank 74a (liquid from which the precipitate has been removed) can flow over the upper end of the partition wall 75a into the second tank 74b. In the second tank 74b, fumes and other particles contained in the liquid float on the liquid surface to form suspended solids (FL). This allows for the removal of fumes and other particles from the liquid.

[0075] The liquid in the second tank 74b (liquid from which suspended solids have been removed) can flow into the third tank 74c by passing through the space between the lower end of the compartment wall 75b and the bottom surface of the tank 73.

[0076] Thus, the tank 73 according to this modified example is configured such that the liquid flowing into the tank 73 moves through the first tank 74a, the second tank 74b, and the third tank 74c in that order, and is configured so that impurities (such as dust and fumes) contained in the liquid can be removed as the liquid moves through these tanks.

[0077] The liquid that flows into the third tank 74c is pumped by the drain pump 76, passes through the drain passage 77, and is discharged outside the additive manufacturing system 1.

[0078] As described above, this modified version includes a recovery device 70, which allows for the recovery of liquid that has fallen from the grating floor 16. Furthermore, it is possible to remove impurities contained in the recovered liquid.

[0079] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the present invention as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 1: Additive manufacturing system 10: Modeling room 11:Suction chamber 12: Humidity chamber 16: Grating floor 20c: Gate (Gate 1) 20d: Gate (Gate 2) 20e: Gate (Gate 3) 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d: Entrance 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d: Exit 30: Additive manufacturing equipment 40: Humidification device 50: Dolly 70: Recovery device 80:Suction device

Claims

1. A build chamber is equipped with additive manufacturing equipment configured to produce molded objects, A suction chamber, which is connected to the molding chamber, is provided with a suction device configured to perform a suction process to suck up dust adhering to the molded object that has been discharged from the molding chamber and transported to the suction chamber. A wetting chamber is connected to the suction chamber, and a wetting device is provided in the wetting chamber, which is configured to perform a wetting process in which the molded object discharged from the suction chamber and transported to the wetting chamber is wetted with a liquid. The suction device and, The aforementioned wetting device, A first gate configured to open and close the exit of the molding chamber and the entrance of the suction chamber, A second gate configured to open and close the outlet of the suction chamber and the inlet of the humidification chamber, The system includes a third gate configured to open and close the outlet of the aforementioned humid chamber, An additive manufacturing system configured such that the suction process is performed with the first and second gates closed, and the wetting process is performed with the second and third gates closed.

2. The additive manufacturing system according to claim 1, further comprising a trolley configured to transport the molded object from the molding chamber to the suction chamber.

3. The additive manufacturing system according to claim 1, further comprising a trolley configured to transport the molded object from the suction chamber to the wet chamber.

4. The additive manufacturing system according to claim 1, wherein the wetting chamber is equipped with a grating floor and is configured such that the wetting treatment of wetting the molded object with a liquid is performed on the grating floor.

5. The additive manufacturing system according to claim 4, further comprising a recovery device configured to receive and recover liquid that has fallen downward from the grating floor.

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