Work carriers and equipment for manufacturing 3D screen printed workpieces

Abstract

A work carrier, particularly a work carrier for manufacturing three-dimensional screen printing workpieces, comprises at least one print bed having a print area to be printed, and a support structure that supports the print bed and is formed separately from the print bed, the support structure having a support base and at least one stop for the print bed, the print bed being positioned on the support base, and in the position on the support base, the print bed being in contact with the at least one lateral stop.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a work carrier, and more particularly to a work carrier for manufacturing a three-dimensional screen printed work. The present invention similarly relates to a support structure of such a work carrier and a conveyor vehicle having such a work carrier. Finally, the present invention also relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional screen printed work having such a work carrier. The present invention similarly relates to a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional screen printed work, the use of a work carrier, and pharmaceuticals manufactured using such a work carrier.

Background Art

[0002] In the manufacture of three-dimensional screen printed works, work carriers are used in known ways. For example, an apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional screen printed work in which a plurality of work carriers move between a printing device and other stations of the apparatus is disclosed in the prior art document EP3725523A1. The screen printed work can be built up layer by layer on the work carrier by a plurality of printing steps, i.e., by printing a plurality of layers by three-dimensional screen printing.

[0003] The works thus printed come into contact with the work carrier or each print area of the work carrier, respectively, during the production process. For this reason, it may be necessary to select a material suitable for the work carrier or to construct the work carrier more precisely according to the work to be manufactured or the material to be printed. This can potentially increase the cost of manufacturing each work carrier. Furthermore, the flexibility of use of the work carrier thus manufactured adaptively is limited. Use under other usage conditions, or use for manufacturing screen printed works from other materials, can only be carried out, if at all, within a limited range.

[0004] Finally, the configuration or adaptation of the work carrier, depending on the material of the screen-printed workpiece manufactured or printed in each case, can have an adverse effect on the process technology sequence in 3D screen printing. Depending on the material selected for the work carrier, its stability may be limited, requiring considerable effort to handle. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Given the background described above, the objective of the present invention is to identify a work carrier that can be manufactured at low cost, allows for appropriate adaptability or configuration in each case for the production of screen printing workpieces, and ensures a high degree of flexibility and handling in use.

[0006] Similarly, the objective is to identify support structures for such work carriers, conveyor vehicles equipped with work carriers, and apparatus for manufacturing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces. Finally, the objective is to identify methods for manufacturing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, uses of work carriers, and pharmaceutical products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] With respect to work carriers, this objective is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1 and claims 73 and 74. A support structure for such a work carrier is defined in claim 75, and a conveyor vehicle having such a work carrier is defined in claim 76. An apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional screen-printed workpiece is the subject matter of claim 77. A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional screen-printed workpiece is the subject matter of claim 78. The use of a work carrier is defined in claim 79, and pharmaceuticals are defined in claim 80. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of dependent claims and are described below.

[0008] A work carrier, particularly one for manufacturing three-dimensional screen printing workpieces, comprises at least one print bed having a print area to be printed, and a support structure that supports the print bed and is formed separately from the print bed. According to the present invention, the support structure comprises the support base and at least one stop for the print bed, the print bed is positioned on the support base, and in the position on the support base, the print bed can be brought into contact with the at least one lateral stop.

[0009] Accordingly, according to the present invention, the print bed and the support structure are separate or independent components. In this way, the print bed having the print area to be printed can be manufactured in particular with respect to the screen printing workpiece manufactured in each case. In particular, the material selection of the print bed can be done with respect to the screen printing workpiece manufactured in each case.

[0010] According to the present invention, the print bed can be manufactured primarily from materials particularly suitable for subsequent printing using the respective printing materials or printing pastes in three-dimensional screen printing. Therefore, the material selection for the print bed can be made considering the screen printing workpiece to be manufactured in each case, or the materials of the screen printing workpiece to be manufactured. At the same time, since the print bed can be realized with relatively simple molding, the labor required in terms of production technology for the print bed can be kept low.

[0011] In contrast, support structures can be formed primarily for the purpose of holding or supporting the print bed. Because support structures can be manufactured independently of the print bed, they are particularly cost-effective and can be manufactured robustly at the same time. In particular, the manufacturing of support structures can be carried out without material requirements predetermined by the screen-printed workpiece being manufactured in each case. This increases the overall flexibility in the overall structure of the work carrier. A robust design of the support structure also simplifies the handling of the entire work carrier, resulting in a reduced risk of damage.

[0012] Because the print bed and support structure are formed separately, each print bed can be replaced with relatively little effort, especially in response to changes in production conditions. This provides an advantage in the subsequent adaptability of the work carrier. In this way, flexibility of use can be further improved.

[0013] Furthermore, when the print bed is formed separately, cleaning can be performed with less effort without having to clean the entire work carrier or the support structure of the work carrier.

[0014] Finally, the invention of a support structure having at least one stop relative to the print bed ensures that the print bed can be precisely positioned on the support structure with minimal effort. Precise positioning of the print bed on the support structure is ensured with particularly little handling effort by providing at least one stop. This results in particularly high operational reliability when using each work carrier.

[0015] In this context, three-dimensional screen printing can be understood as an additive manufacturing method, particularly preferred, in which a powder-based suspension is transferred onto a substrate via a solid printing mask with the help of a squeegee and then dried. This procedure can be repeated several times until the desired height or shape of the component is reached in each case. In the final process step, the component manufactured in this manner may be sintered, thereby becoming a screen-printed workpiece.

[0016] Similarly, in this context, 3D screen printing can be understood to mean an additive manufacturing method in which a powder-based suspension is transferred onto a substrate via a solid printing mask with the help of a squeegee, and dried, thereby achieving the desired part height or part shape in a single print. In the final process step, the components manufactured in this manner can be sintered to produce a screen-printed workpiece. Where multiple printing processes are mentioned in this context, one printing process may be sufficient and appropriate instead.

[0017] In this context, screen-printed workpieces can be understood to mean workpieces or three-dimensional printed products that undergo or have undergone a sintering process in a preferred manner. This is especially true for workpieces made of metal, ceramic, glass, and / or plastic materials. In particular for this purpose, alloys made of steel, nickel, copper, titanium, and / or ceramic alloys can be considered.

[0018] Printed materials made from plastic can be excluded or included depending on the designation of "3D screen printed workpieces." In particular, printed workpiece layers made from plastic materials may be subjected to a sintering process.

[0019] In this context, screen-printed workpieces can be understood to mean workpieces or 3D printed products that are manufactured without a sintering process, or that are completed or planned to be completed without a sintering process. As a result, the final curing of the printed layer can also be performed without a sintering process. Curing of screen-printed workpieces can also be favorably carried out by UV curing and / or polymerization reaction and / or drying, particularly convection drying. Such curing can be preferred, especially when the final curing of the printed layer is performed without a sintering process.

[0020] Screen-printed works in the sense of the present invention may further be pharmaceuticals and / or biological preparations. Such screen-printed works can be produced, in particular, from pharmaceutical powder materials and / or powder mixtures and / or granules and / or biological materials. In particular, pharmaceuticals and / or biological preparations can be produced without a sintering process or can be fully cured to suit their respective applications.

[0021] Screen-printed workpieces produced from pharmaceutical powder materials and / or powder mixtures and / or granules may contain pharmaceuticals, active ingredients, excipients, and in particular fillers and / or binders and / or disintegrants and / or lubricants.

[0022] According to this teaching, the print area of ​​a work carrier, particularly a print bed, may be provided and / or designed for direct printing. Accordingly, a work carrier or the print bed of such a work carrier may be placed or positioned within the apparatus described below for providing a print area to be printed and / or for manufacturing a three-dimensional screen printing workpiece, particularly a 3D screen printing machine, either as a direct printing substrate or for providing a print area to be printed.

[0023] According to the present invention, a screen printing work can be a work constructed on a work carrier by three-dimensional screen printing in one or more printing steps. In this case, the screen printing work can be removed again from the work carrier, in particular from the printing bed of the work carrier, especially non-destructively, particularly after completion of the printing step and / or after completion of a sintering operation following the printing step.

[0024] During the printing step of the screen printing work, each work carrier can be removed from or made removable from a device for manufacturing a three-dimensional screen printing work, in particular the printing table or the printing table plate of a 3D screen printing machine. The individual layers of the screen printing work can be dried at a position remote from the respective printing table or the printing table plate of the device during the two consecutive printing steps in the case of a multilayer structure.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the work carrier can be designed and / or configured for production under clean room conditions. In particular, the work carrier and / or the device can be designed and / or configured to produce under clean room conditions in accordance with clean room classes A, B, C, D compliant with EU-GMP.

[0026] Furthermore, the work carrier according to the present invention can be designed and / or configured for manufacturing screen printing works for applications in medical technology, optics and / or laser technology, aerospace technology, semiconductor technology, biotechnology and / or medical and / or pharmacological research.

[0027] Similarly, the work carrier according to the present invention can be designed and / or configured for manufacturing screen printing works for use and / or application as medical and / or pharmaceutical products, implants and / or sterilized products and / or pharmaceuticals.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the work carrier, the printing bed may be fixed to the support structure. In particular, when disposed on the support base and fixed to the support structure, the printing bed can abut laterally against at least one stop of the support structure. Such an embodiment can reduce the risk that the printing bed unintentionally detaches from the support structure. As a result, the reliability of the position of the printing bed on the support structure is generally increased.

[0029] The attachment of the printing bed to the support structure may be designed and / or provided so as to be maintained at least during the printing process of the screen printing work and / or during the printing process of the screen printing work. More preferably, the fixing of the printing bed to the support structure can be designed and / or provided so as to be maintained during all printing processes for the screen printing work and / or during all printing processes. In the process of manufacturing a screen printing work in a 3D screen printing machine, the work carrier is treated as a structural unit and can be transported and / or arranged in each respective facility accordingly.

[0030] According to a more preferred embodiment, the support structure may have a plurality of stops for the printing bed. When disposed on the support base, the printing bed can abut in a plurality of lateral directions against the plurality of stops. In this way, high positioning accuracy in a plurality of lateral directions can be ensured with a little handling effort.

[0031] According to the present invention, the lateral direction can be understood to particularly mean a direction extending parallel to the plane formed by the printed print area. Along such a plane, the printing bed can be attached in a particularly preferred manner in a plurality of lateral directions to a plurality or different stops. Therefore, the positioning of the printing bed along the plane formed by the print area can be performed with particularly high accuracy and handling reliability.

[0032] In a more preferred embodiment, the multiple stops of the support structure may be formed by a single-shape body. This can be achieved with relatively little production effort. Furthermore, the embodiment can be implemented by a single-shape body having a particularly robust structure.

[0033] In a more preferred embodiment, the stops can be designed as lateral boundaries of the print bed. Multiple stops can form multiple lateral boundaries for different sides of the print bed. The lateral boundaries allow the print bed to be brought into contact with and fixed in a lateral position with particularly high reliability or precise alignment.

[0034] It can be particularly advantageous if at least one stop is designed to make flat contact with the print bed laterally, especially with the contact surface of the stop. For this purpose, correspondingly designed sides or correspondingly designed side sections can be advantageously provided on the print bed. The possibility of undesirable tilting or rotational positioning of the print bed relative to the support structure can be avoided with particularly high reliability in this way. Furthermore, it is possible to provide multiple stops for lateral planar contact of the print bed, thereby further improving the reliability of positioning.

[0035] Similarly, stops may be designed to make point contact with the print bed in the lateral direction. Such stops can be provided with minimal effort. Furthermore, it is possible to provide multiple stops to make point contact with the print bed in the lateral direction. Thus, in such embodiments, the print bed can make point contact with multiple stops in the lateral direction. Such embodiments also enable high positioning reliability and positioning accuracy of the print bed. Embodiments of stops for point contact of the print bed are suitable, for example, even when the production tolerance of the print bed is relatively large. As a result, unstable contact positions and tilts of the print bed with respect to the stops can be prevented, regardless of the production accuracy of the print bed's sides.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment, a clearance can be formed between the side of the print bed and the support structure. Along such a clearance, the side of the print bed will not come into contact with the stops or other contact surfaces of the support structure. Such a clearance can, in particular, extend between two stops assigned to one side of the print bed. The clearance can, in particular, be designed as a gap between the side of the print bed and the support structure. Such a clearance allows for appropriate compensation of production tolerances of the print bed and / or the support structure. In this way, unstable or inclined contact positions of the print bed with respect to the stops can also be appropriately prevented.

[0037] In a more preferred embodiment, the stop can extend relative to the support base along the thickness or height direction of the support structure and / or along the thickness or height direction of the print bed. The thickness or height direction can include a lateral angle, particularly a right angle. At the position of the print bed positioned on the support base, a stop for lateral contact of the print bed can be created with minimal ingenuity.

[0038] A more preferred method is to set the height of the stop relative to the support base in the thickness direction of the support structure and / or the thickness direction of the print bed so that it is less than or equal to the thickness of the print bed. This prevents each stop from protruding relative to the print bed in the thickness or height direction. This prevents obstacles during printing in the printing apparatus of a 3D screen printing machine, in particular collisions between the print screen or squeegee and the respective stops of the work carrier.

[0039] In particular, it is preferable that the print area of ​​the print bed be aligned at least to the same height as the top surface of the stop. More preferably, the print area of ​​the print bed can be aligned flush with the upper surface portion of the support structure.

[0040] Here, flush alignment can be understood as meaning that the print bed terminates at the same height as or substantially the same height as the upper side of at least one stop, or at the same height as or substantially the same height as the upper surface portion of the support structure.

[0041] Therefore, for the work carrier, it is possible to create a surface that is entirely flat or substantially flat, or free of protrusions in the thickness or height direction, or substantially free of protrusions. Such flush alignment, free of protrusions or substantially free of protrusions on the upper side of the work carrier, can particularly reliably avoid obstacles during printing in the printing apparatus of a 3D screen printing machine.

[0042] Therefore, in this case, flash alignment can be understood to mean essentially only flash alignment. If printing problems in the printing equipment of a 3D screen printer, particularly obstructions to the squeegee movement caused by the upper side of the work carrier, can be avoided, then essentially flash alignment may already exist.

[0043] In a more preferred embodiment, the stop may be formed as a molded body and / or molded body section extending relative to the support base along the thickness direction of the support structure and / or along the thickness direction of the print bed. The stop may be formed by a pin section and / or block section located above the support structure. Such a pin section or block section located above the support structure can be applied and / or fixed later, for example. The molded body or molded body section may be formed integrally with the support base of the support structure, for example, resulting in an embodiment that is particularly robust to the support structure.

[0044] In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure may have an insertion cavity for the print bed. In this case, the print bed can be at least partially embedded in the insertion cavity. Positioning the print bed within such an insertion cavity can be achieved with minimal handling, particularly with a low risk of manual error. At the same time, the insertion cavity ensures high positional reliability of the print bed relative to the support structure.

[0045] It is even more advantageous if the print bed is fully embedded in the insertion cavity. Similarly, according to a preferred embodiment, the print area of ​​the print bed may be coplanar with the upper surface portion of the support structure surrounding the insertion cavity. In this way, portions protruding from the print bed in the thickness or height direction can be avoided. This avoids obstacles to the printing process and geometric collisions with the respective print screens and / or squeegees of the printing apparatus.

[0046] In a further preferred embodiment, the insertion cavity may be divided into sections by at least a support base and / or one or more side walls and / or at least one or more stops. Thus, such an insertion cavity can define or divide the print bed position in multiple dimensions with a simple structural design.

[0047] In a more preferred embodiment, the stop may be formed by or on the sidewall of the insertion cavity. In particular, the stop may be formed by a portion of the sidewall of the insertion cavity and / or a side projection of the sidewall of the insertion cavity. The side projection of the sidewall protrudes laterally toward the print bed relative to an adjacent portion of the sidewall of the insertion cavity and can form a stop or contact surface with the print bed.

[0048] A clearance section can be formed between the print bed and at least one side wall of the insertion cavity. In this case, the clearance section can be extended between the two side projections of the side wall of the insertion cavity.

[0049] Furthermore, in either case, one stop can be formed on one side wall of the insertion cavity, or multiple stops can be formed on the same side wall of the insertion cavity. Thus, adjacent side walls and / or opposite side walls of the insertion cavity can form different stops. In this way, the print bed can be fixed in place along multiple directions in a position on the support base, for example, with respect to two side walls of the insertion cavity, or to side projections of different side walls of the insertion cavity. This avoids or reduces the risk of the print bed being incorrectly positioned relative to the support structure.

[0050] More preferably, the support structure may have exactly three stops for the lateral positioning of the print bed. In particular, the support structure may have exactly three stops formed as side projections on one or more side walls of the insertion cavity. In this case, preferably, two side projections may be formed on the same side wall of the insertion cavity, and further side projections may be formed on adjacent or adjacent side walls of the insertion cavity. This allows for stable positioning at three defined points or three lateral sections of the print bed, enabling reliable positioning relative to the support structure.

[0051] In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure may have a frame portion connected to a support base. In this case, the frame portion is preferably thicker than the support base. Stops can be formed and / or positioned on the frame portion. This allows for a particularly simple and robust structural design of the support structure. Furthermore, such a frame portion can provide a particularly suitable edging in the lateral direction of the print bed.

[0052] In a more preferred embodiment, the insertion cavity may be confined, at least in cross-section, by a frame and a support base. In this case, the side walls of the insertion cavity, or stops formed as stops or side projections of the side walls, can be formed in the frame. Thus, the frame ensures high stability of the support structure while allowing the side walls of the insertion cavity to be formed in the frame with minimal manufacturing effort. The frame and / or side walls can preferably surround the insertion cavity circumferentially, particularly entirely circumferentially and / or transversely.

[0053] In a more preferred embodiment, the frame and support base can be designed to be integrally connected to each other. Similarly, the support base can be formed separately from the frame and fixed to the frame, and it is preferable that the support base is mounted to the frame in a floating manner. Such a floating mount can be provided, in particular, to compensate for the thermal expansion of the support base relative to the frame. In contrast, an integrated design of the frame and support base can contribute to a particularly stable overall structure.

[0054] In a more preferred embodiment, the print bed can be formed from a material that is at least partially different from the material of the support structure. Furthermore, or alternatively, the print bed may be formed from a material that has a configuration and / or composition that is at least partially different from the configuration and / or composition of the material of the support structure.

[0055] Therefore, both the print bed and the support structure can be specifically designed or configured with respect to the function they perform in each case, either as part of the material side or as part of the material-side work carrier.

[0056] By selecting the material or configuration and / or material composition of the print bed, a print area optimized for each printing process can be provided. In contrast, the material or configuration and / or material composition of the support structure can be selected to achieve high stability requirements and cost-effective production. Thus, subdividing the work carrier into support structure and print bed contributes to functional subdivision, and varying the material selection for the print bed and support structure contributes to high functional efficiency.

[0057] In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure can be formed at least partially from a metallic material, particularly a light metal material. In a particularly preferred method, the support structure can be formed cross-section from at least aluminum and / or titanium and / or steel. Such metallic materials are strong and can be processed with relatively little effort, so the corresponding support structures can be manufactured at a low cost. Light metal materials such as aluminum also ensure a lighter support structure and simplify handling during manufacturing.

[0058] It may be even more advantageous if the support base is formed at least partially from steel plate. Furthermore, the support base can be formed at least partially from light metal materials, particularly aluminum and / or titanium. Such a support base is relatively lightweight and sufficiently strong to safely accommodate the print bed during the manufacturing of three-dimensional screen printing workpieces.

[0059] According to a further preferred embodiment of the work carrier, the support base can be formed in at least part from a material different from that of at least one other part of the support structure, particularly the material of the frame portion of the support structure. Thus, the desired material properties can be specifically set for different sections or parts of the support structure in each case.

[0060] For example, the support base can be manufactured from a stronger material, resulting in sufficient stability even with a thinner support base. Conversely, a thicker frame can be manufactured from, for example, a light metal material, resulting in a relatively lightweight overall support structure while simultaneously meeting high stability requirements.

[0061] In a more preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the support base and at least another portion of the support structure, particularly the frame portion of the support structure, can be formed from the same material. Preferably, the support base and the frame portion can be formed entirely from the same material. Selecting the same material for different parts of the support structure can also contribute to simplifying production or the overall structural design.

[0062] The print bed can be formed, at least partially, from titanium and / or glass and / or steel, particularly steel sheets, and / or magnetic steel and / or aluminum. Furthermore, or alternatively, the print bed can be formed from ceramic and / or sintered materials. Using titanium, glass, or ceramic materials reduces the risk of reaction with the material of the screen-printed workpiece being manufactured. Using steel for the print bed extends its lifespan. In the case of magnetic steel, magnetic attachment of the print bed to the support structure can be achieved by simple means.

[0063] In a more preferred embodiment, the total weight of the support structure and print bed is preferably less than 10 kg, preferably less than 8 kg, more preferably less than 7 kg, more preferably less than 6 kg, more preferably less than 5 kg, more preferably less than 4.5 kg, more preferably less than 4 kg, more preferably less than 3.5 kg, more preferably less than 3 kg, and more preferably less than 2 kg. The support structure and print bed can be handled with minimal effort due to such weight limitations. In particular, with such weight limitations, manual handling by each worker is also considered in addition to automated handling, resulting in a high degree of flexibility for use in the manufacture of three-dimensional screen printed workpieces.

[0064] In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure and / or the frame portion of the support structure and / or the print bed and support base together preferably have a maximum thickness of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 8 mm, more preferably less than 7 mm, more preferably less than 6 mm, more preferably less than 5 mm, and still more preferably less than 4 mm or about 4 mm. Similarly, the support structure and / or the frame portion of the support structure and / or the print bed and support base together preferably have a maximum thickness of less than 3 mm or about 3 mm, more preferably less than 2 mm or about 2 mm. With such maximum thicknesses, the work carrier can be gripped particularly well with both manual and automatic handling. Similarly, with such maximum thicknesses, it is possible to avoid the work carrier stacking too high on the print table or within the respective printing apparatus of the 3D screen printing machine. This makes it possible to avoid or reduce specific adaptations of print kinematics depending on the work carrier.

[0065] In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure and / or the frame portion of the support structure and / or the print bed and support base together preferably have a thickness of 0.5 mm or more, preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 2.5 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 3.5 mm or more, more preferably 4 mm or more, more preferably 4.5 mm or more, and more preferably 5 mm or more. This promotes sufficient stability of the work carrier, or sufficient overall stability of the work carrier. At the same time, with dimensions of such thickness, good and reliable handling of the work carrier can be ensured.

[0066] In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure and / or the frame portion of the support structure and / or the print bed and support base together have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, particularly 0.8 mm to 8 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 6 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 5 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 4 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 3 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 3 mm, more preferably 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, and most preferably about 2 mm. With such a thickness, a sufficiently robust overall structure can be ensured. At the same time, good handling of the work carrier and proper fixing within the printing device or the conveyor vehicle of the 3D screen printing machine can be achieved. With such dimensions, the desired positioning of each work carrier within the 3D screen printing machine can be achieved with relatively little effort.

[0067] In a more preferred embodiment, the thickness of the print bed is preferably 0.5 mm or more, preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 2.5 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 3.5 mm or more, more preferably 4 mm or more, more preferably 4.5 mm or more, and more preferably 5 mm or more. Such minimum thicknesses advantageously ensure high dimensional stability of the print bed. For example, undesirable deformations that could result in uneven printing can be avoided if the print bed thickness is sufficiently large. Furthermore, such minimum thicknesses facilitate damage-free removal or removal of the print bed from the support structure. This also applies to the process of positioning the print bed on the support structure, or the process of fixing the print bed on the support structure or within the respective insertion cavities.

[0068] In a more preferred embodiment, the print bed preferably has a thickness of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 8 mm, more preferably less than 7 mm, more preferably less than 6 mm, more preferably less than 5 mm, more preferably less than 4 mm or about 4 mm, more preferably less than 3 mm or about 3 mm, and more preferably less than 2 mm or about 2 mm. With such a thickness, the weight of the print bed can be appropriately limited, resulting in good handling characteristics. At the same time, with such a thickness, the height of the stop of the support structure relative to the support base can also be limited, resulting in a relatively low overall thickness of the work carrier. The above maximum thickness of the print bed contributes overall to limiting the thickness of the work carrier or to the common arrangement of the support structure and the print bed.

[0069] In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure and / or insertion cavity and / or support base and / or frame portion and / or plan view of the support structure and / or print bed may have a rectangular, particularly square shape. The print bed can be designed specifically as a print bed plate. Such a shape is, on the one hand, particularly advantageous for fixing within the conveyor vehicle of a 3D screen printing machine. At the same time, the rectangular, particularly square shape can increase the use of space on the print bed with respect to the respective geometric design of the print screen or print table used for printing.

[0070] Conventional printing screens or printing table plates also have a rectangular, and especially square, shape. The corresponding shape of the printing bed and / or support base, insertion cavity, or entire support structure can contribute to good surface utilization of the printing bed or the print area formed by the printing bed during operation.

[0071] In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure is at least 50 mm, preferably at least 100 mm, preferably at least 150 mm, preferably at least 200 mm, preferably at least 250 mm, preferably at least 300 mm, preferably at least 350 mm, preferably at least 400 mm, preferably at least 450 mm, and even more preferably at least 475 mm. A support structure with these dimensions allows for the placement of a relatively large print bed on it, resulting in a relatively large print area.

[0072] More preferably, the side edge length or multiple side edge lengths of the support structure are up to 1000 mm, preferably up to 900 mm, preferably up to 800 mm, preferably up to 700 mm, preferably up to 700 mm, preferably up to 600 mm, preferably up to 550 mm, more preferably up to 525 mm, more preferably up to 500 mm, further 450 mm, further 400 mm, and further 300 mm. Such dimensions for the support structure result in an overall compact and stable structure, and allow for good handling of each work carrier when positioning them on the printing equipment, printing table, or conveyor vehicle of the 3D screen printing machine. This also applies to removing work carriers with such dimensionally set support structures from their respective placements or positions within the 3D screen printing machine.

[0073] A more preferred method is for the side edge length of the print bed to be at least 25 mm, at least 50 mm, preferably at least 100 mm, preferably at least 150 mm, preferably at least 200 mm, preferably at least 150 mm, preferably at least 25 mm, at least 300 mm, even more preferably at least 350 mm, even more preferably at least 400 mm, even more preferably at least 450 mm, even more preferably at least 450 mm, and even more preferably at least 500 mm. With such print bed dimensions, a print area large enough to print on a three-dimensional screen printing workpiece can be provided.

[0074] Furthermore, the side edge length or multiple side edge lengths of the print bed are preferably up to 900 mm, preferably up to 800 mm, preferably up to 700 mm, preferably up to 600 mm, even more preferably up to 500 mm, even more preferably up to 400 mm, even more preferably up to 400 mm, even more preferably up to 300 mm, even more preferably up to 200 mm, even more preferably up to 100 mm, even more preferably up to 75 mm, even more preferably up to 50 mm, and even more preferably up to 100 mm. Such a print bed can, on the one hand, provide a large print area sufficient for printing on a three-dimensional screen printing workpiece. At the same time, good handling of the print bed can be ensured in the case of such dimensional limitations. Furthermore, in the case of such dimensions, the side edge length of the support structure that carries the print bed can also be limited, resulting in an overall robust and compact structure for the entire work carrier.

[0075] It can be even more advantageous if the support structure is designed as a milled part, and / or at least partially manufactured by milling. This allows for relatively complex shapes in the support structure while simultaneously requiring less effort in terms of production technology. Furthermore, sufficient stability of the support structure can be ensured by milling production or formation as a milled part.

[0076] In a more preferable method, the print bed can be removed from the support structure non-destructively and / or without tools. The print bed can be removed non-destructively and / or without tools from the insertion cavity of the support structure, especially by manual handling and / or operation. This allows for easy replacement or removal of the print bed for cleaning purposes. If damaged, the print bed can be replaced in this manner and replaced with a new one. Similarly, such a design allows for the placement of various print beds on the support structure or insertion into the insertion cavity to accommodate various operating conditions. Thus, it becomes possible to use different print beds and support structures alternately, resulting in an overall material-saving or resource-saving mode of operation. In such a configuration, there is no need to provide a dedicated support structure for each print bed, and as a result, the number of support structures in operation can be saved in any case.

[0077] In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure may have a recessed grip that allows manual contact with the side of the print bed while it is positioned within the insertion cavity. In particular, the recessed grip can be dimensioned so that the operator can perform lateral contact with the print bed, at least by fingers, when positioning the print bed within the insertion cavity. Thus, such a recessed grip simplifies the manual handling of the print bed, especially when inserting or removing the print bed from the insertion cavity. The recessed grip can be advantageously designed as a recess in the side wall of the insertion cavity.

[0078] In a more preferred embodiment, the print bed may be suspended and fixed within the support structure and / or insertion cavity, particularly to compensate for thermal expansion relative to the support structure. This can avoid undesirable stress conditions or blockages of the print bed within the support structure or insertion cavity, especially when different materials are used for the print bed and the support structure. A floating mount allows for appropriate correction. Floating mounting of the print bed on and / or within the insertion cavity can allow for movement or expansion of the print bed relative to the support structure in at least one or more lateral directions.

[0079] Similarly, the print bed may be fixed to the support structure and / or insertion cavity in a manner that is free of or substantially free of play. Free of or substantially free of play mounting of the print bed to the support structure and / or insertion cavity can prevent or significantly reduce the movement of the print bed relative to the support structure in at least one or more lateral directions. The position of the print bed relative to the support structure can thus be fixedly predetermined in each direction or orientation. This reduces the risk of undesirable mispositioning of the print bed relative to the support structure.

[0080] In a more preferred embodiment, the print bed can be secured within the support structure and / or insertion cavity by pressure fitting and / or mating and / or material bonding. Such fastening can be carried out in a particularly advantageous manner at a position that laterally abuts against at least one or more stops. Pressure fitting and / or mating and / or material bonding ensure a high overall level of securing reliability of the print bed within the support structure and / or insertion cavity. This reduces the risk of the print bed unintentionally dislodging from the support structure.

[0081] The print bed can be magnetically secured within the support structure and / or insertion cavity, which is a particularly advantageous method. The print bed can be secured within the support structure and / or insertion cavity by at least one magnetic film and / or at least one neodymium magnet. Magnetic securing provides, on the one hand, high fastening reliability. At the same time, magnetic securing allows for easy and non-destructive removal of the print bed from the support structure or insertion cavity.

[0082] More preferably, at least one magnet, particularly a magnetic film and / or a neodymium magnet, can be fixed to the print bed. Preferably, such a magnet can be bonded to the underside of the print bed facing the support base and / or embedded within the print bed. This can be achieved with relatively little effort and also allows for magnetic fixation of the print bed, and as part of this, other suitable support structures having either magnetic material or at least one corresponding magnet.

[0083] Furthermore, or alternatively, at least one magnet, particularly a magnetic film and / or neodymium magnet, may be fixed to and / or embedded in and / or bonded to the support base of the support structure. Such a configuration allows for easy and highly reliable fastening of a print bed, at least in part, made of magnetic material, or equipped with at least one magnet in that portion, to the support structure. Positioning the magnet to the support base, embedding it in the support base, and bonding it to the support base with adhesive are particularly space-saving and ensure a high degree of fastening reliability.

[0084] Additionally or alternatively, the print bed can be bonded within the support structure and / or insertion cavity, preferably by adhesive tape or multiple sections of adhesive tape. Such a configuration is easy to construct and offers high cost efficiency. Furthermore, such adhesive bonding ensures both high fastening reliability and easy replacement of the print bed, or removal of the print bed from its respective support structure or insertion cavity.

[0085] In a particularly preferred method, adhesive tape can be bonded between the print bed and the support base. Alternatively, the print bed can be bonded to the support structure by adhesive tape that overlaps and adheres to the upper surface of the print bed opposite the support base. This type of fastening can be done manually and is particularly cost-effective.

[0086] In a more preferred embodiment, the print bed may be fixedly clamped within the support structure and / or insertion cavity by at least one spring device. In particular, the print bed may be clamped and / or biased by at least one spring device against at least one side wall or portion of the side wall of the insertion cavity and / or against a side projection of the side wall of the insertion cavity. Such clamping of the print bed allows its position within or on the support structure to be maintained particularly well or permanently. In this case, the print bed may generally be clamped and / or biased against at least one stop by the spring device. Thus, the position of the print bed relative to the stop can be maintained particularly reliably by the spring device.

[0087] A more preferred method is for the print bed to be fixedly clamped within the support structure and / or insertion cavity by multiple spring devices. In particular, the print bed can be clamped and / or biased laterally by multiple spring devices against multiple stops or side walls of the insertion cavity and / or side projections, or against multiple side projections of the side walls, or against multiple side walls of the insertion cavity. Thus, the spring devices can contribute to particularly high positional accuracy of the print bed relative to the support structure.

[0088] At least one spring device can preferably act on the print bed, in particular on at least one side of the print bed extending between the upper surface of the print bed facing away from the support base and the lower surface of the print bed facing the support base. Thus, a lateral force effect can be obtained on the print bed.

[0089] Furthermore, multiple spring devices can act laterally on the print bed, particularly on multiple adjacent sides of the print bed extending between the upper surface of the print bed facing away from the support base and the lower surface of the print bed facing the support base. As a result, the spring devices can apply a variety of lateral forces to the print bed. This makes it easy to achieve and maintain contact between the print bed and each stop of the support structure during operation.

[0090] A more preferred method is that, in a plan view of the print bed, the tension of the spring device can act diagonally on the print bed and / or diagonally through the print bed. Similarly, in a plan view of the print bed, the tension of the spring device can generally act diagonally on the print bed and / or diagonally through the print bed, particularly acting at an angle greater than or less than 90° to the side of the print bed or a side. In this way, lateral contact of the print bed with two stops or two side walls of the insertion cavity, or with two or more side wall sections or side projections, can be brought about by a single spring device. This reduces the risk of operational errors.

[0091] A more preferred method is that at least one spring device can act laterally on the corner regions and / or corner surfaces of the print bed. The corner region can be the region adjacent to the corner. Thus, the corner surface can be the surface adjacent to the corner. Spring forces acting diagonally on the print bed, or diagonally on the print bed in a plan view of the print bed, can be applied in a particularly reliable manner by such embodiments.

[0092] More preferably, at least one spring device may have notches to receive the corners and / or edges of the print bed, particularly the corner edges or edges of a corner region, in a non-contact and / or load-free manner. Here, the corner edge or edge of a corner region is understood to mean the edge that separates two sides extending between the upper surface of the print bed and the lower surface of the print bed. Thus, the corner edge or edge of a corner region connects two adjacent corners, namely the upper corner and the lower corner of the print bed. The peak loads on both the print bed material and the contact surface of the spring device can be avoided by the notches to receive the corners and / or edges of the print bed in a non-contact and / or load-free manner, thereby completely preventing or reducing undesirable material stress.

[0093] A more preferred method is for the print bed to have at least one flat or rounded corner region, or at least one flat or rounded corner edge, in particular multiple flat or rounded corner regions, or multiple flat or rounded corner edges. Thus, at least one edge of the corner region and / or corner edge of the print bed can be designed to be flat or rounded. Such flat or rounded configurations of the corner region, the edge of the corner region, and / or the corner edge can avoid high surface pressure and associated material damage in the corner or edge region of the print bed. This reduces the risk of damage to the print bed during handling, positioning, and / or clamping of the support structure.

[0094] A more preferable method is for the spring device to be designed to accommodate the flat and / or rounded corner regions and / or the edges of the flat and / or rounded corners of the print bed. In particular, the spring device may have contact surfaces shaped to correspond to the flat and / or rounded corner regions and / or the edges of the flat and / or rounded corners. For the purpose of regulating or clamping the print bed, contact of the print bed by such a spring device carries a low risk of high surface pressure in such a design. Thus, the risk of damage to the print bed or the spring device is low.

[0095] According to a more preferred embodiment of the work carrier, the support structure can be designed for the arrangement or acceptance of multiple print beds. Preferably, multiple print beds formed separately from each other can generally be arranged and / or fixed on the support structure, particularly on their respective support bases or on a common support base. In a more preferred manner, the support structure may, in each case, have at least one stop for the multiple print beds, so that the print beds can be supported in at least one lateral direction at the position where they are arranged on their respective support bases.

[0096] Such embodiments can further improve the overall flexibility of using each work carrier. Instead of a relatively large print bed, multiple relatively small print beds can be provided, which can be independently interchangeable or fixed to a support structure. In case of damage, for example, only one print bed needs to be replaced. Handling multiple small print beds is also particularly easy, especially while reducing the risk of damage.

[0097] In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure may have multiple insertion cavities for multiple print beds, and it is preferable that the print beds are at least partially embedded and / or fixed in each insertion cavity. Each print bed can be in contact with at least one stop within the insertion cavity, particularly with at least one sidewall, or with a portion of the sidewall of the insertion cavity's sidewall and / or a side projection of the lateral sidewall. This allows for the safe and precise positioning of the multiple print beds relative to the support structure.

[0098] A more preferred method is for each print bed to be clamped and / or biased laterally by at least one spring device and / or within each insertion cavity, in particular against multiple side walls or multiple side wall sections, and / or against multiple side projections of the side walls of each insertion cavity or multiple side walls. As a result, each print bed can be in contact with at least one lateral contact with a stop designed as a side wall of each insertion cavity. This provides high fastening reliability and positioning accuracy for multiple print beds.

[0099] In a more preferred embodiment, the spring device is clampable and / or removable using a tool. If multiple spring devices are provided, the multiple spring devices can also be clampable and / or removable using a tool. Clamping can be done in a tool-based manner with high reliability and relatively high tension. In contrast, the possibility of undesirable loosening or accidental detachment is low.

[0100] At least one spring device and / or more spring devices can be clamped and / or removed in a tool-free manner. As a result, tension adjustment and / or removal can be performed by the operator with minimal handling effort and without the need for further equipment.

[0101] In a more preferred embodiment, the print bed may be held and / or fixedly clamped within the support structure and / or insertion cavity by at least one clamping device. In this case, the clamping device is preferably screwed into the support structure. Alternatively, the clamping device may engage with a molded portion of the print bed shaped to correspond to the clamping device. As a result, particularly high fastening reliability of the print bed within the support structure and / or insertion cavity can be ensured.

[0102] At the same time, the engagement of the presser device with the forming portion of the print bed allows the upper part of the work carrier to be relatively flat. Thus, it is possible to avoid the presser device protruding from the print bed in the thickness or height direction. Similarly, the presser device can engage with or be embedded in the corresponding shaped portion of the support structure. Thus, it is also possible to avoid the presser device protruding from the upper side of the support structure into the portion surrounding the print bed.

[0103] The pressing device can preferably be designed as a pressing disc. Such a pressing disc can be provided cost-effectively and guarantee a high level of functional reliability.

[0104] Furthermore, it is preferable that the pressing device forms a floating bearing. Thus, in such an embodiment, the pressing device can provide only a pressing function, while simultaneously allowing lateral movement of the print bed relative to the pressing device and / or the support structure, for example, to compensate for thermal expansion.

[0105] In addition to the presser foot designed as a floating bearing, the print bed can also be fixed to the support structure by a fixed mount. Such a fixed mounting can be achieved, for example, by screw connections, particularly multiple screw connections. For this purpose, at least one screw can protrude from the opening of the print bed and be screwed into the support base of the support structure. Similarly, multiple screw connections can be provided. Thus, lateral movement of the print bed relative to the support structure can also be blocked in the area of ​​such a fixed mounting.

[0106] Generally, securing the print bed to the support structure and / or insertion cavity can be achieved by a fixed floating bearing arrangement. This can be a lateral floating bearing arrangement of the print bed relative to the support structure.

[0107] The presser foot can more preferably be designed as an engagement groove in the print bed. Such an engagement groove can be introduced, for example, into the side wall of the insertion cavity. The print bed can have a shape corresponding to the engagement groove, and in particular, the print bed can have an engagement portion that can be introduced into the engagement groove. Such an engagement portion can be designed to be thinner than the rest of the print bed. In this way, the entire planar surface of the work carrier can be secured without any protrusions, especially on the upper side of the work carrier.

[0108] Even more preferably, the support base may have at least one through-suction port, in particular multiple suction ports, for applying negative pressure to the print bed and / or for suctioning the underside of the print bed to temporarily fix it within the printing apparatus of the 3D screen printing machine. Thus, negative pressure can be generated through such suction ports located on the underside of the print bed or on the side of the print bed facing the support structure, thereby fixing the print bed in place under negative pressure.

[0109] Such negative pressure fixation can be applied not only to support structures but also to each printing device of a 3D screen printer. In this fixed position, material can be applied or printed onto the print bed in a manner particularly advantageous to 3D screen printing, without the risk of the print bed slipping or taking an undesirable or inaccurate position as a result of the printing process.

[0110] In a more preferred configuration, the print bed and / or position and / or orientation, or the position of the print bed in general, can be optically detected from the side of the support structure facing the print bed. As a result, position detection of the top surface of the print bed can be omitted, and the position and / or orientation, or the general position of the print bed, can be determined from the underside of the support structure. This allows for more flexible use of the work carrier, especially in 3D screen printing machines that lack upper position detection of the work carrier or the print bed on the work carrier.

[0111] By detecting the position of the underside of the print bed from the side of the support structure opposite the print bed, multiple layers can be printed precisely on each other, ultimately producing each 3D screen-printed workpiece. Even with a simplified design of the 3D screen printing machine or a printing device that only detects the underside of the print bed, high overall production accuracy can be achieved.

[0112] This type of print bed position detection allows for high-precision printing of individual layers of a screen-printed workpiece. This is especially true when multiple workpiece carriers are arranged sequentially within a printing apparatus to perform a continuous printing process.

[0113] In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure may have at least one viewing area. The position and / or orientation of the print bed can be optically detected through at least one viewing area of ​​the support structure. Such a viewing area can be easily provided, enabling secure optical detection of the print bed, and thus precise positioning and alignment.

[0114] The viewing area can be formed in a particularly advantageous way by viewing openings. Such viewing openings can be provided in the support structure with minimal effort. Viewing openings can be formed, in particular, by notches in the material.

[0115] More preferably, the viewing area may be formed from a material that is at least partially transparent and / or translucent. For example, the support structure may have notches into which the transparent or translucent material is inserted. Secure optical detection can be achieved with transparent and / or translucent material. Thus, viewing areas made of transparent and / or translucent material allow each print bed to be placed over the entire area.

[0116] A transparent material is one that is almost completely transmitted by incident electromagnetic radiation across a broad frequency spectrum, that is, a material that is hardly reflected and hardly absorbed. In particular, a transparent material can be transparent or transparent if the substance behind it can be clearly identified, that is, if the material is transmittance or mostly transmittance to radiation in the visible spectrum, especially if there is little or no light scattering.

[0117] Here, translucent material is understood to mean a material that partially or partially transmits light. Therefore, translucent materials can not only directly reflect incident light at their surface, but in some cases only partially reflect it after it has passed through the material. As a result, subsurface scattering can occur with translucent materials.

[0118] A more preferred method is that the support structure adjacent to the viewing area may be formed at least partially from a light-impermeable material. In the case of optical detection, at least one viewing area can be easily distinguished from adjacent areas that are not relevant to the optical detection of the print bed.

[0119] In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure may have multiple independently formed viewing regions. In this case, the support structure may more preferably be formed between different viewing regions with cross-sections made of at least a light-impermeable material. This can further improve the reliability and accuracy of detection.

[0120] At least one corner and / or edge and / or contour portion of the print bed is optically detectable through the viewing area of ​​the support structure. The corner and / or edge and / or contour portion can be detected relatively well by the viewing area. Such a configuration allows for highly reliable detection of the position and / or orientation or general position of the print bed, and accordingly, the work carrier including the print bed and / or print area can be aligned as used in each case.

[0121] Furthermore, preferably, at least one visible area of ​​the support structure can be partially covered in the plan view by the corner and / or edge and / or contour portions of the print bed. The partial cover allows each section of the print bed to be detected with high reliability. The partial cover creates contrast with the sections of the visible area that are not covered by optical detection.

[0122] Furthermore, preferably, at least one viewing area or viewing opening of the support structure may be formed by at least a section within the frame and / or at least a section within the support base of the support structure. In this way, partial overlap of the viewing opening or viewing area can be detected optically particularly well.

[0123] In a more preferred embodiment, the support base can be formed separately from the frame, and the print bed can cover the support base in a plan view and / or protrude to cover the support base. Forming the support base and frame separately improves the production flexibility of the work carrier. At the same time, the cover arrangement of the print bed on the support base improves the optical visibility of the print bed from the side of the support structure facing the opposite side of the print bed.

[0124] Even more preferably, the support structure and / or frame and / or print bed of the work carrier may be provided with at least one marking for position detection, and more particularly, multiple markings for position detection. The position and / or orientation of the print bed of the support structure and / or work carrier can be detected via such markings. Production reliability in layered structures by three-dimensional screen printing can be improved by optical detection of the markings. This further reduces the risk of the print bed being incorrectly positioned in subsequent printing processes.

[0125] The marking in question can be formed as an optically detectable marking and / or reference hole and / or register mark. Such markings can be optically detected with minimal equipment effort and high reliability.

[0126] Furthermore, it is preferable that at least one marking is formed separately from the corners and / or edges of the support structure and / or print bed. Detection by such markings can be performed in addition to, or as an alternative to, optical detection of the corner and / or edge and / or contour portions of the print bed. This can further improve or redundancy the possibility of detecting the position of the support structure or print bed, and thus can result in particularly reliable detection.

[0127] A more preferred method is that at least one marking on the print bed is optically detectable from the side of the support structure facing the print bed. For this purpose, at least one marking on the print bed may be placed on the surface of the print bed facing the support structure. Furthermore, or alternatively, at least one marking on the support structure can be placed on the side facing the print bed. Thus, such markings can also be detected via a lower position detection device, contributing to high overall position detection accuracy with a simple structural design.

[0128] Furthermore, in a preferred method, at least one marking on the print bed can be positioned on and / or optically detectable by the viewing area of ​​the support structure. Thus, the approximate position of the markings can be predetermined or predefined by positioning them on or above the viewing area of ​​the support structure. Subsequently, reliable optical detection of each marking can be performed from below the support structure or print bed through the viewing area.

[0129] In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure may be formed at least partially or completely from a transparent and / or translucent material, particularly glass and / or plastic material. The position and / or orientation of the print bed is optically detectable at least through the transparent and / or translucent portion of the support structure. In such embodiments, each marking may be protected from below by the transparent and / or translucent portion of the support structure, but can also be optically detected.

[0130] In a more preferred embodiment, at least one marking on the printed screen is optically detectable through a viewing area and / or a viewing opening in the support structure. Generally, markings in the printed area are optically detectable by the support structure. For example, the optical detectability of markings in the printed area through the support structure can also be done independently of a specially formed viewing area. This is possible, for example, if the support structure is formed at least partially or completely from a transparent and / or translucent material.

[0131] According to a preferred embodiment, the print bed may have a non-peelable coating, particularly a coating that forms a print area. Thus, the print bed itself may have a carrier layer and a coating applied to the carrier layer, and the surface of the coating may form a print area for printing by three-dimensional screen printing.

[0132] Such coatings can be selected specifically for the three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces produced in each case. The coating helps prevent the printing material from reacting with the print bed and from contaminating the screen-printed workpieces being produced. Furthermore, the coating allows for easy removal of the printed workpieces from the print bed.

[0133] In a more preferred embodiment, a separator, particularly one designed as an insulating layer, may be placed between the print bed and the support structure. The separator can be positioned and / or designed to avoid and / or reduce heat transfer between the print bed and the support structure. In this way, it is possible to avoid the transfer of thermal energy introduced into the support structure to the print bed, which would then disrupt the subsequent printing process. In particular, if the print bed is overheated, there is a risk that the print layer, which has already been printed and dried, may reliquefy or become misshapen.

[0134] Here, the separator layer in question can be fixed between the print bed and the support structure. The separator layer can also be fixed to the support structure independently of the print bed. Furthermore, the separator layer can be fixed to the print bed independently of the support structure. This ensures a secure position between the print bed and the support structure.

[0135] In a more preferred embodiment, the separator can be loosely positioned between the print bed and the support structure. Such a separator can be secured by a sandwich arrangement between the print bed and the support structure. In such an embodiment, it is not necessary to directly fix the separator to the support structure or the print bed; each is secured by the sandwich arrangement. This method also allows for the secure positioning of the separator between the print bed and the support structure.

[0136] The separation layer can also be designed as a flexible mat and / or flexible film, which is particularly preferable. This allows for easy handling and good positioning between the print bed and the support structure.

[0137] Furthermore, the separation layer may be composed of a plastic material, particularly a polyester material, at least in part or in whole. Such materials are inexpensive and can ensure excellent thermal insulation properties.

[0138] Similarly, the separation layer may be composed of a ceramic material, at least in part or entirely. Such ceramic materials have very high heat resistance and are therefore suitable for permanent or at least long-term use.

[0139] In a more preferable manner, the separation layer may be formed of a heat-stabilized and / or high-temperature resistant material having heat resistance particularly up to 100°C, preferably up to 150°C, preferably up to 200°C, and more preferably up to 250°C. This enables high operational reliability even at relatively high drying temperatures for each three-dimensional screen printing workpiece manufactured in layers on the printing bed.

[0140] In a more preferred embodiment, the print bed can be thicker than the separation layer, and in particular, it can be at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, and preferably at least 50% thicker than the separation layer. Thus, the separation layer can be designed to be relatively thin. Consequently, the overall thickness of the support structure, print bed, and separation layer arrangement can be avoided. Thus, even in the case of the separation layer arrangement, an overall compact structure can be achieved.

[0141] In a more preferred embodiment, the support base of the work carrier may have interruptions and / or openings. In such a configuration, the print bed is not placed over the entire area. In this way, the heat input from the support base to the print bed can be reduced by the contact area between the print bed and the support base.

[0142] Furthermore, the support base may have a support web for partially supporting the print bed. Such a support web allows the print bed to be positioned and mounted along a predefined location or portion. At the same time, such a support web can minimize the contact area between the support base and the print bed. In addition, the support web can contribute to improving the structural rigidity of the support base and / or the entire support structure.

[0143] More preferably, free space may be formed between the support base and the print bed, and / or on the underside of the print bed facing the support base, at least partially, in particular, between the support webs and / or between at least one support web and the side wall of the insertion cavity. This can be a space defined by an interruption in the support base. Such free space ensures good thermal insulation between the print bed and the support base or support structure, thereby avoiding, or at least further reducing, undesirable heating of the print bed as much as possible.

[0144] In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure, together with the print bed to which it is fixed, can be designed for temporary positioning within the printing apparatus and / or temporary fixing and / or temporary clamping to the conveyor vehicle of the 3D screen printing machine. Thus, a work carrier designed in this manner can be used in a manner suitable for continuous production by 3D screen printing.

[0145] In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure may have predefined contact surfaces for clamping in the attachment of work carriers to conveyor vehicles, particularly those of a 3D screen printing machine. The predefined contact surfaces enable high positioning accuracy of the work carriers relative to the conveyor vehicle of the 3D screen printing machine, resulting in high overall repeatability.

[0146] A more preferred method is for the support structure to have a total of two or more, three or more, or three predefined contact surfaces for clamping during attachment to the work carrier of the conveyor vehicle. In this case, it is preferable that at least two contact surfaces be formed on the opposite side of the support structure and / or at least two contact surfaces be formed on the same side of the support structure. This allows for proper clamping and ensures that the support structure is securely fixed to the work carrier mount of the conveyor vehicle.

[0147] In a more preferred embodiment, the predetermined contact surface can be formed on a cross-section of the outer circumferential surface of the support structure running between the upper and lower sides of the support structure. Thus, the support structure can be clamped in a lateral contact, and as a result, the risk of lateral or lateral mispositioning can be reduced.

[0148] More preferably, the predefined contact surface can be formed at an angle with respect to the adjacent portion of the outer circumferential surface. The contact surface of the support structure formed at such an angle enables shape-fitting fastening of the support structure within the work carrier mounting, and consequently, the entire work carrier. In particular, in the case of a correspondingly designed slide or correspondingly designed locking means, this makes it possible to easily achieve shape-fitting fixing of the support structure.

[0149] The predefined contact surfaces preferably include an angle greater than 90° with the adjacent upper surface cross-section of the support structure. Alternatively, the predefined contact surfaces may include an angle less than 90° with the adjacent lower surface cross-section of the support structure. Clamping the support structure through such contact surfaces can generate a clamping force, thereby securely fixing the work carrier not only in the lateral or horizontal direction but also in the vertical or height direction.

[0150] A further independent aspect of the present invention relates to a work carrier for the manufacture of three-dimensional screen printing workpieces, comprising at least one print bed having a print area to be printed, and a support structure that supports the print bed and is formed separately from the print bed, wherein the support structure has an insertion cavity for the print bed, the print bed is at least partially embedded in the insertion cavity of the support structure and positioned on a support base of the insertion cavity, and the print bed is fixed on the support structure.

[0151] A further independent aspect of the present invention relates to a work carrier for the manufacture of three-dimensional screen printing workpieces, comprising at least one print bed having a print area to be printed, and a support structure that supports the print bed and is formed separately from the print bed, wherein the support structure has at least one lateral boundary between the support base and the print bed, the print bed is positioned on the support base, and at least one lateral movement of the print bed in the position on the support base is restricted by the lateral boundary. As a result of such a configuration, positioning the print bed on the support base can be done with little effort and high positional accuracy.

[0152] A further independent aspect of the present invention relates in particular to a work carrier for manufacturing a three-dimensional screen printing workpiece, comprising at least one print bed having a print area to be printed, and a support structure that supports the print bed and is formed separately from the print bed, wherein the position and / or orientation of the print bed can be optically detected from the side of the support structure facing the print bed.

[0153] Further independent aspects of the present invention relate to a work carrier for manufacturing a three-dimensional screen printing work, comprising at least one print bed having a print area to be printed, and a support structure supporting the print bed, wherein the support structure has at least one viewing opening that is partially covered in a plan view by the corner and / or edge areas, and the support structure is partially covered in a plan view by the corner and / or edge areas. The print bed, and / or at least one corner and / or edge of the print bed, can be optically detected through the viewing opening of the support structure.

[0154] A further independent aspect of the present invention relates to a support structure for a work carrier described above, comprising a support base for arranging a print bed having a print area to be printed, and having at least one stop for the print bed positioned on the support base, wherein the print bed positioned on the support base can contact the stop in at least one lateral direction. Additionally or alternatively, in the case of the support structure, a lateral boundary can be provided for the print bed, and the print bed positioned on the support base is restricted by such lateral boundary to at least one lateral movement.

[0155] A further independent aspect of the present invention relates to a support structure, particularly a work carrier according to one of the above-described aspects, having a support base for positioning a print bed having a print area to be printed, and having at least one viewing area capable of optically detecting the position and / or alignment of the print bed positioned on the support base.

[0156] Further independent aspects of the present invention relate to a conveyor vehicle, in particular a conveyor vehicle having a work carrier mount and the work carrier described above, having the work carrier mount, and being supported and / or fixed to the work carrier mount.

[0157] The present invention relates to a work carrier mount capable of housing and / or securing the aforementioned work carrier for conveyor vehicles, particularly for apparatus for manufacturing three-dimensional screen printing workpieces.

[0158] A further independent aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional screen-printed workpiece, in particular a 3D screen printing machine, having a printing apparatus for manufacturing at least one screen-printed workpiece in layers over a plurality of printing processes, and a transport apparatus for automatically transporting at least one workpiece carrier toward and / or away from the printing apparatus. The transport apparatus preferably has at least one transport rail and a conveyor vehicle movably positioned on the transport rail and having the workpiece carrier.

[0159] In a more preferred embodiment, the transport device can be configured for automatic transport of at least one screen printing workpiece and / or workpiece carrier toward and away from the printing table of the printing device. Such a printing table may have, in particular, a printing table plate.

[0160] It is advantageous for the printing table or printing table plate to be in contact with the underside of the work carrier to perform the printing process and to support the work carrier during the printing process. Therefore, it is preferable that the printing table or printing table plate is not used for direct printing, as a direct printing surface, or to provide the surface to be printed. Rather, the printing table or printing table plate can be advantageously designed and / or positioned to temporarily contact, lift, and / or support the work carrier.

[0161] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus can be designed and / or configured for production under cleanroom conditions. In particular, the apparatus can be designed and / or configured for production under cleanroom conditions compliant with EU-GMP cleanroom classes A, B, C, and D.

[0162] Furthermore, the apparatus according to the present invention can be designed and / or configured to manufacture screen-printed workpieces for applications in medical technology, optical and / or laser technology, aerospace technology, semiconductor technology, biotechnology and / or medical and / or pharmacological research.

[0163] Similarly, the apparatus according to the present invention may be designed and / or configured to manufacture screen-printed workpieces for use and / or applications as medical and / or pharmaceutical products, implants and / or sterile products and / or pharmaceuticals, and / or tablets for the administration of active ingredients.

[0164] A further independent aspect of the present invention relates to a 3D screen printing machine having a printing apparatus for producing at least one screen printing workpiece in layers in a plurality of printing steps, and having a workpiece carrier according to any of the above-described embodiments, wherein the workpiece carrier can be temporarily placed within the printing apparatus for performing the printing operation, and the printing apparatus has a device for detecting the position of the workpiece carrier relative to the print bed.

[0165] A further independent aspect of the present invention is a printing apparatus having a printing superstructure having a printing screen, a printing table plate on which a work carrier can be temporarily positioned and / or fixed to perform a printing process, and / or on which the work carrier can contact the lower surface, and a position detection device for detecting the position of the print bed of the work carrier positioned on the printing table plate.

[0166] A further independent aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional screen-printed workpiece, particularly a pharmaceutical product, and / or a method for manufacturing it using an apparatus according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein at least one screen-printed workpiece is manufactured in layers on a workpiece carrier in a plurality of printing steps using a printing apparatus and / or the manufacturing apparatus described above, wherein the three-dimensional screen-printed workpiece and the workpiece carrier equipped with the screen-printed workpiece are automatically transported toward and from the printing apparatus by a transport device.

[0167] A further independent aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional screen-printed workpiece, particularly a pharmaceutical product, and / or an apparatus according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein at least one screen-printed workpiece is manufactured in layers in a plurality of printing processes in a printing apparatus, wherein a workpiece carrier according to any of the foregoing aspects is temporarily placed in the printing apparatus for printing, and a position detection device of the printing apparatus detects the position of the print bed of the workpiece carrier.

[0168] A further independent aspect of the present invention relates to the use of work carriers according to the foregoing description for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, particularly for the manufacture of tablets by three-dimensional screen printing.

[0169] A further independent aspect of the present invention relates to a work carrier and / or a conveyor vehicle and / or a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional screen-printed workpiece and / or a pharmaceutical product, particularly a tablet, manufactured using the above method.

[0170] The above-mentioned details and independent aspects relating to the work carrier also apply to the above-mentioned support structure, the above-mentioned conveyor vehicle, and the apparatus according to the invention for manufacturing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces. Similarly, the above-mentioned details and independent aspects relating to the work carrier also apply to the above-mentioned independent aspects relating to the method for manufacturing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, the use of the work carrier, and the pharmaceuticals according to the present invention.

[0171] The present invention will be described below with reference to the figures shown separately, based on examples of advantageous embodiments.

[0172] Each case is outlined below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0173] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a work carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of the work carrier along the cross-sectional line AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A perspective view of a work carrier according to the present invention, relating to a further embodiment. [Figure 4] A perspective view of a work carrier according to yet another embodiment of the invention. [Figure 5] Plan view of the work carrier shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Bottom view of the work carrier shown in Figures 4 and 5. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view along the section line AA in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Side views of the work carrier shown in Figures 4 to 6. [Figure 9] A perspective view of a work carrier according to yet another embodiment of the invention. [Figure 10] A perspective view of the work carrier shown in Figure 9, with tools positioned to actuate a spring mechanism for restraining and / or clamping the print bed. [Figure 11] Plan view of the work carrier shown in Figures 9 and 10. [Figure 12] Bottom view of the work carrier shown in Figures 9 to 11. [Figure 13] Cross-sectional views of the work carrier shown in Figures 9 to 12. [Figure 14] A side view of the work carrier shown in Figure 10, with the tools positioned on top. [Figure 15] A perspective view of a work carrier according to yet another embodiment of the invention. [Figure 16] Plan view of the work carrier shown in Figure 15. [Figure 17] Bottom view of the work carrier shown in Figures 15 and 16. [Figure 18] A cross-sectional view along the cross-sectional line AA in Figure 16. [Figure 19] Side views of the work carrier shown in Figures 15 to 18. [Figure 20] Detailed diagrams of the work career shown in Figures 15 to 19. [Figure 21] A perspective view of a work carrier according to yet another embodiment of the invention. [Figure 22] Detailed diagram of the work career shown in Figure 21. [Figure 23] A perspective view of a work carrier according to yet another embodiment of the invention. [Figure 24] A perspective view of the apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional screen-printed workpiece according to an embodiment. [Figure 25] A plan view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 26] A perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, which has an open representation of a transport device without a housing. [Figure 27] A plan view of the apparatus shown in Figure 32. [Figure 28] A perspective view of an apparatus according to an invention having an open representation of a printing and drying apparatus without a housing. [Figure 29] A plan view of the apparatus shown in Figure 28. [Figure 30] A perspective view of a part of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 31] Side view of the printing apparatus shown in Figure 30. [Figure 32]Further side views of the printing apparatus shown in Figures 30 and 31. [Figure 33] Plan view of the printing apparatus shown in Figures 30 to 32. [Figure 34] A perspective view of a part of the printing apparatus shown in Figures 30 to 33, in which a work carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention is arranged. [Figure 35] A plan view of the printing apparatus shown in Figure 34, with a work carrier positioned on top. [Figure 36] Detailed view A related to Figure 35. [Figure 37] A perspective view of a printing apparatus without a work carrier. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0174] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a work carrier 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The work carrier 10 is specifically designed to manufacture a three-dimensional screen-printed workpiece 11, as illustrated herein in the schematic diagram. The work carrier 10 is particularly suitable for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, especially pharmaceuticals or tablets, by 3D screen printing. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the work carrier 10 of Figure 1 along the cutting line AA.

[0175] The work carrier 10 has at least one print bed 12 that constitutes a print area 14 where printing takes place. In other words, the upper surface of the print bed 12 becomes the print area 14 where printing takes place. The 3D screen printed work 11 can be manufactured in layers by performing multiple printing processes on the print area 14 using 3D screen printing.

[0176] Furthermore, the work carrier 10 is formed separately from the print bed 12 and has a support structure 16 that supports the print bed 12. The support structure 16 has a support base 18 on which the print bed 12 is placed. The print bed 12 is placed on the support base 18.

[0177] Furthermore, the support structure 16 has at least one stop 20 relative to the print bed 12, so that the print bed 12 is positioned on the support base 18 in contact with the stop 20 in at least one lateral direction. In Figure 2, for improved visibility, the print bed 12 is spaced laterally from the stop 20, but it can still contact the stop 20. When the print bed 12 is in contact with the stop 20, its position can be fixed with relatively high precision relative to the support structure 16 in at least one lateral direction.

[0178] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the support structure 16 may have an insertion cavity 22 for the print bed 12. The print bed 12 can be at least cross-sectionally embedded in the insertion cavity 22, preferably completely embedded in the insertion cavity 22. In particular, the print area 14 of the print bed 12 may be coplanar with the upper surface surface 24 of the support structure 14, and the surface surface 24 may surround the insertion cavity 22.

[0179] The insertion cavity 22 is divided into sections by at least a support base 18, one or more side walls 26, or at least one stop 20. In particular, in designs having an insertion cavity 22, at least one stop 20 may be formed by the side walls 26 of the insertion cavity 22, or on the side walls 26 of the insertion cavity 22. Preferably, at least one stop 20 is formed by a side projection 27 of the side wall 26 of the insertion cavity 22.

[0180] All of the stops 20 of the print bed 12 may be provided on the support structure 14. The support structure 14 may have a total number of stops 20 formed as side projections 27 of one or more side walls 26. The print bed 12 may be placed on the support base 18 in a state of multiple lateral contact with multiple stops 20. Preferably, the support structure may have just three stops 20, or just three stops 20 formed as side projections 27 of multiple side walls 26.

[0181] As can be seen from the embodiments in Figures 1 and 2, one stop 20 can be formed on the side wall 26 of the insertion cavity 22, and two more stops 20 can be formed on the adjacent side wall 26 of the insertion cavity. Similarly, in each case, one stop 20 can also be formed on each side wall 26 of the insertion cavity 22. Thus, adjacent and / or opposite walls 26 of the insertion cavity 22 can form different stops 20.

[0182] Furthermore, a clearance section 29 can be formed between the print bed 12 and the side walls 26 of the insertion cavity 22. Such a clearance section 29 can be formed, in particular, as a gap between the print bed 12 and the side walls 26 of the insertion cavity 22. Along the clearance section 29, the print bed 12 does not need to be in contact with each of the side walls 26 of the insertion cavity 22.

[0183] In this case, the clearance section 29 can extend between two stops 20 on the side wall 26 of the insertion cavity 22, or between two side projections 27 on the side wall 26 of the insertion cavity 22. Similarly, the clearance section 29 can extend adjacent to the stops 20 on the side wall 26 of the insertion cavity 22, or adjacent to the side projections 27. When extended in this manner, a clearance section is formed between the side of the print bed 12 and each of the side walls 26 of the insertion cavity 22.

[0184] It is preferable that the multiple stops 20 be formed integrally. Such a molded body can, for example, form multiple side walls 26 of the insertion cavity 22. In such embodiments, the multiple side walls 26 can be formed integrally with one another.

[0185] The support structure 16 preferably has a frame portion 28 connected to the support base 18. The frame portion 28 may be thicker than the support base 18. In this case, at least one stop 20 can be formed and / or positioned on the frame portion 28. In particular, the frame portion 28 may have or form at least one side wall 26 of the insertion cavity 22. Thus, the insertion cavity 22 is divided into sections by at least the frame portion 28 and the support base 18. It is preferable that all the side walls 26 of the insertion cavity 22 are formed on the frame portion 28. This allows side projections 27 formed on each side wall 26 to also be formed on the frame portion 28.

[0186] A more preferable method is for the frame portion 28 and the support base 18 to be designed to be integrally connected to each other.

[0187] Alternatively, the support base 18 may be formed separately from the frame portion 28 and fixed thereto, but this will not be described in detail here. When fastened in this manner, the support base 18 may be suspended and fixed to the frame portion 28, in particular to compensate for the thermal expansion of the support base 18 relative to the frame portion 28.

[0188] At least one stop 20, or a stop 20 designed as a side projection 27 of the side wall 26, is preferably designed as a lateral boundary of the print bed 12. In particular, multiple stops 20 can form multiple lateral boundaries with respect to different sides of the print bed 12. In this case, at least one stop 20 can be designed to make flat contact with the print bed 12 in the lateral direction, particularly with the contact surface of the stop 20. A stop 20 designed as a lateral boundary can particularly preferably demarcate the entire side of the print bed 12 or a portion of the side of the print bed 12, thereby enabling more reliable lateral contact of the print bed 12.

[0189] The stop 20 may extend relative to the support base 18 along the thickness direction of the support structure 16 and / or along the thickness direction of the print bed 12. The height of the stop 20 relative to the support base 18 in the thickness direction of the support structure 16 and / or the thickness direction of the print bed 12 can be less than or equal to the thickness of the print bed 12. As a result, the print area 14 of the print bed 12 may be aligned coplanar with the upper surface section 24 of the support structure 16, as described above in relation to the complete embedding of the print bed 12 into the insertion cavity 22.

[0190] A more preferred method is for the print bed 12 to be fixed to a support structure 16. The print bed 12 can be fixed in particular to the support structure 16 and / or to the insertion cavity 22 of the support structure 16 by pressure fitting and / or mating and / or material bonding. The fastening of the print bed 12 to the support structure 16 can be carried out by lateral positioning and fixing to at least one stop 20 or a plurality of stops 20.

[0191] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the print bed 12 can be magnetically fixed within the support structure 16 or the insertion cavity 22. The print bed 12 can be fixed within the support structure 16 and / or the insertion cavity 22 by at least a magnetic film 30. The magnetic film 30 can be bonded to and / or embedded in the support base 18, for example, as shown particularly in Figure 2.

[0192] If the print bed 12 is made of a magnetic material, the print bed 12 can be fitted and fixed to the support structure 16 via a magnetic film 30. Similarly, the magnetic film 30 can be sequentially placed or bonded to the underside of the print bed 12. Such a magnetic film 30 fixed to the underside of the print bed 12 can interact with the magnetic material of the support structure 18 and / or the magnetic film 30 placed or bonded to the support structure 16.

[0193] Instead of the magnetic film 30, so-called neodymium magnets, which can ensure particularly high holding power, can also be used to fix the print bed 12 to the support structure 16.

[0194] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a work carrier 10 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment according to Figure 3, the print bed 12 is embedded in an insertion cavity 22 of a support structure 16. In this case, the print bed 12 is bonded to the support structure 16 and / or the insertion cavity 22. Such fastening can be done in particular by adhesive tape 32. In particular, fastening by adhesive tape 32 can be provided at both ends of the print bed 12. For this purpose, the adhesive tape 32 may overlap and bond to the upper surface 34 of the support structure 16 and the print bed 12 facing the support base 18. As a result, the adhesive tape 32 extends to the print area 14 or the upper surface 34 of the print bed 12, and even to the upper surface 24 of the support structure 16, thereby allowing the print bed 12 to be easily and securely fixed to the support structure 16.

[0195] Furthermore, or alternatively, adhesive tape can be provided between the print bed 12 and the support base 18 of the support structure 16 to adhere the print bed 12 to the support structure 16, but this will not be explained in detail here.

[0196] Figures 4 to 8 show a work carrier 10 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 8, the print bed 12 is also attached to the support structure 16 by adhesive tape 32. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 8, the print bed 12 is designed to be significantly smaller than the support structure 16. As a result, the frame portion 28 of the support structure 16 has a wider side wall 26 than in the embodiment shown in Figure 3. Therefore, the support base 18 is smaller in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 8 than in the embodiment shown in Figure 3.

[0197] As shown in Figures 2, 6, and 7, the support base 18 may have at least one through-hole suction port 36, and in particular, multiple suction ports 36. Through the suction ports 36, negative pressure can be applied to the print bed 12, or the underside of the print bed 12 can be sucked in through the suction ports 36 and temporarily fixed within the printing apparatus of the 3D screen printer.

[0198] Figures 9 to 14 show further embodiments of the work carrier 10 according to the present invention. In the embodiments shown in Figures 9 to 14, the print bed 12 is clamped within the support structure 16 and / or insertion cavity 22 by at least one spring device 38. The print bed 12 is clamped against at least one stop 20, or at least one side wall 26, and / or against the side projections 27 of the side wall 26 of the insertion cavity 22, and / or subjected to lateral tension by at least one spring device 38. In particular, the print bed 12 may be provided with multiple spring devices 38 for clamping against the support structure, and / or the insertion cavity 22, and / or at least one or more stops 20, or against multiple side walls 26 of the insertion cavity 22, or against multiple side projections 27.

[0199] For this purpose, at least one spring device 38 may act laterally on the print bed 12, in particular on the side surface 40 of the print bed 12 extending between the upper surface 34 of the print bed 12 facing the support base 18 and the lower surface 42 of the print bed 12 facing the support base 18. Particularly advantageous is that multiple spring devices 38 can act laterally on the print bed 12, i.e., on multiple mutually adjacent side surfaces 40 of the print bed 12.

[0200] The spring device 38 can be clamped and / or removed using a tool. In particular, the spring device 38 can only be clamped and / or removed by a tool. Schematic diagrams of the tool 44 used for clamping and / or removal can be obtained from Figures 10 and 14.

[0201] Furthermore, the support structure 16 may have a recessed grip 45 that allows the operator to manually contact the side 40 of the print bed within the insertion cavity 22. The recessed grip 45 can be sized to allow the operator to make lateral contact with the print bed, at least by their fingers, when positioning the print bed 12 within the insertion cavity 22. Thus, such a recessed grip 45 facilitates manual manipulation of the print bed 12, particularly for inserting or removing it from the insertion cavity 22. The recessed grip 45 can be effectively designed as a recess in the side wall 26 of the insertion cavity 22.

[0202] Figures 15 to 20 show a work carrier 10 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in Figures 15 to 20, the support structure 16 is designed to accommodate a plurality of print beds 12. In particular, the support structure 16 has a plurality of insertion cavities 22 for the plurality of print beds 12, and the print beds 12 can be embedded in or fixed in each insertion cavity 22.

[0203] In Figures 15 and 16, in each case, only one print bed 12 is shown, where the three insertion cavities 22 are shown without a print bed 12 in place. Needless to say, one print bed 12 can be placed and fixed in each insertion cavity 22, and as a result, multiple print beds 12 formed separately from each other, in particular a total of four separately formed print beds 12, can be placed and / or fixed to the support structure 16. Each insertion cavity 22 is separated, at least in cross-section, by the support base 18 of the support structure 16. Side walls 26 that separate the insertion cavities 22 are similarly provided. In each case, the side walls 26 extending through the center of the support structure 16 can separate two adjacent insertion cavities 22 relative to each other.

[0204] In the embodiments shown in Figures 15 to 20, each print bed 12 is clamped to the support structure 16 and / or insertion cavity 22 by at least one spring device 46, and is clamped and / or tensioned laterally against at least one stop 20, or against the side wall 26 of each insertion cavity 22, and / or against the side projection 27 of the side wall 26 of the insertion cavity 22. In this case, the spring device 46 can be clamped and / or removed without tools. In particular, the spring device 46 may have an actuator 48, as shown in detail in Figure 20, which allows the operator to release the clamped state of the print bed 12 in the insertion cavity 22. For this purpose, when the actuator 48 is moved away from the print bed 12, the engagement on the print bed 12 is released.

[0205] In the plan view of the print bed 12, the clamping force of the spring device 48 acts obliquely or inclined on each print bed 12 and / or can be transmitted obliquely or inclined through each print bed 12. The profile of such an oblique force through the print bed 12 in the plan view may extend at an angle of 90° or more or less than 90° with respect to the side edge 50 of the print bed 12.

[0206] For this purpose, each spring device 46 can act laterally on the corner regions 52 and / or corner surfaces 54 of the print bed 12, as shown in more detail in Figures 15, 16, and 20. The print bed 12 may have at least one flat corner region 52, as shown in the example in Figure 20. Similarly, the spring device 46 or actuator 48 may have notches 56 for receiving the corners, edges, or corner edges of the print bed 12 in a non-contact and / or load-free manner, although these are not shown in more detail in Figure 20.

[0207] Furthermore, the spring device 46 in Figure 20 may be designed to receive a flat corner region 52 or a flat corner edge of the print bed 12. For this purpose, the spring device 46 or actuator 48 may have a contact surface 58 shaped to correspond to the flat corner region 52 and / or flat corner edge.

[0208] In the sense of the present invention, the corner surface 54 of the print bed 12 may be a side portion of the print bed 12 that is close to a corner, extends between the upper surface 34 and the lower surface 42 of the print bed 12, and is adjacent to the corner or corner edge. A flat corner edge or flat edge of the corner region 52 may, as part of it, form a corner surface 54 that extends between two side surfaces 40 of the print bed 12, or between two further corner surfaces 54, and simultaneously between the upper surface 34 and the lower surface 42 of the print bed 12.

[0209] Furthermore, Figures 15, 16, and 17 show that each support base 18 may have a barrier portion 60. Therefore, a free space can be formed beneath each barrier portion 60. Consequently, in such a configuration with barrier portions, each print bed 12 does not lie across the entire area, but rather a free space is formed beneath the print bed 12 in at least the area of ​​each barrier portion 60.

[0210] Figures 21 and 22 show further embodiments of the work carrier 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiments shown in Figures 21 and 22, the support structure 16 is designed to accept only one print bed 12. Accordingly, Figures 21 and 22 also show only one insertion cavity 22. In the embodiments shown in Figures 21 and 22, a spring device 46 is also provided to clamp the print bed 12 to secure it within the support structure 16 and / or the insertion cavity 22.

[0211] The spring device 46 has an actuator 48 that moves as a corner slide within the guide 62 of the support structure 16. The actuator 48 may be biased. Such biasing can be provided, for example, by a helical spring 64. In the embodiments shown in Figures 21 and 22, the spring device 46 or the actuator 48 of the spring device 46 may also be provided with a notch 56. The notch 56 may be designed to receive a corner 65 or edge 66 of the print bed 12, as detailed in Figure 22, without contact or load. The edge 66 may be a corner edge or edge of the corner region 52 of the print bed 12 in particular.

[0212] In the embodiments shown in Figures 21 and 22, the spring device 46 can also be clamped and / or removed without tools. As a result, the operator can operate the spring device 46 without tools to clamp or restrain the print bed 12 in the insertion cavity 22, and also remove the support structure 16 from the insertion cavity 22 without tools.

[0213] Figure 23 shows a further embodiment of the work carrier according to the present invention. In the embodiment according to Figure 23, the print bed 12 is held and / or fixedly clamped within the support structure 16 and / or insertion cavity 22 by at least one hold-down device 68. The hold-down device 68 is preferably screwed into the support structure 16. In this case, the hold-down device 68 can engage with the molding portion 70 of the print bed 12 which has a shape corresponding to the hold-down device 68. Thus, the upper surface of the hold-down device 68 can be coplanar with the print area 14 of the print bed 12. Similarly, the upper side of the hold-down device 68 can be flush with the upper surface 24 of the support structure 16.

[0214] The pressing device 68 can be designed, for example, as a pressing disc. Therefore, the use of a tool may be required to press and / or release the print bed 12 in the embodiment shown in Figure 23. Thus, clamping and / or removing the print bed 12 from the insertion cavity 22 is performed in a tool-based manner in this embodiment.

[0215] The hold-down device 68 can form a floating bearing in the lateral direction of the print bed 12.

[0216] Furthermore, the print bed 12 can be fixed to the support structure 16 via one or more screw connections 71. The screw connections 71 can fix the print bed laterally. This allows the print bed 12 to be fixed to the support structure 16 by fixed floating bearings.

[0217] In the embodiments described in Figures 1 to 23 above, at least a portion of the print bed 12 can be formed from a material different from the material of the support structure 16. At least a portion of the support structure 16 can be formed from a metallic material, particularly a light metal material. More preferably, the support structure 16 can be formed from an aluminum material. The support structure 16 according to the embodiments described above may be a milled part, particularly preferably a milled part made from an aluminum material.

[0218] Alternatively, the support structure 16 may be formed from titanium and / or steel. Furthermore, the support structure 16 itself may be manufactured from multiple materials. For example, at least a portion of the support base 18 of the support structure 16 may be formed from a material different from the material of at least one other portion of the support structure 16, particularly the material of the frame portion 28 of the support structure 16.

[0219] Similarly, at least one portion of the support base 18 and further portions of the support structure 16, particularly the frame portion 28 of the support structure 16, can also be formed from the same material.

[0220] The support base 18 can initially be formed in part from a steel plate. It is preferable that such a support base 18, formed from a steel plate, is connected to a frame portion 28 made of aluminum. Similarly, the support base 18 can be formed in part from a light metal material, particularly aluminum and / or titanium. In this case, it is preferable that the support base 18 is formed from the same material as the frame portion 28 and / or formed integrally with the frame portion 28.

[0221] At least a portion of the print bed 12 can be formed from titanium material and / or glass material and / or steel material, particularly steel sheet and / or magnetic steel. Similarly, at least a portion of the print bed 12 can be formed from ceramic material and / or sintered material.

[0222] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 23 described above, the print bed 12 can be non-destructively released from the support structure 16 or removed from its respective insertion cavity 22. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 8 and 15 to 22, the print bed 12 can be removed from the support structure 16 or from its respective insertion cavity 22 without the use of tools. Such toolless removal or loosening can only be performed by manual handling and / or operation. In contrast, in the embodiments shown in Figures 9 to 14 and 23, the print bed 12 can be released or removed from the support structure 16 using tools.

[0223] The print bed 12 may be secured to the support structure 16 by a floating mounting on and / or within the insertion cavity 22. Such a floating mounting is particularly preferred to compensate for thermal expansion relative to the support structure 16. Alternatively, the print bed 12 may be secured within each of the support structures 16 and / or the insertion cavity 22 in a manner that is play-free or substantially play-free.

[0224] As far as is meant to be concerned, thermal expansion compensation refers to compensation in the lateral direction, i.e., along the plane formed by the printed area 14.

[0225] The work carrier 10, particularly the support structure 16, shown in Figures 1 to 23, together with the print bed 12 fixed thereto, can be designed for temporary positioning within a printing apparatus, as described in detail below, or for temporary fixing and / or clamping to a conveyor vehicle of a 3D screen printing machine.

[0226] The support structure 16 may have predetermined contact surfaces 72 for fixing and / or clamping within the conveyor vehicle. The predetermined contact surfaces 72 are particularly suitable for clamping the work carrier mounting of the conveyor vehicle. In a particularly preferred method, the support structure 16 may have two or more, or three or more, predetermined contact surfaces 72 for clamping in the work carrier mounting. The contact surfaces 72 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the support structure 16 or on the outer circumferential surface of the frame portion 28 of the support structure 16. Preferably, at least two contact surfaces 72 may be formed on opposite sides of the support structure 16. Similarly, it is preferable to form at least two contact surfaces 72 on the same side of the support structure 16. In this case, the predetermined contact surfaces 72 may be formed at an angle with respect to adjacent portions of the outer circumferential surface 74. The contact surfaces of the corresponding shapes for work carrier mounting on each conveyor vehicle can be brought into contact with the thus inclined contact surfaces 72 to ensure secure fixing of the work carrier 10.

[0227] Refer to Figures 24 to 37 below. Figures 24 to 29 show various diagrams of the 3D screen printing workpiece manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the present invention, but will not be shown in further detail here. Figures 30 to 36 show a part of the printing apparatus 102 of the 3D screen printing workpiece manufacturing apparatus 100 in different diagrams. In this case, Figures 30 to 33 show the printing apparatus 102 without a work carrier 10 placed on or inside it. Figures 34 to 36 show the printing apparatus 102 according to Figures 30 to 33 with a work carrier 10 placed on it. Figure 37 shows a further perspective view of the printing apparatus 102 without a work carrier placed on it.

[0228] More specifically, Figure 24 shows a perspective view of a three-dimensional screen printing workpiece manufacturing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 25 shows a plan view of the apparatus 100 of Figure 24. The apparatus 100 is a 3D screen printing machine, particularly preferably a 3D screen printing machine for manufacturing pharmaceuticals or pharmaceuticals, particularly in the form of tablets.

[0229] Apparatus 100 has at least one printing apparatus 102 for producing at least one screen-printed workpiece layer by layer in at least one printing process, which is not illustrated in more detail here. In the embodiment shown in Figures 24 and 25, apparatus 100 has two printing apparatuses 102. Furthermore, apparatus 100 has at least one conveying apparatus 104 for automatic conveying of at least one screen-printed workpiece and / or workpiece carrier 10 toward and away from the printing apparatus 102.

[0230] Figure 26 is a perspective view of the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 24. For clearer explanation, the conveying device 104 is shown in an open state, without a housing or frame. Figure 27 shows a plan view of the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 3.

[0231] Figure 28 shows a perspective view of the apparatus 100 shown in Figures 24 to 27. Here, for clarity, the printing apparatus 102 is shown in an open state, without any housing. Figure 29 shows a plan view of the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 28.

[0232] The conveying device 104 may have a conveyor vehicle 105 having at least one conveying rail and at least one work carrier 10 that is movably arranged on the conveying rail.

[0233] Figures 30 to 36 show only a portion of the printing apparatus 102 shown in Figures 24 to 29. The printing apparatus 102 has a printer superstructure 106 and a printing table plate 108 on which a work carrier 10 can be temporarily placed for printing, as shown in Figures 28 and 37. The printer superstructure may have a printing screen 114, as seen in Figure 37.

[0234] The arrangement of the work carrier 10 on the printing table plate 108 can be seen in Figure 34. Furthermore, the position detection device 110 is also shown in Figures 30 to 35. The position detection device 110 can be designed and / or configured to detect the position of the print bed 12 of the work carrier 10 that is positioned on the printing table plate 108 or in contact with the lower surface by the printing table plate 108.

[0235] As shown in Figures 30 to 34, the printing apparatus 102 may also be equipped with a position detection device 112 for the printing screen 114. The position detection device 112 may further be designed and / or configured to detect the position of the print bed 12 of the work carrier 10 placed on the printing table 108.

[0236] Further components of the printing apparatus 102 are not shown in more detail in Figures 30 to 35 for the sake of clarity.

[0237] Regarding the position detection by the position detection devices 110 and / or 112 in question, in the case of the work carrier 10 according to the present invention, the position and / or orientation of the print bed 12 can be detected from the surface 76 of the support structure 18 facing the print bed 12. The surface 76 of the support structure 18 facing away from the print bed 12 is the lower surface of the support structure 18.

[0238] Similar to the embodiments of the work carrier 10 described in Figures 1 and 3, the support structure 16 may have at least one viewing area 78 for this purpose. The position and / or alignment of the print bed 12 can be optically detected through at least the viewing area 78 of the support structure 16. Such a viewing area 78 of the support structure 16 can be seen in more detail from Figure 35 and the detailed view in Figure 36.

[0239] This viewing area 78 can be designed, particularly preferably, as a viewing opening 80. Similarly, the viewing area 78 can be formed in cross-section from at least a transparent and / or translucent material. Adjacent to the viewing area 78, the support structure 16 can be formed from a material that does not transmit light, at least in cross-section. In the work carrier 10, for example as shown in Figures 1, 3 and 35 and 36, the support structure 16 can have a plurality of independently formed viewing areas 78, particularly two viewing areas 78, between which the support structure 16 is formed from a material that does not transmit light, at least in cross-section.

[0240] At least one corner 82 and / or edge 84 of the print bed 12 is optically detectable through the viewing area 78 of the support structure 16. In this case, at least one viewing area 78 of the support structure 16 can be partially covered in plan view by the corner area 86 and / or edge area 88 of the print bed 12, as shown in Figures 35 and 36. Such partial covering allows for good optical detection of each corner 82, edge 84, or contour profile of the print bed 12. For partial or incomplete covering of the viewing area 78, optical detection can distinguish between areas covered by the print bed 12 and areas that are not covered. This results in high detection quality and thus enables accurate positional detection of the print bed 12.

[0241] Direct optical detection of the print bed 12 by position detection devices 110 and / or 112 is particularly advantageous when the print bed 12 is floating-mounted on a support structure 16. Displacement or thermal expansion of the print bed 12 relative to the support structure 16 does not affect the detection accuracy in the case of direct optical detection of the print bed 12.

[0242] In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure 16 and / or print bed 12 of the work carrier 10 may be provided with at least one marking 90 for position detection. In particular, the support structure 16 and / or print bed 12 may have multiple markings 90 for position detection. Such markings 90 may be optically detectable markings and / or reference holes. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 23, the support structure 16 is provided with multiple markings 90 in the form of reference holes. Such markings provided as reference holes may also be provided on the print bed 12, but are not shown in further detail here.

[0243] The position and / or alignment of the support structure 16 can be detected via a marking 90. It is more preferable that the marking 90 be a through-hole reference hole in the support structure 16. In this way, the marking 90 on the support structure 16 can also be placed on the surface 76 of the support structure 16 facing the print bed 12, and can be detected from this surface 76. Position detection of the support structure 16, particularly detection by the marking 90, can further improve process reliability. In particular, if the print bed 12 is mounted without play relative to the support structure 16, it may be possible to draw conclusions about the position, or position and / or orientation, of the print bed 12 by detecting the position of the support structure 16. In this case, direct optical detection of each print bed 12 is not necessarily required, but the position detection of the support structure 16 and the conclusions regarding the position of the print bed 12 can be performed with sufficient accuracy.

[0244] In a more preferred configuration (not illustrated in further detail here), at least one marking on the print bed 12 is optically detectable starting from the surface 76 of the support structure 16 facing the print bed 12. For example, the marking on the print bed 12 can be positioned on the surface 76 of the print bed 12 facing the support structure 16. In particular, the marking on the print bed 12 can be positioned in or on the visible area 78 of the support structure 16 and can be optically detected from the surface 76 of the support structure 16 facing the print bed 12. In this way, the direct optical detection of the print bed 12 from the surface 76 of the support structure 16 facing the print bed 12 can be further improved.

[0245] Additionally or alternatively, the support structure 16 may be formed from a material that is at least cross-sectionally transparent and / or translucent. For example, the support structure 16 may consist of a cross-section of at least glass and / or plastic material. The position and / or orientation of the print bed 12 is optically detectable through at least the transparent and / or translucent portion of the support structure 16.

[0246] The functions of the position detection devices 110 and 112 will be discussed in more detail below with reference to Figures 30 to 37. As mentioned above, Figures 30 to 33 show parts of the printing apparatus 102, namely the printing table plate 108 and the position detection devices 110 and 112. Other components of the printing apparatus 102 are not shown in detail in Figures 30 to 36 for clarity.

[0247] No work carriers are placed on the table plates 108 in corridors 30-33. However, it goes without saying that the work carriers 10 according to embodiments of the present invention can be temporarily placed in the printing apparatus 102, particularly on the printing table plate 108, in order to perform the printing process. In particular, each work carrier 10 can be in contact with the lower surface by the table plate 108.

[0248] In Figures 33 to 36, the work carrier 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is placed on a table plate 108. In particular, the perspective view in Figure 34 shows the work carrier 10 according to the embodiment in Figure 3, that is, one in which the print bed 12 is fixed with adhesive tape 32. In the figures in Figures 35 and 36, the work carrier can be formed according to Figures 1 and 2.

[0249] The printing table plate 108 can be designed to contact and secure the underside of the work carrier 10, and to perform the printing operation.

[0250] Furthermore, the position detection device 110 is configured to detect the position and / or orientation of the print bed 12, and / or the position and / or orientation of the support structure 16 of the work carrier 10, which is located within and / or on the table plate 108 of the printer upper structure 106 of the printer 102, as shown in Figure 28, and / or the position and / or orientation of the print screen 114, as shown in Figure 37. The position detection device 110 may also be configured to detect the position and / or orientation of the print bed 12, and / or the position and / or orientation of the support structure 16 of the work carrier 10, which is located on the table plate 108, relative to the table plate 108 of the printer 102 located below it. Furthermore, the position detection device 110 may be configured to detect the position and / or orientation of each print bed 12 relative to the support structure 16 of each work carrier 10 located below it.

[0251] As can be seen from Figures 30 to 36, when the work carrier 10 is placed on the printing table plate 108, the viewing area 78 can be placed within the illumination field 116 of the cylindrical position detection device 110. Furthermore, the field of view 117 of the position detection device 110 may be placed within the illumination field 116.

[0252] The position detection device 110 may have at least one or more cameras 118. Preferably, at least one camera 118 is positioned below the table plate 108. The field of view 117 may be, in particular, the field of view 117 of each camera 118. Multiple cameras 118 may jointly form the position detection device 110, or multiple cameras 118 may form multiple position detection devices 110.

[0253] Furthermore, as can be seen from Figures 35 and 36, the camera 118 is not only positioned below the printing table plate 108, but also aligned laterally with respect to the printing table plate 108. In this way, each illumination field 116 and each field of view 117 of the camera 118 can be aligned with the corresponding viewing area 78 of the work carrier 10 in a particularly space-saving manner.

[0254] Therefore, in the arrangement shown in Figures 34 to 36, the print bed 12 of the work carrier 10 can be directly detected by each camera 118 within the viewing area 78 via the support structure 16. Due to the partial overlap of the viewing area 78 by the print bed 12, each corner area 86 of the print bed 12 can be detected by each camera 118.

[0255] Furthermore, as can be seen from Figure 37, the position detection device 110 is also suitable for detecting the print screen 114 and / or the printer superstructure 106. The illumination field 116 of the position detection device 110 or camera 118 is also schematically shown in Figure 37.

[0256] In this case, the optical detection of the print screen 114 and / or the printer superstructure 106 can also be performed by the position detection device 110 via the support structure 16 of the work carrier 10. In particular, the optical detection of the print screen 114 and / or the printer superstructure 106 can be performed by the position detection device 110 through the viewing area 78 or through the viewing opening 80 of the support structure 16. This is especially true for embodiments of the work carrier 10 in which each of the viewing areas 78 of the support structure 16 is not covered by the print bed 12, for example, as shown in Figures 4 to 14.

[0257] Furthermore, the position detection device 112 can also be formed by a camera 120. Similarly, the position detection device 112 can be formed by multiple cameras 120, or multiple position detection devices 112 may be provided, each having a camera 120. The illumination field of the position detection device 112 or camera 120 is represented by 122. The position detection device 112 or camera 120 also has a field of view 123.

[0258] The camera 120 is positioned below the printing table plate 108, and the illumination field 122 is directed towards the opening 124 in the table plate 108, as well as the field of view 123 of the respective position detection devices 112 or camera 120. Thus, the position detection device 112 is designed or positioned to detect position through the printing table plate 108.

[0259] Therefore, the position detection device 112 or camera 120 is suitable for detecting the position of the print bed 12, for example, when the work carrier 10 is positioned on the print table plate 108 in the area of ​​the opening 124 of the print table plate 108, as long as each support structure 16 has multiple viewing areas 78 or at least one viewing area 78. This can be advantageous when the print bed 12 is relatively small, as shown in the embodiments of Figures 4 to 14.

[0260] Similarly, markings on the print bed 12 can be detected by the position detection device 112 through the opening 124, which may be advantageous for a relatively large print bed 12. Therefore, it is not absolutely necessary for the opening 124 of the print table plate 108 to be partially covered by the corner regions 86 and / or edge regions 88 of the print bed 12. Rather, the opening 124 can be completely covered by the print bed 12, in which case markings on the print bed 12 (not shown in detail) can be detected on the underside through the opening 124.

[0261] Furthermore, as can be seen from Figure 37, the position detection device 112 or camera 120 is also suitable for detecting the position of the print screen 114 or the printer superstructure 106. The illumination field 122 of the position detection device 112, also shown in Figure 37, penetrates the print table plate 108 in the area of ​​the opening 124. Each field of view 123 is also located within the illumination field 122. In particular, smaller print screens 114 can be detected by the position detection device 112.

[0262] The opening 124 of the printing table plate 108 can generally be the display area 126 of the printing table plate 108. Needless to say, the display area 126 of the printing table plate 108 can be partially covered in the plan view by the corner areas 86 and / or edge areas 88 (not described in detail here) of the print bed 12 of the work carrier 10 placed on the printing table plate 108.

[0263] In this case, the position detection device 112 may be configured to detect the overlap of at least one display area 126 in the print table plate 108 by the support structure 16 of the work carrier 10 located within the print bed 12 and / or the print device 102.

[0264] The printing table plate can also be designed to secure the work carrier 10 by negative pressure. For this purpose, the table plate 108 may have at least one or more suction ports 128. The negative pressure can be applied to the underside 76 of the work carrier 10 through the suction ports. In particular, negative pressure can be applied to the underside 42 of the print bed 12 of the work carrier 10 through at least one suction port 36 of the support structure 16 of the work carrier 10. By securing the work carrier 10 or the print bed 12 with negative pressure, high fastening reliability is ensured, and reliable and accurate printing is guaranteed at the fixed position of the work carrier 10 or the print bed 12.

[0265] In a more preferred method, the adjustment device for the printing table plate 108 (not shown in detail here), and / or the adjustment devices for the printer superstructure 106 and / or the printing screen 114 (likewise not shown in detail here) may be configured to set position and / or orientation as a position detection function by the position detection devices 110 and / or 112.

[0266] Furthermore, the printing device 102 may be configured to set the relative position and / or orientation between the print bed 12 of each work carrier 10 placed on the printing table plate 108 and the printer upper structure 106 and / or the printing screen 114 of the printing device 102, as a function of position detection of the print bed 12 by the position detection devices 110 and / or 112.

[0267] Furthermore, or alternatively, the printing apparatus 102 may be configured to set the relative position and / or orientation between the support structure 16 of the work carrier 10 and the printing screen 114, as a function for detecting the position of the print bed 12, and / or as a function for detecting the position of the support structure 16 of the work carrier 10 located within the printing apparatus 102 or on the printing table plate 108 by position detection devices 110 and / or 112.

[0268] The printing device 108 may also be configured to set the relative position and / or orientation between the printing table plate 108 and the printer superstructure 106, and / or between the table plate 108 and the printing screen 114, as a function for detecting the position of the print bed 12, and / or as a function for the support structure 16 of the work carrier 10 located within the printing device 102, and / or as a function for detecting the position of the print screen 114 and / or the print table plate 108 by the position detection devices 110 and / or 112.

[0269] Needless to say, the position detection devices 110 and / or 112 can also be designed to detect the position of the printing table plate 108.

[0270] Furthermore, the printing device 102 may be configured to perform a printing process without further transporting each work carrier 10, particularly immediately after detecting the position of the printing bed 12 and / or after setting the relative position and / or orientation between the printing bed 12 and the printing screen 114 or the printer upper structure 108.

[0271] The above-described work carrier 10 or the device 100 for manufacturing the three-dimensional screen printing work 11 is particularly suitable for executing a method for manufacturing the three-dimensional screen printing work 11. For this purpose, at least one screen printing work 11 is manufactured in layers in a plurality of printing steps in the printing device 102. In this case, in order to perform the printing step, the aforementioned work carrier 10 is temporarily placed in the printing device 102, and the position of the printing bed 12 of the work carrier 10 is detected via the position detection devices 110 and / or 112 of the printing device 102.

[0272] Particularly, pharmaceuticals or medicines can be manufactured with high flexibility and little labor by such a method, preferably in the form of tablets.

Explanation of Signs

[0273] 10 Work carrier 11 Three-dimensional screen printing work 12 Printing bed 14 Print area 16 Support structure 18 Support base 20 Stop 22 Insertion cavity 24 Surface 26 Side wall 27 Side projection 28 Frame part 29 Clearance section 30 Magnetic film 32 Adhesive tape 34 Upper surface of the printing bed 12 36 Suction port 38 Spring device 40 Sides of the print bed 12 42. Underside of print bed 12 44 Tools 45 Concave Grip 46 Spring device 48 Actuators 50 Print bed 12 side edges 52 Corner area of ​​the print bed 12 54 Corner Surfaces 56 Notches 58 Contact surface of spring device 46 60 Blocking section of support base 18 62 Guide to Support Structure 16 64 spiral spring 65 Print bed 12 corners 66 Print bed 12 edges 68 Retaining device 70 Molding section 71 Screw connection 72 Contact surface of support structure 16 74 Outer surface of support structure 16 76 Faces of support structure 16 78. Visibility Area 80 Visibility opening 82 Print bed 12 corners 84 Print bed 12 edges 86 Corner area of ​​print bed 12 88 Edge area of ​​print bed 12 90 Marking 100 3D screen printing workpiece manufacturing equipment 102 Printing device 104 Conveying device 105 Transport Vehicles 106 Printing of the superstructure 108 Printing Table Plates 110 Position detection device 112 Position detection device 114 Print Screen 116 Illumination Fields 117 Visual recognition area 118 Camera 120 Camera 122 Illumination field 123 Visual recognition area 124 Visual recognition opening of the printing table plate 108 126 Visual recognition area of the printing table plate 108 128 Suction port of the printing table plate 108

Claims

1. A work carrier (10) for manufacturing three-dimensional screen printing workpieces, A print bed (12) having a print area (14) to be printed, The print bed (12) is supported by a support structure (16) formed separately from the print bed (12), The support structure (16) has a support base (18) and at least one stop (20) relative to the print bed (12), The print bed (12) is placed on the support base (18), The print bed (12) is positioned on the support base (18) and is a work carrier that is in contact with the stop (20) in at least one lateral direction.

2. A work carrier (10) according to claim 1, The print bed (12) is fixed to the support structure (16), and / or the print bed (12) is positioned on the support base (18) and fixed to the support structure (16), and is characterized in that it is in lateral contact with at least one of the stops (20) of the support structure (16) as a work carrier.

3. A work carrier (10) according to claim 1 or 2, The support structure (16) has a plurality of stops (20) relative to the print bed (12), and / or the print bed (12), in a position on the support base (18), is in contact with a plurality of stops (20) in a plurality of lateral directions, A work carrier characterized in that and / or a plurality of the stops (20) are integrally formed.

4. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, At least one of the stops (20) is designed as a side boundary of the print bed (12), and / or, the multiple stops (20) form multiple side boundaries and / or sides (40) on different sides of the print bed (12). and / or at least one of the stops (20) is designed to make flat contact laterally with the surface in which the print bed (12) contacts the stop (20), characterized in that a work carrier.

5. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, A work carrier characterized in that the stop (20) extends with respect to the support base (18) along the thickness direction of the support structure (16) and / or in the thickness direction of the print bed (12).

6. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, A work carrier characterized in that the height of the stop (20) relative to the support base (18) in the thickness direction of the support structure (16) and / or the thickness direction of the print bed (12) is less than or equal to the thickness of the print bed (12).

7. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, A work carrier characterized in that the print area (14) of the print bed (12) is arranged at the same height as the upper surface portion (24) of the support structure (16).

8. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, At least one of the stops (20) is formed as a molded body and / or molded portion extending toward the support base (18) along the thickness direction of the support structure (16) and / or along the thickness direction of the print bed (12), and / or at least one of the stops (20) is characterized by being formed by a pin portion and / or a block portion on the upper surface of the support structure (16), the work carrier.

9. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, A work carrier characterized in that the support structure (16) has an insertion cavity (22) for the print bed (12), and the print bed (12) is at least partially embedded in the insertion cavity (22).

10. A work carrier (10) according to claim 9, The print bed (12) is completely embedded in the insertion cavity (22), A work carrier characterized in that the print area (14) of the print bed (12) is aligned at the same height as the surface surface (24) of the upper surface of the support structure (16) surrounding the insertion cavity (22).

11. A work carrier (10) according to claim 9 or 10, A work carrier characterized in that the insertion cavity (22) is divided into sections by at least the support base (18) and / or one or more side walls (26), and / or at least one of the stops (20) or a plurality of the stops (20).

12. A work carrier (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, The stop (20) is formed by the side wall (26) of the insertion cavity (22) and / or the side projection (26) of the side wall (26) of the insertion cavity (22), and / or, one of the side walls (26) of the insertion cavity (22) forms one of the stops (20), A work carrier characterized in that different stops (20) are formed on the adjacent and / or opposite side walls (26) of the insertion cavity (22).

13. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The support structure (16) has a frame portion (28) connected to the support base (18), The frame portion (28) is preferably thicker than the support base (18), A work carrier characterized in that and / or at least one stop (20) is formed and / or disposed on the frame portion (28).

14. A work carrier (10) according to claim 13, The insertion cavity (22) is divided into at least sections by the frame portion (28) and the support base (18), A work carrier characterized in that the side wall (26) of the insertion cavity (22) is formed on the frame portion (28).

15. A work carrier (10) according to claim 13 or 14, The frame portion (28) and the support base (18) are designed to be integrally connected to each other, or the support base (18) is designed separately from the frame portion (28) and fixed to the latter. A work carrier characterized in that the support base (18) is suspended and fixed to the frame portion (28) in order to compensate for the thermal expansion of the support base (18) relative to the frame portion (28).

16. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The print bed (12) is formed of a material different from that of the support structure (16), at least in part. and / or the print bed (12) is formed of a material having a different configuration and / or composition from the material of the support structure (16) in at least a portion thereof, the work carrier.

17. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The support structure (16) is formed at least partially from a metallic material, particularly a light metal material. A work carrier characterized in that the support structure (16) is at least partially formed from an aluminum material and / or a titanium material and / or a steel material.

18. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The support base (18) is formed at least partially from a steel plate, and / or the support base (18) is at least partially formed from a light metal material, particularly aluminum and / or titanium.

19. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The support base (18) is formed from a material that is at least partially different from the material of the support structure (16), and more particularly different from the material of the frame portion (28) of the support structure (16). A work carrier characterized in that at least a portion of the support base (18) and at least a further portion of the support structure (16), in particular the frame portion (28) of the support structure (16), are formed from the same material.

20. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The work carrier is characterized in that the printing bed (12) is formed at least partially from titanium material and / or glass material and / or steel material, particularly steel plate and / or magnetic steel, and / or ceramic material and / or sintered material.

21. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, A work carrier characterized in that the total weight of the support structure (16) and the print bed (12) is less than 10 kg, preferably less than 8 kg, more preferably less than 7 kg, more preferably less than 6 kg, more preferably less than 5 kg, more preferably less than 4.5 kg, more preferably less than 4 kg, more preferably less than 3.5 kg, more preferably less than 3 kg, more preferably less than 2 kg or about 2 kg.

22. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The work carrier is characterized in that the support structure (16) and / or the frame portion (28) of the support structure (16) and / or the print bed (12) and the support base (18) together have a maximum thickness of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 8 mm, more preferably less than 7 mm, more preferably less than 6 mm, more preferably less than 5 mm, more preferably less than 4 mm or about 4 mm, more preferably less than 3 mm or about 3 mm, and more preferably less than 2 mm or about 2 mm.

23. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The work carrier is characterized in that the support structure (16) and / or the frame portion (28) of the support structure (16) and / or the print bed (12) and the support base (18) arranged together have a thickness of 0.5 mm or more, preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, even more preferably 2 mm or more, and further preferably 2.5 mm or more, even more preferably 3 mm or more, even more preferably 3.5 mm or more, even more preferably 4 mm or more, even more preferably 4.5 mm or more, even more preferably 4.5 mm or more, and even more preferably 5 mm or more.

24. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, A work carrier characterized in that the support structure (16) and / or the frame portion (28) of the support structure (16) and / or the print bed (12) and the support base (18) arranged together have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, particularly 0.8 mm to 8 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 6 mm, even more preferably 1 mm to 5 mm, even more preferably 1 mm to 4 mm, even more preferably 1 mm to 3 mm, even more preferably 1 mm to 3 mm, even more preferably 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, and particularly about 2 mm.

25. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The work carrier is characterized in that the thickness of the print bed (12) is 0.5 mm or more, preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 2.5 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 3.5 mm or more, more preferably 4 mm or more, more preferably 4.5 mm or more, and more preferably 5 mm or more.

26. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, A work carrier characterized in that the thickness of the print bed (12) is less than 10 mm, preferably less than 8 mm, more preferably less than 7 mm, more preferably less than 6 mm, more preferably less than 5 mm, more preferably less than 4 mm or about 4 mm, more preferably less than 3 mm or about 3 mm, and more preferably less than 2 mm or about 2 mm.

27. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The support structure (16) and / or the insertion cavity (22) and / or the support base (18) and / or the frame portion (28) of the support structure (16), and / or the print bed (12) have a rectangular, particularly square, shape in a plan view. and / or a work carrier characterized in that the print bed (12) is designed as a print bed plate.

28. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, A work carrier characterized in that the side edge length or multiple side edges of the support structure (16) are at least 50 mm, preferably at least 100 mm, preferably at least 150 mm, preferably at least 200 mm, preferably at least 250 mm, preferably at least 300 mm, preferably at least 350 mm, preferably at least 400 mm, preferably at least 450 mm, and more preferably at least 475 mm.

29. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, A work carrier characterized in that the side edge length or multiple side edges of the support structure (16) is up to 1000 mm, preferably up to 900 mm, preferably up to 800 mm, preferably up to 700 mm, preferably up to 600 mm, preferably up to 550 mm, more preferably up to 525 mm, more preferably up to 500 mm, more preferably up to 450 mm, more preferably up to 400 mm, and more preferably up to 300 mm.

30. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, A work carrier characterized in that the side edge length or multiple side edges of the print bed (12) are at least 25 mm, at least 50 mm, preferably at least 100 mm, preferably at least 150 mm, preferably at least 200 mm, preferably at least 250 mm, preferably at least 300 mm, preferably at least 350 mm, preferably at least 400 mm, preferably at least 450 mm, and more preferably at least 500 mm.

31. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, A work carrier characterized in that the length of the side edge of the print bed (12) or the length of multiple side edges is up to 900 mm, preferably up to 800 mm, preferably up to 700 mm, preferably up to 600 mm, even more preferably up to 500 mm, even more preferably up to 400 mm, even more preferably up to 300 mm, even more preferably up to 200 mm, even more preferably up to 100 mm, even more preferably up to 75 mm, and even more preferably up to 50 mm.

32. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The work carrier is characterized in that the support structure (16) is designed as a milled part and / or at least a part of it is manufactured by milling.

33. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The print bed (12) can be removed from the support structure (16) non-destructively and / or without tools. and / or the print bed (12) can be removed non-destructively and / or without tools from the insertion cavity (22) by means of manual handling and / or manipulation in particular.

34. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The print bed (12) is suspended and fixed within the support structure (16) and / or the insertion cavity (22) in order to compensate for thermal expansion, particularly with respect to the support structure (16). and / or the print bed (12) is fixed within the support structure (16) and / or the insertion cavity (22) in a manner that is free of or substantially free of play, a work carrier.

35. A work career (10) relating to one of the claims mentioned above, A work carrier characterized in that the print bed (12) is fixed within the support structure (16) and / or the insertion cavity (22) in a position that is in lateral contact with at least one of the stops (20) or a plurality of the stops (20).

36. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The print bed (12) is magnetically fixed within the support structure (16) and / or the insertion cavity (22), A work carrier characterized in that the print bed (12) is fixed within the support structure (16) and / or the insertion cavity (22) by at least one magnetic film (30) and / or at least one neodymium magnet.

37. A work carrier (10) according to claim 36, A work carrier characterized in that at least one magnet, particularly a magnetic film (30) and / or a neodymium magnet, is fixed to the print bed (12) and preferably bonded to the lower surface (42) of the print bed (12) facing the support base (18).

38. A work carrier (10) according to claim 36 or 37, A work carrier characterized in that at least one magnet, particularly a magnetic film (30) and / or a neodymium magnet, is fixed to and / or embedded in and / or bonded to the support base (18) of the support structure (16).

39. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, A work carrier characterized in that the print bed (12) is bonded to the support structure (16) and / or the insertion cavity (22), preferably by adhesive tape (32).

40. A work carrier (10) according to claim 39, The adhesive tape is adhered between the print bed (12) and the support base (18). and / or the print bed (12) is bonded to the support structure (16) by adhesive tape (32), wherein the adhesive tape (32) is bonded to the support structure (16) overlapping the upper surface (34) of the print bed (12) facing the support base (18), characterized in that it is a work carrier.

41. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The work carrier is characterized in that the print bed (12) is fixedly clamped within the support structure (16) and / or the insertion cavity (22) by at least one spring device (38, 46), and in particular is clamped and / or biased laterally against at least one stop (20) and / or side wall (26) of the insertion cavity (22).

42. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The work carrier is characterized in that the print bed (12) is fixedly clamped within the support structure (16) and / or the insertion cavity (22) by a plurality of spring devices (38), and in particular is clamped and / or biased laterally with respect to a plurality of stops (20) and / or side walls (26) of the insertion cavity (22).

43. A work carrier (10) according to claim 41 or 42, At least one spring device (38, 46) acts laterally on the print bed (12), and in particular on at least one side surface (40) of the print bed (12) extending between the upper surface (34) of the print bed (12) facing the support base (18) and the lower surface (42) of the print bed (12) facing the support base (18), and / or a work carrier characterized in that a plurality of spring devices (38) act laterally on the print bed (12), and in particular act on a plurality of mutually adjacent sides (40) of the print bed (12) extending between the upper surface (34) of the print bed (12) facing the support base (18) and the lower surface (42) of the print bed (12) facing the support base (18).

44. A work carrier (10) according to any one of claims 41 to 43, In the plan view of the printing bed (12), the clamping force of the spring device (46) acts on the printing bed (12) at an angle and is transmitted at an angle through the printing bed (12). and / or in a plan view of the print bed (12), the clamping force of the spring device (46) acts obliquely on the print bed (12) and / or is transmitted obliquely through the print bed (12), and is characterized in that the angle is greater than 90° or less than 90° with respect to the side edge (50) of the print bed (12).

45. A work carrier (10) according to any one of claims 41 to 44, At least one spring device (46) acts laterally on the corner regions (52, 86) and / or corner surfaces (54) of the print bed (12), A work carrier characterized in that and / or at least one spring device (46) has notches (56) for receiving corners (65) and / or edges in a non-contact and / or non-load-bearing manner, particularly corner edges (66) or corner regions (52) of the print bed (12).

46. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The print bed (12) has at least one flat corner region (52), and in particular a plurality of flat corner regions (52), A work carrier characterized in that at least one edge of the corner region and / or corner edge (66) of the print bed (12) is flat.

47. A work carrier (10) according to any one of claims 41 to 46, The spring device (46) is designed to receive the flat corner region (52) and / or flat corner edge of the print bed (12), and in particular has a contact surface (58) shaped to correspond to the flat corner region (52) and / or flat corner edge, characterized in that it is a work carrier.

48. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The support structure (16) is designed to accept and / or position a plurality of print beds (12) independently of each other. and / or a plurality of the print beds (12) formed separately from each other are each formed to be placed on and / or fixed on the support base (18) or a common support base (18), and / or, the support structure (16) has a plurality of insertion cavities (22) for a plurality of print beds (12), The work carrier is characterized in that the print bed (12) is at least partially embedded in and / or fixed to each of the insertion cavities (22).

49. A work carrier (10) according to claim 48, Each of the print beds (12) is fixedly clamped within the support structure (16) and / or each of the insertion cavities (22) by at least one spring device (46), and is characterized in that it is clamped and / or biased laterally against a plurality of side walls (26) of each of the insertion cavities (22) as a work carrier.

50. A work carrier (10) according to any one of claims 41 to 49, A work carrier characterized in that one or more of the spring devices (38) can be clamped or removed using a tool, or one or more of the spring devices (46) can be clamped and / or removed in a tool-free manner.

51. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The print bed (12) is held and / or secured within the support structure (16) and / or insertion cavity (22) by at least one holding device (68), The retaining device (68) is preferably fixedly screwed into the support structure (16). A work carrier characterized by engaging with a molding portion (70) of the printing bed (12) having a shape corresponding to the pressing device (68), and / or the pressing device (68) being designed as a pressing disc.

52. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The work carrier is characterized in that the support base (18) has at least one through-suction port (36), in particular a plurality of suction ports (36), for applying negative pressure to the print bed (12) and / or for suctioning the underside of the print bed (12) to temporarily fix it within the printing apparatus (102) of a 3D screen printing machine.

53. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, A work carrier characterized in that the position and / or orientation of the print bed and / or print bed (12) can be optically detected from the side surface (76) of the support structure (16) facing the print bed (12).

54. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The support structure (16) has at least one viewing area (78), The position and / or orientation of the print bed (12) can be optically detected at least through the viewing area (78) of the support structure (16). The work carrier is characterized in that the viewing area (78) of the support structure (16) is preferably formed by a viewing opening (80), and / or the viewing area (78) is formed from at least a partially transparent and / or translucent material.

55. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The support structure (16) has at least one visible area (78) that is partially covered in the plan view by the corner area (86) and / or the edge area (88) and / or the contour of the print bed (12), A work carrier characterized in that the contours of and / or at least one corner (82) and / or edge (84) and / or print bed (12) can be optically detected through the viewing area (78) of the support structure (16).

56. A work carrier (10) according to claim 54 or 55, A work carrier characterized in that at least one viewing area (78) of the support structure (16) is formed at least partially on the frame portion (28) and / or at least partially on the support base (18) of the support structure (16).

57. A work carrier (10) according to any one of claims 13 to 56, The work carrier is characterized in that the support base (18) is formed separately from the frame portion (28), and the print bed (12) covers the support base (18) in a plan view and / or covers the support base (18) in a projected state.

58. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The support structure (16), the frame portion (28), and the print bed (12) each have at least one marking (90) for position detection, and in particular a plurality of markings (90) for position detection. A work carrier characterized in that at least one of the markings (90) is preferably formed away from the corners (82) and / or edges (84) of the support structure (16) and / or the print bed (12).

59. A work carrier (10) according to claim 58, The marking is provided as a single optically detectable marking (90) and / or reference hole and / or register mark. A work carrier characterized in that the position and / or orientation of the support structure (16) and / or the print bed (12) are detected by the marking (90).

60. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The work carrier is characterized in that the print bed (12) has a non-peelable coating, particularly a coating that forms a print area (14).

61. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, A separation layer, particularly one designed as an insulating layer, is placed between the print bed (12) and the support structure (16). A work carrier characterized in that the separation layer is arranged and / or designed to avoid and / or reduce heat transfer between the print bed (12) and the support structure (16).

62. A work carrier (10) according to claim 61, The separation layer is fixed between the print bed (12) and the support structure (16). A work carrier characterized in that the separation layer is fixed to the support structure (16) independently of the print bed (12), or the separation layer is fixed to the print bed (12) independently of the support structure (16).

63. A work carrier (10) according to claim 61, The separation layer is loosely positioned between the print bed (12) and the support structure (16). A work carrier characterized by being fixed between the print bed (12) and the support structure (16) by a sandwich arrangement.

64. A work carrier (10) according to any one of claims 61 to 63, The separation layer is designed as a flexible mat and / or a flexible film. A work carrier characterized by being composed of and / or at least partially of a plastic material, particularly a polyester material, and / or at least partially of a ceramic material.

65. A work carrier (10) according to any one of claims 61 to 64, The separation layer is formed from a heat-stabilized and / or high-temperature resistant material and is characterized by having heat resistance up to 100°C, preferably up to 150°C, more preferably up to 200°C, and even more preferably up to 250°C.

66. A work carrier (10) according to any one of claims 61 to 65, The work carrier is characterized in that the print bed (12) is thicker than the separation layer, particularly by at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, and especially preferably at least 50% thicker.

67. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The support base (18) has a break (60) and / or an opening, and / or the support base (18) has a support web for partially supporting the print bed (12), and / or a work carrier wherein at least partially free space is formed between the support base (18) and the print bed (12) and / or on the lower surface (42) of the print bed (12) facing the support base (18), in particular the free space is characterized in that it extends between support webs and / or between at least one support web and the side wall (26) of the insertion cavity (22), and / or is at least one free space defined by the interruption (60) of the support base (18).

68. The work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims is: The work carrier is characterized in that the support structure (16), together with the print bed (12) fixed thereto, is designed for temporary positioning within the printing apparatus (102) and / or temporary fixing and / or temporary clamping of the 3D screen printing machine to a conveyor vehicle.

69. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The work carrier is characterized in that the support structure (16) has a predetermined contact surface (72) for clamping to a conveyor vehicle, particularly a work carrier mount of a 3D screen printing machine conveyor vehicle.

70. A work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, The work carrier is characterized in that the support structure (16) has a total of two, three or more, or three predetermined contact surfaces (72) for clamping to a work carrier mount of a conveyor vehicle, preferably with at least two contact surfaces (72) formed on the opposite side of the support structure (16) and / or preferably with at least two contact surfaces (72) formed on the same side of the support structure (16).

71. A work carrier (10) according to claim 69 or 70, The predetermined contact surface (72) is partially formed on the outer peripheral surface (74) of the support structure (16) that runs between the upper and lower sides (76) of the support structure (16), A work carrier characterized in that the predetermined contact surface (72) is formed at an inclination with respect to an adjacent portion of the outer peripheral surface (74).

72. A work carrier (10) according to any one of claims 69 to 71, The predetermined contact surface (72) is at an angle greater than 90° with the upper adjacent surface cross section of the support structure (16). A work carrier characterized in that the external contact surface (72) is at an angle of less than 90° with the adjacent lower surface cross section of the support structure (16).

73. Work carrier (10), in particular a work carrier for manufacturing three-dimensional screen printing workpieces, A print bed (12) having a print area (14), The print bed (12) is supported and has a support structure formed separately from the print bed (12), The support structure (16) has an insertion cavity (22) for the print bed (12), The print bed (12) is at least partially embedded in the insertion cavity (22) of the support structure (16) and is positioned on the support base (18) of the insertion cavity (22). A work carrier in which the print bed (12) is fixed on the support structure (16).

74. Work carrier (10), in particular a work carrier for manufacturing three-dimensional screen printing workpieces, A print bed (12) having a print area (14) to be printed, The print bed (12) is supported, and the support structure (16) is formed separately from the print bed (12), The support structure (16) has at least one lateral boundary between the support base (18) and the print bed (12), The print bed (12) is positioned on the support base (18), The work carrier, in a position positioned on the support base (18), has at least one lateral movement of the print bed (12) restricted by the lateral boundary.

75. A support structure (16) for a work carrier (10) according to any one of the above claims, A support base (18) on which a print bed (12) having a print area (14) to be printed is placed, It has at least one stop for the print bed (12) positioned on the support base (18), The print bed (12), positioned on the support base (18), is a support structure that contacts the stop (20) in at least one lateral direction.

76. A conveyor vehicle (105) for an apparatus (100) for manufacturing a three-dimensional screen printing workpiece, having a work carrier (10) and a work carrier mount according to any one of claims 1 to 74.

77. Apparatus (100) for manufacturing three-dimensional screen printed workpieces, in particular a 3D screen printing machine, A printing apparatus (102) for producing at least one screen-printed workpiece in layers through multiple printing processes, A transport device (104) for automatically transporting at least one work carrier (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 74 toward and / or toward the printing device (102), The conveying device (104) preferably comprises at least one conveying rail and a conveyor vehicle (105) that is movably arranged on the conveying rail and has a work carrier (10).

78. A method for manufacturing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, particularly pharmaceuticals, At least one screen-printed workpiece is manufactured in layers on a work carrier (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 74 in multiple printing steps by a printing apparatus (102), A method for automatically transporting a work carrier (10) on which a screen printing workpiece is placed, by a transport device (104) in a direction toward and / or toward the printing device (102).

79. A method for using the work carrier (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 74 for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, particularly a method for using it for the manufacture of tablets by 3D screen printing.

80. Pharmaceuticals, especially tablets, A pharmaceutical product manufactured using a work carrier (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 74 and / or a conveyor vehicle (105) according to claim 76 and / or an apparatus (100) according to claim 77 and / or the method according to claim 78.

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