Manufacturing apparatus for additive manufacturing of 3D workpieces, build cylinder used in the manufacturing apparatus, and manufacturing system and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a manufacturing apparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional workpieces, comprising a solidification device configured to selectively solidify powder material. The manufacturing apparatus is configured to be used with a replaceable build cylinder configured to receive at least partially solidified powder material. The manufacturing apparatus comprises a coupling system for coupling to the build cylinder, the coupling system configured to orient the build cylinder into a predetermined position and to hold the build cylinder in place for at least a portion of the manufacturing process. The present invention also relates to a corresponding build cylinder, manufacturing system, and method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a manufacturing apparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional workpieces, a build cylinder used in this manufacturing apparatus, a manufacturing system, and a method.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of additive manufacturing by powder bed fusion, three-dimensional workpieces can be manufactured by selective solidification of a powder material. The powdery raw material to be solidified is mainly received in a build cylinder, the bottom of which is defined by a build plate. At the start of the manufacturing process, the build plate is placed on top of the build cylinder and covered with a powder layer. After this powder layer is selectively solidified by a solidification device, the build plate moves downward within the build cylinder, whereby the at least partially solidified powder layer also moves downward accordingly. Thereafter, a further powder layer can be applied on top of the at least partially solidified layer and solidified in the desired regions. In this way, the three-dimensional workpiece is formed layer by layer.

[0003] The raw material can be a metal, a metal alloy, or a plastic material. Also, other powder materials such as, for example, cell-based materials are conceivable. As the solidification device, for example, an irradiation device that selectively melts the powder material by a beam that can be guided onto the layer can be used. The beam can be a particle beam such as an electron beam, or electromagnetic radiation such as laser light, for example. In particular, the solidification device can be configured to solidify the powder material by selective laser sintering or selective laser melting. Alternatively or in addition to this, the solidification device used can be configured to apply a binder such as an adhesive, for example, to the layer region to be solidified in order to selectively solidify the powder.

[0004] In this case, a general-purpose manufacturing apparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional workpieces is provided, which comprises a solidification device configured to selectively solidify a powder material.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Unlike known solutions that utilize build cylinders permanently connected to the manufacturing apparatus, the manufacturing apparatus provided herein is configured for use with a replaceable build cylinder configured to accept at least partially solidified powder material. Thus, the build cylinder provided herein is not permanently connected to the manufacturing apparatus, but is particularly structurally identical and / or replaceable with an empty build cylinder. The partially solidified powder material may correspond to at least a partially solidified powder layer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The manufacturing apparatus described herein includes a coupling system for connecting to a build cylinder. This coupling system, in particular, serves to detachably connect a replaceable build cylinder to the manufacturing apparatus.

[0007] The coupling system is configured to orient the build cylinder to a predetermined position. By orienting it to a predetermined position, it is ensured that the powder layer introduced into the coupled build cylinder is in a spatially known position. Therefore, the powder layer can be selectively solidified with high positional accuracy.

[0008] The specified location can be defined in particular for the manufacturing apparatus and / or at least a part of the manufacturing apparatus. For example, the specified location can be defined for the solidification apparatus and / or the process chamber of the manufacturing apparatus. The process chamber can be configured to ensure an atmosphere having a specified temperature, flow rate, humidity and / or chemical properties, particularly a protective gas atmosphere, above the powder bed or the top layer of powder.

[0009] The coupling system is further configured to hold the build cylinder in place, at least during part of the manufacturing process. Thus, the coupling system performs two advantageous functions: on the one hand, it orients the build cylinder, and on the other hand, it holds the build cylinder.

[0010] In particular, the coupling system is configured to support the majority or all of the weight of the build cylinder when holding it. In contrast, the weight of the build plate and powder material, especially selectively solidified powder material (optionally placed on the build plate and within the build cylinder), can be supported, for example, at least temporarily, by another structural element, particularly a drive mechanism that moves the build plate, when the coupling system is holding the build cylinder. The coupling system can be configured to detachably hold a replaceable build cylinder on the manufacturing apparatus. The manufacturing process is, in particular, a manufacturing process for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional workpieces performed by the manufacturing apparatus. The coupling system may be configured to hold the build cylinder throughout the entire manufacturing process.

[0011] The coupling system can be configured to orient the upper end of the build cylinder to a predetermined position. The coupling system can be configured to hold the build cylinder at its upper end for at least part of the manufacturing process. This makes the spatial position of the powder layer introduced into the coupled build cylinder and located at the upper end known, allowing for selective solidification of this layer with high positional accuracy.

[0012] The coupling system can be configured to hold the build cylinder from above and / or suspended. In this case, the coupled build cylinder can be said to be suspended from the coupling system. The coupling system can be configured to contact the build cylinder from above (e.g., only from above), or in particular to contact the upper side (e.g., only the upper side) of at least a portion of the build cylinder, in order to hold the build cylinder. The build cylinder may have one or more projections positioned on its outer circumference and configured to connect with the coupling system. At least a portion of the build cylinder may have one or more of these projections. The manufacturing apparatus can be configured such that the upper end of the build cylinder is hermetically connected to the process chamber when the build cylinder is coupled to the manufacturing apparatus via the coupling system. The upper end can be configured to be hermetically and / or pressure-resistant connected to the process chamber in particular via the sealing system of the manufacturing apparatus. When the build cylinder is coupled to the manufacturing apparatus, the upper end can be closer to the solidification apparatus than the lower end of the build cylinder. The upper end is configured to receive a new powder layer, while the lower end of the build cylinder is configured to receive an already selectively solidified powder layer. One or more protrusions may be part of the upper end of the build cylinder. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "top" and "bottom," and their corresponding terms, such as "upper side" and "lower side," are understood in relation to the direction of gravity. A free-falling object moves from top to bottom due to the influence of gravity.

[0013] The coupling system can be configured to move the build cylinder in the feed direction to connect with the coupling system. The coupling system can be configured to orient the build cylinder into a predetermined position while it is moving in the feed direction. This makes it possible to easily and accurately connect the build cylinder to a predetermined position. In particular, this allows the use of a drive unit that can move the build cylinder in only one spatial direction, i.e., the feed direction, while orienting in at least one other spatial direction is performed by the coupling system.

[0014] The predetermined position may be different from the position the build cylinder can reach when moving along the feed direction. Orientation may be performed in a direction different from the feed direction. The feed direction may be linear and / or extend from the bottom to the top. The feed direction may extend in the direction of the process chamber and / or the solidification apparatus. The coupling system can be configured to center the build cylinder in a predetermined position while the build cylinder is moving in the feed direction. For example, the coupling system can be configured so that the build cylinder is oriented or centered in the xy plane while the build cylinder is moving in the z direction (feed direction). This orientation or centering can be achieved by bolts that substantially extend in the z direction and are provided as part of the coupling system, which engage with corresponding recesses in the build cylinder when connecting the build cylinder to the coupling system, or vice versa.

[0015] The coupling system may comprise multiple clamping systems. One, multiple, or each of these clamping systems can be configured to hold the build cylinder in place at least for part of the manufacturing process. This allows for the rapid coupling of the build cylinder to the manufacturing equipment using inexpensive means, while also providing the dual functions of desired orientation and holding.

[0016] In a first modification, such a clamping system includes a clamping module in particular. The clamping module can be configured to clamp a corresponding mating part, in particular a clamping means such as a (clamping) bolt, and the mating part is connected to or fixed to a build cylinder. In a second modification, such a clamping system includes a clamping means configured to connect to a corresponding mating part, in particular a clamping module, and the mating part is also connected to or fixed to a build cylinder. It is also possible to combine the two modifications, in which case the connecting module includes not only different clamping systems, i.e., at least one clamping module, but also at least one clamping means for connecting to the corresponding mating part.

[0017] Multiple clamping systems may include three or more clamping systems. These three or more clamping systems may be arranged substantially evenly, particularly along the outer circumference of the build cylinder, when the build cylinder is held in the connecting system. Using three or more clamping systems enables highly accurate orientation or positioning of the build cylinder.

[0018] Multiple clamping systems may include one or more zero-point clamping systems. A single clamping system can be configured as a zero-point clamping system, or multiple clamping systems can be combined to form a zero-point clamping system (e.g., a zero-point clamping system only). Alternatively, the entire clamping system can be a single zero-point clamping system. In each case, the zero point may correspond to a predetermined position. Zero-point clamping systems are particularly suitable for the precise orientation and holding of build cylinders.

[0019] Some of the multiple clamping systems can be positioned on different sides of the build cylinder (e.g., all outer sides) when the build cylinder is oriented in place. In other words, the clamping systems of the multiple clamping systems can be configured to be positioned on different sides of the build cylinder when the build cylinder is oriented in place. The clamping systems can be positioned on different (e.g., outer) corners of the build cylinder (e.g., all outer corners). Such arrangement of clamping systems ensures that the build cylinder is reliably oriented and held.

[0020] Each of the multiple clamping systems can be displaceably mounted on a straight line intersecting the central axis of the build cylinder (for example, only on a straight line) when the build cylinder is oriented in a predetermined position. The central axis can extend perpendicular to the build cylinder. In other words, multiple clamping systems can be provided that are displaceable toward the central axis (for example, in the xy-plane) but not movable in other spatial directions. This ensures that the central axis remains in place even if the connected build cylinder expands or contracts due to temperature changes.

[0021] Some of the multiple clamping systems can be configured to be pneumatically controllable via at least two independent fluid circuits. The clamping system can be divided into at least two groups, each group connected to a group-specific fluid circuit and controllable through that circuit. Such pneumatic clamping systems can be controlled by applying pressure (e.g., via the corresponding fluid circuits), and specifically, they can be opened and closed, locked, unlocked, cleaned, and / or retightened. The use of multiple fluid circuits provides a certain degree of redundancy, so that even if only one fluid circuit fails, at least the clamping systems connected to the other fluid circuits remain controllable.

[0022] Multiple clamping systems can be configured to be normally clamped. Therefore, it is possible to provide one or more clamping systems that maintain a clamped state even without electrical, mechanical, or pneumatic control signals. For this purpose, a clamping system with an integrated spring mechanism that holds the clamping system in a clamped state and / or locks it after the clamping means have been clamped is suitable, for example. A normally clamped clamping system has the advantage that the clamped clamping means will remain clamped even in the event of a power outage or failure of an electrical or pneumatic (fluid) control line. This ensures that, in this case, the build cylinder is reliably held in place by the manufacturing equipment even in the event of such a failure.

[0023] The manufacturing apparatus may include a support device. A predetermined position can be defined relative to the support device. The support device can be configured to support a coupling system, a process chamber, and / or a solidification device. The support device can be configured such that the weight held by the coupling device, for example, the weight of the build cylinder held, does not affect the spatial position, in particular the position and / or orientation, of the solidification device and / or process chamber. Thus, it is ensured that the coupled build cylinder is in a predetermined position relative to the solidification device and / or process chamber. This makes it possible to selectively solidify powder materials with high positional accuracy.

[0024] The connection system may comprise one or more functional interfaces for connecting to the corresponding functional interfaces of the build cylinder. Here, the functional interface particularly means an electrical interface or a fluid interface. The electrical interface can be configured to supply power to the electrical components of the build cylinder and / or transmit data. In particular, the electrical interface can be used for contact with one or more sensors of the build cylinder (for example, temperature sensors, deformation sensors and / or weight sensors). The fluid interface can be configured to supply a pneumatic control signal to the pneumatic actuator of the build cylinder. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid interface can also be used to supply a heating medium or a cooling medium to the build cylinder. The functional interface can particularly be configured as a quick connection part that is connected to the corresponding opposing interface of the build cylinder when the build cylinder is in a predetermined position.

[0025] Furthermore, a build cylinder for use with a manufacturing apparatus is provided. The build cylinder can have the features already described.

[0026] The build cylinder can be configured as a general hollow cylinder. The build cylinder can be polygonal, that is, it can have a polygonal outer contour and / or inner contour. Correspondingly, the hollow interior of the build cylinder can have a polygonal outer contour. This polygon can particularly be a rectangle or a square. The build cylinder can extend linearly in the vertical direction.

[0027] In particular, a build cylinder may comprise multiple clamping elements configured to connect with the clamping system of the coupling system. The clamping elements can be positioned on different sides of the build cylinder (e.g., two sides opposite each other, or all outer sides). Alternatively or additionally, one or more clamping elements may be displaceably mounted on a line intersecting the central axis of the build cylinder. As already mentioned above, this maintains the central axis of the coupled build cylinder in a predetermined position and can compensate for size changes due to temperature of the build cylinder. As with the clamping system, the clamping elements may comprise clamping modules or clamping means. The build cylinder may also comprise different clamping elements, i.e., combinations of clamping modules and clamping means.

[0028] A build cylinder may have one or more interfaces configured to connect to the functional interfaces of a coupling system. As described above, these may be electrical interfaces and / or fluid interfaces. The build cylinder may have an electrically heated and / or cooled system that is powered and / or controlled via the electrical interface. The build cylinder may also have a fluid conducting system and a fluid interface configured to supply fluid to the fluid conducting system, which is connected to the corresponding fluid interface of the coupling system. The fluid conducting system may be configured to regulate the temperature of the build cylinder, in particular as a heated and / or cooled system. The build cylinder may have a second fluid interface for discharging fluid from the fluid conducting system. The second fluid interface may also be configured to connect to the corresponding fluid interface of the coupling system. In this way, it becomes possible to regulate the temperature of the build cylinder via the coupling system.

[0029] The build cylinder has, in particular, an upper end and an opposite lower end. A locking system can be provided at the lower end, and this locking system is configured to lock a build plate displaceably mounted (e.g., vertically) inside the powder storage chamber or the build cylinder relative to the build cylinder.

[0030] Furthermore, a manufacturing system comprising a manufacturing apparatus and a build cylinder is provided.

[0031] The manufacturing apparatus and / or the manufacturing system may further comprise a drive device configured to raise the build plate. The drive device can be configured, in particular, to raise the build plate while the build plate is locked by the locking system and to move the build cylinder in the feed direction to connect it to the connection system. In other words, the drive device can be used to raise the locked build plate and the build cylinder or to raise the unlocked build plate while the build cylinder is held by the connection system. For this purpose, the drive device can be connected to the build plate. The transmission of force from the drive device to the build cylinder can be reliably effected by the locking system. Thus, using a single drive device is sufficient to connect the build cylinder to the manufacturing apparatus and move the build plate during the manufacturing process. Therefore, the size of the manufacturing apparatus and / or the manufacturing system can be reduced.

[0032] It is conceivable to connect the drive unit to the build plate in a movable manner (e.g., so as to be able to move translationally and / or rotationally). In particular, the drive unit can be connected to the build plate so as to be able to move translationally in the xy plane. In this case, the drive unit is displaceable in the xy plane without affecting the corresponding displacement of the build plate. The build plate can be mounted in the build cylinder so as to be able to move translationally in the z direction (e.g., only in the z direction). In this case, by connecting the drive unit to the build plate which is movable in the xy plane, the frictional force acting on the build plate in the xy plane can be reduced. Additionally or alternatively, the drive unit can also be connected to the build plate so as to be able to move rotationally, for example, so as to be able to rotate around at least the x and y axes. This can reduce the torsional load on the build plate.

[0033] The connection between the drive unit and the build plate is understood to mean either a direct or indirect connection. In a direct connection, the drive unit is in contact with the build plate, while in an indirect connection, the build plate is supported by a carrier plate, and the drive unit is in direct contact with the carrier plate. In the latter case, the carrier plate functions, so to speak, as an intermediate member between the drive unit and the build plate. For a movable connection between the drive unit and the build plate, it will be understood that the carrier plate is movable relative to the build plate, or / or the carrier plate is movable relative to the drive unit.

[0034] In a specific example, the coupling system 24 is configured to hold the build cylinder in a coupled state and to be able to translate within a predetermined range of motion (for example, along at least one of three spatial axes). In this case, the coupling system is configured to hold the build cylinder in place, particularly with a predetermined tolerance of a few millimeters.

[0035] Furthermore, a method is provided. This method uses a build cylinder and a manufacturing apparatus, and is particularly used to connect a build cylinder to a manufacturing apparatus. The method includes moving the build cylinder in the feed direction. While moving in the feed direction, the build cylinder is oriented to a predetermined position by the coupling system. The method further includes holding the build cylinder in a predetermined position by the coupling system for at least a portion of the manufacturing process. In this method, the build cylinder can be moved in the feed direction by raising a build plate that is displaceably mounted inside the build cylinder while the build plate is locked to the build cylinder. The method may further include one or more of the steps described above. The method may, in particular, include at least one of the following steps. Steps include: unlocking the build plate after the build cylinder is connected to the coupling system; moving the unlocked build plate upward within the coupled build cylinder; applying powder material to the build plate; selectively solidifying the powder layer; performing all or part of the manufacturing process; locking the build cylinder upon completion of the manufacturing process; moving the build cylinder in the opposite direction to the feed direction to disconnect the build cylinder from the coupling system; controlling the clamping system and / or clamping elements; and supplying power or fluid to the functional interface. The manufacturing apparatus and / or manufacturing system may include control devices that control the manufacturing apparatus and / or manufacturing system so that the method is performed.

[0036] Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the attached schematic diagrams. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] This diagram shows a schematic of a manufacturing system where the build cylinders are not connected. [Figure 2] This shows a perspective view of a coupling system where the build cylinders are not connected. [Figure 3]This diagram shows a schematic of a manufacturing system with connected build cylinders. [Figure 4] A perspective view of a connecting system with connected build cylinders is shown. [Figure 5a] This diagram shows a schematic representation of a manufacturing system with connected build cylinders during the manufacturing process. [Figure 5b] This diagram shows a schematic representation of a manufacturing system with connected build cylinders during the manufacturing process. [Figure 6] Perspective views of the connecting system and possible fluid circuits are shown. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view of the fluid interface of the coupling system and build cylinder is shown. [Figure 8] A flowchart of the method related to this disclosure is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] The following reference symbols indicate the same structural and / or functional characteristics.

[0039] Figures 1, 3, and 5a show the manufacturing system 100 at different stages. System 100 comprises a manufacturing apparatus 2 for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional workpieces, which comprises a solidification apparatus 4 and, in particular, a process chamber 6. The solidification apparatus 4 is configured to selectively solidify powder material and for this purpose may comprise a plurality of irradiation sources 8a, 8b and scanners 10a, 10b configured to deflect beams 11a, 11b over the powder layer 13. The irradiation sources 8a, 8b may be laser light sources. The process chamber 6 can be supplied with a gas, such as a protective gas, via a gas inlet 12. A gas outlet 14 may be provided, through which the gas can be discharged from the process chamber 6. Thus, a desired gas flow 15 can be provided within the process chamber 6, and the gas flow 15 may particularly help to discharge particles formed during the manufacturing process from the process chamber 6. A control device 15 may be provided, which is configured to control the system 100, the manufacturing apparatus 2, or its individual components, in particular to carry out the method described herein.

[0040] System 100 further comprises a build cylinder 16, a build plate 18, and a drive unit 22. The build cylinder 16 is interchangeable with any structurally identical build cylinder. In other words, the manufacturing apparatus 2 is configured to be used with an interchangeable build cylinder configured to receive at least partially solidified powder material. The build plate 18 is displaceably mounted within the build cylinder 16. A locking system 20 can lock the build plate 18 against the build cylinder 16, so that when the build plate 18 is raised, not only the build plate 18 but also the build cylinder 16 rises. A drive unit 22, in particular a linear drive, is provided to raise and lower the build plate.

[0041] In Figure 1, the build cylinder 16 is separated from the manufacturing apparatus 2; in Figure 3, the build cylinder 16 is connected to the manufacturing apparatus 2; and in Figure 5a, the build cylinder 16 is connected to the manufacturing apparatus 2, and a manufacturing process is carried out in which a three-dimensional workpiece 17 is produced in layers by selectively solidifying individual layers using the solidification apparatus 4.

[0042] The coupling system 24 is provided for connecting the build cylinder 16 to the manufacturing apparatus 2. The coupling system 24 is configured to orient the build cylinder 16 to a predetermined position and to hold the build cylinder 16 in that position for at least a portion of the manufacturing process.

[0043] Figures 2 and 4 show illustrative perspective views of the coupling system 24 in different states. In the uncoupled or free state shown in Figure 2, the build cylinder 16 is separated from the manufacturing apparatus 2, and therefore the coupling system 24 is not occupied. This corresponds to the stage shown in Figure 1. In the coupled state shown in Figure 4, the build cylinder 16 is connected to the manufacturing apparatus 2, and the coupling system 24 is occupied. This corresponds to the stages shown in Figures 3 and 5a.

[0044] To connect with the coupling system 24, the build cylinder 16 moves upward, for example, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. Precise positioning of the build cylinder 16, particularly in spatial directions other than the direction of movement (e.g., leftward in Figure 1 and / or in the plane of the drawing), is here ensured by the coupling system 24. In particular, when the build cylinder 16 is coupled to the manufacturing apparatus 2, the coupling system 24 is configured to push the upper end 26 of the build cylinder 16 into a predetermined position, and after coupling, to hold the build cylinder suspended by this upper end 26 for at least a portion of the manufacturing process. The coupling system 24 can be configured to hold substantially the entire weight of the build cylinder 16 when the build cylinder is coupled and the locking system 20 unlocks the build plate 18. The locking device 20 is preferably located at the lower end 28 of the build cylinder 16.

[0045] System 100 further comprises a support device 30, as schematically shown in Figure 1. The connecting system 24, the process chamber 6, and / or the solidification apparatus 4 are supported by the support device 30. Preferably, the support device 30 is configured such that the weight of the connected build cylinder 16, supported by the connecting system 24, does not affect the spatial position of the process chamber 6 and / or the solidification apparatus 4.

[0046] The coupling system 24 may comprise four clamping systems 32 that hold the build cylinder 16 in place after coupling. To ensure secure clamping of the build cylinder 16, the four clamping systems 32 are positioned at the corners of the build cylinder 16 when it is coupled. Each clamping system 32 may correspond to a clamping means 34, in particular a clamping module configured to clamp a clamping bolt. The clamping means 34 is preferably fixed to the upper end 26 of the build cylinder 16. The clamping means can be a clamping bolt with an inclined upper side, which allows for easy orientation of the build cylinder 16 and prevents the clamping means from tilting within the clamping system 32. Possible clamping means 34 include clamping bolts with a chamfered distal end to allow for a 1-2 mm offset, zero bolts, compensating bolts, clamping bolts with locking screws, sword bolts, or small bolts.

[0047] The coupling system may comprise a frame-like carrier element 36 on which the clamping system 32 is positioned. The carrier element 36 can be mounted on a support device 30 via a vertically adjustable leveling screw 38. This allows for precise spatial positioning of the clamping system 32 relative to the support device 30, which is preferably rigid and erected at the bottom of the space, and consequently, precise positioning of the build cylinder 16 and the layered powder material to be solidified contained within it within the space. In certain configurations, the leveling screw 38 is connected to the support device 30 so as to allow for reciprocating movement in the xy plane (for example, within a predetermined tolerance of a few millimeters).

[0048] For example, the clamping system 32 as a whole forms a zero-point clamping system, where the zero point 35 is located on the central axis of the build cylinder 16. Each clamping system 32 is mounted to be linearly movable and can move a few millimeters along each line. Each of these lines can intersect the central axis of the build cylinder 16. In this way, even if the build cylinder 16 expands due to temperature during the manufacturing process, it is ensured that the central axis of the build cylinder 16 remains aligned with the zero point 35. In other words, the position of the central axis of the build cylinder 16 can be maintained regardless of temperature changes in the build cylinder 16.

[0049] The clamp system 32 can be configured as a pneumatically controllable clamp module, thereby enabling opening and closing, unlocking, locking, cleaning, and / or retightening by air pressure. For this purpose, multiple independent fluid circuits 33a, 33b can be used. In particular, different clamp systems 32 can be supplied via different fluid circuits. As shown in Figure 6, in particular, one of several clamp systems 32 located on opposite sides of each other can be controlled via the same fluid circuit 33a or 33b. Preferably, the clamp modules are usually preloaded so that the clamping means remain clamped even in the event of a power outage and / or interruption of the pneumatic supply. In the case of an electrically switchable clamp system 32, individual subgroups of the clamp system 32 can be operated accordingly, for example in pairs, via different power supplies and / or control circuits.

[0050] The coupling system 24 may also include functional interfaces such as a plug-in electrical interface or a quick-coupling fluid interface. Figures 4 and 7 show a fluid interface 25 as an example. In this case, the build cylinder 16 has a corresponding opposing interface 27 on a projection 31 provided on the outer circumference of the upper end 26 of the build cylinder 16, for example. The fluid interface may be particularly useful for supplying a temperature control system for the build cylinder 16. This temperature control system may include a fluid conduction system 29 provided on or inside the build cylinder 16.

[0051] A supply connection section 37 for controlling the clamp system 32 by air pressure can be provided on the upper side of the carrier element 36. Furthermore, a fluid connection section 39 connected to the fluid interface 25 can be provided.

[0052] The drive unit 22 may not be optimally oriented with respect to the process chamber 6, or its orientation may change over time (for example, while the build plate 18 is displaced upward in the z direction). In such cases, to prevent undesirable displacement or twisting of the build plate 18, the drive unit 22 can be connected to the build plate 18 so that it is translationally movable in the xy plane and rotationally movable around the x and y axes. In particular, as shown in Figure 5b, the build plate 18 may be supported by a carrier plate 23. To movably connect the drive unit 22 to the build plate 18, the carrier plate 23 can be configured to be movable relative to the build plate and / or relative to the drive unit 22.

[0053] A further possibility for avoiding undesirable loads on the build plate due to misalignment of the drive unit 22 is to configure the connecting system 24 to hold the build cylinder 16 in a connected state and to be able to translate over a predetermined range of motion in the xy plane, instead of, or in addition to, a movable (e.g., indirect) connection between the drive unit 22 and the build plate 18. In this case, the connecting system is configured to hold the build cylinder 16 in a predetermined position within a predetermined tolerance range (e.g., a few millimeters). To achieve this, for example, small bolts and / or clamping systems that are displaceable in the xy plane can be used.

[0054] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of the method using System 100.

[0055] In step 102, the build cylinder 16 moves in the feed direction. Here, the build cylinder 16 is oriented to a predetermined position by the coupling system 24. In particular, the locking device 20 can lock the build plate 18 against the build cylinder 16, and the drive device 22 can move the build plate in the feed direction, thereby moving the build cylinder 16 simultaneously in the feed direction. Before the build cylinder 16 is moved, the system 100 is configured as shown in Figure 1. After the execution of step 102, the system 100 is configured as shown in Figure 3.

[0056] In step 104, the build cylinder is held in place by the coupling system. Here again, the system maintains the configuration shown in Figure 3.

[0057] In any step 106, the build plate 18 is unlocked, thereby allowing it to move upward within the build cylinder 20, i.e., inside the build cylinder 16 or within the powder receiving chamber 19.

[0058] In an optional step 108, the manufacturing process is carried out, in which powder material is weighed and supplied in layers onto the build plate 18, the powder layers are selectively solidified by the solidification device 4, the build plate is lowered by the thickness of the layer, and then a new powder layer is added. This is shown in Figure 5a.

[0059] After the manufacturing process is complete, i.e., after the 3D workpiece 17 has been manufactured, at any step 110, the build plate is lowered to the starting position and locked by the locking system 20.

[0060] In the next optional step 112, the drive unit 22 moves the locked build plate 18 downward, i.e., away from the process chamber 6, thereby disengaging the build cylinder 16. The build cylinder 16 can then be replaced with an empty build cylinder, and the method can be restarted.

[0061] It will be understood that the examples, modifications, and exemplary embodiments described herein can be combined with one another. In addition to the advantages described above, further technical advantages may also be considered.

Claims

1. A manufacturing apparatus (2) for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional workpieces, The system is equipped with a solidification device (4) for selectively solidifying powdered materials, The manufacturing apparatus (2) is configured to be used with a replaceable build cylinder (16) configured to at least partially receive the solidified powder material, The manufacturing apparatus (2) includes a connecting system (24) that connects to the build cylinder (16), The coupling system is configured to orient the build cylinder (16) to a predetermined position and to hold the build cylinder in that predetermined position for at least a portion of the manufacturing process. Manufacturing equipment.

2. The manufacturing apparatus (2) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting system (24) is configured to direct the upper end (26) of the build cylinder (16) to the predetermined position and to hold the build cylinder (16) at the upper end (26) for at least a portion of the manufacturing process.

3. The manufacturing apparatus (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the manufacturing apparatus is configured such that the build cylinder (16) is moved in the feeding direction and connected to the connecting system (24), and the connecting system (24) is configured to orient the build cylinder (16) to the predetermined position while the build cylinder (16) is being moved in the feeding direction.

4. The manufacturing apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting system (24) comprises a plurality of clamping systems (32), each of which is configured to hold the build cylinder (16) in the predetermined position for at least a portion of the manufacturing process.

5. The aforementioned multiple clamping systems (32) are The aforementioned plurality of clamping systems (32) have the characteristic of including three or more clamping systems. The aforementioned plurality of clamping systems (32) have the characteristic of including one or more zero-point clamping systems. Some of the plurality of clamping systems (32) have the characteristic of being positioned on different sides of the build cylinder (16) when the build cylinder (16) is oriented to the predetermined position. Each of the plurality of clamping systems (32) is characterized in that it is mounted so as to be displaceable on a line intersecting the central axis of the build cylinder (16) when the build cylinder (16) is oriented to the predetermined position. Some of the aforementioned clamping systems (32) have the characteristic of being controllable by air pressure via at least two independent fluid circuits (33a, 33b), and / or Some of the aforementioned clamping systems (32) have the characteristic of being configured to be clamped under normal circumstances. The manufacturing apparatus (2) according to claim 4, comprising at least one of the following.

6. The manufacturing apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a support device (30), wherein the connecting system (24) is supported by the support device (30) and / or the predetermined position is defined with respect to the support device (30).

7. The manufacturing apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connecting system (24) comprises one or more functional interfaces (25) for connecting to corresponding functional interfaces (27) of the build cylinder (16).

8. A build cylinder (16) used in conjunction with the manufacturing apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The build cylinder (16) according to claim 8, further comprising a plurality of clamping elements (34) configured to connect with a clamping system (32) of the connecting system (24), wherein the clamping elements (34) are arranged on different sides of the build cylinder (16) and / or each of the clamping elements is displaceably mounted on a line intersecting the central axis of the build cylinder (16).

10. The build cylinder (16) according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a fluid transmission system (29) and a fluid interface (27) connected to a corresponding fluid interface (25) of the coupling system (24) and configured to supply fluid to the fluid transmission system (29).

11. The build cylinder (16) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the build cylinder (16) has an upper end (26) and a lower end (28) on the opposite side, and a locking system (28) is provided on the lower end (26), and the locking system is configured to lock a build plate (18) which is displaceably mounted in a powder receiving chamber (19) relative to the build cylinder (16).

12. A manufacturing apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A build cylinder (16) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, A manufacturing system (100) having the following features.

13. The build cylinder (16) described in claim 11 is further, The manufacturing system (100) according to claim 12, comprising a drive device (22), the drive device (22) is configured to raise the build plate (18) while the build plate (18) is locked by the locking system (20), and to move the build cylinder (16) in the feeding direction to connect with the coupling system (24).

14. A method for connecting a build cylinder (16) according to any one of claims 8 to 11 to a manufacturing apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, While the build cylinder (16) is moving in the feeding direction, the build cylinder (16) is moved in the feeding direction so that it is directed to the predetermined position by the coupling system (24). The coupling system (24) holds the build cylinder (16) in the predetermined position for at least part of the manufacturing process, Methods that include...

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the build cylinder (16) moves in the feeding direction when a build plate (18) displaceably mounted inside the build cylinder (16) is raised, while the build plate (15) is locked relative to the build cylinder (16).

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