Powder conveying system for transporting raw material powder to equipment that manufactures 3D workpieces

Abstract

The present invention relates to a powder conveying system for conveying raw material powder to an apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional workpiece by irradiating a layer of raw material powder with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation. The powder conveying system comprises a conveying line configured to convey a gas flow in at least a number of compartments, and a conveying device configured to convey a powder flow that moves by the gas flow in at least a number of compartments. The powder conveying system further comprises a first tank connected to the conveying line for supplying powder for an additive manufacturing process to the apparatus, and at least one overflow container connected to the conveying line for accommodating excess powder from the additive manufacturing process. Furthermore, the powder conveying system comprises a buffer container connected to the conveying line for supplying powder to be sieved to a sieving device, and a sieving device for sieving the powder to be sieved and distributing the sieved powder. The powder conveying system is connected to the conveying line and includes an interface for an external tank for introducing fresh or contaminated powder into the powder conveying system. Furthermore, the powder conveying system includes a control device that controls the powder conveying system, thereby enabling the powder conveying system to perform at least one of the following processes: (a) conveying the sieved powder to a first tank; (b) conveying the powder from at least one overflow container into a buffer container; and (c) conveying the powder from an external tank into a buffer container.

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