Method and 3D printing device for monitoring process parameters and component data during an additive manufacturing process

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for monitoring one or more process parameters during an additive manufacturing process, comprising the method steps of: carrying out a manufacturing step for producing a component by means of an additive manufacturing method in a process chamber, determining a process parameter by means of a sensor unit, positioning the sensor unit at a first depositing location in a process chamber by means of a first positioning unit, and mechanically decoupling the sensor unit at the first depositing location from a receptacle of the first positioning unit. The invention also relates to a 3D printing device for the additive manufacturing of components, comprising a process chamber, a sensor unit and a first positioning unit arranged in the process chamber, wherein the sensor unit can be automatically coupled to and / or decoupled from the receptacle.

Description

[0001] Method and 3D printing device for monitoring process parameters and component data during an additive manufacturing process

[0002] The invention relates to a method for monitoring one or more process parameters during an additive manufacturing process, comprising the method steps: carrying out a manufacturing step for producing a component using an additive manufacturing process in a process chamber, determining a process parameter using a sensor unit, positioning the sensor unit at a first storage location in a process chamber by means of a first positioning unit, mechanically decoupling the sensor unit at the first storage location from a holder of the first positioning unit, and a 3D printing device for the additive manufacturing of components in a process chamber, a sensor unit, and a first positioning unit arranged in and / or on the process chamber, wherein the sensor unit can be automatically coupled and / or decoupled from the holder.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] 3D printing or additive manufacturing is a comprehensive term for all manufacturing processes in which material is applied layer by layer to create three-dimensional components. The layer-by-layer construction is computer-controlled from one or more liquid or solid materials according to specifications from a CAD / CAM system. The layers can then be divided into strips, particularly in direct energy deposition processes. In addition, in so-called hatching, a layer is divided into strips (hatches) and parallel vectors are distributed within them. With powder bed-based technologies, such as selective laser melting, the component is manufactured without further subdivision of the layers. When building up the workpiece layer by layer, a print head or a laser beam is usually used horizontally, i.e.in the X-Y plane, and simultaneously, material webs are applied or solidified using the print head or laser. Once a layer is completed, the build plate on which the workpiece is manufactured is usually moved vertically downward, i.e., in the Z direction, and another layer is started.

[0005] The print head and / or laser beam is usually firmly connected to a sensor, i.e. when the print head and / or laser beam is moved, the sensor is moved permanently or synchronously with the print head.

[0006] The disadvantage of a fixed mounting is the constant stress / strain / aging of the sensors, as they are constantly exposed to high acceleration values, gases, condensation processes, and unfavorable temperatures. Another disadvantage is that an increased mass must be constantly accelerated along with the print head. This requires a more powerful axis system and drive, increasing energy consumption and wear throughout the entire printing process. The print heads and their peripherals can also limit the detection range of the sensors (especially with optical sensors).

[0007] A further disadvantage is that the measurement is not independent of the print head movement, and measurements cannot be performed independently, which increases the measurement time. Defined measurement or execution of measurement runs to obtain actual data from previously generated geometries is only possible after the melt strand has been deposited. Measurement independent of the print head movement is not possible.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved method for monitoring one or more process parameters during an additive manufacturing process that does not have the aforementioned disadvantages. This object is achieved by means of the method according to the invention for monitoring one or more process parameters during an additive manufacturing process. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the subclaims.

[0009] The method according to the invention for monitoring one or more process parameters during an additive manufacturing process comprises the process steps of carrying out a manufacturing step for producing a component using an additive manufacturing process in a process chamber, determining a process parameter using a sensor unit, positioning the sensor unit at a first storage location using a first positioning unit, and mechanically decoupling the sensor unit at the first storage location from a holder of the first positioning unit. The method according to the invention offers a whole range of advantages. By decoupling the sensor, the sensor can be removed, for example, for maintenance purposes. The sensor can continue to cool down at its storage location. This reduces the stress on the sensor and extends its service life and maintenance intervals. The storage location can be inside or outside the process chamber.

[0010] Process parameters include, for example, data on the number of process steps, process temperature, the material volume to be dispensed, the extrusion speed, the mass flow, the feed rate, the acceleration, the exposure time, the print weight, and / or the print volume, as well as component data. Component data includes, for example, wall thicknesses, layer heights, the component structure, the density, and the infill structure. The relevant process parameters and component data are linked for each individual production step.

[0011] The techniques used by an additive manufacturer to produce a component include, for example, extrusion deposition or selective deposition modeling (SDM), techniques such as fused deposition modeling (FDM) and fused filament fabrication (FFF), stereolithography (SLA), polyjet printing (PJP), multijet printing (MJP), selective laser sintering (SLS), selective laser melting (SLM), three-dimensional printing (3DP), techniques such as inkjet printing (CJP), directed energy deposition (DED), and the like. A sub-area of ​​the component is, for example, a layer and / or a sub-area of ​​a layer.

[0012] In a further development of the invention, the positioning unit is moved away from the first storage location, while the sensor unit remains at the storage location. The method is more energy-efficient because, as the sensor is decoupled after the measurement and production continues, it no longer needs to be carried. This saves the energy required to move the sensor. In addition, as the weight is reduced, the travel speed and acceleration values ​​can be increased and the process duration reduced. The mechanical stress and strain on the moving parts of the 3D printing device for additive manufacturing are also reduced, thus extending the service life and the necessary service intervals. Furthermore, space is freed up for coupling an additional print head, if necessary. In an optional further development of the invention, a subsequent production step for producing the component is carried out.In an optional embodiment, the sensor is mechanically decoupled from the print head during the next production step.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the next production step is carried out using a print head coupled to the first positioning unit. The print head also refers to beam guidance units, which can also be used in 3D printing processes. By using a print head on the positioning unit, to which the sensor can also be coupled, an additional positioning unit for the sensor is eliminated. This reduces production and material costs in the manufacture of the 3D printer.

[0014] In a further development of the invention, a print head is coupled to the mount of the first positioning unit. By coupling a print head to the position where the sensor was previously coupled, the free coupling space is utilized to increase productivity. Using an additional print head increases printing speed and reduces process costs for 3D printing production. Furthermore, the stress on the entire system and its components is significantly reduced due to reduced processing time, thus extending the service life of the 3D printer.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the print head is coupled at a second storage location. In an optional embodiment, the decoupling of the sensor, the coupling of the sensor, the coupling of the print head, and / or the decoupling of the print head are performed fully automatically. Coupling the print head at a position different from the storage location of the sensor ensures that the two processes of coupling and decoupling the print head and the coupling and decoupling of the sensor do not interfere with each other, and neither the print head nor the sensor can be damaged by the other process.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the additive manufacturing step is carried out with a first print head for dispensing material, and / or the additive manufacturing step is carried out with a first positioning unit for moving a movable construction table, and / or the additive manufacturing step is carried out with a first positioning unit for moving an energy beam. An energy beam is understood here to be a laser beam and / or another heat source.

[0017] In one embodiment according to the invention, the sensor unit is coupled to a second positioning unit. The second positioning unit therefore also has a receptacle that is intended and suitable for receiving the sensor. The flexible coupling options for the sensor and / or the print heads enable flexible use of the positioning units. Depending on which receptacle is currently free, it can be coupled to the sensor or print head. In an optional development of the invention, the second positioning unit can be positioned independently of the first positioning unit in the process chamber. The advantage here is not only that the flexible positioning of the positioning units offers advantages in the manufacturing process.It is also advantageous that the manufacturing process with the first positioning unit does not have to be interrupted when, for example, the second positioning unit is coupled to the sensor.

[0018] The object is further achieved by means of the 3D printing device according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the subclaims.

[0019] The 3D printing device according to the invention for the additive manufacturing of components comprises a process chamber, a sensor unit, and a first positioning unit arranged in and / or on the process chamber. The first positioning unit has a first receptacle. The first receptacle is intended and suitable for receiving the sensor unit. According to the invention, the sensor unit can be automatically coupled and / or decoupled from the receptacle. The 3D printing device according to the invention offers a whole range of advantages. By decoupling the sensor, the sensor can be removed, for example, for maintenance purposes. The sensor can continue to cool down at its storage location. This reduces the stress on the sensor and extends its service life and maintenance intervals. The positioning unit is often arranged above and not in the process chamber. The positioning unit often has one or more carriages.The printhead assembly is mounted on a carriage, with a portion of the printhead assembly extending into the process chamber. This is particularly the case in high-temperature applications where thermal encapsulation is achieved by a bellows or similar device.

[0020] In a further development of the invention, the 3D printing device has a storage location for the sensor unit. In an optional embodiment of the invention, the sensor unit can be coupled and / or decoupled to the holder at the storage location. The 3D printing device according to the invention is more energy-efficient because, as the sensor is decoupled after the measurement and production continues, it no longer needs to be carried. This saves the energy required to move the sensor. In addition, as the weight is reduced, acceleration values ​​and travel speed can be increased and process duration reduced. The mechanical stress and strain on the moving parts of the 3D printing device for additive manufacturing are also reduced, thus extending the service life and the required service intervals. Furthermore, space is freed up for coupling an additional print head.In an optional development of the invention, a subsequent manufacturing step is performed to produce the component. In an optional embodiment, the sensor is mechanically decoupled from the print head during the next manufacturing step.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the 3D device comprises a print head that can be coupled and / or decoupled from a receptacle of the first positioning unit. Using a receptacle for a print head increases the speed of the manufacturing process performed with the 3D printing device.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the print head can be coupled and / or decoupled from the first receptacle of the positioning unit. The flexible coupling options of the sensor and / or the print heads to the first receptacle allow for flexible use of the positioning units. Depending on which receptacle is currently free, it can be coupled to the first receptacle.

[0023] In one development of the invention, a second storage location is arranged in the process chamber. In an optional embodiment according to the invention, the print head can be coupled and / or decoupled from the first positioning unit at the second storage location. A second storage location is advantageous for exchanging the sensor and print head with one of the receptacles of the first positioning unit. The coupling and decoupling of the print head can thus be carried out independently of the presence of the sensor. The sensor and print head therefore do not enter the danger zone of the respective coupling process and cannot be damaged as a result. In a further optional embodiment, the first storage location is spaced apart from the second storage location. The distance is at least 2 mm, preferably 10 mm, particularly preferably 10 cm, particularly preferably in the 3D printing device. Alternatively, the storage location can also be located in the immediate vicinity outside the 3D printing device.

[0024] In one embodiment according to the invention, the 3D printing device has a second positioning unit. In an optional embodiment of the invention, the second positioning unit has a second holder. The second positioning unit serves to increase the productivity of the 3D printing device. A print head can be coupled to the second holder. In a further optional embodiment of the invention, the second positioning unit can be moved in the process chamber independently of the first positioning unit. The advantage here is not only that the flexible positioning of the positioning units has advantages in the manufacturing process. It is also advantageous that the manufacturing process with the first positioning unit does not have to be interrupted when, for example, the first positioning unit is coupled to the sensor.

[0025] In a further development according to the invention, the print head and / or the sensor unit can be coupled and / or decoupled to the second receptacle of the second positioning unit. The resulting flexibility in the coupling options of the first and / or second receptacle to the first and second positioning units, respectively, enables flexible and dynamic processes. This makes it possible to reduce process times and manufacturing costs with the 3D printing device. It is also possible to couple a second sensor to the second receptacle of the second positioning unit.

[0026] In one embodiment according to the invention, the sensor unit and / or the print head can be automatically coupled to and / or decoupled from the first receptacle. Due to the automated coupling and / or decoupling, personnel intervention during coupling and decoupling is not necessary. The product costs of a 3D printing device using the inventive 3D printing device can thus be reduced. In one embodiment according to the invention, the first and / or second positioning unit has a third receptacle. In an optional development of the invention, the third receptacle can be coupled to and / or decoupled from the print head and / or the sensor unit. The third receptacle ensures that one positioning device has two receptacles. This can reduce process times when coupling two print heads to one positioning device.Furthermore, it is possible to carry out measurements with the sensor in parallel during the printing process using the positioning device.

[0027] Embodiments of the method and device according to the invention are shown schematically in simplified form in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description.

[0028] They show:

[0029] Embodiments of the method according to the invention and the 3D printing device according to the invention are shown schematically in simplified form in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description.

[0030] They show:

[0031] Fig. 1 : 3D printing device: two print heads, one measuring head, execution of an additive manufacturing step

[0032] Fig. 2: 3D printing device: two print heads, one measuring head, 3D in-situ monitoring

[0033] Fig. 3: 3D printing device: two print heads, one measuring head, recording of process parameters

[0034] Fig. 4: 3D printing device: One print head, one measuring head, recording of process parameters

[0035] Fig. 5: 3D printing device: One print head, one measuring head, execution of an additive manufacturing step Fig. 6: 3D printing device: Two X-axes, four print heads, one measuring head, recording of process parameters and execution of an additive manufacturing step

[0036] Fig. 7: 3D printing device: Two X-axes, four print heads, execution of an additive manufacturing step

[0037] Fig. 8: 3D printing device: Two X-axes, four print heads, 3D in-situ monitoring

[0038] Fig. 9: 3D printing device: two X-axes, two print heads, one measuring head, recording of process parameters and execution of an additive manufacturing step

[0039] Fig. 10: 3D printing device: two X-axes, two print heads, one measuring head, execution of an additive manufacturing step

[0040] Fig. 11 : 3D printing device: two independent XY positioning systems, two print heads, one measuring head, recording of process parameters and execution of an additive manufacturing step

[0041] Fig. 12: 3D printing device: two independent XY positioning systems, two print heads, one measuring head, execution of an additive manufacturing step

[0042] Fig. 13: 3D printing device: Closed-loop powder bed system process (with line profile sensor, movable)

[0043] Fig. 14: 3D printing device: Closed-loop powder bed system process (with snapshot sensor, movable)

[0044] Fig. 15: 3D printing device: Closed-loop powder bed system process (with snapshot sensor, fixed)

[0045] Fig. 16: 3D printing device: Closed-loop powder bed system process based on

[0046] 3D plasma metal deposits and laser cladding (with line profile sensor or snapshot sensor)

[0047] Fig. 17: 3D printing device: Closed-Loop Wire+ARC process (with line profile sensor or snapshot sensor)

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a 3D

[0049] Printing device 100. In this and the following embodiments (see Fig. 2 to Fig. 12), a component 200 can be produced using melt-layer-based 3D printing (filament and / or granule-based). The 3D printing device 100 has the process chamber 1 in which the component 200 is arranged and manufactured.

[0050] The 3D printing device 100 further comprises a first positioning unit 11, on which a first receptacle 21 can be moved and / or positioned in the x, y direction in the process chamber 1. The receptacle 21 has holders for a total of two print heads 50 and / or sensor units 10. The holders are designed such that the print heads 50 and / or sensor units 10 can be mechanically coupled to or decoupled from the receptacle 21. In this and the two following embodiments (see Fig. 2, Fig. 3), the 3D printing device 100 has two print heads 50.

[0051] To monitor the process parameters during the additive manufacturing of a component 200, a first additive manufacturing step is carried out to produce the component 200. The two print heads 50 are coupled to the first holder 21 for this purpose. The additive manufacturing step is carried out with a first positioning unit 11 for dispensing material; both print heads 50 apply material to the component 200. In this and all subsequent embodiments, a manufacturing step is the additive manufacturing of a layer or partial region of a layer of the component 200. The sensor unit 10 is arranged in the park position in the first storage location 31.

[0052] Process parameters include, for example, data on the number of process steps, process temperature, the material volume to be dispensed, the extrusion speed, the mass flow, the feed rate, the acceleration, the exposure time, the print weight and / or the print volume, as well as component data. Component data for component 200 includes, for example, wall thicknesses, layer heights, component structure, density, and the infill structure.

[0053] Fig. 2 shows the 3D printing device 100 during the determination of a process parameter and simultaneous execution of an additive manufacturing step. One of the two print heads 50 remains coupled to the first receptacle 21, and the sensor unit 10 is also coupled to the first receptacle 21. To this end, the first positioning unit 11 moves the first receptacle 21 to the second storage location 32, decouples a print head 50 there, moves it to the first storage location 31, and couples the sensor unit 10 there. In this configuration, the print head 50 coupled to the receptacle 21 performs an additive manufacturing step, while simultaneously the sensor unit 10 determines process parameters. This 3D in-situ monitoring is used in particular for detecting errors during the production of the component 200. The findings obtained are then used to correct any deviations between the target and actual values ​​that have occurred.Different methods are used to correct the errors that have occurred and to complete component 200 within the specified specifications.

[0054] Fig. 3 shows the 3D printing device 100 during the determination of a process parameter. Both print heads 50 are arranged in the second storage location 32, the sensor unit 10 is coupled to the first holder 21, and is moved within the process chamber by means of the positioning unit 11. For this purpose, the first positioning unit 11 moves the first holder 21 to the second storage location 32 and decouples the print head 50 there.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a 3D printing device 100 according to the invention with a first positioning unit 11, on which a first holder 21 can also be moved in the x, y direction in the process chamber 1. The holder 21 has a holder for a print head 50 and / or a sensor unit 10. In this and the following embodiment (see Fig. 5), the 3D printing device 100 has a print head 50. To monitor the process parameters, the sensor unit 10 is coupled to the first holder 21, is moved by means of the positioning unit 11 within the process chamber 1 and records process parameters of the component 200. The print head 50 is arranged in the second storage location 32.

[0056] Fig. 5 shows the 3D printing device 100 during the execution of an additive manufacturing step. For this purpose, the first positioning unit 11 moves the first holder 21 to the first storage location 31, decouples the sensor unit 10 there, moves to the second storage location 32, and couples the print head 50 there. The positioning unit 11 is moved away from the first storage location 31, while the sensor unit 10 remains at the first storage location 31. Fig. 6 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a 3D printing device 100 according to the invention with a first positioning unit 11, by means of which two first holders 21, 22 can be moved independently of one another in the x-direction in the process chamber 1. In this and the following embodiments (see Fig. 7, Fig. 8), each first receptacle 21 has holders for two print heads 50 and / or sensor units 10, the 3D printing device 100 has four print heads 50.

[0057] To determine a process parameter and simultaneously carry out an additive manufacturing step, the sensor unit 10 is coupled to a first receptacle 21, two print heads 50 are coupled to the other first receptacle 21, and two further print heads 50 are arranged in the second storage location 32. The first receptacle 21 with the coupled sensor unit 10 is moved within the process chamber 1 by means of the positioning unit 11 and records process parameters of the component 200. At the same time, an additive manufacturing step is carried out by moving the further first receptacle 21 with the coupled print heads 50 within the process chamber 1 independently in the x-direction of the first receptacle 21 with the coupled sensor unit 10.

[0058] Fig. 7 shows the 3D printing device 100 during the execution of an additive manufacturing step. For this purpose, the first positioning unit 11 moves the first holder 21 to the first storage location 31, decouples the sensor unit 10 there, moves it to the second storage location 32, and couples the print heads 50 there. The holder is moved away from the first storage location 31 by the positioning unit 11, while the sensor unit 10 remains at the first storage location 31.

[0059] Fig. 8 shows the 3D printing device 100 during the execution of an additive manufacturing step and 3D in-situ monitoring. One of the two print heads 50 is still coupled to the first receptacle 21, and the sensor unit 10 is also coupled to the first receptacle 21. To this end, the first positioning unit 11 moves a first receptacle 21 to the second storage location 32, decouples a print head 50 there, moves it to the first storage location 31, and couples the sensor unit 10 there. The further first receptacle 21 also has two coupled print heads 50. In this configuration, the print heads 50 coupled to the receptacles 21 carry out an additive manufacturing step, while simultaneously the sensor unit 10 determines process parameters.

[0060] Fig. 9 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a 3D printing device 100 according to the invention with a first positioning unit 11, by means of which two first receptacles 21, 22 can also be moved independently of one another in the x-direction in the process chamber 1. In this and the following embodiment (see Fig. 10), a first receptacle 21 has holders for two print heads 50 and / or sensor units 10 each, and the further first receptacle has a holder for one sensor unit 10. The 3D printing device 100 has two print heads 50.

[0061] To determine a process parameter and simultaneously perform an additive manufacturing step, the sensor unit 10 is coupled to a first receptacle 21, and two print heads 50 are coupled to the other first receptacle 21. The first receptacle 21 with the coupled sensor unit 10 is moved within the process chamber 1 by means of the positioning unit 11 and records process parameters of the component 200. At the same time, an additive manufacturing step is carried out by moving the further first receptacle 21 with the coupled print heads 50 within the process chamber 1 independently in the x-direction of the first receptacle 21 with the coupled sensor unit 10.

[0062] Fig. 10 shows the 3D printing device 100 during the execution of an additive manufacturing step. For this purpose, the first positioning unit 11 moves a first holder 21 to the first storage location 31 and decouples the sensor unit 10 there. The positioning unit 11 is moved away from the first storage location 31, while the sensor unit 10 remains at the first storage location 31.

[0063] Fig. 11 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a 3D printing device 100 according to the invention with a first positioning unit 11, on which a first holder 21 can be moved in the x,y direction in the process chamber 1. Furthermore, the 3D printing device 100 has a second positioning unit 12, on which a second holder 22 can be moved in the x,y direction in the process chamber 1, independently of the first positioning unit 11 and the first holder 11. In this and the following embodiment (see Fig. 12), the first holder 21 has holders for two print heads 50 and / or sensor units 10, and the second holder 22 has a holder for one sensor unit 10. The 3D printing device 100 has two print heads 50. Only a first storage location 31 is arranged in the sample chamber 1.

[0064] To determine a process parameter and simultaneously perform an additive manufacturing step, the sensor unit 10 is coupled to the second receptacle 22, and two print heads 50 are coupled to the first receptacle 21. The second receptacle 21 with the coupled sensor unit 10 is moved within the process chamber 1 by means of the positioning unit 11 and records process parameters of the component 200. At the same time, an additive manufacturing step is performed by moving the second receptacle 22 with the coupled print heads 50 within the process chamber 1 independently in the x, y direction from the first receptacle 21 with the coupled sensor unit 10.

[0065] Fig. 12 shows the 3D printing device 100 during the execution of an additive manufacturing step. For this purpose, the first positioning unit 11 moves the second holder 21 to the first storage location 31 and decouples the sensor unit 10 there. The first positioning unit 11 is moved away from the first storage location 31, while the sensor unit 10 remains at the first storage location 31.

[0066] Fig. 13 shows a side view of an embodiment of a 3D printing device 100 for performing a closed-loop powder bed system process for the additive manufacturing of a component 200. In this additive manufacturing process, a laser 60 selectively melts and fuses small material particles in a powder bed. This process is repeated until the component 200 is completed. Closed-loop powder bed system processes can produce parts with complex geometries and intricate details with high accuracy and repeatability.

[0067] The 3D printing device 100 has the laser 60, whose laser beam S is directed onto the component 200 by means of an optics 61. The component 200 is arranged within the spatially enclosed process chamber 1. A sensor unit 10 is arranged outside the process chamber 1, which in this embodiment is designed as a line profile sensor movable in the x,y direction.

[0068] Line profile sensors 10 are distance measuring devices. Line profile sensors 10 operate on the triangulation principle and project a single laser spot onto the component 200. Therefore, the line profile sensor 10 also has a beam path SM. Line profile sensors 10 are capable of recording profiles on the component 200 in the direction of movement or measuring distances during fast processes. They are typically used for object dimensions such as thickness, height, and surface roughness.

[0069] Beam path S of the laser beam of the laser 60 and beam path SM of the sensor unit 10 are independent of each other, i.e., during the additive manufacturing of the component 200 with the laser beam S, process parameters can be recorded with the sensor unit 10 without interrupting the additive manufacturing process. At the same time, the sensor unit 10 is arranged in a manner protected from the thermal effects of the laser beam S.

[0070] Fig. 14 shows a side view of an embodiment of a 3D printing device 100 also for carrying out a closed-loop powder bed system method for the additive manufacturing of a component 200.

[0071] The 3D printing device 100 also includes the laser 60, whose laser beam S is directed onto the component 200 by means of an optics 61. The component 200 is arranged within the spatially enclosed process chamber 1. A sensor unit 10 is arranged outside the process chamber 1, which in this embodiment is designed as a snapshot sensor movable in the x,y direction.

[0072] In contrast to line profile sensors, snapshot sensors use a single snapshot scan for scanning objects in start / stop mode. The beam path S of the laser beam of the laser 60 and the beam bundle SM of the sensor unit 10 are also independent of each other. The sensor unit 10 is also arranged so as to be protected from the thermal effects of the laser beam S. In a variant of the above embodiment (see Fig. 14), Fig. 15 shows a 3D printing device 100 with a fixed snapshot sensor 10 arranged outside the process chamber 1. The beam bundle SM of the snapshot sensor 10 sweeps the entire x,y plane of the process chamber 1 in order to record process parameters of the component 200.

[0073] Fig. 16 shows a side view of an embodiment of a 3D printing device 100 for carrying out a closed-loop powder bed system process with 3D plasma metal deposition and laser cladding for the additive manufacturing of a component 200. In this additive manufacturing process, a laser 60 selectively melts and fuses small material particles that are applied to the component 200 from a nozzle 51.

[0074] The 3D printing device 100 also includes the laser 60, whose laser beam S is directed onto the component 200 by means of an optics 62. The component 200 is optionally arranged within a spatially enclosed process chamber 1. A sensor unit 10 is arranged outside the process chamber 1. In this exemplary embodiment, it is designed as a fixed line profile sensor that is optionally movable in the x,y direction. In another embodiment, the sensor unit 10 can also be a fixed snapshot sensor that is optionally movable in the x,y direction.

[0075] Fig. 17 shows a side view of an embodiment of a 3D printing device 100 for executing a closed-loop powder bed system process using the ARC process. In this process, a wire electrode 70 is applied from a nozzle 51 to the component 200 and melted; the process is based on arc welding. Here, too, the component 200 is optionally arranged within a spatially enclosed process chamber 1. A sensor unit 10 is arranged outside the process chamber 1, which in this embodiment is designed as a fixed line profile sensor that is optionally movable in the x,y direction. In another embodiment, the sensor unit 10 can also be a fixed snapshot sensor that is optionally movable in the x,y direction. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0076] 1 process chamber

[0077] 10 Sensor unit

[0078] 11 First positioning unit

[0079] 12 Second positioning unit

[0080] 21 First recording

[0081] 22 Second shot

[0082] 31 First storage location

[0083] 32 Second storage location

[0084] 50 printhead

[0085] 51 nozzle

[0086] 60 lasers

[0087] 61 reversing mirrors

[0088] 62 Optics

[0089] 70 wire

[0090] 100 3D printing devices

[0091] 200 components

[0092] S beam path

[0093] SM beam path measuring device

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Method for monitoring one or more process parameters during an additive manufacturing process with the following process steps: • Carrying out a manufacturing step for producing a component using an additive manufacturing process in a process chamber, • Determining a process parameter with a sensor unit, • Positioning the sensor unit at a first storage location in a process chamber by means of a first positioning unit, • Mechanical coupling and / or decoupling of the sensor unit at the first storage location from a holder of the first positioning unit.

2. Method for monitoring one or more process parameters during an additive manufacturing process according to claim 1, characterized in that the holder with the positioning unit is moved away from the first storage location while the sensor unit remains at the storage location.

3. Method for monitoring one or more process parameters during an additive manufacturing process according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a next manufacturing step is carried out to produce the component.

4. A method for monitoring one or more process parameters during an additive manufacturing process according to claim 3, characterized in that the sensor unit is mechanically decoupled from the print head during the next manufacturing step.

5. A method for monitoring one or more process parameters during an additive manufacturing process according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the execution of the next manufacturing step takes place with a print head coupled to the first positioning unit.

6. A method for monitoring one or more process parameters during an additive manufacturing process according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a print head is coupled to the receptacle of the first positioning unit.

7. A method for monitoring one or more process parameters during an additive manufacturing process according to claim 6, characterized in that the print head is coupled and / or decoupled at a second storage location.

8. A method for monitoring one or more process parameters during an additive manufacturing process according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the additive manufacturing step is carried out with a first print head for dispensing material, and / or the additive manufacturing step is carried out with a first positioning unit for moving a movable construction table, and / or the additive manufacturing step is carried out with a first positioning unit for moving an energy beam, 9. A method for monitoring one or more process parameters during an additive manufacturing process according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sensor unit is coupled to a second positioning unit, wherein the second positioning unit can be positioned independently of the first positioning unit in the process chamber.

10. 3D printing device for additive manufacturing of components with: • a process chamber • a sensor unit, • a first one arranged in and / or on the process chamber Positioning unit, wherein the first positioning unit has a first receptacle, wherein the first receptacle is provided and suitable for receiving the sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit can be automatically coupled and / or decoupled from the first receptacle.

11. 3D printing device for the additive manufacturing of components according to claim 10, characterized in that the 3D printing device has a storage location for the sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit can be coupled and / or decoupled to the holder at the storage location.

12. 3D printing device for the additive manufacturing of components according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the 3D device has a print head which can be coupled and / or decoupled to a receptacle of the first positioning unit.

13. 3D printing device for the additive manufacturing of components according to claim 12, characterized in that the print head can be coupled and / or decoupled from the first receptacle of the positioning unit.

14. 3D printing device for the additive manufacturing of components according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that a second storage location is arranged in the process chamber, wherein the print head can be coupled and / or decoupled from the first positioning unit at the second storage location.

15. 3D printing device for the additive manufacturing of components according to claim 14, characterized in that the first storage location is spaced from the second storage location.

16. 3D printing device for the additive manufacturing of components according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the 3D printing device has a second positioning unit, wherein the second positioning unit has a second receptacle, wherein the second positioning unit is movable in the process chamber independently of the first positioning unit.

17. 3D printing device for the additive manufacturing of components according to claim 16, characterized in that the print head and / or the sensor unit can be coupled and / or decoupled to the second receptacle of the second positioning unit.

18. 3D printing device for the additive manufacturing of components according to one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that the sensor unit and / or the print head can be automatically coupled and / or decoupled from the first receptacle.

19. 3D printing device for the additive manufacturing of components according to one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that the first and / or the second positioning unit has a third receptacle, wherein the third receptacle can be coupled and / or decoupled to the print head and / or the sensor unit.

Images