De-powdering device and construction chamber for additively manufacturing components from a powder material

Abstract

The invention relates to a de-powdering device (1) for de-powdering components (2) produced from a powder material by means of an additive manufacturing process, comprising - a construction chamber receiving area (3), which is designed in such a way that a construction chamber (5) of an additive manufacturing device can be secured to the construction chamber receiving area (3), - a substrate plate receiving area (7), which is designed in such a way that a substrate plate (9) of the construction chamber (5) can be secured to the substrate plate receiving area (7), at least one first receiving area, selected from the construction chamber receiving area (3) and the substrate plate receiving area (7), being displaceable relative to a second receiving area, selected from the substrate plate receiving area (7) and the construction chamber receiving area (3), in such a way that the substrate plate (9) secured to the substrate plate receiving area (7) can be removed from the construction chamber housing (13), which is secured to the construction chamber receiving area (3), at the lower face (11) of the construction chamber housing (13) of the construction chamber (5) by displacing at least the first receiving area, and - a first displacement device (15), which is positioned and configured so as to displace the substrate plate receiving area (7) together with the substrate plate (9) secured thereto between an installation position, in which the substrate plate (9) is secured to the substrate plate receiving area (7) and can be released from the substrate plate receiving area (7), and a de-powdering position.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Depowdering device and build chamber for the additive manufacturing of components from a powder material

[0003] The invention relates to a depowdering device for removing powder from components manufactured from a powder material by means of additive manufacturing and a build chamber for the additive manufacturing of such components from a powder material.

[0004] In the additive manufacturing of components from a powder material, the components are built up layer by layer, one powder layer at a time, within a build chamber. A substrate plate within the build chamber is continuously moved downwards by one layer thickness to apply the next layer of powder. At the end of the manufacturing process, the build chamber contains a powder volume equal to the sum of the applied powder layers. This powder material consists of loose powder in which the manufactured components are embedded. The components must then be removed in a subsequent step, a process commonly referred to as "depowdering."Two basic concepts are available for this purpose – referred to below as "depowdering concepts" – which can be used alternatively or in combination: firstly, emptying the build chamber, whereby the loose powder material is essentially emptied and / or tipped out; secondly, the removal of the loose powder material from the components, primarily manually, using a depowdering tool such as a depowdering lance and / or a brush. Depowdering is typically not carried out in the manufacturing device itself, but in at least one separate depowdering station. Two different, dedicated depowdering stations are regularly used when the two previously described depowdering concepts – emptying the build chamber on the one hand and removing the loose powder material using a depowdering tool on the other – are combined.Therefore, the build chamber must be moved at least once, and possibly even twice. This process, as well as the depowdering itself, presents logistical difficulties and problems regarding environmental contamination with loose powder material, and especially concerns about the occupational safety of the personnel involved, as the fine-grained powder is typically respirable. Transferring the build chamber between the various stations and handling it within those stations proves particularly challenging with large and / or heavy build chambers. Therefore, there is a fundamental need, especially for larger and / or heavier build chambers, to optimize the depowdering procedure, particularly with regard to logistics and process efficiency, and especially concerning environmental contamination and occupational safety.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a depowdering device for depowdering components manufactured from a powder material by means of additive manufacturing and a build chamber for the additive manufacturing of such components from a powder material, whereby the aforementioned disadvantages are at least reduced, preferably avoided.

[0006] The problem is solved by providing the present technical teaching, in particular the teaching of the independent claims as well as the embodiments disclosed in the dependent claims and the description.

[0007] The problem is solved in particular by providing a depowdering device for depowdering components manufactured from a powder material using additive manufacturing. The device has a build chamber receptacle, the build chamber being configured such that a build chamber of an additive manufacturing device can be attached to it. The depowdering device also has a substrate plate receptacle configured such that a substrate plate of the build chamber can be attached to it.At least one first mounting, selected from the build chamber mounting and the substrate plate mounting, is displaceable relative to a second mounting, also selected from the substrate plate mounting and the build chamber mounting, such that the substrate plate attached to the substrate plate mounting can be removed from the build chamber housing attached to the build chamber mounting by displacing at least the first mounting. Finally, the depowdering device includes a first displacement device arranged and configured to displace the substrate plate mounting with the substrate plate attached to it between a mounting position, in which the substrate plate can be attached to and detached from the substrate plate mounting, and a depowdering position.Advantageously, the depowdering device makes it possible to easily remove and handle the substrate plate from the build chamber housing, especially in the case of large and heavy build chambers, and to separate the manufactured components from loose powder material. This is achieved in particular by moving the substrate plate into the depowdering position using the first transfer device, allowing the loose powder material to fall off the components, preferably by tipping it out. The relative displacement between the first and second supports makes it possible to easily move the substrate plate downwards out of the build chamber housing, especially in the case of large and heavy build chambers. During this movement, loose powder material can escape through a gap created between the build chamber housing and the substrate plate, thus exposing the components and making them accessible for further processing.Thus, the depowdering device offers a way to carry out the depowdering process in a logistically simple yet effective manner.

[0008] In one embodiment, the build chamber receptacle (the first receptacle) is displaceable relative to the substrate plate receptacle (the second receptacle) such that the substrate plate attached to the substrate plate receptacle on the underside of the build chamber housing can be removed from the build chamber housing by displacing the build chamber receptacle. It is possible for the substrate plate receptacle to remain stationary, so that only the build chamber receptacle is displaced.

[0009] In another embodiment, the substrate plate receptacle (the first receptacle) is displaceable relative to the build chamber receptacle (the second receptacle) such that the substrate plate attached to the substrate plate receptacle can be removed from the build chamber housing on the underside of the housing by displacing the substrate plate receptacle. It is possible for the build chamber receptacle to remain stationary, so that only the substrate plate receptacle is displaced.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the substrate plate receptacle and the build chamber receptacle are both displaceable relative to each other such that the substrate plate attached to the substrate plate receptacle on the underside of the build chamber housing can be removed from the build chamber housing attached to the build chamber receptacle by means of this relative displacement. It is particularly possible that both the build chamber receptacle and the substrate plate receptacle are actively displaced to effect the relative displacement. In one embodiment, the displacement of the first receptacle relative to the second receptacle is vertical, in particular such that the build chamber housing is displaced geodesically upwards and / or the substrate plate is displaced geodesically downwards. In this way, the substrate plate is removed downwards from the build chamber housing relative to the build chamber housing.This creates a gap between a lower edge of the build chamber housing and the substrate plate, which progressively increases during further displacement, allowing loose powder material to escape through this gap.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the first image is shifted linearly relative to the second image. This represents a particularly simple design of the shift, which ensures, in particular, that components arranged on the substrate plate do not collide with the edge of the build chamber housing.

[0012] In particular, the build chamber mount is designed such that the build chamber housing can be attached directly to the build chamber mount, while the substrate plate is not attached directly to the build chamber mount – but only indirectly via the mounting of the build chamber housing as long as the substrate plate is connected to the build chamber housing. Rather, the substrate plate is attached directly to the substrate plate mount.

[0013] The first relocation device is arranged and configured in one embodiment to relocate the substrate plate holder, with the substrate plate attached to it and removed from the build chamber housing, between the assembly position and the depowdering position. This means, in particular, that the first relocation device is configured to relocate the substrate plate holder from the assembly position to the depowdering position after it has been completely removed from the build chamber housing.

[0014] In particular, the substrate plate is first attached to the substrate plate holder in the mounting position, then removed from the build chamber housing and subsequently moved into the depowdering position using the first relocation device.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first transfer device includes the substrate plate receptacle, wherein the substrate plate can be attached to the substrate plate receptacle when the first transfer device with the substrate plate receptacle is arranged in the mounting position. In particular, it is possible that the substrate plate receptacle is permanently connected to the first transfer device or is formed integrally with the first transfer device.

[0016] The depowdering device proposed here is particularly designed for use with build chambers having a powder volume of 450 1 to 1000 1, in particular 500 1 to 900 1, in particular 700 1 to 800 1, in particular 750 1.

[0017] The build chamber, in particular the build chamber housing and also the substrate plate, has a designated vertical direction such that a preferred direction exists for the arrangement of the build chamber in a manufacturing device for the additive manufacturing of components in the build chamber, wherein the designated vertical direction of the build chamber is aligned along the geodetic vertical direction or vertical - in particular oriented parallel to it - when the build chamber is arranged as intended in the manufacturing device.Accordingly, the build chamber receptacle and the substrate plate receptacle of the depowdering device are preferably designed such that the intended vertical direction of the build chamber housing and the substrate plate is aligned along the geodetic vertical direction and, in particular, oriented parallel to it when the build chamber housing is attached to the build chamber receptacle and the substrate plate to the substrate plate receptacle arranged in the mounting position.

[0018] In one embodiment, the substrate plate receptacle has a first fastening device which is designed to fasten the substrate plate to the substrate plate receptacle.

[0019] The first fastening device preferably comprises first counter-fastening elements that are configured and aligned with first fastening elements of the substrate plate to interact with the first fastening elements and secure the substrate plate to the substrate plate receptacle. The first fastening elements and the first counter-fastening elements are preferably designed as a zero-point clamping system. Advantageously, this allows for a precisely defined position and orientation of the substrate plate on the substrate plate receptacle. In particular, the first fastening elements can be designed as clamping bolts, preferably as clamping bolts configured for zero-point clamping. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate plate has four clamping bolts.Alternatively or additionally, the build chamber receptacle has a second fastening device designed to attach the build chamber, in particular the build chamber housing, to the build chamber receptacle.

[0020] The second fastening device preferably includes second counter-fastening elements that are configured and aligned with second fastening elements of the build chamber to interact with them and secure the build chamber, in particular the build chamber housing, to the build chamber receptacle. The second fastening elements and the second counter-fastening elements are preferably designed as a zero-point clamping system. Advantageously, this allows for a precisely defined position and orientation of the build chamber housing within the depowdering device. In particular, the second fastening elements can be designed as clamping bolts, preferably as clamping bolts configured for zero-point clamping. In a preferred embodiment, the build chamber housing has four clamping bolts.

[0021] According to a further development of the invention, the assembly chamber receptacle – in particular as the first receptacle – has a mounting flange that is preferably vertically displaceable between a rest position and a transfer position, and which is designed for attaching the assembly chamber, in particular the assembly chamber housing, to the mounting flange. The mounting flange preferably includes the second counter-fastening elements.

[0022] In one embodiment, the build chamber, in particular the build chamber housing, can be attached to the mounting flange in the rest position, while the substrate plate can be attached to the substrate plate receptacle in the transfer position. The displacement of the mounting flange between the rest position and the transfer position thus serves, in particular, to attach the substrate plate to the substrate plate receptacle. In one embodiment, the substrate plate is then detached from the build chamber housing in the transfer position, and the relative displacement between the substrate plate receptacle and the build chamber receptacle is subsequently effected by moving the mounting flange from the transfer position back to the rest position. In particular, this simultaneously raises the build chamber housing geodesically upwards, thus removing the substrate plate downwards from the build chamber housing.In one embodiment, the mounting flange can be fixed, at least in the rest position, and in particular locked, such that it cannot move from the rest position to the transfer position without active intervention, i.e., without actively releasing the fixation or locking mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the mounting flange can be fixed, and in particular locked, in the transfer position.

[0023] In one embodiment, the mounting flange is designed for gas-tight attachment of the build chamber, in particular the build chamber housing, to the mounting flange. Advantageously, this allows the interior of the build chamber housing and, at the same time – after the substrate plate has been detached – also a depowdering chamber surrounding the substrate plate to be sealed off from the environment of the depowdering device.

[0024] According to a further development of the invention, the substrate plate holder is arranged in the depowdering chamber. Advantageously, this depowdering device makes it possible to handle the substrate plate in a protected environment and to carry out the depowdering process largely without contamination of the surroundings, as well as with improved occupational safety for the personnel involved.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first relocation device is additionally arranged in the depowdering chamber. This ensures a particularly high level of protection for the depowdering chamber.

[0026] In one embodiment, the depowder chamber has an insertion opening through which the build chamber can be at least partially inserted into the depowder chamber. Preferably, the depowder chamber is geodetically open at the top through the insertion opening, and the mounting flange is arranged below the insertion opening, so that the build chamber housing can be positioned and attached to the mounting flange through the insertion opening.

[0027] In one embodiment, the depowdering chamber can be sealed gas-tight. In another embodiment, the depowdering chamber can be sealed gas-tight by means of the build chamber housing, which is arranged particularly in the feed opening. Alternatively or additionally to the feed opening, the depowdering chamber can have a door that can be selectively opened or, in particular, closed gas-tight. The door is preferably arranged laterally on the depowdering chamber.

[0028] In one embodiment, the depowdering device includes an inerting device arranged and configured to inertize the interior of the depowdering chamber, in particular to create a vacuum and / or a protective gas atmosphere within it. For this purpose, the inerting device may include, in particular, a vacuum pump and / or a protective gas supply. Suitable protective gases include, in particular, noble gases such as helium or argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or other inert gases, or gases that are inert or at least unreactive with respect to certain chemical reactions to be excluded.

[0029] In one embodiment, the inerting device is configured to monitor, and preferably maintain, a predetermined residual gas concentration or a predetermined maximum residual gas concentration, in particular a predetermined partial pressure of oxygen or a predetermined maximum partial pressure of oxygen, in the depowdering chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the inerting device is configured to monitor, and preferably maintain, a predetermined pressure range or a predetermined maximum pressure in the depowdering chamber.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the inerting device is configured to displace a volume of the depowdering chamber before flooding with protective gas; in particular, the inerting device may for this purpose include a suitable pumping device, especially a bellows.

[0031] According to a further development of the invention, the depowdering chamber has a funnel device designed such that loose powder material can be discharged from the depowdering chamber via the funnel device. Advantageously, the loose powder material can thus be emptied into the funnel device and discharged via it without being released into the environment and thus without any associated contamination or exposure of persons.

[0032] In one embodiment, the funnel device is formed as a single unit or integrally with the depowdering chamber, or attached to the depowdering chamber and open to its interior. In another embodiment, the funnel device and the depowdering chamber can be formed as a welded assembly, in particular welded to the depowdering chamber. Alternatively, the funnel device can also be formed as a multi-part assembly with the depowdering chamber and attached to it in a suitable manner, in particular with a suitable seal. The funnel device is preferably arranged geodesically at the bottom of the depowdering chamber. Preferably, the funnel device forms an underside of the depowdering chamber.

[0033] In particular, when the substrate plate is moved from the assembly position to the depowdering position using the first transfer device, the loose powder material is tipped into the hopper device. Furthermore, the powder material that previously trickled out through the gap formed between the build chamber housing and the substrate plate also enters the hopper device.

[0034] In one embodiment, the depowdering device has a discharge device by means of which the powder material that has entered the hopper device can be conveyed away, wherein the discharge device is preferably designed as a blow-out and / or suction device which is set up to generate a gas flow by which the powder material is carried along and discharged from the hopper device - in particular via a line connected to it, preferably a hose.

[0035] According to a further development of the invention, the mounting flange has a connection surface facing the, in particular, open insertion opening of the depowdering chamber, and the mounting flange is configured for the - in particular gas-tight - attachment of the build chamber housing to the connection surface. The mounting flange has - in particular in the connection surface - a through-opening, wherein the through-opening and the first displacement device are arranged and configured such that the first displacement device can extend through the through-opening when the first displacement device is in the assembly position and the mounting flange is in the transfer position. As already explained above, the build chamber housing can thus be easily attached to the mounting flange in the rest position, after which the flange can be lowered into the transfer position.In the transfer position, the first transfer device—specifically the substrate plate holder—engages through the opening, allowing the substrate plate to be attached to the holder. The substrate plate can then be detached from the build chamber housing, which, along with the mounting flange, can be moved back up into its rest position, removing the substrate plate downwards from the build chamber housing. The first transfer device can then be activated to move the substrate plate holder, with the attached substrate plate, into the depowdering position.

[0036] According to a further development of the invention, a bellows is arranged between the connection surface of the mounting flange and an edge of the insertion opening. Advantageously, the interior of the depowdering chamber can be gas-tightly sealed in this way: Although the interior of the depowdering chamber is open to the interior of the build chamber housing through the through-hole, the build chamber housing, which is preferably gas-tightly attached to the mounting flange, seals its own interior and the interior of the depowdering chamber, which is further sealed by the bellows. Thus, the insertion opening can remain open, while the interior of the depowdering chamber is still isolated from the environment.

[0037] The bellows is attached, in particular, along a closed circumferential line, on one side to the mounting flange and on the other side to an edge of the insertion opening. Specifically, the bellows is gas-tight and is attached gas-tight on both sides to the mounting flange and on the other side to the edge of the insertion opening.

[0038] In one embodiment, the bellows is designed to be elastic.

[0039] According to a further development of the invention, the mounting flange is pre-tensioned in the rest position. Advantageously, this allows the mounting flange to always remain in the rest position when no build chamber is arranged on the depowdering device, thus making it available at any time for the arrangement of a build chamber on the depowdering device.

[0040] In one embodiment, the preload is configured such that the weight of a construction chamber attached to the mounting flange can force the mounting flange from its rest position into the transfer position against the preload. Preferably, no additional forces are then required to move the mounting flange into the transfer position. Conversely, the preload advantageously assists in lifting the construction chamber housing from the transfer position. In one embodiment, the bellows is designed to apply the preload that forces the mounting flange into its rest position; in particular, the bellows can be elastically designed and / or exhibit elastic properties for this purpose.Alternatively or additionally, at least one prestressing element is arranged between the mounting flange and the edge of the insertion opening, by which the prestress is at least partially applied or generated. This at least one prestressing element can be arranged outside or inside the bellows.

[0041] According to a further development of the invention, the first relocation device is rotatable about a - preferably horizontal - first axis of rotation between the assembly position and the depowdering position.

[0042] From the mounting position, the substrate plate can be rotated or pivoted around the first axis of rotation by means of the first relocation device in such a way that the vertical direction of the substrate plate is oriented obliquely or even antiparallel to the geodetic vertical direction, so that loose powder can be tipped off the inclined or inverted substrate plate.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first relocation device is configured to rotate the substrate plate holder between the assembly position and the depowdering position by at least 120°, in particular by at least 150°, in particular by at least 180°, about the first axis of rotation.

[0044] According to a further development of the invention, the depowdering chamber is provided with a glove opening. Advantageously, this allows for additional manual depowdering of the components arranged on the substrate plate, so that both depowdering concepts can be used in combination in the same depowdering chamber. This advantageously reduces the logistical effort of depowdering considerably, while simultaneously reducing the risk of environmental contamination and greatly increasing the occupational safety of the personnel involved. In particular, it is only necessary to move the assembly chamber from the manufacturing device to a single depowdering station, namely the depowdering device proposed here, in order to implement both depowdering concepts cumulatively and thus achieve optimized depowdering with simultaneously optimized logistics, increased occupational safety, and a reduced risk of contamination.Furthermore, the glove access allows for manual manipulation of the substrate plate and / or the components arranged on it in an inert atmosphere of the glove box without breaking the inerting.

[0045] It is possible that the glove opening can also be used to attach the substrate plate to the substrate plate holder.

[0046] In one embodiment, the depowdering chamber is designed as a glovebox. In the context of this technical teaching, a glovebox is understood to be, in particular, a volume enclosed by walls that are at least partially transparent, wherein at least one wall of the glovebox has a glove opening through which a person, protected and isolated from the environment by means of at least one glove tightly mounted to the wall, can reach into the interior of the glovebox with at least one hand, or preferably with both hands using two gloves, and manipulate objects located therein. Such a glovebox is also referred to as a glovebox.

[0047] In one embodiment, at least one depowdering tool is arranged in the depowdering chamber. Advantageously, this allows both depowdering concepts described above to be carried out in the same depowdering device and, in particular, in the same depowdering station.

[0048] In one embodiment, a gas-flow-driven depowdering lance – preferably manually operated – is arranged as the at least one depowdering tool in the depowdering chamber. This represents a particularly efficient design of the depowdering tool. Alternatively or additionally, a brush is arranged as the at least one depowdering tool in the depowdering chamber. It is also possible for the depowdering lance to additionally have a brush function or to be designed as a brush.

[0049] In one embodiment, the depowdering lance is designed and configured as a suction lance to extract powder material from the components. In another embodiment, the depowdering lance is designed and configured as a pressure lance or gas pistol to blow powder material off the components.

[0050] In one embodiment, at least two depowdering lances are arranged in the depowdering chamber, in particular a first depowdering lance designed as a suction lance and a second depowdering lance designed as a pressure lance or gas pistol. Alternatively or additionally, a depowdering lance is arranged in the depowdering chamber which is designed as a combined suction and pressure lance and thus combines both functions.

[0051] According to a further development of the invention, the substrate plate holder, together with the substrate plate attached to it, is rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation, and in particular, rotatably mounted. This advantageously simplifies depowdering – especially using the depowdering tool – by allowing access to different sides of the substrate plate from the glove hand position by rotating it about the second axis of rotation. Preferably, the substrate plate holder can be rotated at least 180° – particularly in both directions – and preferably at least 360° about the second axis of rotation, so that it is accessible from all sides from the glove hand position.

[0052] In one embodiment, the depowdering device has a second displacement device which is arranged and configured to rotate the substrate plate holder with the substrate plate attached to it about the second axis of rotation.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first and second displacement devices are arranged in a linked configuration such that one displacement device, selected from the first and second displacement devices, acts upon the other displacement device, selected from the second and first displacement devices. This means, in particular, that when one displacement device performs a displacement, it also displaces the other displacement device. In one embodiment, the second displacement device is configured to rotate the first displacement device about the second axis of rotation; advantageously, the substrate plate holder arranged on the first displacement device is also rotated.Alternatively or additionally, the second repositioning device is arranged and configured on the first repositioning device to rotate the substrate plate holder relative to the first repositioning device about the second axis of rotation. In this configuration, it is possible for the second repositioning device to be repositioned along with the first repositioning device when the substrate plate holder is moved between the assembly position and the depowdering position by means of the first repositioning device, in particular when it is rotated about the first axis of rotation. The second axis of rotation is preferably perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. Alternatively or additionally, the second axis of rotation is preferably oriented vertically—at least in the assembly position—that is, along the geodetic vertical direction.

[0054] According to a further development of the invention, the depowdering device comprises at least one vibration device configured to excite vibrations to the substrate plate, particularly in the depowdering position. This advantageously supports the depowdering process very effectively, especially by vibration-induced shaking off of the loose powder material.

[0055] In one embodiment, the vibration device can be configured to be detachably attached to the substrate plate holder or the substrate plate; alternatively or additionally, the vibration device can be arranged on the first displacement device. In one embodiment, a first vibration device is provided that can be detachably attached to the substrate plate holder or the substrate plate, with a second vibration device arranged on the first displacement device.

[0056] In one embodiment, the at least one vibration device is designed as a spherical vibrator. In this particular case, the vibration device is preferably arranged on the first displacement device, and in particular permanently attached.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one vibration device is configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one vibration device is configured to generate vibrations in a frequency range of 1 Hz to 50 kHz, preferably from 1 Hz to 15 kHz or from 30 kHz to 38 kHz. In one embodiment, the first vibration device is configured to generate vibrations in a frequency range of 30 kHz to 38 kHz, and the second vibration device, which is preferably designed as a spherical vibrator, is configured to generate vibrations in a frequency range of 1 Hz to 15 kHz.

[0058] In one embodiment, at least one transfer device, selected from the first and second transfer devices, is designed as a hydraulic or pneumatic transfer device. This advantageously contributes to explosion protection of the depowdering device, since no sparks can be generated in a hydraulic or pneumatic design of the transfer device that could potentially lead to ignition and thus deflagration or explosion of the powder material.

[0059] In one embodiment, all relocation devices of the depowdering device are designed as hydraulic or pneumatic relocation devices.

[0060] In particular, preferably no relocation device of the depowdering device is designed as an electrical relocation device.

[0061] In one embodiment, the first relocation device has a swivel drive. This enables particularly efficient relocation of the substrate plate holder between the assembly position and the depowdering position. Preferably, the swivel drive also allows the substrate plate holder to be stopped or halted at any angular position between the assembly position and the depowdering position.

[0062] The problem is also solved by creating a build chamber for the additive manufacturing of components from a powder material within the build chamber. The build chamber comprises a housing and a substrate plate displaceably arranged within the housing. Furthermore, the build chamber includes a locking device configured to hold the substrate plate in a locking position against the housing and to release it in a release position—particularly towards the underside of the housing. The build chamber offers the same advantages as previously described in connection with the depowdering device. In one embodiment, the build chamber is configured for use with a depowdering device according to the invention or a depowdering device according to one or more of the previously described embodiments.

[0063] The substrate plate is arranged in a way that allows it to be replaced on the construction chamber housing.

[0064] In one embodiment, the locking device is provided solely by the build chamber housing. In another embodiment, the locking device is provided solely by the substrate plate. In a further embodiment, it is possible that both the build chamber housing and the substrate plate each have interoperable parts of the locking device in the locking position, which interact in such a way that the substrate plate is held against the build chamber housing. In one embodiment, the build chamber has at least one sealing element that is arranged and configured on the build chamber housing and / or on the substrate plate to seal the substrate plate against the build chamber housing, while simultaneously sealing the chamber volume in the area of ​​the transition between the substrate plate and the build chamber housing.In a preferred embodiment, the at least one sealing element is arranged on the substrate plate and configured in such a way that it seals the substrate plate against the construction chamber housing even when the substrate plate is displaced relative to the construction chamber housing, so that the chamber volume is sealed in this area even when the substrate plate is displaced relative to the construction chamber housing.

[0065] In one embodiment, the build chamber has a build chamber lid with which the build chamber can be closed – particularly gas-tight – for transport between the manufacturing device and the depowdering device. In a manufacturing device, the build chamber lid can be removed to build components onto the substrate plate using at least one energy beam in a powder bed-based process. In the depowdering device, the build chamber lid preferably remains permanently on the build chamber housing, particularly to seal its interior and simultaneously the interior of the depowdering chamber from the external environment.

[0066] According to a further development of the invention, the locking device has movable retaining bolts which, in the locked position, project into the interior of the build chamber housing such that the substrate plate can rest on the retaining bolts, and in the release position the retaining bolts are retracted from the interior so that the substrate plate can be removed downwards from the build chamber housing past the retracted retaining bolts. The retaining bolts are preferably pre-tensioned in the locked position.

[0067] According to a further development of the invention, the locking device has at least one actuating bar that can be operated from outside the assembly chamber. This actuating bar is operatively connected to the retaining bolts and is configured to move the retaining bolts between the locking position and the release position when the actuating bar is actuated. The actuating bar is preferably linear, particularly on one side of the assembly chamber in the direction of the associated side edge, between the locking position and the release position. Preferably, the actuating bar is biased into the locking position, thereby also indirectly biasing the retaining bolts into the locking position.In one embodiment, actuating bars are arranged on two sides of the construction chamber housing that are perpendicular to each other and opposite the intended geodetic vertical direction. These actuating bars are operatively connected to retaining bolts and are designed to move the retaining bolts assigned to them between the locking position and the release position.

[0068] According to a further development of the invention, the substrate plate has first fastening elements configured to attach the substrate plate to the substrate plate holder. These first fastening elements are preferably configured and aligned with the first counter-fastening elements of the first fastening device of the substrate plate holder in order to interact with them to secure the substrate plate to the substrate plate holder. The first fastening elements and the first counter-fastening elements are preferably designed as a zero-point clamping system. Advantageously, this allows for a precisely defined position and orientation of the substrate plate on the first transfer device.

[0069] According to a further development of the invention, the build chamber housing has second fastening elements designed to attach the build chamber housing to the build chamber receptacle. These second fastening elements are preferably configured and aligned with the second counter-fastening elements of the second mounting device of the build chamber receptacle in order to interact with them to secure the build chamber to the receptacle. The second fastening elements and the second counter-fastening elements are preferably designed as a zero-point clamping system. Advantageously, this allows for a precisely defined position and orientation of the build chamber housing within the depowdering device.

[0070] The invention also includes a method for depowdering components manufactured from a powder material using additive manufacturing, comprising the following steps: a) attaching a build chamber housing of a build chamber, in particular a build chamber according to the invention or a build chamber according to one or more of the previously described embodiments, to a build chamber receptacle of a depowdering device, in particular a depowdering device according to the invention or a depowdering device according to one or more of the previously described embodiments, b) attaching a substrate plate of the build chamber to a substrate plate receptacle of the depowdering device, c) detaching the substrate plate from the build chamber housing at an underside of the build chamber and removing the substrate plate from the build chamber housing at the underside, d) moving the substrate plate into a depowdering position, e) optionally further removing powder material.in particular by means of a depowdering tool, and f) removing the substrate plate from the depowdering device.

[0071] The process offers in particular those advantages that have already been described in connection with the build chamber or the depowdering device.

[0072] In one embodiment, the build chamber receptacle is lowered vertically, i.e. geodesically downwards, from a rest position to a transfer position in a further step al) between step a) and step b), and the substrate plate of the build chamber receptacle is attached to the substrate plate receptacle in the transfer position of step b), wherein the substrate plate receptacle is in a mounting position.

[0073] In one embodiment, in step c) the substrate plate is removed from the underside of the build chamber housing by moving the build chamber receptacle with the attached build chamber housing vertically - geodesically upwards - back into the rest position.

[0074] In one embodiment, the substrate plate holder with the substrate plate attached to it is rotated from the assembly position about a first axis of rotation into the depowdering position in step d).

[0075] In one embodiment, the substrate plate holder is rotated back from the depowdering position to the assembly position about the first axis of rotation between step d) and step f). In step f), the substrate plate is detached from the substrate plate holder in the assembly position and removed from the depowdering device. The substrate plate can be removed through a through-opening of a mounting flange of the build chamber holder and through an insertion opening of a depowdering chamber in which the substrate plate holder is located. Alternatively, the substrate plate can be removed through a door of the depowdering chamber, particularly one located laterally.

[0076] Preferably, in the optional step e), a brush and / or a gas-driven depowdering lance, in particular a suction lance and / or a pressure lance or gas gun, is used as at least one depowdering tool. It is possible that more than one depowdering tool is used in step e); in particular, depowdering tools of different designs may also be used.

[0077] In one embodiment, the depowdering chamber is inertized before step c), in particular after step a) or after step b), whereby in particular a protective gas atmosphere and / or a vacuum is created in the depowdering chamber.

[0078] Preferably, before or during step f), the inerted atmosphere in the depowdering chamber is broken or removed, so that an ambient atmosphere prevails in the depowdering chamber. This can be done, in particular, by detaching the build chamber housing from the build chamber holder and removing the build chamber housing from the depowdering device.

[0079] The description of the process on the one hand and the depowdering device on the other are to be understood as complementary to each other. Features of the depowdering device that have been explicitly or implicitly explained in connection with the process are preferably, individually or in combination, features of an embodiment of the depowdering device. Process steps that have been explicitly or implicitly explained in connection with the depowdering device are preferably, individually or in combination, steps of an embodiment of the process.

[0080] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows:

[0081] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a depowdering device in a first operating position;

[0082] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to Figure 1 in a second operating position; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to Figure 1 in a third operating position;

[0083] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to Figure 1 in a fourth operating position;

[0084] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to Figure 1 in a fifth operating position;

[0085] Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to Figure 1 in a sixth operating position;

[0086] Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to Figure 1 in a seventh operating position;

[0087] Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to Figure 1 in an eighth operating position;

[0088] Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to Figure 1 in a ninth operating position;

[0089] Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to Figure 1 in a tenth operating position;

[0090] Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to Figure 1 in an eleventh operating position;

[0091] Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to Figure 1 in a twelfth operating position;

[0092] Figure 13 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a build chamber for the additive manufacturing of components from a powder material in the build chamber;

[0093] Figure 14 shows a first detailed view of the construction chamber according to Figure 13, and

[0094] Figure 15 shows a second detailed view of the construction chamber 5 according to Figure 13.

[0095] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a depowdering device 1 for removing powder from components 2 manufactured from a powder material using additive manufacturing in a first operating position. The depowdering device 1 has a build chamber receptacle 3, which is configured such that a build chamber 5 of an additive manufacturing device can be attached to the build chamber receptacle 3. The depowdering device 1 also has a substrate plate receptacle 7, which is configured such that a substrate plate 9 of the build chamber 5 can be attached to the substrate plate receptacle 7.At least one first image, selected from the substrate plate image 7 and the build chamber image 3, is movable relative to a second image, selected from the build chamber image 3 and the substrate plate image 7, such that the substrate plate 9 attached to the substrate plate image 7 on a bottom surface 11 of a build chamber housing 13 of the build chamber 5 - and thus also the bottom surface 11 of the build chamber 5 - can be removed from the build chamber housing 13 attached to the build chamber image 3 by moving at least the first image.Finally, the depowdering device 1 has a first relocation device 15 which is arranged and configured to relocate the substrate plate holder 7 with the substrate plate 9 attached to it between a mounting position shown in Figure 1, in which the substrate plate 9 can be attached to and detached from the substrate plate holder 7, and a depowdering position shown in Figure 8.

[0096] In the embodiment shown here, the assembly chamber 3, as the first receptacle, is displaceable relative to the substrate plate receptacle 7, as the second receptacle, such that the substrate plate 9, attached to the substrate plate receptacle 7, can be removed from the assembly chamber housing 13 on the underside 11 by displacing the assembly chamber 3. The substrate plate receptacle 7 remains stationary, so that only the assembly chamber receptacle 3 is displaced.

[0097] The relocation of the build chamber 3 is carried out vertically, specifically such that the build chamber housing 13 is moved linearly upwards geodesically. The substrate plate 9 is thus removed downwards from the build chamber housing 13.

[0098] The build chamber receptacle 3 preferably has a mounting flange 17 that can be moved vertically between a rest position and a transfer position and is designed to fasten the build chamber housing 13 to the mounting flange 17. The substrate plate receptacle 7 is preferably arranged in a depowdering chamber 19. In particular, the first repositioning device 15 is arranged in the depowdering chamber 19.

[0099] The depowder chamber 19 preferably has an insertion opening 21 through which the build chamber 5 can be at least partially inserted into the depowder chamber 19. Preferably, the depowder chamber 19 is open geodetically upwards towards the environment through the insertion opening 21, and the mounting flange 17 is arranged below the insertion opening 21, so that the build chamber housing 13 can be positioned on the mounting flange 17 through the insertion opening 21 and attached to it.

[0100] Preferably, the depowdering chamber 19 can be sealed gas-tight by means of the construction chamber housing 13 arranged in the insertion opening 21 and attached to the mounting flange 17.

[0101] Preferably, the depowdering device 1 includes an inerting device (not shown) arranged and configured to inertize the interior of the depowdering chamber 19, in particular to create a vacuum and / or a protective gas atmosphere within the interior. For this purpose, the inerting device may include, in particular, a vacuum pump and / or a protective gas supply. Suitable protective gases include, in particular, noble gases such as helium or argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or other inert gases, or gases that are inert or at least unreactive with respect to certain chemical reactions to be excluded.

[0102] Preferably, the depowdering chamber 19 has a funnel device 23 designed such that loose powder material can be discharged from the depowdering chamber 19 via the funnel device 23. In particular, the funnel device 23 is arranged geodetically at the bottom of the depowdering chamber 19. Preferably, the funnel device 23 forms an underside of the depowdering chamber 19.

[0103] The depowdering device 1 preferably has a discharge device 25 by means of which the powder material that has entered the hopper device 23 can be conveyed away, wherein the discharge device 25 is preferably designed as a blow-out and / or suction device which is configured to generate a gas flow by which the powder material is entrained and discharged from the hopper device 23 – in particular via a line 27 connected thereto, preferably a hose. The mounting flange 17 preferably has a connection surface 29 facing the open insertion opening 21, wherein the mounting flange 17 is configured for – in particular gas-tight – attachment of the build chamber housing 13 to the connection surface 29.Furthermore, the mounting flange 17 has a passage opening 31, wherein the passage opening 31 and the first displacement device 15 are arranged and configured such that the first displacement device 15 can pass through the passage opening 31 when the first displacement device 15 is in the mounting position and the mounting flange 17 is in the transfer position.

[0104] A bellows 33, preferably circumferential along a closed circumferential line, is preferably arranged between the connection surface 29 and an edge of the insertion opening 21, which can close the interior of the depowdering chamber 19 gas-tight when the build chamber housing 13 is gas-tightly attached to the mounting flange 17.

[0105] Preferably, the mounting flange 17 is pre-tensioned in its rest position. The bellows 33 can be configured to apply the pre-tension; in particular, the bellows 33 can be elastically designed and / or have elastic properties for this purpose. Alternatively or additionally, at least one pre-tensioning element (not shown) is arranged between the mounting flange 17 and the edge of the insertion opening 21, by which the pre-tension is at least partially applied or generated.

[0106] The fastening flange 17 is preferably lockable in the rest position, in particular in such a way that it cannot move from the rest position to the transfer position without active intervention, i.e. without actively releasing the fixing or locking.

[0107] The depowdering chamber 19 can have a glove opening (not shown here), which in particular allows for additional manual depowdering of the components 2 arranged on the substrate plate 9. The glove opening can also be used to attach the substrate plate 9 to the substrate plate holder 7. In particular, the depowdering chamber 19 can be designed as a glove box.

[0108] Figure 1 shows how the build chamber 5 can be moved to the depowdering device 1 and positioned above the insertion opening 21 using a lifting device 35. A crane or forklift can be used for this purpose. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to Figure 1 in a second operating position.

[0109] Identical and functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures, so that reference is made to the preceding description in each case.

[0110] Figure 2 shows how the build chamber 5 can be lowered through the insertion opening 21 onto the mounting flange 17, which is arranged in the rest position, and how the build chamber housing 13 is then attached to the mounting flange 17 – in particular, in a gas-tight manner. This gas-tight attachment seals the interior of the build chamber housing 13 and, after the substrate plate 9 has been detached, also the depowdering chamber 19 surrounding the substrate plate 9, from the environment of the depowdering device 1.

[0111] After the build chamber housing 13 has been gas-tightly attached to the mounting flange 17, the depowdering chamber 19 is preferably inertized, i.e. its interior is provided with a protective atmosphere of vacuum and / or protective gas.

[0112] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to Figure 1 in a third operating position.

[0113] Figure 3 shows how the mounting flange 17 is moved downwards from the rest position into the transfer position, while at the same time the bellows 33 is stretched.

[0114] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to Figure 1 in a fourth operating position.

[0115] Figure 4 shows the mounting flange 17 in the transfer position. In the transfer position, the substrate plate 9 is attached to the substrate plate receptacle 7. In particular, the first displacement device 15 extends through the through-opening 31 with the substrate plate receptacle 7 in the transfer position, so that the substrate plate 9 can be easily attached to the substrate plate receptacle 7. The substrate plate 9 is then preferably released from the build chamber housing 13, in particular by actuating a locking device 39 of the build chamber housing 13 shown in Figure 13. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to Figure 1 in a fifth operating position.

[0116] Figure 5 shows how the mounting flange 17 is moved from the transfer position back to the rest position. At the same time, the build chamber housing 13 is geodesically lifted upwards, thus removing the substrate plate 9 downwards from the build chamber housing 13.

[0117] This creates a gap between a lower edge of the construction chamber housing 13 and the substrate plate 9, which progressively increases during further displacement, allowing loose powder material to escape through this gap into the depowdering chamber 19 and in particular into the funnel device 23.

[0118] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to Figure 1 in a sixth operating position.

[0119] In Figure 6, the mounting flange 17 is again arranged in the rest position and is preferably locked there. The build chamber housing 13 remains attached to the mounting flange 17 – in particular gas-tight – during the subsequent depowdering steps, especially to avoid disrupting the protective atmosphere in the depowdering chamber 19.

[0120] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to Figure 1 in a seventh operating position.

[0121] Now the first relocation device 15 is activated to move the substrate plate holder 7 with the substrate plate 9 attached to it into the depowdering position.

[0122] The first transfer device 15 is preferably rotatable about a first horizontal axis of rotation D1 – preferably horizontal, here perpendicular to the image plane – between the assembly position and the depowdering position. In this way, loose powder can be tipped from the inclined or inverted substrate plate 9 into the hopper device 23.

[0123] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to Fig. 1 in an eighth operating position. Preferably, the first displacement device 15 is configured to rotate the substrate plate holder 7 between the assembly position and the depowdering position by at least 120°, in particular by at least 150°, and in particular – as shown here – by at least 180°, about the first axis of rotation D1.

[0124] The depowdering device 1 can have at least one vibration device configured to excite vibrations to the substrate plate 9, particularly in the depowdering position. This can advantageously support the depowdering process very effectively, especially by vibration-induced shaking of the loose powder material into the hopper device 23.

[0125] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to Figure 1 in a ninth operating position.

[0126] Here, the substrate plate holder 9 with the attached substrate plate 7 is rotated back into the assembly position, whereby the components 2 arranged on the substrate plate 7 can now preferably be further depowdered - in particular manually - for which a depowdering tool not shown, in particular a depowdering lance, can preferably be used.

[0127] It is possible for the substrate plate holder 7, with the substrate plate 9 attached to it, to be rotatable about a second, vertical axis of rotation D2. This advantageously simplifies depowdering – especially using the depowdering tool, for example a brush and / or a depowdering lance – by making different sides of the substrate plate 9 accessible, particularly from the position of the glove opening.

[0128] Preferably, the depowdering device 1 has a second displacement device (not shown here) which is arranged and set up to rotate the substrate plate holder 7 about the second axis of rotation D2.

[0129] Preferably, the first relocation device 15 and / or the second relocation device is designed as a hydraulic or pneumatic relocation device, which advantageously contributes to explosion protection of the depowdering device 1.

[0130] Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to Fig. 1 in a tenth operating position. In this tenth operating position, the build chamber housing 13 is detached from the mounting flange 17 and removed from the depowdering device 1, and in particular, removed from it. At the same time, the protective atmosphere in the depowdering chamber 19 is broken.

[0131] Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to Figure 1 in an eleventh functional position.

[0132] Figure 11 shows how a removal tool 37 is inserted through the insertion opening 21 and attached to the substrate plate 9, after which the substrate plate can be detached from the substrate plate holder 7.

[0133] Fig. 12 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to Figure 1 in a twelfth operating position.

[0134] Figure 12 shows the substrate plate 9 being removed through the insertion opening 21 using the removal tool 37. A crane or forklift, for example, can be used for this purpose. It is possible that a sealing carrier 38, on which the substrate plate 9 rests in the build chamber 5 and which is clamped between the substrate plate holder 7 and the substrate plate 9 when the substrate plate 9 is attached to the substrate plate holder 7, initially remains attached to the substrate plate holder 7. The sealing carrier 38 can then be subsequently removed from the depowdering chamber 19, either also through the insertion opening 21 or through a door of the depowdering chamber 19, which is located, in particular, on the side.

[0135] Fig. 13 shows an embodiment of a build chamber 5 for the additive manufacturing of components 2 from a powder material in the build chamber 5.

[0136] The construction chamber 5 preferably has a powder volume of 450 1 to 1000 1, in particular of 500 1 to 900 1, in particular of 700 1 to 800 1, in particular 750 1.

[0137] The build chamber 5 comprises the build chamber housing 13 and the substrate plate 9 (not shown), as well as the locking device 39, which is configured to hold the substrate plate 9 in a locking position on the build chamber housing 13 and to release it in a release position. The substrate plate 9 is thus arranged to be replaceable on the build chamber housing 13. In the embodiment shown here, only the build chamber housing 13 has the locking device 39. Furthermore, the build chamber housing 13 preferably has the sealing carrier 38 (not shown) and a gas seal 40 (in particular inflatable) shown in Figure 14.

[0138] The build chamber further comprises a build chamber cover 41, with which the build chamber 5 can be closed – particularly gas-tight – for transport between a manufacturing device and the depowdering device 1. In the manufacturing device, the build chamber cover 41 can be removed to build up the components 2 on the substrate plate 9 using at least one energy beam in a powder bed-based process. In the depowdering device 1, however, the build chamber cover 41 preferably remains permanently on the build chamber housing 13, particularly to seal its interior and simultaneously the interior of the depowdering chamber 19 against the external environment.

[0139] Fig. 14 shows a first detailed view of the build chamber 5 according to figure 13, with the viewer's gaze directed towards the underside 11 of the build chamber housing 13.

[0140] The gas seal 40, when inflated, seals the interior of the assembly chamber housing 13. To enable the gas seal 40 to be inflated under pressure, a check valve (not shown) can be provided in a flange 42 of the assembly chamber housing 13.

[0141] The locking device 39 has movable retaining bolts 43 which, in the locking position, project into the interior of the build chamber housing 13 such that the substrate plate 9 – preferably mediated by the sealing carrier 38 (not shown) – can rest on the retaining bolts 43. Thus, in particular, the sealing carrier 38 rests on the retaining bolts 43, and the substrate plate 9 rests on the sealing carrier 38. For clarity, only one of the retaining bolts 43 is shown here with the corresponding reference numeral. In the release position, the retaining bolts 43 are retracted from the interior such that the substrate plate 9 (not shown) – and in particular also the sealing carrier 38 – can be removed downwards from the build chamber housing 13 past the retracted retaining bolts 43.For this purpose, the pressure is preferably released from the inflated gas seal 40 so that the substrate plate 9 and the sealing carrier 38 can be removed past the gas seal 40. The retaining bolts 43 are preferably pre-tensioned in the locking position.

[0142] The locking device 39 preferably also has two actuating bars 45 that can be operated from outside the assembly chamber 5. These actuating bars are operatively connected to the respective retaining bolts 43 and are configured to displace the retaining bolts 43 between the locking position and the release position when the actuating bars 45 are actuated. The actuating bars are linearly displaceable, in particular on opposite sides of the assembly chamber 5, in the direction of a respective associated side edge 47 between the locking position and the release position. In particular, the

[0143] Actuating strips 45 are pre-tensioned into the locking position, which simultaneously pre-tensions the retaining bolts 43 into the locking position.

[0144] Fig. 15 shows a second detailed view of the construction chamber 5 according to Figure 13.

[0145] In particular, a section through one of the actuating bars 45 is shown here, in which two coil springs 49 are visible, by means of which the actuating bar 45 is pre-tensioned into the locking position.

Claims

REQUIREMENTS 1. Depowdering device (1) for depowdering components (2) produced by additive manufacturing from a powder material, comprising a build chamber receptacle (3) configured such that a build chamber (5) of an additive manufacturing device can be attached to the build chamber receptacle (3), and a substrate plate receptacle (7) configured such that a substrate plate (9) of the build chamber (5) can be attached to the substrate plate receptacle (7), wherein - at least one first mount, selected from the build chamber mount (3) and the substrate plate mount (7), relative to a second mount, selected from the substrate plate mount (7) and the build chamber mount (3), is displaceable such that the substrate plate (9) attached to the substrate plate mount (7) on a bottom side (11) of a build chamber housing (13) of the build chamber (5) can be removed from the build chamber housing (13) attached to the build chamber mount (3) by displacing at least the first mount, and with a first displacement device (15) which is arranged and configured to displace the substrate plate mount (7) with the substrate plate (9) attached to it between a mounting position in which the substrate plate (9) can be attached to and detached from the substrate plate mount (7) and a depowdering position.

2. Depowdering device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the build chamber receptacle (3) has a mounting flange (17) which can be moved between a rest position and a transfer position and which is designed to fasten the build chamber (5) to the mounting flange (17) in a - preferably gas-tight - manner.

3. Depowdering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate plate holder (7), and optionally the first transfer device (15), is arranged in a depowdering chamber (19) that is preferably gas-tight and sealable.

4. Depowdering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting flange (17) has a connection surface (29) facing an open insertion opening (21) of the depowdering chamber (19), wherein the mounting flange (17) is configured for the particularly gas-tight fastening of the build chamber housing (13) to the connection surface (29), wherein the mounting flange (17) has a through-opening (31), wherein the The passage opening (31) and the first displacement device (15) are arranged and configured such that the first displacement device (15) can pass through the passage opening (31) when the first displacement device (15) is in the mounting position and the mounting flange (17) is in the transfer position.

5. Depowdering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a bellows (33) is arranged between the connecting surface (29) of the mounting flange (17) and an edge of the insertion opening (21).

6. Depowdering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting flange (17) is pre-tensioned in the rest position.

7. Depowdering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first relocation device (15) is rotatable about a - preferably horizontal - first axis of rotation (Dl) between the assembly position and the depowdering position.

8. Depowdering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the depowdering chamber (19) has a glove opening.

9. Depowdering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate plate holder (7) with the substrate plate (9) attached thereto is rotatable about a second axis of rotation (D2).

10. Build chamber (5) for the additive manufacturing of components (2) from a powder material in the build chamber (5), comprising a build chamber housing (13) and a substrate plate (9) displaceably arranged in the build chamber housing (13), wherein the build chamber (5) has a locking device (39) which is configured to hold the substrate plate (9) in a locking position on the build chamber housing (13) and to release it in a release position, wherein the build chamber (5) is preferably configured for use with a depowdering device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Construction chamber (5) according to claim 10, wherein the locking device (39) has movable retaining bolts (43) which, in the locking position, project into an interior of the construction chamber housing (13) such that the substrate plate (9) can rest on the retaining bolts (43), wherein, in the release position, the retaining bolts (43) are retracted from the interior are that the substrate plate (9) can be removed from the build chamber housing (13) past the retracted retaining bolts (43).

12. Construction chamber (5) according to claim 11, wherein the locking device (39) has at least one actuating bar (45) that can be actuated from outside the construction chamber (5) and which is operatively connected to the retaining bolts (43) and is configured to hold the retaining bolts (43) when the To move the actuating bar (45) between the locking position and the release position.

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