Powder build unit, corresponding device, and method employing a powder build unit

An additive manufacturing device, comprising:

• at least one component platform that can be lowered;
• at least one powder build unit movable in relation to the component platform,
• a powder platform configured to push a mound of powder upwards above an intervening wall;
• the at least one powder build unit having at least one electric lead and being configured to push the mound of powder as the at least one powder build unit moves in relation to the component platform thereby distributing a new powder layer uniformly on at least one build up zone of the component platform, the at least one electric lead having a cavity therein;
• at least one power source, which is connected to the electric lead and configured to apply current to the electric lead, thereby heating the electric lead wherein water present in the mound of powder is evaporated;
• and
• at least one radiation source for generating a high-energy beam, by which the powder layer can be melted and/or sintered locally in a region of the build-up zone to form a component layer,
• wherein the cavity of the electric lead is filled with cooling fluid.

A powder build unit of an additive manufacturing device for the additive manufacture of components, comprising:

• two electric leads disposed on a blade configured and arranged to push a mound of powder to distribute a new powder layer uniformly within the additive manufacturing device, the two electric leads having a cavity therein;
• at least one power source connected to the two electric leads, the at least one power source configured and arranged to apply current to the two electric leads, thereby selectively heating at least one of the two electric leads,
• wherein the at least one power source generates an alternating current in one of the two electric leads and direct current in the other of the two electric leads, and
• wherein the cavity of the two electric leads is filled with cooling fluid.