Methods for calibrating a processing machine, and processing machines

A method for calibrating a processing machine for the production of three-dimensional components by irradiation of powder layers, wherein the processing machine comprises a scanner device for positioning a laser beam in a processing field in which a height-adjustable construction platform for the application of the powder layers is positioned, the method comprising:

• sweeping the laser beam over at least two markings that are applied on either one or both of the construction platform and a preform fixed to the construction platform;
• detecting laser radiation reflected back from the markings into the scanner device during the sweeping of the at least two markings;
• determining actual positions of the markings using the detected laser radiation;
• determining deviations of the actual positions of the markings from setpoint positions of the markings;
• and
• using the determined deviations to calibrate the processing machine by:
• (i) correcting a position comprising one or more of a tilt, a rotation, and a lateral offset of either one or both of the construction platform and the preform in the processing machine
• or
• (ii) correcting both a positioning of the laser beam in the processing field and the position of either one or both of the construction platform and the preform in the processing machine.