Module for supplying additive manufacturing powder allowing the transfer of powder into a container under an inert atmosphere

A provision module for providing additive manufacturing powder, the provision module comprising:

• a main hopper for storing additive manufacturing powder, the main hopper being configured to be connected to a manufacturing module, the manufacturing module being configured to additively manufacture an object from powder stored in the main hopper;
• an inlet of the provision module, which inlet is designed to be connected to the manufacturing module and to receive powder located in the manufacturing module;
• a glovebox designed to receive a container, the glovebox being configured to be closed in a sealed manner, wherein the glovebox comprises gloves for closing the container once the container has been filled with powder, while the glovebox is closed;
• a supply circuit configured to transfer powder located in the glovebox to the main hopper;
• an extraction circuit that is different from the supply circuit, the extraction circuit being configured to transfer additive manufacturing powder from the inlet to the container, when the container is received in the glovebox;
• a reservoir connected to the main hopper, the reservoir being located below the main hopper to receive powder from the main hopper, the reservoir comprising an outlet, the outlet being configured to be connected to a manufacturing duct, the manufacturing duct connecting the outlet of the reservoir and the manufacturing module;
• a return circuit different from the manufacturing duct, the return circuit connecting the outlet of the reservoir and the inlet of the provision module;
• and
• a circulation-inducing system configured to suck in powder from the outlet of the reservoir to the inlet of the provision module.