Device for Producing a Three-Dimensional Object in Layers
AssigneeEOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
InventorsMartin Heugel, Georg Fey
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A modular system (1) for producing a three-dimensional object (2) by layerwise application and selective solidification of a pulverulent build material (13) contains a first module (30, 34-36; 40, 41) suitable for carrying out a first process used for the production of the three-dimensional object (2), and at least a second and a third module (30, 34-36; 40,41) suitable for carrying out a further process used for the production of the three-dimensional object (2). The first to third modules (30, 34-36; 40, 41) are configured so that the second or the third module, or both, can selectively and replaceably be connected to the first module in such a way that their housings are coupled to one another directly.
Claims18
-18. (canceled)
A modular system for producing a three-dimensional object by layerwise application and selective solidification of a pulverulent build material, comprising:
- a first module for carrying out a first process used for the production of the three-dimensional object, and
- at least a second and a third module for each carrying out a further process used for the production of the three-dimensional object,
- wherein the first to third modules are configured so that the second or the third module, or both, can selectively and replaceably be connected to the first module in such a way that their housings are coupled to one another directly,
- the first module contains a manufacturing station for layerwise application and selective solidification of the pulverulent build material on a production platform and/or in a replaceable container,
- a module interface between the first module and the second and/or third module and/or a module interface between the second and third modules contains an opening, through which the production platform and/or the replaceable container can be passed, and
- the first to third modules contain an internal feed device, which is configured in such a way that it can transport the production platform and/or the replaceable container between the first module and the second or third module.
The modular system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second and/or the third module includes:
- a setup station for preparing a production platform or a replaceable container, and/or
- a replacement station for replacing production platforms or replaceable containers, and/or
- an unpacking station for removing powder remaining unsolidified from the completed object, and/or
- a station for finishing the unpacked object.
A modular system for producing a three-dimensional object by layerwise application and selective solidification of a pulverulent build material, comprising:
- a first module for carrying out a first process used for the production of the three-dimensional object, and
- at least a second and a third module for each carrying out a further process used for the production of the three-dimensional object,
- wherein the first to third modules are configured so that the second or the third module, or both, can selectively and replaceably be connected to the first module in such a way that their housings are coupled to one another directly,
- the second and the third module each contain a manufacturing station for layerwise application and selective solidification of the pulverulent build material on a production platform and/or in a replaceable container,
- a module interface contains an opening between the first module and the second or third module, through which the production platform and/or the replaceable container can be passed, and
- the first to third modules contain an internal feed device, which is configured in such a way that it can transport the production platform and/or the replaceable container between the first module and the second or third module.
A modular system for producing a three-dimensional object by layerwise application and selective solidification of a pulverulent build material, comprising:
- a first module for carrying out a first process used for the production of the three-dimensional object, and
- at least a second and a third module for each carrying out a further process used for the production of the three-dimensional object,
- wherein the first to third modules are configured so that the second or the third module, or both, can selectively and replaceably be connected to the first module in such a way that their housings are coupled to one another directly, and
- the first to third modules are configured in such a way that the second or the third module can be selectively and replaceably placed on the upper side of the first module.
A modular system for producing a three-dimensional object by layerwise application and selective solidification of a pulverulent build material, comprising:
- a first module for carrying out a first process used for the production of the three-dimensional object, and
- at least a second and a third module for each carrying out a further process used for the production of the three-dimensional object,
- wherein the first to third modules are configured so that the second or the third module, or both, can selectively and replaceably be connected to the first module in such a way that their housings are coupled to one another directly, and
- the first to third modules are configured in such a way that the first module can be placed selectively and replaceably on the upper side of the second or the third module.
The modular system as claimed in claim 16, wherein, besides the second and third modules, further modules are provided, which can selectively be coupled flexibly instead of the second or third module, or in addition thereto, selectively to any desired module of the system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.