Production apparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional workpieces, build cylinder for use with the production apparatus, and production system and method

A production apparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional workpieces, comprising a solidifying device that is adapted to selectively solidify powder material, wherein the production apparatus is adapted for use with an exchangeable build cylinder designed to receive at least partially solidified powder material, wherein the production apparatus comprises a coupling system for coupling with the build cylinder, said coupling system being designed to orient the build cylinder in a predetermined position and to hold it in the predetermined position at least during part of a production process.

A production system comprising:

• a production apparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional workpieces, comprising a solidifying device that is adapted to selectively solidify powder material, wherein the production apparatus is adapted for use with an exchangeable build cylinder designed to receive at least partially solidified powder material, wherein the production apparatus comprises a coupling system for coupling with the build cylinder, said coupling system being designed to orient the build cylinder in a predetermined position and to hold it in the predetermined position at least during part of a production process;
• and
• the build cylinder.

A method for coupling a build cylinder to a production apparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional workpieces, the apparatus comprising a solidifying device that is adapted to selectively solidify powder material, wherein the production apparatus is adapted for use with an exchangeable build cylinder designed to receive at least partially solidified powder material, wherein the production apparatus comprises a coupling system for coupling with the build cylinder, said coupling system being designed to orient the build cylinder in a predetermined position and to hold it in the predetermined position at least during part of a production process, comprising:

• moving the build cylinder in an infeed direction, wherein the build cylinder is oriented into the predetermined position by the coupling system while it is being moved in the infeed direction;
• and
• holding the build cylinder in the predetermined position by the coupling system, at least during part of the production process.