The invention relates to a 3D printing method, wherein at least one component (18) is built up layer by layer on a build platform (16) by 3D printing. The layer-by-layer building process is carried out such that on the build platform (16) a frame structure (20) is simultaneously built up by 3D printing, the frame structure extending in the height direction, being associated with the particular build platform (16) and surrounding the at least one component (18).
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
B29C 64/379 - Handling of additively manufactured objects, e.g. using robots
B22F 10/14 - Formation of a green body by jetting of binder onto a bed of metal powder
B33Y 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
2.
PRINTHEAD CLEANING DEVICE FOR A 3D PRINTER, 3D PRINTER, USE OF THE PRINTHEAD CLEANING DEVICE FOR A 3D PRINTER, METHOD FOR CLEANING A PRINTHEAD OF A 3D PRINTER, METHOD FOR CLEANING A WIPER ELEMENT OF A PRINTHEAD CLEANING DEVICE OF A 3D PRINTER, AND METHOD FOR CONSERVING A PRINTHEAD OF A 3D PRINTER
The invention relates to a printhead cleaning device (10) for a 3D printer which is designed to construct a component layer by layer using binder jettings, wherein the printhead cleaning device (10) has a support (12) on which a wiper element (14) is arranged and which has a plurality of nozzles (16) that are designed to discharge a liquid cleaning agent.
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
3.
Method For Producing At Least One Component In A 3D Printing Method, And 3D Printer
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing at least one component by 3D printing on a construction platform provided with a heating device, the method comprising: applying a layer of loose particulate material to the construction platform, heating the applied layer of loose particulate material by means of the heating device of the construction platform, outputting a liquid treatment agent onto a partial area of the heated layer of loose particulate material, and repeating said steps to build up the at least one component in layers. The heating by means of the heating device of the construction platform is carried out in such a manner that a temperature of the construction platform increases toward a predetermined construction platform maximum temperature during the build-up of the component to set a surface temperature of the respectively last applied layer.
B22C 9/02 - Sand moulds or like moulds for shaped castings
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
4.
Coater for a 3D printer, 3D printer having the coater, use of the coater and use of the 3D printer
Disclosed is a coater 10 for a 3D printer, comprising an elongated container 30 comprising two opposing long side walls 32, 34 between which an internal cavity 36 is formed for receiving particulate material, the cavity 36 opening into an elongated output slot 38 for outputting the particulate material from the container 30 onto a construction field, and a first adjusting device 50 configured to move the two long side walls 32, 34 relative to each other at least in a respective lower portion 32a, 34a thereof adjoining the output slot 38 to thereby variably adjust the width of the output slot 38.
B22F 12/00 - Apparatus or devices specially adapted for additive manufacturing; Auxiliary means for additive manufacturing; Combinations of additive manufacturing apparatus or devices with other processing apparatus or devices
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B33Y 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
5.
Construction box system for a 3D printer, 3D printer, 3D printer system, use of the construction box system, and 3D printing method
Disclosed is a construction box system 10 for a 3D printer 12, comprising a construction box 30 having a side wall structure 32 and a construction platform 34 received within the side wall structure 32, the side wall structure 32 limiting an upwardly open construction box interior space 36 for building up a component by 3D printing, which interior space is downwardly limited by the construction platform 34, and a support structure 50 comprising its own drive 52 integrated into the support structure 50 and to which the construction box 30 is releasably attachable, such that the construction box 30 can be repeatedly removed from the support structure 50 after building up the component in the construction box interior space 36 and subsequently reattached to the support structure 50.
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
6.
Printhead Cleaning Device For A 3D Printer, 3D Printer Comprising A Printhead Cleaning Device, Use Of The Printhead Cleaning Device And Method For Cleaning A Printhead Of A 3D Printer
Disclosed is a print head cleaning device for a 3D printer configured to build a component in layers by means of binder jetting, the print head cleaning device comprising a cleaning agent feeding device having an elongated output opening and configured to output liquid cleaning agent through the elongated output opening, and a suction device having an elongated suction gap and configured to suction fluid through the elongated suction gap, wherein a longitudinal axis of the elongated output opening and a longitudinal axis of the elongated suction gap are arranged at an angle to each other.
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
2 across the construction space B1, in order to output in a controlled manner a flowable treatment agent to a partial region of a previously applied construction material layer, which treatment agent contributes to a selective solidification thereof, and a control device C, which is configured to control the coating device 3 and the printing device 5 in such a way that they travel across the construction space B1 in a way to overlap in time and/or that they, in an overlapping manner, supply construction material to the construction space B1 and dispense flowable treatment agent in a controlled manner to a partial region of a previously applied construction material layer, respectively.
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B29C 64/182 - Processes of additive manufacturing specially adapted for manufacturing multiple 3D objects in parallel batches
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
B22F 12/00 - Apparatus or devices specially adapted for additive manufacturing; Auxiliary means for additive manufacturing; Combinations of additive manufacturing apparatus or devices with other processing apparatus or devices
The invention relates to a coating unit (10) for a 3D printer, having: an elongate container (30), which has two opposing long side walls (32, 34), between which an inner cavity (36) is formed for receiving particulate material, which inner cavity opens into an elongate discharge gap (38) for discharging the particulate material from the container (30) onto a construction field; and a first adjustment device (50), which is designed to move the two long side walls (32, 34) relative to one another at least in a respective lower portion (32a, 34a) adjacent to the discharge gap (38), in order to variably adjust the width of the discharge gap (38).
Disclosed is a coater 10 for a 3D printer, comprising an elongated container 30 comprising two opposing long side walls 32, 34 between which an internal cavity 36 is formed for receiving particulate material, the cavity 36 opening into an elongated output slot 38 for outputting the particulate material from the container 30 onto a construction field, and a first adjusting device 50 configured to move the two long side walls 32, 34 relative to each other at least in a respective lower portion 32a, 34a thereof adjoining the output slot 38 to thereby variably adjust the width of the output slot 38.
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing at least one component by 3D printing on a construction platform provided with a heating device, the method comprising: applying a layer of loose particulate material to the construction platform, heating the applied layer of loose particulate material by means of the heating device of the construction platform, outputting a liquid treatment agent onto a partial area of the heated layer of loose particulate material, and repeating said steps to build up the at least one component in layers. The heating by means of the heating device of the construction platform is carried out in such a manner that a temperature of the construction platform increases toward a predetermined construction platform maximum temperature during the build-up of the component to set a surface temperature of the respectively last applied layer.
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
B29C 64/194 - Processes of additive manufacturing involving additional operations performed on the added layers, e.g. smoothing, grinding or thickness control during lay-up
The invention relates to a method for producing at least one component on a construction platform in a 3D printing method, said platform being provided with a heating device. The method has the steps of: applying a layer of loose particle material onto the construction platform, heating the applied layer of loose particle material by means of the heating device of the construction platform, discharging a liquid treatment agent onto a sub-region of the heated layer of loose particle material, and repeating the aforementioned steps in order to produce the at least one component in layers. The heating function of the heating device of the construction platform is carried out such that the temperature of the construction platform while producing the component increases in the direction of a specified construction platform high temperature in order to adjust the surface temperature of the last applied layer each time.
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
B29C 64/194 - Processes of additive manufacturing involving additional operations performed on the added layers, e.g. smoothing, grinding or thickness control during lay-up
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B33Y 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
B22F 3/00 - Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the manner of compacting or sintering; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
B22F 5/00 - Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the special shape of the product
12.
PRINTHEAD CLEANING DEVICE FOR A 3D PRINTER, 3D PRINTER COMPRISING A PRINTHEAD CLEANING DEVICE, USE OF THE PRINTHEAD CLEANING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CLEANING A PRINTHEAD OF A 3D PRINTER
The invention relates to a printhead cleaning device for a 3D printer, which is designed for the layer-by-layer construction of a component by means of binder jetting, wherein the printhead cleaning device comprises a cleaning agent supply device which has an elongated discharge opening and which is designed to discharge fluid cleaning agent through the elongated discharge opening, and a suction device which has an elongated suction gap and which is designed to suction fluid through the elongated suction gap, wherein a longitudinal axis of the elongated discharge opening and a longitudinal axis of the elongated suction gap are arranged at an angle to one another.
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
B22F 3/00 - Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the manner of compacting or sintering; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
The invention relates to a building enclosure system 10 for a 3D printer 12, comprising: a building enclosure 30 having a sidewall structure 32 and a building platform 34 accommodated within the sidewall structure 32, wherein the sidewall structure 32 delimits a building enclosure interior 36, which is open at the top, for constructing a component in a 3D printing process, which building enclosure interior is delimited at the bottom by the building platform 34; and a support structure 50, which comprises its own drive 52 integrated in the support structure 50 and can be releasably attached to the building enclosure 30 such that the building enclosure 30 can be repeatedly removed from the support structure 50 following the construction of the component in the building enclosure interior 36 and then re-attached to the support structure 50.
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B29C 64/255 - Enclosures for the building material, e.g. powder containers
14.
BUILDING ENCLOSURE SYSTEM FOR A 3D PRINTER, 3D PRINTER, 3D PRINTER SYSTEM, USE OF THE BUILDING ENCLOSURE SYSTEM, AND 3D PRINTING METHOD
The invention relates to a building enclosure system 10 for a 3D printer 12, comprising: a building enclosure 30 having a sidewall structure 32 and a building platform 34 accommodated within the sidewall structure 32, wherein the sidewall structure 32 delimits a building enclosure interior 36, which is open at the top, for constructing a component in a 3D printing process, which building enclosure interior is delimited at the bottom by the building platform 34; and a support structure 50, which comprises its own drive 52 integrated in the support structure 50 and can be releasably attached to the building enclosure 30 such that the building enclosure 30 can be repeatedly removed from the support structure 50 following the construction of the component in the building enclosure interior 36 and then re-attached to the support structure 50.
B29C 64/124 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified
B29C 64/255 - Enclosures for the building material, e.g. powder containers
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
15.
PRINT HEAD COATER MODULE FOR A 3D PRINTER, USE OF THE PRINT HEAD COATER MODULE AND 3D PRINTER INCLUDING THE PRINT HEAD COATER MODULE
Disclosed is a print head coater module 10 for a 3D printer, comprising a print head 12, a coater 14 having a container 16 defining an inner cavity 18 for receiving particulate material and opening into an output opening from which the particulate material can be output, and a roller assembly 20 arranged between the container 16 and the print head 12, and a common support structure 22 to which the print head 12, the container 16 and the roller assembly 20 are attached, so that the print head 12, the container 16 and the roller assembly 20 can be moved together over a construction space of the 3D printer.
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
Disclosed is a coater assembly 1 for a 3D printer, comprising a coater 3 having a container 5 which defines an inner cavity for receiving particulate construction material which opens into a container opening 7 for outputting the particulate construction material from the container 5, and an output region 9 which defines a coater output opening 11 for outputting the particulate construction material from the coater 3 onto a construction field. The container 5 is movable relative to the coater output opening 11 so that by moving the container 5 relative to the coater output opening a discharge of particulate construction material from the inner cavity through the container opening 7 and the coater output opening 11 onto the construction field is variable.
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B28B 1/00 - Producing shaped articles from the material
A 3D printer is described which is configured to build up a three-dimensional component in layers by forming layers of particulate construction material lying one upon the other and by selectively solidifying a partial region of the respective construction material layer. The 3D printer is configured to build up one or more first three-dimensional components in a first construction space and simultaneously one or more second three-dimensional components in a second construction space which is arranged adjacent to the first construction space. The 3D printer has a coating device arrangement which is displaceable across the first and the second construction space and a printing device which is displaceable across the first and the second construction space.
B29C 64/20 - Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B24B 1/00 - Processes of grinding or polishing; Use of auxiliary equipment in connection with such processes
B28B 1/00 - Producing shaped articles from the material
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
122) over the building space (B1), in order to output a flowable treating agent in a controlled manner onto a subregion of a previously applied layer of building material, thereby contributing to a selective solidification of the same, and a control device (C), which is designed to control the coater (3) and the printing device (5) in such a way that they move over the building space (B1) at overlapping times and/or that in an overlapping manner they supply the building space (B1) with building material or output flowable treating agent in a controlled manner onto a subregion of a previously applied layer of building material.
B22F 3/00 - Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the manner of compacting or sintering; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
B28B 1/00 - Producing shaped articles from the material
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
B29C 64/393 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
H05K 3/12 - Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits in which conductive material is applied to the insulating support in such a manner as to form the desired conductive pattern using printing techniques to apply the conductive material
The invention relates to a coating arrangement (1) for a 3D printer, comprising a coater (3) with a container (5) defining an internal hollow space for receiving particulate building material, said internal hollow space leading into a container opening (7) for discharging the particulate building material from the container (5), and a discharge region (9) defining a coating discharge opening (11) for delivering the particulate building material from the coater (3) to a construction field. The container (5) is movable relative to the coating discharge opening (11) so that a discharge of particulate building material from the internal hollow space through the container opening (7) and the coating discharge opening (11) to the construction field can be varied by a movement of the container (5) relative to the coating discharge opening.
B05C 11/02 - Apparatus for spreading or distributing liquids or other fluent materials already applied to a surface; Control of the thickness of a coating
B05C 11/10 - Storage, supply or control of liquid or other fluent material; Recovery of excess liquid or other fluent material
B29C 31/02 - Dispensing from vessels, e.g. hoppers
B28B 13/02 - Feeding the unshaped material to moulds or apparatus for producing shaped articles
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
B29K 105/00 - Condition, form or state of moulded material
20.
3D PRINTER COMPRISING A RECOATER AND A RECOATER CLEANING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR CLEANING A RECOATER USING A CLEANING DEVICE
Disclosed is a 3D printer (10), comprising a recoater (30) and a recoater cleaning device (50). The recoater (30) has a container (32) defining an inner cavity (34) for receiving particulate building material, and a dispensing region (36) for dispensing the particulate building material. The recoater cleaning device (50) has a cleaning web (52). The recoater cleaning device (50) and the recoater (30) are designed to move the dispensing region (36) and/or the cleaning web (52) relative to one another in order to clean the dispensing region (36) using the cleaning web (52).
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B08B 1/00 - Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools, brushes, or analogous members
21.
AFTER-TREATMENT PROCESS FOR INCREASING THE HOT STRENGTH OF A SHAPED PART PRODUCED FROM PARTICULATE MATERIAL AND BINDER, 3D PRINTING ARRANGEMENT AND SHAPED PART
The invention provides an after-treatment process for increasing the hot strength of a shaped part (100) produced from particulate material and binder in which the shaped part (100) is a shaped part produced by 3D printing (S72) and, after its production, is heated by using a heating device (40) (S30) and the heated shaped part (100) is exposed to an atmosphere created by feeding in water and enriched with gaseous water (S50).
B22C 1/16 - Compositions of refractory mould or core materials; Grain structures thereof; Chemical or physical features in the formation or manufacture of moulds characterised by the use of binding agents; Mixtures of binding agents
B22C 1/18 - Compositions of refractory mould or core materials; Grain structures thereof; Chemical or physical features in the formation or manufacture of moulds characterised by the use of binding agents; Mixtures of binding agents of inorganic agents
B22C 9/12 - Treating moulds or cores, e.g. drying, hardening
22.
3D printer 3D printer, arrangement and additive manufacturing process
A 3D printer 100 is described, which is configured to build up a three-dimensional component in layers by forming layers of particulate construction material lying one upon each other and by selectively solidifying a partial region of the respective construction material layer. The 3D printer 100 is configured to simultaneously build up one or more first three-dimensional components in a first construction space B1, which is arranged in the 3D printer, and one or more second three-dimensional components in a second construction space B2 which is arranged adjacent to the first construction space at a horizontal distance therefrom in the 3D printer.
B28B 1/00 - Producing shaped articles from the material
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B29C 64/20 - Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering - Details thereof or accessories therefor
23.
Coater arrangement for a 3D printer and method for applying two layers of particle-shaped construction material
B29C 31/02 - Dispensing from vessels, e.g. hoppers
B29C 64/20 - Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
B33Y 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B29C 64/20 - Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B29C 64/255 - Enclosures for the building material, e.g. powder containers
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
B29C 64/307 - Handling of material to be used in additive manufacturing
The invention relates to a 3D printer (10) having a coater (30) and a coater-cleaning device (50). The coater (30) has a container (32), which defines an inner hollow space (34) for receiving particulate building material, and a discharge region (36) for discharging the particulate building material, said coater being movable into a cleaning position in which the coater is arranged above the coater-cleaning device (50). The coater-cleaning device (50) has a wiper element (52) for wiping the discharge region (36), said wiper element being formed from an absorbent material which is configured to receive a liquid cleaning agent inside the material.
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
The invention relates to a 3D printer (10) having a coater (30) and a coater-cleaning device (50). The coater (30) has a container (32), which defines an inner hollow space (34) for receiving particulate building material, and a discharge region (36) for discharging the particulate building material, said coater being movable into a cleaning position in which the coater is arranged above the coater-cleaning device (50). The coater-cleaning device (50) has a wiper element (52) for wiping the discharge region (36), said wiper element being formed from an absorbent material which is configured to receive a liquid cleaning agent inside the material.
Disclosed is a method for unpacking a component 16 manufactured by means of a generative manufacturing process, from a particulate material fill 18. In the method, an auxiliary frame 20 having a vertical circumferential wall structure 22, open downward, is arranged above a vertical circumferential wall structure 12 of a construction box 10. In addition, a construction platform 14 of the construction box 10 is displaced upward, so that the particulate material fill 18 containing the component 16 is transferred from the construction box 10 to the auxiliary frame 20. In addition, the auxiliary frame 20 with the particulate material fill 18 containing the component, and the construction box 10 are moved away from each other, and the component 16 is unpacked from the particulate material fill 18 at least in part and is removed from the auxiliary frame 20.
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B33Y 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
B29C 64/20 - Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B29C 64/40 - Structures for supporting 3D objects during manufacture and intended to be sacrificed after completion thereof
B66F 19/00 - Hoisting, lifting, hauling, or pushing, not otherwise provided for
B65G 65/30 - Methods or devices for filling or emptying bunkers, hoppers, tanks, or like containers, of interest apart from their use in particular chemical or physical processes or their application in particular machines, e.g. not covered by a single other subc
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
A 3D printer (10) having a coater (30) and a coater cleaning devise (50) is disclosed, wherein the coater (30) defines a container (32), which has an inner cavity (34) for receiving particulate construction material and an elongated dispensing area (36) for dispensing the particulate construction material and which can be moved to a cleaning position in which it is arranged above the coater cleaning device (50), wherein the coater cleaning device (50) has a wiping element (54) and a drive device for moving the wiping element, and wherein the drive device is designed for moving the wiping element (54) for cleaning the dispensing area (36) along same when the coater (30) is above the coater cleaning device (50). A method for cleaning a coater of a 3D printer is therefore disclosed.
A 3D printer 100 is described, which is configured to build up a three- dimensional component in layers by forming layers of particulate construction material lying one upon each other and by selectively solidifying a partial region of the respective construction material layer. The 3D printer 100 is configured to simultaneously build up one or more first three-dimensional components in a first construction space B1, which is arranged in the 3D printer, and one or more second three-dimensional components in a second construction space B2 which is arranged adjacent to the first construction space at a horizontal distance therefrom in the 3D printer.
B29C 64/182 - Processes of additive manufacturing specially adapted for manufacturing multiple 3D objects in parallel batches
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
30.
3D PRINTER, 3D PRINTER ARRANGEMENT AND GENERATIVE PRODUCTION METHOD
The invention relates to a 3D printer (100) which is designed to produce, in layers, a three-dimensional component by forming superimposed layers of a particulate material and by selectivity hardening a partial region of the respective component layer. The 3D printer (100) is designed to produce one or more first three dimensional components in a first chamber (B1) arranged in the 3D printer, and simultaneously, one or more second three-dimensional components in a second chamber (B2) which is adjacent to the first chamber and which is at a horizontal distance thereto and which is arranged in the 3D printer.
The invention relates to a coating arrangement (1) for a 3D printer (100), comprising a coating apparatus (3) with a carrier structure (21a-21c) and a container (17) which is fastened to the carrier structure and defines an internal hollow space for receiving particulate construction material, said internal hollow space leading into an opening for discharging the particulate construction material; a vibration device (23) which is designed to set into vibration the particulate construction material which is received in the container and thereby influence the output of construction material from the opening; and an application element (15a) mounted on the coater, which is adapted to pass over the particulate construction material discharged via the opening in order to thus level and/or compress the discharged particulate material; and/or a closure device (31) which is designed to selectively close the opening and comprises a closure element (31a) fastened to the coating apparatus (3), the passing element (15a) and/or the closure element (31a) being fastened to the carrier structure in a vibration-decoupled manner by a vibration generated in the container (17) by the vibration device.
B29C 67/00 - Shaping techniques not covered by groups , or
B33Y 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
32.
COATING ARRANGEMENT FOR A 3D PRINTER AND METHOD FOR APPLYING TWO LAYERS OF PARTICULATE CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL
A coating device arrangement 1 for a 3D printer is disclosed, comprising a coating device 3 having a container 17 defining an inner cavity for receiving particulate construction material which leads to an opening for outputting the particulate construction material, and a stroking member 15a, by which a stroking surface is formed which is directed downward, and which is configured to stroke over construction material output from the opening using the stroking surface to thereby level and/or compress the output particulate material. The coating device arrangement 1 further comprises a setting device 13 which is configured to variably set an inclination angle of the stroking surface 15a.
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
B29C 64/194 - Processes of additive manufacturing involving additional operations performed on the added layers, e.g. smoothing, grinding or thickness control during lay-up
B29C 67/00 - Shaping techniques not covered by groups , or
33.
COATING ARRANGEMENT FOR A 3D PRINTER AND METHOD FOR APPLYING TWO LAYERS OF PARTICULATE CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL
The invention relates to a coating arrangement (1) for a 3D printer, which comprises a coating device (3) which comprises a container (17) defining an internal hollow space used to receive particulate construction material, said internal hollow space leading into an opening for discharging said particulate construction material, and an application element (15a) from which an application surface which is oriented downwards is formed and which is designed to pass over the construction material discharged via the opening in order to thus level and/or compress the discharged particulate material. Said coating arrangement (1) also comprises an adjusting device (13) which is designed to variably adjust an angle of inclination of the application element (15a).
The invention relates to a coating arrangement (1) for a 3D printer, comprising a coater (3) with a container (17), which defines an inner hollow space for receiving particulate building material, said hollow space leading into an aperture for delivering the particulate building material to a construction field, as well as a closing device (31) which is designed to selectively close the opening for delivering the particulate building material.
F16K 7/07 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm constrictable by external radial force by means of fluid pressure
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
A method is disclosed for unpacking a component (16), produced by means of a generative manufacturing method, from a particulate matter filler (18). In the method, an auxiliary frame (20), which has a vertical peripheral wall structure (22) open towards the bottom, is arranged over a vertical peripheral wall structure (12) of a construction box (10). Further, a construction platform (14) of the construction box (10) is driven upward such that the particulate matter filler (18) containing the component (16) is transferred from the construction box (10) to the auxiliary frame (20). Further, the auxiliary frame (20), with the received particulate matter filler (18) containing the component (16), and the construction box (10) are moved apart from each other, and the component (16) is unpacked at least partially out of the particulate matter filler (18) and removed from the auxiliary frame (20).
Disclosed is a method for unpacking a component 11, produced by means of an additive manufacturing process, from a particulate material fill 9 of loose, unconsolidated particulate material, which is arranged together with the component 11 in a construction space 5 and surrounds the component 11. In order to unpack the component 11, the particulate material fill 9 surrounding the component 11 is transferred into a fluidized bed, so that the loose, unconsolidated particulate material is fluidized, and the fluidized, unconsolidated particulate material is drained downward off the construction space 5. In addition, a device for use in the method is described.
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B33Y 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
B22C 9/10 - Cores; Manufacture or installation of cores
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
The invention relates to a method for unpacking a component (11) produced by means of an additive product method from a particulate-material fill (9) of loose, unconsolidated particulate material, which fill is arranged together with the component (11) in a construction chamber (5) and surrounds the component (11). In order to unpack the component (11), the particulate-material fill (9) surrounding the component (11) is converted into a fluidized bed, such that the loose, unconsolidated particulate material is fluidized, and the fluidized unconsolidated particulate material is drained from the construction chamber (5) downward. The invention further relates to a device for use in the method.
A plant (100) for the layered construction of a molded body comprises a coating device (400) and a coating device cleaner (600). The coating device is movable horizontally across a construction field for applying a uniform layer of construction material to be solidified to the construction field and has an elongate metering shaft (410), at the lower side of which a longitudinal slot (412) is provided for outputting the construction material as the metering shaft (410) moves across the construction field. The coating device cleaner (600) is mounted on a construction frame (150) of the plant and serves for cleaning the metering shaft (410). The coating device cleaner (600) comprises an elongate wiper element (610) that is received under the metering shaft (410) of the coating device (400) at least in part in a construction material collection container (620).
B29C 67/00 - Shaping techniques not covered by groups , or
B05C 19/04 - Apparatus specially adapted for applying particulate materials to surfaces the particulate material being projected, poured or allowed to flow onto the surface of the work
B05C 19/06 - Storage, supply or control of the application of particulate material; Recovery of excess particulate material
B29C 41/12 - Spreading-out the material on a substrate
The invention relates to a construction box (200) comprising a front wall (220), a rear wall and two side walls (224, 226), which delimit a construction box interior that houses a height-adjustable construction platform (210). The construction box (200) has dedicated travelling gear (250) integrated in to the construction box for propelling said box (2000 between a construction position, in which the construction box (2000 is positioned within the frame (150) of the system (100) to allow the shaped body to be built up and an additional construction box position, such as a construction box unpacking position, in which the construction box (200) is propelled out of the frame (150) of the system (100) to permit the unpacking of the built-up shaped body.
The invention relates to a coating device (400) that can be moved horizontally and that has an elongated metering shaft (410) and an elongated storage container (420) arranged above said metering shaft (410). The metering shaft (410) and/or the storage container (420) are connected to the coating device (400) such that they can be pivoted around a pivot axis (S) into a cleaning position in which an outlet opening (422) of the storage container (420) and a supply opening (414) of the metering shaft (410) are exposed.
B29C 67/00 - Shaping techniques not covered by groups , or
B22F 3/00 - Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the manner of compacting or sintering; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
The invention relates to a print head cleaning device (700) having a recess (710) and at least one wiper element (720) that is movably mounted in such a way that said wiper element can be moved out of a print head cleaning position, in which the wiper element (720) is oriented upwards and arranged at least partially above the recess (710) so that an underside of a print head can be cleaned with said wiper element (720), and into a wiper element regeneration position, in which the wiper element (720) is at least partially received in the recess (710) so that the wiper element (720) can be cleaned in said recess (720). Said wiper element can then be moved back into the print head cleaning position.
The invention relates to a construction box (200) comprising a front wall (220), a rear wall and two side walls (224, 226), which delimit a construction box interior that houses a height-adjustable construction platform (210). The construction box (200) has dedicated travelling gear (250) integrated into the construction box for propelling said box (200) between a construction position, in which the construction box (200) is positioned within the frame (150) of the system (100) to allow the shaped body to be built up and an additional construction box position, such as a construction box unpacking position, in which the construction box (200) is propelled out of the frame (150) of the system (100) to permit the unpacking of the built-up shaped body.
B29C 67/00 - Shaping techniques not covered by groups , or
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
B65D 85/68 - Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for machines, engines or vehicles in assembled or dismantled form
B61C 11/04 - Locomotives or motor railcars characterised by the type of means applying the tractive effort; Arrangement or disposition of running gear other than normal driving wheels tractive effort applied to racks
The invention relates to a pressure device (500) for a rapid-prototyping system (100), comprising an elongated horizontal pressure head support (520) that can be propelled in a first horizontal direction lying perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pressure head support, over a construction area, and comprising a pressure head (510) with at least one pressure head nozzle (514) for the controlled delivery of a binding agent. The pressure head (510) is mounted on a guide carriage (530) that is guided on the pressure head support (520) and can be displaced along the pressure head support longitudinal axis and the pressure head (510) is located underneath the pressure head support (520) and at least partially engages with the latter from below.
The invention relates to the delimitation of the construction area in a rapid-prototyping system. A system (100) for the layered construction of a shaped body has a construction box (200) that comprises a front wall (220), a rear wall and two side walls (224, 226) delimiting a construction box interior which is open at the top, which houses a height-adjustable platform (210) and which defines a construction area above the construction platform (210), in which area the shaped body can be built up when the construction box (200) is in a construction position. The system also comprises a first fixed delimitation plate (158) with a horizontal upper face forming a delimitation of the construction area that partially surrounds the periphery of the construction area and extends along a first construction box wall (224), when the construction box is in the construction position. The region of the upper edge of the first construction box wall (224) has a horizontal edge surface (224c), which is partially overlapped by the first delimitation plate (158) in the construction position, thus forming a gap (s) between the underside of said delimitation plate (158) and the horizontal edge surface (224c). The gap (s) is dimensioned in such a way that material introduced into the area lying outside the construction area collects in the gap (s) as excess material.
The invention relates to an installation (100) for the layered construction of a shaped body, said installation having a coating device (400) and a coating device cleaner (600). Said coating device (400) can be moved horizontally across a construction field in order to apply a uniform layer of construction material to be hardened, to said construction field. Said coating device has an elongated metering shaft (410) on the underside of which a longitudinal slot (412) is provided in order to dispense the construction material as the metering shaft (410) moves across said construction field. The coating device cleaner (600) is mounted on a construction frame (150) of the installation and is used to clean the metering shaft (410). The coating device cleaner (600) has an elongated wiper element (610) that is at least partially received in a construction material collection container (620), underneath the metering shaft (410) of the coating device (400).
The invention relates to a rapid prototyping installation 100 for the layered construction of a shaped body, said installation being provided with a coating device 400 and with a mixing unit 300. The coating device 400 can be moved horizontally into a supply station in order to load said coating device 400 with construction material, and across a construction platform in order to apply a layer of the construction material onto the construction platform. The mixing unit 300 has a mixer 310, arranged above the coating device 400 and integrated into the installation, for producing a homogeneous mixture of a first component and a second component. The mixer 310 has a outlet opening 312 that is, when the coating device is in the supply position, arranged over said coating device 400 such that the construction material prepared in the mixer 310 can be fed to the coating device via said outlet opening 312.
The invention relates to a method and a device for applying for a flowable material, especially a particulate material, in individual superimposed layers across a support (50), the flowable material being first filled from a stationary feed station (10) into a storage container (24) of an application device. In the application device (30), which travels back and forth across the support, the flowable material is distributed inside the storage container across the entire length of the device and is then metered through a slot into a metering shaft in such a manner that the filling level in the metering shaft remains constant during application of the flowable material from the metering shaft onto the support.
B22F 3/00 - Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the manner of compacting or sintering; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
New methods and systems for manufacturing a three-dimensional form, comprising steps of providing a plurality of particulates; contacting the particulates with an activation agent; contacting particulates having the activation agent with a binder material that is activatable by the activation agent; at least partially hardening the binder for forming a layer of the three-dimensional form; and repeating these steps to form the remainder of the three-dimensional form. Following sequential application of all required layers and binder material to make the form, the unbound particles are appropriately removed (and optionally re-used), to result in the desired three-dimensional form. The invention also contemplates a novel method for preparing a form, where unbound particulates free of binder material are re-claimed.
B29C 35/08 - Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising by wave energy or particle radiation
B29C 41/02 - Shaping by coating a mould, core or other substrate, i.e. by depositing material and stripping-off the shaped article; Apparatus therefor for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
An interchangeable container for a system for building a mold body by forming superimposed layers of granular material, the granular material locally and selectively hardened layer by layer. The container includes a bottom structure that is displaceable in the interior of the container in a direction in parallel with the container side walls and at least one spindle drive having a vertical screw spindle rotatably mounted in a container side of the container, and a spindle screw nut on which the bottom structure is supported. The bottom structure can be lowered step by step in the interior of the container by the spindle drive.
Described herein is a device for pattern building in layers, which has a frame (1), a vertically movable and interchangeable workpiece platform (17), and a material feeder with a spreader (4), whereby the spreader (4) serves to feed material from a storage bin situated in the workspace above the workpiece platform (17), and the workpiece platform (17) is fixed at least when building a pattern. The workpiece platform (17) is accordingly loaded into the device from one side and unloaded from the other side of the device.
This invention relates to a method for use in dispensing fluids especially particulate matter on to a surface to be coated, comprising a blade traversing along said surface, whereby the fluid is dispensed in front of said blade on to said surface, whereafter said blade is swept across the dispensed fluid such that it imparts vibrations. The fluid (5) is fed on to said surface through the bottom outlet of a container (3) vibrated cooperatively with the blade (7).
B28B 1/16 - Producing shaped articles from the material by simple casting, the material being neither forcibly fed nor positively compacted for producing layered articles
B05C 1/06 - Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is applied to the surface of the work by contact with a member carrying the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. a porous member loaded with a liquid to be applied as a coating for applying liquid or other fluent material to work of indefinite length by rubbing contact, e.g. by brushes, by pads
52.
Method for constructing patterns in a layered manner
A process to produce models in layers is described, whereby a first material and then selectively a second material is applied in layers on a building platform and these two application stages are repeated until a desired pattern is achieved. The two materials form a solid if a suitable mixture ratio is used and the first material is a material mixture. The material mixture is at least partially prepared prior to each application stage.
New methods and systems for manufacturing a three-dimensional form, comprising steps of providing a plurality of particulates; contacting the particulates with an activation agent; contacting particulates having the activation agent with a binder material that is activatable by the activation agent; at least partially hardening the binder for forming a layer of the three-dimensional form; and repeating these steps to form the remainder of the three-dimensional form. Following sequential application of all required layers and binder material to make the form, the unbound particles are appropriately removed (and optionally re-used), to result in the desired three-dimensional form. The invention also contemplates a novel method for preparing a form, where unbound particulates free of binder material are re-claimed.
B29C 33/38 - SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING - Details thereof or accessories therefor characterised by the material or the manufacturing process
B29C 41/02 - Shaping by coating a mould, core or other substrate, i.e. by depositing material and stripping-off the shaped article; Apparatus therefor for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
patents
