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Machine and method for powder-based additive manufacturing

  • US 10,413,968 B2
  • Filed: 07/31/2013
  • Issued: 09/17/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/31/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A machine for the additive manufacture of a three-dimensional object by sintering or melting powder using a beam of energy acting on a layer of powder comprising:

  • a working zone, wherein the working zone is defined in an upper part of a build sleeve in which the three-dimensional object is manufactured, wherein the build sleeve has a height which defines a maximum height for the three-dimensional object to be manufactured such that the entire three-dimensional object remains in the build sleeve during manufacturing;

    a chassis, in which the build sleeve is fixedly mounted;

    a build plate which supports the three-dimensional object, and which slides inside the build sleeve when driven in vertical translation;

    a head of an actuating cylinder placed along the central axis of the build sleeve, and which drives the build plate in vertical translation;

    wherein the build plate is positioned inside a transport container which is made as a separate piece from the sleeve and which is arranged removably below a lower edge of the build sleeve and above the actuating cylinder;

    a raising device that is configured to move the transport container vertically upwardly into contact with the build sleeve; and

    wherein the transport container is open at its top and at its bottom so that, when the actuating cylinder is actuated, the head transfers the plate from the transport container to the build sleeve, which forms a build envelope around the build plate, and so that the head of the actuating cylinder are retractable out of the bottom of the transport container such that the transport container with the build plate and the three-dimensional object can be transported away from the build sleeve and away from the actuating cylinder.

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