We describe a method for controlling an irradiation beam for irradiating a layer of raw material powder in an additive layer manufacturing process for producing a three-dimensional work piece, wherein the method comprises: depositing, with a layer depositing mechanism, a said layer of raw material powder on top of a carrier and/or on top of a preceding material layer on top of the carrier; and controlling the irradiation beam to irradiate at least a portion of the layer of raw material powder in an irradiation area when a distance between the irradiation area and the layer depositing mechanism is above a threshold distance, and wherein the threshold distance is dependent on (i) a speed of movement of the layer depositing mechanism, and (ii) a speed, vg, of a gas flow over the layer of raw material powder.
A three-dimensional printing system having a light beam radiating unit is provided, which radiates a light beam onto the powder layer to be sintered or melted, solidifying the powder, a scanning mechanism which redirects and focuses the light beam in a three-dimensional space, a cover that moves integrally with the scanning unit of the light beam, wherein an inlet nozzle and an exhaust manifold ensure inert atmosphere to the process, a powder delivery unit that supplies this material over the object construction area; a powder leveling device leveling the powder delivered from the powder delivery unit to form a powder layer, a powder supply unit for storing and metering material for the delivery unit, constituting a module independent from the system.
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 64/268 - Arrangements for irradiation using laser beamsArrangements for irradiation using electron beams [EB]
A contact arrangement (44) for use in an apparatus (10) for producing three-dimensional work pieces by irradiating layers of a raw material powder with electromagnetic or particle radiation, the contact arrangement (44) comprises a replaceable building chamber (20) adapted to receive a work piece generated in the apparatus (10) by an additive layering process and a building chamber support element (38) adapted to support the replaceable building chamber (20). A first contact element (46) is fastened to the replaceable building chamber (20) and comprises at least one first electrical conductor element (48), the first electrical conductor element (48) being provided with a first planar conductor surface (50). A second contact element (52) is fastened to the building chamber support element (38) and comprises at least one second electrical conductor element (54), the second electrical conductor element (54) being provided with a second planar conductor surface (56). The first planar conductor surface (50) provided on the first electrical conductor element (48) of the first contact element (46) and the second planar conductor surface (56) provided on the second electrical conductor element (52) of the second contact element (52) are adapted to interact with each other so as to establish an electrical contact between the replaceable building chamber (20) and the building chamber support element (38) when the replaceable building chamber (20) is supported on the building chamber support element (38).
B22F 3/00 - Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the manner of compacting or sinteringApparatus specially adapted therefor
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
B23K 37/04 - Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted for a procedure covered by only one of the other main groups of this subclass for holding or positioning work
B33Y 30/00 - Apparatus for additive manufacturingDetails thereof or accessories therefor
B22F 7/02 - Manufacture of composite layers, workpieces, or articles, comprising metallic powder, by sintering the powder, with or without compacting of composite layers
B23K 9/04 - Welding for other purposes than joining, e.g. built-up welding
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 64/20 - Apparatus for additive manufacturingDetails thereof or accessories therefor