APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING

摘要

The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) objects, 3D printing processes, as well as methods, apparatuses and systems for the production of a 3D object. Methods, apparatuses and systems of the present disclosure may reduce or eliminate the need for auxiliary supports. The present disclosure provides three dimensional (3D) objects printed utilizing the printing processes, methods, apparatuses and systems described herein.

主权项

1. A method for generating a three-dimensional object, comprising:
(a) providing a powder bed in an enclosure, wherein the powder bed comprises a powder material having an elemental metal, metal alloy, ceramic, or an allotrope of elemental carbon; (b) directing an energy beam at the powder material along a path to transform at least a portion of the powder material to form a transformed material, which transformed material hardens into a hardened material as part of the three-dimensional object; and (c) bringing a heat sink adjacent to an exposed surface of the powder bed to remove thermal energy from the powder bed, wherein during removal of thermal energy from the powder bed, the heat sink is separated from the exposed surface by a gap, and wherein the exposed surface of the powder bed is a top surface of the powder bed.