Device and process for producing a three-dimensional object

摘要

A radiation source(16) is directed at a solidifiable powder by a beam deflector(18). An object progressively formed by solidified layers of the powder is carried on a support in a construction chamber within a process chamber(21,24). The plant has two or more process chambers, each being hermetically sealed and separate from the adjacent process chamber. The beam deflector can be aligned towards each process chamber for an object forming operation. Each process chamber(21,24) has a suction system for extraction of non-solidified powder which includes a suction fan connected via shut off valves to each process chamber. Inlets to the process chambers are closed by the valves. Valves for each process chamber may be operated separately or in unison by a control unit. Valves may be of the pinch type and can be pneumatically, electrically, electromagnetically or hydraulically operated. Each hermetically sealed process chamber is accessible through an opening with a transparent area for the radiation beam. On conclusion of powder filling the powder feeding system moves into a position which closes off a process chamber. Each process chamber has inlet nozzles and a suction nozzle for supply of protective or inert gas. Surface hardness of a circumferential wall of the construction chamber is greater than that of the object forming powder. Each suction unit has a separator(107) and a filter. The beam deflector(18) moves between the process chambers or the process chambers may move towards the deflector. An independent claim is included for a process for manufacturing a three dimensional object using the claimed equipment in which: a) in a first process chamber(21) successive layers of a powdered material are solidified by electromagnetic or particle irradiation; b) in a second process chamber(24) the object is cooled and non-solidified material is sucked away, the finished object is ejected and converted into a new product.