Device e.g. laser fusion machine, used to produce three-dimensional objects by solidifying layers of build-up material, comprises building and metering chambers, irradiation device, discharge device, process chamber and powder separator

摘要

The device comprises a building chamber (3), a metering chamber (2) for storing a building material (5), an applicator for applying the building material, an irradiation device for irradiating the applied layers of the building material at the respective cross section of the object with corresponding locations, a discharge device (10) for removing the building material from a process chamber during or after construction process, and a powder separator including an inlet (14), a particle outlet and an air outlet, where the inlet is connected with the discharge device. The device comprises a building chamber (3), a metering chamber (2) for storing a building material (5), an applicator for applying the building material, an irradiation device for irradiating the applied layers of the building material at the respective cross section of the object with corresponding locations, a discharge device (10) for removing the building material from a process chamber during or after construction process, and a powder separator including an inlet (14), a particle outlet and an air outlet, where the inlet is connected with the discharge device to receive a powder-containing exhaust air and the volume of the powder separator is chosen with respect to the volume of the powder-containing exhaust air so that the flow rate of the powder-containing exhaust air entering into the powder separator is reduced. The powder separator includes inner portion baffles located in a region of the inlet to slow down the exhaust air. A drawing floor is located in a bottom region of the powder separator including an opening through which the separated powder passes into a collecting vessel. The device further includes an air outlet and a filter, where the air outlet faces away from ground and is situated on the side opposite to the inlet. The volume of the powder separator is ten times larger than the volume of the exhaust air that arrives in one period of second into the powder separator. The particle outlet is arranged at the floor area of the powder separator and includes a valve in which the powder is discharged in a controlled manner. The particle outlet is connected with the metering chamber and is connected with a powder reservoir for supporting the powder. The device includes an overflow chamber that is integrated with the inlet along a bottom plate of the process chamber such that building material of the applicator is applied directly into the powder separator during the coating process. The bottom plate of the process chamber with the inlet is temporarily coupled with the discharge device.