DE102022126586A1 - 3D printing processes and 3D printers - Google Patents

Abstract

A 3D printing method is disclosed in which at least one component 18 is built up layer by layer on a construction platform 16 using 3D printing, wherein the layer by layer construction is carried out in such a way that a frame structure 20 extending in the vertical direction and associated with the respective construction platform 16 is co-built layer by layer on the construction platform 16 using 3D printing, which frame structure surrounds the at least one component 18.

Description

The present invention relates to a 3D printing method and a 3D printer.

Various generative manufacturing processes or 3D printing processes (and consequently different types of 3D printers, i.e. machines/systems for the layer-by-layer construction of at least one component) are known.

• (1) Es wird zunächst (loses bzw. nicht-verfestigtes) Partikelmaterial (bzw. partikelförmiges Baumaterial) vollflächig/durchgängig auf ein Baufeld aufgebracht, um eine Schicht aus nicht-verfestigtem Partikelmaterial zu bilden.
• (2) Die aufgebrachte Schicht aus nicht-verfestigtem Partikelmaterial wird in einem vorbestimmten Teilbereich (entsprechend einem/dem zu fertigenden Bauteil) selektiv verfestigt, zum Beispiel durch selektives Aufdrucken von (zum Beispiel flüssigem) Behandlungsmittel, zum Beispiel Bindemittel, zum Beispiel Binder.
• (3) Die Schritte (1) und (2) werden wiederholt, um ein gewünschtes Bauteil zu fertigen. Hierzu kann zum Beispiel eine Bauplattform, auf der das Bauteil schichtweise aufgebaut wird, jeweils um eine Schichtdicke abgesenkt werden, bevor eine neue Schicht aufgetragen wird (alternativ können zum Beispiel ein/der Beschichter und eine/die Druckvorrichtung jeweils um eine Schichtdicke angehoben werden).
• (4) Schließlich kann das gefertigte Bauteil, das aus den verfestigten Teilbereichen gebildet ist und von losem, nicht-verfestigtem Partikelmaterial gestützt und umgeben ist, entpackt werden.

Some additive manufacturing processes have the following steps in common:

• (1) First, (loose or non-solidified) particulate material (or particulate building material) is applied over the entire surface/continuously to a building site to form a layer of non-solidified particulate material.
• (2) The applied layer of non-solidified particulate material is selectively solidified in a predetermined partial area (corresponding to a component to be manufactured), for example by selectively printing on (for example liquid) treatment agent, for example binding agent, for example binder.
• (3) Steps (1) and (2) are repeated to produce a desired component. For example, a construction platform on which the component is built up layer by layer can be lowered by one layer thickness each time before a new layer is applied (alternatively, for example, a coater and a printing device can each be raised by one layer thickness).
• (4) Finally, the manufactured component, which is formed from the solidified sub-areas and supported and surrounded by loose, non-solidified particulate material, can be unpacked.

A/the construction space in which the component(s) are manufactured can be defined, for example, by a so-called construction box (also called a “job box”), for example by a swap container. Such a construction box can have a peripheral wall structure or side wall structure that is open at the top and extends in a vertical direction (for example formed by four vertical side walls), which can be rectangular in plan view, for example. A height-adjustable construction platform can be accommodated in the construction box. The construction platform can, for example, be arranged on a height-adjustable support structure (for example a construction platform support structure). The space above the construction platform and between the vertical peripheral wall structure can, for example, at least co-form the construction space.

The construction platform can, for example, form a floor area of the construction space. An upper area of the construction space can, for example, be referred to as a construction field. Construction boxes are, for example, in EN 10 2009 056 696 A1 , EN 10 2014 112 447 A1 , EN 20 2006 010 327 U1 and EP 3 736 109 A1 described.

A layer-by-layer construction of one or more three-dimensional components in a/the construction space can be carried out, for example, by selectively solidifying several adjacent building material layers in a respective partial area thereof, for example by binder jetting, i.e. by (selectively) "gluing" the (particulate) building material with a (for example liquid) treatment agent, for example binding agent, for example binder.

In the above step (1), a coater (also called a “recoater”) is usually used. Different coaters are known for use in a 3D printer, with which a particulate building material can be applied to the construction field (also called the construction area or construction area) in the form of a uniform, full-surface/continuous layer.

One type of coater uses a roller (or "roller coater" for short), in front of which a quantity of particulate building material is first deposited and which is then moved horizontally across the construction area in order to apply the particulate building material to the construction area in the form of an even layer. The roller can be rotated in the opposite direction.

Another type of coater (so-called "container coater", for example "slot coater") uses a container that defines an internal cavity for receiving particulate building material, and has a (for example elongated) output area, for example having a (for example elongated) output slot, for dispensing the particulate building material. The container coater can, for example, be movable across a/the construction field (for example horizontally, for example transversely to its longitudinal direction), wherein the particulate building material can be dispensed through the (elongated) output area onto the construction field in order to thereby apply a uniform, full-surface/continuous layer of building material to the construction field or the construction platform. The coater can, for example, be elongated in order to span or cover the length or width of a rectangular construction field. Coaters are, for example, in EN 10 2009 056 689 A1 and EP 3 753 709 A1 described.

In the above step (2), for example, a printing device with a print head can be used which applies a (for example liquid) treatment agent to a partial area of a/the previously applied building material layer in a controlled manner (so-called "binder jetting"). The treatment agent contributes to an (immediate and/or subsequent) solidification of the building material layer in the partial area. For example, the treatment agent can be/contain a binding agent, for example a binder, for example a binding agent component of a multi-component binding agent.

Alternatively, in the above step (2), for example, a laser can be used to solidify a partial area of the previously applied build material layer, for example by sintering or melting the build material in the partial area.

When using a construction box with a (top-open) side wall structure and a (height-adjustable) construction platform accommodated within the side wall structure, the one or more components are accommodated after their manufacture in a bed of loose, non-solidified particulate material that is surrounded by and accommodated in the side wall structure. To remove the components from the construction box, the construction platform can, for example, be moved upwards step by step, the loose particulate material can be vacuumed off, for example, and the components can be removed from the construction box. During this so-called unpacking of the construction box, the construction box or the 3D printer in which the construction box is arranged is not available for further construction of components. In order to reduce the downtime of the 3D printer, construction boxes can be used, for example, which can be removed from the 3D printer for unpacking (e.g. taken out, moved out), so that while a first construction box is being unpacked outside the 3D printer, printing can take place in an additional, second construction box in the 3D printer. However, this can increase the costs (e.g. for an additional construction box and/or for systems for removing the entire construction box from the 3D printer).

It can be considered an object of the present invention to provide a 3D printing method and a 3D printer with which at least one component can be produced efficiently and/or reliably and/or cost-effectively by 3D printing.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be considered an object of the present invention to provide a 3D printing method and a 3D printer with which an efficient and/or reliable unpacking and/or emptying of a construction box of a 3D printer can be ensured.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be considered an object of the present invention to provide a 3D printing method and a 3D printer with which a construction box of a 3D printer can be used efficiently.

To this end, the present invention provides a 3D printing method according to claim 1 and a 3D printer according to claim 15. Further embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a 3D printing method can comprise, for example: providing a construction box with a side wall structure and a construction platform support structure accommodated within the side wall structure, which is height-adjustable along the side wall structure in a height direction; detachably arranging one or more construction platforms on the construction platform support structure, wherein the one or more construction platforms form a floor area of a construction space that is formed between the side wall structure and above the one or more construction platforms and is open at the top; layer-by-layer construction in 3D printing of at least one component on a respective construction platform; wherein the layer-by-layer construction is carried out in such a way that on the respective construction platform a frame structure (for example exactly one, for example at least one) extending in the height direction and assigned to the respective construction platform is co-built in 3D printing layer by layer, which surrounds the at least one component.

By detachably arranging the respective construction platform on the construction platform support structure and also building the associated frame structure on the respective construction platform, the respective construction platform with the associated frame structure built on it can, for example, be quickly and easily removed from the construction box after the at least one component has been built and the construction box can then be used to build further components. This can, for example, reduce the downtime of a 3D printer and/or costs.

For example, after the at least one component has been assembled on the respective construction platform, the construction platform support structure with the respective construction platform arranged thereon can be moved upwards in the vertical direction into a position in which the respective construction platform (with the component and the frame structure assembled thereon) can be detached from the construction platform support structure. ger structure can be detached and removed from it so that the respective construction platform (with the component and frame structure built on it) can be taken out of the construction box. The respective removed construction platform (with the component and frame structure built on it) can then, for example, be transported to an unpacking station and the component built on the respective construction platform can be unpacked from a/the bed of loose particulate material that is surrounded by and held in the respective associated frame structure. Alternatively or additionally, the respective removed construction platform (with the component and frame structure built on it) can, for example, first be subjected to post-treatment or a post-treatment process (for example microwave treatment) and then the component can be unpacked.

In the sense of this invention, a detachable arrangement can be understood to mean, for example, that the respective construction platform, after being detachably arranged on the construction platform support structure, can be detached from the construction platform support structure again without causing any damage and, for example, can be removed from the construction platform support structure and/or taken out of the construction box.

By co-building the frame structure(s) within the side wall structure, for example, a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of a respective frame structure can be reduced (for example, compared to building a frame structure in the absence of a side wall structure). This can, for example, reduce an amount of solidified particulate material (and therefore no longer usable in further 3D printing processes) and/or an amount of a treatment agent (for example, liquid) used to solidify a loose particulate material. Alternatively or additionally, this can, for example, reduce the duration of a construction job.

The side wall structure can, for example, be open at the top and extend in the height direction. The layer-by-layer construction can, for example, be carried out in such a way that the frame structure assigned to the respective construction platform is arranged directly on the respective construction platform, for example without loose particulate material arranged between the (respective) construction platform and the (assigned) frame structure. The respective frame structure can, for example, be designed to reduce and/or prevent lateral flow of loose particulate material, for example from which the respective component (surrounded by the (respective) frame structure) and the (respective) frame structure are constructed. The respective component can, for example, be a casting core and/or a casting mold.

The layer-by-layer construction can, for example, comprise: applying a layer of loose particulate material to the respective construction platform (for example by means of a coater that is configured to apply the loose particulate material layer by layer); solidifying a partial area of the layer of loose particulate material (for example by dispensing a liquid treatment agent onto the partial area, for example by means of binder jetting and/or a print head that is configured to selectively dispense the liquid treatment agent); and repeating the steps of applying and solidifying in order to build the at least one component and the respective frame structure on the associated construction platform in the construction box.

The liquid treatment agent may, for example, comprise a binder configured to bond the loose particulate material. The liquid treatment agent may, for example, comprise a component of a multi-component binder configured to bond the loose particulate material. The liquid treatment agent may, for example, comprise an organic binder, for example a phenol-based binder, for example a phenolic resin, and/or a furan-based binder, for example a furan resin, and/or an inorganic binder, for example a water glass-based binder, for example a water glass. The loose particulate material may, for example, comprise sand particles (for example foundry sand) and/or salt particles and/or metal particles and/or ceramic particles and/or wood particles and/or plastic particles.

The layer-by-layer construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that the at least one component, after construction, is received in a respective bed of loose particulate material, which is surrounded by and received in an associated frame structure, which is arranged together with the bed on the associated construction platform (and is designed, for example, to reduce and/or prevent lateral flow of loose particulate material).

The layer-by-layer construction can, for example, be carried out in such a way that the respective frame structure (for example in a top view of the construction box along a circumference) is closed, for example so that a lateral flow of loose particle material (for example from which the respective component and the respective frame structure is built up) is reduced and/or prevented.

The layer-by-layer construction can, for example, be carried out in such a way that the respective frame structure completely surrounds the at least one component in a plan view of the construction box from above, for example so that a lateral flow of loose particulate material (for example from which the respective component and the respective frame structure are constructed) is reduced and/or prevented.

The layer-by-layer construction can, for example, be carried out in such a way that, in a plan view of the construction box from above, the respective frame structure runs along a peripheral edge of the associated construction platform and/or an outer circumference of the respective frame structure is at least substantially congruent with an outer circumference of the associated construction platform on which the frame structure is constructed.

The expression “at least substantially congruent” in the sense of this invention can be understood to mean, for example, that the outer circumference of the respective frame structure can be congruent with the outer circumference of the associated construction platform, or that the outer circumferential length of the respective frame structure can be, for example, up to 15% smaller, for example up to 10% smaller, for example up to 5% smaller, than the outer circumferential length of the associated construction platform.

The layered construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that the respective frame structure is segmented in the height direction, with several (for example two or more, for example three or more, for example four or more, for example five or more, for example six or more) separate frame elements that are arranged one above the other in the height direction. This means that, for example, the respective frame structure can be easily and safely disassembled during unpacking and/or the respective component can be easily and safely unpacked.

The layered construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that at least two frame elements arranged adjacent to one another in the vertical direction are in engagement with one another in a height-releasable manner, with loose particle material arranged in the area of engagement between the frame elements, so that displacement of the frame elements transverse to the height direction is at least reduced and/or prevented. This means, for example, that the respective frame structure can be easily and safely dismantled during unpacking and/or the respective component can be easily and safely unpacked. In addition, this means, for example, that the respective frame structure is stable.

In the sense of this invention, a releasable engagement can be understood to mean, for example, that the frame elements which are in releasable engagement with one another can be separated from one another without causing any damage.

The layered construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that at least one frame element has a projection that projects upwards in the vertical direction from an upper side of the frame element and runs along an inner peripheral side of the frame element, and a recess formed in a lower side of the frame element and runs along an inner peripheral side of the frame element. This means that, for example, the respective frame structure can be easily and safely disassembled during unpacking and/or the respective component can be easily and safely unpacked, for example. In addition, this can ensure, for example, a stable construction of the respective frame structure. Alternatively or additionally, the layered construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that at least one frame element has a projection that projects upwards in the vertical direction from the upper side of the frame element and runs along the outer peripheral side of the frame element, and a recess formed in the lower side of the frame element and runs along the outer peripheral side of the frame element. Alternatively or additionally, the layered construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that at least one frame element has a groove formed in the lower (or upper) side of the frame element and running in the circumferential direction and a projection projecting upwards (or downwards) in the height direction from the upper (or lower) side of the frame element, running in the circumferential direction and complementary to the groove.

The layered construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that the respective frame structure is also segmented in the circumferential direction, whereby, for example, several (for example two or more, for example three or more, for example four or more, for example five or more, for example six or more) separate frame parts are constructed in the circumferential direction, which are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and can be separated from one another (non-destructively). This means, for example, that the respective frame structure can be dismantled easily and safely during unpacking and/or the respective component can be unpacked easily and safely.

The layered construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that the respective frame structure also has one or more predetermined breaking points in the circumferential direction, whereby several frame sections are constructed in the circumferential direction, which are connected to one another via the predetermined breaking points, are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and can be separated from one another by destroying the predetermined breaking points. This means that, for example, the respective frame structure can be dismantled easily and safely when unpacking and/or the respective component can be unpacked easily and safely. The respective predetermined breaking point can, for example, be formed by a section with a reduced and/or thinner wall thickness.

The layer-by-layer construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that one or more frame element holding structures are also constructed, with which one or more or all of the frame elements are engaged and/or by which one or more or all of the frame elements are held, so that a displacement of the frame elements transversely to the height direction is at least reduced and/or prevented.

The layered construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that the respective frame structure has one or more predetermined breaking points in the vertical direction, whereby several frame sections are constructed in the vertical direction, which are connected to one another via the predetermined breaking points, are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction and can be separated from one another by destroying the predetermined breaking points. This means that the respective frame structure can be dismantled easily and safely during unpacking and/or the respective component can be unpacked easily and safely. The respective predetermined breaking point can be formed, for example, by a section with a reduced and/or thinner wall thickness.

The layered construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that the respective frame structure also has one or more predetermined breaking points in the circumferential direction, whereby several frame sections are constructed in the circumferential direction, which are connected to one another via the predetermined breaking points, are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and can be separated from one another by destroying the predetermined breaking points. This means that, for example, the respective frame structure can be dismantled easily and safely when unpacking and/or the respective component can be unpacked easily and safely. The respective predetermined breaking point can, for example, be formed by a section with a reduced and/or thinner wall thickness.

The layer-by-layer construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that one or more frame element holding structures are also constructed, with which one or more or all of the frame sections are engaged and/or by which one or more or all of the frame sections are held, so that a displacement of the frame sections transversely to the height direction is at least reduced and/or prevented.

The layered construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that a height in the height direction of one or more or all of the frame elements/frame sections is 1 cm or more, for example 5 cm or more, for example 10 cm or more, and/or 70 cm or less, for example 50 cm or less, for example 30 cm or less, for example 20 cm or less, for example 10 cm or less. This means that, for example, the respective frame structure can be easily and safely disassembled during unpacking and/or the respective component can be easily and safely unpacked.

The layered construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that several components (for example two or more, for example three or more, for example four or more) are built up one above the other (for example spaced apart from one another) in the height direction, that optionally a number of frame elements in the height direction corresponds to a number of components built up one above the other in the height direction, and that furthermore optionally a height in the height direction of the frame elements corresponds to a height in the height direction of the components. For example, a height in the height direction of the respective frame elements can be 1% or more, for example 2.5% or more, for example 5% or more, and/or 15% or less, for example 10% or less, for example 5% or less, greater than a height in the height direction of the respective components. This can, for example, make unpacking easier.

The layer-by-layer construction can, for example, be carried out in such a way that a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of a respective frame structure decreases in the height direction (for example, does not increase at any point towards the top, i.e. always either decreases or remains the same), for example by reducing a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of adjacent frame elements/frame sections in the height direction (i.e., the thickness of the upper frame element is smaller than that of the lower frame element; the thickness of the upper and/or lower frame element can be constant or decrease towards the top; the same can apply to the frame sections, whereby a partial section in which the predetermined breaking point, for example in the form of a section with reduced/thinner wall thickness, is provided). This may, for example, reduce the material (e.g. binder and/or binders) and/or the time required to construct the respective frame structure, which may, for example, reduce the cost and/or duration of a respective construction job.

The layer-by-layer construction can, for example, be carried out such that a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of a respective frame structure is constant in a lower region (of the frame structure) and decreases in an upper region (of the frame structure). The layer-by-layer construction can, for example, be carried out such that a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of a respective frame structure is adapted to a force or forces acting on the respective frame structure (for example from the respective fill of loose particulate material received in and surrounded by the respective frame structure). This can, for example, reduce the material (for example binding agent and/or binder) and/or the time for building the respective frame structure, which can, for example, reduce the costs and/or duration of a respective construction job.

The layered construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of a respective frame structure is 1 cm or more, for example 2 cm or more, for example 3 cm or more, and/or 5 cm or less, for example 4 cm or less, for example 3 cm or less. This makes it possible, for example, to achieve an appropriate stability of the respective frame structure with reasonable use of materials (for example binding agent and/or binder).

The 3D printing method can, for example, further comprise: after the layer-by-layer construction in 3D printing of the at least one component on the respective construction platform, adjusting the height of the construction platform support structure to an upper position, for example by means of a lifting drive which is designed to adjust the height of the construction platform support structure; removing the respective construction platform together with the associated frame structure and the at least one component from the construction platform support structure and from the construction box, for example by means of a crane fork and/or a fork of a forklift truck and/or a gripper of a robot.

The 3D printing method can, for example, further comprise, after removing the respective construction platform: feeding the removed construction platform (with the associated frame structure and the at least one component) for a post-treatment (for example a microwave treatment) and/or unpacking the at least one component from the frame structure; and/or detachably arranging one or more further construction platforms on the construction platform support structure, wherein in a lower position of the construction platform support structure the one or more further construction platforms form a floor area of a construction space which is formed between the side wall structure and above the one or more further construction platforms and is open at the top; layer-by-layer construction in 3D printing of at least one further component on a respective further construction platform; wherein the layer-by-layer construction is carried out in such a way that a frame structure extending in the height direction and associated with the respective further construction platform is also built up in 3D printing layer by layer on the respective further construction platform, which frame structure surrounds the at least one further component.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a 3D printer that is designed to build at least one component layer by layer in 3D printing can, for example, comprise: a construction box with a side wall structure and a construction platform support structure accommodated within the side wall structure, which is height-adjustable along the side wall structure in a height direction (for example by means of a lifting drive that is designed to adjust the height of the construction platform support structure); one or more construction platforms detachably arranged on the construction platform support structure, wherein the one or more construction platforms form a floor area of a construction space that is formed between the side wall structure and above the one or more construction platforms and is open at the top; a coater that is designed to apply loose particulate material layer by layer to the respective construction platform; a solidification device that is designed to selectively solidify a portion of a layer of loose particulate material (optionally comprising a print head that is designed to selectively dispense a liquid treatment agent); and a control device which is designed to control the 3D printer (for example the coater and/or the solidification device) in such a way that at least one component is built up layer by layer in 3D printing on a respective construction platform and that on the respective construction platform a frame structure (for example exactly one, for example at least one) extending in the height direction and associated with the respective construction platform is co-built layer by layer in 3D printing, which frame structure surrounds the at least one component.

The control device can, for example, be configured to control the 3D printer (for example the coating device and/or the solidification device) in such a way that the process steps relating to the layer-by-layer construction mentioned above for the first aspect of the invention are carried out.

The second aspect of the invention provides the same and/or similar advantages as mentioned above for the first aspect of the invention.

The control device can, for example, also be configured to control the 3D printer (for example the coater and/or the solidification device) in such a way that the respective frame structure is segmented in the height direction, with a plurality of separate frame elements that are arranged one above the other in the height direction, and optionally at least two frame elements arranged adjacent to one another in the height direction are in engagement with one another that can be released in the height direction, with loose particulate material arranged in the area of engagement between the frame elements, so that displacement of the frame elements transversely to the height direction is at least reduced and/or prevented, and/or optionally the respective frame structure is also segmented in the circumferential direction, wherein, for example, a plurality of separate frame parts are constructed in the circumferential direction, which are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and can be released from one another, and/or optionally the respective frame structure also has one or more predetermined breaking points in the circumferential direction, wherein a plurality of frame sections connected to one another via the predetermined breaking points are constructed in the circumferential direction, which are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and can be separated from one another by destroying the predetermined breaking points, and/or optionally one or more frame element holding structures are also constructed, with which one or more or all of the frame elements are engaged and/or by which one or more or all of the frame elements are held, so that a displacement of the frame elements transverse to the height direction is at least reduced and/or prevented, and/or optionally a height in the height direction of one or more or all of the frame elements is 1 cm or more, for example 5 cm or more, for example 10 cm or more, and/or 70 cm or less, for example 50 cm or less, for example 30 cm or less, for example 20 cm or less, for example 10 cm or less.

The control device can, for example, also be set up to control the 3D printer (for example the coater and/or the solidification device) in such a way that the layer-by-layer construction is carried out in such a way that the respective frame structure has one or more predetermined breaking points in the height direction, wherein a plurality of frame sections connected to one another via the predetermined breaking points are constructed in the height direction, which are arranged one above the other in the height direction and can be separated from one another by destroying the predetermined breaking points, and optionally the respective frame structure also has one or more predetermined breaking points in the circumferential direction, wherein a plurality of frame sections connected to one another via the predetermined breaking points are constructed in the circumferential direction, which are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and can be separated from one another by destroying the predetermined breaking points, and/or optionally one or more frame element holding structures are also constructed, with which one or more or all of the frame sections are engaged and/or by which one or more or all of the frame sections are held, so that displacement of the frame sections transversely to the height direction is at least reduced and/or prevented, and/or optionally a height in Height direction of one or more or all of the frame sections is 1 cm or more, for example 5 cm or more, for example 10 cm or more, and/or 70 cm or less, for example 50 cm or less, for example 30 cm or less, for example 20 cm or less, for example 10 cm or less.

The control device can, for example, further be configured to control the 3D printer (for example the coater and/or the solidification device) such that several (for example two or more, for example three or more, for example four or more) components are built one above the other (for example spaced apart from one another) in the height direction, that optionally a number of frame elements in the height direction corresponds to a number of components built one above the other in the height direction, and that further optionally a height in the height direction of the frame elements corresponds to a height in the height direction of the components. For example, a height in the height direction of the respective frame elements can be 1% or more, for example 2.5% or more, for example 5% or more, and/or 15% or less, for example 10% or less, for example 5% or less, greater than a height in the height direction of the respective components. This can, for example, make unpacking easier.

The control device can, for example, be further configured to control the 3D printer (for example the coater and/or the solidification device) such that the at least one component, after assembly, is received in a respective bed of loose particulate material, which is surrounded by and received in an associated frame structure, which, together with the bed, is mounted on the associated construction platform is arranged (and is designed to reduce and/or prevent lateral flow of loose particulate material), and/or in a plan view of the construction box from above, the respective frame structure runs along a peripheral edge of the associated construction platform and/or an outer circumference of the respective frame structure is at least substantially congruent with an outer circumference of the associated construction platform on which the frame structure is built, and/or a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of a respective frame structure decreases in the height direction (for example, does not increase at any point towards the top, ie always either decreases or remains the same), for example by reducing a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of adjacent frame elements/frame sections in the height direction (ie, the thickness of the upper frame element is smaller than that of the lower frame element; the thickness of the upper and/or lower frame element can be constant or decrease towards the top; the same may apply to the frame sections, whereby a partial section in which the predetermined breaking point is arranged, for example in the form of a section with reduced/thinner wall thickness, is disregarded), and/or a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of a respective frame structure is 1 cm or more, for example 2 cm or more, for example 3 cm or more, and/or 5 cm or less, for example 4 cm or less, for example 3 cm or less.

The control device can, for example, be further configured to control the 3D printer (for example the coater and/or the solidification device) such that a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of a respective frame structure is constant in a lower region (of the frame structure) and decreases in an upper region (of the frame structure). The control device can, for example, be further configured to control the 3D printer (for example the coater and/or the solidification device) such that a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of a respective frame structure is adapted to a force or forces acting on the respective frame structure (for example from the respective bed of loose particulate material received in and surrounded by the respective frame structure). This can, for example, reduce the material (for example binding agent and/or binder) and/or the time for building the respective frame structure, which can, for example, reduce the costs and/or duration of a respective construction job.

The respective construction platform can, for example, have a structure for arranging the construction platform on the construction platform support structure and/or for removing the construction platform from the construction platform support structure, wherein optionally the structure is at least co-formed by lateral openings which are, for example, configured to receive a crane fork and/or a fork of a forklift truck, and/or wherein optionally the structure is configured to be gripped by a gripper of a robot.

The respective construction platform can, for example, be designed in the form of a pallet which has side openings, for example in order to remove the pallet from the construction platform support structure and/or to arrange it on it using a crane fork and/or a fork of a forklift truck and/or a gripper of a robot.

The respective construction platform can be made of metal and/or steel and/or wood and/or plastic and/or ceramic, for example. This means that, for example, a post-treatment or a post-treatment process can be carried out efficiently and/or reliably. For example, a construction platform made of ceramic can be particularly suitable for microwave post-treatment, since, for example, warping and/or sparking can be reduced and/or prevented. The respective construction platform cannot, for example, be constructed and/or manufactured from solidified particulate material. The respective construction platform can, for example, be manufactured from a material other than solidified particulate material.

For example, two or more (for example three or more, for example four or more) construction platforms can be arranged on the construction platform support structure. This allows, for example, the construction platforms to be easily and safely removed from the construction box and/or detached and/or removed from the construction platform support structure, and/or the construction box can be easily and safely unpacked and/or emptied.

For example, several or all of the build platforms that form the floor area of the build space (for example, in a top view of the build platforms) may have the same shape and size. This allows, for example, the build platforms to be easily and safely removed from the build box and/or detached and/or removed from the build platform support structure, and/or the build box can be easily and safely unpacked and/or emptied.

For example, the construction platform support structure may be at least substantially completely covered by the one or more construction platforms. The expression “at least substantially completely covered” in the sense of this invention may mean for example, it can be understood that the build platform support structure is, for example, completely covered by the one or more build platforms, or that the build platform support structure is, for example, covered by the one or more build platforms to 85% or more, for example to 90% or more, for example to 95% or more.

For example, the build platform support structure may be plate-shaped. For example, the build platform support structure may be formed by a "conventional" build platform described in the prior art.

For example, a sealing element (for example a strip-shaped, for example annular, sealing element and/or for example a circumferential, for example completely circumferential, sealing element) can be arranged between the one or more construction platforms arranged on the construction platform support structure and the side wall structure, which is designed to at least reduce and/or prevent a downward flow of loose particulate material and which is optionally attached to the construction platform support structure. The sealing element can comprise a felt, for example.

For example, a sealing element can be arranged between two adjacent construction platforms arranged on the construction platform support structure, which sealing element is designed to at least reduce and/or prevent the downward flow of loose particulate material, wherein the sealing element is optionally formed by a sealing strip which is arranged, for example, on a respective edge region of the two adjacent construction platforms, for example on a recess formed in the respective edge region, wherein furthermore optionally the sealing element arranged between the one or more construction platforms arranged on the construction platform support structure and the side wall structure is arranged in the height direction below the sealing element arranged between two adjacent construction platforms arranged on the construction platform support structure. The sealing element can, for example, comprise felt. The sealing strip can, for example, comprise metal and/or steel.

• 1 zeigt eine Perspektivansicht einer Baubox.
• 2 zeigt eine Draufsicht auf die in 1 gezeigte Baubox.
• 3 zeigt eine Perspektivansicht einer Baubox mit vier auf der Bauplattformträgerstruktur angeordneten Bauplattformen.
• 4 zeigt eine Draufsicht auf die in 3 gezeigte Baubox.
• 5 zeigt eine Perspektivansicht einer Bauplattformträgerstruktur mit einer darauf angeordneten Bauplattform.
• 6 zeigt eine Perspektivansicht einer Bauplattformträgerstruktur mit vier darauf angeordneten Bauplattformen.
• 7 zeigt eine Perspektivansicht einer Bauplattform.
• 8 zeigt eine Perspektivansicht einer Bauplattform auf der zwölf Bauteile und eine zugeordnete, segmentierte Rahmenstruktur mit zwei Rahmenelementen im 3D-Druck schichtweise aufgebaut wurden, wobei das lose (nicht-verfestigte) Partikelmaterial weggelassen ist.
• 9 zeigt eine Perspektivansicht einer Bauplattform auf der zwölf Bauteile und eine zugeordnete, segmentierte Rahmenstruktur mit vier Rahmenelementen im 3D-Druck schichtweise aufgebaut wurden, wobei das lose (nicht-verfestigte) Partikelmaterial weggelassen ist.
• 10 zeigt eine Perspektivansicht eines Rahmenelements.
• 11 zeigt eine Schnittansicht des in 10 gezeigten Rahmenelements, wobei die Schnittebene die y,z-Ebene bzw. eine dazu parallele Ebene ist.
• 12 zeigt eine Perspektivansicht eines Rahmenelements, das in Umfangsrichtung segmentiert ist.
• 13 zeigt eine Draufsicht auf das in 12 gezeigte Rahmenelement.
• 14 zeigt eine Perspektivansicht einer Bauplattform auf der eine zugeordnete, segmentierte Rahmenstruktur mit vier Rahmenelementen im 3D-Druck schichtweise aufgebaut wurde, wobei die Rahmenelemente in Umfangsrichtung segmentiert sind, und wobei das lose (nicht-verfestigte) Partikelmaterial weggelassen ist.
• 15 zeigt eine Perspektivansicht einer Bauplattform auf der eine zugeordnete, segmentierte Rahmenstruktur mit vier Rahmenelementen und vier Rahmenelementhaltestrukturen im 3D-Druck schichtweise aufgebaut wurden, wobei die Rahmenelemente in Umfangsrichtung segmentiert sind und mit den Rahmenelementhaltestrukturen in Eingriff sind.
• 16 zeigt eine Schnittansicht der in 15 gezeigten Bauplattform, wobei die Schnittebene die x,y-Ebene bzw. eine dazu parallele Ebene (d.h., eine Ebene parallel zur Bauplattform) ist.

Exemplary but non-limiting embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures and are explained in more detail below.

• 1 shows a perspective view of a construction box.
• 2 shows a top view of the 1 shown construction box.
• 3 shows a perspective view of a construction box with four construction platforms arranged on the construction platform support structure.
• 4 shows a top view of the 3 shown construction box.
• 5 shows a perspective view of a build platform support structure with a build platform arranged on it.
• 6 shows a perspective view of a build platform support structure with four build platforms arranged on it.
• 7 shows a perspective view of a build platform.
• 8th shows a perspective view of a construction platform on which twelve components and an associated, segmented frame structure with two frame elements were built up layer by layer using 3D printing, whereby the loose (non-solidified) particle material is omitted.
• 9 shows a perspective view of a construction platform on which twelve components and an associated, segmented frame structure with four frame elements were built up layer by layer using 3D printing, whereby the loose (non-solidified) particle material is omitted.
• 10 shows a perspective view of a frame element.
• 11 shows a sectional view of the 10 shown frame element, where the cutting plane is the y,z plane or a plane parallel thereto.
• 12 shows a perspective view of a frame element that is segmented in the circumferential direction.
• 13 shows a top view of the 12 shown frame element.
• 14 shows a perspective view of a build platform on which an associated, segmented frame structure with four frame elements was built up layer by layer in 3D printing, wherein the frame elements are segmented in the circumferential direction and wherein the loose (non-solidified) particulate material is omitted.
• 15 shows a perspective view of a construction platform on which an associated, segmented frame structure with four frame elements and four frame element holding structures were built up layer by layer in 3D printing, wherein the frame elements are segmented in the circumferential direction and engage with the frame element holding structures.
• 16 shows a sectional view of the 15 shown construction platform, whereby the cutting plane the x,y plane or a plane parallel to it (ie, a plane parallel to the build platform).

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.

It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood that the features of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one another unless specifically stated otherwise. The following description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

In the figures, identical or similar elements are provided with identical reference symbols wherever appropriate.

As shown in the figures, a 3D printing method according to various embodiments of the invention may comprise, for example: providing a construction box 10 having a side wall structure 12 and a construction platform support structure 14 received within the side wall structure 12 (see, for example, 1 and 2 ) extending along the side wall structure 12 in a height direction (z-direction in, for example, 1 ) is height adjustable; detachably arranging one or more construction platforms 16 on the construction platform support structure 14, wherein the one or more construction platforms 16 form a floor surface of a construction space which is formed between the side wall structure 12 and above the one or more construction platforms 16 and is open at the top (see for example 3-7 ); layer-by-layer construction in 3D printing of at least one component 18 on a respective construction platform 16, wherein the layer-by-layer construction is carried out in such a way that on the respective construction platform 16 a frame structure 20 extending in the vertical direction and associated with the respective construction platform 16 is co-built in 3D printing layer-by-layer, which surrounds the at least one component 18 (see for example 8th and 9 ).

The layer-by-layer construction can, for example, comprise: applying a layer of loose particulate material to the respective construction platform 16, for example by means of a coater that is configured to apply the loose particulate material layer by layer; solidifying a partial area of the layer of loose particulate material, for example by dispensing a liquid treatment agent onto the partial area, for example by means of binder jetting and/or a print head that is configured to selectively dispense the liquid treatment agent; and repeating the steps of applying and solidifying in order to build the at least one component 18 and the respective frame structure 20 on the associated construction platform 16 in the construction box 10.

The layer-by-layer construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that the at least one component 18 is received after the construction in a respective bed of loose particle material, which is surrounded by and received in an associated frame structure 20, which is arranged together with the bed on the associated construction platform 16 and is designed, for example, to reduce and/or prevent a lateral flow of loose particle material (see, for example, 8th and 9 , but in which the loose particulate material is not shown).

The layer-by-layer construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that in a top view of the construction box 10, the respective frame structure 20 runs along a peripheral edge of the associated construction platform 16 and/or an outer circumference of the respective frame structure 20 is at least substantially congruent with an outer circumference of the associated construction platform 16 on which the frame structure 20 is constructed (see, for example, 8th , 9 , 14 , 15 and 16 ).

The layered construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that the respective frame structure 20 is segmented in the height direction, with several separate frame elements 22 which are arranged one above the other in the height direction (see, for example, 8th , 9 , 14 and 15 ).

The layered construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that at least two frame elements 22 arranged adjacent to one another in the vertical direction are in engagement with one another that can be released in the vertical direction, with loose particle material arranged in the area of engagement between the frame elements 22, so that a displacement of the frame elements 22 transversely to the vertical direction is at least reduced and/or prevented (see, for example, 8th , 9 and 15 ).

The layered construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that at least one frame element 22 has a profile extending from an upper side of the frame element 22 in the height direction (z-direction in, for example, 10 ) upwardly projecting projection 28 extending along an inner peripheral side of the frame element 22 and a projection 28 in a lower side of the frame element ments 22 formed, extending along an inner peripheral side of the frame element 22 (see for example 10 and 11 ).

The layer-by-layer construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that the respective frame structure 20 is also segmented in the circumferential direction, wherein several separate frame parts 24 are constructed in the circumferential direction, which are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and are detachable from one another (see, for example, 12-15 ).

The layer-by-layer construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that the respective frame structure 20 also has one or more predetermined breaking points in the circumferential direction, wherein a plurality of frame sections are constructed in the circumferential direction which are connected to one another via the predetermined breaking points, which are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and can be separated from one another by destroying the predetermined breaking points.

The layered construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that one or more frame element holding structures 26 are also constructed, with which one or more or all of the frame elements 22 are engaged and/or by which one or more or all of the frame elements 22 are held, so that a displacement of the frame elements 22 transversely to the height direction is at least reduced and/or prevented (see, for example, 15 and 16 ).

The layered construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that the respective frame structure 20 has one or more predetermined breaking points in the vertical direction, wherein a plurality of frame sections connected to one another via the predetermined breaking points are constructed in the vertical direction, which are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction and can be separated from one another by destroying the predetermined breaking points, and that optionally the respective frame structure 20 also has one or more predetermined breaking points in the circumferential direction, wherein a plurality of frame sections connected to one another via the predetermined breaking points are constructed in the circumferential direction, which are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and can be separated from one another by destroying the predetermined breaking points, and/or that optionally one or more frame element holding structures 26 are also constructed, with which one or more or all of the frame sections are engaged and/or by which one or more or all of the frame sections are held, so that displacement of the frame sections transversely to the vertical direction is at least reduced and/or prevented.

The layer-by-layer construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that a height in the height direction (z-direction in, for example, 8-10, 14 and 15 ) of one or more or all of the frame elements and/or frame sections is 1 cm or more, for example 5 cm or more, for example 10 cm or more, and/or 70 cm or less, for example 50 cm or less, for example 30 cm or less, for example 20 cm or less, for example 10 cm or less.

The layer-by-layer construction can be carried out, for example, in such a way that a thickness orthogonal to the height direction (ie, the thickness is measured in the x,y plane or a plane parallel to it in, for example, 8-10, 14 and 15 ) of a respective frame structure 20 decreases in the height direction (for example, does not increase at any point towards the top, ie always either decreases or remains the same), for example by reducing a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of adjacent frame elements and/or frame sections in the height direction (ie, the thickness of the upper frame element 22 is smaller than that of the lower frame element 22; the thickness of the upper and/or lower frame element 22 can in each case be constant or decrease towards the top; the same can apply to the frame sections, whereby a partial section in which the predetermined breaking point is arranged, e.g. in the form of a section with a reduced/thinner wall thickness, is disregarded).

The layered construction can, for example, be carried out such that the thickness orthogonal to the height direction of a respective frame structure 20 is 1 cm or more, for example 2 cm or more, for example 3 cm or more, and/or 5 cm or less, for example 4 cm or less, for example 3 cm or less.

The 3D printing method can, for example, further comprise: after the layer-by-layer construction in 3D printing of the at least one component 18 on the respective construction platform 16, adjusting the height of the construction platform support structure 14 to an upper position, for example by means of a lifting drive which is designed to adjust the height of the construction platform support structure 14; removing the respective construction platform 16 together with the associated frame structure 20 and the at least one component 18 from the construction platform support structure 14 and from the construction box 10, for example by means of a crane fork and/or a fork of a forklift truck and/or a gripper of a robot.

The 3D printing method may, for example, further comprise: after removing the respective construction platform 16, unpacking the at least one component 18 from the frame structure 20, and/or the detachable arrangement of one or more further construction platforms 16 on the construction platform support structure 14, wherein in a lower position of the construction platform support structure 14 the one or more further construction platforms 16 form a floor area of a construction space which is formed between the side wall structure 12 and above the one or more further construction platforms 16 and is open towards the top, layer-by-layer construction in 3D printing of at least one further component 18 on a respective further construction platform 16, wherein the layer-by-layer construction is carried out in such a way that on the respective further construction platform 16 a frame structure 20 extending in the vertical direction and assigned to the respective further construction platform 16 is co-built in 3D printing layer by layer, which surrounds the at least one further component 18.

As shown in the figures, a 3D printer according to various embodiments of the invention, which is designed to build at least one component 18 layer by layer in 3D printing, can comprise, for example: a construction box 10 with a side wall structure 12 and a construction platform support structure 14 accommodated within the side wall structure 12, which is height-adjustable along the side wall structure 12 in a height direction, for example by means of a lifting drive that is designed to adjust the height of the construction platform support structure 14; one or more construction platforms 16 detachably arranged on the construction platform support structure 14, wherein the one or more construction platforms 16 form a floor area of a construction space that is formed between the side wall structure 12 and above the one or more construction platforms 16 and is open at the top; a coater that is designed to apply loose particulate material layer by layer to the respective construction platform 16; a solidification device which is designed to selectively solidify a portion of a layer of loose particulate material, optionally comprising a print head which is designed to selectively dispense a liquid treatment agent; and a control device which is designed to control the 3D printer, for example the coater and/or the solidification device, such that at least one component 18 is built up layer by layer in 3D printing on a respective construction platform 16 and that on the respective construction platform 16 a frame structure 20 which extends in the height direction and is assigned to the respective construction platform 16 is co-built layer by layer in 3D printing, which frame structure surrounds the at least one component 18.

The control device can, for example, be configured to control the 3D printer, for example the coater and/or the solidification device, such that the method steps described above relating to the layer-by-layer construction are carried out by the 3D printer, for example the coater and/or the solidification device.

The control device can, for example, also be set up to control the 3D printer, for example the coater and/or the solidification device, in such a way that the respective frame structure 20 is segmented in the height direction, with a plurality of separate frame elements 22 which are arranged one above the other in the height direction, and optionally at least two frame elements 22 arranged adjacent to one another in the height direction are in engagement with one another that can be released in the height direction, with loose particulate material arranged in the area of engagement between the frame elements 22, so that displacement of the frame elements 22 transversely to the height direction is at least reduced and/or prevented, and/or optionally the respective frame structure 20 is also segmented in the circumferential direction, wherein a plurality of separate frame parts 24 are constructed in the circumferential direction, which are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and can be released from one another, and/or optionally the respective frame structure 20 also has one or more predetermined breaking points in the circumferential direction, wherein a plurality of frame sections connected to one another via the predetermined breaking points are constructed in the circumferential direction, which are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and can be separated from one another by destroying the predetermined breaking points, and/or optionally one or more frame element holding structures 26 are also constructed, with which one or more or all of the frame elements 22 are engaged and/or by which one or more or all of the frame elements 22 are held, so that a displacement of the frame elements 22 transversely to the height direction is at least reduced and/or prevented, and/or optionally a height in the height direction of one or more or all of the frame elements 22 is 1 cm or more, for example 5 cm or more, for example 10 cm or more, and/or 70 cm or less, for example 50 cm or less, for example 30 cm or less, for example 20 cm or less, for example 10 cm or less.

The control device can, for example, also be configured to control the 3D printer, for example the coater and/or the solidification device, in such a way that the layer-by-layer construction is carried out in such a way that the respective frame structure 20 has one or more predetermined breaking points in the vertical direction, wherein a plurality of frame sections connected to one another via the predetermined breaking points are constructed in the vertical direction, which are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction and can be separated from one another by destroying the predetermined breaking points, and optionally the respective frame structure 20 also has one or more predetermined breaking points in the circumferential direction, wherein a plurality of frame sections are constructed in the circumferential direction, which are connected to one another via the predetermined breaking points, are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and can be separated from one another by destroying the predetermined breaking points, and/or optionally one or more frame element holding structures 26 are also constructed, with which one or more or all of the frame sections are in engagement and/or by which one or more or all of the frame sections are held, so that displacement of the frame sections transversely to the height direction is at least reduced and/or prevented, and/or optionally a height in the height direction of one or more or all of the frame sections is 1 cm or more, for example 5 cm or more, for example 10 cm or more, and/or 70 cm or less, for example 50 cm or less, for example 30 cm or less, for example 20 cm or less, for example 10 cm or less.

The control device can, for example, also be configured to control the 3D printer, for example the coater and/or the solidification device, in such a way that the at least one component 18 is received after assembly in a respective bed of loose particle material, which is surrounded by and received in an associated frame structure 20, which is arranged together with the bed on the associated construction platform 16 (and is designed to reduce and/or prevent lateral flow of loose particle material), and/or in a plan view of the construction box 10 from above, the respective frame structure 20 runs along a peripheral edge of the associated construction platform 16 and/or an outer circumference of the respective frame structure 20 is at least substantially congruent with an outer circumference of the associated construction platform 16 on which the frame structure 20 is assembled, and/or a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of a respective frame structure 20 decreases in the height direction (for example, does not increase at any point towards the top, i.e. always either decreases or remains the same), for example by reducing a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of adjacent frame elements/frame sections in the height direction (i.e., the thickness of the upper frame element 22 is smaller than that of the lower frame element 22; the thickness of the upper and/or lower frame element 22 can in each case be constant or decrease towards the top; the same can apply to the frame sections, whereby a partial section in which the predetermined breaking point is arranged, for example in the form of a section with a reduced/thinner wall thickness, is disregarded), and/or a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of a respective frame structure 20 is 1 cm or more, for example 2 cm or more, for example 3 cm or more, and/or 5 cm or less, for example 4 cm or less, for example 3 cm or less.

The respective construction platform 16 can, for example, have a structure for arranging the construction platform 16 on the construction platform support structure 14 and/or for removing the construction platform 16 from the construction platform support structure 14, wherein optionally the structure is at least co-formed by lateral openings which are, for example, designed to receive a crane fork and/or a fork of a forklift truck (see, for example, 5-9, 14 and 15 ), and/or optionally wherein the structure is adapted to be gripped by a gripper of a robot.

The respective construction platform 16 can, for example, be designed in the form of a pallet which has lateral openings, for example in order to remove the pallet from the construction platform support structure 14 and/or to arrange it thereon using a crane fork and/or a fork of a forklift truck and/or a gripper of a robot (see, for example, 5-9, 14 and 15 ).

The respective construction platform 16 can, for example, be made of metal and/or steel. The respective construction platform 16 can, for example, not be constructed and/or manufactured from solidified particulate material.

For example, two or more, for example three or more, for example four or more, construction platforms 16 may be arranged on the construction platform support structure 14 (see, for example, 3 , 4 and 6 ).

For example, several or all of the construction platforms 16 forming the floor area of the construction space may have the same shape and size, for example in a top view of the construction platforms 16 (see, for example, 4 and 6 ).

The construction platform support structure 14 can, for example, be at least substantially completely covered by the one or more construction platforms 16 (see, for example, 4 and 6 ).

For example, a sealing element, for example a strip-shaped, for example annular, sealing element and/or for example a circumferential, for example completely circumferential, sealing element, can be arranged between the one or more construction platforms 16 arranged on the construction platform support structure 14 and the side wall structure 12, which is designed to to at least reduce and/or prevent the downward flow of loose particulate material and which can optionally be attached to the construction platform support structure 14.

For example, a sealing element can be arranged between two adjacent construction platforms 16 arranged on the construction platform support structure 14, which sealing element is designed to at least reduce and/or prevent loose particulate material from flowing downwards, wherein the sealing element is optionally formed by a sealing strip which is arranged, for example, on a respective edge region of the two adjacent construction platforms 16, for example on a recess formed in the respective edge region, wherein furthermore optionally the sealing element arranged between the one or more construction platforms 16 arranged on the construction platform support structure 14 and the side wall structure 12 is arranged in the height direction below the sealing element arranged between two adjacent construction platforms 16 arranged on the construction platform support structure 14.

List of reference symbols: 10: construction box; 12: side wall structure; 14: construction platform support structure; 16: construction platform(s); 18: component(s); 20: frame structure; 22: frame element(s); 24: frame part(s); 26: frame element holding structure(s); 28: projection; 30: recess.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102009056696 A1 [0005]
• DE 102014112447 A1 [0005]
• DE 202006010327 U1 [0005]
• EP 3736109 A1 [0005]
• DE 102009056689 A1 [0009]
• EP 3753709 A1 [0009]

Claims (19)

3D printing method, comprising: providing a construction box (10) with a side wall structure (12) and a construction platform support structure (14) accommodated within the side wall structure (12), which is height-adjustable along the side wall structure (12) in a height direction, detachably arranging one or more construction platforms (16) on the construction platform support structure (14), wherein the one or more construction platforms (16) form a floor area of a construction space which is formed between the side wall structure (12) and above the one or more construction platforms (16) and is open at the top, layer-by-layer construction in 3D printing of at least one component (18) on a respective construction platform (16), wherein the layer-by-layer construction is carried out in such a way that a frame structure (20) extending in the height direction and associated with the respective construction platform (16) is also built up layer by layer in 3D printing on the respective construction platform (16), which frame structure (20) is surrounds at least one component (18). 3D printing process according to Claim 1 , wherein the layer-by-layer construction comprises: applying a layer of loose particulate material to the respective construction platform (16), for example by means of a coater which is configured to apply the loose particulate material layer by layer, solidifying a partial region of the layer of loose particulate material, for example by dispensing a liquid treatment agent onto the partial region, for example by means of binder jetting and/or a print head which is configured to selectively dispense the liquid treatment agent, and repeating the steps of applying and solidifying in order to build up the at least one component (18) and the respective frame structure (20) on the associated construction platform (16) in the construction box (10). 3D printing process according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the layer-by-layer construction is carried out in such a way that the at least one component (18) is received after construction in a respective fill of loose particle material which is surrounded by and received in an associated frame structure (20) which is arranged together with the fill on the associated construction platform (16), and/or wherein the layer-by-layer construction is carried out in such a way that, in a plan view of the construction box (10) from above, the respective frame structure (20) runs along a peripheral edge of the associated construction platform (16) and/or an outer circumference of the respective frame structure (20) is at least substantially congruent with an outer circumference of the associated construction platform (16) on which the frame structure (20) is built. 3D printing process according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , wherein the layered construction is carried out such that the respective frame structure (20) is segmented in the height direction, with several separate frame elements (22) which are arranged one above the other in the height direction. 3D printing process according to Claim 4 , wherein the layered construction is carried out in such a way that at least two frame elements (22) arranged adjacent to one another in the height direction are in engagement with one another which can be released in the height direction, with loose particulate material arranged in the region of the engagement between the frame elements (22), so that a displacement of the frame elements (22) transversely to the height direction is at least reduced and/or prevented. 3D printing process according to Claim 4 or 5 , wherein the layered construction is carried out in such a way that the respective frame structure (20) is also segmented in the circumferential direction, wherein a plurality of separate frame parts (24) are constructed in the circumferential direction, which are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and can be detached from one another, and/or wherein the layered construction is carried out in such a way that the respective frame structure (20) also has one or more predetermined breaking points in the circumferential direction, wherein a plurality of frame sections connected to one another via the predetermined breaking points are constructed in the circumferential direction, which are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and can be separated from one another by destroying the predetermined breaking points. 3D printing process according to one of the Claims 4 until 6 , wherein the layered construction is carried out in such a way that one or more frame element holding structures (26) are also constructed, with which one or more or all of the frame elements (22) are engaged and/or by which one or more or all of the frame elements (22) are held, so that a displacement of the frame elements (22) transversely to the height direction is at least reduced and/or prevented. 3D printing process according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , wherein the layer-by-layer construction is carried out in such a way that the respective frame structure (20) has one or more predetermined breaking points in the vertical direction, wherein several frame sections connected to one another via the predetermined breaking points are constructed in the vertical direction, which are arranged one above the other in height and can be separated from each other by destroying the predetermined breaking points. 3D printing process according to Claim 8 , wherein the layer-by-layer construction is carried out in such a way that the respective frame structure (20) also has one or more predetermined breaking points in the circumferential direction, wherein a plurality of frame sections are constructed in the circumferential direction which are connected to one another via the predetermined breaking points, which are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and can be separated from one another by destroying the predetermined breaking points. 3D printing process according to Claim 8 or 9 , wherein the layered construction is carried out in such a way that one or more frame element holding structures (26) are also constructed, with which one or more or all of the frame sections are engaged and/or by which one or more or all of the frame sections are held, so that a displacement of the frame sections transversely to the height direction is at least reduced and/or prevented. 3D printing process according to one of the Claims 4 until 10 , wherein the layered construction is carried out such that a height in the height direction of one or more or all of the frame elements/frame sections is 1 cm or more, for example 5 cm or more, for example 10 cm or more, and/or 70 cm or less, for example 50 cm or less, for example 30 cm or less, for example 20 cm or less, for example 10 cm or less. 3D printing process according to one of the Claims 1 until 11 , wherein the layer-by-layer construction is carried out in such a way that a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of a respective frame structure (20) decreases in the height direction, for example by a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of adjacent frame elements/frame sections from one of the Claims 4 until 11 in the height direction, and/or wherein the layered construction is carried out such that a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of a respective frame structure (20) is 1 cm or more, for example 2 cm or more, for example 3 cm or more, and/or 5 cm or less, for example 4 cm or less, for example 3 cm or less. 3D printing method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises: after the layer-by-layer construction in 3D printing of the at least one component (18) on the respective construction platform (16), adjusting the height of the construction platform support structure (14) to an upper position, for example by means of a lifting drive which is designed to adjust the height of the construction platform support structure (14), removing the respective construction platform (16) together with the associated frame structure (20) and the at least one component (18) from the construction platform support structure (14) and from the construction box (10), for example by means of a crane fork and/or a fork of a forklift truck and/or a gripper of a robot. 3D printing process according to Claim 13 , further comprising: after removing the respective construction platform (16), feeding the removed construction platform for a post-treatment, for example a microwave treatment, and/or unpacking the at least one component (18) from the frame structure (20), and/or detachably arranging one or more further construction platforms (16) on the construction platform support structure (14), wherein in a lower position of the construction platform support structure (14) the one or more further construction platforms (16) form a floor area of a construction space which is formed between the side wall structure (12) and above the one or more further construction platforms (16) and is open at the top, layer-by-layer construction in 3D printing of at least one further component (18) on a respective further construction platform (16), wherein the layer-by-layer construction is carried out in such a way that on the respective further construction platform (16) a frame structure (20) extending in the vertical direction and assigned to the respective further construction platform (16) is 3D printed layer-by-layer which surrounds the at least one further component (18). 3D printer which is designed to build up at least one component (18) layer by layer in 3D printing, comprising: a construction box (10) with a side wall structure (12) and a construction platform support structure (14) accommodated within the side wall structure (12), which is height-adjustable along the side wall structure (12) in a height direction, for example by means of a lifting drive which is designed to adjust the height of the construction platform support structure (14), one or more construction platforms (16) detachably arranged on the construction platform support structure (14), wherein the one or more construction platforms (16) form a floor area of a construction space which is formed between the side wall structure (12) and above the one or more construction platforms (16) and is open at the top, a coater which is designed to to apply loose particulate material layer by layer to the respective construction platform (16), a solidification device which is designed to selectively solidify a portion of a layer of loose particulate material, optionally comprising a print head which is designed to selectively dispense a liquid treatment agent, and a control device which is designed to control the 3D printer, for example the coater and/or the solidification device, in such a way that at least one component (18) is built up layer by layer on a respective construction platform (16) by 3D printing and that on the respective construction platform (16) a frame structure (20) extending in the height direction and associated with the respective construction platform (16) is co-built layer by layer by 3D printing, which frame structure surrounds the at least one component (18). 3D printers according to Claim 15 , wherein the control device is further configured to control the 3D printer, for example the coater and/or the solidification device, in such a way that the respective frame structure (20) is segmented in the height direction, with a plurality of separate frame elements (22) which are arranged one above the other in the height direction, and optionally at least two frame elements (22) arranged adjacent to one another in the height direction are in engagement with one another which can be released in the height direction, with loose particle material arranged in the region of the engagement between the frame elements (22), so that a displacement of the frame elements (22) transversely to the height direction is at least reduced and/or prevented, and/or optionally the respective frame structure (20) is also segmented in the circumferential direction, wherein a plurality of separate frame parts (24) are constructed in the circumferential direction, which are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and can be released from one another, and/or optionally the respective frame structure (20) also has one or more predetermined breaking points in the circumferential direction, wherein a plurality of predetermined breaking points are connected to one another via the predetermined breaking points in the circumferential direction connected frame sections are constructed which are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and can be separated from one another by destroying the predetermined breaking points, and/or optionally one or more frame element holding structures (26) are also constructed, with which one or more or all of the frame elements (22) are in engagement and/or by which one or more or all of the frame elements (22) are held, so that a displacement of the frame elements (22) transversely to the height direction is at least reduced and/or prevented, and/or optionally a height in the height direction of one or more or all of the frame elements (22) is 1 cm or more, for example 5 cm or more, for example 10 cm or more, and/or 70 cm or less, for example 50 cm or less, for example 30 cm or less, for example 20 cm or less, for example 10 cm or less. 3D printers according to Claim 15 , wherein the control device is further configured to control the 3D printer, for example the coater and/or the solidification device, in such a way that the layer-by-layer construction is carried out in such a way that the respective frame structure (20) has one or more predetermined breaking points in the vertical direction, wherein a plurality of frame sections connected to one another via the predetermined breaking points are constructed in the vertical direction, which are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction and can be separated from one another by destroying the predetermined breaking points, and optionally the respective frame structure (20) also has one or more predetermined breaking points in the circumferential direction, wherein a plurality of frame sections connected to one another via the predetermined breaking points are constructed in the circumferential direction, which are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and can be separated from one another by destroying the predetermined breaking points, and/or optionally one or more frame element holding structures (26) are also constructed, with which one or more or all of the frame sections are engaged and/or by which one or more or all of the frame sections are held, so that displacement of the frame sections transversely to the vertical direction is at least reduced and/or is prevented, and/or optionally a height in the height direction of one or more or all of the frame sections is 1 cm or more, for example 5 cm or more, for example 10 cm or more, and/or 70 cm or less, for example 50 cm or less, for example 30 cm or less, for example 20 cm or less, for example 10 cm or less. 3D printer according to one of the Claims 15 until 17 , wherein the control device is further configured to control the 3D printer, for example the coater and/or the solidification device, such that the at least one component (18) is received after construction in a respective bed of loose particle material, which is surrounded by and received in an associated frame structure (20), which is arranged together with the bed on the associated construction platform (16), and/or in a plan view from above of the construction box (10), the respective frame structure (20) along a peripheral edge of the associated construction platform (16) and/or an outer circumference of the respective frame structure (20) is at least substantially congruent with an outer circumference of the associated construction platform (16) on which the frame structure (20) is constructed, and/or a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of a respective frame structure (20) decreases in the height direction, for example by a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of adjacent frame elements/frame sections from Claim 16 or 17 is reduced in the height direction, and/or a thickness orthogonal to the height direction of a respective frame structure (20) is 1 cm or more, for example 2 cm or more, for example 3 cm or more, and/or 5 cm or less, for example 4 cm or less, for example 3 cm or less. 3D printing process according to one of the Claims 1 until 14 or 3D printer according to one of the Claims 15 until 18 , wherein the respective construction platform (16) has a structure for arranging the construction platform (16) on the construction platform support structure (14) and/or for removing the construction platform (16) from the construction platform support structure (14), wherein optionally the structure is at least co-formed by lateral openings which are designed, for example, to receive a crane fork and/or a fork of a forklift, and/or wherein optionally the structure is designed to be gripped by a gripper of a robot, and/or wherein the respective construction platform (16) is designed in the form of a pallet which has lateral openings, for example to remove the pallet from the construction platform support structure (14) with a crane fork and/or a fork of a forklift and/or a gripper of a robot and/or to arrange it thereon, and/or wherein the respective construction platform (16) is made of metal and/or steel and/or wood and/or plastic and/or ceramic, and/or wherein the respective construction platform (16) is not constructed from solidified particulate material is and/or is manufactured, and/or wherein two or more, for example three or more, for example four or more, construction platforms (16) are arranged on the construction platform support structure (14), and/or wherein several or all of the construction platforms (16) which form the floor surface of the construction space, for example in a plan view from above of the construction platforms (16), have the same shape and size, and/or wherein the construction platform support structure (14) is at least substantially completely covered by the one or more construction platforms (16), and/or wherein a sealing element, for example a strip-shaped, for example annular, sealing element and/or for example a circumferential, for example completely circumferential, sealing element, is arranged between the one or more construction platforms (16) arranged on the construction platform support structure (14) and the side wall structure (12), which is designed to at least reduce and/or prevent the flow of loose particulate material downwards and which is optionally attached to the construction platform support structure (14). and/or wherein a sealing element is arranged between two adjacent build platforms (16) arranged on the build platform support structure (14), which sealing element is designed to at least reduce and/or prevent loose particulate material from flowing downwards, wherein the sealing element is optionally formed by a sealing strip which is arranged, for example, on a respective edge region of the two adjacent build platforms (16), for example on a recess formed in the respective edge region, wherein furthermore optionally the sealing element arranged between the one or more build platforms (16) arranged on the build platform support structure (14) and the side wall structure (12) is arranged vertically below the sealing element arranged between two adjacent build platforms (16) arranged on the build platform support structure (14).

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