WO2019090377A1 - Système d'alimentation en gaz dans la fabrication additive de composants métalliques - Google Patents

Système d'alimentation en gaz dans la fabrication additive de composants métalliques Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019090377A1
WO2019090377A1 PCT/AU2017/051239 AU2017051239W WO2019090377A1 WO 2019090377 A1 WO2019090377 A1 WO 2019090377A1 AU 2017051239 W AU2017051239 W AU 2017051239W WO 2019090377 A1 WO2019090377 A1 WO 2019090377A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
gas
processing chamber
eduction
outlet
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2017/051239
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jack Martinich
Original Assignee
AmPro Innovations Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by AmPro Innovations Pty Ltd filed Critical AmPro Innovations Pty Ltd
Priority to PCT/AU2017/051239 priority Critical patent/WO2019090377A1/fr
Publication of WO2019090377A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019090377A1/fr

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/30Auxiliary operations or equipment
    • B29C64/364Conditioning of environment
    • B29C64/371Conditioning of environment using an environment other than air, e.g. inert gas
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08CLEANING
    • B08BCLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B15/00Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area
    • B08B15/02Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area using chambers or hoods covering the area
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22FWORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
    • B22F10/00Additive manufacturing of workpieces or articles from metallic powder
    • B22F10/20Direct sintering or melting
    • B22F10/28Powder bed fusion, e.g. selective laser melting [SLM] or electron beam melting [EBM]
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22FWORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
    • B22F10/00Additive manufacturing of workpieces or articles from metallic powder
    • B22F10/30Process control
    • B22F10/32Process control of the atmosphere, e.g. composition or pressure in a building chamber
    • B22F10/322Process control of the atmosphere, e.g. composition or pressure in a building chamber of the gas flow, e.g. rate or direction
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22FWORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
    • B22F10/00Additive manufacturing of workpieces or articles from metallic powder
    • B22F10/70Recycling
    • B22F10/77Recycling of gas
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22FWORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
    • B22F12/00Apparatus or devices specially adapted for additive manufacturing; Auxiliary means for additive manufacturing; Combinations of additive manufacturing apparatus or devices with other processing apparatus or devices
    • B22F12/38Housings, e.g. machine housings
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22FWORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
    • B22F12/00Apparatus or devices specially adapted for additive manufacturing; Auxiliary means for additive manufacturing; Combinations of additive manufacturing apparatus or devices with other processing apparatus or devices
    • B22F12/70Gas flow means
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B33ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    • B33YADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
    • B33Y30/00Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/10Processes of additive manufacturing
    • B29C64/141Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials
    • B29C64/153Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02PCLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P10/00Technologies related to metal processing
    • Y02P10/25Process efficiency

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a gas supply system for the maintenance of a purging atmosphere of protective gas in a processing chamber of apparatus for the production of metallic components by additive manufacturing, such as laser- based additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing.
  • the US'093 patent provides a method for manufacturing a component by using 3D CAD data of a model of the component to control deposition of successive layers of a metallic powder, one on top of the other, with each layer heated by a focused laser beam applied to a given area corresponding to a selected area of the model, to achieve selective laser melting, before depositing the next layer, with the laser beam guided over each layer of powder in accordance with the CAD cross-sectional data of the selected cross-sectional area of the model whereby each layer is fixed to the layer below.
  • the method is distinguished in that the metallic powder is free of binding and fluxing agents and is fully melted throughout its layer thickness at the point of impact of the laser beam, the laser beam is guided in runs so each run partially overlaps the preceding run, while a protective atmosphere is maintained above the interaction zone beam of the laser beam and the metallic powder.
  • a process similar to that of the US'093 patent is disclosed by patent US 6,676,892 to Das et al, assigned to the Board of Regents, The University of Texas System.
  • the method of the US'892 patent is conducted with a partial pressure and a scanning energy beam, preferably a laser beam, is directed to melt each of successive layers of metallic powder in turn at selected locations comprising a continuous vector scan path that never intersects itself, for example such as by the path being helical.
  • the wiper member is vibrated and is carried by, and movable with, an elongate trough to which the material is charged and from which the powder material issues in advance of the wiper member.
  • the trough is positioned under a reservoir means that holds a supply of the powder material with the reservoir having a feeder for replenishing the quantity of powder material held in the trough.
  • the patent US'466 differs in that the working table has a depressible strip that enables powder material to be forced below the main surface of the table by the elongate rake member, and then enables the material to be raised to that surface after the elongate rake member has passed the depressible strip, with the material again being spread to form a layer by reversal of movement of the rake member.
  • the atmosphere therefore typically is maintained by a flow through the processing chamber to purge the processing chamber of smoke and gas entrained material fines, and to maintain a constant operating pressure retaining a stable printing environment.
  • the US'892 patent proposes operation with a partial pressure of from 10 ⁇ 2 to 10 ⁇ 7 Torr, it is more usual to provide a through-flow of an inert or non- reactive gas at a pressure slightly above atmospheric in order to limit or preclude the ingress of oxygen and to flush volatiles and entrained particles from the processing chamber.
  • the present invention seeks to provide a gas supply system and, more specifically a processing chamber for an additive manufacturing installation that includes the system, to facilitate a required flow of inert or non-reactive gas within and through the processing chamber.
  • a gas supply system for the maintenance of a protective atmosphere in a processing chamber of apparatus for the production of metallic components by additive manufacturing
  • the system includes a gas induction housing mountable at a first location in relation to a main housing defining the processing chamber, the induction housing having an inlet port and an outlet opening with the inlet port connectable to a source of supply of a protective gas to be supplied to and maintained in the processing chamber and, with the induction housing mounted at the first location, the outlet opening enables a flow of the gas to the processing chamber; and the system further includes an eduction housing mountable at a second location in relation to the processing chamber, the eduction housing having an inlet opening and an outlet port whereby, with the eduction housing mounted at the second location, the inlet opening enables gas to be drawn from the processing chamber, into the eduction housing, for discharge from the outlet port.
  • the invention also provides the gas supply system according to the invention, wherein the induction housing is mounted at a first location in relation to a main housing defining a processing chamber, with the inlet port connectable to a source of supply of a protective gas to be supplied to and maintained in the processing chamber and the outlet opening communicating with the processing chamber to enable a flow of the gas to the processing chamber; the eduction housing is mounted at a second location in relation to the processing chamber, with the second location opposed to the first location and the inlet opening communicating with the processing chamber whereby gas can be drawn from the processing chamber, into the eduction housing, for discharge from the outlet port; the processing chamber containing:
  • a laterally movable spreader device operable, in each of the successive steps, to form a respective thin layer of metal powder across a print bed over the build platform
  • a laser head operable to selectively direct at least one laser device beam within the processing chamber whereby each layer of metal powder is subjected in turn to selective melting by to form a respective layer of a component being progressively built up, such as in compliance with controlling CAD files; and wherein the gas supply system is operable, with the inlet port connected to a source of supply of a protective gas and the exhaust port connected to a gas exhaust device, protective gas can be supplied to and exhausted from the processing chamber to maintain a protective atmosphere in the processing chamber and a purging flow of protective gas across each successive layer of powder spread over the print bed.
  • the first and second locations are at respective, opposed sides of the main housing.
  • the main chamber is rectangular in plan view, such as square, with the main housing having front and rear opposed wall joined by opposed side walls.
  • the locations preferably are on the front and rear walls, or on the side walls.
  • the processing chamber contains a base of which a central part defines a build platform able to be lowered in successive processing steps, in each of which steps a respective thin layer of metal powder is formed across a print bed over the build platform by a laterally movable spreader device, with each layer subjected in turn to selective melting by at least one laser beam to form a respective layer of a component being progressively built up, such as in compliance with controlling CAD files.
  • the spreader device may move by reciprocating between the side walls, or between the front and rear walls, with the front wall usually having a door enabling an operator to gain access to the processing chamber when required.
  • the first and second locations for the induction housing and the eduction housing, respectively most conveniently are at opposed walls of the main chamber between which the spreader device is movable, although other arrangements are possible, even if less convenient.
  • the system of the invention preferably enables maintenance of a protective atmosphere in the processing chamber and a purging flow of protective gas across each successive layer of powder spread over the print bed.
  • the flow across the successive layers most preferably is as a band substantially or predominantly within a zone that extends across the full extent of the processing chamber laterally of gas flow from the induction housing to the eductor housing. That is, the band of gas extends over substantially the full area of the base of the processing chamber.
  • the flow within the band may be characterised by a level of turbulence that is sufficiently low as to enable the gas to mix with and incorporate smoke, volatiles, and fume, as well as powder material fines, rising above the powder bed layers, whereby smoke, volatiles, fume and the fines are able to be substantially purged from the processing chamber as they are generated.
  • the level of turbulence is to below a level that would result in smoke, volatiles, fume and the fines being dispersed throughout the processing chamber.
  • the outlet opening of the induction chamber and the inlet opening of the eduction chamber most preferably are directly opposed across the print bed, with each of the outlet opening and inlet opening have a relatively elongate form.
  • the elongate form preferably extends substantially parallel to the print bed, although the elongate outlet opening and inlet opening each preferably relatively narrow in a direction perpendicular to the elongate form.
  • the respective length of each of those openings may range from about 20 to 40 times the width, although the length to width ratio can vary with the size of the processing chamber, in particular with the area of the print bed.
  • Attaining a flow of protective gas across the print bed without an excessive level of turbulence is best attained by a flow of gas within the induction housing, from inlet port to the outlet opening, having a controlled or restricted level of turbulence.
  • a flow of gas within the induction housing from inlet port to the outlet opening, having a controlled or restricted level of turbulence.
  • the induction housing preferably increases in width from a minimum adjacent to a position at which the inlet port is situated to a maximum attained at or adjacent to the elongate outlet opening, and most preferably is relatively thin between opposed plates of the induction housing that provide such taper between the inlet port and the outlet opening and are joined by narrow side walls.
  • the induction housing preferably is of a relatively thin, triangular form, with that form most preferably substantially symmetrical about a line from the centre of the inlet port and a midpoint between ends of the elongate extent of the outlet opening.
  • the induction housing is of such relatively thin, triangular form
  • a practical arrangement for its mounting is for it to be secured with one of the opposed plates against, and disposed substantially parallel to, a wall of the main housing, to one side of the processing chamber, or similarly secured and disposed in relation to a wall structure at a level below the processing chamber.
  • the induction housing may be against a wall of a housing below the main housing, such as a housing around a sub-housing defining a build chamber into which the build platform associated with the print bed is able to be progressively lowered with a component being manufactured as successive layers are formed.
  • the flow of gas within the induction housing is perpendicular to the direction of required gas flow over the print bed and, accordingly, the induction housing needs to be shaped adjacent to the outlet opening to guide the flow through a 90 s change in direction.
  • the eduction housing preferably is of a converse, thin triangular form similar to that described for the induction housing, but of course providing for gas flow into the wider inlet opening end and discharge from the narrower discharge port end.
  • the eduction housing preferably is mounted with one of its opposed main walls against a wall of the main housing, or a wall structure below the main housing.
  • the flow of gas within the processing chamber is perpendicular to the direction of required gas flow through the eduction housing and, accordingly, the induction housing needs to be shaped adjacent to the inlet opening to guide the flow through a 90 s change in direction.
  • Control over gas flow is found to benefit from features additional to those described.
  • Control of flow within the induction housing is able to be enhanced by the provision of a plurality of flow-dividing vanes within the induction housing that are laterally spaced from each other and that progressively diverge from each in the direction of flow in the induction housing so as to fan out from a relatively close spacing adjacent to the inlet port to a wider spacing adjacent to the outlet opening.
  • the vanes may comprise thin strips, of metal or a suitable plastic material and, where the induction housing is of thin, triangular form as described above, the strips may have side edges at which they bear against or are joined to each of the opposed plates of the housing. Similar vanes, while less critical, preferably are provided in the eduction housing. However, vanes in the eduction housing converge on the direction of gas flow.
  • each opening may be provided with a baffle arrangement formed by at least one elongate baffle extending between opposite ends of the opening and a plurality of transverse baffles extending across the at least one elongate baffle to form a close-packed array of individual outlet passages within the outlet or inlet opening.
  • the baffle arrangement may have at least two elongate baffles.
  • the baffles may be formed of thin strip material, with the elongate and transverse baffles inter-fitting as an edgewise grid.
  • the baffle arrangement may be fitted within a terminal portion of the respective one of the induction and eduction housing, such as in a terminal portion disposed normal to a main body of the respective housing that is between the processing chamber and a curved portion providing a 90 s change in flow direction.
  • the tapered, relatively thin form, in particular of the induction housing, but also of the eduction housing, as well as the provision of flow controlling vanes and baffle arrangements in the elongate outlet of the induction housing and the elongate inlet of the eduction housing combine to enable relatively stable flow of protective gas across the print bed, as a band with a controlled or restricted level of turbulence that is substantially or predominantly within a zone across the full extent of the process chamber.
  • gas supply conduit connected to the inlet port of the induction housing substantially in line with a central one of the diverging vanes of the induction housing.
  • enhanced overall flow conditions can be achieved by two modifications to the gas supply system.
  • the gas flow characteristics in the process chamber were found to be able to vary with the inlet angle and bends in the gas supply conduit.
  • the first modification first modification involves the provision of a gas mixer unit between the outlet end of the conduit and the inlet port of the induction housing.
  • the mixer unit comprises a mixer housing that defines a gas mixing chamber, with the mixer housing having an inlet connectable to the source of supply of protective gas to be supplied to and maintained in the processing chamber and an outlet that is connectable to the inlet of the induction housing, with the outlet opening substantially at right angles to the inlet of the mixer housing.
  • the mixer housing and its mixing chamber may be substantially cylindrical in form defined by two spaced, circular end walls joined by a peripheral wall, with the inlet located substantially centrally in one end wall and the outlet located in the peripheral wall.
  • the inlet may be in the form of an axially extending nozzle.
  • the outlet preferably is divided such to provide a plurality of outlet slots extending between the end walls in a series in which the slots are spaced laterally with respect to each other around an arcuate extent of the peripheral wall, such as over an arcuate extent of from about 70 s to about 90 s .
  • the mixer unit is able to be secured to the induction housing with the outlet communicating with the inlet port of the induction housing.
  • Mixing of supplied gas in the mixing chamber and then its passage through the inlet port of the induction housing, radially over an arcuate extent in the case of a cylindrical mixer unit, is found to isolate gas flow in and beyond the induction housing from the adverse effect of bends and variation in the direction of supply resulting from the conduit.
  • the plurality of outlet slots results in gas entering the induction housing being directed along the line of vanes in the induction housing, with this also acting to achieve more uniform gas flow along the full longitudinal extent of the induction housing.
  • the relatively stable flow of protective gas across the print bed as a band with a controlled or restricted level of turbulence that is substantially or predominantly within a zone across the full extent of the process chamber, obtained with the induction and eduction housings of the system of the invention, achieves major purpose of purging contaminants smoke, volatiles, fume and fines of from the processing chamber.
  • a major part of the contaminants is able to be purged, such as from 65% to 75%.
  • the extent of purging varies with gas flow rate and the need for conditions that substantially avoid entrainment of metal powder.
  • the system further includes a supplementary induction housing mountable at a third location in relation to the main housing; with the supplementary housing having a supplementary port, connectable to a source of supply of a protective gas to be supplied to and maintained in the processing chamber, and also a supplementary outlet.
  • the supplementary housing mounted at the intended third location, it is at a level spaced substantially directly above the second location whereby the supplementary opening enables a flow of gas into the processing chamber at a level spaced above, and in a direction opposite to, gas flowing from the chamber at the second location through the eduction housing.
  • the flow into the processing chamber initially is in the opposite direction to the gas flow from the induction housing to the eduction housing.
  • the gas supplied by the supplementary housing is constrained by the main housing to reverse in flow direction so as to discharge through the eduction housing.
  • the supplementary housing causes gas to flow across the surfaces of glass parts associated with the electromagnetic radiation sources, such as laser sources, operable in the main housing to provide the significant benefit of keeping those surfaces clean and free of deposits.
  • the supplementary housing preferably has a supplementary outlet that is provided with baffles that guide gas flowing into the processing chamber and thereby minimise turbulence.
  • the supplementary outlet may be short relative to the elongate extent of the inlet opening of the eduction housing.
  • the supplementary housing and the supplementary outlet each may be of elongate form, with a length that is at least a major part of the length of the inlet opening of the eduction housing.
  • a main gas circulation/filtration system providing gas flow across the print bed from the induction housing to the eduction housing and, where provided providing the initially counter-current gas flow from supplementary induction housing, preferably has substantially a net zero pressure differential.
  • apparatus provided with the gas supply system of the invention preferably is provided with a supplementary inert gas inlet to the process chamber enabling maintenance of a slight positive gas pressure in the process chamber.
  • the supplementary inlet providing the over pressure can be positioned at ant suitable location in or on the apparatus.
  • Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a processing unit of a machine for the production of components by additive manufacturing, showing in solid line one form of gas supply system according to the present invention, with the unit otherwise shown in ghost outline;
  • Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1 , but with a main housing and associated devices of the unit removed to enable the gas supply unit to be more clearly seen;
  • Figure 3 is a sectioned rear perspective view of the unit of Figure 1 , but again with removal of the main housing and associated devices;
  • Figure 4 is a sectioned side elevation of the unit as shown in Figure 3;
  • Figure 5 shows components of the gas supply system of the processing unit of Figure 1 , with the system depicted on an enlarged scale and the components in their relative in use positions;
  • Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the components as shown in Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of a variant of the a main component of the system of Figure 1 ,
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of a component of the variant of Figure 7;
  • Figures 9 and 10 are sectioned views corresponding to Figures 7 and 8, respectively;
  • Figure 1 1 schematically depicts a perspective view of a variant of the system of Figures 1 to 6;
  • Figure 12 shows the variant of Figure 1 1 in relation to a main housing.
  • FIG. 1 there is a processing unit U of a machine suitable for use in the production of components by additive manufacturing, incorporating co-operating parts P(a) and P(b) of a gas supply system S according to the present invention.
  • the unit U is suitable for use in the deposition of successive layers of metal powder material in the course of production of a component, while the system S provides a protective atmosphere required in part for maintenance of non-oxidising conditions protecting the powder and a component being manufactured from the powder.
  • Other units of the overall machine that are used in association with unit U have not been shown, but include:
  • an electronics and computer unit including a power source for electromagnetic radiation sources, such as laser sources, a scanner control system, a computer system and other general electrical systems required for operation of the complete machine;
  • the unit U as shown in Figure 1 has a rectangular footing 10 on which other parts are supported.
  • the other parts include an upper, main housing 12 that defines a processing chamber 14.
  • the main housing 12 has a box-like form with a front wall 16, a rear wall 17 opposed to the front wall 16, opposed sidewalls 18 joining the front and rear walls 16 and 17, a top cover 19 and a base 20.
  • the front wall 16 has an access panel 21 in which an inspection window 21 a is provided.
  • a print bed 22 extends across an upper surface of base 20 within the processing chamber 14.
  • the base 20 comprises an outer frame 24 that has an inner periphery defining a central, substantially rectangular opening 26.
  • the outer periphery of print bed 22 is formed by the upper surface of frame 24 and, within opening 26, a main operative part of the print bed 22 is formed by the upper surface of a substantially rectangular build platform 28 when platform 28 is received into opening 24.
  • a sub-housing 30 is secured below the processing chamber 14 and, in the course of a component being formed, progressively defines a developing build chamber 32 into which the progressively formed component is lowered on the build platform.
  • the sub-housing includes build platform 28 as a top cover, and also includes a front wall 34, a rear wall 35, side walls 36 and a bottom wall 37.
  • the build platform 28 can be lowered progressively into sub- housing 30 to progressively form and enlarge the build chamber 32, with build platform 28 supporting and lowering the component being formed. For this, build platform 28 is lowered within the sub-housing 30 by stepwise movement, from an upper position in which build platform 28 initially provides a continuation of the upper surface of frame 24.
  • the print bed 22 is able to be reformed so as to comprise the upper surface of frame 24 and material from a previous layer of powder material, so that a fresh layer of powder material, of successive layers, is formed on the print bed 22, including over and above the build platform 28.
  • Material progressively lowered into the build chamber 32 comprises metal that has been selectively melted in successive layers of powder material, by at least one electromagnetic beam such as a laser beam, in building up the metallic component, as well as unmelted powder material from each of the successive layers.
  • the build platform 28 can be lowered by a vertically adjustable mechanism, with the steps by which build platform 28 is lowered, and the thickness of successive layers of powder material, each being about 20 to 50 ⁇ or greater.
  • the adjustable mechanism comprises a parallel pair of screw jacks 38, each comprising a threaded spindle 40 encased in a protective bellows 42, and operable under the action of hydraulic motor 44.
  • other vertically adjustable mechanisms can be used, such as an electric or hydraulic scissor lift device.
  • the inter-connected main housing 12 and sub-housing 30 are supported above footing 10 by front and rear upright supports 46.
  • Each of the front wall 34, a rear wall 35 and opposed sidewalls 36 of sub-housing 30 is parallel to, but inset inwardly from the corresponding wall 16, 17 and 18 of main housing 12, such that the periphery of sub-housing 30 closely follows the outline of opening 26 of base 20.
  • the bottom wall 37 of sub-housing 30 has an opening through which the devices 38 project upwardly from footing 10 to the underside of build platform 28, to enable devices 38 lower build platform 28 stepwise and, after completion of manufacture of a metallic component, to enable build platform 28 to be returned to the position shown in Figure 1 in which the upper surface of build platform 28 again forms part of the print bed 22.
  • the masts 40 are vertically contractible in a stepwise manner to progressively lower build platform 28 and material thereon into the build chamber 32 within sub- housing 30, and also extendible for the return elevation of build platform 28, in each case under the action of an electric stepper motor 32.
  • the unit U mounted above the print bed 22, the unit U includes a dosing unit 48 and a re-coater unit 50.
  • the dosing unit 48 is to the rear of print bed 22, adjacent to rear wall 17 of main housing 12.
  • the dosing unit 48 is of elongate form and consists of a hopper 52 for holding a quantity of metal powder material, and a valve housing 54 along the base of hopper 52 by which charges of the powder material are able to be dispensed periodically from hopper 52 to the re-coater unit 50.
  • a control motor (not shown) is associated with unit 40 for operating a valve member (also not shown) in valve housing 54 at intervals for alternatively enabling or stopping such flow of powder material from hopper 52.
  • the re-coater 50 comprises a system for the deposition of successive layers of powder material onto the print bed 22, and includes an elongate, powder material spreader member 56 that extends in along a first line between and substantially perpendicular to the opposed side walls 18 of main housing 12. The longitudinal extent of spreader member 56 is disposed along the first line over, and in close juxtaposition to, an upper surface of the print bed 22.
  • a respective mounting member 58, by which the spreader member 56 is supported, is provided at each end of the spreading member 56, with the mounting members 58 enabling reversible, lateral movement of the spreader member 56 along a second line normal to the first line, across and between the front and rear sides of the upper surface of the print bed 22.
  • the powder material spreader member 56 is in the form of an elongate, open-topped vessel, such as comprising a trough of V- shape in transverse cross-sections.
  • the arrangement preferably is such that spreader member 56 is able to receive sufficient quantity of powder material to enable the spreading of successive layers of powder material over the print bed 22, by a first layer put down in a first traversal as spreader member 56 moves away from dosing unit 48 and a second layer put down in the next traversal of spreader member 56 moving back to dosing unit 48.
  • production time is not lost in needing the second traversal simply to enable spreader member 56 to move back to dosing unit 48 to receive a further quantity of powder material for a second layer.
  • the vessel comprising spreader member 56 is laterally movable between the front and rear sides of the upper surface of the print bed 22 and, in moving laterally over the print bed 22 while containing a quantity of the powder material, the member 56 is able to lay down a layer of powder material.
  • the thickness of the layer is controlled primarily by a narrow outlet (not shown) along the base of spreader member 56, to enable a required layer thickness, such as from about 20 to 50 ⁇ , but able to range up to about 100 ⁇ .
  • the vessel comprising spreader member 56 may have a capacity for holding a charge sufficient for forming a single layer of the powder material as the spreader member 56 is moved from the one, to the other, of the opposite sides.
  • the arrangement may be such that the spreader member 56 is required to return to the one dosing unit 48 in order to receive a respective further charge of powder material for forming each of successive layers.
  • spreader member 56 may move between two spaced powder material dosing units 48 to enable successive charges to be received from alternative supply devices.
  • the spreader member 56 has a capacity enabling it to hold a larger charge of powder material sufficient to form two successive layers, comprising a first layer formed as the spreader member 56 is moved from the one, to the other, of the opposite sides, and a second layer formed as the spreader member 56 returns to the one side.
  • powder material of each layer is subjected to heating to selectively fuse powder material of the layer prior to a next respective layer being formed.
  • the re-coater 50 has a drive arrangement (not shown) by which the spreader member 56 is moved laterally.
  • a variety of drive arrangements can be used, although the arrangement preferably is in accordance with the magnetic drive arrangement disclosed in our Australian patent application AU2017902282 entitled “Improve Additive Manufacturing of Metallic Components” filed on 15 June 2017. The disclosure of AU2017902282 is incorporated herein by reference as part of the disclosure of the present invention.
  • a substantially sealed volume is defined within main housing 12 and the volume progressively increases as build platform 28 is lowered into sub- housing 30 to create, and progressively increase the depth of, the build chamber 32.
  • a seal (not shown) is maintained between the periphery of build platform 28 and adjacent inner surfaces of the walls 34, 35 and 36 of sub-housing 30 defining the build chamber 32, to retain sealing of the volume as it increases.
  • the gas supply system S of the invention enables oxygen to be flushed from the processing chamber 14 and maintenance of a non-reactive gas such as nitrogen, or an inert gas such as argon within and through the processing chamber 14.
  • the gas supply system S has two separate parts comprising a gas induction part P(a) and gas eduction part P(b).
  • the induction part P(a) includes a gas induction housing 60 mountable at a first location in relation to the main housing 12, with induction housing 50 having an inlet port 62 and an elongate outlet opening 64.
  • the inlet port 62 is connectable via a gas supply pipe 66 to a source of supply of a protective gas (not shown) to be supplied to, and maintained in, the processing chamber 14.
  • the outlet opening 64 communicates with the processing chamber 14 along the lower edge of front wall 16 of main housing 12, a short distance above the base 20 of the main chamber 12, to enable a flow F of the gas to the processing chamber 14.
  • the eduction part P(b) of system S includes a gas eduction housing 68 mountable at a second location in relation to the processing chamber 14, with the eduction housing 68 having an elongate inlet opening 70 and an outlet port 72 .
  • the inlet opening 70 is in communications with the processing chamber 14 along the lower edge of the rear wall 17 of housing 12, a similar short distance above the base 20 of chamber 14, to enable gas to be drawn from the processing chamber 14, into the eduction housing 68, for discharge from the outlet port 72 and the through a discharge pipe 74 under the action of a suction device or system (not shown).
  • the gas preferably passes to equipment (also not shown) for removal of contaminants and recovery of the gas to a condition enabling it to be recycled.
  • the first and second locations for the induction housing 60 and the eduction housing 68, respectively, are at respective, opposed walls of the main housing 12.
  • the opposed walls are the front and rear walls 16, 17, although they could be the opposed side walls 18 of housing 12.
  • the dosing unit 48 it would be preferable, but not essential, for the dosing unit 48 to be along a side wall18 of housing 12, rather than the rear wall 17 as shown, and for the spreader member 56 of the re-coater 50 to extend between the front and rear walls 16, 17 of housing 12 so as to be laterally movable between the side walls 18 of housing 12.
  • the locations are such that they enable the flow of gas across the print bed 22, from the outlet opening 64 of the induction housing 60 to the inlet opening 70 of the eduction housing 68, in close proximity to each of successive layers of metal powder formed over the print bed 22, above build platform 28.
  • the positioning of the openings 64 and 70 above the print bed 22 is such that the flow of gas over the print bed 22 is in a layer spaced above the powder layers so as not to disturb the powder material of the layers, and having a depth over the bed 22 up to the level of the top of the spreader member 56.
  • the system S of the invention preferably enables both the maintenance of a protective atmosphere in the processing chamber 14 and the flow in protective gas across successive layers of powder spread over the print bed 22.
  • the flow across the successive layers most preferably is characterised by not more than a low level of turbulence and optimally is substantially free of turbulence.
  • the outlet opening 64 of the induction chamber 60 and the inlet opening 70 of the eduction chamber 68 are directly opposed across the print bed 22.
  • each of the outlet opening 64 and inlet opening 70 has a relatively narrow, elongate form.
  • the arrangement is such that, with each of the induction and eduction chambers 60 and 68 mounted at the respective location, the openings 64, 70 extend substantially parallel to the print bed 22, and across substantially the full width of the print bed 22, to enable maintenance of a flow of gas in a relatively shallow zone substantially coextensive with and parallel to the print bed 22, but spaced above the print bed 22.
  • the arrangement enables maintenance of a protective atmosphere in the processing chamber 14 and a purging flow of protective gas across successive layers of powder spread over the print bed as a band within a zone that extends across the full extent of the processing chamber between the side walls 18, laterally of gas flow from the induction housing 60 to the eductor housing 68.
  • the band of gas extends over substantially the full area of the base 20 of the processing chamber 14.
  • the flow within the band preferably is characterised by a level of turbulence that is sufficiently low as to enable the gas to mix with and incorporate smoke, volatiles, and fume, as well as powder material fines, rising above the powder bed layers, whereby smoke, volatiles, fume and the fines are able to be substantially purged from the processing chamber 14 as they are generated.
  • the level of turbulence is to below a level that would result in smoke, volatiles, fume and the fines being dispersed throughout the processing chamber.
  • outlet opening 64 of the induction chamber 60 and the inlet opening 70 of the eduction chamber 68 being directly opposed across the print bed, with each of the outlet opening 64 and inlet opening 70 having a relatively elongate form.
  • the elongate form extends substantially parallel to the print bed, with the elongate outlet opening 64 and inlet opening 70 each relatively narrow in a direction perpendicular to the elongate form.
  • the induction housing 60 increases in width and cross-sectional areas from a minimum adjacent to the inlet port 62 to a maximum attained at or adjacent to the elongate outlet opening 64, with the housing 60 relatively thin between opposed front and rear main plates 76 of the induction housing 60 that provide such taper between the inlet port 62 and the outlet opening 64.
  • This results in the induction housing 60 being of a relatively thin, triangular form, such as with a substantially symmetrical form about a line from the centre of the inlet port 62 and a midpoint between ends of the elongate extent of the outlet opening 64.
  • Such relatively thin induction housing 60 of triangular form most conveniently is mounted by being secured against, and disposed substantially parallel to, a wall of the main housing 12, to one side of the processing chamber 14, or similarly secured and disposed in relation to a wall structure at a level below the processing chamber 14.
  • the induction housing may be against a wall of an enclosure (not shown) in which sub-housing 30 is accommodated.
  • the flow of gas within the induction housing 60 is perpendicular to the direction of required gas flow over the print bed 22 and, accordingly, the induction housing needs to have a terminal outlet portion 78 at the outlet opening 64 and is shaped to guide the flow through a 90 s change in direction.
  • the eduction housing 68 is of similar thin triangular form defined between front and rear main plates 80 that smoothly transitions from the relatively larger area of the elongate inlet opening to the smaller cross-section appropriate for the outlet port 72, appropriate for gas discharge via pipe 72.
  • the eduction housing 68 preferably is mounted within housing 12, against hopper 52, with discharge pipe 74 extending through wall 17 of housing 12 and through hopper 52 to outlet port 68.
  • the mounting arrangement for eduction housing 68 make it necessary, as the converse of flow requirements through the induction housing 60, to transition from substantially horizontal flow across the print bed 22 to substantially vertical flow through the eduction housing 68, the eduction housing 68 needs to have a terminal inlet portion 82 that defines the inlet opening 68 and is shaped to guide the flow through a 90 s change in direction.
  • the inlet portion 82 minimises the risk of eddy currents generated in gas flow into and through the eduction housing 68 travelling upstream from housing 68 and thereby generating turbulence in gas flow within processing chamber 14.
  • Control over gas flow within the induction housing 60 is able to be enhanced by the provision of a plurality of thin, flow-dividing vanes 84 bridging between the front and rear main walls 76, within the induction housing 60.
  • the 84 vanes are spaced from each other and progressively diverge from each in the direction of flow through housing 60 so as to fan out from a relatively close spacing adjacent to the inlet port 62 to a wider spacing adjacent to the outlet opening 64.
  • the vanes 84 may comprise thin strips, of metal or a suitable plastic material and, where the induction housing is of thin, triangular form as described above, the strips may have side edges at which they bear against or are joined to each of the opposed plates 76 of the housing 60.
  • similar vanes 86 while less critical, preferably are provided in the eduction housing 68. However, the vanes 86 converge on the direction of gas flow through housing 68.
  • outlet portion 78 is provided with a baffle arrangement formed by at least one elongate baffle 88 extending between opposite ends of the opening and a plurality of transverse baffles 89 extending across the at least one elongate baffle to form a close-packed array of individual outlet passages within the outlet or inlet opening.
  • the baffle arrangement may have at least two elongate baffles 88 and several transverse baffles 89 to form a grid or lattice form.
  • the baffles 88, 89 may be formed of thin strip material, with the elongate and transverse baffles 88, 89 inter-fitting as an edgewise grid.
  • the baffle arrangement may be fitted within an outlet part of a gas flow passage through terminal outlet portion 78 of housing 60 and within an inlet part of a gas flow passage through the terminal inlet portion of housing 68.
  • inlet 70 of eduction housing 68 it suffices to have inlet 70 divided by the adjacent ends of vanes 86.
  • each layer of powder material formed is to be selectively melted to form a respective layer of a component being progressively built up, prior to the next layer being formed.
  • process unit U shows a pair of optical head devices 90, incorporating a motion system operable on at least an X-Y co-ordinate system, by which a respective laser beam received via optical fibres 91 from a laser source (not shown) is able to be focused on and directed over required areas of the print bed 22, as required for compliance with controlling CAD files.
  • Figures 7 and 9 show a part P(a) that in largely is as described in relation to Figures 1 to 6, intended to be used with a part P(b) as shown in Figures 1 to 6. Corresponding parts therefore are identified by the same reference numeral as in Figures 1 to 6. However the inlet port 62 of Figures 1 to 6 has removed, with the inlet end on housing 60 arcuately truncated so as to conform to the exterior of a peripheral wall 92 of a gas mixer unit 93 to be positioned between the outlet end of a gas supply conduit (not shown) and the inlet end of the induction housing 60.
  • the mixer unit 93 shown in Figures 7 to 10 comprises a mixer housing 94 that defines a gas mixing chamber 95, with the mixer housing 94 having an inlet 96 that corresponds to the inlet port 62 of Figures 1 to 6, and an outlet 97.
  • inlet 96 is connectable to the source of supply of protective gas to be supplied to and maintained in the processing chamber 14 and the outlet 97 is connectable to the inlet end of the induction housing 60.
  • the outlet 97 opens substantially at right angles to the inlet 96 of the mixer housing 94.
  • the mixer housing 94 and mixing chamber 95 are substantially cylindrical in form illustrated, and defined by two spaced, circular end walls 98 joined by the peripheral wall 92, with the inlet 96 located substantially centrally in one end wall 98 and the outlet 97 located in the peripheral wall 92.
  • the inlet 96 is in the form of an axially extending nozzle.
  • the outlet 97 is divided such to provide a plurality of outlet slots 97a extend between the end walls 98 in a series in which the slots 97a are spaced laterally with respect to each other around an arcuate extent of the peripheral wall 92, such as over an arcuate extent of from about 70 s to about 90 s .
  • the mixer unit 93 is able to be secured to the induction housing 60 with the outlet 97 communicating with the inlet end of the induction housing 60. Mixing of supplied gas in the mixing chamber 95 and then its passage through the inlet end of the induction housing 60, radially over an arcuate extent in the case of the cylindrical mixer unit 93, is found to isolate gas flow in and beyond the induction housing 60 from the adverse effect of bends and variation in the direction of supply resulting from the conduit.
  • the preferred illustrated arrangement for mixer unit 93 in having a cylindrical housing 94 with a co axial inlet pipe 96 and a circumferential series of outlet slots 97a around part of the circumference of housing 94 achieves substantial uniform pressure diffusion to induction housing 60.
  • the plurality of outlet slots 97a results in gas entering the induction housing 60 being directed along the line of vanes 84 in the induction housing 60, with this also acting to achieve more uniform gas flow along the full longitudinal extent of the outlet 64 of the induction housing 60.
  • the mixer unit 93 has a respective radial tab 99 projecting outwardly from peripheral wall 62, with tabs 99 facilitating securement of unit 93 in relation to the inlet end of housing 60.
  • Figure 1 1 shows a variant V of the system S.
  • Figure 12 shows the variant V in relation to a processing unit U of a machine suitable for use in the production of components by additive manufacturing.
  • the system of the variant V corresponds to system S of Figures 1 to 6, but further includes a supplementary induction housing 101 mountable at a third location in relation to the main housing 12.
  • the supplementary housing 101 has a supplementary port 102 and a supplementary outlet 103.
  • the port 102 may be connectable to a source of supply of a protective gas to be supplied to and maintained in the processing chamber 14 but, in the variant V as shown in Figure 12, port 102 is connected to line 104 of recirculation circuit C for protective gas recovery and recirculation with circuit C having equipment for treating protective gas as it is recycled.
  • the circuit C has a gas circuit in which gas exhausted from chamber 14 through eduction unit P(b) is passed via line 105 to a filter in unit 106, in which entrained particulates are removed and passed for treatment. From unit 106 the gas is drawn by the action of a pump unit 107 along line 108. In line 105 or line 108, or in other facilities incorporated in unit 106 the gas may pass through other treatment equipment of circuit C, although these other facilities are well understood in the art and do not require elaboration. The pump unit 107 then recirculates the gas via line 109 to the induction unit P(a) which, as shown, includes a gas mixer unit 93.
  • a line 104 branches from line 109 so the recycled gas from pump 107 is split so a selected portion passes to the port 102 of the supplementary induction housing 101 .
  • the supplementary housing 101 is mounted relative to main housing 12, with the outlet 103 of housing 101 communicating with processing chamber 14 at the intended third location and the port 102 connected to the outlet end of line 104.
  • the gas flows into chamber 14 at the third level spaced above the second location, and substantially directly above a central region of the longitudinal extent of the elongate inlet opening 70 of the eduction housing 68 of part P(b).
  • the arrangement is such that the supplementary outlet 103 of housing 101 enables a flow of gas into the processing chamber 14 at a level spaced above gas flowing across the chamber 14 from the induction housing 60 to the eduction housing 68, to discharge to line 105.
  • the flow into the processing chamber 14 from outlet 103 initially is in the opposite direction to the gas flow from the induction housing 60 to the eduction housing 68.
  • the gas supplied by the supplementary housing 101 is constrained within the main housing 12 to reverse in flow direction, as depicted by arrow Z in Figure 1 1 , so as to discharge through the eduction housing 68.
  • the relatively stable flow of protective gas across the print bed as a band with a controlled or restricted level of turbulence that is substantially or predominantly within a zone across the full extent of the process chamber, obtained with the induction and eduction housings 60, 68, achieves major purpose of purging contaminants smoke, volatiles, fume and fines of from the processing chamber 14.
  • a major part of the contaminants is able to be purged, such as from 65% to 75%.
  • the extent of purging varies with gas flow rate and the need for conditions that substantially avoid entrainment of metal powder.
  • the percentage of contaminants able to be purged can be significantly increased by generating a partially countervailing gas flow in the upper part of the processing chamber 14, above the flow in a lower part of the processing chamber 14 from induction housing 60 to the eduction housing 68.
  • the supplementary housing 101 enables a higher percentage of contaminants to be discharged, such as by a further 10% to 15% of contaminants. Additionally, causes gas to flow across the surfaces of glass parts of optical head devices 90 associated with the electromagnetic radiation sources, such as laser sources, operable in the main housing 12 to provide the significant benefit of keeping those surfaces clean and free of deposits.
  • the supplementary outlet 103 of supplementary housing 101 is provided with baffles (not shown) that preferably are similar to baffles 88, 89 of induction part P(a) and that guide gas flowing into the processing chamber 14 and minimise turbulence.
  • the supplementary outlet 103 may be short relative to the elongate extent of the inlet opening 70 of the eduction housing 68.
  • the supplementary housing 101 and the supplementary outlet 103 each may be of elongate form, with a length that is at least from a major part of the length of the inlet opening 70 to substantially the same as opening 70, of the eduction housing.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un système d'alimentation en gaz pour l'atmosphère protectrice dans un appareil pour la production de composants métalliques par fabrication additive comprenant un boîtier d'introduction de gaz pouvant être monté au niveau d'un premier emplacement d'un boîtier de chambre de traitement de boîtier, présentant un orifice d'entrée et une ouverture de sortie, l'orifice d'entrée pouvant être raccordé à une source de gaz de protection pour la chambre de traitement afin de permettre un écoulement du gaz vers la chambre de traitement. Le système comprend en outre un boîtier d'évacuation pouvant être monté au niveau d'un second emplacement de la chambre de traitement, présentant une ouverture d'entrée et un orifice de sortie pour permettre à un gaz d'être attiré hors de la chambre de traitement, dans le boîtier d'évacuation, pour un échappement à partir de l'orifice de sortie.
PCT/AU2017/051239 2017-11-13 2017-11-13 Système d'alimentation en gaz dans la fabrication additive de composants métalliques WO2019090377A1 (fr)

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CN111822706A (zh) * 2020-07-09 2020-10-27 杭州喜马拉雅信息科技有限公司 一种减少成型零件缺陷的金属3d打印设备
CN111922337A (zh) * 2020-09-01 2020-11-13 贵州航天风华精密设备有限公司 镁合金3d打印装置控制系统
DE102020115420A1 (de) 2020-06-10 2021-12-16 Trumpf Laser- Und Systemtechnik Gmbh Absaugkanal bei der generativen Fertigung
US20220250328A1 (en) * 2019-07-26 2022-08-11 Velo3D, Inc. Quality assurance in formation of three-dimensional objects
EP4074438A1 (fr) * 2021-04-16 2022-10-19 General Electric Company Unités de construction de fabrication additive dotées de systèmes d'inertie de gaz de traitement
EP4074439A1 (fr) * 2021-04-16 2022-10-19 General Electric Company Unités de construction de fabrication additive dotées de systèmes d'inertie de gaz de traitement
EP4074437A1 (fr) * 2021-04-16 2022-10-19 General Electric Company Unités de construction de fabrication additive dotées de systèmes d'inertie de gaz de traitement
EP4374989A1 (fr) * 2022-11-17 2024-05-29 General Electric Company Système de distribution de gaz d'une machine de fabrication additive

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US20220250328A1 (en) * 2019-07-26 2022-08-11 Velo3D, Inc. Quality assurance in formation of three-dimensional objects
US11999110B2 (en) * 2019-07-26 2024-06-04 Velo3D, Inc. Quality assurance in formation of three-dimensional objects
DE102020115420A1 (de) 2020-06-10 2021-12-16 Trumpf Laser- Und Systemtechnik Gmbh Absaugkanal bei der generativen Fertigung
DE102020115420B4 (de) 2020-06-10 2022-08-04 Trumpf Laser- Und Systemtechnik Gmbh Absaugkanal bei der generativen Fertigung
CN111822706A (zh) * 2020-07-09 2020-10-27 杭州喜马拉雅信息科技有限公司 一种减少成型零件缺陷的金属3d打印设备
CN111922337A (zh) * 2020-09-01 2020-11-13 贵州航天风华精密设备有限公司 镁合金3d打印装置控制系统
EP4074439A1 (fr) * 2021-04-16 2022-10-19 General Electric Company Unités de construction de fabrication additive dotées de systèmes d'inertie de gaz de traitement
EP4074437A1 (fr) * 2021-04-16 2022-10-19 General Electric Company Unités de construction de fabrication additive dotées de systèmes d'inertie de gaz de traitement
CN115214123A (zh) * 2021-04-16 2022-10-21 通用电气公司 具有过程气体惰性化系统的增材制造构建单元
US11759861B2 (en) 2021-04-16 2023-09-19 General Electric Company Additive manufacturing build units with process gas inertization systems
US11938539B2 (en) 2021-04-16 2024-03-26 General Electric Company Additive manufacturing build units with process gas inertization systems
EP4074438A1 (fr) * 2021-04-16 2022-10-19 General Electric Company Unités de construction de fabrication additive dotées de systèmes d'inertie de gaz de traitement
EP4374989A1 (fr) * 2022-11-17 2024-05-29 General Electric Company Système de distribution de gaz d'une machine de fabrication additive

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