WO2022025889A1

WO2022025889A1 - Container with dividing wall arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2022025889A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/044131
Authority: WO
Inventors: Davinia FONT CALAFELL; Marc BORRAS CAMARASA; Julia ALMACELLAS VISA; Sergio GONZALEZ MARTIN
Original assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date: 2020-07-30
Filing date: 2020-07-30
Publication date: 2022-02-03

Abstract

A container is provided with a perimeter wall extending about a space to receive a three-dimensional printed job having a volume of at least one printed part and associated excess build material. Furthermore, the container is provided with a dividing wall arrangement extending across the space between first and second portions of the perimeter wall. The dividing wall arrangement is to increase the rate of cooling of the three-dimensional printed job.

Description

CONTAINER WITH DIVIDING WALL ARRANGEMENT

BACKGROUND

[0001] Additive manufacturing machines produce three-dimensional (3D) objects by building up layers of material. Some additive manufacturing machines are commonly referred to as "3D printers". 3D printers and other additive manufacturing machines make it possible to convert a virtual model or other digital representation of an object into the physical object. The model data may be processed into slices each defining a portion of a layer or layers of build material to be formed into the object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Some non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will be described in the following with reference to the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example container;

Figure 2 is an example of a method that may be used with a container as described herein;

Figure 3 is an example of a method that may be used to position a dividing wall arrangement in a container;

Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of another example container, the having a dividing wall arrangement including a pair of dividing walls;

Figures 5A to 5C are schematic perspective views of a further example container which may releasably retain a dividing wall arrangement including a pair of dividing walls extending between portions of a perimeter wall of the container;

Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of yet another example container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0003] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific examples in which the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other examples may be utilised and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims. It is to be understood that features of the various examples described herein may be combined, in part or whole, with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise.

[0004] Additive manufacturing, sometimes called three-dimensional or 3D printing, is a process of making a three-dimensional solid object. Prior to manufacturing, the three-dimensional object may be represented as a 3D model which defines the object or objects to be created via the additive manufacturing processes during a printing operation. The three-dimensional object may include a single object, multiple objects, an object fully enclosed in another object, or multiple objects in an interlocked and inseparable assembly. Three-dimensional objects generated by an additive manufacturing process may be formed in a layer-by-layer manner and, in one example, an object may be generated by fusing or otherwise binding portions of successively deposited layers of build material. In this example, a three-dimensional object is formed as each layer of build material is deposited such that the resultant three-dimensional object is at least partly surrounded by unfused, unbound or untreated build material following formation. In this example, a ‘three-dimensional printed job’ is defined as the volume of build material including one or multiple three- dimensional printed objects and the remaining unfused, unbound or untreated build material which at least partly surrounds the three dimensional printed object(s). For the avoidance of doubt, the term ‘unfused’ will be used throughout to represent build material that has not been fused or bound during an additive manufacturing process to form a three-dimensional printed object.

[0005] The term ‘build material’ is generally understood to define a substance that can be used to generate a three-dimensional object. The build material can include a range of materials such as polymeric materials, ceramic materials and metallic materials. The build material may be in the form of a powder. In operation, one or multiple powdered build materials may be deposited on a build surface of an additive manufacturing system and then fused as previously described to form a desired three dimensional object. A powdered build material may include powders, spheres, granules, pellets, fibres, platelets, particles of irregular shape, hollow particles, and combinations thereof. In some examples the powder may be formed from, or may include, short fibres that may, for example, have been cut into short lengths from long strands or threads of material. In other examples, the powder may be formed from, or may include, substantially spherical particles. In yet other examples, the powder may be formed from, or may include particles of irregular shape.

[0006] Some additive manufacturing processes apply heat to the build material during the additive manufacturing process or utilise processes that generate heat as the build material is fused or otherwise combined to form the three-dimensional printed object. Consequently, some additive manufacturing processes include a post-build cooling process to reduce the temperature of the three-dimensional printed job such that the three-dimensional printed job can be post-processed or handled safely. In some cases, the time for a three-dimensional printed job to decrease to an acceptable temperature following manufacture may be greater than the time taken to form the three-dimensional printed object. In an example, a three-dimensional printed job of volume 0.04 m³ using a polyamide build material may take 11 hours to manufacture and subsequent cooling to below 80°C may take 24 hours. In this situation, a build workflow that includes multiple successive manufacturing events using a single additive manufacturing apparatus may have to wait for an initial three-dimensional printed job to cool before a following three-dimensional printed job can commence. Consequently, apparatus and methods that may accelerate the post-manufacturing cooling process may allow for increased apparatus utilisation and more rapid workflow completion.

[0007] A three-dimensional printed job has a volume of build material which may include a three-dimensional printed part surrounded by untreated build material. The centre region of the volume of the three-dimensional printed job may retain the most residual heat following formation of the three-dimensional printed object. Forming the three-dimensional printed part or object away from the centre of the volume of the three-dimensional printed job, dividing the volume of the three-dimensional printed job into multiple volumes, and/or allowing flow of fluid through at least part of the container in which the three-dimensional printed job resides may allow for an increased rate of cooling and more rapid dissipation of heat away from the three-dimensional printed job. [0008] With reference to Figure 1 , a container 2 is shown having a perimeter wall 4 extending about a space 6 to receive a three-dimensional printed job (not shown in Figure 1). For the avoidance of doubt, the term ‘space’ in the examples herein refers to the internal volume of the container defined by the perimeter wall 4. The perimeter wall 4 rests upon planar base 13. In some examples, the perimeter wall 4 and/or planar base 13 of the container may be formed from metals, polymeric materials, ceramics, or any combination thereof. The material forming the container may be selected to have a thermal tolerance above the maximum point temperature of a three- dimensional printed job following formation of a three-dimensional printed object. In an example, the container may be formed from a material with a thermal tolerance in excess of 150°C, such as polypropylene. In another example, the container may be formed from a material with a thermal tolerance in excess of 1400°C, such as stainless steel. A container may be made with established fabrication techniques or additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing.

[0009] The space 6 of container 2 may be of any suitable volume to receive and hold the volume of at least one printed part and associated untreated build material suffice that the three-dimensional printed part and untreated build material may be received within the container 2. In an example, space 6 of the container 2 may have a length, width and height in the range of approximately 100 mm to 1000 mm. In another example, the container may have a length, width and height in the range of approximately 200 mm to 500 mm. Other lengths, widths and heights of container may be used depending on the volume of the three-dimensional printed job. In each example, the length, width and height of the container may be the same or may be different. One dimension of the container may be different in size to the other two dimensions of the container. In an example where an additive manufacturing apparatus has an effective building volume of 380 x 285 x 380 mm, the volume of space 6 of the container without a dividing wall arrangement 8 may also be 380 x 285 x 380 mm.

[0010] The container 2 has a dividing wall arrangement 8 extending across the space 6 between first and second portions 12,14 of the perimeter wall 4. The dividing wall arrangement 8 divides the space 6 into a plurality of separate zones 18,20. A dividing wall arrangement has a size and shape to extend from one portion of perimeter wall to another to divide the space of a container into zones isolated from one another. The dividing wall arrangement may be formed from a single dividing wall 8 as shown in container 2 of Figure 1 . The single dividing wall 8 of container 2 extends across the space 6 between first and second portions 12,14 of perimeter wall 4. In the example of Figure 1 , the single dividing wall 8 is solid or substantially solid. In these examples, solid or substantially solid refers to the single dividing wall being structured such that no channels, conduits or pathways are present that would allow fluid to flow through the single dividing wall. In this manner, the term ‘solid’ is intended to encompass a continuous solid with no internal void space, a honeycomb structure with isolated internal void spaces, or any other suitable solid structure which will not allow fluid to flow through the internal volume of the single solid dividing wall 8.

[0011] The dividing wall arrangement 8 may be formed from the same material as the perimeter wall 4 of the container 2 but may equally be formed from a different material from the perimeter wall 4. In some examples, the dividing wall arrangement may be formed, at least in part, from a thermally conductive material such as a metal. Forming the dividing wall arrangement, at least in part, from a thermally conductive material may increase the rate at which a three-dimensional printed job in the container 2 cools.

[0012] The perimeter wall 4 and dividing wall arrangement 8 may be of any suitable thickness to form a substantially rigid structure. In one example, the thickness of the perimeter wall 4 and dividing wall arrangement 8 are the same. In another example, the thickness of the perimeter wall 4 and dividing wall arrangement 8 are different. For example, the thickness of the perimeter wall 4 and/or the dividing wall arrangement may be between 0.8 mm and 200 mm. In an example where the perimeter wall is formed from rolled steel, the thickness of the perimeter wall may be 3 to 5 mm. In another example, the dividing wall arrangement may be 2 mm thick. Other thicknesses of dividing wall may be used.

[0013] In use, the space 6 receives the three-dimensional printed job with a volume of at least one printed part and associated untreated build material (not shown). The space 6 of the container 2 may receive the three-dimensional printed job in a number of ways. In one example, the space 6 of the container 2 receives the three-dimensional printed job via transfer from the build area of a build unit (not shown). In this example, the transfer may be effected using a platform moveable between the build area of a build unit and the container 2. Where the container 2 receives the three-dimensional printed job via transfer from a build unit using a moveable platform, the moveable platform may become the planar base 13 of the container 2 upon or around which the perimeter wall 4 resides. In other examples, the three-dimension printed job may be divided during or shortly after movement by the moveable platform by a divider. In this example, the divider may be the planar base. In a yet further example, the moveable platform may have an upper platform and a lower platform and the upper platform forms the planar base free of the lower platform. The build unit in which the three- dimensional object is formed and the container 2 may be separate distal units. Where the build unit and the container are separate units, the three-dimensional printed job may be transferred from the build unit to the container 2 using any suitable movement means. Suitable movement means may include a carriage, trolley, conveyor, robot, elevator, or other movement means. The container 2 may have an interface (not shown) engageable with an external platform to facilitate transfer of the three- dimensional printed job to the container. In another example, the container 2 receives the three-dimensional printed job by formation of the container 2 around, or as part of, the three-dimensional printed job itself. In this example, the container 2 may be formed from the same material as used to form the three-dimensional printed job. In such an example, the container 2 and three-dimensional printed job may be transferred out of a build unit to another location where the cooling process can be carried out.

[0014] The dividing wall arrangement 8 of Figure 1 may be releasably retained to the first and second portions 12,14 of the perimeter wall 4 or may, in other examples, be fixedly retained in a way which prevents release of the dividing wall arrangement 8 from the perimeter wall 4 (not shown in Figure 1 ). In an example where the dividing wall arrangement 8 is fixedly retained, the dividing wall arrangement 8 may be formed integrally with the perimeter wall 4 or attached via weld, adhesive, or the like. In examples where the dividing wall arrangement 8 is fixedly retained, the container 2 may be lowered over the three-dimensional printed job so that the perimeter wall of the container surrounds the three-dimensional printed job. In the example of Figure 1 , the single dividing wall 8 of container 2 is retained in groove arrangements 24,26 positioned in portions 12, 14 of container 2. The arrangements 24,26 receive the single dividing wall 8 and may prevent subsequent release of the single dividing wall 8. Where an arrangement to retain a single dividing wall 8 is present, the retaining arrangement may have one or multiple snap-fit clip, hooks, or similar gripping mechanisms to hook onto or grip the dividing wall arrangement 8. The dividing wall arrangement may also be held in place by a frictional or interference fit. In another example, the arrangement releasably receives the single dividing wall 8 and allows a subsequent release of the single dividing wall 8 from the remainder of the container 2. As shown in Figure 1 , each groove arrangement 24,26 is provided by two protrusions 28,30 extending from the associated portion 12,14 of the perimeter wall 4. In another example, the grooves are provided as recesses in the perimeter wall 4 to retain the single dividing wall 8. Accordingly, in that example, the grooves do not protrude into the space 6 of the container 2.

[0015] The first and second portions 12,14 of the perimeter wall 4 are located on opposite sides of the container 2 in the example of Figure 1. Consequently, the arrangement to retain the single dividing wall 8 is shown positioned and oriented such that the single dividing wall 8 divides the space 6 of the container 2 into two halves (i.e. two separate zones of equal size). Flowever, in further examples, the single dividing wall may be positioned and oriented to divide the space within the container in to separate zones of unequal size. In an example, a dividing wall arrangement may be positioned abutting two non-adjacent walls such that a rectangular or square container is divided into is divided into two zones of triangular cross section.

[0016] The use of a dividing wall arrangement may allow for the more rapid cooling of a three-dimensional printed job following formation of an object. In an example, a three-dimensional printed job may have a maximum temperature of 140°C following formation of a three-dimensional printed object. In the absence of a dividing wall arrangement, the time for the three-dimensional printed job of volume 380 x 284 x 340 mm using a polyamide build material to cool to 80°C may be 24 hours. When the same three-dimensional printed job is repeated and a single dividing wall of 2 mm thickness is used as shown and described in respect of Figure 1 , the time for the three- dimensional printed job to cool to 80°C is reduced to 17 hours.

[0017] Figure 2 shows an example of a method 200 that may be used with a container such as the container shown and described in relation to Figure 1 . In an example, the method 200 may be executed by a controller. In another example, the method 200 may be carried out automatically following initiation by a user. In other examples, the method 200 may be carried out without direct input or initiation by a user. Method 200 includes transferring 201 the three-dimensional printed job from a first position, in which the three-dimensional printed job is made, to a second position separated from the first position, in which the three-dimensional printed job is received by the space of the container. In an example, the first position is a build area of a build unit. Method 200 further includes locating 202 the dividing wall arrangement of the container in the volume of the three-dimensional printed job to divide the three-dimensional printed job into a plurality of separated volumes wherein each of the plurality of volumes is separated from each other of the plurality of volumes by the dividing wall arrangement and is located in a different one of a plurality of separate zones of the container.

[0018] Locating 202 the dividing wall arrangement of the container in the volume of the three-dimensional printed job may, in an example, involve inserting the dividing wall arrangement through the three-dimensional printed job from one perimeter portion of the three-dimensional printed job to another perimeter portion of the three-dimensional printed job. In another example, when locating 202 a dividing wall arrangement of the container in the volume of the three-dimensional printed job, the dividing wall arrangement may be inserted through the three-dimensional printed job substantially simultaneously as the three-dimensional printed job is received by the space of the container. Such insertion is possible when the plane of the or each dividing wall arrangement, when installed in the container, is parallel with the direction of movement of the container relative to the three-dimensional printed job as the three-dimensional printed job is received in the space of the container. In some examples, the container will be lowered over the three-dimensional printed job so that the perimeter wall of the container surrounds the three-dimensional printed job. As a container, such as the example container 2 of Figure 1 , is lowered and the three-dimensional printed job enters the space about which the perimeter wall extends, the dividing wall arrangement parts the untreated build material due to the exertion of force upon the build material from the dividing wall arrangement as the dividing wall arrangement enters the volume of the three-dimensional printed job. The locating 202 may also involve positioning the dividing wall arrangement through a volume of the associated untreated build material of the three-dimensional printed job which is predetermined to receive the dividing wall arrangement. The predetermined volume of untreated build material may be a portion of the volume of the three-dimensional printed job that does not contain any three-dimensional printed objects or parts such that the dividing wall arrangement may be positioned to divide the three-dimensional printed job without touching, damaging, or otherwise interacting with any part of the three-dimensional printed object.

[0019] In an example, when locating 202 the dividing wall arrangement of the container in the volume of the three-dimensional printed job, the dividing wall arrangement may be inserted through the three-dimensional printed job after the three-dimensional printed job has been received by the space of the container. This is the case in examples where the dividing wall arrangement is not pre-installed prior to the three- dimensional printed job being located in the container. This is also the case when it is not possible to insert a dividing wall arrangement through the three-dimensional printed job substantially simultaneously as the three-dimensional printed job is received by the space of the container. This will be the case when, for example, the plane of a planar dividing wall arrangement is perpendicular with the direction of movement of the container relative to the three-dimensional printed job as the three- dimensional printed job is located in the space of the container.

[0020] When inserting the dividing wall arrangement through the three-dimensional printed job, the dividing wall arrangement may be pressed through a volume of the associated untreated build material of the three-dimensional printed job which is predetermined to receive the dividing wall or walls (i.e. , volume free of any printed part of the three-dimensional printed job). It is known where the printed parts are located in the three-dimensional printed job and which regions of, and planes through, the three-dimensional printed job are of untreated build material free from printed parts. This may be known from the virtual model of the three-dimensional printed job. A dividing wall arrangement may be inserted in these regions or planes of the three- dimensional printed job to avoid damaging the printed parts contained within the volume of the three-dimensional printed job.

[0021] Figure 3 shows an example of a method 300 that may be used to design a container or to position a dividing wall arrangement in a container. In an example, the method 300 may be executed by a controller. In another example, the method 300 may be carried out automatically following initiation by a user. In other examples, the method 300 may be carried out without direct input or initiation by a user. The arrangement of a container, or the position of the dividing wall arrangement within a container, may be established by determining 301 the location relative to the container of the or each printed part to be received by the space of the container. The method also involves determining 302 a position of the dividing wall arrangement which circumvents the determined location (as determined in 301 ) of the or each printed part and intersects associated untreated build material when the dividing wall arrangements enters the volume of the three-dimensional printed job. The location of the or each printed part relative to the container may be determined from the virtual model of the three-dimensional printed job.

[0022] In an example wherein the container is made by 3D printing, the container may be made separately to the three-dimensional printed job to be received by the container. In another example wherein the container is made by 3D printing, the container may be made at substantially the same time as the three-dimensional printed job, and with the same 3D printer and from the same build material. In an example where the container is made at substantially the same time as the three- dimensional printed job, the container, including the or each dividing wall arrangement, is substantially simultaneously built together with the parts of the three-dimensional printed job and surrounds those parts and associated untreated build material. In this example, the container is itself a three-dimensional printed job, but in the context of the present disclosure, reference to a three-dimensional printed job is a reference to the parts and associated untreated build material received in the space about which the perimeter wall of the container extends.

[0023] With reference to Figure 4, a container 402 is shown having a perimeter wall 404 extending about a space 406 to receive a three-dimensional printed job (not shown in Figure 4). The container 402 has a dividing wall arrangement formed from a pair of dividing walls 408,410 extending across the space 406 between first and second portions 412,414 of the perimeter wall 404, wherein a gap 416 is provided between the pair of dividing walls 408,410 and divides the space 406 into a plurality of separate zones 418,420. Use of a container including a dividing wall arrangement including one or multiple gaps allows a cooling fluid to flow through the gap separating the plurality of volumes of the three-dimensional printed job to cool the three- dimensional printed job. The flow of fluid may introduce a fluid to the gap that is lower in temperature than the dividing wall arrangement and/or the three-dimensional printed job. The fluid may become heated and subsequently carry heat out of the gap. The fluid may be any fluid suitable to flow through the gap and carry heat away from the three-dimensional printed job, container, and/or dividing wall arrangement. In an example, the fluid may be air, nitrogen, water, or any other suitable fluid. The fluid may, in an example, be incited to flow through the gap using a pump, multiple pumps, fan, or multiple fans.

[0024] Although a pair of dividing walls is shown and described in the example of Figure 4 and some of the examples that follow, it will be understood that any suitable number of dividing walls with an appropriate number of gaps may form a dividing wall arrangement with a gap. For example, a dividing wall arrangement may include three walls with two gaps formed therebetween. In another example, a dividing wall arrangement may include four walls with three gaps formed therebetween. While the examples provided show a gap formed from two parallel dividing walls, a gap may also be formed using a single dividing wall arrangement with a V-shaped cross section, Y- shaped cross section, U-shaped cross section, FI-shaped cross section, W-shaped cross section, or other cross section including a cross sectional component that is not wholly vertical in nature. In an example where a dividing wall arrangement includes multiple dividing walls, a dividing wall arrangement may provided with one or multiple elements located between the two dividing walls of the dividing wall arrangement. The or each element may be secured to each dividing wall to retain the dividing walls in a fixed positional relationship to one another.

[0025] The gap may be any suitable size such that fluid may flow through the gap to carry heat away from a three-dimensional printed job present in the space 406 of the container 402. In an example, the gap 416 may have a dimension similar to that of space 416 to provide an effective contact area between the dividing wall arrangement and fluid flow pathway that allows heat to be carried away from the portions of the three-dimensional printed job in contact with the dividing wall arrangement. In one example, the gap is of similar height to the height of the space 406. In another example, the gap is of similar width to the width of space 406. In another example, the gap is of similar width and height to the width and height of space 406. In a yet further example, the gap is of identical width and height to the width and height of space 406.

[0026] In the container 402 of Figure 4, the pair of dividing walls 408,410 are fixedly retained to the first and second portions 412,414 of the perimeter wall 4 in a way which prevents their release from the perimeter wall 4. In the example of Figure 4, the pair of dividing walls 408,410 are made integrally with the perimeter wall 404. In other examples, the pair of dividing walls 408,410 are secured to the first and second portions 412,414 of the perimeter wall 404 by weld, adhesive, or the like when the dividing wall arrangement is fixedly retained.

[0027] A pair of dividing walls forming a dividing wall arrangement may, where present, be formed from a thermally conductive material such that containers including a thermally conductive pair of dividing walls will allow heat to be conducted away from the three-dimensional printed job via the thermally conductive dividing wall arrangement. When thermally conductive dividing walls of a dividing wall arrangement are combined with a flow of fluid through the gap between a pair of dividing walls, the rate of cooling may be further increased. Forming the single dividing wall or pair of dividing walls from a thermally conductive material may allow the dividing wall arrangement to act as a heat exchanger or heat sink by which heat is transferred from the three-dimensional printed job to the thermally conductive wall material from where it may be transferred to a fluid flowing through the gap of the dividing wall arrangement or carried through the thermally conductive dividing wall away from the three- dimensional printed job. In a further example, a thermally conductive single dividing wall or pair of dividing walls may be in contact with a heat sink or heat exchanger such that a temperature gradient is formed to draw heat away from a three-dimensional printed job. An example of a thermally conductive material is a metal. Examples of thermally conductive metals include copper and aluminium.

[0028] With reference to Figures 5A, 5B and 5C, another example of a container 502 is provided. Container 502 is shown having a perimeter wall 504 extending about a space 506 to receive a three-dimensional printed job 522 (shown received in the space 506 in Figure 5C). The three-dimensional printed job 522 has a volume of at least one printed part and associated untreated build material. In the example of Figures 5A to 5C, container 502 has arrangements to retain a dividing wall arrangement adjacent the first and second portions 512,514 of the perimeter wall 504. In contrast to the container 402 of Figure 4, the dividing wall arrangement of the example of Figures 5A, 5B and 5C is distinct from the container 502 and may be inserted into the container prior to or during use. In an example, moving from Figure 5A to Figure 5B, the arrangement receives the pair of dividing walls 508,510.

[0029] In the examples of Figure 5B and 5C, the container 502 has a pair of dividing walls 508,510 extending across the space 506 between first and second portions 512,514 of the internal face of the perimeter wall 504, wherein gap 516 is provided between the pair of dividing walls 508,510 and divides the space 506 into a plurality of separate zones 518,520. The arrangement to retain the pair of dividing walls 508,510 may be at least one groove in a portion of the perimeter wall to receive the pair of dividing walls 508,510. In the examples of Figures 5A, 5B and 5C, the arrangement to retain the pair of dividing walls 508,510 may include two grooves 524,526, with a first portion 512 of the perimeter wall 504 being provided with a first groove 524 and a second portion 514 of the perimeter wall 504 being provided with a second groove 526. Each groove 524,526 may be provided by two protrusions 528,530 extending from the associated portion 512,514 of the perimeter wall 504. In another example, the grooves may be provided as recesses in the perimeter wall 504. Accordingly, in the example in which the grooves are provided as recesses in the perimeter wall 504, the grooves do not protrude into the space 206 of the container 202.

[0030] In the example of Figures 5B and 5C, the pair of dividing walls 508,510 may be permanently retained against the perimeter wall 504 in use. In some examples, an arrangement to retain the pair of dividing walls 508,510 may have one or multiple snap- fit clip, hooks, or similar gripping mechanisms to hook onto or grip the pair of dividing walls 508,510. In another example, the arrangement releasably receives the pair of dividing walls 508,510 and allows a subsequent release of the pair of dividing walls 508,510 from the remainder of the container 502. [0031] The first and second portions 512,514 of the perimeter wall 504 of container 502 may be located on opposite sides of the container 502. Consequently, the arrangement to retain the dividing walls 508,510 may be positioned and oriented such that the pair of dividing walls 508,510 divides the space 506 of the container 502 into two halves (i.e. two separate zones of equal size). However, in different examples, pairs of dividing walls may be positioned and oriented to divide the space within the container into separate zones of unequal size. In further examples, the pair of dividing walls may be positioned between two non-adjacent walls such that a rectangular or square container is divided into is divided into two zones of triangular cross section by the pair of dividing walls.

[0032] In the examples provided, the or each single dividing wall or pair of dividing walls is planar. Where a pair of dividing walls is present in the examples provided, the dividing walls of each pair are oriented parallel with one another. In other examples, a single dividing wall or a pair of dividing walls may not be planar. A dividing wall arrangement may be curved, for instance, part-spherical. Where a single dividing wall or pair of dividing walls is curved, an arrangement for releasably retaining the single dividing wall or pair of dividing walls may be provided to permit the curved single dividing wall or pair of dividing walls to be slid in to into and out of the space of the container. Where the arrangement is a groove or plurality of grooves to receive a curved edge of a single dividing wall or pair of dividing walls, the or each groove will be similarly curved. In yet other examples, the dividing wall arrangement may be of an irregular non-planar shape.

[0033] In another example including a pair of dividing walls, the or each pair of dividing walls is provided with a seal which locates along parallel edges of the dividing walls to close the gap between the pair of dividing walls at the edges. The seal may be removable. In use, this seal closes the gap to prevent, or assist in preventing, build material entering the gap between the pair of dividing walls as the pair of dividing walls are pressed through the untreated build material of the three-dimensional printed job. In the case where the seal is removable, the seal may be removed once the pair of dividing walls has been located in the three-dimensional printed job. Removal of the seal forms an opening to the gap to receive a flow of fluid in to or out of the gap between the pair of dividing walls. [0034] In another example, no seal is provided along parallel edges of the dividing walls to close the gap. In this case, untreated build material will enter the gap between the pair of dividing walls as the pair of dividing walls are pressed through the untreated build material of the three-dimensional printed job during use. Build material in the gap between the pair of dividing walls would then be subsequently removed from the gap. In any of the examples provided where build material is present in the gap of a dividing wall arrangement, the build material present in the gap may be removed by scooping, brushing or otherwise lifting build material from the gap, by blowing build material from the gap, by suction techniques, or any other suitable means of removing build material from the gap.

[0035] With reference to Figure 6, another example of a container 602 is shown which is similar to the container 502 from Figures 5A, 5B and 5C. In a similar manner to the containers shown in Figures 1 , 4, and 5A to 5C, the container 602 shown in Figure 6 has a perimeter wall 604 extending about a space 606 with a pair of dividing walls 608,610 extending across the space 606 between first and second portions 612,614 of the perimeter wall 604. Gap 616 is provided between the pair of dividing walls 608,610, dividing space 606 into two separate zones 618,620. Flowever, the container 602 further comprises two additional arrangements 643-644,645-646 for retaining a, or further, dividing wall arrangements (the further dividing wall arrangements not shown retained in the additional arrangements in Figure 6).

[0036] The perimeter wall 604 of Figure 6 includes a plurality of arrangements

641 .642.643.644.645.646 to retain a dividing wall arrangement extending across the space between different portions of the perimeter wall. As shown in Figure 6, one pair of dividing walls 608,610 is retained adjacent the perimeter wall. This pair of dividing walls 608,610 is retained by an arrangement 641 ,642 while each of the other arrangements 643,644,645,646 do not receive and retain a pair of dividing walls in the example provided in Figure 6. The pair of dividing walls 608,610 may, however, be selectively beatable in the second arrangement 643,644 or in the third arrangement

645.646 if desired by the user. In this way, the container 602 has a configuration in which the position of the dividing wall arrangement is adjustable in use or prior to use. [0037] In yet further examples, the container 603 may include a plurality of dividing wall arrangements. In examples including a plurality of dividing wall arrangements, the arrangements 641 ,642,643,644,645,646 may each retain a single dividing wall, multiple dividing walls with a gap therebetween, a dividing wall or V- or Y-shaped cross section, no dividing wall, or any combination thereof. In an example, the container 602 may have at least one additional pair of dividing walls having a gap provided therebetween which in combination with the gap of the first pair of dividing walls 608,610 further divides the space 606. The container 602 may have a total of three pairs of dividing walls having a gap provided therebetween which divides the space 606 into at least three separate zones. In some examples, the zones are of equal size and shape. In other examples, the space 606 is divided such that the various zones are of different sizes and shapes. Dividing the space 606 of container 602 into more than two zones may increase the rate of cooling of a three-dimensional printed job as each zone holding a portion of the three-dimensional printed job may be lower in volume than the volumes that would be obtained were the three-dimensional printed job and space divided into two zones. In examples where a plurality of dividing wall arrangements are present each with a gap, the presence of multiple gaps may accelerate cooling as fluid may flow through each gap to carry heat away from the three-dimensional printed job. In other examples, a different number of arrangements are provided to retain a plurality of dividing wall arrangements, and these arrangements may be provided in different positions on the perimeter wall to those shown in Figure 6.

[0038] In another example (not shown), at least one of the dividing wall arrangements is arranged to be horizontally in a plane located in the space of the container parallel with a planar base of the container, such as planar base 613 of the container 602 of Figure 6. The containers 2,402,502,602 may each be modified to accommodate such a horizontal dividing wall arrangement. In examples of modified containers, the perimeter wall is provided with one or multiple holes or slots through which a dividing wall arrangement may be located. The holes or slots, where present, may extend from the exterior of the container (through the perimeter wall) and into the space of the container. When inserted through a hole or slot and into the space of the container, a horizontal dividing wall arrangement may extend across the space from a first portion of the perimeter wall either to a second portion of the perimeter wall and be positioned parallel to the planar base of the container. If an intervening dividing wall arrangement is present in an alignment perpendicular to the planar base of the container, the horizontal dividing wall arrangement may extend from a hole or slot in a first portion of the perimeter wall to the intervening dividing wall arrangement. An example of an intervening pair of dividing walls are the pair of dividing walls 608,610 of container 602. An example of the position of such a hole or slot 650 is shown in Figure 6 with reference to container 602. However, such a slot or hole may equally be positioned in the similar or equivalent position in containers 2,202,402,502.

[0039] In an example where a container comprises a hole or slot such as hole or slot 650 and where an intervening dividing wall arrangement is present, a horizontal dividing wall arrangement positioned through or using the slot 650 will locate on one side of the intervening single dividing wall or pair of dividing walls. In other examples, the perimeter wall may be provided with a further hole or slot through which a further horizontal dividing wall arrangement may be positioned, extending from the exterior of the container, through the perimeter wall, and into the space of the container on the other side of the intervening dividing wall arrangement from slot 650. In this example, the further dividing wall arrangement extends across the space from a second portion of the perimeter wall to the intervening dividing wall arrangement. In this way, the space of the container may be divided into four zones by a vertically oriented dividing wall arrangement and a suitable number of horizontally oriented dividing wall arrangements. In this example, the intervening dividing wall arrangement and dividing wall arrangements positioned through or using holes or slots such as slot 650 may be oriented perpendicularly to one another. While examples have been provided where additional dividing wall arrangements are arranged horizontally and parallel relative to the planar base of the container, in other examples additional dividing wall arrangement or arrangements may be arranged at an angle that is between parallel and perpendicular with the planar base of the container. Therefore, in an example (not shown), at least one additional pair of dividing walls is arranged at an angle of between 1 degree and 89 degrees to the first pair of dividing walls.

[0040] The or each hole or slot, such as slot 650, may, where present include one or multiple arrangements to retain the or each further dividing wall arrangement adjacent the perimeter wall and in a plane parallel to, or at an angle to, the planar base of the container. In an example, the arrangements may include one or multiple grooves. In a further example, the arrangements may include one or multiple protrusions. The arrangements may also assist in guiding the or each dividing wall arrangement positioned using the slot. In an example, as the or each dividing wall arrangement is slid through the hole or slot from the uninstalled position to the installed position during use, an arrangement of protrusions extending from the slot (not shown) may guide the dividing wall arrangement into position.

[0041] The or each dividing wall arrangement which locates in a hole or slot through the perimeter wall may do so with abutment or a seal between the single dividing wall or pair of dividing walls and the perimeter wall sufficient to substantially prevent build material from leaking between the hole or slot and the single dividing wall or pair of dividing walls located therein during use of the container.

[0042] In the example containers described above where the dividing wall arrangement is not releasably retained, the base of the container may be moveable and/or removable so that it can receive the three-dimensional printed job whilst separate from the remainder of the container. In such containers the base may be slid under a three-dimensional printed job, over the build platform on which the three- dimensional printed job is made. The three-dimensional printed job is then moved on the base to the remainder of the container, which is placed over the three-dimensional printed job. In other containers where the dividing wall arrangement is releasably retained, the base of the container may not be removable. In these examples, the three-dimensional printed job may be received by the container and base with the dividing wall arrangement uninstalled. In each of these examples, a container may be optionally provided with a top cover or removable closure.

[0043] In further examples a container such as container 2,402,502,602 may include a controller, or may be part of a system which includes a controller. Where the dividing wall arrangement includes a pair of dividing walls with a gap therebetween, the controller may control or allow a flow of fluid through the gap provided between the pair of dividing walls. In another example the flow may be selectively controlled or allowed by the controller in dependence upon parameters of a three-dimensional printed job within the container. In this way, the temperature of the three-dimensional printed job may be controlled within the container. The controller may comprise a plurality of components. The controller may be a programmable logic controller (PLC) or other computing device that can carry out instructions. The controller may include one or multiple processing elements that are integrated in a single device or distributed across devices. The controller may comprise a data input/output interface unit to receive input data from internal or external components or send data to internal or external components. In an example, the controller may comprise an input device (not shown) to allow a user to interact with the additive manufacturing apparatus, container, or any related controllable system or component. The controller may also output data to other external components, such as a display unit. The controller may further comprise a processor to manage all the components within the controller. Where present, the processor may process all data flow between the components within the controller. The processor may be any of a central processing unit, a semiconductor- based microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and/or other device suitable for retrieval and execution of instructions. The controller may further comprise a storage or memory unit to store any data or instructions which may need to be accessed by, for example, a processor. Where present, the memory unit may be any form of storage device capable of storing executable instructions, such as a non transient computer readable medium, for example Random Access Memory (RAM), Electrically-Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a storage drive, an optical disc, or the like. In further examples, the controller may be communicably coupled to an additive manufacturing machine and/or to the containers described in respect of Figures 1 , 4, 5A-5C and 6. In another example, the controller may execute instructions which cause the three-dimensional printed job to be transferred or moved from a build unit to a container following formation a three-dimensional object.

[0044] Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific examples shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific examples discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1 . A container comprising a perimeter wall extending about a space to receive a three-dimensional printed job having a volume of at least one printed part and associated excess build material; and a dividing wall arrangement extending across the space between first and second portions of the perimeter wall, wherein the dividing wall arrangement increases the rate of cooling of the three-dimensional printed job.

2. The container of claim 1 , wherein the dividing wall arrangement is a single solid dividing wall dividing the space into a plurality of separate zones and the single solid dividing wall is a heat sink or heat exchanger.

3. The container of claim 1 , wherein the dividing wall arrangement comprises a pair of dividing walls, wherein a gap is provided between the pair of dividing walls and divides the space into a plurality of separate zones.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the first and second portions of the perimeter wall each comprise an arrangement to retain the pair of dividing walls adjacent the first and second portions of the perimeter wall.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the arrangement to retain the pair of dividing walls is at least one groove in a portion of the perimeter wall to receive the pair of dividing walls.

6. The container of claim 3, further comprising at least one additional pair of dividing walls having a gap provided between the pair of dividing walls which in combination with the gap of the first pair of dividing walls divides the space into at least three separate zones.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein at least one additional pair of dividing walls is arranged at an angle to the first pair of dividing walls.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein at least one of the pairs of dividing walls is arranged to be in a plane located in the space and parallel with a planar base to receive the three-dimensional printed job within the space, and wherein the at least one of the pairs of dividing walls is slideable within the plane between an installed position, in which a zone one side of the plane is separated from a zone on the other side of the plane by the gap of the at least one of the pairs of dividing walls, and an uninstalled position, in which the at least one of the pairs of dividing walls is removed from the space.

9. The container of claim 3, further comprising a controller to control a flow of fluid through the gap provided between the pair of walls, the flow being selectively controlled by the controller in dependence upon parameters of a three-dimensional printed job to be temperature controlled within the container.

10. A method of using a container to receive a three-dimensional printed job having a volume of at least one printed part and associated excess build material, the container comprising a perimeter wall extending about a space to receive a three- dimensional printed job having a volume of at least one printed part and associated excess build material; and a dividing wall arrangement extending across the space between first and second portions of the perimeter wall, wherein the dividing wall arrangement increases the rate of cooling of the three-dimensional printed job, the method comprising: transferring the three-dimensional printed job from a first position, in which the three-dimensional printed job is made, to a second position separated from the first position, in which the three-dimensional printed job is received by the space of the container; and locating the dividing wall arrangement of the container in the volume of the three-dimensional printed job to divide the three-dimensional printed job into a plurality of separated volumes wherein each of the plurality of volumes is separated from each other of the plurality of volumes by the dividing wall arrangement and is located in a different one of a plurality of separate zones of the container, wherein the dividing wall arrangement is: a single solid dividing wall dividing the space into a plurality of separate zones; or a pair of dividing walls with a gap provided between the pair of dividing walls and dividing the space into a plurality of separate zones.

11 . The method of claim 10, wherein locating the dividing wall arrangement of the container in the volume of the three-dimensional printed job comprises inserting the dividing wall arrangement through the three-dimensional printed job from one perimeter portion of the three-dimensional printed job to another perimeter portion of the three-dimensional printed job.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein locating the dividing wall arrangement of the container in the volume of the three-dimensional printed job comprises inserting the dividing wall arrangement through the three-dimensional printed job simultaneously as the three-dimensional printed job is received by the space of the container.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein inserting the dividing wall arrangement through the three-dimensional printed job comprises pressing the dividing wall arrangement through a volume of the associated excess build material of the three- dimensional printed job which is predetermined to receive the dividing wall arrangement.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the dividing wall arrangement is a pair of dividing walls with a gap provided between the pair of dividing walls, the method further comprising allowing a cooling fluid to flow through the gap separating the plurality of volumes to cool the three-dimensional printed job.

15. A method of making a container comprising a perimeter wall extending about a space to receive a three-dimensional printed job having a volume of at least one printed part and associated excess build material; and a dividing wall arrangement extending across the space between first and second portions of the perimeter wall, wherein the dividing wall arrangement increases the rate of cooling of the three- dimensional printed job, the method comprising: determining the location relative to the container of the or each printed part to be received by the space of the container; and with reference to the determined location of the or each printed part, determining a position of the dividing wall arrangement which avoids the determined location of the or each printed part and intersects associated excess build material, wherein the dividing wall arrangement is: a single solid dividing wall dividing the space into a plurality of separate zones; or a pair of dividing walls with a gap provided between the pair of dividing walls and dividing the space into a plurality of separate zones.