Device and method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object with a heated recoater for a building material in powder form

US7850885B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• EOS GmbH Optical Systems · DE

Inventors

• Jochen Philippi · Munich, DE
• Hans Perret · Munich, DE
• Helmar Langer · Munich, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 28, 2006
• Grant date: Dec 14, 2010
• Expiry date: Sep 29, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B33Y40/10
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A device and a method for the manufacturing of a three-dimensional object (3) by solidifying of layers (25, 26) of a powder material at locations corresponding to the respective cross-section of the object (3) is provided. The device comprises a recoater (24) for applying the layers of the powder material (27) in the building area (5) which is moveable across the building area (5). The recoater (24) is designed with a rigid blade (21a, 21b) which is rigidly connected to the recoater (24). For preheating the powder material (27), the recoater (24) is provided with a heating device (20, 23) which is at least partially integrated into the recoater. In this way it is possible to preheat the powder already during or prior to applying it as a layer and thereby shortening the whole building time for the three-dimensional object (3).