Method and apparatus for producing three-dimensional objects
US8992816B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 3, 2008 |
| Grant date | Mar 31, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 14, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention concerns a method for producing three-dimensional objects (6) layer by layer using a powdery material which can be solidified by irradiating it with a beam (4) of charged particles, which method comprises the following steps: successive application of powder layers to a working area (5), and fusing together successive layers of said three-dimensional object (6) by successively irradiating the powdery layers with said beam (4). The invention is characterized in that it comprises the following steps: determining whether lifting of powdery material from the working area (5) occurs using a powder-lifting detection device (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 1Od, 1Oe) capable of generating a signal (S) upon detection of lifting of powdery material from the working area (5), and interrupting the irradiation of at least a part of the working area (5) where powder lifting occurs using the signal (S) generated by the powder-lifting detection device (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 1Oe) for automatically trigging the interruption. The invention also concerns an apparatus (1) for producing three-dimensional objects (6) layer by layer using a powdery material which can be solidified by irradiating it wit…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.