A calculation device used in a manufacturing apparatus for producing a 3D manufactured object from a solidified layer formed by heating a layer-shaped material layer formed of a powder material by irradiation with an energy beam includes a detection unit configured to obtain a state of the material layer based on a shape of the formed material layer, and an output unit configured to output information on the state of the material layer obtained by the detection unit to set a manufacturing condition of the manufacturing apparatus.

A calculation device used in a manufacturing apparatus for producing a 3D manufactured object from a solidified layer formed by heating a layer-shaped material layer formed of a powder material by irradiation with an energy beam includes a detection unit configured to obtain a state of the material layer based on a shape of the formed material layer, and an output unit configured to output information on the state of the material layer obtained by the detection unit to set a manufacturing condition of the manufacturing apparatus.

The invention relates to an apparatus for remelting material powder in layers to form a shaped body in a process chamber. The apparatus has a carrier for the layer build-up and an irradiation device for irradiating the powder in accordance with cross-sectional regions of the shaped body associated with the shaped body layers to be produced. A powder layer levelling and smoothing device having a smoothing slide for homogenising an amount of material powder on the carrier is provided, as well as an extraction device having a suction nozzle for extracting process smoke. The suction nozzle is movable in motor-driven fashion in the process chamber. Said suction nozzle is coupled to the smoothing slide for joint movement and is operable in suction mode during the joint movement, the irradiation device being active for irradiating the powder.

The invention relates to an apparatus for remelting material powder in layers to form a shaped body in a process chamber. The apparatus has a carrier for the layer build-up and an irradiation device for irradiating the powder in accordance with cross-sectional regions of the shaped body associated with the shaped body layers to be produced. A powder layer levelling and smoothing device having a smoothing slide for homogenising an amount of material powder on the carrier is provided, as well as an extraction device having a suction nozzle for extracting process smoke. The suction nozzle is movable in motor-driven fashion in the process chamber. Said suction nozzle is coupled to the smoothing slide for joint movement and is operable in suction mode during the joint movement, the irradiation device being active for irradiating the powder.

The invention relates to an apparatus for remelting material powder in layers to form a shaped body in a process chamber. The apparatus has a carrier for the layer build-up and an irradiation device for irradiating the powder in accordance with cross-sectional regions of the shaped body associated with the shaped body layers to be produced. A powder layer levelling and smoothing device having a smoothing slide for homogenising an amount of material powder on the carrier is provided, as well as an extraction device having a suction nozzle for extracting process smoke. The suction nozzle is movable in motor-driven fashion in the process chamber. Said suction nozzle is coupled to the smoothing slide for joint movement and is operable in suction mode during the joint movement, the irradiation device being active for irradiating the powder.

A three-dimensional (3D) printer build material spreader cooling system may include a build volume, a build material spreader, a spreader drive, a spreader cooler and a cooling fluid supply. The build material spreader may have a length and a first fluid conduit extending along the length. The spreader drive is to translate the build material spreader across the build volume. The spreader cooler is in thermal conductive contact with the build material spreader. The spreader cooler has a second fluid conduit extending along the length. The cooling fluid supply directs cooling fluid in a first direction through the first fluid conduit and in a second direction, opposite the first direction, through the second fluid conduit.

In some examples, an additive manufacturing machine includes an unfocused energy source to heat portions of a layer of build material as the unfocused energy source moves across the layer of build material during a build operation of a three-dimensional (3D) object. A focused energy source is controllable to selectively direct focused energy on the layer of build material during the build operation.

In some examples, an additive manufacturing machine includes an unfocused energy source to heat portions of a layer of build material as the unfocused energy source moves across the layer of build material during a build operation of a three-dimensional (3D) object. A focused energy source is controllable to selectively direct focused energy on the layer of build material during the build operation.

A system for recoating a powder bed includes a build platform holding a powder bed and an electrode assembly including an electrode and an insulating shield. A voltage supply produces a high voltage alternating current and communicates with the powder bed and the electrode. The electrode assembly is positionable over the powder bed, such that when the electrode assembly is over the powder bed, the shield is between the electrode and the powder bed's top surface. The voltage supply produces a high voltage alternating current that creates an alternating electric field between the electrode and the powder bed that causes the powder of the powder bed top surface to oscillate in a region between the shield and the bed and then reposition themselves on the bed such that the top layer of the powder bed is smoother than it was prior to when the powder particles began oscillating.

A system for recoating a powder bed includes a build platform holding a powder bed and an electrode assembly including an electrode and an insulating shield. A voltage supply produces a high voltage alternating current and communicates with the powder bed and the electrode. The electrode assembly is positionable over the powder bed, such that when the electrode assembly is over the powder bed, the shield is between the electrode and the powder bed's top surface. The voltage supply produces a high voltage alternating current that creates an alternating electric field between the electrode and the powder bed that causes the powder of the powder bed top surface to oscillate in a region between the shield and the bed and then reposition themselves on the bed such that the top layer of the powder bed is smoother than it was prior to when the powder particles began oscillating.