An additive manufacturing process comprising adding a support to an object model to create a modified object model f an object with a support to be built. The support extends from an object end coupled to the object to a distal end to be engaged with a carrier to support the object. A build model is created by arranging the modified object model within a virtual build volume with the distal end of the support at a defined location within the virtual build volume. Instructions are then provided to build a build cake corresponding to the build model, the build cake comprising the object with support and non-solidified build material.

An additive manufacturing process comprising adding a support to an object model to create a modified object model f an object with a support to be built. The support extends from an object end coupled to the object to a distal end to be engaged with a carrier to support the object. A build model is created by arranging the modified object model within a virtual build volume with the distal end of the support at a defined location within the virtual build volume. Instructions are then provided to build a build cake corresponding to the build model, the build cake comprising the object with support and non-solidified build material.

An unpacking device (4) for unpacking an additively manufactured three-dimensional object (2) from the unsolidified construction material (3) surrounding it after completion of an additive construction process, wherein the unpacking device (4) is formed as a robot (7) having at least three robot axes (A1-A6), especially an industrial robot, wherein at least one unpacking tool (10) is arranged or formed on a robot axis (A6), which is provided for unpacking an additively manufactured three-dimensional object (2) from the unsolidified construction material (3) surrounding it after completion of an additive construction process, or the unpacking device (4) comprises at least one such robot (7).

Disclosed is a method for unpacking a component 11, produced by means of an additive manufacturing process, from a particulate material fill 9 of loose, unconsolidated particulate material, which is arranged together with the component 11 in a construction space 5 and surrounds the component 11. In order to unpack the component 11, the particulate material fill 9 surrounding the component 11 is transferred into a fluidized bed, so that the loose, unconsolidated particulate material is fluidized, and the fluidized, unconsolidated particulate material is drained downward off the construction space 5. In addition, a device for use in the method is described.

An apparatus for cleaning a set of 3D printed objects comprises a platform to receive a 3D printed object with build material attached thereto to be cleaned, a tool station to host a plurality of different cleaning attachments and a cleaning body moveable over the platform and to the tool station. The cleaning body comprises an end to receive one of the cleaning attachments. A controller is to receive data corresponding to the geometry of a portion of a 3D printed object and select, based on the received data, a cleaning attachment to clean the 3D printed object portion. The controller is further to control the cleaning body to attach the selected cleaning attachment to the cleaning body, and control the cleaning body to move to a position based on the received data and control a gas flow through the cleaning body to clean the 3D printed object portion.

An apparatus for cleaning a set of 3D printed objects comprises a platform to receive a 3D printed object with build material attached thereto to be cleaned, a tool station to host a plurality of different cleaning attachments and a cleaning body moveable over the platform and to the tool station. The cleaning body comprises an end to receive one of the cleaning attachments. A controller is to receive data corresponding to the geometry of a portion of a 3D printed object and select, based on the received data, a cleaning attachment to clean the 3D printed object portion. The controller is further to control the cleaning body to attach the selected cleaning attachment to the cleaning body, and control the cleaning body to move to a position based on the received data and control a gas flow through the cleaning body to clean the 3D printed object portion.

An additive manufacturing process that includes providing a first layer of powdered material having a predetermined thickness; using a laser beam that follows a predetermined path to fuse a portion of the material in the first layer, wherein the predetermined path of the laser beam is a repeating circular or elliptical path which incrementally proceeds in a linear direction; providing a second layer of powdered material having a predetermined thickness; using a laser beam that follows a predetermined path to fuse a portion of the material in the second layer, wherein the predetermined path of the laser beam is a repeating circular or elliptical path which incrementally proceeds in a linear direction; repeating the previous steps until a complete part or component is created; and removing any unfused powdered material from the completed part or component.

A modular tray, for the additive manufacturing of a part with an axis of revolution on a powder bed, includes: a shaft-mounted circular module including a shaft provided with a circular tray at one of the ends thereof, the shaft and the circular tray being concentric; and a main support module including, in one face, a cavity configured for receiving the shaft-mounted circular module, the shaft being completely inserted in the cavity. The assembly of the shaft-mounted circular module and of the main support module define a planar top surface that is at least partly formed by the circular tray of the shaft-mounted circular module.

A modular tray, for the additive manufacturing of a part with an axis of revolution on a powder bed, includes: a shaft-mounted circular module including a shaft provided with a circular tray at one of the ends thereof, the shaft and the circular tray being concentric; and a main support module including, in one face, a cavity configured for receiving the shaft-mounted circular module, the shaft being completely inserted in the cavity. The assembly of the shaft-mounted circular module and of the main support module define a planar top surface that is at least partly formed by the circular tray of the shaft-mounted circular module.

Various embodiments of the teachings herein include an additive manufacturing method. Some embodiments include: generating a model of a support member using a model of a printing member, wherein at least one portion of the support member is in contact with a lower part of the printing member, and a nitride layer is formed on a surface of the support member; introducing an inert gas into an additive manufacturing printing device, spreading a first material powder in a forming cylinder, performing laser scanning on the first powder using the model; and introducing an ammonia gas into the additive manufacturing printing device, spreading the first material powder in the forming cylinder in the additive manufacturing printing device, performing laser scanning on the first material powder, such that the first material powder is melted, and on the basis of the model of the support member, a nitride layer is formed.