According to one aspect there is provided a method of preparing a build unit for use in a 3D printer. The method comprises receiving a build unit at an interface of a build unit preparation module and performing a predetermined build unit preparation process on the build unit.

The disclosure relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a metallic component, and corresponding methods. The apparatus may include a build plate with a build surface and an aperture. The apparatus may also include an actuator operable to translate a metallic component such that an end portion of the metallic component is positioned within the aperture of the build plate and below the build surface. The apparatus may further include a seal coupled within the aperture of the build plate and configured to engage the end portion of the metallic component. The aperture of the build plate, the seal, and the end portion of the metallic component may cooperate to form a powder bed to hold metallic powder therein. The apparatus may also include an external heat control mechanism operable to form a predetermined temperature profile of the end portion of the component to prevent cracking of the component.

The disclosure relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a metallic component, and corresponding methods. The apparatus may include a build plate with a build surface and an aperture. The apparatus may also include an actuator operable to translate a metallic component such that an end portion of the metallic component is positioned within the aperture of the build plate and below the build surface. The apparatus may further include a seal coupled within the aperture of the build plate and configured to engage the end portion of the metallic component. The aperture of the build plate, the seal, and the end portion of the metallic component may cooperate to form a powder bed to hold metallic powder therein. The apparatus may also include an external heat control mechanism operable to form a predetermined temperature profile of the end portion of the component to prevent cracking of the component.

The disclosure relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a metallic component, and corresponding methods. The apparatus may include a build plate with a build surface and an aperture. The apparatus may also include an actuator operable to translate a metallic component such that an end portion of the metallic component is positioned within the aperture of the build plate and below the build surface. The apparatus may further include a seal coupled within the aperture of the build plate and configured to engage the end portion of the metallic component. The aperture of the build plate, the seal, and the end portion of the metallic component may cooperate to form a powder bed to hold metallic powder therein. The apparatus may also include an external heat control mechanism operable to form a predetermined temperature profile of the end portion of the component to prevent cracking of the component.

An alloy formed of aluminum, nickel, scandium and optionally one, two or more further metals. The aluminum alloy is suitable for additive manufacturing of lightweight highly thermally conductive components for aircraft, such as heat exchangers. In a first step, a powder of the described aluminum alloy is produced by additive manufacturing, such as laser melting in the L-PBF process. Large grains are able to grow epitaxially along the build direction thereby increasing phonon and electron mobility along the build direction. With this, a higher thermal conductivity can be achieved. In a second step, the preliminary part is hardened by precipitation of secondary phases at 250 to 400 C to form the hardened part. 3D-printed lightweight parts with high thermal conductivity are obtained.

A carrier arrangement for use in a plant for producing items according to a method for selective powder melting by building layers made of powdery material. The carrier arrangement includes a building panel on which the item to be produced is built. The carrier arrangement includes a base panel permanently assigned to an external component of the plant. The carrier arrangement includes a clamping system to detachably connect the building panel to the base panel and to position the building panel at a clamping position such that, in a clamped state, the building panel is arranged above the base panel. The carrier arrangement includes a heating system comprising at least one heating element for emitting heat for heating the building panel, wherein the at least one heating element is arranged above the clamping position.

A carrier arrangement for use in a plant for producing items according to a method for selective powder melting by building layers made of powdery material. The carrier arrangement includes a building panel on which the item to be produced is built. The carrier arrangement includes a base panel permanently assigned to an external component of the plant. The carrier arrangement includes a clamping system to detachably connect the building panel to the base panel and to position the building panel at a clamping position such that, in a clamped state, the building panel is arranged above the base panel. The carrier arrangement includes a heating system comprising at least one heating element for emitting heat for heating the building panel, wherein the at least one heating element is arranged above the clamping position.

The present invention relates to an additive manufacturing system and an additive manufacturing method. The additive manufacturing system includes an operator area, a loading area, and a transportable container unit. The operator area is configured to control the manufacturing system. The loading area is configured for loading the manufacturing system. The operator area is accessible from a first side of the manufacturing system and the loading area is accessible from a second side of the manufacturing system, wherein the first side is different from the second side. The transportable container unit is insertable into the loading area. The transportable container unit includes a powder storage container and a building container. The powder storage container is configured to store powder, and the building container is configured to additively manufacture a workpiece.

The present invention relates to an additive manufacturing system and an additive manufacturing method. The additive manufacturing system includes an operator area, a loading area, and a transportable container unit. The operator area is configured to control the manufacturing system. The loading area is configured for loading the manufacturing system. The operator area is accessible from a first side of the manufacturing system and the loading area is accessible from a second side of the manufacturing system, wherein the first side is different from the second side. The transportable container unit is insertable into the loading area. The transportable container unit includes a powder storage container and a building container. The powder storage container is configured to store powder, and the building container is configured to additively manufacture a workpiece.

A method includes receiving a representation of an initial design domain. The method also includes iteratively generating intermediate part designs by redistributing material within the initial design domain. The intermediate part designs each include a 3D part and a support volume. The method also includes calculating a measure of inaccessibility of the support volume of each intermediate part design by at least one subtractive tool assembly. At least one of the intermediate part designs is generated based at least partially upon the measure of inaccessibility of a previous one of the intermediate part designs.