A three-dimensional (3D) metal object manufacturing apparatus has a build platform heater that is configured with a plurality of temperature sensors and heating elements distributed throughout the heater. The signals generated by the temperature sensors are monitored by a controller and when one of the signals is outside of a temperature range around a temperature setpoint for the heater, the controller adjusts a PWM signal operating a switch that connects the heating element corresponding to the temperature sensor that generated the signal outside of the temperature range. The temperature sensors and heating elements are distributed in a plurality of cells that border one another in a contiguous pattern.

A three-dimensional (3D) metal object manufacturing apparatus has a build platform heater that is configured with a plurality of temperature sensors and heating elements distributed throughout the heater. The signals generated by the temperature sensors are monitored by a controller and when one of the signals is outside of a temperature range around a temperature setpoint for the heater, the controller adjusts a PWM signal operating a switch that connects the heating element corresponding to the temperature sensor that generated the signal outside of the temperature range. The temperature sensors and heating elements are distributed in a plurality of cells that border one another in a contiguous pattern.

A three-dimensional shaping device includes: a discharge unit having a nozzle and configured to discharge a material toward a stage; a cleaning mechanism configured to clean the nozzle; and a moving unit configured to move the discharge unit and the cleaning mechanism relative to the stage. The moving unit is configured to move the cleaning mechanism relative to the stage in conjunction with the movement of the discharge unit relative to the stage.

A three-dimensional shaping device includes: a discharge unit having a nozzle and configured to discharge a material toward a stage; a cleaning mechanism configured to clean the nozzle; and a moving unit configured to move the discharge unit and the cleaning mechanism relative to the stage. The moving unit is configured to move the cleaning mechanism relative to the stage in conjunction with the movement of the discharge unit relative to the stage.

Transformation steps including drying are incorporated into a process of additive manufacturing of a part. Processes and devices for achieving a transformation are described. A cycle of manufacturing is begun by adding a feedstock such as a metal paste to form a partial part followed by a transformation of the added feedstock, such as removing solvent from a metal paste, to form a transformed part suitable for a manipulation step such as machining. Inclusion of a manipulation process such as machining comprises a single cycle of a manufacturing process. One or more said cycles comprise the process of producing a completed part suitable for further processing such as sintering in the case of a metal paste feedstock to form a finished part.

Disclosed is a method of manufacturing at least one component by 3D printing on a construction platform provided with a heating device, the method comprising: applying a layer of loose particulate material to the construction platform, heating the applied layer of loose particulate material by means of the heating device of the construction platform, outputting a liquid treatment agent onto a partial area of the heated layer of loose particulate material, and repeating said steps to build up the at least one component in layers. The heating by means of the heating device of the construction platform is carried out in such a manner that a temperature of the construction platform increases toward a predetermined construction platform maximum temperature during the build-up of the component to set a surface temperature of the respectively last applied layer.

Disclosed is a method of manufacturing at least one component by 3D printing on a construction platform provided with a heating device, the method comprising: applying a layer of loose particulate material to the construction platform, heating the applied layer of loose particulate material by means of the heating device of the construction platform, outputting a liquid treatment agent onto a partial area of the heated layer of loose particulate material, and repeating said steps to build up the at least one component in layers. The heating by means of the heating device of the construction platform is carried out in such a manner that a temperature of the construction platform increases toward a predetermined construction platform maximum temperature during the build-up of the component to set a surface temperature of the respectively last applied layer.

Disclosed is a method of manufacturing at least one component by 3D printing on a construction platform provided with a heating device, the method comprising: applying a layer of loose particulate material to the construction platform, heating the applied layer of loose particulate material by means of the heating device of the construction platform, outputting a liquid treatment agent onto a partial area of the heated layer of loose particulate material, and repeating said steps to build up the at least one component in layers. The heating by means of the heating device of the construction platform is carried out in such a manner that a temperature of the construction platform increases toward a predetermined construction platform maximum temperature during the build-up of the component to set a surface temperature of the respectively last applied layer.

Additive manufacturing apparatuses, components of additive manufacturing apparatuses, and methods of using such manufacturing apparatuses and components are disclosed. An additive manufacturing apparatus may include a recoat head for distributing build material in a build area, a print head for depositing material in the build area, one or more actuators for moving the recoat head and the print head relative to the build area, and a cleaning station for cleaning the print head.

Build receptacles for additive manufacturing apparatuses are disclosed. The build receptacle may comprise a housing comprising a sidewall at least partially enclosing a build chamber. A build platform may be positioned within the build chamber. A position of the build platform may be slidably adjustable within the build chamber in a vertical direction from a lower position to one of a plurality of upper positions and from the one of the plurality of upper positions to the lower position. The build receptacle may further comprise a plurality of heating elements disposed around the build chamber.