Abstract: A method for the treatment of residual thermoplastic powder from an additive manufacturing process includes, in one step of the process, a powder that includes the residual powder is provided and compressed into granules as raw material for a primary shaping process. A pressing apparatus with two roller elements rotating in opposite directions and having lateral surfaces adjacent to one another in a pressing area is used to compress the powder into the granules. The lateral surfaces each having a plurality of molding elements assigned to one another in pairs such that the powder is compressed into granules in the pressing area. A cam mechanism positioned within one of the roller elements and configured to deflect the plurality of molding elements radially as a function of an angle of rotation of the roller element can be included.

Abstract: The invention concerns a solar cell arrangement (2, 8) for an electrically drivable motor vehicle (1, 7), having at least one flexible structure (3, 10), at least one inflatable chamber (4) which is arranged or formed on the flexible structure (3, 10), at least one solar cell unit (6) arranged on the flexible structure (3, 10), and at least one transfer device connected to the chamber (4) for transferring the flexible structure (3, 10) from a slack stowage state into a tensioned function state. In order to provide a more effective solar cell arrangement (2, 8), at least one element of a shape-memory polymer is arranged on the flexible structure (3, 10), and/or the flexible structure (3, 10) is formed at least partially from a shape-memory polymer, and/or a wall of the chamber (4) is formed at least partially from a shape-memory polymer.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a crumple element for a steering column. In order to provide a reliable, structurally simple steering column, according to the disclosure, it is provided that the crumple element has first and second connecting portions arranged axially at an end to connect adjacent steering column parts, and an interrupted crumple portion arranged in between the first and second connecting portions, and is able to deform by a threshold force acting axially, while the connecting portions are deformation-resistant to the threshold force. The crumple element is made integrally by additive production from metal. An end region of the first connecting portion facing the crumple portion has a first portion that protrudes axially relative to a second portion lying opposite the first portion transversely to the axial direction.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a sensor carrier as a mechanical connection of a sensor to a component of a motor vehicle. The sensor carrier has a sensor section to fix the sensor to the sensor carrier, at least one component section to fix the sensor carrier to the component, and at least one intermediate section that connects the sensor section to the at least one component section. The sensor carrier is composed, at least in the intermediate section, of an inherently rigid cellular material, the cavities of cellular material are arranged regularly, at least in some sections, specifically in such a way that, starting from a defined minimum force, the material of the sensor carrier in the intermediate section is intrinsically more deformable in at least one direction than in other directions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for removing industrial powder from a shaped body manufactured generatively using the industrial powder. The apparatus includes at least one container for holding the shaped body having a vertically adjustable construction platform, a vibrating screen, a tilting device for tilting the container, and at least one catching unit adjoining a transfer end of the vibrating screen for catching the shaped body. In one form, the vibrating screen, tilting device, and catching unit are arranged within a housing. In another form, the vibrating screen and catching unit are arranged within the housing and the tilting device is at least partially arranged in the housing. At least one opening in the housing is closed in an airtight manner by a glove such that a user can use the glove to grasp the shaped body caught by the catching unit.

Abstract: A sprue system for a nozzle-side injection-molding arrangement of an injection-molding machine for introducing a plasticizable and/or plasticized plastics material into an injection-molding tool along a runner, the center axis of which fixes an injection axis, includes a sprue piece which at least partially forms the runner, a tube portion and a flange portion. A fastener assembly for fastening the sprue system to the injection-molding tool and for aligning the sprue piece along the injection axis is included. The sprue piece and the fastener assembly are formed adjustably in relation to one another and the sprue system has an adjuster for setting a distance (A) between the flange portion and the fastener assembly.

Abstract: A device and method for smoothing a surface of an article formed at least partially from plastic, in particular a component of a motor vehicle, is provided. The method includes arranging the article in a vacuum-tight chamber, reducing the pressure in the chamber to a partial vacuum of not more than 50 kPa, in particular not more than 34 kPa, and admitting acetone into the chamber. Some of the acetone is vaporized and the vapor is precipitated on the surface of the article. In one form, the precipitated vapor acts on the article for at least 1 minute. The method further includes opening the chamber, so that at least the ambient pressure prevails in the chamber and removing the article from the chamber.

Abstract: A mobile 3D printing robot includes a robot arm, a stand unit for the temporary setup of the robot arm on an underlying surface, and at least one 3D printing device having at least one printhead which is movable the robot arm and dispenses at least one printing material. An electronic control unit actuates the 3D printing device and a receiving unit of a global navigation satellite system is connected at a predetermined fixed distance in relation to the printhead. The electronic control unit executes the actuation of the 3D printing device as a function of data of the receiving unit such that printing material is dispensed at a first printing position. Also, a drive unit moves the 3D printing robot from the first printing position on the underlying surface into at least one second printing position on the underlying surface where printing material is dispensed.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing method includes manufacturing a workpiece in a manufacturing area by applying metallic powder with a first application device, layer by layer, to a base body. The metallic powder is melted in first regions by a laser beam and solidified. In order to improve the efficiency of selective laser melting, support structures that connect the workpiece to the base body are produced by applying a binder to the powder in second regions with a second application device and solidifying the second regions to produce a powder-binding binder matrix. The support structures are removed from the workpiece after completion thereof by breaking up the binder matrix by degradation with respect to which the workpiece is stable.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a sensor carrier as a mechanical connection of a sensor to a component of a motor vehicle. The sensor carrier has a sensor section to fix the sensor to the sensor carrier, at least one component section to fix the sensor carrier to the component, and at least one intermediate section that connects the sensor section to the at least one component section. The sensor carrier is composed, at least in the intermediate section, of an inherently rigid cellular material, the cavities of cellular material are arranged regularly, at least in some sections, specifically in such a way that, starting from a defined minimum force, the material of the sensor carrier in the intermediate section is intrinsically more deformable in at least one direction than in other directions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an impregnation method that includes the steps of providing a workpiece to be impregnated, placing the workpiece in a bath of impregnating agent inside a vessel, and oscillating movement of a vibrating body inside the vessel during an impregnation period. The vibrating body creates oscillating pressure changes inside the bath by acting on the bath. the method further includes removing the workpiece from the bath after the impregnation period.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a nozzle for discharging compressed air having a circumferential surface section which extends from a feed end to a discharge end and extends at least partially axially, and an end section produced in one piece, which extends radially inward from the circumferential surface section at the discharge end. In order to allow efficient and targeted compressed air discharge, the present disclosure envisages that a plurality of helical passages extend through the end section, each of which slopes in a tangential direction, at least in some section or sections, and into each of which a first discharge opening for compressed air opens.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a severing device for mechanically severing metal-containing 3D objects from a base plate of a 3D printing apparatus. According to the present disclosure, the severing device has at least one first machining unit firmly connectable to the 3D printing apparatus with at least one machining tool which has a working zone which encompasses at least part of an area of the base plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for removing industrial powder from a shaped body manufactured generatively using the industrial powder. The apparatus includes at least one container for holding the shaped body having a vertically adjustable construction platform, a vibrating screen, a tilting device for tilting the container, and at least one catching unit adjoining a transfer end of the vibrating screen for catching the shaped body. In one form, the vibrating screen, tilting device, and catching unit are arranged within a housing. In another form, the vibrating screen and catching unit are arranged within the housing and the tilting device is at least partially arranged in the housing. At least one opening in the housing is closed in an airtight manner by a glove such that a user can use the glove to grasp the shaped body caught by the catching unit.

Abstract: A device and method for smoothing a surface of an article formed at least partially from plastic, in particular a component of a motor vehicle, is provided. The method includes arranging the article in a vacuum-tight chamber, reducing the pressure in the chamber to a partial vacuum of not more than 50 kPa, in particular not more than 34 kPa, and admitting acetone into the chamber. Some of the acetone is vaporized and the vapor is precipitated on the surface of the article. In one form, the precipitated vapor acts on the article for at least 1 minute. The method further includes opening the chamber, so that at least the ambient pressure prevails in the chamber and removing the article from the chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an additive manufacturing method. The method includes applying metallic powder in layers to a base surface. The base surface is formed in part by a base plate and in part by at least one insert arranged in a through opening in the base plate. The metallic powder layers are bonded in some region or regions by heating, whereby an object having connecting structures that are connected to the at least one insert is manufactured. After manufacture is finished, each insert is adjusted within a through opening relative to the base plate, thereby separating at least parts of the connecting structures from the insert.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a crumple element for a steering column. In order to provide a reliable, structurally simple steering column, according to the disclosure, it is provided that the crumple element has first and second connecting portions arranged axially at an end to connect adjacent steering column parts, and an interrupted crumple portion arranged in between the first and second connecting portions, and is able to deform by a threshold force acting axially, while the connecting portions are deformation-resistant to the threshold force. The crumple element is made integrally by additive production from metal. An end region of the first connecting portion facing the crumple portion has a first portion that protrudes axially relative to a second portion lying opposite the first portion transversely to the axial direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an additive production method of producing an object by metal powder being applied in a production region in layers by an application device. The metal powder is applied to a base member along a construction face and is partially molten by a laser beam and solidified. A continuous conveyor transports the base member with the object in a transport direction away from the construction face. The continuous conveyor further transports the base member with the completed object to a removal region where the object is removed from the continuous conveyor. Support structures are produced on the object and are connected to the base member. The support structures are removed after the removal region has been reached.

Abstract: An additive production assembly and method is provided by the present disclosure. The assembly includes a tank containing radiation-curable liquid and has at least one radiation-penetrable sidewall, a projector that projects at least one beam to the sidewall, and a transportation assembly to transport an object. The beam acts through the sidewall and an area of the liquid close to the sidewall is hardened to form the object. The object is transported along a transporting direction (T) in a sideward direction away from the sidewall, as a result of which liquid flows into a gap between the object and the sidewall.