Patents Assigned to EOS GMBH
  • Patent number: 9744723
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for generatively manufacturing a three-dimensional object (3), comprising: a frame (1) defining a building field (6) at an upper portion (2) thereof; a plate (12) which connects the frame (1) with a housing (100) of the device; a support (5) which is arranged in the frame (1) and vertically movable by a lift mechanics (4) at least below the building field (6); a radiation device (7) which generates an energetic beam (8, 8?) which is focused by a deflection means (9) to arbitrary points in the building field (6), so as to selectively sinter or melt a powdery material (11) which is present in the building field (6); a coater (10) for applying a layer of powdery material (11) onto the support (5) or a previously applied layer of the powdery material (11). A thermal insulation (13) is arranged between the frame (1) and the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: EOS GMBH ELECTRO OPTICAL SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Andreas Baumann, Jochen Philippi, Thomas Mattes
  • Publication number: 20170216916
    Abstract: A device (1), for producing a three-dimensional object (2) by solidifying, layer-by-layer, building material (13) at locations in the respective layer corresponding to the cross-section of the object (2) to be produced, contains a flow device (31, 32, 34, 35) for generating a gas flow above an applied layer of the building material (13) by means of a nozzle element (40) for introducing the gas into the device. The nozzle element (40) comprises a body (41) with a gas inlet side and a gas outlet side (46), and a plurality of channels (42) which penetrate the body from the gas inlet side (44) to the gas outlet side (46), are provided with inlet openings on the gas inlet side (44) and with gas outlet openings (47) on the gas outlet side (46), and which are separated by walls (43). The length of the channels (42) is selected such that therein a laminar flow is formed at the gas outlet side (46).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Applicant: EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
    Inventors: Olli Nyrhilä, Alexander Schilling, Jörg Hamann, Robert Achim Domröse, Dominik Wolf, Tatu Syvänen, Kevin Minet
  • Publication number: 20170072468
    Abstract: A device (1) for producing a three-dimensional object (2) through layer-wise solidifying of build-up material (13) at positions (43) corresponding to a cross-section of the object (2) to be produced in a respective layer comprises a coating device (12-14) for applying a layer of the build-up material (13) on a working plane (10), a solidifying device (20) for the selective solidifying of the build-up material (13) in the applied layer and a gas suction nozzle (34) for extracting gas from the device (1) by suction. The gas suction device (34) is thereby movably arranged and the device (1) is designed to control or to regulate a movement and/or orientation of the gas suction nozzle (34) as a function of a number of reference positions (51, 53, 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Applicant: EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
    Inventors: Alexander Schilling, Georg Fey
  • Patent number: 9586369
    Abstract: A method for coating the surfaces of three-dimensional objects with a coating agent is provided, which method is characterized by a blasting of the three-dimensional object, wherein a grainy blasting material that has been mixed with the coating agent is used as blasting medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: EOS GMBH ELECTRO OPTICAL SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Mandy Gersch, Ilhan Tuncer, Andreas Hotter, Florian Pfefferkorn
  • Publication number: 20160332379
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for constructing a three-dimensional object (3) in layers from a pulverulent construction material by solidifying layers of the pulverulent construction material in a successive manner at each layer point which corresponds to a cross-section of the object, wherein the solidification process is carried out by introducing thermal energy. The method has the following step: solidifying all the layer points which correspond to a cross-section of the object. The introduced thermal energy quantity is adjusted at least in a sub-region of the layer dependent on the duration of the previous solidification step for the previous powder layer or dependent on the current solidification step duration, which is calculated in advance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
    Inventors: Stefan Paternoster, Frank Müller, Albert Fruth
  • Publication number: 20160311024
    Abstract: A method for producing a three-dimensional object (2) by layer-by-layer application and selective solidification of a build-up material (13) comprises the steps: applying a layer of the build-up material (13) on a construction field by means of a coater (14) moving above the construction field, selectively solidifying the applied layer at points which correspond to a cross section of the object (2) to be produced, and repeating the steps of application and selective solidification until the object (2) is finished. In this case, firstly a support structure (30) is formed on a construction platform (9) and then the object (2) is formed on the support structure (30) by the above steps, wherein the support structure (30) has a weakened region (30b), which is arranged on average closer to the construction platform (9) than to the object (2) and which is more easily severable than the regions (30a) of the support structure adjacent in height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Applicant: EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
    Inventor: Thomas Thiel
  • Publication number: 20160279707
    Abstract: The invention describes a laser printing system (100) for illuminating an object moving relative to a laser module of the laser printing system (100) in a working plane (180), the laser module comprising at least two laser arrays of semiconductor lasers and at least one optical element, wherein the optical element is adapted to image laser light emitted by the laser arrays, such that laser light of semiconductor lasers of one laser array is imaged to one pixel in the working plane of the laser printing system, and wherein the laser printing system is a 3D printing system for additive manufacturing and wherein two, three, four or a multitude of laser modules (201, 202) are provided, which are arranged in columns (c1, c2) perpendicular to a direction of movement (250) of the object in the working plane (180), and wherein the columns are staggered with respect to each other such that a first laser module (201) of a first column of laser modules (c1) is adapted to illuminate a first area (y1) of the object and a
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
    Inventors: Thomas Mattes, Stefan Paternoster, Gerd Cantzler, Jochen Philippi, Stephan Gronenborn, Gero Heusler, Holger Moench, Ralf Conrads
  • Publication number: 20160279706
    Abstract: A method for producing a three-dimensional object (2) by applying layers of a pulverulent construction material (11) and by selectively solidifying said material by the action of energy comprises the steps: a layer of the pulverulent construction material (11) is applied to a support (6) or to a layer of the construction material that has been previously applied and at least selectively solidified; an energy beam (14) from an energy source (13) sweeps over points on the applied layer corresponding to a cross-section of the object (2) to be produced in order to selectively solidify the pulverulent construction material (11); and a gas flow (18) is guided in a main flow direction (RG) over the applied layer during the sweep of the energy beam (14). The main flow direction (RG) of the gas flow (G) and the sweep direction (RL) of the energy beam (14) are adapted to one another at least in one region of the cross-section to be solidified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
    Inventors: Robert Achim Domrose, Michael Frey, Alexander Schilling, Andre Danzig, Jorg Hamann, Thomas Hess, Marc Dimter
  • Publication number: 20160279872
    Abstract: A process for the layer-by-layer construction of a three-dimensional object (3) from a pulverulent construction material by means of successively solidifying layers of the pulverulent construction material in each case at those sites of a layer which correspond to a cross section of the object, wherein the solidification is accomplished by introducing heat energy, has the following steps for each layer: a step of providing a layer of a pulverulent construction material, a step of preheating the applied construction material to a preheating temperature, below the temperature at which the material is solidified, and a step of solidifying the applied layer by means of electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation (7), wherein, in the solidification step, during a predetermined period of time, the start of which coincides with the beginning of the solidification step, the quantity of heat introduced per unit area is reduced over time and can be described by a function which decreases monotonously depending on t
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
    Inventor: Stefan Paternoster
  • Publication number: 20160279871
    Abstract: A device (20) for unpacking a three-dimensional object (2), produced in an interchangeable container (5) and/or on a construction platform (7) by applying layers of a construction material (11) in powder form and by selective hardening thereof, from the surrounding unhardened powder (9) contains a rotating device (22) for holding the interchangeable container (5) and/or the construction platform (7), which rotating device is able to rotate the interchangeable container (5) and/or the construction platform (7) through an angle of at least 90° out of the upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
    Inventors: Martin Heugel, Georg Fey
  • Publication number: 20160243618
    Abstract: A modular system (1) for producing a three-dimensional object (2) by layerwise application and selective solidification of a pulverulent build material (13) contains a first module (30, 34-36; 40, 41) suitable for carrying out a first process used for the production of the three-dimensional object (2), and at least a second and a third module (30, 34-36; 40,41) suitable for carrying out a further process used for the production of the three-dimensional object (2). The first to third modules (30, 34-36; 40, 41) are configured so that the second or the third module, or both, can selectively and replaceably be connected to the first module in such a way that their housings are coupled to one another directly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Applicant: EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
    Inventors: Martin Heugel, Georg Fey
  • Publication number: 20160236299
    Abstract: A device for the making of a three-dimensional object (3) by means of layer by layer consolidation of a powderlike construction material (11) by electromagnetic radiation or particle beam has a height-adjustable carrier (2), on which the object (3) is built, and whose horizontal dimension defines a construction field (5). Furthermore, an irradiation device (6, 9) is present for directing the radiation onto regions of an applied layer of the construction material within the construction field (5) corresponding to an object cross section (30). A control unit (10) controls the irradiation device (6, 9) such that the powder particles of the construction material (11) are bonded together at the sites where the radiation impinges on the construction material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
    Inventor: Johann Oberhofer
  • Publication number: 20160167131
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for layered production of a three-dimensional object, wherein a powdery or fluid building material, which can be solidified by the effects of electro-magnetic or particle radiation, is applied in layers having a layer thickness d, and the locations in each layer which correspond to a cross-section of the object allocated to said layer are solidified by means of electromagnetic or particle radiation. According to the invention, each cross-section consists of a contour region and an inner region and the method comprises the following sub-step: in a sequence of N successive cross-sections, wherein N is a whole number greater than 1, a partial region is defined in every cross-section as a critical region and the rest of the cross-section is defined as a non-critical region, a number of N layers are applied successively, without solidification of the non-critical regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
    Inventors: Joseph Weilhammer, Ludger Hummeler, Juha Kotila
  • Publication number: 20160144571
    Abstract: A calibration device (30) for an apparatus (1) for layerwise production of a three-dimensional object (2) by layerwise solidification of building material (10) at the locations corresponding to the cross section of the object to be produced in the respective layer by means of at least two energy beams (14a, 14b) includes a housing (31) and a sensor (32) which is arranged in the housing. The sensor serves to receive the at least two energy beams and to output an output signal as a function of the intensity of the energy beams. The housing has at least two through-openings (34a, 34b) for transmitting the at least two energy beams, which are arranged so that their central axes intersect on a surface of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Applicant: EOS GMBH ELECTRO OPTICAL SYSTEMS
    Inventor: Jochen Philippi
  • Patent number: 9327450
    Abstract: A device and a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object (3) by solidifying layers (25) of a material in powder form at those positions corresponding to the respective cross-section of the object (3) are provided. The device comprises an application device (40) for applying layers of the material in powder form (47) in the building area (5), which can be moved over the building area (5). The application device (40) is formed to have a first longitudinal wall (41a) and a second longitudinal wall (41b) that are connected to one another via two side walls. The application device (40) is provided with a fluidization device for homogenizing the material in powder form (47). This fluidization device comprises at least one hollow body having escape openings in its walls, through which escape opening a gas can flow from the hollow body into the material in powder form (47).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: EOS GMBH ELECTRO OPTICAL SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Peter Hein, Frank Müller
  • Publication number: 20160082668
    Abstract: A method for automatically calibrating a device for generatively producing a three-dimensional object (8) comprises the following steps: irradiating an applied layer of a material (3) or a target by means of a first scanner (14) in order to produce a first test pattern (33) in the material (3) or the target; irradiating the applied layer of the material (3) or the target by means of a second scanner (15) in order to produce a second test pattern (34) in the material (3) or the target; detecting the first and second test patterns (33, 34) by means of a camera (24) and assigning the first and second test patterns (33, 34) to the first and second scanners (14, 15), respectively; comparing the first and/or the second test pattern (33, 34) with a reference pattern and/or comparing the first and second test patterns (33, 34) with one another; determining a first deviation of the first test pattern (33) from the reference pattern and/or a second deviation of the second test pattern (34) from the reference pattern an
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
    Inventors: Hans Perret, Jochen Philippi
  • Publication number: 20160052014
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spin coater for a device for the generative production of an object, having a support (1) which can be connected to the device in a rotable manner about a rotational axis (z); and a coating element (2) which is coupled to the support (1) and which is suitable for applying or leveling a powder layer on a plane in the device while the support (1) is rotating, said plane running perpendicularly to the rotational axis (z); wherein the coating element (2) substantially maintains its orientation during the rotational movement of the support (1) within a specified rotational range; and the coating element (2) substantially does not move in a longitudinal direction of the coating element (2) during the rotational movement of the support (1) within a specified rotational range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: EOS GMBH ELECTRO OPTICAL SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Thomas Halder, Axel THOMA
  • Publication number: 20160008112
    Abstract: A method for producing a dental model by means of a generative layering technique comprises the following steps: altering a three-dimensional CAD model of the dental model, wherein gap-like recesses are generated, such that the CAD model is cut into segments by the gap-like recesses, and connecting bridges are placed in the CAD model in such a way that the connecting bridges connect adjacent segments to each other, producing the dental model by means of a generative layering technique on the basis of the altered three-dimensional CAD model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: EOS GMBH ELECTRO OPTICAL SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Gregor Reischle, Sabine Hein
  • Publication number: 20150239177
    Abstract: After the manufacturing of an object by layer-wise solidification from a powder, this object is displaced into a container together with the powder surrounding the object, and is closed by a plate, which is positioned below the object during the manufacturing of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: EOS Gmbh Electro Optical Systems
    Inventors: Martin Heugel, Georg Fey, Andreas Baumann, Hans Klingel
  • Publication number: 20150202826
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object layer by layer by applying and selectively solidifying a constituent material in powder form layer by layer by supply of energy has the steps: applying a layer (32+33) of the powdery constituent material (11) having a pre-determined height (h) onto a support (6) or a previously at least selectively solidified layer of the constituent material, and supplying energy (14) from an energy source (13) into the applied layer at positions corresponding to the cross sectional area of the object to be manufactured for selectively solidifying the constituent material. The step of applying the layer having the pre-determined height (h) is subdivided into a step of applying a first partial powder layer (32) having a first height (h1) which is smaller than the pre-determined height (h), and a step of at least applying a second partial powder layer (33) having a second height (h1) which is smaller than the pre-determined height (h), wherein the total height (h1+h2+ etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicants: EOS GMBH ELECTRO OPTICAL SYSTEMS, EOS GMBH ELECTRO OPTICAL SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Stefan Paternoster, Jochen Philippi