Abstract: An apparatus for producing a three-dimensional object includes a process chamber, a process assistance device including a centre module and an outer module for facilitating a primary gas flow, and a feed device disposed above a build platform for feeding a secondary gas flow through a feed opening of the feed device onto the build platform. The feed device includes two feed channels disposed on either side of a beam inlet opening. The process chamber includes two wall portions opposing each other in an X direction. Each wall portion has a flow surface that extends toward the build platform. The flow surfaces of the two wall portions constrict a cross-sectional area of the process chamber in the X direction. Proceeding from the feed opening of the feed device, a distance between the flow surfaces of the two wall portions in the X direction progressively reduces towards the build platform.

Abstract: A suction unit for an exhaust device for extracting a process gas out of a process chamber of an additive manufacturing device includes a first suction head and a second suction head for suctioning the process gas, and an exhaust channel for discharging the process gas suctioned by the first suction head and the second suction head. The first suction head is arranged or formed on the exhaust channel in front of the second suction head in an exhaust direction. The exhaust channel has a first channel segment with a first feed cross-section and a second channel segment with a second feed cross-section. The first feed cross-section has a flow cross-sectional area that is larger than a flow cross-sectional area of the second feed cross-section. The first suction head feeds into the first channel segment. The second suction head and the first channel segment feed into the second channel segment.

Abstract: A device for additive manufacture of a workpiece includes a process chamber for constructing the workpiece, a gas inlet for introducing an inert gas into the process chamber, and a gas outlet from the process chamber for discharging the inert gas. The gas inlet has a fluidizing cushion. The fluidizing cushion includes a plate with a plurality of grilles arranged one behind the other in a flow direction in order to achieve a uniform gas flow.

Abstract: A suction device for sucking up process gas from a process chamber of a device for producing three-dimensional objects by selective solidification of a build-up material applied in layers by using a beam acting on the build-up material is provided. The suction device includes a translationally movable suction module, a gas-conveying channel arranged in a stationary manner and having an elongated slot, and a connector connected to the suction module and movable in the elongated slot of the gas-conveying channel. The connector fluidically connects the suction module to the gas-conveying channel.

Abstract: A method for producing a three-dimensional object by selectively solidifying a build material applied layer by layer includes, in at least one process chamber, applying the build material layer by layer to a build platform, generating at least one beam for solidifying the build material using a radiation source, feeding the at least one beam to the build material in the build platform using at least one beam guiding element, and generating a primary gas flow along the build platform using a process assistance device. The process assistance device includes a centre module and at least one outer module aligned with the centre module, so that a section over which primary gas flows is formed between the centre module and the at least one outer module. The centre module and/or the at least one outer module are triggered so as to be movable along the build platform.

Abstract: A method for producing a three-dimensional object includes applying a build material layer by layer to a build platform, generating at least one beam for solidifying the build material, feeding the at least one beam to the build material using at least one beam guiding element, and generating a primary gas flow along the build platform using a process assistance device. The process assistance device includes a centre module and at least one outer module aligned with the centre module, so that a section over which primary gas flows is formed between the centre module and the at least one outer module. The method further includes generating a secondary gas flow that is aligned onto and fed to the build platform using a feed device above the build platform, so that a section along which the secondary gas flows is created between the feed device and the process assistance device.

Abstract: A manufacturing device for additive manufacture of a three-dimensional component from a powder includes a manufacturing space delimited by a working surface including a powder bed region and a top wall including a protective glass window disposed above the powder bed region. A laser beam can be emitted through the protective glass window and through a beam passage zone to irradiate powder in the powder bed region. A shielding gas system has two outflow ducts, each disposed on the top wall and extending along a duct axis K on each side of the beam passage zone. Each output duct has a duct wall and duct wall sections that allow passage of gas and extend along the duct over an outflow length corresponding at least to an extent of the powder bed region.