Abstract: A method (P) for determining trajectory followed by a laser beam for selective additive manufacture of a three-dimensional object comprises: a) determining, on a predetermined reference path (Ti), a plurality of reference points (Tij), b) determining a plurality of adjacent points (Ti+1j) located on the same side of the reference path, each adjacent point (Ti+1j) being associated with a reference point (Tij) and being such that a simulated adjacent melt zone that surrounds said adjacent point (Ti+1j) and a simulated reference melt zone that surrounds the reference point (Tij) have an overlap corresponding to a fraction of a transverse width of the simulated reference melt zone that is comprised between a predetermined minimum fraction (?min) and a predetermined maximum fraction (?max), c) determining an adjacent path (Ti+1) passing through the plurality of determined adjacent points, and d) iterating steps a) to c) using the adjacent path, defined as a new reference path, so as to determine, on each iteration

Abstract: An additive manufacturing machine (10) comprises at least one movable powder reception surface (28) capable of being displaced in proximity to a manufacturing zone (20), a powder spreading device (30), and a device (32) for distributing powder on the movable reception surface. The powder distribution device comprises a buffer tank (38) linked to a powder supply (40) and a distribution duct (42) linking the buffer tank to a powder distribution point (P1) situated above the movable reception surface, and the distribution duct (42) is mounted on a vibrating device making it possible to vibrate the distribution duct so as to generate a continuous flow of powder in the distribution duct and from the buffer tank to the powder distribution point.

Abstract: A process for the selective additive manufacture of a three-dimensional object from a layer of powder comprises: applying a layer of additive manufacturing powder to a support or to a previously consolidated layer, emitting a laser beam onto a first point of the layer of additive manufacturing powder so as to consolidate a first zone of the layer of powder comprising the first point, adjusting a power of the laser beam depending on an estimated temperature variation of the layer of powder at a second point, separate from the first point, and emitting a laser beam onto the second point with the adjusted power so as to consolidate a second zone of the layer of powder comprising the second point, the emission of the laser beam onto the first point and onto the second point being temporally separated by the predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A manufacturing chamber for an additive manufacturing machine comprises in an enclosure: a working plane; a manufacturing platform for the deposition of the layers of additive manufacturing material and for supporting the part being manufactured; and a circuit for circulating an inert gas flow over the manufacturing platform, characterized in that the enclosure and/or the working plane comprises an inlet opening for the gas flow, in that the working plane comprises an upstream ramp, connected to the area of the working plane where the manufacturing platform is located by a surface having a rounded convex profile, and in that the surface with a rounded convex profile is configured for attaching the gas flow, by the Coanda effect, above the working plane.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing machine comprises a work surface, a build sleeve (44), and a build platform (46) moving translationally between a raised position and a lowered position under the effect of an actuator (48), the platform being connected to the actuator by a support (50). The build sleeve (44) comprises a slot (66) allowing the support (50) to pass through the build sleeve to connect the platform to the actuator when the build platform translates from its raised position to its lowered position, a closing-off element (68) allowing a slot (66) to be closed off progressively as the platform effects its translational movement inside the sleeve from its raised position to its lowered position, a closing-off element (68) being a tape (70), and the upper end (U70) of a closing-off tape being fixed to the upper edge of the build sleeve or to the work surface.

Abstract: A device is provided for conveying additive manufacturing container/tray assemblies or additive manufacturing trays, the conveying device including at least two chambers for conveying an additive manufacturing container/tray assembly, each conveying chamber including at least one opening allowing the entry/exit of an additive manufacturing container/tray assembly, and each opening being provided with a door for closing the conveying chamber in a sealed manner.

Abstract: A device is provided for conveying additive manufacturing container/tray assemblies or additive manufacturing trays, the conveying device including at least two chambers for conveying an additive manufacturing container/tray assembly, each conveying chamber including at least one opening allowing the entry/exit of an additive manufacturing container/tray assembly, and each opening being provided with a door for closing the conveying chamber in a sealed manner.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing facility operating in an automated and contained manner. The facility includes a containment chamber inside which a plurality of additive manufacturing machines is installed, each machine comprising a manufacturing chamber, inside the containment chamber, a supply device and a supply circuit for supplying the various machines of the facility with an additive manufacturing powder, a conveying device for conveying additive manufacturing container/tray assemblies comprising at least one conveying chamber circulating between the various machines, and (4) a cleaning device comprising at least one cleaning chamber for cleaning, in an automated and contained manner, the additive manufacturing trays in the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by selective additive manufacturing comprises: a support (140) suitable for supporting at least one layer (150) of additive manufacturing powder, a laser source (110) suitable for emitting a laser beam (111), a scanning device (130) suitable for directing the laser beam onto the powder layer so as to scan at least a portion of the powder layer, and a device (120) for modulating the scanning trajectory, arranged upstream of the scanning device, the modulating device comprising a modulating mirror (121) suitable for reflecting the laser beam emitted by the laser source and for directing it towards the scanning device, the angle of incidence of the laser beam emitted by the laser source on the modulating mirror being between 20 and 45°.

Abstract: A machine is provided for the additive manufacture of a part by complete or partial selective melting of a powder, the machine including: a horizontal working plane; at least one spreading device; at least one system for dispensing powder over the working plane comprising at least one slide for receiving powder and at least one powder injector, the receiving slide being movable in translation, with respect to the working plane, and the injector being positioned above the receiving slide, so as to dispense powder over the receiving slide which is moving between a retracted position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A device for heating a bed of powder in an additive manufacturing apparatus comprising: a plasma generation device (20), said device being adapted to be positioned and displaced above the bed of powder, at a distance from the bed of powder allowing for the generation of the plasma thereon, an electrical power supply unit (22) for said plasma generation device, and a control unit (9) for controlling the power supply and the displacement of the plasma generation device The plasma generation device (20) comprises a magnetic plasma containment assembly.

Abstract: A machine for additive manufacturing of components by sintering powder includes a framework, a working zone, at least two beam emission and control modules, and at least two actuators. Each module, which is structured to emit an energy beam and to control the energy beam, is mounted inside the framework and is provided with an emission source and an optical system for focusing the energy beam emitted from the source. Each module acts on the working zone to manufacture a same component. Each optical system is axially movable in translation with respect to the framework. The actuators are associated with the optical systems, respectively, and are arranged to adjust axial positions of the optical systems with respect to the working zone, the axial positions being adjustable independently of each other.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing machine (10) comprises at least one movable powder reception surface (28) capable of being displaced in proximity to a manufacturing zone (20), a powder spreading device (30), and a device (32) for distributing powder on the movable reception surface. The powder distribution device comprises a buffer tank (38) linked to a powder supply (40) and a distribution duct (42) linking the buffer tank to a powder distribution point (P1) situated above the movable reception surface, and the distribution duct (42) is mounted on a vibrating device making it possible to vibrate the distribution duct so as to generate a continuous flow of powder in the distribution duct and from the buffer tank to the powder distribution point.

Abstract: A machine (1) for the additive manufacture of a component (2) by complete or partial selective melting of a powder comprises: a working chamber (100); a sleeve (3) having a top opening (4) opening into the working chamber (100), and having a vertical central axis (5), a support plate (6) intended to accept the component (2) in the process of being manufactured, a device (7) for actuating the translational movement of the support plate (6) inside the sleeve (3) along the vertical central axis (5) of the sleeve (3), and a component (2) extraction system (8) comprising a container (9), the extraction system (8) further comprising at least one closure plate (12) that is able to move in order to close the bottom opening (15) of the container (9), and the attachment between the support plate (6) and the actuating device (7) being of the removable type.

Abstract: A method is provided for dry cleaning a plate used in an additive manufacturing process involving a powder. According to the method, unconsolidated powder is separated from a plate and collected by imposing vibrations on the plate and causing the plate to experience shocks.

Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a machine (1) for additive manufacturing by the sintering or melting of powder (2) using an energy beam (3) acting on a powder layer (23) in a working zone (4), said machine comprising a device for producing a layer of said powder, said device comprising: means (5) for storing the powder, means (6) for distributing the powder able to travel over the working zone in order to distribute the powder in a layer (23) having a final thickness (24) adapted to additive manufacturing, feeding means (7) able to transfer the powder from the storage means (5) to the distributing means (6), dosing means (8) able to control the quantity of powder transferred from the storage means (5) to the distributing means (6), said machine being characterised in that: the storage means (5) are located above the working zone (4), the feeding means (7) utilise gravity, and the feeding means (7) and the dosing means (8) are able to move with the distributing means (6).

Abstract: An installation is provided for cleaning a plate used in an additive manufacturing process performed using a powder. The installation includes an entry lock, an exit lock, a dry cleaner, a wet cleaner, and a conveyor system. The entry lock is structured to accept into the installation a plate that is to be cleaned. The exit lock is structured to allow the plate to be extracted from the installation after cleaning. The dry cleaner is structured to clean the plate using vibrations and shocks in a first confinement enclosure. The wet cleaner is structured to clean the plate using at least one liquid in a second confinement enclosure. The conveyor system is structured to transport the plate between the dry cleaner, the wet cleaner, and the exit lock.

Abstract: A device is provided for dry cleaning a plate used in an additive manufacturing process that involves powder. The device includes a confinement enclosure, a loader, and a dry-cleaning station. The confinement enclosure includes an entry lock through which a plate to be cleaned enters. The loader is located within the confinement enclosure and is structured to receive and transport the plate. The dry-cleaning station is located within the confinement enclosure and is structured to dry clean the plate. The dry-cleaning station includes a vibration device, which imposes vibrations on the plate, and a shock device, which causes the plate to experience shocks.

Abstract: The machine presents a working zone that is defined in an upper part of a build sleeve which is fixedly mounted in a chassis. Within the working zone, the object is supported by a build plate which slides inside the build sleeve when driven in vertical translation by the head of an actuating cylinder which is placed along a central axis of the sleeve. The build plate is positioned inside a transport container which is arranged removably between the sleeve and the actuating cylinder. The machine also includes a means for moving the transport container vertically into contact with the build sleeve. The container is open at its top and at its bottom so that, when the actuating cylinder is actuated, the head thereof can transfer the plate between the transport container and the build sleeve which forms a build envelope around the plate.

Abstract: The machine is of the type which uses an energy beam which acts on a powder layer in a working zone. The machine has a device for layering said powder and which includes a means for storing powder, a means for distributing powder, a feeding means that transfers powder from the storage means to the distributing means, and a metering means that controls the quantity of powder transferred from storage means to distributing means. The storage means is positioned higher than the working zone, the feeding means utilizes gravity, and in use, the feeding means and the metering means move with the distributing means. The machine has two separate working zones and two separate working trays that move independently of one another. Each of the working trays is associated with only one working zone, and the layering device is common to both working zones.