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 method for determining a minimum width of a microjoint by which, when machining a workpiece, in particular a sheet-like workpiece, a workpiece part remains connected to a remaining workpiece of the workpiece. In the method, the minimum width of the microjoint is determined in dependence on at least one machining parameter which influences a relative position of the workpiece part in relation to the remaining workpiece during the machining of the workpiece. A further method determines an attachment position of such a microjoint and a still further method machines the workpiece.

Abstract: A processing unit of a machine tool for the punching processing of workpieces, in particular metal sheets, has a punching tool carrier configured to receive a punching tool and a stripper carrier for a stripper. The punching tool carrier can be moved by a punch drive along a stroke axis by a transverse drive element being driven by a punch drive motor relative to the punching tool carrier with a transverse drive movement along a transverse movement axis which extends in the transverse direction of the stroke axis. The stripper carrier can be moved along the stroke axis by a stripper drive, and the transverse drive element of the punch drive during the transverse drive movement can be moved relative to the stripper carrier along the transverse movement axis and the punching tool carrier and the stripper carrier can be moved relative to each other along the stroke axis.

Abstract: A processing unit of a machine tool for the punching processing of workpieces, in particular metal sheets, has a punching tool carrier configured to receive a punching tool and a stripper carrier for a stripper. The punching tool carrier can be moved by a punch drive along a stroke axis by a transverse drive element being driven by a punch drive motor relative to the punching tool carrier with a transverse drive movement along a transverse movement axis which extends in the transverse direction of the stroke axis. The stripper carrier can be moved along the stroke axis by a stripper drive, and the transverse drive element of the punch drive during the transverse drive movement can be moved relative to the stripper carrier along the transverse movement axis and the punching tool carrier and the stripper carrier can be moved relative to each other along the stroke axis.

Abstract: A drive system for a machine tool comprises two, at least equally long drive spindles, extending parallel to each other and being structurally identical with regard to their torsional rigidity and their axial rigidity, which are each supported to rotate about a spindle axis, and which can be driven about the spindle axis concerned. Each of the drive spindles has a fixed bearing at one end, acting in its longitudinal direction. Spindle nuts, which are seated on the drive spindles can be moved simultaneously with longitudinal movements in the longitudinal direction of the drive spindles.

Abstract: A drive system for a machine tool comprises two, at least equally long drive spindles, extending parallel to each other and being structurally identical with regard to their torsional rigidity and their axial rigidity, which are each supported to rotate about a spindle axis, and which can be driven about the spindle axis concerned. Each of the drive spindles has a fixed bearing at one end, acting in its longitudinal direction. Spindle nuts, which are seated on the drive spindles can be moved simultaneously with longitudinal movements in the longitudinal direction of the drive spindles.