Abstract: An arrangement for additive manufacturing by selective fusion of layers of a three-dimensional product from a powder bed including successively formed powder layers is provided. The arrangement includes a heating element having a powder layer facing surface, arranged in a powder layer heating position above a powder layer, in such a way that heat radiation emitted from said heating element heats at least a part of the powder layer before the selective fusion of a layer of the three-dimensional product from the powder layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a methods, computer program products, program elements, and apparatuses for forming a three-dimensional article through successively depositing individual layers of powder material that are fused together so as to form the article. The method comprising the steps of providing at least one electron beam source emitting an electron beam for at least one of heating or fusing the powder material, where the electron beam source comprises a cathode and an anode, and varying an accelerator voltage between the cathode and the anode between at least a first and second predetermined value during the forming of the three-dimensional article.

Abstract: A method for forming a three-dimensional article through successive fusion of parts of a metal powder bed is provided, comprising the steps of: distributing a first metal powder layer on a work table inside a build chamber, directing at least one high energy beam from at least one high energy beam source over the work table causing the first metal powder layer to fuse in selected locations, distributing a second metal powder layer on the work table, directing at least one high energy beam over the work table causing the second metal powder layer to fuse in selected locations, introducing a first supplementary gas into the build chamber, which first supplementary gas comprising hydrogen, is capable of reacting chemically with or being absorbed by a finished three-dimensional article, and releasing a predefined concentration of the gas which had reacted chemically with or being absorbed by the finished three dimensional article.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming at least one three-dimensional article through successive fusion of parts of a powder bed. The apparatus comprises a powder distributor configured for evenly distributing a layer of powder on top of a build table; an energy beam configured for fusing the powder layer in selected locations corresponding to the cross section of the three-dimensional article, the powder distributor comprises an elongated rod provided movable at a predetermined distance above the powder table and with its central axis in parallel with a top surface of the powder table, and a flexible foil attached onto the elongated rod and protruding from the rod towards the powder table; and an elongated device parallel with the powder distributor and arranged onto or over the powder table outside the build table, where the elongated device is arranged for mechanically touching the flexible foil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a build compartment used in 3D printing systems based on powder beds. The build compartment is the volume in a 3D printing apparatus where 3D objects are formed by successive consolidation of thin layers of powder. The build compartment is designed with at least two vertical wall structures movable in relation to each other. The movable wall structures are at least partly overlapping in the movable direction, providing self-sealing for a variable volume for enclosing powder. Contrary to other available designs, this solution does not need a compressible sealing material, for example an elastomer, a textile felt or a braided rope, to prevent powder leakage from the build compartment. The advantages are more reliable sealing and no risk of contamination of the powder by debris from sealing material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a build compartment used in 3D printing systems based on powder beds. The build compartment is the volume in a 3D printing apparatus where 3D objects are formed by successive consolidation of thin layers of powder. The build compartment is designed with at least two vertical wall structures movable in relation to each other. The movable wall structures are at least partly overlapping in the movable direction, providing self-sealing for a variable volume for enclosing powder. Contrary to other available designs, this solution does not need a compressible sealing material, for example an elastomer, a textile felt or a braided rope, to prevent powder leakage from the build compartment. The advantages are more reliable sealing and no risk of contamination of the powder by debris from sealing material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for forming a three-dimensional article through successively depositing individual layers of powder material that are fused together so as to form the article, the apparatus comprising an electron beam source emanating an electron beam for fusing the powder material in a build tank, a hollow construction having an upper opening and a lower opening, means for moving the hollow construction between a first position and a second position, a synchronising unit for synchronising the movement of a powder distributor for applying the individual layers of powder material on the work table with the movement of the hollow construction so that the hollow metal construction is at the first position when fusing and/or heating the powder layer and at the second position when the powder distributor is distributing the powder material for forming the individual powder layers.

Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) printing systems based on powder beds, in which 3D objects are formed by successive consolidation of thin layers of powder are disclosed. The powder compartment from which powder feedstock is distributed in a 3D printer has at least two vertical wall structures movable in relation to each other, the wall structures being at least partly overlapping in the movable direction, providing a variable volume for enclosing powder. Contrary to other available designs, this solution does not need a compressible sealing material, for example an elastomer, a textile felt or a braided rope, to prevent powder leakage from the powder compartment. The benefits are a simple and robust design providing more reliable sealing and no risk of contamination of the powder by debris from sealing material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a three-dimensional article through successively depositing individual layers of powder material that are fused together so as to form the article, the method comprising the step of heating a first portion of a support surface while depositing a layer of powder material on a second portion of the support surface.

Abstract: A method for forming at least one three-dimensional article through successive fusion of parts of a powder bed, the method comprising the steps of: providing a model of the at least one three dimensional article; applying a first powder layer on a first build platform and on a second build platform; directing a deflectable laser beam from a laser beam source arranged in a first position to cause the first powder layer to fuse in a first selected locations on the first build platform according to the model; at least one of rotating or tilting the laser beam source a predetermined angle to a second position; and directing the deflectable laser beam from the laser beam source in the second position to cause the first powder layer to fuse in a second selected locations on the second build platform according to the model.

Abstract: A method for forming at least one three-dimensional article through successive fusion of parts of a powder bed, the method comprising the steps of: providing a model of the at least one three dimensional article; applying a first powder layer on at least one build platform; directing an electron beam from an inclined electron beam source over the at least one build platform where a central electron beam emanating from the source is building an angle ? with respect to a normal to the build platform?0°, the directing of the first energy beam causing the first powder layer to fuse in a first selected locations according to the model; rotating or tilting the electron beam source a predetermined angle, directing the electron beam from the tilted or rotated electron beam source causing a first powder layer to fuse in a second selected locations according to the model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a methods, computer program products, program elements, and apparatuses for forming a three-dimensional article through successively depositing individual layers of powder material that are fused together so as to form the article. The method comprising the steps of providing at least one electron beam source emitting an electron beam for at least one of heating or fusing the powder material, where the electron beam source comprises a cathode and an anode, and varying an accelerator voltage between the cathode and the anode between at least a first and second predetermined value during the forming of the three-dimensional article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a three-dimensional article through successively depositing individual layers of powder material that are fused together so as to form the article, the method comprising the step of heating a first portion of a support surface while depositing a layer of powder material on a second portion of the support surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a methods, computer program products, program elements, and apparatuses for forming a three-dimensional article through successively depositing individual layers of powder material that are fused together so as to form the article. The method comprising the steps of providing at least one electron beam source emitting an electron beam for at least one of heating or fusing the powder material, where the electron beam source comprises a cathode and an anode, and varying an accelerator voltage between the cathode and the anode between at least a first and second predetermined value during the forming of the three-dimensional article.

Abstract: A method comprising the steps of: distributing a titanium alloy or pure titanium powder layer on a work table inside a vacuum chamber, directing at least one electron beam from at least one electron beam source over the work table causing the powder layer to fuse in selected locations, distributing a second powder layer on the work table of a titanium alloy or pure titanium inside the build chamber, directing the at least one electron beam over the work table causing the second powder layer to fuse in selected locations, and releasing a predefined concentration of the gas from the metal powder into the vacuum chamber when at least one of heating or fusing the metal powder layer, wherein at least one gas comprising hydrogen is absorbed into or chemically bonded to the titanium or titanium alloy powder to a concentration of 0.01-0.5% by weight of the hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a three-dimensional article through successively depositing individual layers of powder material that are fused together so as to form the article, the method comprising the step of heating a first portion of a support surface while depositing a layer of powder material on a second portion of the support surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a three-dimensional article through successively depositing individual layers of powder material that are fused together so as to form the article, the method comprising the step of heating a first portion of a support surface while depositing a layer of powder material on a second portion of the support surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for forming a three-dimensional article through successively depositing individual layers of powder material that are fused together so as to form the article, the apparatus comprising an electron beam source emanating an electron beam for fusing the powder material in a build tank, a hollow construction having an upper opening and a lower opening, means for moving the hollow construction between a first position and a second position, a synchronising unit for synchronising the movement of a powder distributor for applying the individual layers of powder material on the work table with the movement of the hollow construction so that the hollow metal construction is at the first position when fusing and/or heating the powder layer and at the second position when the powder distributor is distributing the powder material for forming the individual powder layers.

Abstract: Provided is a method for forming a three-dimensional article through successively depositing individual layers of powder material that are fused together so as to form the article in a vacuum chamber, said method comprising the steps of: providing at least one electron beam source emitting an electron beam for at least one of heating or fusing said powder material in said vacuum chamber, applying a first set of beam parameters for formation of a fused bulk material of said three-dimensional article, where said bulk material has a predetermined microstructure, applying a second set of beam parameters for formation of a top portion of said three-dimensional article, wherein said second set of beam parameters is applied a predetermined number of layers prior to reaching a top surface of said three-dimensional article for encapsulating chimney porosities into said bulk material. Associated apparatus and computer program product are also provided.

Abstract: A method for forming at least one three-dimensional article through successive fusion of parts of a powder bed, the method comprising the steps of: providing a model of the at least one three dimensional article; applying a first powder layer on at least one build platform; directing an electron beam from an inclined electron beam source over the at least one build platform where a central electron beam emanating from the source is building an angle ? with respect to a normal to the build platform the directing of the first energy beam causing the first powder layer to fuse in a first selected locations according to the model; rotating or tilting the electron beam source a predetermined angle, directing the electron beam from the tilted or rotated electron beam source causing a first powder layer to fuse in a second selected locations according to the model.