阅读说明：本技术 3d打印装置 (3D printing device ) 是由 约翰内斯·博恩 克劳斯·法斯特 约内·德里岑 于 2020-02-26 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供一种3D打印装置,包括：打印底座；可运动的打印头,所述打印头被设计为,在所述打印底座上由成型材料增材式制造构件；柔性的打印室盖,所述打印室盖从所述打印头出发跨越所述打印底座,从而形成在所述打印头与所述打印底座之间的封闭的打印室,其中所述打印头的打印喷嘴伸入所述打印室中,用于施加所述成型材料；以及支撑结构,所述支撑结构包括柔性的支撑杆,所述支撑杆从所述打印头延伸到所述打印底座,并且所述支撑杆将所述打印室盖固定在所述打印底座上方。(The present invention provides a 3D printing apparatus, comprising: a printing base; a movable printhead designed to additively manufacture a component from a molding material on the print base; a flexible print chamber cover spanning the print base from the print head to form an enclosed print chamber between the print head and the print base, wherein print nozzles of the print head extend into the print chamber for applying the modeling material; and a support structure comprising a flexible support rod extending from the print head to the print base and securing the print chamber lid over the print base.)

1. A3D printing apparatus (1) has

A printing base (2);

a movable printing head (3) designed to additively manufacture a component (4) from a molding material on the printing base (2);

a flexible printing chamber cover (5) which extends from the printing head (3) over the printing base (2) so as to form a closed printing chamber (6) between the printing head (3) and the printing base (2), wherein a printing nozzle (7) of the printing head (3) protrudes into the printing chamber (6) for applying the molding material; and

a support structure (8) comprising a flexible support rod (9) extending from the print head (3) to the print base (2) and fixing the print chamber cover (5) over the print base (2).

2. The 3D printing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the print chamber cover (5) comprises at least a single layer of foil.

3. The 3D printing device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the print chamber cover (5) comprises a double-layered foil having a fillable gap (10).

4. The 3D printing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the print chamber cover (5) is fastened at the print head (3) and/or at the print base (2) with a closure tape (11) that can be released repeatedly.

5. The 3D printing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the print chamber lid (5) can be opened by means of a repeatedly releasable closure strip (11), wherein the closure strip (11) extends along the print chamber lid (5) from the print head (3) to the print base (2).

6. The 3D printing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the print head (3) has a fastening ring (12) in which the support bar (9) is supported.

7. The 3D printing device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the print chamber cover (5) is fastened at the fastening ring (12).

8. The 3D printing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the print chamber cover (5) has a controllable vent (13) by means of which the internal pressure of the print chamber (6) can be set relative to the ambient pressure of the 3D printing device (1).

9. The 3D printing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the print head (3) is designed to be movable along at least one translation axis (14) and/or along at least one rotation axis (15).

10. The 3D printing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the print head (3) is designed as an end effector of an industrial robot (16).

11. The 3D printing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the printing base (2) forms a surface of an aircraft structure (17).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a 3D printing apparatus.

Background

Generative or additive manufacturing processes, also commonly referred to as "3D printing processes", start with a digitized geometric model of an object, one or more starting materials are sequentially layered and cured. Thus, for example, in Fused Deposition Modeling (English: "Fused Deposition Modeling", FDM, or "Fused fibre Fabrication"), a component is constructed from a Modeling material (e.g., plastic or metal) in a laminar fashion, such that: the molding material is supplied in the form of a strip or a line, is liquefied by heating and is applied to the printing base by means of extrusion from a nozzle, whereby a solid, continuous component is obtained after cooling. 3D printing provides unusual design freedom and in particular allows objects to be manufactured at manageable (Luberschaubarem) costs, which may not be possible to manufacture with conventional methods or only at significant costs. For this reason, 3D printing methods are now widely used in industrial design, in the automotive industry, in the aeronautics and astronautics industry or in industrial product development in general, where resource-efficient process segments are used to produce individualized components on a small or large scale as required.

Most of today's extrusion-based 3D printing devices ("3D printers") have a cartesian or delta motion (deltakinematical) drive system with an open printing environment or closed printing room. In the case of 3D printers with closed printing/build chambers, materials with relatively high melting temperatures (>300 ℃) can be used as well as semi-crystalline materials that require special temperature conditions during the printing process. In this case, the printing environment may also be tailored to specific requirements, e.g., in terms of air humidity, pressure, composition, etc.

In scientific research and development and technical development, robot-assisted 3D printing schemes are recently pursued, in which industrial robots are used. In this case, it is common to work with an open printing environment, which makes regulation in terms of temperature, pressure, etc. extremely difficult. It is in principle still possible to enclose the entire machine structure formed by the robot and the 3D printer. However, this may imply significant costs to protect sensitive electronics of the robot and 3D printer at elevated temperatures of 200 ℃ or 300 ℃ or higher in order to ensure the functionality of the moving device.

Document US 2015/0217514 a1 describes A3D printing device with a sterile production environment. Here, a closed chamber is provided with accordion-folded sterile side walls which are large enough to receive the object to be produced. Two printing nozzles for material deposition pass through a pair of valves on the top side of the chamber to prevent air and particles from entering the chamber. The printing nozzle is here designed to move horizontally and in a vertical direction relative to the object, wherein the chamber expands in the vertical direction when the object is formed. Here, the chamber is confined (abgespan) on the side wall strip to prevent the chamber from touching the object to be manufactured.

On this background, the basic objects of the present invention are: a more flexible solution for 3D printing devices with closed printing chambers is found, in particular for robot-assisted applications.

Disclosure of Invention

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a 3D printing device having the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, a 3D printing device is provided. The 3D printing device includes: a printing base; a movable printhead designed to additively manufacture a component from a molding material on the print base; a flexible print chamber cover spanning the print base from the print head to form a closed print chamber between the print head and the print base, wherein print nozzles of the print head extend into the print chamber for applying the modeling material; and a support structure comprising a flexible support rod extending from the print head to the print base and securing the print chamber lid over the print base.

The idea on which the invention is based is: a flexible, variable-size and shape printing volume is created, which at the same time is nevertheless enclosed between the movable printing head and the printing base, said printing volume "following" the movement of the printing head to some extent. To this end, a flexible structure formed by a print chamber cover, which is fixed by a support construction, extends from the print head to the print base. Here, the print chamber lid serves to define a closed print chamber, i.e. the print chamber lid covers the print base in the sense of a cover. The support structure supports this print chamber lid on the other side, similar to the tent cloth supported by the tent poles, and is responsible for fixing and stabilizing the print chamber lid above the print base. In particular, contact of the print chamber cover with the print base and the printed product or extrusion situated thereon can be avoided. For this purpose, the support structure has a support rod which, due to its flexibility, can follow the movement of the print head to some extent. When the print head is moved, for example, translated and/or rotated, the print chamber cover is brought along with the support structure at the print head, and the print chamber is thus deformed. Here, due to the flexibility of the cover, it is ensured at all times that the printing chamber remains closed. The printing chamber is thus adjustable, i.e. the printing chamber may be heated, filled with gas, evacuated, the humidity value within the printing chamber may be changed, etc., for example. Thus, in particular the printing volume can be sealed to avoid contamination. On the other hand, sensitive components of the 3D printing apparatus, such as electronics of the print head and/or robotic structures, may remain in an unconditioned environment outside the printing chamber, so that it is not necessary to protect these components against conditions inside the printing chamber (e.g., elevated temperatures). Only the regions of the print head that are directly required for depositing the molding material can project into the printing chamber, i.e. in particular one or more printing nozzles. The one or more printing nozzles may also be designed to apply not only modeling material but also support material, which may be used to support the deposited modeling material or printed member.

3D printing methods are particularly advantageous because they allow the manufacture of three-dimensional parts in the way of the original molding without the need for special manufacturing molds adapted to the external shape of the part. This makes it possible to produce components and parts in an efficient, material-saving and time-saving manner. Such 3D printing methods are particularly advantageous in the field of aviation and aerospace, since very many different components adapted to the particular purpose of use are used, which components can be produced in such 3D printing methods at low cost, low production setup time and low complexity in the production equipment necessary for the production.

3D printing methods in the sense of the present application include all generative or additive manufacturing methods, in which objects of a predetermined shape are manufactured from material without shape (such as liquids and powders or semi-finished products of neutral shape, such as ribbon-shaped or wire-shaped material) by means of chemical and/or physical processes in a specific generative manufacturing system on the basis of a geometric shape model. A 3D printing method in the sense of the present application uses an additive process, wherein the starting material is structured into a predetermined shape in a layer-like manner in sequence. 3D printing methods in the sense of the present invention include inter alia Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and similar methods. The invention is particularly relevant for additive manufacturing of composite materials with high print rates and (fibre) reinforcement.

Advantageous embodiments and developments emerge from the further dependent claims and from the description with reference to the figures.

According to a refinement, the print chamber cover may comprise at least one foil. The print chamber cover can thus be designed particularly simply with a weight and cost saving. When using a foil, the print chamber lid and thus the overall system can be scaled particularly simply to any size. The only limitation is the maximum possible foil size. However, the individual foils may be bonded and/or welded into larger segments. For example, the foil may be made of plastic, such as polyimide or silicone. However, the foil can likewise have two or more layers, for example designed as a composite foil. Instead of or in addition to plastic, other materials, such as metal, may be provided. The foil material may be selected according to what conditions are set in the printing chamber. For example, materials that are particularly heat resistant and/or tear resistant may be used.

According to a refinement, the print chamber cover may comprise a double layer of foil. The foil of the double layer may have a fillable gap. Such a double foil can for example serve as an insulating layer, wherein the gap can be filled with an insulating medium and/or be gas-filled.

According to one refinement, the print chamber cover is fastened to the print head and/or to the print base by a closure strip which can be released repeatedly. As closure strips, solutions known to the person skilled in the art in general and suitable for the purpose of the application can be used, such as hook-and-loop strips, magnetic strips, zippers, etc. The print chamber cover can thus be quickly and simply released from the print head and/or print base.

According to a further development, the print chamber cover can be opened by means of a closure strip which can be released repeatedly. Here, the closure strip may extend from the print head to the print base along the print chamber lid. Thus, by creating an opening with the closure strip, the print chamber can be quickly accessed.

According to one refinement, the print head can have a fastening ring in which the support rod is supported. For example, a circumferential hole can be provided in the fastening ring, into which hole the support rod can be simply inserted. Furthermore, corresponding holes may also be provided in the printing base. Alternatively, however, the support bar may also be fastened or supported in other ways at the print head and/or at the print base.

According to a refinement, the print chamber cover can be fastened to the fastening ring. For example, the print chamber cover may be adhered to the fastening ring by tape. Alternatively or additionally, a closure strip that is repeatedly releasable may be used for fastening. In principle, in a further embodiment it is likewise provided that the print chamber cover is fastened to the print head in another way, for example without providing a special fastening ring.

According to a refinement, the printing chamber cover may have a controllable vent, by means of which the internal pressure of the printing chamber can be set relative to the ambient pressure of the 3D printing device. For example, one or more valves can be provided on the print-chamber lid in order to introduce air and/or gas into the print-chamber lid and to discharge it again. In this way, a (slight) overpressure relative to the environment of the 3D printing device may be generated, for example, within the printing chamber. This allows adjustment of the volume, shape and stability of the print chamber lid.

According to a refinement, the print head can be designed to be movable along at least one translation axis and/or along at least one rotation axis. For example, the print head can be moved along a common translation axis, i.e. in three mutually perpendicular spatial directions. Alternatively or additionally, however, the print head may also be designed to be rotatable about one or more rotational directions in order to achieve as high a flexibility as possible in depositing the modeling material.

According to one refinement, the printing head can be designed as an end effector of an industrial robot. The industrial robot may be arranged primarily outside the printing chamber, in particular outside the printing chamber and may project into the printing chamber only in sections of the printing head, for example with the printing nozzles of the printing head. Thus, sensitive parts of the industrial robot may remain outside the adjustable printing chamber and do not have to be protected against the conditions prevailing in the printing chamber (e.g. high temperatures).

According to a refinement, the printing base can form a surface of the aircraft structure. For example, printing may be done directly on the surface of a wing, fuselage, or other structure of an aircraft, particularly a passenger aircraft, in such a way that this solution is particularly efficient. In particular, due to the invention, it is not necessary to surround the entire component, but only to close the additive manufacturing area, where it is to be made, with the print chamber lid. Therefore, the surface or the rest of the carrier does not have to be subjected to special conditions of the printing chamber, such as elevated temperatures. Naturally, the printing base can also form the surface of any other component, such as a component of a land or water vehicle.

The above configurations and modifications can be combined with one another as desired, where appropriate. Other possible configurations, modifications and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention not explicitly mentioned previously or subsequently described with reference to the embodiments. The person skilled in the art can also add individual aspects as further or supplementary content to the respective basic form of the invention.

Drawings

The invention is explained in detail below with the aid of embodiments which are shown in the schematic drawings. In the drawings:

fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a 3D printing device according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a 3D printing apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention;

figures 3 and 4 show schematic perspective detail views of the 3D printing apparatus of figure 1;

fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view with enlarged individual details of the 3D printing device in fig. 1;

fig. 6 and 7 show schematic perspective detail views of a 3D printing apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention;

fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view with enlarged individual details of the 3D printing device in fig. 6 and 7;

fig. 9 shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a 3D printing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

List of reference numerals

1-3D printing device; 2-printing the base; 3-a print head; 4-a member; 5-a print chamber lid; 6-a printing chamber; 7-a print nozzle; 8-a support structure; 9-a support bar; 10-clearance; 11-a sealing tape; 12-a fastening ring; 13-a vent; 14-translation axis; 15-axis of rotation; 16-an industrial robot; 17-an aircraft structure; 18-adhesive tape; 19-a valve; 20-hole; 21-a connector; 22-a robot control device; 23-a print head control device; 24-a molding material supplier; 25-an evacuation device; 26-a heating device; 27-printing plate; 28-Hot air Source.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention. Which illustrate embodiments and serve, in connection with the description, to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the above advantages can be derived from a review of the figures. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other.

In the drawings, identical elements, features and components that are identical, function identically and function in the same manner are provided with the same reference numerals, respectively, unless otherwise specified.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a 3D printing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Different detailed views of the 3D printing apparatus 1 are shown in fig. 3 to 5.

The 3D printing device 1 comprises a printing base 2 on which a component made of a molding material is produced. For example, the molding material may include one or more plastics, metallic materials, ceramic materials, and/or composite materials, such as fiber reinforced plastics. The printing base 2 may be, for example, a printing platform, as is commonly used in additive manufacturing, such as a table, a plate, or the like. Alternatively, however, the printing base 2 also forms the surface of a component or structure. Fig. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment here, in which the printing base 2 is a surface of an aircraft structure 17, for example a surface of an aircraft fuselage and/or an aircraft wing. In this case, the component is manufactured directly on the surface of the aircraft structure 17.

The 3D printing device 1 further comprises a movable print head 3, which is designed to additively manufacture a component 4 from a molding material on the printing base 2. The print head 3 may for example be designed as an FDM print head with three or more axes of motion, for example a 5-axis motion mechanism with three translational degrees of freedom or axes and two rotational degrees of freedom or axes. The print head 3 can thus be designed to obtain the moulding material in the form of a strip or a thread from a material supply. The molding material is heated, thereby becoming fluid and then applied through one or more printing nozzles 7 of the print head 3 (see upper part of fig. 5). Exemplarily, the translation axis 14 and the rotation axis 15 are indicated in fig. 3 and 4. Furthermore, the backing/support material may be applied by the print nozzle 7.

In the embodiment shown, the print head 3 is designed in particular as an end effector of an industrial robot 16, i.e. the print head 3 can be brought by means of a controller via the industrial robot 16 into different positions and orientations above the printing base 2 or a printed product or extrudate located thereon.

The 3D printing device 1 further comprises a flexible print chamber cover 5 spanning the print base 2 from the print head 3, thereby forming a closed print chamber 6 between the print head 3 and the print base 2. In this case, the printing nozzles 7 of the printing head 3 for applying the molding material project into the printing chamber 6 (see fig. 5). The print chamber lid 5 thus forms a closed cover or dome over the print base 2. The print chamber lid 5 may be, for example, a single or multi-layer foil made of a heat-resistant plastic, such as polyimide (e.g., Kapton), silicone, or the like. The print chamber lid 5 may also have at least one gap 10 between the foil layers, for example schematically indicated in fig. 5 in the upper right. This gap 10 may be coupled with a vent, such as a valve 19. In this way, the gap 10 can be filled or inflated with an insulating gas, for example.

In the exemplary configuration according to fig. 1 and 3 to 5, the print chamber cover 5 is fastened at the print head 3 and the print base 2 by means of adhesive tape 18 (see fig. 5 upper and right). In principle, the techniques known for creating a vacuum, for example, in the production of fiber composite components, can be used here.

Due to the flexible configuration of the print chamber cover 5 as a foil, the print chamber cover is brought to some extent together when the print head 3 is moved, thus changing the shape of the print chamber 6. Fig. 3 and 4 additionally show two examples, in which the print head 3 is located near the printing base 2 in fig. 4 and has the greatest vertical distance from the printing base 2 in fig. 3, i.e. the printing chamber 6 has its greatest possible volume. In fig. 4, the print chamber cover 5 thus obtains a pressed-in or retracted configuration.

To avoid contact of the print chamber lid 5 with the print base 2 and/or the extrudate or printed member, the 3D printing device 1 further comprises a support structure 8 formed by a flexible support rod 9 within the print chamber lid 5. Here, the support rod extends specifically from the print head 3 to the print base 2, and supports or fixes the print chamber cover 5 above the print base 2. In principle, this structure is reminiscent of a tent in which a tent cloth is placed on a support formed by poles. Similar materials or configurations can therefore also be used in the support bar 9 in this case, for example semi-rigid tent bars made of metal and/or plastic, fibre-reinforced plastic bars, simple plastic strips, etc. The support rod 9 can be inserted, for example, into the print head 3 and the print base 2, for example, by means of holes provided specifically for this purpose, or can be fastened in another manner, releasably or unreleasably, to the print head 3 and the print base 2. Furthermore, the support bar 9 may be firmly or elastically connected with the print chamber lid 5, for example by means of tabs, adhesive connections, straps, etc.

Due to the flexible configuration of the support bar 9, the support structure 8 thus follows the movement of the print head 3 together with the print chamber cover 5 within a certain range. However, the rod 9 can also be designed so rigidly: contact with the printing base 2 or the printed component is prevented regardless of the position of the print head 3.

The print chamber lid 5 also has a controllable vent 13 by means of which the internal pressure of the print chamber 6 can be set relative to the ambient pressure of the 3D printing device 1 (see fig. 3). The ventilation opening 13 may have one or more valves or may be designed as a valve, for example. Thereby, the print chamber 6 together with the print chamber lid 5 located above it, together with the support structure 8, may be inflated to some extent in order to additionally stabilize the print chamber lid 5. Thus, in fig. 3 and 4, in combination with the corresponding movement of the print head 3, it is also possible to adjust the internal pressure of the print chamber 6. In a particularly simple embodiment, for example, hot air can be pumped into the printing chamber 6 via the vent 13 and/or air can be discharged. Alternatively or additionally, air or gas may be heated in the printing chamber 6 by heating means.

As a result, a printing chamber 6 is thereby created which is closed between the printing head 3 and the printing base 2 and which can now be adjusted in accordance with the respective application, for example with regard to temperature, pressure, humidity, air/gas composition, etc. The printing chamber 6 matches the movement of the print head at all times due to its coupling to the print head 3. Here, only the printing nozzles 7 of the printing head 3 project into the printing chamber 6. This means that only this section of the print head 3 has to be designed to be robust or tolerant with respect to the conditions prevailing in the printing chamber 6 (e.g. for elevated temperatures). Instead, sensitive electronic or other components of the industrial robot 16 or the print head 3 may remain outside the printing chamber 6. Thus, a particularly flexible and simple solution is provided for a robot-assisted 3D printing device with a closed printing chamber 6. In the case of the embodiment of fig. 2, it is also possible to cover exclusively a certain subsection of the aircraft surface. The rest of the aircraft is thus not directly affected by the additive process.

Fig. 6 to 8 show different views of a 3D printing apparatus 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In principle, the 3D printing apparatus 1 has a similar structure to the 3D printing apparatus 1 in fig. 1 to 5.

However, the difference is that the print chamber lid 5 is fastened here by means of a closure strip 11 that can be released repeatedly to the print base 2 and to the print head 3, so that the print chamber lid 5 can be quickly mounted (dismounted) or opened/closed at any time. For this purpose, a circumferential connecting piece 21 is provided on the printing base 2, to which one of the closure strips 11 is fastened (see lower right part of fig. 8). Furthermore, the print head 3 has a fastening ring 12 (see upper part of fig. 8) at which the other one of the closure strips 11 is in turn fastened. The fastening ring 12 also has a hole 20 for supporting the support bar 9 (see upper part of fig. 8). Corresponding bearings can naturally also be provided in the printing base 2 (not shown). The third closing strip 11 extends from the print head 3 to the print base 2 at the print chamber lid 5 and can be used to quickly and simply open the print chamber lid 5 at any time without having to release it from the print head 3 or the print base 2 for this purpose. The closure tape 11 may be, for example, a velcro tape, a magnetic tape, a zipper, or the like.

In addition, two air vents 13, for example, an air inlet valve and an air outlet valve, are introduced into the print chamber cover 5. By means of the two vents 13, it is possible, for example, to achieve the passage of heated air, which can enter from one of the two vents 13 and exit again from the corresponding other vent 13, for example for regulating the pressure of the printing chamber 6, coupled, where appropriate, with the controller of the movement of the print head 3.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a 3D printing device 1 according to another embodiment of the invention. As in the embodiment of fig. 1 to 8, this 3D printing device 1 also has an industrial robot 16, the end effector of which is designed as a printing head 3. The industrial robot 16 is controlled by a robot control device 22, whereas the print head 3 is controlled by a special print head control device 23. The strip-shaped or wire-shaped molding material is guided from the molding material supply 24 to the printing head 3, heated and finally applied by the printing nozzles 7 of the printing head 3 in order to build up the component 4 in layers on the printing base 2. As with the embodiment of fig. 1 to 8, this 3D printing device 1 also has a flexible print chamber cover 5 and a support structure 8 with flexible support rods 9 (the latter not shown for clarity reasons). The print chamber cover 5 is fastened at the print base 2 and the print head 3 and spans the print chamber 6, wherein only the print nozzles 7 of the print head 3 project into the print chamber 6, while the remaining components of the industrial robot 16 are located outside the print chamber 6. The particular fastening of the print chamber cover 5 can be effected here by means of a closure strip 11 (not shown) in a similar manner to that in fig. 6 to 8. The print head 3 again has a fastening ring 12 for this purpose.

The 3D printing device 1 further comprises on the printing base 2 a heating device 26, for example a heating plate, on which a printing plate 27 (for example a glass plate) serving as the actual printing platform is located, as known from the additive manufacturing field. The printing plate 27 and the heating device 26 are sucked to the printing base 2 by the evacuation device 25 and fixed thereto. The heating device 26 can be designed in the usual manner and manner in order to heat the printed component 4 as uniformly as possible, so that no deformation occurs after the component has cooled and solidified.

Furthermore, the 3D printing device 1 has two air openings 13, wherein a hot air source 27 (e.g. a hot air gun) is exemplarily indicated at one of the air openings 13. The volume of the print chamber cover 5 and thus the print chamber 6 can be adjusted by blowing hot air at this vent 13. The other vent 13 can function as an exhaust valve, by which air (or gas) can be exhausted if necessary.

The robot control device 22 and the print head control device 23 coordinate the movement of the industrial robot 16 or the print head 3, wherein the print head 3 is moved to produce the component 4 in layers on the printing base 2. The print head 3 can here, similarly to the above-described embodiments, be moved along a plurality of translation and rotation axes. At the same time, the regulation of the printing chamber 6, for example in terms of temperature, pressure, etc., can be adjusted by the control means 22, 23. For this purpose, corresponding sensors, for example temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc., are also provided in the 3D printing device 1, which sensors communicate with the control devices 22, 23. The printing chamber 6 can be accessed at any time, if necessary, by opening the closing tape 11, for example in the case of a malfunction of the 3D printing apparatus 1.

The printing chamber 6 enclosed between the print head 3 and the printing base 2 can be adjusted in accordance with the respective application, for example with regard to temperature, pressure, humidity, air/gas composition, etc. The printing chamber 6 is likewise adapted to the movement of the print head 3 in correspondence with the above-described embodiments. The sensitive electronic or other components of the industrial robot 16 or the print head 3 are arranged outside the printing chamber 6 and do not have to be protected against the conditions inside the printing chamber 6. At the same time, the support structure 8 is responsible, in relation to the adjusted internal pressure, for the print chamber lid 5 not to come into contact with the printed member 4.

In the foregoing detailed description, various features that improve the stringency of the figures are summarized in one or more examples. It should be clear here, however, that the above description is illustrative only and not in any way limiting. The description is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of the various features and embodiments. Many other examples will be immediately and directly obvious to the person skilled in the art, based on his expert knowledge, in view of the above description.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application. Thus, the invention and its various embodiments can be best modified and used by those skilled in the art with reference to the intended use. In the claims and in the description, the terms "comprising" and "having" are used as conceptualizations of neutral language (neutrals) corresponding to the term "comprising". Furthermore, the use of the terms "a" and "an" should in principle not exclude a plurality of the described features and components.