阅读说明：本技术 用于选择性激光烧结的系统 (system for selective laser sintering ) 是由 S·德费利斯 A·德克曼 于 2018-04-25 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于通过选择性激光烧结从粉末生产物体的系统。所述系统包括腔室和所述腔室中的支撑平台。铺展器将粉末层施涂到床表面。照射源照射在支撑平台上制备的粉末层中的选定点。辐射加热器加热床表面的至少一部分。温度传感器监测床表面上选定点的温度。控制器响应于由温度传感器提供的温度数据来调节辐射加热器。(a system for producing an object from a powder by selective laser sintering. The system includes a chamber and a support platform in the chamber. A spreader applies a layer of powder to the bed surface. An illumination source illuminates selected points in a powder layer prepared on a support platform. The radiant heater heats at least a portion of the bed surface. The temperature sensor monitors the temperature at a selected point on the bed surface. The controller adjusts the radiant heater in response to temperature data provided by the temperature sensor.)

1. A system for producing an object from a powder, comprising:

a housing defining a chamber;

A support platform disposed in the chamber and movable therein along an axis for supporting one or more layers of powder and any parts formed therein;

A spreader for applying a powder layer to a bed surface defined by an upper surface of the support platform or an upper surface of a newly prepared powder layer on the support platform;

An illumination source for illuminating selected points in a newly prepared powder layer on the support platform;

a radiant heater disposed in the chamber and configured to heat at least a portion of the bed surface;

A temperature sensor disposed in the chamber and configured to monitor a temperature at a selected point on the bed surface, the temperature sensor connected to a bracket disposed in the chamber, the bracket being biasable between a first configuration in which the bracket is locked and the position of the temperature sensor relative to the bed surface is fixed and a second configuration in which the bracket is unlocked and the position of the temperature sensor relative to the bed surface is adjustable; and

A controller for adjusting the radiant heater in response to temperature data provided by the temperature sensor;

Wherein the support enables an operator to adjust and set the position of the temperature sensor relative to the bed surface such that the temperature sensor can monitor a selected point of the bed surface desired by the operator.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor is a pyrometer.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the stent is translatable along a first axis in the chamber when the stent is in the second configuration.

4. the system of claim 3, wherein the first axis is parallel to the bed surface.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the stent is translatable along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis when the stent is in the second configuration.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the cradle is rotatable about a first axis of rotation when the cradle is in the second configuration.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the cradle is rotatable about a second axis of rotation when the cradle is in the second configuration.

8. the system of claim 7, wherein the bracket includes a spherical bracket to rotate about the first axis of rotation and to rotate about the second axis of rotation, the spherical bracket defining convex and concave arcuate surfaces to facilitate rotation when the bracket is in the second configuration.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the support is located outside of a perimeter of the bed.

10. A system for producing an object from a powder, comprising:

A housing defining a chamber;

A support platform disposed in the chamber and movable therein along an axis for supporting one or more layers of powder and any parts formed therein;

a spreader for applying a powder layer to a bed surface defined by an upper surface of the support platform or an upper surface of a newly prepared powder layer on the support platform;

An illumination source for illuminating selected points in a newly prepared powder layer on the support platform;

A radiant heater disposed in the chamber and configured to heat at least a portion of the bed surface;

A temperature sensor disposed in the chamber and configured to monitor a temperature at a plurality of locations on the bed surface during a build process; and

A controller for adjusting the radiant heater in response to temperature data provided by the temperature sensor.

11. the system of claim 10, wherein the radiant heater comprises a plurality of radiant heaters.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the controller adjusts the radiant heater to maintain a first temperature at a first temperature zone on the bed surface and to maintain a second temperature at a second temperature zone on the bed surface.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the temperature sensor is a pyrometer.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the pyrometer is in optical communication with a scanner configured to scan the bed surface.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the scanner scans the couch in a pattern that increases a thermal identification area.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein thermal data is received from the pyrometer and transmitted to the controller to create a thermographic image of at least one region of a bed surface.

17. the system of claim 16, wherein the controller adjusts the radiant heater based on the radiant heater to control the temperature of the bed surface.

Technical Field

the present invention relates generally to an additive manufacturing system and methods of use thereof, and more particularly to an additive manufacturing system that provides improved process control through enhanced bed temperature monitoring.

Background

selective laser sintering ("LS") is a layer-by-layer additive manufacturing technique in which a powder build material is bonded at selected points using electromagnetic radiation, for example from a CO2 laser, to create a solid structure having a desired three-dimensional shape. The build material may comprise plastic powder, metal powder (direct metal laser sintering), ceramic powder, or glass powder. In some technologies, such as those using metals, a technique known as selective laser melting ("LM") is used, in which a powder is melted rather than sintered.

Typically, a CAD model of the object to be constructed from LS is prepared using known software applications. The CAD model is divided into layers to create build volume data for the object. The construct data includes a plurality of cross-sectional patterns according to the CAD model. For each layer, the LS construction process is as follows: a layer of build material is disposed on a bed of a laser sintering system. The applied layer is scanned and cured at selected points by a controlled electromagnetic radiation source according to a cross-sectional pattern associated with the layer. After scanning the cross-section to cause solidification at selected points, the bed is lowered by one layer thickness, a new layer of powdered material is placed on the bed, and the bed is rescanned by the laser. This process is repeated until the build is complete.

Prior to scanning, the LS machine may preheat the powder material disposed on the bed to a temperature near the melting point of the powder. Preheating is typically accomplished by one or more radiant heaters disposed above the bed surface and/or by resistive heaters in the bed or frame. Preheating the powder makes it easier for the laser to raise the powder temperature to the melting point.

A disadvantage of known LS systems is that they can only provide limited bed surface temperature control, resulting in non-linear shrinkage and non-linear strength of the manufactured part.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved system for fabricating objects by LS.

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect of the invention relates to a system for selective laser sintering. The system includes a housing defining a chamber. A support platform is disposed in the chamber and is movable therein along an axis for supporting one or more layers of powder and any parts formed therein. The system also includes a spreader for applying the powder layer to the bed surface. The bed surface is defined by the upper surface of the support platform or the upper surface of the layer of powder that is newly prepared on the support platform. The system further comprises an illumination source for illuminating selected points in the layer of powder newly prepared on the support platform. The system also includes a radiant heater disposed in the chamber and configured to heat at least a portion of the bed surface. The system also includes a temperature sensor disposed in the chamber and configured to monitor a temperature at a selected point on the bed surface. The temperature sensor is connected to a support disposed in the chamber. The stand is capable of being biased between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the bracket is locked and the position of the temperature sensor relative to the bed surface is fixed. In the second configuration, the cradle is unlocked and the position of the temperature sensor relative to the bed surface is not fixed. The system also includes a controller for adjusting the radiant heater in response to temperature data provided by the temperature sensor. The biasable mount enables an operator to adjust and set the position of the temperature sensor so that the temperature sensor can monitor a selected point of the bed surface desired by the operator.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor is a pyrometer.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the stent is translatable along a first axis within the chamber. The first axis is parallel to the bed surface. The carriage is translatable along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The support is rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation.

in some embodiments of the invention, the cradle is spherically mounted for rotation along first and second axes and for rotation along first and second axes of rotation.

In some embodiments of the invention, the support is located outside the perimeter of the bed surface.

another aspect of the invention relates to a system for producing objects from powder. The system includes a housing defining a chamber. A support platform is disposed in the chamber and is movable therein along an axis for supporting one or more layers of powder and any parts formed therein. The system also includes a spreader for applying the powder layer to the bed surface. The bed surface is defined by the upper surface of the support platform or the upper surface of the layer of powder that is newly prepared on the support platform. The system further comprises an illumination source for illuminating selected points in the layer of powder newly prepared on the support platform. The system also includes a radiant heater disposed in the chamber and configured to heat at least a portion of the bed surface. The system also includes a temperature sensor disposed in the chamber and configured to monitor a temperature at a plurality of locations on the bed surface during a build process. The system also includes a controller for adjusting the radiant heater in response to temperature data provided by the temperature sensor.

in some embodiments of the invention, the radiant heater comprises a plurality of radiant heaters, wherein each individual radiant heater heats a specific portion of the bed surface.

In some embodiments of the invention, the temperature sensor is a pyrometer that is connected to a scanner that scans the bed surface to determine the temperature at different regions.

In some embodiments of the invention, there are a plurality of temperature sensors to measure a plurality of points on the bed surface during the build run.

drawings

Fig. 1 shows an LS machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a bracket and a temperature sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a bracket and a temperature sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an LS machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

fig. 5 shows a system of bed heaters according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

The invention has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. However, aspects of the present invention are not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that aspects of the invention include many more embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, an LS system 10 is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The system 10 includes a first chamber 20 having an actuatable piston 24 disposed within the first chamber 20. Bed 22 is disposed at the end of piston 24. It should be understood that the term bed may refer to a physical structure supported on a piston or the uppermost layer of powder disposed thereon.

The temperature of bed 22 may be variably controlled by a controller 60 in communication with one or more heating elements in and/or around bed 22. Furthermore, the LS system 10 according to the invention comprises a heating device 26 above the bed 22 which preheats the newly applied powder layer to an operating temperature below the temperature at which solidification of the powder material takes place. The heating device 26 may be a radiant heating device (e.g., one or more radiant heaters) that can introduce thermal energy into the newly applied powder layer over a large area by emitting electromagnetic radiation, and is in communication with the controller 60. One of ordinary skill in the art and familiar with the present disclosure will appreciate that multiple radiant heating units may be used.

The second chamber 30 is adjacent to the first chamber 20. The second chamber 30 includes a table surface 32 disposed on an end of a piston 34 disposed in the second chamber. Prior to the sintering step, the powder 36 for the LS system 10 is stored in the second chamber 30. One of ordinary skill in the art and familiar with the present disclosure will appreciate that although specific embodiments of LS systems are disclosed, the invention is not limited and that different known LS systems may be employed in the practice of the invention.

During operation of the LS system 10, the spreader 40 translates across the top surface of the first chamber 20, thereby evenly distributing the powder layer 36 throughout to the top surface of the bed 22 or the material previously disposed on the bed 22. The LS system 10 pre-heats the powder material 36 disposed on the bed 22 to a temperature near the melting point of the powder. The bed temperature set point is input into a controller, and software executing on the controller adjusts power to one or more of the radiant heaters to maintain the bed temperature at or near the temperature set point. Typically, the powder layer is spread to have a thickness of 125 μm, but the thickness of the powder layer may be increased or decreased depending on the specific LS method and within the limits of the LS system.

A laser 50 and a scanning device 54 are disposed above the couch 22. The laser 50 emits a beam 52 to a scanner 54, which scanner 54 then distributes a laser beam 56 across the powder layer 36 disposed on the bed 22 according to the build volume data. The laser selectively melts the powdered material by scanning a cross-section produced by a three-dimensional digital depiction of the part on the bed surface on which the layer of powdered material is disposed. The laser 50 and scanner 54 are in communication with a controller 60. After scanning the cross-section, the bed 22 is lowered by one layer thickness (indicated by the downward arrow), a new layer of powdered material is placed on the bed 22 via the spreader 40, and the bed 22 is rescanned by the laser. This process was repeated until construct 28 was completed. During this build, the piston 34 in the second chamber is gradually raised (indicated by the upward arrow) to ensure an adequate supply of powder 36.

With further reference to fig. 1, a support 70 is disposed above the bed 22 in the chamber 20. A temperature sensor 72 is coupled to the bracket 70. The temperature sensor 72 is configured to detect the temperature of a point on the bed surface 22. The temperature sensor 72 reflects the light beam 74 off the bed surface 22 and transmits it back to the controller 60 to monitor the temperature at selected points on the bed 22. The temperature sensor 72 is in communication with the controller 60. Software executing on the controller 60 adjusts the power into the heater 26 based on the temperature measured from the temperature sensor 72. This will maintain the bed temperature at the preselected temperature throughout the build process.

the temperature sensor 72 is connected to the bracket 70. The bracket 70 is biasable between a first locked configuration and a second unlocked configuration. In the first locked configuration, the bracket 70 is fixed such that the position of the temperature sensor 72 is fixed relative to the bed surface 22. In the first configuration, temperature sensor 72 measures the temperature of a selected location on bed surface 22 during the build process. In the second unlocked configuration, the bracket 70 is adjustable relative to the bed surface 22, allowing the operator to adjust the position of the temperature sensor 72 between runs.

For example, because the operator cannot open the chamber 20 during a build run due to extreme heat and oxygen starvation, the position of the temperature sensor 72 needs to be adjusted before the build run begins. To do so, the operator will place the bracket 70 in the second unlocked configuration to adjust the position of the temperature sensor 72. The operator can then adjust the support 70 so that the temperature sensor monitors the temperature at the desired selected point on the bed surface 22. Once the operator positions the temperature sensor 72 for a build run by adjusting the carriage 70, the operator places the carriage 70 in the first locked configuration, thereby fixing the position of the carriage 70 and the temperature sensor 72 during the build process. The temperature sensor 72 measures the temperature of a selected point on the bed surface 22. During the build process, an operator may position the temperature sensor 72 to monitor the temperature at a desired location on the bed surface 22. For example, the operator may prefer to measure the temperature near the edge of the bed surface 22, or to monitor the temperature near the center of the bed surface 22, or to monitor the temperature near a critical feature of the object being built in the bed 22. In still other embodiments of the invention, the position of the support is adjusted to ensure that the illumination device 50 and the scanner 54 in optical communication therewith have sufficient clearance to illuminate selected portions of the powder bed in accordance with the build instructions.

Referring to fig. 2, a support 70 and a temperature sensor 72 are disposed above the bed 22. Temperature sensor 72 reflects beam 74 to monitor the temperature at a selected point on bed 22. The temperature sensor 72 is connected to the bracket 70.

In one embodiment of the invention, the position of the support relative to the bed surface may be translated along a first axis 80 and along a second axis 82. The first and second axes 80 and 82 are parallel to the bed surface 22. For example, in one embodiment, the carriage 70 is coupled to a rail 76 that allows the carriage 70 to move along a first axis 80 that is parallel to the bed 22. In the second unlocked configuration, the carriage 70 is translatable along the first axis 80 within the chamber 20. The track 76 also allows the carriage 70 to move along a second axis 82 perpendicular to the first axis 80.

In another embodiment, the inventors have discovered that by changing the position of the single point pyrometer, the thermal profile can be improved. For example, during the use of an SLS machine with a certain construct or a certain powder, the operator can determine one or two critical regions where temperature problems are known to occur. The present invention uses a support for a pyrometer that is selectively adjustable along an axis to enable an operator to selectively measure the temperature of different areas on a work layer using a single point pyrometer. In one embodiment, the pyrometers are fixed on an adjustable track that allows the pyrometers to be selectively moved along a first axis. In another embodiment, the track allows movement along a first axis and along a second axis. An operator may selectively position the pyrometers prior to build and then lock the pyrometers in place during the high temperature build process to monitor the temperature of the desired area to be examined.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of the bracket 70 and the temperature sensor 72 of fig. 1. A support 70 and a temperature sensor 72 are disposed above the bed 22. Temperature sensor 72 emits a light beam 74 to monitor the temperature at a selected point on bed 22. The temperature sensor 72 is connected to the bracket 70.

for example, the bracket 70 is coupled to a track 76 that allows the bracket 70 to rotate along a first axis of rotation 84. The track 76 also allows the carriage 70 to rotate along a second axis of rotation 86.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the movement of the carriage 70 is automated. For example, a motor is disposed above bed surface 22 coupled with rail 76 and support 70 to enable adjustment of the position of temperature sensor 72 during a build run. This allows the operator to measure various points of the bed surface 22 during the build run without stopping the machine to adjust the position of the temperature sensor 72 and without damaging the build volume 28.

in one embodiment of the invention, the fixed point pyrometer is mounted on a selectively lockable spherical support. In this way, the orientation and angle of the pyrometer can be adjusted to the desired area to be examined in the working layer, while the pyrometer and the support bracket are offset, so that interference with the laser scanner is avoided. In still other embodiments, a lockable carriage with different degrees of freedom of movement may be used to selectively position the pyrometer. In some embodiments, the support includes one or more sensors to indicate to the controller the point on the working layer at which the temperature is being measured. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that such connectivity is not required to practice the present invention. In some embodiments, the focal length of the pyrometer is adjustable to further enhance temperature detection at selected points.

Referring to FIG. 4, an LS system 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The system 100 includes a first chamber 120, the first chamber 20 having an actuatable piston 124 disposed therein. The bed 122 is disposed at the end of a piston 124. It should be understood that the term bed may refer to a physical structure supported on a piston or the uppermost layer of powder disposed thereon.

The temperature of bed 122 may be variably controlled by controller 60 in communication with one or more heating elements in and/or around bed 122. Furthermore, the LS system 100 according to the invention comprises a heating device 126 above the bed 122 which preheats the newly applied powder layer to an operating temperature below the temperature at which solidification of the powder material takes place. The heating device 126 may be a radiant heating device (e.g., one or more radiant heaters) that can introduce thermal energy into the newly applied powder layer over a large area by emitting electromagnetic radiation, and is in communication with the controller 160. One of ordinary skill in the art and familiar with the present disclosure will appreciate that multiple radiant heating units may be used in the practice of the present invention.

The second chamber 130 is adjacent to the first chamber 120. The second chamber 130 includes a table surface 132 disposed on an end of a piston 134 disposed therein. The powder 36 for the LS system 100 is stored in the second chamber 130 prior to the sintering step. One of ordinary skill in the art and familiar with the present disclosure will appreciate that although specific embodiments of LS systems are disclosed, the invention is not limited and that different known LS systems may be employed in the practice of the invention.

during operation of LS system 100, spreader 140 translates across the top surface of first chamber 120, thereby evenly distributing powder layer 136 throughout to the top surface of bed 122 or the material previously disposed on bed 122. The LS system 100 preheats the powder material 136 disposed on the bed 122 to a temperature near the melting point of the powder. Typically, the powder layer is spread to have a thickness of 125 μm, but the thickness of the powder layer may be increased or decreased depending on the specific LS method and within the limits of the LS system.

The laser 150 and the scanning device 154 are disposed above the couch 122. The laser 150 emits a beam 152 to a scanner 154, which scanner 54 then distributes a laser beam 156 across the powder layer 136 disposed on the bed 122 according to the build volume data. The laser 150 selectively melts the powdered material by scanning a cross-section produced by a three-dimensional digital depiction of the part on the surface of the bed 122 on which the layer of powdered material is disposed. The laser 150 and scanner 154 are in communication with a controller 160. After scanning the cross-section, the bed 122 is lowered by one layer thickness (indicated by the downward arrow), a new layer of powdered material is placed on the bed 122 via the spreader 140, and the bed 122 is rescanned by the laser 150. This process is repeated until construct 128 is complete. During this process, the piston 134 in the second chamber is gradually raised (indicated by the upward arrow) to ensure an adequate supply of powder 136.

With further reference to fig. 4, a support 170 and a temperature sensor 172 are disposed above the bed 122. A temperature sensor 172 is coupled to the bracket 170. The temperature sensor 172 is configured to detect the temperature of a point on the bed surface 122. The temperature sensor 172 reflects the beam 174 off the bed surface 122 through the scanner 178 and back to the controller 160 to monitor the temperature at a selected point on the bed 122.

The temperature sensor 172 is coupled to a bracket 170 that is biasable between a fixed position and an unfixed position. The temperature sensor 172 is coupled to a scanner 178 that scans the bed 122 to determine bed temperatures at different regions. The temperature sensor 172 is in communication with the controller 160.

The scanner 178 is connected to the gantry 170 to scan the couch surface 122 while the temperature sensor 172 measures the temperature of the couch surface 122. The scanner 178 scans the couch surface 122 in a particular pattern to increase the thermal identification area. This increased area allows software in the controller 160 to create a thermographic image of the bed surface 122. The operator can then use the thermographic image to better maintain a uniform bed surface temperature throughout the build run.

in another embodiment of the invention, the control system may be used to calibrate the heater and confirm that the heater is operating within its specified parameters. In particular, by comparing thermal images of the active layers using software executing on the control system, the inputs into the heater and its various segments can be adjusted to achieve a uniform temperature distribution.

In another embodiment of the system of the present invention, the pyrometers are optically coupled to an optical scanner that scans the couch to determine the couch temperature at the different zones. In this way, a thermography of the working layer can be developed and stored. Scanning the bed in a loose pattern to increase the thermal identification area. The thermal data received from the pyrometers is transmitted to a controller where it can be used to create a dynamic thermographic image of the work bed. Software executing on the control system uses the thermographic image to better control and vary the heat input into the system, thereby achieving a work surface with a more uniform temperature. More uniform temperatures result in a more linear shrinkage curve across a system that is easier to model and result in improved structural performance of parts made using this method. Although high resolution thermal imaging data may be obtained in this manner, it is not necessary to obtain high resolution thermal data of the working layer in order to improve thermal control in the system.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a system having multiple heaters and multiple zones on a bed. The first heater 26a and the fourth heater 26d heat the first zone 22a, the second heater 26b and the fifth heater 26e heat the second zone 22b, and the third heater 26c and the sixth heater 26f heat the third zone 22 c. This allows for uniform temperature throughout bed 22 and better control of bed 22. The heaters 26(a-f) may all be controlled by the controller 60 and may be placed at different angles and areas in the chamber 20 above the bed 22.

In one embodiment, a segmented linear heater is used to enable independent variable adjustment of the thermal heating profile along the length of the heater. In this embodiment, the one or more heaters are connected to a control system. A control scheme is implemented in which software executing on the controller variably and independently adjusts the segmented heaters and portions thereof to achieve a uniform temperature at the active layer. In other embodiments of the invention, the radiant heater is adjustably mounted above the work area. The position of the heating relative to the working layer can be adjusted before or during the build process to achieve a desired heat distribution on the bed as determined from the thermographic image. Another embodiment of heating control involves managing radiant energy by using adjustable fins (fins), baffles, reflectors, screens or filters to provide fine control.

A known disadvantage of polymeric LS is that the built parts exhibit reduced mechanical properties relative to extruded or molded parts made of the same material. This is especially true for high temperature LS with PAEK polymers. For example, the recent paper High Temperature Laser organization, An innovative internal mechanical properties and a shrinkage characteristics of Poly (Ether) Ketone structures, presented a study of the performance of PEK components using EOSINT P800. The parts within the entire build chamber were tested for shrinkage and mechanical properties and a non-linear shrinkage curve was obtained. The highest degree of shrinkage was recorded in the middle of the build chamber and the change in shrinkage in the Z direction was greatest. The laser sintered parts built in the X and Y directions recorded 10% lower tensile strength than the injection molded samples of the same material, with the parts built in the Z direction showing about a 50% reduction in strength compared to the injection molded coupons. The crystallinity differs between the surface and the middle of the sintered sample; this crystallinity varies with position within the build chamber and is consistent with significant sample color changes.

Accordingly, aspects of the present invention should not be limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the true scope of the invention. For example, in some instances, one or more features disclosed in connection with one embodiment can be used alone or in combination with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. The present invention may be used with a wide variety of different materials of construction, including, but not limited to, polyaryletherketones, polyarylethersulfones, polyamides, polyesters, polyethers, polyolefins, polystyrenes, polyphenylene sulfides, polyvinylidene fluorides, polyphenylene oxides, polyimides, copolymers and blends thereof, including at least one of the foregoing polymers; however, the selection is not limited to the above-mentioned polymers and copolymers. Particularly suitable polyaryletherketones may be selected from Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), Polyetherketone (PEK), Polyetheretherketoneketone (PEEKK) and Polyetherketoneetherketoneketone (PEKK) and Polyetheretherketone (PEEEK) and copolymers thereof, in particular polyarylethersulfones and blends thereof comprising at least one of the above polymers may be selected. Particularly suitable polyamide polymers or copolymers and blends thereof may be selected from: polyamide 6/6T, polyamide elastomers such as polyether block amides such as PEBAX based materials, polyamide 6, polyamide 66, polyamide 11, polyamide 12, polyamide 612, polyamide 610, polyamide 1010, polyamide 1212, polyamide PA6T/66, PA4T/46, PA9T and copolymers comprising at least one of the foregoing polymers. Suitable polyester polymers or copolymers may be selected from polyalkylene terephthalates (e.g. PET, PBT) and copolymers thereof. Suitable polyolefin polymers or copolymers may be selected from polyethylene and polypropylene. Suitable polystyrene polymers or copolymers may be selected from syndiotactic polystyrene and isotactic polystyrene. Furthermore, it is possible to use compound powders of polymers which, in addition to the corresponding polymers, copolymers or blends, also comprise fillers and/or additives. Such fillers are, for example: fibers, such as carbon or glass fibers and nanotubes; fillers with low aspect ratio, such as glass beads or aluminum particles; mineral fillers, such as titanium dioxide. The additives may be, in particular: process aid additives, such as aerosol series of ripple aid additives (e.g. Aerosil 200); functional additives, such as heat stabilizers, oxidation stabilizers, color pigments (e.g., graphite and coal ash); and flame retardant additives (e.g., organophosphates, polybrominated hydrocarbons). As the powdery material 11, metal, ceramics, sand, and compounded material may also be used. As the metal-containing powdery material, any metal and its alloy, and a mixture of metal components or nonmetal components can be considered.

The invention is particularly useful for LS using polymer powders. One such class of polymer powders is polyaryletherketone ("PAEK") polymers. PAEK is of interest in LS methods because parts made from PAEK powder or PAEK particles are characterized by low flammability, good biocompatibility, and high resistance to hydrolysis and radiation. Chemical resistance and heat resistance at high temperatures distinguish PAEK powders from ordinary plastic powders. The PAEK polymer powder may be a powder selected from the group consisting of: polyether ether ketone ("PEEK"), polyether ketone ("PEKK"), polyether ketone ("PEK"), polyether ether ketone ("PEEKK"), or polyether ketone ether ketone ("PEKEKK").

PEKK is well known in the art and can be prepared using any suitable polymerization technique, including the processes described in the following patents (each incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes): U.S. patent nos. 3,065,205; 3,441,538, respectively; 3,442,857, respectively; 3,516,966, respectively; 4,704,448, respectively; 4,816,556, respectively; and 6,177,518. PEKK polymers differ from the general class of PAEK polymers in that they generally include two different isomeric forms of the keto-ketone as a repeating unit. These repeat units may be represented by formulas I and II below:

-A-C(═O)—B—C(═O)— I

-A-C(═O)-D-C(═O)— II

Wherein A is a p, p' -Ph-O-Ph-group, Ph is phenylene, B is p-phenylene and D is m-phenylene. The ratio of isomers of formula I: formula II in PEKK (commonly referred to as the T: I ratio) is selected to alter the overall crystallinity of the polymer. The T: I ratio typically varies from 50:50 to 90:10, and in some embodiments is 60:40 to 80: 20. A higher ratio of T to I (e.g., 80:20) provides a higher degree of crystallinity than a lower ratio of T to I (e.g., 60: 40).

The crystal structure, Polymorphism and morphology of homopolymers of PEKK have been studied and reported, for example, in Cheng, z.d. et al, "Polymorphism and crystal structure identification in poly (aryl ether ketone) s", macromol. chem phys.197,185-213(1996), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The article studies PEKK homopolymers having all p-phenylene linkages [ PEKK (T) ], a m-phenylene linkage [ PEKK (I) ], or alternating T and I isomers [ PEKK (T/I) ]. PEKK (T) and PEKK (T/I) show crystalline polymorphism depending on crystallization conditions and methods.

in pekk (t), two forms, form I and form II, are observed. Form I can be produced when a sample crystallizes from the molten state under conditions of low supercooling, while form II is usually produced by solvent-induced crystallization, or by cold crystallization from a glassy state under conditions of relatively high supercooling. PEKK (I) has only one crystal unit cell, which belongs to the same class as the crystal form I structure of PEKK (T). The c-axis of the unit cell has been dimensioned to have three phenylene groups in a zigzag conformation with the central-phenylene group lying in the backbone plane. PEKK (T/I) shows forms I and II (as does PEKK (T)), and under certain conditions also shows form III.

Suitable PEKKs are available from several commercial sources under different brand names. For example, polyetherketoneketones are sold by Oxford Performance Materials of South Windsor, Connecticut, under the trade name Polymer, including-C, -CE, -D and-SP, -N, -ESD polymers. Polyetherketoneketone polymers are also manufactured and supplied by Arkema. In addition to using polymers having a specific T: I ratio, it is also possible to use mixtures of polyetherketoneketones.

The powders used in these applications are produced by a variety of methods, such as milling, air milling, spray drying, freeze drying, or direct melt processing into fine powders. The heat treatment may be done before or after the powder is produced, but if it is done before the powder is formed, the temperature of the powder formation process must be adjusted to not significantly reduce the melting temperature or the amount of crystals formed in the heat treatment process.

although the present invention is provided with reference to PAEK polymers, more specifically PEKK polymers, the invention is not so limited. One of ordinary skill in the art and familiar with this disclosure will appreciate that the present invention may be used with other types of polymers for LS and other materials for LS, including but not limited to metals and ceramics.

In the LS method, the temperature of the working layer is important in determining the effectiveness of the build process and maintaining the strength of the part being manufactured (especially along the z-axis). For example, U.S. patent publication No. 2015/0061195 entitled "Method for analytical determination SLS Bed Temperatures," which is owned by Oxford Performance Materials, inc, discloses that the Bed temperature is typically set a few degrees celsius below the temperature at which the powder begins to melt. Bed temperature can also be determined analytically. This disclosure is incorporated into this application by reference. Those of ordinary skill in the art and familiar with these references will understand that bed temperature is related to the working layer. The working layer is the layer that was most recently applied during the build process and subjected to laser sintering.

It should be apparent from the foregoing detailed description that the above objects have been successfully achieved. Further, while the present embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not so limited, but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims. That is, the teachings of the present invention have been described above in terms of specific embodiments. Many modifications and other embodiments will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains and which are intended to be, and are fully, covered by the present disclosure and the appended claims. The scope of the present teachings should be determined by appropriate interpretation and description of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those skilled in the art in light of the disclosure in this specification and the drawings.

The claims (modification according to treaty clause 19)

1. a system for producing an object from a powder, comprising:

A housing defining a chamber;

A support platform disposed in the chamber and movable therein along an axis for supporting one or more layers of powder and any parts formed therein;

A spreader for applying a powder layer to a bed surface defined by an upper surface of the support platform or an upper surface of a newly prepared powder layer on the support platform;

An illumination source for illuminating selected points in a newly prepared powder layer on the support platform;

A radiant heater disposed in the chamber and configured to heat at least a portion of the bed surface;

A temperature sensor disposed in the chamber and configured to monitor a temperature at a selected point on the bed surface, the temperature sensor connected to a bracket disposed in the chamber, the bracket being biasable between a first configuration in which the bracket is locked and the position of the temperature sensor relative to the bed surface is fixed and a second configuration in which the bracket is unlocked and the position of the temperature sensor relative to the bed surface is adjustable; and

a controller for adjusting the radiant heater in response to temperature data provided by the temperature sensor;

Wherein the support enables an operator to adjust and set the position of the temperature sensor relative to the bed surface such that the temperature sensor can monitor a selected point of the bed surface desired by the operator.

2. the system of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor is a pyrometer.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the stent is translatable along a first axis in the chamber when the stent is in the second configuration.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first axis is parallel to the bed surface.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the stent is translatable along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis when the stent is in the second configuration.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the cradle is rotatable about a first axis of rotation when the cradle is in the second configuration.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the cradle is rotatable about a second axis of rotation when the cradle is in the second configuration.

8. the system of claim 7, wherein the bracket includes a spherical bracket to rotate about the first axis of rotation and to rotate about the second axis of rotation, the spherical bracket defining convex and concave arcuate surfaces to facilitate rotation when the bracket is in the second configuration.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the support is located outside of a perimeter of the bed.

10. a system for producing an object from a powder, comprising:

A housing defining a chamber;

a support platform disposed in the chamber and movable therein along an axis for supporting one or more layers of powder and any parts formed therein;

A spreader for applying a powder layer to a bed surface defined by an upper surface of the support platform or an upper surface of a newly prepared powder layer on the support platform;

An illumination source for illuminating selected points in a newly prepared powder layer on the support platform;

A radiant heater disposed in the chamber and configured to heat at least a portion of the bed surface;

A temperature sensor disposed in the chamber and configured to monitor a temperature at a plurality of locations on the bed surface during a build process; and

A controller for adjusting the radiant heater in response to temperature data provided by the temperature sensor,

wherein the temperature sensor is in optical communication with a scanner configured to scan the bed surface to monitor the temperature at a plurality of locations on the bed surface during a build process.

11. the system of claim 10, wherein the radiant heater comprises a plurality of radiant heaters.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the controller adjusts the radiant heater to maintain a first temperature at a first temperature zone on the bed surface and to maintain a second temperature at a second temperature zone on the bed surface.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the temperature sensor is a pyrometer.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the scanner scans the couch in a pattern that increases a thermal identification area.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein thermal data is received from the pyrometer and transmitted to the controller to create a thermographic image of at least one region of a bed surface.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the controller adjusts the radiant heater based on the thermal data to control the temperature of the bed surface.