Powder module for an apparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects

Abstract

A powder module for an apparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects may include a powder chamber defining a powder room configured to receive a powdered construction material, a carrying device disposed within the powder room and defining a bottom portion of the powder room. The carrying device may be movably supported relative to the powder chamber. The powder room may have a maximum depth of from greater than 1,000 millimeters to 2,000 millimeters. An apparatus for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects may include an aforementioned powder module.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A powder module for an apparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects, the powder module comprising:
 a powder chamber defining a powder room configured to receive a powdered construction material;   a carrying device disposed within the powder room and defining a bottom portion of the powder room, the carrying device being movably supported relative to the powder chamber;   wherein the powder room has a maximum depth of from greater than 1,000 millimeters to 2,000 millimeters.   
     
     
         15 . The powder module of  claim 14 , wherein the carrying device has a maximum traveling distance of from 1,050 millimeters to 2,000 millimeters. 
     
     
         16 . The powder module of  claim 14 , wherein the powder chamber comprises one or more base body segments, respective ones of the one or more base body segments having a hollow cylindrical shape. 
     
     
         17 . The powder module of  claim 14 , wherein the powder chamber comprises a plurality of base body segments, respective ones of the plurality of base body segments comprising an interior room that defines a respective portion of the powder room. 
     
     
         18 . The powder module of  claim 17 , wherein the powder room has a cylindrical shape. 
     
     
         19 . The powder module of  claim 17 , wherein a quantity of the plurality of base body segments are selected at least in part to realize a desired height of the powder chamber. 
     
     
         20 . The powder module of  claim 14 , comprising:
 a drive device configured to move the carrying device relative to the powder chamber.   
     
     
         21 . The powder module of  claim 20 , wherein the drive device comprises a linear drive. 
     
     
         22 . The powder module of  claim 21 , wherein the linear drive comprises a thread drive, a spindle-type linear drive, or a ball-type linear drive. 
     
     
         23 . The powder module of  claim 20 , wherein the drive device comprises a plurality of adjustment actuators. 
     
     
         24 . The powder module of  claim 23 , wherein respective ones of the plurality of adjustment actuators comprises:
 a first adjustment element coupled with the carrying device; and   a second adjustment element coupled with a support structure configured to support the powder chamber.   
     
     
         25 . The powder module of  claim 24 , wherein the first adjustment element and the second adjustment element are parallel to a movement axis of the carrying device. 
     
     
         26 . The powder module of  claim 23 , wherein the plurality of adjustment actuators are connected with one another by a cross-connection structure. 
     
     
         27 . The powder module of  claim 26 , wherein the cross-connection structure comprises one or more of:
 an upper cross-connection structure;   a middle cross-connection structure; and   a lower cross-connection structure.   
     
     
         28 . The powder module of  claim 23 , wherein the plurality of adjustment actuators respectively comprise a plurality of telescoping adjustment elements. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein the drive device comprises a motor-driven drive unit configured to operate the plurality of adjustment actuators. 
     
     
         30 . The powder module of  claim 14 , wherein the carrying device comprises a heater. 
     
     
         31 . The powder module of  claim 14 , comprising:
 a sealing element extendable in a vertical direction, the sealing element arranged between the carrying device and a bottom portion of the powder chamber.   
     
     
         32 . The powder module of  claim 14 , wherein the powder module is configured for use with a selective laser melting apparatus and/or a selective laser sintering apparatus. 
     
     
         33 . An apparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects, the apparatus comprising:
 a powder module, wherein the powder module comprises:   a powder chamber defining a powder room configured to receive a powdered construction material;   a carrying device disposed within the powder room and defining a bottom portion of the powder room, the carrying device being movably supported relative to the powder chamber;   wherein the powder room has a maximum depth of from 800 millimeters to 2,000 millimeters.