Method and device for producing three-dimensional models with a temperature-controllable print head

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing three-dimensional models by a layering technique, particulate build material being applied to a build space, and binder material subsequently being selectively applied to the build material with the aid of a printer, the binder material containing a moderating agent and subsequently being sintered with the aid of a heat lamp, the print head being protected against overheating by active and/or passive cooling.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A method for building a three-dimensional model by a layering technique comprising:
 applying a layer of particulate construction material onto a construction field,   subsequently selectively applying a moderating agent onto the construction material with an ink-jet print head for preparing a printed area,   supplying infrared radiation energy for melting the particulate material in the printed area, and   protecting the print head from excessive heating by active and/or passive cooling;   wherein the layering technique employs a device having a temperature control system which, in interaction with a temperature sensor, controls the heating possibilities in a construction space atmosphere to 60° C. to 120° C., wherein a temperature gradient on the construction field does not exceed 10° C.   
     
     
         19 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the print head has a temperature sensor, a temperature control and internal means for cooling and heating. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the device includes a cooling component for cooling a temperature of the print head lower than the temperature of the construction space atmosphere,
 wherein   the cooling of the print head takes place with the aid of the print medium to be printed; or   the cooling of the print head takes place with the aid of cooling air which is flushed around sensitive parts in the interior of the print head; or   the cooling of the print head takes place by dissipating heat with the aid of an additional fluid medium; or   the cooling of the print head takes place with the aid of Peltier elements.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein
 the cooling of the print head takes place with the aid of the print medium to be printed.   
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein
 the cooling of the print head takes place with the aid of cooling air which is flushed around sensitive parts in the interior of the print head.   
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein
 the cooling of the print head takes place by dissipating heat with the aid of an additional fluid medium.   
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein
 the cooling of the print head takes place with the aid of Peltier elements.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein an evaporator is arranged in the print heat for cooling. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the method includes sensing a temperature of the print head. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the print head has a partition protecting it from residual energy of the construction space and of the particulate material, and from the active energy supply on the construction field. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the petition is a sliding wall. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the print head is movable behind a flexible or fixed wall in the construction space. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein sensors are mounted in the wall. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the print head includes external heating. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the device independently regulates a temperature of the print head relative to a temperature of the construction space atmosphere. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein a lamp is used to supply the energy which essentially evenly covers the entire construction field. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein a variation in the temperature of the print head is controlled to +/−2° C. 
     
     
         37 . A method for building a three-dimensional model by a layering technique comprising:
 applying a layer of particulate construction material onto a construction field,   subsequently selectively applying a moderating agent onto the construction material with an ink-jet print head for preparing a printed area,   supplying infrared radiation energy for melting the particulate material in the printed area, and   protecting the print head from excessive heating by active and/or passive cooling;   wherein the layering technique employs a device having a temperature control system which, in interaction with a temperature sensor, controls the heating possibilities in a construction space atmosphere to a temperature of 60° C. to 120° C., and the device independently regulates a temperature of the print head relative to the temperature of the construction space atmosphere.   
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the device actively cools the print head. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein a variation in the temperature of the print head is controlled to +/−2° C.