Recoat assemblies for additive manufacturing systems and methods of using the same

A recoat assembly includes a first portion including a roller. The recoat assembly also includes a second portion pivotally coupled to the first portion and pivotable with respect to the first portion from a first position to a second position. The roller is enclosed in a powder containment section when the second portion is in the first position, and the roller is exposed when the second portion is in the second position

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to additive manufacturing components, and more specifically, recoat assemblies for additive manufacturing systems and methods of using the same.

BACKGROUND

In additive manufacturing processes, recoat assemblies may be used to smooth or distribute powder across a build area, for instance. As build material or powder is aerosolized throughout a build process, the powder and other contaminants may deposit on the surface of the roller, contaminating the roller and reducing its efficiency in smoothing powder in subsequent passes over a build area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to recoat assemblies for additive manufacturing systems and methods of using the same. Rollers of recoat assemblies may become contaminated with depositions of build material or powder. Therefore, it may be necessary to be able to visually and/or physically access the rollers of recoat assemblies to identify and/or replace a contaminated roller. Current recoat assemblies include fully exposed rollers. Fully exposed rollers may be visually accessible at all times during a build process. However, in being fully exposed, the remainder of the manufacturing apparatus becomes frequently contaminated with aerosolized powder depositions. Other current recoat assemblies may include enclosed rollers, that may contain aerosolized powder, but also include one or more parts that must be disassembled from the recoat assembly in order to visually or physically access the roller. Such recoat assemblies may greatly reduce overall build efficiency and require disturbing the inert environment of the build are to disassemble the recoat assembly. Other current recoat assemblies may include articulating recoat assemblies that may move or rotate in multiple axes to allow the roller to be visually accessed without disassembling the recoat assembly. However, such assemblies may feature reduced repeatability and accuracy throughout a build process, as the articulating nature of the recoat assembly in multiple axes reduces the structural stability of critical components of the recoat assembly, such as the roller.

Embodiments described herein address one or more of the above-noted shortcomings. Particularly, embodiments herein provide recoat assemblies having rollers located within a powder containment section to reduce powder contamination. To visually or physically access the roller, select portions of the recoat assembly are pivotable to expose the roller within the powder containment section. To enhance repeatability, critical components of the recoat assembly, such as the roller, are not pivotable. In addition, the critical components of the recoat assembly may only be movable along one coordinate axes, increasing stability and repeatability in build processes.

The phrase “communicatively coupled” is used herein to describe the interconnectivity of various components and means that the components are connected either through wires, optical fibers, or wirelessly such that electrical, optical, and/or electromagnetic signals may be exchanged between the components.

Referring now toFIG.1, an additive manufacturing system100is schematically depicted. The additive manufacturing system100includes, but is not limited to, a supply platform130, a build platform120, a print assembly150, a cleaning station110, and a recoat assembly200. The additive manufacturing system100may be arranged such that the build platform120is located proximate (e.g., next to) the supply platform130so that build feedstock (e.g., powder) can be delivered by the supply platform130to the build platform120, as described herein.

The supply platform130is generally a surface that supports the build feedstock for the purposes of moving the feedstock to a location that is accessible by the recoat assembly200to move the feedstock to the build platform120. Accordingly, the supply platform130is movable within a supply receptacle134to receive build feedstock from a first position (e.g., a supply origin position, a receiving position) to a second position (e.g., a position in an area that is reachable by the recoat assembly200to push the build feedstock to the build platform120, a supply position). To affect such a movement of the supply platform130, the supply platform may be coupled to a supply platform actuator132. The supply platform actuator132is movable/actuatable in a vertical direction (e.g., the +/−Z direction of the coordinate axes depicted inFIG.1) such that the supply platform130may be raised or lowered within the supply receptacle134(e.g., raised from the first position to the second position or lowered from the second position to the first position). As noted herein, the build platform120is located adjacent to the supply platform130.

The build platform120generally provides a surface upon which an object is formed during an additive manufacturing process. As is generally understood, objects in additive manufacturing are formed by means of a successive layerwise deposition of feedstock material that is fused together using the print assembly150. As such, to make room for each successive layer of material for fusing, the build platform120is movable within a build receptacle124to make room for each successive layer. To affect such a movement of the build platform120, the build platform120may be coupled to a build platform actuator122. The build platform actuator122is movable/actuatable in the vertical direction (e.g., the +/−Z direction of the coordinate axes depicted inFIG.1) such that the build platform120is raised or lowered within the build receptacle124.

The print assembly150is generally a device, system, component, or the like that contains elements for fusing build materials in the additive manufacturing system100. That is, the print assembly150includes, but is not limited to, at least one binder deposition component that provides a layer of curable binder material. Various other components and functionality of the print assembly150should generally be understood and is not described in further detail herein. In some embodiments, the additive manufacturing system100may also include at least one light emitting component that emits light (e.g., a laser or the like) toward build materials and/or binder to cause fusing and/or curing of materials.

The recoat assembly200is generally a device, system, component, or the like that is movable within the additive manufacturing system100to push material between locations, to spread a layer of material across an area, to smooth a layer of material that has been spread, and/or the like. Additional details regarding the recoat assembly will be described herein.

In operation, build material31obtained from the build feedstock, such as organic or inorganic powder, is positioned on the supply platform130when the supply platform130is located at the first position (e.g., a receiving position). The supply platform130is moved from the first position to the second position (e.g., the supply position) by the supply platform actuator132to present a layer of the build material31in a movement path of the recoat assembly200. The recoat assembly200is then actuated along a working axis116of the additive manufacturing system100towards the build platform120. In some embodiments, the working axis116may be generally parallel to a horizontal axis (e.g., the +X/−X axis of the coordinate axes ofFIG.1). However, the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. As the recoat assembly200traverses the working axis116from a home region148over the supply platform130towards the build platform120, the recoat assembly200distributes the layer of build material31in the path of the recoat assembly200from the supply platform130to the build platform120(e.g., pushes the layer of build material31from the supply platform130to the build platform120, spreads the layer of build material31, smooths the layer of build material31, etc.).

Thereafter, the print assembly150moves along the working axis116over the build platform120and may deposit a layer of binder50in a predetermined pattern on the layer of build material31that has been distributed on the build platform120. After the binder50is deposited, an energy source may be utilized to cure the deposited binder50, as described in greater detail herein. The print assembly150can then move to a home position158where at least a portion of the print assembly150is positioned over the cleaning station110. While the print assembly150is in the home position158, the print assembly150works in conjunction with the cleaning station110to provide cleaning and maintenance operations on the elements of the print assembly150to ensure the elements are not fouled or otherwise clogged. This may assist in ensuring that the print assembly150is capable of depositing the binder50in the desired pattern during a subsequent deposition pass.

During this maintenance interval, the supply platform130is actuated in an upward vertical direction (e.g., towards the +Z direction of the coordinate axes depicted in the figure) as indicated by arrow10to present a new layer of build material31in the path of the recoat assembly200. The build platform120is actuated in the downward vertical direction (e.g., in the −Z direction of the coordinate axes depicted in the figure) as indicated by arrow12to prepare the build platform120to receive a new layer of build material31from the supply platform130. The recoat assembly200is then actuated along the working axis116of the additive manufacturing system100again to add another layer of build material31and binder50to the build platform120. This sequence of steps is repeated a plurality of times to build an object on the build platform120in a layerwise manner.

While the embodiment depicted inFIG.1and described above describes the recoat assembly200and the print assembly150as being different components, it should be understood that recoat assembly200and the print assembly150may be included in a common assembly that is movable along the working axis116. Further, while reference is made herein to additive manufacturing systems including a print assembly150that dispenses a binder50, it should be understood that this is merely an example. For example, in some embodiments, instead of building objects with a curable binder50applied to the build material31, in some embodiments, a laser or other energy source may be applied to the build material31to fuse the build material31.

Referring toFIG.2, to form an object, layers of build material31AA,31BB,31CC,31DD may be sequentially positioned on top of one another. In the example provided inFIG.2, sequential layers of binder50AA-50CC are positioned on the layers of build material31AA-31DD. By curing the layers of binder50AA-50CC, a finished product may be formed.

Referring toFIG.3, a perspective view of one embodiment of the recoat assembly200is schematically depicted. The recoat assembly200, in embodiments, may include a transverse actuator144that moves the recoat assembly200in the lateral direction (e.g., in the +X/−X-direction as depicted inFIG.3). Particularly, the transverse actuator144may be movably disposed within a first guide184of the additive manufacturing system100(FIG.1) and coupled to a first lateral edge302of the recoat assembly200. Accordingly, the transverse actuator can move the recoat assembly200in the lateral direction along the first guide184. In some embodiments, the additive manufacturing system100(FIG.1) may further include a second guide182extending substantially parallel to the first guide184and positioned opposite the first guide184across the supply platform130(FIG.1) and the build platform120(FIG.1). The recoat assembly200may be movably coupled to the second guide182along a second lateral edge304of the recoat assembly200such that the second lateral edge304slides along the second guide182when the recoat assembly200is moved via the transverse actuator144. In some embodiments, the second lateral edge304may be retained within the second guide182such that the second lateral edge304slides within the second guide182. In other embodiments, the second lateral edge304may be disposed on the second guide182so that the second lateral edge304moves overtop of the second guide182.

Referring toFIGS.4and5, perspective views of an embodiment of the recoat assembly200are depicted. More specifically,FIG.4depicts the recoat assembly200in a closed configuration, andFIG.5depicts the recoat assembly200in an open configuration. The recoat assembly200generally includes a first portion410and a second portion412. The second portion412is pivotally coupled to the first portion410(e.g., via a hinge or the like (not depicted)). The second portion412is pivotable with respect to the first portion410from a first, closed position, depicted inFIG.4, to a second, open position depicted inFIG.5. In some embodiments, the first portion410of the recoat assembly may not be pivotable. As shown inFIG.5, the first portion410of the recoat assembly200includes a roller420that rotates around a central roller axis to contact, move, spread, and/or smooth the build material31(FIG.1) as described herein.

In some embodiments, the first portion410and/or the second portion412may be encasement portions that define one or more internal cavities. In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more internal cavities defined by the first portion410and/or the second portion412may contain the roller420. Such encasement portions may define a barrier that contains materials (e.g., build material31(FIG.1) within at least one of the one or more internal cavities and/or prevents or reduces an amount of environmental materials (e.g., airborne particulate matter) from contacting the roller420when the first portion410and the second portion412are arranged in the closed configuration shown inFIG.4.

In embodiments, the second portion412of the recoat assembly200may include a shield414. The shield414may be a component that shields at least one of the one or more internal cavities from an external environment and be constructed of any plastic, polymer, metal, and/or combinations thereof that provides shielding properties (e.g., shielding from airborne particles, shielding from temperatures that exceed a threshold, etc. The shield414may be integrated with the second portion412(e.g., constructed as at least a section of the second portion412), or may be disposed on at least a section of the second portion412. In embodiments, the shield414may be transparent, e.g., such that at least a portion of the one or more internal cavities can be viewed from a location outside the second portion412of the recoat assembly200. In some embodiments, the shield414may include a handle416disposed on or integrated within an outer surface thereof to allow for manual manipulation of the shield414, and the remainder of the second portion412of the recoat assembly, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

Still referring toFIGS.4and5, the second portion412of the recoat assembly200may further include a powder plow assembly440in some embodiments. The powder plow assembly440may generally be a component that assists in moving excess build material31(FIG.1) and/or debris positioned in or along the path of the recoat assembly200as the recoat assembly200moves along the working axis116. The powder plow assembly440may include a powder plow442, which may be formed from any suitable material with a wear resistant low coefficient of friction coating. As a non-limiting example, the powder plow442may be formed from electroless nickel with co-deposited polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or may be electropolished. The powder plow assembly440, including the powder plow442, may be fixedly secured to, and extend from, a bottom edge of the shield414.

As noted, the first portion410and/or the second portion412of the recoat assembly200may define one or more internal cavities therein.FIGS.6and7depict cross-sectional views of various internal cavities defined by the first portion410and/or the second portion412of the recoat assembly200. More specifically,FIG.6depicts the recoat assembly200in the closed configuration, andFIG.7depicts the recoat assembly200in the open configuration.

As particularly depicted inFIGS.6and7, the second portion412of the recoat assembly200may further include a base frame630extending a distance inward (e.g., in the +X direction of the coordinate axes ofFIG.6) from and coupled to an interior surface415of the shield414. As shown inFIG.6, the base frame630may extend from the interior surface415of the shield414in a direction toward the first portion410when the recoat assembly200is in the closed configuration. The base frame630of the second portion412provides a surface (e.g., a base surface, a shelf, or the like) or a support by which one or more other components may be coupled to or supported by the second portion412of the recoat assembly200. In some embodiments, the base frame630may be a planar support or frame.

Still referring toFIGS.6and7, in some embodiments, the first portion410of the recoat assembly200may include a first base frame604(e.g., a horizontal base frame) and/or a second base frame606(e.g., a vertical base frame). More specifically, the second base frame606may extend a distance downward (e.g., towards the −Z direction of the coordinate axes ofFIG.6) from the first portion410, such as, for example, in a direction towards the roller420. The first base frame604may extend a distance from the second base frame606(e.g., extend from a distal portion of the second base frame606in the −X direction of the coordinate axes ofFIG.6). In some embodiments, the first base frame604and the second base frame606may form an L-shape configuration. In some embodiments, the first base frame604and the second base frame606may be a single base frame having two sections that extend in different directions (e.g., a first portion extending in the −Z direction and a second portion extending in the −X direction of the coordinate axes ofFIG.6). The first base frame604and/or the second base frame606provides a surface (e.g., a base surface, a shelf, or the like) or a support by which one or more other components may be coupled to or supported by the first base frame604and/or the second base frame606. In some embodiments, the first base frame604and/or the second base frame606may be planar supports or frames. In some embodiments, the first base frame604and/or the second base frame606generally provide one or more surfaces for attachment of various components of the recoat assembly200to the first portion410of the recoat assembly200.

Still referring toFIGS.6and7, the one or more cavities defined by the first portion410and the second portion412of the recoat assembly200may include a powder containment region430in some embodiments. The powder containment region430is generally an area defined by one or more components of the recoat assembly200that includes one or more powder shields or shrouds, such as, for example, an inner shroud602and/or an outer shroud650. The inner shroud602may include a first shroud segment610and a second shroud segment612that surround at least a portion of the roller420. The first shroud segment610may define a first end614of the inner shroud602. The second shroud segment612may define a second end616of the inner shroud602. The first end614of the inner shroud602and the second end616of the inner shroud602may be adjacent opposite sides of the roller420, such that the inner shroud602at least partially surrounds the roller420. In some embodiments, the first shroud segment610of the inner shroud602and the second shroud segment612of the inner shroud602may each be quarter spheres, such that when the recoat assembly200is in the closed configuration, the inner shroud602substantially forms a hemisphere around the roller420, as can be seen inFIG.6.

The first shroud segment610of the inner shroud602may be coupled to the first base frame604of the first portion410of the recoat assembly200by means of a shield hanger620(seeFIG.7) coupled to an underside of the first base frame604. That is, the shield hanger620extends in a direction (e.g., vertically, in the −Z direction of the coordinate axes ofFIG.6) from the first base frame604to a location adjacent to the roller420such that the first shroud segment610coupled thereto is also located adjacent to the roller420as described herein. The second shroud segment612of the inner shroud602may be coupled to the base frame630of the second portion412of the recoat assembly200, or one or more other surfaces of the second portion412of the recoat assembly, such that, when the second portion412is pivoted away from the first portion410to the open position as shown inFIG.7, the second shroud segment612of the inner shroud602separates from the first shroud segment610of the inner shroud602to expose the roller420.

Still referring toFIGS.6-7, the powder containment region430may further include an outer shroud650encasing the inner shroud602and the roller420. The outer shroud650may include, for example, a first outer shroud wall652nearest to the first end614of the inner shroud602and a second outer shroud wall654nearest to the second end616of the inner shroud602in some embodiments. The first outer shroud wall652may be coupled to an underside of the first base frame604of the first portion410of the recoat assembly200in some embodiments. The second outer shroud wall654may be coupled to an underside of the base frame630of the second portion412of the recoat assembly200in some embodiments. That is, the outer shroud walls652,654extend in a direction (e.g., vertically, in the −Z direction of the coordinate axes ofFIG.6) from the first base frame604and the base frame630, respectively. In some embodiments, the outer shroud walls652,654, together with the first base frame604and base frame630, respectively, may substantially surround the inner shroud602and the roller420when the recoat assembly200is in the closed configuration as shown inFIG.6and may expose the roller420when in the open configuration as shown inFIG.7. Further, in some embodiments, the various components of the outer shroud650may define the outer limits of the powder containment region430.

Still referring toFIGS.6-7, the first portion410of the recoat assembly200further includes a first powder blocker component450and a second powder blocker component452. The first powder blocker component450and the second powder blocker component452may each be coupled to one or more components of the first portion410of the recoat assembly200, such as the first base frame604and/or the second base frame606. The first powder blocker component450and the second powder blocker component452may provide support for the roller420and/or further contain powder within the powder containment region430. For example, the first powder blocker component450may extend laterally (e.g., in the +X/−X directions of the coordinate axes ofFIG.6) over the inner shroud602and the second powder blocker component452may extend downward (e.g., in the −Z direction of the coordinate axes ofFIG.6) between the first shroud segment610and the second shroud segment612of the inner shroud602such that the second powder blocker component452is compressed between the first shroud segment610and the second shroud segment612of the inner shroud602when the recoat assembly200is in the closed position as shown inFIG.6. In some embodiments, the second powder blocker component452extends such that it contacts the roller420so that, as the roller420rolls, excess material clinging to the roller420is scraped off by the second powder blocker component452.

Still referring toFIGS.6-7, the recoat assembly200may include at least one pneumatic actuator700. The pneumatic actuator700includes a base702that is fixedly coupled to a portion of the recoat assembly200to provide support for the pneumatic actuator700. For example, the base702may be coupled to the first portion410of the recoat assembly200, such as, for example, the first base frame604and/or the second base frame606of the first portion410of the recoat assembly200. An actuatable head704(FIG.7) of the pneumatic actuator700is coupled to the shield414of the second portion412of the recoat assembly200(e.g., the interior surface415of the shield414). The head704of the pneumatic actuator700may particularly be coupled to the shield414at a junction between a horizontal support arm710(FIG.7) extending across an upper interior wall413of the shield414and a vertical support arm (not shown) positioned along an interior surface of the interior surface415of the shield414. The horizontal support arm710of the second portion412is pivotally coupled to a vertical support arm720of the first portion410of the recoat assembly200. Therefore, as the pneumatic actuator700is actuated such that the head704extends away from the base702, the head704applies an upward (e.g., in the +Z direction of the coordinate axes ofFIG.6) force on the horizontal support arm710of the second portion412toward the position of the interior surface415of the shield414, the second portion412, including the shield414and all components coupled thereto, rotate about the pivotable connection between the horizontal support arm710of the second portion412and the vertical support arm720of the first portion410. Therefore, the shield414, powder plow assembly440, second outer shroud wall654of the outer shroud650, and the second shroud segment612of the inner shroud602may pivot upwardly into a second position to expose the roller420from within with powder containment region430, as shown inFIG.7. In addition, various components of the recoat assembly200, including the roller420, first lateral edge302, and second lateral edge304(FIGS.3-5) remain stationary with respect to the second portion412as the roller420is exposed from within the powder containment region430. The exposed roller420can be inspected without disturbing the position of the various components of the recoat assembly200coupled to the first portion410, allowing for a build process to subsequently resume with stability and repeatability.

Still referring toFIGS.6-7, in embodiments the recoat assembly200may include a lift assist arm740. The lift assist arm740may be pivotally coupled to the first portion410of the recoat assembly200at a first end742of the lift assist arm740. The lift assist arm740may further be pivotally coupled to the second portion412of the recoat assembly200at a second end744of the lift assist arm740. The first end742of the lift assist arm740may be pivotally coupled to the vertical support arm720of the first portion410in some embodiments. The second end744of the lift assist arm740may be pivotally coupled to the vertical support arm (not shown) positioned along the interior surface415of the shield414in some embodiments. The lift assist arm740may include a spring biased to expand in length, thereby providing a biasing force that assists in transitioning the second portion412of the recoat assembly200from the closed configuration to the open configuration. Actuation of the pneumatic actuator700may overcome the bias of the lift assist arm740to maintain the second portion412in the closed configuration when desired.

FIG.8depicts an embodiment of the recoat assembly200that includes a locking bar800in lieu of the lift assist arm740depicted inFIGS.6and7. Referring toFIG.8, in conjunction withFIGS.4-7, a first end802of the locking bar800is pivotally coupled to the first portion410of the recoat assembly200. The first end802of the locking bar800may be pivotally coupled to a horizontal support arm812positioned along the second base frame606. A second end804of the locking bar800is selectively couplable to the second portion412of the recoat assembly200when the second portion412of the recoat assembly200is in the open configuration as shown inFIG.8. The second end804of the locking bar802is selectively couplable to a rod810positioned along the interior surface415of the shield414. That is, the second end804of the locking bar802is a free end that can be engaged with the rod810. After the second portion412is pneumatically or manually pivoted to the second open configuration, a user may rotate the locking bar800about the horizontal support arm812and couple the second end804of the locking bar800with the rod810. In such cases, the locking bar800may lock the second portion412in the open configuration as an additional measure to ensure the second portion412does not fall on a user servicing the roller420, for instance.

In operation, the recoat assemblies described herein facilitate access to the roller. In some embodiments, a method of accessing the roller of the recoat assembly includes pivoting the second portion of the recoat assembly with respect to the first portion of the recoat assembly from a first position to a second position to expose the roller from within the powder containment section, as described herein. In some aspects, the method further includes moving the recoat assembly to an access position in a build chamber prior to pivoting the second portion. That is, the recoat assembly may be moved to a location such as, for example, the home region148depicted inFIG.1. Such a moving step may include driving the recoat assembly along a first guide at a first longitudinal edge of the recoat assembly by a transverse actuator as described herein, as well as guiding the recoat assembly along a second guide at a second longitudinal edge of the recoat assembly. In some aspects, pivoting the second portion includes pneumatically or manually actuating the second portion about a pivot point, as described herein with respect toFIGS.6-7. In some aspects, the method may further include pivoting a locking bar to engage a free end of the locking bar with the second portion of the recoat assembly, as described herein with respect toFIG.8.

It should now be understood that that the devices, systems, and methods described herein provide recoat assemblies having rollers located within a power containment section to reduce powder contamination. To access the roller, select portions of the recoat assembly are pivotable to expose the roller within the powder containment section. However, to enhance repeatability, certain components of the recoat assembly, such as the roller, are not pivotable and remain in place when the roller is exposed. Moreover, the certain components of the recoat assembly may only be movable along one coordinate axis, thereby increasing stability and repeatability in build processes.

1. A recoat assembly, comprising: a first portion comprising a roller; and a second portion pivotally coupled to the first portion and pivotable with respect to the first portion from a first position to a second position, wherein: the roller is enclosed in a powder containment section when the second portion is in the first position; and the roller is exposed when the second portion is in the second position.

2. The recoat assembly according to the preceding clause, wherein the powder containment section comprises: an inner shroud having a first end and a second end, wherein: the first end and the second end are adjacent opposite sides of the roller; and the inner shroud at least partially surrounds the roller; a first outer shroud wall nearest to a first end of the inner shroud; and a second outer shroud wall nearest to a second end of the inner shroud opposite the first end of the inner shroud.

3. The recoat assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein: the first portion of the recoat assembly further comprises: a first segment of the inner shroud; and the first outer shroud wall nearest to the first end of the inner shroud; and the second portion of the recoat assembly further comprises: a second segment of the inner shroud; and the second outer shroud wall nearest to the second end of the inner shroud.

4. The recoat assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein: the recoat assembly further comprises: a first longitudinal edge; a transverse actuator at the first longitudinal edge of the recoat assembly, wherein the transverse actuator is coupled to a first guide; and a second longitudinal edge, wherein the second longitudinal edge of the recoat assembly is attached to a second guide.

5. The recoat assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the second portion comprises a powder plow.

6. The recoat assembly according to any preceding clause, further comprising a pneumatic actuator configured to pivot the second portion with respect to the first portion.

7. The recoat assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein: the pneumatic actuator is fixedly coupled to a support arm of the second portion; and the support arm of the second portion is pivotally coupled to a support arm of the first portion.

8. The recoat assembly according to any preceding clause, further comprising a lift assist, wherein: a first end of the lift assist is pivotally coupled to the first portion of the recoat assembly; a second end of the lift assist is pivotally coupled to the second portion of the recoat assembly; and the lift assist biases the second portion of the recoat assembly to the second position.

9. The recoat assembly according to any preceding clause, further comprising a locking bar, wherein: a first end of the locking bar is pivotally coupled to the first portion of the recoat assembly; a second end of the locking bar is selectively coupleable to the second portion of the recoat assembly when the second portion of the recoat assembly is in the second position; and the locking bar maintains the second portion in the second position when the second end of the locking bar is coupled to the second portion.

10. An additive manufacturing system, comprising: a recoat assembly, comprising: a first portion comprising a roller; and a second portion pivotally coupled to the first portion and pivotable with respect to the first portion from a first position to a second position to selectively expose the roller from within a powder containment section.

11. The additive manufacturing system according to the preceding clause, wherein the powder containment section comprises: an inner shroud having a first end and a second end, wherein: the first end and the second end are adjacent opposite sides of the roller; and the inner shroud at least partially surrounds the roller; a first outer shroud wall; and a second outer shroud wall, wherein the inner shroud is positioned between the first outer shroud wall and the second outer shroud wall.

12. The additive manufacturing system according to any preceding clause, wherein: the first portion of the recoat assembly further comprises: a first segment of the inner shroud; and the first outer shroud wall; and the second portion of the recoat assembly further comprises: a second segment of the inner shroud; and the second outer shroud wall.

13. The additive manufacturing system according to any preceding clause, further comprising: a first guide; and a second guide, wherein: the recoat assembly further comprises: a first longitudinal edge; a transverse actuator at the first longitudinal edge of the recoat assembly, wherein the transverse actuator is coupled to the first guide; and a second longitudinal edge, wherein the second longitudinal edge of the recoat assembly is attached to the second guide.

14. The additive manufacturing system according to any preceding clause, wherein the recoat assembly further comprises a pneumatic actuator fixedly coupled to a support arm of the second portion, wherein the support arm of the second portion is pivotally coupled to a support arm of the first portion.

15. A method of accessing a roller of a recoat assembly, comprising: pivoting a second portion of the recoat assembly with respect to a first portion of the recoat assembly, from a first position to a second position, wherein: the first portion comprises the roller; and the pivoting exposes the roller from within a powder containment section of the recoat assembly.

16. The method according to the preceding clause, further comprising moving the recoat assembly to an access position in a build chamber prior to pivoting the second portion.

17. The method according to any preceding clause, wherein moving the recoat assembly to the access position further comprises: driving the recoat assembly along a first guide at a first longitudinal edge of the recoat assembly by a transverse actuator; and guiding the recoat assembly along a second guide at a second longitudinal edge of the recoat assembly.

18. The method according to any preceding clause, wherein pivoting the second portion further comprises pneumatically actuating the second portion about a pivot point.

19. The method according to any preceding clause, wherein pivoting the second portion further comprises manually actuating the second portion about a pivot point.

20. The method according to any preceding clause, further comprising pivoting a locking bar coupled to the first portion of the recoat assembly to engage a free end of the locking bar with the second portion of the recoat assembly, wherein engaging the free end of the locking bar with the second portion of the recoat assembly maintains the second portion in the second position.