Patent ID: 11518084

Abstract:
The invention relates to a device (100) for the additive manufacture of three-dimensional workpieces, in particular a 3D metal printer, comprising a print head (1) and a device (40) for generating an inert atmosphere (22) within the print head (1) by means of a gas (55), in particular inert gas, wherein the print head (1) comprises a housing (3), a device (28) for feeding a metal (14), a piston (5), a reservoir (7) with an outlet opening (10) and an actuator device (12) for displacing the piston (5), wherein the reservoir (7) has a melt region (20) and a displacement body chamber (21) for a liquid phase (8) of the metal (14), wherein the melt region (20) adjoins the  inert atmosphere (22) and is connected to the displacement body chamber (21) such that, as a result of the displacement of the piston (5), the liquid phase (8) of the metal (14) can be caused to pass through the outlet opening (10). The invention is distinguished by the fact that the device (40) for generating the inert atmosphere (22) is arranged outside the print head (1), wherein said device comprises an accumulator (41), at least one means (42, 43) for pressure control, and a gas line (50, 51, 52). The invention furthermore relates to methods for operating the device (100).