DE102015211170A1 - Device and method for producing a three-dimensional object - Google Patents

Abstract

A heating device (10) for a device (1) for producing a three-dimensional object (2) by selective layer-wise solidification of powdery building material at the locations corresponding to the cross-section of the object to be produced (2) in the respective layer on a building platform (7) Formed connection with the building platform (7) and has a first electrical connection (202) for supplying an electric current. Furthermore, the heating device (1) comprises a heating device (101) with at least one heating element (102) and can be fastened detachably to a carrier device (11) present in the device. The heating device (10) comprises a side insulation (104), preferably a side insulation (104) running completely laterally around the heating device (101).

Description

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing a three-dimensional object by solidifying a building material. Furthermore, the invention relates to a heater and a retrofit or retrofit kit for such a device and a method for upgrading or retrofitting.

Devices for producing a three-dimensional object by solidifying a building material are known, for example, from laser sintering. As building material, for example, plastic powder or metal powder are used, wherein metal powder usually have a much higher melting point than plastic powder. Therefore occur in particular in the manufacture of components made of metallic construction materials by an inhomogeneous temperature distribution in the powder bed thermal stresses that can lead to cracking and distortion of the component. In order to avoid such inhomogeneous temperature distributions in the powder bed, it is advantageous to heat the powder bed.

To heat the powder bed is from the DE 10104732 C1 a heating plate for heating a substrate plate on which the object is constructed. In order to prevent the thermal distortion of the wearer, an insulation plate is provided, which isolates the overlying heating plate against the carrier. In addition, the heating plate is spaced from the side wall, so that the heat insulation between the hot component and the side walls of the installation space is taken over by the surrounding powder, since the heat conduction of the powder bed is very low.

The DE 10342880 A1 discloses a device for producing a three-dimensional object in layers with a heating plate and a cooling plate. On the heating plate, a substrate plate is provided on which the object is buildable. A recess provided in the substrate plate compensates for the thermally induced deformation of the substrate plate. The cooling plate is traversed by cooling channels. Furthermore, cooling channels can also be provided in the heating plate and / or the side wall. The cooling takes place by means of a suitable cooling medium, which is supplied to the cooling channels.

In the devices known from the prior art, the substrate plate or construction platform after completion of the construction process can not be readily removed with the manufactured object from the space out. Both the object and the base have a high temperature, so they must first cool before removal. During cooling, the object remains in the installation space, so that the machine is not available for the next construction process. From the DE 10342880 A1 is a cooling system for accelerated cooling of the manufactured object known, but also here the object remains during cooling in the space. In addition, the cooling system is very complex and requires an additional cooling circuit in the installation space.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved device and a corresponding method of the type mentioned above. In this case, it should be possible, for example, to remove the finished object quickly, preferably even before cooling, from the device. Alternatively or additionally, construction processes of different setpoint temperatures should be feasible.

The object is achieved by a heating device according to claim 1, an extension or retrofit kit according to claim 8, a device according to claim 9, and a method according to claim 12 or 13. Further developments of the invention are given in the dependent claims. In this case, the kit or retrofit kit, the device and the method can also be further developed by the features of the respective heating device according to the invention carried out in the subclaims or in each case also vice versa and arbitrarily with each other.

According to the invention, a heating device is provided for a device for producing a three-dimensional object by selective layer-by-layer solidification of pulverulent build-up material on the sites corresponding to the cross section of the object to be produced in the respective layer on a construction platform. The heating device is designed for connection to the construction platform and has a first electrical connection for supplying an electrical current. Furthermore, the heating device comprises a heating device with at least one heating element and can be fastened detachably to a carrier device present in the device. The heating device comprises a side insulation, preferably a side insulation which completely revolves laterally around the heating device.

Since the heater is laterally insulated, the entire heater can be removed from the space immediately after completion of the object with the build platform attached thereto and the object. Thus, the object can be left outside the installation space for cooling and the device is available for a next construction process. This time saving increases the efficiency and thus the economy of a device for producing a three-dimensional object by solidifying a building material.

Preferably, the heating device has an insulating base. The additional insulation of the underside of the heater, for example, a thermal distortion of the support device is prevented. In addition, the removal of the finished object is simplified because the heater can be attacked for removal on their isolated bottom and can be left to cool without further isolation measures on a surface.

The heating device preferably has at least one heating cartridge. As a result, the heating device can be operated, inter alia, at a desired temperature and, in particular, can also be operated at high temperatures.

The construction platform is fixedly or detachably connected to the heating device. This ensures good stability of the build platform during the build process.

The thickness of the side insulation is preferably adapted to the lateral dimensions of the heating device, or the side insulation encloses the construction platform in a form-fitting manner.

Alternatively or additionally, the heating device comprises a plurality of different side insulations whose thermal insulation effects are different and which can be interchanged. In particular, the thicknesses of the side insulations may be different and / or the side insulations may be formed of materials having different thermal conductivity. As a result, a suitable for the construction process side insulation can be selected and attached to the heater. Thus, therefore, different heating temperatures can be realized with consistently good insulation effect.

The heating device or its heating elements can also be formed replaceably in the heating device. It can then be used in accordance with the heating power of each used in the heater heater or of / the heating / e in their insulating effect (preferably not in their thickness, but in their material) adapted side insulation.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the heating device is designed to be fastened to the carrier device by means of a quick-release system. This aspect of the invention may stand alone or be used in combination with the inventive features described above. Accordingly, the invention also encompasses a method for upgrading or retrofitting a device for producing a three-dimensional object by selective layer-by-layer solidification of pulverulent build-up material at the locations corresponding to the cross-section of the object to be produced in the respective layer on a construction platform, wherein the method comprises the following steps in arbitrary Order includes: Connecting a heating device by means of a quick-release system to a carrier device present in the device.

The quick-release system is preferably formed as a combination of a pin and cooperating with the pin by snapping recess, which recess is designed for receiving the pin. Thereby, the heater can be easily and quickly attached to or on the support device.

An inventive retrofit or retrofit kit for a device for producing a three-dimensional object by selective layer-wise solidification of powdered building material at the cross-section of the object to be produced in the respective layer corresponding locations on a construction platform comprises a plurality of heaters. At least two of the heaters of the kit or retrofit kit differ in the thermal insulation effect of their side insulation. In particular, the thicknesses of the side insulations are different and / or the side insulations are formed of materials of different thermal conductivity.

This makes it possible, for example, to select a heater from the kit or retrofit kit, which has an insulating effect that is suitable or designed for a prevailing in the space during the construction process target temperature. Thus, each flexible the appropriate heating device can be selected from the kit or retrofit kit, which is tuned as optimally as possible for the target temperature.

A device according to the invention for producing a three-dimensional object by selective layer-by-layer solidification of pulverulent building material at the locations corresponding to the cross-section of the object to be produced in the respective layer comprises a building platform on which the object can be built up, and a heating device or an inventive or Retrofit kit with a plurality of heaters. As a result, a heating device according to the invention and / or an inventive kit or retrofit kit can be used in such a device.

Preferably, the device comprises a carrier device with a second electrical connection, wherein the second electrical connection is suitable for supplying the heating device with electrical current via the first electrical connection of the heating device. As a result, the heating element of the heating device, for example, can be easily supplied with heating current.

Preferably, the first and second electrical connection are formed as plug connection fields. Such a connector allows about a simple electrical connection of the heater.

Preferably, the first and second electrical connections are formed and / or arranged relative to one another such that an electrical connection of the heating device to the carrier device takes place automatically when the heating device is mechanically connected to the carrier device. This allows a quick and easy electrical connection of the heater to the carrier device for supplying an electric current.

• – Verbinden einer Heizvorrichtung, die eine Heizeinrichtung mit zumindest einem Heizelement umfasst, mit der Bauplattform und Anschluss der Heizvorrichtung zum Zuführen eines elektrischen Stroms,
• – lösbares Befestigen der Heizvorrichtung an einer in der Vorrichtung vorhandenen Trägervorrichtung,
• – Ausstatten der Heizvorrichtung mit einer Seitenisolation, bevorzugt einer vollständig seitlich um die Heizeinrichtung umlaufenden Seitenisolation.

A method according to the invention for upgrading or retrofitting a device for producing a three-dimensional object by selective layer-by-layer solidification of pulverulent build-up material at the locations corresponding to the cross-section of the object to be produced in the respective layer on a build platform contains the following steps in any order:

• Connecting a heating device comprising a heating device with at least one heating element to the building platform and connecting the heating device for supplying an electric current,
• Releasably securing the heating device to a support device provided in the device,
• - Equipping the heater with a side insulation, preferably a completely laterally around the heater circumferential side insulation.

As a result, a heating device can be used for each construction process, which has a suitable for a prevailing in the space during the construction process target temperature insulation effect. In addition, the entire heater can be removed immediately after completion of the object with the construction platform mounted thereon and the object out of the space, since the heater is laterally insulated.

• – schichtweises Aufbauen des herzustellenden Objekts auf der Bauplattform.

A method according to the invention for producing a three-dimensional object by selective layer-by-layer solidification of pulverulent build-up material at the locations corresponding to the cross section of the object to be produced in the respective layer additionally comprises the following step:

• - Layered building of the object to be manufactured on the construction platform.

This makes it possible to produce a three-dimensional object in a device according to the invention in layers.

The thermal insulation effect of a selected side insulation of the heating device is preferably selected as a function of a setpoint temperature for the layered construction. As a result, the device can be used for building operations of different setpoint temperatures and adapted only with respect to the side insulation of the heater.

The building material is preferably a metallic material or the heating device is designed to heat the construction platform to a temperature of at least 200 ° C., preferably at least 500 °, particularly preferably at least 800 ° C. As a result, it is possible to realize the high setpoint temperatures which are necessary in particular in the case of metallic construction materials and which prevail in the installation space during the construction process.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. From the figures show:

1 a schematic side cross-section of a laser sintering device with a heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention

2 a schematic perspective view of the heater from above with two sides mounted side insulation

3 a schematic perspective view of the heater from above with attached construction platform

4 a schematic perspective view of the heater from below.

The following is with reference to 1 an embodiment of an apparatus for producing a three-dimensional object by solidifying a building material described.

In the 1 The device shown is a laser sintering or laser melting device 1 with a machine housing, not shown, in which the object to be produced 2 on a prefabricated construction platform 7 is produced in layers.

To ensure good adhesion of the object to be produced 2 at the building platform 7 to make sure the build platform exists 7 from the same material as the building material from which the object to be manufactured 2 is made of an alloy of the building material, or of a well-tolerated with this, ie good cohesively connectable material.

A frame 3 forms the side wall of an upwardly open container in which the construction process takes place. The construction platform 7 is on an in 1 schematically illustrated heater 10 arranged. The heater 10 is on or on a support device 11 arranged, which forms the bottom of the container open at the top. Between the heater 10 and the carrier device 11 can still more, in 1 be arranged not shown elements.

Furthermore, a vertical drive 12 provided that the Höhenverfahrbarkeit the carrier device 11 ensures and thus the adjustment of the vertical position of the heater disposed thereon or thereto 10 and the build platform 7 serves. At the in 1 the embodiment shown is the lowest position of the construction platform 7 after complete completion of the three-dimensional object 2 represented surrounded by unconsolidated powder 13 ,

Above the open container is a deflection device 4 a laser 5 arranged to a laser beam 6 distract and onto the build platform 7 or to focus on layered powdery material, which layers on the build platform 7 through a coater 9 is applied.

Furthermore, a control device 8th provided, which with the laser 5 or the deflection device 4 or the coater 9 or the vertical drive 12 is connected and controls the construction process.

2 shows a schematic perspective view of the heater 10 from above. The heater 10 contains a heating plate 101 , as well as an isolation socket 103 on which the heating plate 101 is appropriate. Side of the heating plate 101 is a side isolation 104 attached, which is the heating plate 101 laterally, preferably completely laterally, that is along the entire lateral boundary of the heating plate 101 in at least one level, surrounds. In 2 is the side isolation 104 for a better view only on two sides of the heating plate 101 shown. Preferably, the side insulation spans 104 however, all four sides of the hot plate 101 ,

The heating plate 101 contains at least one heating cartridge 102 , prefers several heating cartridges 102 , In addition to the heating cartridges 102 or instead of this, the heating plate 101 also contain a further heating element or a plurality of further heating elements such as pipe conductor elements and / or electrical conductor tracks. Heating cartridges are particularly suitable as a heating element 102 as these are usually the build platform 7 can heat to higher temperatures than, for example, pipe conductors and / or electrical conductors.

The side isolation 104 and the isolation socket 103 are made of a good insulating material, such as a silicone-glued mica. The side isolation 104 and the isolation socket 103 can be made of the same or different materials.

The side isolation 104 is by means of a releasable fastening device not shown in detail on the insulating base 103 around the heating plate 101 attachable around. It can have different side insulations 104 , which have different lateral extensions (thicknesses) of their walls can be used. With increasing thickness of the side insulation 103 increases the insulation effect between the on the side of the hot plate 101 lying from the side isolation 104 limited inner area of the heater 10 and the heating plate 101 opposite outer area.

Furthermore, the heating device 10 on its underside a first connection 202 for supplying an electric current and a fixing element 201 on that in 4 are shown and described in more detail later.

3 shows a schematic perspective view of the heater 10 from above with built-in or built construction platform 7 , The construction platform 7 is by means of a releasable fastener, which in this embodiment as a screw 105 trained but not limited to the heater 10 attached. Alternatively, the build platform 7 also fixed, that is insoluble, on the heater 10 be mounted.

The geometric shape of the construction platform 7 is preferably so on the side insulation 104 adapted that the build platform 7 from the side isolation 104 is bounded. The side isolation 104 encloses the build platform 7 while form-fitting, so that no gap is formed, in which unconsolidated building material can fall into it.

The heater 10 is designed to the build platform 7 to a temperature of at least 200 ° C, preferably at least 500 ° C, more preferably at least 800 ° C.

A heater may include a plurality of side insulators whose thermal insulation effects are different. Out of the plurality of side isolations, one suitable for the construction process can be selected and attached to the heater.

4 shows a schematic perspective view of the heater 10 from underneath. The heater 10 has on its underside a releasable fastening device 201 on, over which the heater 10 on or at the carrier device 11 is attached. The fastening device 201 is preferred as a mechanical fastening device 201 , further preferably designed as a quick-release system. In 4 is the attachment device 201 formed as a pin, which with in the carrier device 11 provided recesses (not shown), which are designed to receive the pins, cooperates, in particular positively or non-positively cooperates. The recesses and the pins (or other fastening devices and their respective counterparts interacting therewith) are designed to correspond with each other in terms of shape, at least insofar as they are interlocking or subsequently formed, optionally supported by additional force-locking fastening devices. The pins can also be attached to the carrier device 11 be provided and the recesses for receiving the pins in the bottom of the heater 10 , The fastening device 201 does not have to be at the bottom of the heater 10 be provided, it is also possible the heater 10 for example by means of one on one side or on several sides of the heating device 10 provided fastening device 201 on the carrier device 11 to fix.

Furthermore, the heating device 10 on its underside a first electrical connection 202 whichever is suitable, the heater 10 via one on the carrier device 11 provided second electrical connection (not shown) to provide electrical power. The first and second electrical connection are preferably designed as plug-in connection fields.

Preferably, the electrical connections 202 so formed and / or so on the underside of the heater 10 and the top of the carrier device 11 arranged that the electrical connection of the heater 10 with the carrier device 11 automatically with a mechanical connection of the heater 10 with the carrier device 11 he follows.

Furthermore, an extension or retrofit kit is provided for a device for producing a three-dimensional object by solidifying a building material. The retrofit kit includes a plurality of heaters 10 , where the heaters 10 At least two of them, in their side isolation 104 differ. The side isolations 104 the different heaters 10 differ in their thermal insulation effect from each other, the thermal insulation effect of a side insulation 104 depends on the lateral extent (thickness) of the side insulation 104 and / or the material from which the side insulation 104 is made. Thus, the heaters can 10 of the kit for retrofitting or retrofitting in the thickness of their side insulation 104 differ and / or their side isolation 104 are made of different materials. The side isolations 104 are fixed on the heaters 104 mounted, so a heater 10 can be selected from the kit or retrofit kit such that the thermal insulation effect of the insulation for the target temperature for the layered construction is suitable.

Preferably, the heaters have 10 the kit or retrofit kit the same lateral dimensions. Thereby, an apparatus for layering a three-dimensional object with the various heaters 10 of the kit or retrofit kit.

Preferably, the kit or retrofit kit includes a heater 10 or more heaters 10 , as well as different side isolations 104 , The side isolations 104 differ in their thermal insulation effects of each other, the thermal insulation effect of a side insulation 104 depends on the lateral extent (thickness) of the side insulation 104 and / or the material from which the side insulation 104 is made. The side isolations 104 are detachable to the heaters 10 attachable, leaving a side insulation 104 can be selected such that its insulating effect is suitable for the target temperature for the layered construction, and the selected side insulation 104 on a heater 10 can be attached from the kit or retrofit kit.

The following is a method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object 2 the example of the laser sintering or laser melting device 1 described.

First, a heater 10 on or at the carrier device 11 by means of the fastening device 201 attached. By mechanically connecting the heater 10 with the support device 11 becomes the heater 10 automatically with the carrier device 11 electrically connected. Subsequently, the construction platform 7 on the heater 10 attached.

It is also possible first the build platform 7 on the heater 10 attached to and then the heater 10 with the build platform used 7 with the carrier device 11 mechanically and electrically connect. The electrical connection of the heater 10 with the carrier device 11 takes place automatically in the mechanical connection of the heater 10 with the carrier device 11 , This method is advantageous because the build platform 7 outside the machine housing on the heater 10 can be attached, which simplifies the attachment process because an intervention in the machine housing is not necessary.

In addition, a kit for retrofitting or retrofitting can be provided, from which a suitable heating device 10 from a plurality of heaters 10 is selected and / or a heating device is provided with a plurality of side insulation, from which a suitable side insulation 104 is selected. The selection of the appropriate side insulation 104 or the appropriate heating device 10 depends on the thermal insulation effect of the side insulation 104 , wherein the thermal insulation effect of a selected side insulation 104 is selected as a function of a target temperature for the layered construction.

After inserting the build platform 7 and the heater 10 becomes the carrier device 11 by means of vertical drive 12 with the heater attached to it 10 and the build platform 7 moved to the top position. The coater 9 distributes a first layer of the powdery material on the building platform 7 , The powdery material becomes the coater 9 fed from a not dargestellen reservoir. By energy input through the laser 5 the powdery material is attached to the cross-section of the object 2 solidified corresponding points and the build platform 7 then with the vertical drive 12 driven down the thickness of a powder layer. Subsequently, a second layer of powder is applied and to the cross-section of the object 2 solidified in appropriate places. This process is repeated until the construction process is completed. By lowering the build platform 7 by the amount of a layer thickness after solidification of a layer, the powder surface is on the same plane during the entire construction process.

To remove the manufactured object 2 this becomes the object 2 surrounding unconsolidated building material removed from the upwardly open container. The quick release system, which is the heater 10 with the carrier device 11 connects, is solved. By mechanical release of the heater 10 from the carrier device 11 becomes the electrical connection of the heater 10 and the carrier device 11 automatically disconnected. Subsequently, the heater 10 with the build platform attached to it 7 and the manufactured object thereon 2 be removed from the machine housing out. The removal of the manufactured object 2 and the build platform 7 can take place immediately after completion of the construction process, since the heater 10 is insulated laterally and downwards and therefore has a lower temperature than the still hot object 2 and the build platform 7 , Subsequently, the heater 10 for cooling the build platform mounted thereon 7 and the manufactured object 2 outside the machine housing. To speed up the cooling process, the heater can 10 with the build platform attached to it 7 and the manufactured object 2 be stored in a cooling chamber.

If the object 2 and / or the build platform 7 is cooled below a certain temperature, the building platform 7 from the heater 10 solved. The object 2 is from the build platform 7 disconnected, or the build platform 7 forms a part of the object 2 and stays on this.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to a laser sintering or laser melting apparatus, it is not limited to laser sintering or laser melting. It can be applied to any methods of manufacturing a three-dimensional object by layering and selectively solidifying a building material. The laser can be for example a gas or solid-state laser, a laser diode, a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) or a vertical external cavity surface emitting laser (VECSEL). It is also possible to use a line exposer which contains, for example, an array of laser diodes. In general, any means by which energy can be applied selectively to a layer of building material can be used. Instead of a laser, for example, another light source, an electron beam or any other energy or radiation source can be used, which is suitable to solidify the building material. The invention can also be applied to selective mask sintering using an extended light source and a mask, or to absorption sintering.

Instead of introducing energy, the selective solidification of the applied Construction material also done differently, for example by applying an adhesive. In general, the invention relates to the manufacture of an object by means of coating and selective solidification of a building material, regardless of the manner in which the building material is solidified, for example also to 3D printing.

The present invention can be used to particular advantage when a metal, such as titanium, or a metal alloy, such as steel or a nickel-based alloy, or another powdery material having a similarly high melting point is used as the powdered material.

The in the heater 10 used heater is not on the above described and in 2 plate-shaped heating plate shown 101 limited but may have any suitable shape.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10104732 C1 [0003]
• DE 10342880 A1 [0004, 0005]

Claims (15)

Heating device ( 10 ) for a device ( 1 ) for producing a three-dimensional object ( 2 ) by selective layer-wise solidification of powdery building material at the cross-section of the object to be produced ( 2 ) in respective locations on a building platform ( 7 ), wherein the heating device ( 10 ) for connection to the build platform ( 7 ) and a first electrical connection ( 202 ) for supplying an electric current, the heating device ( 10 ) a heating device ( 101 ) with at least one heating element ( 102 ), the heating device ( 10 ) detachably connected to a carrier device present in the device ( 11 ) and the heating device ( 10 ) a side isolation ( 104 ), preferably one completely laterally around the heating device ( 101 ) circumferential side isolation ( 104 ). Heating device ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the heating device ( 10 ) an isolation socket ( 103 ) having. Heating device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the heating device ( 101 ) at least one heating cartridge ( 102 ) having. Heating device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the building platform ( 7 ) with the heating device ( 10 ) is firmly or detachably connected. Heating device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the side insulation ( 104 ) the build platform ( 7 ) encloses positively. Heating device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a plurality of different side isolations ( 104 ) whose thermal insulation effects are different, in particular the thicknesses of the side insulation ( 104 ) are different and / or the side isolation ( 104 ) are formed of materials having different thermal conductivity. Heating device ( 10 ), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 6, for a device ( 1 ) for producing a three-dimensional object ( 2 ) by selective layer-wise solidification of powdery building material at the cross-section of the object to be produced ( 2 ) in respective locations on a building platform ( 7 ), wherein the heating device ( 10 ) for connection to the build platform ( 7 ) and a first electrical connection ( 202 ) for supplying an electric current, the heating device ( 10 ) a heating device ( 101 ) with at least one heating element ( 102 ), the heating device ( 10 ) detachable at one in the device ( 1 ) existing carrier device ( 11 ) and the heating device ( 10 ) is adapted, by means of a quick-release system on the support device ( 11 ), wherein the quick-release system is preferably formed as a combination of a pin and a cooperating with the pin by snapping recess, which recess is designed for receiving the pin. Kit for retrofitting or retrofitting a device ( 1 ) for producing a three-dimensional object ( 2 ) by selective layer-wise solidification of powdery building material at the cross-section of the object to be produced ( 2 ) in respective locations on a building platform ( 7 ) comprising a plurality of heating devices ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least two of the heating devices ( 10 ) in the thermal insulation effect of their side insulation ( 104 ), in particular where the thicknesses of the side isolations ( 104 ) are different and / or the side isolation ( 104 ) are formed of materials having different thermal conductivity. Contraption ( 1 ) for producing a three-dimensional object ( 2 ) by selective layer-wise solidification of powdery building material at the cross-section of the object to be produced ( 2 ) in the respective layer corresponding locations, comprising a building platform ( 7 ) on which the object ( 2 ), and - a heating device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7 - or an extension or retrofit kit according to claim 8. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 9, comprising a carrier device ( 11 ) with a second electrical connection, wherein the second electrical connection is suitable, the heating device ( 10 ) via the first electrical connection ( 202 ) of the heating device ( 10 ), and wherein the first and second electrical connections ( 202 ) are preferably designed as plug connection fields. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 10, wherein the first and second electrical connections ( 202 ) are formed and / or arranged to each other such that an electrical connection of the heating device ( 10 ) with the carrier device ( 11 ) automatically with a mechanical connection of the heater 10 ) with the carrier device ( 11 ) he follows. Method for upgrading or retrofitting a device ( 1 ) for producing a three-dimensional object ( 2 ) by selective layer-wise solidification of powdery building material at the cross-section of the object to be produced ( 2 ) in respective locations on a building platform ( 7 ), the method comprising the following steps in any order: connecting a heating device ( 10 ), which has a heating device ( 101 ) with at least one heating element ( 102 ), with the build platform ( 7 ) and connection of the heating device ( 10 ) for supplying an electric current, detachably fixing the heating device ( 10 ) at one in the device ( 1 ) existing carrier device ( 11 ), Equipping the heater ( 10 ) with a side insulation ( 104 ), preferably one completely laterally around the heating device ( 101 ) circumferential side isolation ( 104 ). Method for producing a three-dimensional object ( 2 ) by selective layer-wise solidification of powdery building material at the cross-section of the object to be produced ( 2 ) in the respective layer, the method comprising the steps of: equipping or retrofitting the device ( 1 ) with a method according to claim 12, layered building of the object to be manufactured ( 2 ) on the build platform ( 7 ). Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the thermal insulation effect of a selected side insulation ( 104 ) of the heating device ( 10 ) is selected as a function of a target temperature for the layered buildup. Method according to one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the building material is a metallic material and / or wherein the heating device ( 10 ) is adapted to the building platform ( 7 ) to a temperature of at least 200 ° C, preferably at least 500 °, more preferably at least 800 ° C to heat.

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