GB2588125A

GB2588125A - Interface device for a container for fluid material and for an apparatus for formation of three-dimensional objects from fluid material

Info

Publication number: GB2588125A
Application number: GB1914510.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tjellesen Frederik; Hartmann Anders; Bak Simon; Kongensbjerg Steffen
Original assignee: Xaar 3D Ltd
Current assignee: Stratasys Powder Production Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-08
Filing date: 2019-10-08
Publication date: 2021-04-21
Also published as: GB201914510D0

Abstract

An interface device for a container for fluid material comprises a fluid port 200 for application to one face of a flexible portion of a container wall and a locking ring I00 for application to an opposite face; wherein a first end 201 of the fluid port and the locking ring are engageable, preferably by rotation, in interlocking relationship to secure a part of said flexible portion between the fluid port and the locking ring to provide a bore 204 through which fluid material can flow. An apparatus for manufacturing 3D objects and a de-caking station arranged to be engageable with the interface device are further provided. A method of connecting the interface device to a flexible portion of a container for fluid material comprises feeding the flexible portion through an opening in the locking ring, folding the flexible portion back over the locking ring, engaging and interlocking the fluid port with the locking ring, eg. by rotation, to secure the container wall and provide a bore through which material can flow. A method of mixing virgin and recycled fluid materials within a supply tank of an apparatus for manufacture of 3D objects comprising attaching, filling and detaching containers of virgin and recycled materials from the inlet port is further provided.

Description

INTERFACE DEVICE FOR A CONTAINER FOR FLUID MATERIAL AND FOR

AN APPARATUS FOR FORMATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS

FROM FLUID MATERIAL

The present disclosure relates to an interface device for a container for fluid material and to a method of connecting the interface device so as to secure the container, and to a method of connecting the interface to an apparatus for the layer-by-layer formation of three-dimensional (3D) objects from fluid material so as to fluidically connect the container to the apparatus. Further the disclosure relates to a suction device which may find use with the interface device and with an apparatus for the layer-by-layer formation of three-dimensional (3D) objects from fluid material. The interface device may be particularly suitable for fluid material applications that require reliable control of the quantities and types of fluid material supplied to the apparatus and also to requirements for control of stray fluid material.

BACKGROUND

Processes used to make three-dimensional objects from fluid material, such as Laser Sintering or High Speed Sintering, are receiving increased interest as they move towards faster throughput times and become industrially viable. It should be understood that, as used herein, the expression "fluid material" covers liquids, particulate materials, powders or other materials that can flow and behave fluidically. In these processes, the object is formed layer-by-layer from successive layers of a fluid material such as a particulate material (for example a powder) that are distributed across a work surface. The work surface comprises a build bed surface and such processes involve applying heat to successively precondition (or pre-heat) and consolidate (fuse, melt or sinter) material that has been distributed to form a layer on the build bed surface. Within each layer material is consolidated over defined regions of the build bed surface in accordance with image data in order to form a 'slice' of the three-dimensional object. The build bed is then lowered, a new layer of fluid material is distributed across the work surface, and the process is repeated.

Laser Sintering, which may use fluid materials that are polymeric or metal powders, uses a laser to trace the shape of a slice of the three-dimensional object in a layer of the material, the laser sinters (fuses) material as it passes. Another layer of fluid material is then deposited and the shape of the next slice of the object is traced by the laser, and so on, to fabricate a three-dimensional object. A similar process using an electron beam may be used to fuse fluid material such as metal powders in Electron Beam Sintering.

In contrast to Laser Sintering or Electron Beam Sintering, where the energy source is required to trace the shape of the object in each layer of fluid material, a High Speed Sintering process may be used In this process a fluid material such as a particulate material is used and radiation absorbing material (RAM) is deposited in the shape of each slice of the three-dimensional object onto a layer of particulate material, in one or more passes of a droplet deposition head or array of droplet deposition heads (such as printheads). Then, each layer is irradiated with a radiation source, for example an infrared light, across the entire build bed surface, such that only material to which the RAM has been applied is consolidated to form the slice. As before a three-dimensional object is fabricated by building up multiple layers of material and selectively fusing or consolidating material within each layer and to the preceding layer and building up multiple layers of material. The particulate material may comprise a powder, for example it may comprise powdered polyamide (such as PA11, PAU., and PA6), polypropylene, polyurethane, other polymers, metals or ceramics.

At the end of the three-dimensional manufacturing process a "cake-of material has generally been formed, which is a mixture of the three-dimensional object or objects that have been fabricated, and unconsolidated material. The cake is generally removed from the apparatus for the manufacture of 3D objects and allowed to cool in a controlled manner before separating the three-dimensional object (or objects) from the processed but unconsolidated material in a "de-caking" step at a -de-caking station". De-caking needs to be done in a manner that is safe for the operator and which captures as much as possible of the unconsolidated material, so that it can be re-used, which is desirable for both cost and environmental reasons. Whilst the cooling and de-caking steps are generally performed elsewhere, in a separate apparatus, in some implementations the cake may be left to cool within the apparatus for the manufacture of 3D objects, which may also incorporate a de-caking station.

Ensuring reliable and controllable fluid material supply and removal plays an important role in determining the quality of the finished objects. For example, a mixture of virgin (un-used) and recycled (which may be understood to mean previously processed but not consolidated fluid material from the de-caking step) is usually used in order to control costs (as it would generally be prohibitively expensive to use only virgin material). It is also important to ensure that the previously processed material is safely captured for disposal or re-use. Further it is important to reduce the amount of stray fluid material escaping out of the containers, such as bags, in which it is generally supplied, both to reduce costs and to ensure safe and comfortable working conditions for the operators. Still further it may be desirable to be able to remove all of the fluid material from the apparatus for the manufacture of 3D objects, so that the apparatus can be cleaned or so that maintenance or repair processes can be performed.

It is an object of the present invention to improve the supply of fluid material to (or from) processes for the layer-by-layer formation of three-dimensional (3D) objects, such as the High Speed Sintering process, to ensure consistent and reliable supply to, and removal of fluid material from, the apparatus.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the invention are set out in the appended independent claims, while details of particular embodiments of the invention are set out in the appended dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the disclosure there is provided an interface device for a container for fluid material, wherein the interface device comprises a fluid port for application to one side of a flexible portion of a container wall and a locking ring for application to an opposite side of the flexible portion of the container wall; wherein a first end of the fluid port and the locking ring are engageable relative to one another in interlocking relationship to thereby secure the flexible portion of the container wall between the fluid port and the locking ring to provide a bore through which fluid material can flow.

According to a second aspect of the disclosure there is provided an apparatus for the manufacture of 3D objects using fluid material wherein the apparatus has one or more inlet ports and/or one or more outlet ports that are arranged to be engageable with the second end of the fluid port of an interface device according to the first aspect so as to be fluidically connected to a container for fluid material.

According to certain embodiments there is provided one or more suction assemblies having one or more inlets arranged around the inlet port and/or outlet port of an apparatus according to the second aspect and connectable to an external source of suction for removing stray fluid material.

According to a third aspect of the disclosure there is provided a de-caking station for use in the manufacture of 3D objects using fluid material wherein the de-caking station has one or more outlet ports that are arranged to be engageable with the second end of the fluid port of an interface device according to the first aspect so as to be fluidically connected to a container for fluid material.

According to certain embodiments there is provided one or more suction assemblies having one or more inlets arranged around the outlet port of a de-caking station according to the third aspect and connectable to an external source of suction for removing stray fluid material.

According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure there is provided a suction device for use with an apparatus according to the second aspect or for use with a de-caking station according to the third aspect; wherein the suction device comprises one or more inlets, the one or more inlets being fluidically connectable to a source of suction.

According to a fifth aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method for connecting an interface device according to the first aspect to a flexible portion of a container for fluid material.

According to a sixth aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method of attaching a container to an apparatus according to the second aspect or to a de-caking station according to the third aspect utilising an interface device according to the first aspect and a container as connected using the method of the fifth aspect.

According to a seventh aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method of removing stray fluid material when using any of the methods of the fifth or sixth aspects of the disclosure.

According to an eighth aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method of mixing virgin and recycled fluid material within an apparatus according to the second

aspect of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures, of which: Figure 1 depicts an Interface device; Figure 2 depicts a locking ring for an interface device; Figure 3 depicts a fluid port for an interface device; Figure 4 depicts a sealing cap for an interface device; Figure 5 depicts an interface device with an extended section; Figure Ga depicts a cross-section through a locking ring as per Figure 2, where a flexible portion of a container wall has been passed through the locking ring; Figure 6b depicts the locking ring and the container of Figure 6a) where part of the flexible portion of the container wall has been folded back over the locking ring; Figure 6c depicts an interface device and container; Figure 6d depicts an interface device as per Figure 6c, further comprising a sealing cap, Figure 7 depicts an interface device and container according to Figure 6c connected to an inlet port of an apparatus for the layer-by-layer formation of three-dimensional (3D) objects using fluid material, Figure 8 depicts a fluid port connected to an inlet port using a snap fit and push to release connection; Figure 9 depicts an alternative fluid port to that in Figure 8 connected to an inlet port using a snap fit and push to release connection; Figure 10 depicts yet another alternative fluid port; Figure 11 depicts an alternative interface device with an extended section; Figure 12 depicts a suction device, Figure 13 depicts an interface device further comprising a suction device; Figure 14 depicts a suction device that has been incorporated into the fluid port of Figure 3; Figure 15 depicts an interface device that has been connected to an outlet port of an apparatus for the manufacture of 3D objects using fluid material or to an outlet port of a de-caking station, and Figure 16 depicts a part of an apparatus for the manufacture of 3D objects using fluid material with an integral suction device.

It should be noted that the drawings are not to scale and that certain features may be shown with exaggerated sizes so that these are more clearly visible

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments and their various implementations will now be described with reference to the drawings. Throughout the following description, like reference numerals are used for like elements where appropriate.

Figure 1 depicts an interface device 10 for a container for fluid material, the interface device 10 comprising a fluid port 200 and a locking ring 100. A first end 201 of the fluid port 200 and a connector end 101 of the locking ring 100 are engageable relative to one another in interlocking relationship. More specifically the locking ring 100 comprises a first engagement means 103 and the first end 201 of the fluid port comprises a second engagement means 203 arranged for receiving the first engagement means 103. In the implementation of the interface device 10 depicted in Figure 1, the fluid port 200 and the locking ring 100 are rotatable relative to one another, in order to engage with each other; specifically the first engagement means 103 is a male thread and the second engagement means 203 is a female thread, so that the locking ring 100 and the first end 201 of the fluid port 200 are connected together using a matched pair of male and female threads 103, 203 respectively. It may be understood that this is in no way limiting and in practise any suitable engagement means 103, 203 may be used, whether or not they require the two parts to be rotatable relative to one another; for example the engagement means 103, 203 may comprise any of the following: a snap fit and push to release connection, thread, reverse thread, bayonet fit, and push fit.

Turning now to Figures 2 and 3, these show the component parts of the interface device 10 in greater detail Figure 2 depicts the locking ring 100 for an interface device 10, where the locking ring 100 comprises a connector end 101 and a handle end 102. The connector end 101 has a first engagement means 103, which in this implementation is a male thread, for engaging with the fluid port 200. The handle end 102 is so shaped and arranged as to be readily grasped by an operator. There is an opening 104 that passes through the locking ring 100 connecting first and second surfaces 105 and 106 respectively. In the implementation depicted in Figure 2, the opening 104 has a circular cross-section, but this is by no means essential, and other cross-sections might be used in practise. Further, in this implementation the opening 104 follows a straight-through, linear, path, but it should be understood that this is by no means essential and other paths (such as curved paths) could be implemented.

Figure 3 depicts a fluid port 200 for an interface device 10. The fluid port comprises a first end 201, which is so shaped and arranged as to be readily grasped by an operator, and a second end 202. The first end 201 of the fluid port comprises a second engagement means 203 arranged to engage with a first end 101 of a locking ring. The second end 202 of the fluid port 200 comprises a third engagement means 233 arranged for receiving a sealing cap. Further, in this implementation the third engagement means 233 is also arranged to secure the interface device 10 to an inlet port or an outlet port for an apparatus for the manufacture of 3D objects; and/or to an outlet port for a de-caking station. In other implementations the third engagement means 233 may be suitable to engage with a sealing cap 400 and another type of engagement means may be used to connect the fluid port 200 to an apparatus for the manufacture of 3D objects, and/or a de-caking station. In general the second end 202 of the fluid port 200 is arranged to engage with a port of an apparatus for the manufacture of 3D objects and/or a port of a de-caking station, whether that be an inlet port or an outlet port. As previously described, a de-caking station is a separate apparatus where the "cake" of material is "de-caked" so as to release the three-dimensional object or objects that have been consolidated, and to collect for reuse as much unconsolidated material as possible.

In some implementations, to further secure the locking ring 100 and the fluid port 200 it may be desirable that the fluid port 200 is arranged such that engagement of the second end 202 (with a sealing cap or an inlet or outlet port) of the fluid port 200 does not cause the first end 201 to disengage with the locking ring 100, and vice-versa. This may be achieved, for example, by using different types of engagement means at either end, or the

S

same type of engagement means but opposably rotatable so that securing one does not release the other. In the implementation depicted in Figure 3 the second engagement means is a thread and the third engagement means 233 is a groove to take a bayonet fitting, but this is merely an example, and any suitable type of engagement means may be used. In some implementations the first engagement means 103, the second engagement means 203 and/or the third engagement means 233 comprise one of the following: a snap fit and push to release connection, thread, reverse thread, bayonet fit, push fit. Further the respective engagement means may be chosen such that the first and second ends of the fluid port 200 have different types of engagement means, for example, so that releasing one end is less likely to adversely affect and release the other end, or for ease of operator handling.

As may further be seen from Figure 3, the fluid port comprises a bore 204 through which fluid material can flow. In this arrangement the bore 204 comprises at least two sections 204a and 204b, wherein section 204b is arranged adjacent to the first end 201 and comprises the second engagement means 203, which in this instance is a female thread. It may be understood that the location of the second engagement means 203 within the bore is in no way a limiting feature and in other arrangements the second engagement means 203 may be located on another part of the first end 201, provided the second engagement means 203 are suitably arranged to engage with the locking ring 100. In this implementation the bore 204 follows a linear path and connects two opposing external surfaces, 205 and 206 respectively, on the fluid port 200, but it may be understood that this is by no means limiting and in other arrangements the bore 204 may follow a non-linear path, for example a curved path, such that the external surfaces 205 and 206 are arranged at an angle relative to each other, and further wherein the bore may not be perpendicular to one and/or both of the external surfaces 205/ 206 at the point where it meets them. It can further be seen that the bore 204 in Figure 3 has a circular cross-section, but this is by no means essential, and any suitable cross-section or cross-sections may be used.

Turning to Figure 4, this depicts a sealing cap 400 for an interface device; wherein the sealing cap 400 is attachable to the second end 202 of the fluid port 200 The sealing cap 400 is arranged to engage with the second end 202 of the fluid port 200 and comprises a fourth engagement means 433, which in this implementation is a bayonet fitting, but this is merely an example, and any suitable type of engagement means may be used.

Figure 5 depicts an interface device 10 further comprising the sealing cap 400 depicted in Figure 4 and with a longer fluid port 200. The sealing cap 400 and the second end 202 of the fluid port 200 are attached to each other using the third engagement means 233 on the fluid port 200 and the fourth engagement means 433 on the sealing cap 400, which in this implementation are a groove and a bayonet fitting (e.g. protrusion) respectively. However this is by no means limiting and in other embodiments the sealing cap 400 and the fluid port 200 may comprise other engagement means, such as a matched pair of male and female threads, or reverse threads, or a push and twist locking/unlocking mechanism, or a snap fit and push to release locking mechanism, or any other suitable engagement means.

As previously mentioned, Figure 5 depicts a longer fluid port 200 than that in Figures 1 and 3. In some implementations the fluid port 200 may be much longer, for ease of connection to external devices such as an apparatus for the layer-by-layer formation of three-dimensional (3D) objects. In some implementations the region 207 between the first end 201 and the second end 202 may be flexible. In alternative implementations the fluid port may comprise more than one constituent parts, for example the region 207 may comprise a separate lengthening component, which may be a flexible lengthening component, for example a section of pipe or flexible tubing (not shown). Such a pipe or tube lengthening component could be connected between and to the first and second ends 201/202 respectively of the fluid port 200 using any suitable connection means, such as a push fit, or a push fit over protrusions on the first and second ends respectively. The connection means may further comprise a groove and circlip to secure the lengthening component 207, or male/ female screw thread pairs on the lengthening component and the first and second ends 201/202; or standard hose clamps, or any other suitable connection means so as to include a lengthening component such as a section of pipe or flexible tubing in the region 207.

The interface device 10 is for a container for fluid material. Figures 6a-6d show stages in the process of assembling an interface device 10 to a container 300 for fluid material. Figure Ga shows a cross-section of the locking ring 100 where a flexible portion 300a of the container 300 has been passed through an opening 104 in the locking ring 100, whilst a part 300b of the container 300 has not been passed through the locking ring 100 (part 300b comprises the rest of the container, though for simplicity not all of the container is shown). In Figure 6b, the flexible portion 300a of the container wall has been folded back over the locking ring 100. If the container 300 is closed or sealed prior to assembly with the interface device (for example if it contained virgin fluid material straight from the manufacturer), then the end 300c of the container 300 may be opened prior to passing flexible portion 300a though the locking ring, or this may be done at a later stage. In this implementation the container 300 is a flexible plastic bag, but this is by no means limiting and in other implementations other forms of container may be used, providing they comprise a flexible portion that can be passed through the locking ring 100. For example, the container may be a bag, for example an entirely flexible bag such as a plastic bag or sack, or it may be a rigid container with a flexible portion joined to one end, or any other suitable container comprising a flexible portion.

Considering now Figure 6c, this shows the step where a fluid port 200 has been connected to the locking ring 100 depicted in Figure 6b to form an interface device 10 where a part of the flexible portion 300a of the container 300 has been trapped within the interface device. In other words, the interface device 10 comprises a fluid port 200 for application to one face of a flexible portion 300a of a container wall and a locking ring 100 for application to an opposite face of the flexible portion 300a of the container wall; wherein a first end 201 of the fluid port and the locking ring 100 are engageable relative to one another in interlocking relationship to thereby secure a part of the flexible portion 300a of the container wall between the fluid port 200 and the locking ring 100 to provide a bore 204 through which fluid material can flow. The fluid port 200 and the locking ring 100 are so dimensioned relative to one another as to achieve an interference fit with the flexible portion 300a of the container wall when engaged relative to one another. In some implementations The fluid port 200 and the locking ring 100 may be rotatable relative to one another, for example in the implementation depicted in Figure 6c, the engagement means 203, 103 are a matched pair of male and female threads which engage to constrain the flexible portion 300a of the container wall. However, this is by no means limiting and in other implementations other forms of engagement means may be used, including non-rotating engagement means. An exemplary method of connecting an interface device 10 as described herein to a flexible portion 300a of a container 300 for fluid material may comprise the following steps: * feeding the flexible portion 300a of the wall of the container 300 through an opening 104 in the locking ring 100; * folding the flexible portion 300a back over the locking ring 100; * offering up the fluid port 200 to the flexible portion 300a and locking ring 100; and * engaging the fluid port 200 with the locking ring 100 in interlocking relationship to thereby secure a part of the flexible portion 300a of the container wall between the fluid port 200 and the locking ring 100 to provide a bore 204 through which fluid material can flow.

The step of opening or breaching a part of the wall of the container 300 so as to fluid cally connect it to the bore 204, if not already opened or breached, may be performed after feeding the flexible portion 300a of the wall of the container 300 through an opening 104 in the locking ring 100, or this step may be performed at a later stage if the flexible portion is sufficiently flexible.

Where the second engagement means 203 and the first engagement means 103 on the fluid port 200 and the locking ring 100 are rotatable engagement means, such as a thread or reverse thread or a bayonet fitting, for example, the method may further comprise connecting the fluid port 200 to the locking ring 100 by rotating the fluid port 200 and the locking ring 100 relative to one another so as to couple them together using the rotatable engagement means 203, 103. It may be understood that the method may further comprise engaging the fluid port 200 with the locking ring 100 so as to achieve an interference fit with the flexible portion 300a of the container wall, this may comprise tightening the engagement means 203, 103 until the flexible portion is constrained, or ensuring they have been pushed into sufficiently close proximity to constrain the flexible portion.

Figure Gd depicts the interface device 10 further comprising a sealing cap 400 where the sealing cap 400 has been attached to the second end 202 of the fluid port 200 so as to close off the bore 204 of the fluid port 200 and prevent stray fluid material from escaping, for example whilst the container 300 is being handled or transported. In this implementation the sealing cap 400 is connected to the fluid port 200 using a push fit, but other attachment means can suitably be used, for example the groove and bayonet fitting depicted in Figure lb, or a push to release connection, thread, reverse thread, etc Where the interface device 10 further comprises a sealing cap 400, for example where the container 300 has been opened, the method of connecting the interface device 10 to a flexible portion 300a of a container 300 may further comprise the step of attaching a sealing cap 400 to the second end 202 (of the fluid port 200), so as to prevent the escape of stray fluid material from the container 300 via the interface device 10. Where the attachment means for the sealing cap require it, the method of attaching the sealing cap 400 to the second end 202 may be by rotating the sealing cap 400 relative to the second end 202.

Turning now to Figure 7, this depicts an interface device 10 and container 300 as per Figure 6c which have been connected to an inlet port 23 of an apparatus 20 for the manufacture of 3D objects using the third engagement means 233 at the second end 202 of the fluid port 200 and fourth engagement means 29 on the inlet port 23. In this implementation the engagement means are a simple push fit, but any suitable engagement means, including those examples mentioned herein may be used. The internal flow paths within the apparatus 20 are not depicted but the arrow 26 indicates that the fluid material is fed to a supply tank 27, either under gravity or using any suitable mechanism.

Turning now to Figures 8 to 10, these depict some alternative designs of fluid port 200 (for simplicity the rest of the interface device 10 and the container 300 are omitted). Figure 8 depicts a fluid port 200 attached to an inlet port 23 using a snap fit and push or squeeze to release connection. The inlet port 23 has an angled end 41 for connection to an apparatus 20 and fourth engagement means 29 arranged to be engageable with the second end 202 of the fluid port 200. In the implementation depicted in Figure 12 the fourth engagement means 29 are two external grooves 29 on the inlet port 23 which engage with the third engagement means 233 on the second end 202, which in this implementation are two latches 233. To connect the two components, the two latches 233 each snap into one of the two grooves 29 when the fluid port 200 is pushed onto the inlet port 23. To release the fluid port 200 the two release levers 234 are pulled towards palm rest 239 which rotates the arms 237 outwards so that the latches 233 disengage from the grooves 29.

Considering now Figure 9, this depicts a similar arrangement of fluid port 200 attached to an inlet port 23 using an alternative snap fit and push to release mechanism; the fluid port 23 further comprises an internal mesh 40 to prevent large lumps of conglomerated fluid material such as powder or particulates from entering the apparatus 20. As in Figure 8 the fluid port 200 also has two arms 27 with latches 233 on their ends. The inlet port 23 has an annular groove 29 with which the latches 233 engage when the fluid port 200 is pushed onto the inlet port 23. The release mechanism in this implementation is different to that depicted in Figure 8; the arms 237 have a tapered ridge 235 on their inner side, with an annular protrusion 236 adjacent thereto. There are integral springs 238 formed around the circumference of the fluid port 200 and a matched pair of release levers 234a and 234b on either side. When the release levers 234a and 234b are squeezed towards each other, the integral springs 238 act to push the protrusion 236 outwards. As the protrusion 236 moves outwards, it engages with and moves up the tapered ridge 235, pushing and rotating the arm 237 outwards as it does so. This movement of the arm 237 causes the latches 233 to disengage from the annular groove 29 and release the fluid port 200 from the inlet port 23. Turning now to Figure 10, this depicts a fluid port 200 which is similar to that depicted in Figure 9, and acts in a similar manner. The main difference is that there are fewer integral springs 238, and they are not arranged in mirrored pairs coupled at one end as shown in Figure 9.

Figure 11 depicts an interface device 10 and a container 300 wherein the interface device 10 comprises an alternative fluid port 200 which comprises a lengthening component 208. The locking ring 100 is an annular flange and the fluid port 200 has an opposing annular portion at the first end 201 such that the container 300 is trapped between the locking ring and the fluid port 200 with an opening in the container 300 connecting to the bore 204. The locking ring 100 and the fluid port 200 use self-tapping screws as the engagement means 209, but it may be understood that this is not limiting and any suitable engagement means may be used.

As previously described, in some cases stray fluid material may escape from the container 300. This may be during handling and transportation, in which case the sealing cap may prevent such egress. It may also occur when removing fluid material from the container or adding fluid material to the container, or when connecting/ disconnecting the container to an apparatus. The interface device 10 may therefore further comprise a suction device having one or more inlets arranged around the bore 204 and fluidically connectable to a source of suction for removing stray fluid material. Examples of suitable suction devices are depicted in Figures 12, 13 and 14. In Figure 12 the suction device 500 is a separate component to the fluid port that can be arranged adjacent to the fluid port 200, as shown in Figure 13, so as to comprise part of the interface device 10. Suitably, the suction device may comprise a hollow annular head 501 with one or more inlets 503 being disposed upon the hollow annular head 501, where the hollow forms an internal chamber 502. The implementation in Figure 12 depicts a suction device 500 comprising a hollow annular head 501 with a plurality of inlets 503 and an internal chamber 502. The inlets 503 are fluidically connected to the chamber 502 which is fluidically connected to a suction port 504 on one side of the hollow annular head 501. The suction port 504 is connectable to a source of negative pressure/ vacuum (not shown, but as indicated by the arrow 505) so as to provide suction to the inlets 503 via the chamber 502.

In use, with the container 300 fitted to the interface device 10 and with suction applied, stray fluid material is drawn into the inlets 503 and via the chamber 502 to the suction port 504. It may be understood that the suction device 500 may be arranged such that the one or more inlets are arranged around the bore 204 of the fluid port 200 by placing the suction device 500 adjacent to the fluid port 200 so that the two components are coaxial around the centre-line CL, as shown in Figure 13. In other implementations both components may comprise suitable engagement means so as to engage them relative to one another in an interlocking relationship. In alternative arrangements the suction device 500 is a separate component for use with an apparatus 20 or for use with a de-caking station 30; wherein said suction device comprises one or more inlets 503, said one or more inlets 503 being fluidically connectable to a source of suction. The suction device 500 may be arranged adjacent to (or coaxially with) or placed onto an inlet port 23 and/or an outlet port 24/34 for said apparatus 20 and/or said de-caking station 30. An interface device 10 as described herein may then engage with the inlet or outlet port so as hold the suction device 500 in place, as shown in Figure 15. Alternatively the suction device 501 may engage with the inlet port 23 and/ or outlet port 24/34 using any suitable engagement means.

Turning now to Figure 14, this depicts an alternative implementation, a suction device 250 which is formed integrally with the fluid port. As before, the suction device 250 comprises a hollow annular head 501 with one or more inlets 253 being disposed upon the hollow annular head 501. An internal chamber 252 is fluidically connected to both the plurality of inlets 253 and to the suction port 254, wherein the suction port 254 is connectable to a source of negative pressure / vacuum (not shown) to provide suction. A method of removing stray fluid material when connecting or disconnecting a container for fluid material to/from an interface device 10 as described herein may therefore involve connecting a suction device 500/250 to a source of suction (/ vacuum/ negative pressure) and providing suction so as to remove stray fluid material that has escaped from the container 300, where the interface device 10 and the container 300 have been connected using any suitable method as described herein It may be understood that for either suction device 500 or 250, the flow rate of air through the suction device may be adjustable, by controlling the source of suction, so that the operator can respond appropriately to the amount of stray fluid material present in the local environment. Using such a suction device 500/250 may be desirable for operator safety, to maintain a clean working environment and to prevent contamination of machinery and the working environment by build-up of deposits of fluid materials, such as particulate material, for example powder. It may further be understood that the depicted locations of the one or more inlets 503, 253 are not limiting and in other implementations they could be arranged in any suitable pattern(s) or location(s) on the suction device 500/250 so as to remove stray fluid material when required. It may further be understood that whilst the inlets 503, 253 are depicted as holes in Figures 12, 13 and 14, this is by no means limiting and in other implementations the inlets could be any suitable alternative to holes, such as slots, or an opening with a mesh or grill over it, for example.

Turning now to Figure 15, this depicts a similar arrangement to that of Figure 7, except that the interface device 10 further comprises a suction device 500 and is attached to an outlet port 24/34. The arrangement in Figure 15 could depict an interface device 10 connected to an apparatus 20 for the manufacture of 3D objects, in order to remove all fluid material from the apparatus for maintenance or cleaning purposes or a de-caking station 30 In either case there is an outlet port 24/34 that is arranged to be engageable with the second end 202 of the fluid port 200 so as to be fluidically connected to a container 300 for fluid material. The arrangement depicted in Figure 15 allows fluid material to be fluidically supplied to the container 300 under a gravity feed (for brevity, the details of the fluid path within the apparatus 20/ de-caking station 30 are omitted, though the arrow 25/35 depicts the direction of fluid flow). Once the container 300 is full, or there is no further fluid material to supply to it, the interface device 10 can be disengaged from the outlet port 24/24, and optionally the step of attaching a sealing cap to said second end 202, so as to prevent the escape of stray fluid material from said container 300 may be performed.

Finally, Figure 16 depicts an apparatus 20 having an integral suction device, where two different implementations for the inlets 22 arranged around said inlet port 23 are shown. The inlets 22a are arranged at the base of the inlet port 23 where it attaches to the apparatus 20, and are then fluidically connectable to a source of suction (not shown) for removing stray fluid material. Alternatively, the inlets 22b are arranged in the inlet port 23 which has a hollow portion 28 to fluidically connect all the inlets 22b together. The hollow portion is then connectable to a source of suction (not shown). It is contemplated that the apparatus 20 may comprise inlets 22a and/or inlets 22b, either instead of or as well as one or more suction devices 500/ 250. It may be understood that whilst Figure 16 depicts an inlet port 23, the integral suction device may suitably be used at an outlet port 24/34 within an apparatus 20 or de-caking station 30.

Whether a container 300 is being connected to an apparatus 20 for the manufacture of 3D objects, or a de-caking station 30, the following steps may be performed where the container 300 has already been connected to an interface device 10 (as described above with reference to Figures 6a-d): * removing a sealing cap 400 from the interface device 10, if present; * opening or breaching a part of the wall of the container 300 so as to fluidically connect it to the bore 204, if not already opened or breached; and * connecting the second end 202 of the interface device 10 to an inlet port 23 of the apparatus 20 or to an outlet port 24/34 of said apparatus or said de-caking station respectively so as to fluidically connect the container 300 to the apparatus 20 or de-caking station 30.

The attachment step may be performed by engaging the second engagement means on the second end 202 of the fluid port 200 with the fourth engagement means 29 on the inlet port 23 or the outlet port 24/34. Where the container 300 has been connected to an inlet port 23, the following steps may be performed: * lifting and/ or tilting the container 300 so as to supply fluid material to the inlet port 23 via the interface device 10 and hence to the supply tank 27, using a gravity feed; and * supplying material to the tank 27 until sufficient fluid material has been supplied and/ or the container has been emptied Where the container 300 has been connected to an outlet port 24/34 the following steps may be performed: * supplying fluid material to the outlet port 24/34 and hence to the container 300 via the interface device 10, using a gravity feed; and * supplying fluid material to the container until the container has been filled and/ or there is no further fluid material to supply thereto.

The following steps may then be performed to disconnect the container 300 and interface device 10 from the inlet port 23 or outlet port 24/34: * disconnecting the second end 202 of the interface device 10 from the an inlet port 23 of the apparatus 20 or from the outlet port 24/34 of said apparatus or said de-caking station respectively; and * attaching a sealing cap 400 to said second end 202, so as to prevent the escape of stray fluid material from said container 300 via said interface device 10.

Further, when connecting/ disconnecting a container 300 to/ from an apparatus 20 for the manufacture of 3D objects or a de-caking station 30 using an interface device 10 may comprise a method of removing stray fluid material involving connecting a suction assembly and/or a suction device to a source of suction and providing suction so as to remove stray fluid material. Where the method involves the use of a suction device 500, the method may further comprise the step of placing a head of said suction device 500 over an inlet port 23 or an outlet port 24/34, as appropriate, prior to connecting the interface device 10 to the apparatus 20 or the de-caking station 30 Where the container 300 has been filled with recycled fluid material, the interface device 10 and container 300 may then be moved to an inlet port 23, so as to supply recycled fluid material to the tank 27 of an apparatus 20. Collecting the recycled fluid material in containers of known volume allows virgin and recycled fluid material to be supplied to an apparatus 20 in known quantities, so as to control their ratio in the supply tank 27. A method of mixing virgin and recycled fluid material within a supply tank 27 of an apparatus 20 may comprise the steps of (a) attaching a container 300 containing virgin fluid material to the inlet port 23 according to any suitable method described herein, (b) filling the virgin fluid material into the supply tank 27 via the inlet port 23, and (c) detaching the container 300 from the inlet port 23; and (d) repeating steps (a) to (c) until a predetermined volume of virgin fluid material has been provided to the supply tank 27; and (e) repeating steps (a) to (c) with a container 300 containing recycled fluid material; and (f) repeating steps (a) to (c) until a predetermined volume of recycled fluid material has been provided to the supply tank 27; wherein the steps (a) to (0 involve using one or more of the interface devices 10 described herein; and (g) mixing the virgin and recycled fluid material within the supply tank 27 by moving the fluid material within the supply tank 27.

It may be understood that the fluid port and locking ring as described herein may be engageable relative to one another by any suitable means and that other means than those described herein may be contemplated -for example, deformable parts, or cir-clips, or push sleeves that snap over another component, or hinged components. Further the fluid port and the locking ring may be formed from one part, that may comprise, for example, a portion that is fixed and a portion that is moveable relative to the fixed portion. The function of securing a flexible portion of a container is performed when the moveable portion is moved so as to engage with the fixed portion of the part. The container may be a bag made of a material that is flexible and may be fitted with an interference fit within the interface device without damaging the bag walls. Depending on the choice of material and the fluid, the interference fit may provide a seal even to liquid materials.

It may further be understood that one or more of the fluid port, locking ring, sealing cap and/or suction device, are formed of a 3D printed material.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An interface device for a container for fluid material; wherein said interface device comprises a fluid port (200) for application to one face of a flexible portion of a container wall and a locking ring (100) for application to an opposite face of said flexible portion of said container wall; wherein a first end (201) of the fluid port and the locking ring (100) are engageable relative to one another in interlocking relationship to thereby secure a part of said flexible portion of said container wall between the fluid port and the locking ring to provide a bore (204) through which fluid material can flow.
2. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein said fluid port and said locking ring are rotatable relative to one another.
3. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein said fluid port and said locking ring are so dimensioned relative to one another as to achieve an interference fit with said flexible portion of the container wall when engaged relative one another.
4 The interface device according to any preceding claim, wherein said locking ring comprises a first engagement means and said first end of said fluid port comprises a second engagement means arranged for receiving said first engagement means of said locking ring.
5. The interface device according to any preceding claim, wherein a second end of said fluid port comprises a third engagement means; wherein said third engagement means are arranged to secure said interface device to an inlet port and/or an outlet port of an apparatus for the manufacture of 3D objects, and/or to an outlet port of a de-caking station, and/or for receiving a sealing cap.
6. The interface device according to any preceding claim, wherein said fluid port comprises a lengthening region; preferably wherein said lengthening region is flexible; still more preferably wherein said lengthening region comprises a lengthening component
7. The interface device according to claim 4 or claim 5, or claim 6 when dependent on claim 4 or claim 5, wherein said first and said second and/or said third engagement means comprise one of the following: push to release connection, thread, reverse thread, bayonet fit, push fit; and wherein said first and second ends have different types of engagement means.
8. The interface device according to claim 5 or claim 7, further comprising a sealing cap attachable to said second end.
9. The interface device according to claim 5, wherein said second end is arranged to engage with a port of an apparatus for the manufacture of 3D objects and/or a port of a de-caking station.
10. The interface device according to any preceding claim, when dependent on claim 5, arranged such that engagement of said second end of said fluid port does not cause said first end to disengage with said locking ring and vice-versa.
11 The interface device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a suction device having one or more inlets arranged around the bore and fluidically connectable to an external source of suction for removing stray fluid material.
12. The interface device according to claim 11, wherein said suction devices comprises a hollow annular head with said one or more inlets being disposed upon said hollow annular head.
13. The interface device according to claim 11 or claim 12 wherein said suction device is formed integrally with said fluid port.
14 The interface device according to any preceding claim wherein at least one of the fluid port, locking ring, sealing cap or suction device, are formed of a 3D printed material
15. An apparatus for the manufacture of 3D objects using fluid material wherein the apparatus comprises one or more inlet ports and/or one or more outlet ports that is/are arranged to be engageable with said second end of said fluid port of an interface device according to any of claims 1 to 14 so as to be fluidically connected to a container for fluid material
16. A de-caking station for use in the manufacture of 3D objects using fluid material wherein said de-caking station comprises one or more outlet ports that are arranged to be engageable with the second end of said fluid port of an interface device according to any of claims 1 to 14 so as to be fluidically connected to a container for fluid material.
17. The apparatus according to claim 15 or the de-caking station according to claim 16, wherein said apparatus or said de-caking station comprise one or more inlets arranged around said inlet port and/or said outlet port wherein said inlets are fluidically connectable to a source of suction for removing stray fluid material.
18. A method of connecting an interface device according to any of claims 1 to 14 to a flexible portion of a container for fluid material, the method comprising the steps of: feeding said flexible portion through an opening in said locking ring; folding said flexible portion back over said locking ring; offering up said fluid port to the flexible portion and locking ring; and engaging said fluid port with said locking ring in interlocking relationship to thereby secure a part of said flexible portion of said container wall between the fluid port and the locking ring to provide a bore through which fluid material can flow.
19. The method according to claim 18 wherein said method further comprises rotating said fluid port and said locking ring relative to one another so as to couple them together.
20. The method according to claim 18 or claim 19 wherein said method further comprises engaging said fluid port with said locking ring so as to achieve an interference fit with said flexible portion of the container wall.
21 The method according to any of claims 18 to 20 comprising the further step of attaching a sealing cap to said second end, so as to prevent the escape of stray fluid material from said container via said interface device.
22. A method of attaching a container to an apparatus for the manufacture of 3D objects or to a de-caking station utilising an interface device and container as connected using the method of any of claims 18 to 21, whereby the method comprises the steps of: removing a sealing cap from said interface device, if present; opening or breaching a part of said container wall, if not already opened or breached; and connecting said second end to an inlet port of said apparatus or an outlet port of said apparatus or said de-caking station; so as to fluidically connect said container to said apparatus or said de-caking station.
23. A method of removing stray fluid material when connecting/ disconnecting a container to/ from an apparatus for the manufacture of 3D objects or a de-caking station comprises using an interface device and container as connected using the method of any of claims 18 to 20; wherein said method further comprises connecting a suction assembly and/or a suction device to a source of suction and providing suction so as to remove stray fluid material
24. A method according to claim 23, wherein said method further comprises placing a head of said suction device over an inlet port or an outlet port, as appropriate, prior to connecting said interface device to said inlet port or outlet port.
25. A method of mixing virgin and recycled fluid material within a supply tank of an apparatus for the manufacture of 3D objects comprising the steps of: (a) attaching a container containing virgin fluid material to the inlet port according to the method of claim 22, (b) filling the virgin fluid material into the supply tank via the inlet port, arid (c) detaching the container from the inlet port; and (d) repeating steps (a) to (c) until a predetermined volume of virgin fluid material has been provided to the supply tank; and (e) repeating steps (a) to (c) with a container containing recycled fluid material, and (0 repeating steps (a) to (c) until a predetermined volume of recycled fluid material has been provided to the supply tank, wherein the steps (a) to (0 involve using one or more of the interface devices according to any of claims Ito 14, and (g) mixing the virgin and recycled fluid material within the supply tank by moving the fluid material within the supply tank