Three-dimensional printing post-processing system and method

Abstract

The application provides a three-dimensional printing post-processing system and method. The three-dimensional printing post-processing system comprises a spin dryer for removing liquid resin attached to a workpiece; a first cleaning machine for performing rough cleaning on the workpiece processed by the spin dryer; a second cleaning machine for performing fine cleaning on the workpiece processed by the first cleaning machine; a blow dryer for performing blow drying on the workpiece processed by the second cleaning machine; and a UV light curing machine for performing secondary light curing on the workpiece processed by the blow dryer. The three-dimensional printing post-processing system and method can efficiently perform post-processing on the workpiece and reduce the loss of cleaning solvent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to 3D printing technology, and more particularly to a 3D printing post-processing system and method. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing technology uses a computer-aided 3D design model as a blueprint. Through software layering and discretization and a CNC forming system, it utilizes laser beams, hot-melt nozzles, and other methods to deposit and bond special materials such as metal powder, ceramic powder, plastics, and cell tissues layer by layer, ultimately creating a physical product. Unlike traditional manufacturing, which uses molds, milling machines, and other mechanical processing methods to shape and cut raw materials to produce finished products, 3D printing transforms a 3D solid into several 2D planes. By processing materials and stacking them layer by layer, it significantly reduces manufacturing complexity. This digital manufacturing model does not require complex processes, large machine tools, or a large workforce. It can generate parts of any shape directly from computer graphics data, extending manufacturing to a wider range of production users.

[0003] Photopolymerization is a relatively mature 3D printing technology that utilizes the principle of photosensitive resin curing upon exposure to ultraviolet light to accumulate and form materials. Workpieces formed using photopolymerization require post-processing steps such as cleaning and secondary UV (UltraViolet) curing. However, existing post-processing systems and methods typically require several hours for a single process, resulting in very low efficiency, which is unacceptable for high-speed 3D printing. Therefore, improving the post-processing speed of photopolymerization 3D printing technology is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved.

[0004] In addition, existing post-processing systems all require manual operation and are not automated, which also leads to low post-processing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional printing post-processing system and method, which can efficiently post-process workpieces and reduce the consumption of cleaning solvent.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a 3D printing post-processing system, comprising: a spin dryer for removing liquid resin adhering to a workpiece; a first cleaning machine for coarse cleaning of the workpiece after being processed by the spin dryer; a second cleaning machine for fine cleaning of the workpiece after being processed by the first cleaning machine; a blow dryer for drying the workpiece after being processed by the second cleaning machine; and a UV curing machine for secondary UV curing of the workpiece after being processed by the blow dryer.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the spin dryer includes a spin dryer, which includes a horizontal arm, a vertical arm, and a rotating shaft. The main body of the spin dryer is formed by connecting the horizontal arm and the vertical arm in a T-shape. The horizontal arm includes a support plate and two inwardly extending side walls. The support plate and the side walls form a receiving space for accommodating a tray containing a workpiece. The rotating shaft is arranged horizontally, and the spin dryer rotates around the rotating shaft when removing the liquid resin adhering to the workpiece.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, a fixing component is further provided in the accommodating space for fixing the workpiece placed in the tray when the tray is placed in the accommodating space.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing component includes a pressure plate, a plurality of springs, a handle, and a first transmission assembly. The two ends of the springs are respectively connected to the side wall and the pressure plate. The handle is connected to the pressure plate through the first transmission assembly and is used to move the pressure plate away from the workpiece when the handle is pulled.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, a flexible material is provided on the side of the pressure plate facing the workpiece.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, a counterweight is provided at the end of the longitudinal arm away from the transverse arm.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rotating shaft is disposed at the weight balance position of the swinging body.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first or second cleaning machine includes a cleaning machine body and a cover. The cleaning machine body includes a cleaning tank for containing cleaning solvent and cleaning the workpiece. The cover includes a shielding cover and a supporting part. The supporting part is disposed at the bottom of the shielding cover and is used to support a tray containing the workpiece. When cleaning the workpiece, the tray is placed in the cleaning tank, and the shielding cover covers the opening of the cleaning tank.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cover is vertically and retractably disposed above the cleaning tank.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning machine body further includes a lifting mechanism, which is connected to the cover to drive the cover to move up and down.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the lifting mechanism includes a lead screw, a nut, a motor, and a second transmission assembly. The nut is rotatably but not vertically movable on the cleaning machine body. One end of the lead screw is connected to the cover. The lead screw is disposed inside the nut. The motor drives the nut to rotate via the second transmission assembly, thereby causing the lead screw to move up and down, thus driving the cover to lift.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second transmission component includes a tension wheel, a rotating wheel, and a belt. The belt is connected to the motor, the tension wheel, the rotating wheel, and the nut respectively, so as to transmit the rotation of the motor to the nut.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the shielding cover is provided with a sealing strip at a position corresponding to the edge of the cleaning tank.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning machine body is further provided with an ultrasonic driver, and the cleaning tank is provided with an ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic generator generates ultrasonic vibrations under the drive of the ultrasonic driver, thereby driving the cleaning solvent to oscillate, so as to clean the workpiece.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes a conveyor belt and a plurality of robotic arms; the conveyor belt is used to move a tray placed thereon a predetermined distance; the robotic arms are used to remove the tray from the spin dryer, the first cleaning machine, the second cleaning machine, the blow dryer and the UV curing machine to the conveyor belt, and to place the tray located on the conveyor belt into the spin dryer, the first cleaning machine, the second cleaning machine, the blow dryer and the UV curing machine; the spin dryer, the first cleaning machine, the second cleaning machine, the blow dryer and the UV curing machine and their corresponding robotic arms are respectively disposed on both sides of the conveyor belt.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention provides a three-dimensional printing post-processing method, which uses the three-dimensional printing post-processing system described above for processing, including: removing liquid resin adhering to the workpiece using a spin dryer; performing coarse cleaning on the workpiece using a first cleaning machine; performing fine cleaning on the workpiece using a second cleaning machine; drying the workpiece using a blow dryer; and performing secondary UV curing on the workpiece using a UV curing machine.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0023] Compared to existing 3D printing post-processing systems, the 3D printing post-processing system of this invention requires only about 5 minutes for each step and only about 25 minutes for the entire process, greatly shortening the post-processing time, improving processing efficiency, and enabling automated, streamlined processing. Furthermore, this invention removes the resin adhering to the workpiece using a spin dryer before cleaning, and the cleaning machine is equipped with a cover to prevent cleaning solvent evaporation. Under the same cleaning requirements, this invention can significantly reduce the consumption of cleaning solvent. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a three-dimensional printing post-processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a tray for placing workpieces according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main components of a spin dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional perspective view of the first cleaning machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5a This is a schematic diagram of the first cleaning machine in an embodiment of the present invention with its cover open.

[0029] Figure 5b This is a schematic diagram of the first cleaning machine in the closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figures 6a-6d This is a top view of four states of a three-dimensional printing post-processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a basic flowchart of a three-dimensional printing post-processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and therefore the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0034] As indicated in this application and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" are not specifically singular and may include plural forms. Generally speaking, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of explicitly identified steps and elements, which do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printing post-processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to it. Figure 1 The 3D printing post-processing system 1 includes a spin dryer 10, a first cleaning machine 20, a second cleaning machine 30, a blow dryer 40, and a UV curing machine 50. The spin dryer 10 removes liquid resin adhering to the workpiece after printing. The first cleaning machine 20 performs a coarse cleaning on the workpiece treated by the spin dryer 10. The second cleaning machine 30 performs a fine cleaning on the workpiece treated by the first cleaning agent 20. The blow dryer 40 dries the workpiece treated by the second cleaning machine 30. The UV curing machine 50 performs a secondary UV curing on the workpiece treated by the blow dryer 40, thereby forming a workpiece with higher hardness. Preferably, the components of the spin dryer 10, the first cleaning machine 20, the second cleaning machine 30, the blow dryer 40, and the UV curing machine 50 that support the workpiece have the same height when the workpiece is placed in and removed. Those skilled in the art will understand that "having the same height" as described herein does not mean being completely equal, but rather that there can be an acceptable margin of error.

[0037] In an optional embodiment, the workpiece can be placed on a tray, and the tray containing the workpiece can be placed into a spin dryer 10, a first cleaning machine 20, a second cleaning machine 30, a blow dryer 40, or a UV curing machine 50 as needed to process the workpiece. Figure 2 This is a tray for placing workpieces according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figure 2 The tray 2 includes a perforated base plate 2a and perforated side plates 2b to facilitate the discharge of resin, cleaning agents, etc., and the penetration of UV light. Preferably, the base plate 2a and side plates 2b have a perforation rate of 80% or more.

[0038] Figure 3A schematic diagram of the main components of a spin dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The spin dryer 10 includes a spin-drying body 11 and a drive component 12. The spin-drying body 11 is used to drive the workpiece to rotate at high speed under the drive of the drive component 12, thereby removing the resin adhering to the workpiece under the action of centrifugal force. The spin-drying body 11 includes a horizontal arm 111, a vertical arm 112, and a rotating shaft 113. The main body of the spin-drying body 11 can be mainly composed of a horizontal arm 111 and a vertical arm 112 connected in a T-shape. The rotating shaft 113 can be set at the weight balance point of the main body of the spin-drying body 11, so that the weight of the spin-drying body 11 on both sides of the rotating shaft 113 is equal or approximately equal, which can keep the spin-drying body 11 balanced during rotation and avoid unnecessary vibration. Preferably, as Figure 3 As shown, the pivot 113 is mounted on the longitudinal arm 112. Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the rotating shaft 113 is arranged horizontally, meaning the spun-out section 11 rotates vertically. The driving component 12 may include a motor 121 and a belt 122. The motor 121 drives the rotor to rotate under the influence of electrical energy, and the rotation is transmitted to the rotating shaft 113 via the belt 122, thereby driving the entire spun-out section 11 to rotate. It is understood that the driving component 12 may also use, for example, an engine as the driving source and a gear set as the transmission component; the present invention does not limit this.

[0039] The cross arm 111 has a receiving space 111a formed by a tray 111a1 and two inwardly extending sidewalls 111a2. When it is necessary to spin-dry the workpiece, the tray 2 containing the workpiece can be inserted into the receiving space 111a. A fixing component 111b for fixing the workpiece can also be provided in the receiving space 111a to prevent damage caused by workpiece shaking, movement, or falling off during the rotation of the spin-drying arm 11, which could result in collisions or friction between workpieces. Multiple through holes can be provided on the tray 111a1 and the sidewalls 111a2 to facilitate resin discharge during spin-drying. Preferably, the perforation rate of the tray 111a1 is higher than that of the sidewalls 111a2. The perforation rate of the tray 111a1 is preferably greater than or equal to 50%.

[0040] The fixing component 111b may include a pressure plate 111b1, multiple springs 111b2, a handle 111b3, and a first transmission assembly 111b4. The two ends of the multiple springs 111b2 are respectively connected to the side wall 111a2 and the pressure plate 111b1 to connect the pressure plate 111b1 to the side wall 111a2 and provide the clamping force required to fix the workpiece. The handle 111b3 is connected to the pressure plate 111b1 via the first transmission assembly 111b4, and is used to move the pressure plate 111b1 away from the workpiece when the handle 111b3 is pulled, at which time the springs 111b2 are compressed. When the handle 111b3 is released, the pressure plate 111b1 can press the workpiece under the action of the springs 111b2, thereby fixing the workpiece. Preferably, the side of the pressure plate 111b1 facing the workpiece is provided with a flexible material to provide a larger contact area and better protection for the workpiece.

[0041] A counterweight 112a is provided at the end of the longitudinal arm 112 away from the horizontal arm 111 to balance the rotational inertia at both ends of the longitudinal arm 112. In a preferred embodiment, the counterweight 112a can slide on the longitudinal arm 112 to be adjusted according to the weight of the workpiece, thereby balancing the rotational inertia at both ends of the longitudinal arm 112. Figure 3 As shown, the end of the longitudinal arm 112 connected to the transverse arm 111 splits into two branches, while the end away from the transverse arm 111 is integrated, meaning the longitudinal arm 112 has a shape similar to a "Y". The two branches of the longitudinal arm 112 are respectively connected to two side walls 111a2. Thus, a handle 111b3 and a first transmission assembly 111b4, etc., can be installed within the space formed by the two branches and the two side walls 111a2. Of course, it is understood that the longitudinal arm 112 can also be a completely integral component; the present invention does not limit the specific shape of the longitudinal arm 112. Preferably, the longitudinal arm 112 can be mainly made of a perforated metal plate, which reduces weight while ensuring the required rigidity, thus reducing the requirements for the drive component 12, etc.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional perspective view of the first cleaning machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5a This is a schematic diagram of the first cleaning machine in an embodiment of the present invention with its cover open. Figure 5b This is a schematic diagram showing the lid of the first cleaning machine according to an embodiment of the present invention in a closed state. Please refer to the reference. Figures 4 to 5bThe first cleaning machine 20 includes a cleaning machine body 21 and a cover 22. The cleaning machine body 21 has a cleaning tank 211 for containing cleaning solvent and cleaning the workpiece therein. An ultrasonic driver 213 may also be installed inside the cleaning machine body 21, and an ultrasonic generator 211a may be installed inside the cleaning tank 211. Driven by the ultrasonic driver 213, the ultrasonic generator 211a generates ultrasonic vibrations, which in turn cause the cleaning solvent to vibrate, thus cleaning the workpiece. The cover 22 includes a shielding cover 221 and a support portion 222 disposed at the bottom of the shielding cover 221. The support portion 222 is used to support a tray 2. When cleaning of the workpiece is required, the tray 2 is inserted into the support portion 222, and the cover is lowered as a whole, so that the tray 2 is placed in the cleaning tank 211. At this time, the shielding cover 221 covers the opening of the cleaning tank 211 to prevent the cleaning solvent from overflowing or evaporating. Preferably, a sealing strip 221a is provided on the shielding cover 221 at a position corresponding to the edge of the cleaning tank 211. In a preferred embodiment, when cleaning the workpiece, the position of the tray 2 needs to be such that the workpiece is immersed in the cleaning agent and is very close to the ultrasonic generator 211a, such that the distance is, for example, 3-5 mm, or an approximate range.

[0043] Preferably, the cover 22 is vertically and flexibly positioned above the cleaning machine body 21. In this case, the cleaning machine body 21 also includes a lifting mechanism 212, which is connected to the cover 22 to drive the cover 22 to move up and down. The lifting mechanism 212 includes a lead screw 212a, a nut 212b, a motor 212c, and a second transmission assembly 212d. The nut 212b is fixed to the ground but rotatably mounted on the cleaning machine body 21. One end of the lead screw 212a is connected to the cover 22, and the lead screw 212a is located inside the nut 212b. When the motor 212c drives the nut 212b to rotate via the second transmission assembly 212d, the lead screw 212a can move up and down, thereby driving the cover 22 to move up and down. The second transmission assembly 212d includes a tension wheel 212d1, a rotating wheel 212d2, and a belt 212d3. Belt 212d3 is connected to motor 212c, tension pulley 212d1, rotating pulley 212d2, and nut 212b respectively to transmit the rotation of motor 212c to nut 212b. Although Figures 3 to 5b The lifting mechanism 212 shown has two lead screws 212a, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the cover 22. However, it is understood that the lifting mechanism 212 may also have only one lead screw or more than three lead screws, and the arrangement of the lead screws can be set according to actual needs. The present invention does not limit this. Similarly, although Figure 3The second transmission assembly 212d shown has two tensioning wheels 212d1 and one rotating wheel 212d2, but it is understood that the number of tensioning wheels and rotating wheels can be set according to specific needs, and the present invention does not limit this.

[0044] In an optional embodiment, the lifting mechanism 212 may further include an upper limit component 212e1 and a lower limit component 212e2, and a trigger component 212e3 is provided on the lead screw 212a. When the lead screw 212a descends to the position where it needs to stop, the trigger component 212e3 triggers the lower limit component 212e2 to stop the lifting mechanism 212, thereby stopping the cover 22 in the desired position, for example, the cover 221 just covers the opening of the cleaning tank 211. When the lead screw 212a rises to the position where it needs to stop, the trigger component 212e3 triggers the upper limit component 212e1 to stop the lifting mechanism 212, thereby stopping the cover 22 in the desired position, for example, the support 222 is at the same height as the inlet / outlet for placing and removing workpieces in the spin dryer 10, the blow dryer 40, and the UV curing machine 50.

[0045] It should be noted that the second cleaning machine 30 can be the same as the first cleaning machine 20, and the second cleaning machine 30 will not be described in detail here.

[0046] Compared to systems with only one cleaning cycle, this invention sets up a first cleaning machine 20 and a second cleaning machine 30 to clean the workpiece at least twice. During the coarse cleaning of the first cleaning machine 20, most of the residual resin can be removed, and during the fine cleaning of the second cleaning machine 30, almost all the residual resin can be removed. In this way, the cleaning solvent in the first cleaning machine 20 and the second cleaning machine 30 can be reused, reducing the consumption of cleaning solvent.

[0047] Furthermore, the cleaning machine of the present invention has a cover 22, which covers the opening of the cleaning tank 211 when cleaning the workpiece, thus preventing the evaporation and splashing of the cleaning solvent. Especially when the cleaning solvent (e.g., alcohol) is easily volatile and driven by the ultrasonic generator 211a, the evaporation of the cleaning solvent can be greatly prevented, thus greatly reducing the loss of the cleaning solvent.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] Figures 6a-6d This is a top view of four states of a 3D printing post-processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figures 6a-6dThe 3D printing post-processing system 3 includes a spin dryer 10, a first cleaning machine 20, a second cleaning machine 30, a blow dryer 40, a UV curing machine 50, a conveyor belt 60, and multiple robotic arms 70. The spin dryer 10, the first cleaning machine 20, the second cleaning machine 30, the blow dryer 40, and the UV curing machine 50 are largely the same as those in the 3D printing post-processing system 1. Therefore, the identical parts will not be described in detail here; the main focus will be on the differences.

[0050] like Figures 6a-6d As shown, the spin dryer 10, first cleaning machine 20, second cleaning machine 30, blow dryer 40, and UV curing machine 50 in the 3D printing post-processing system 3 are arranged in a straight line, and the components of these devices used to support the tray 2 (2_0-2_5) have the same height (hereinafter referred to as the pick-up and place height) when placing and removing the tray 2. A conveyor belt 60 is positioned in front of the spin dryer 10, first cleaning machine 20, second cleaning machine 30, blow dryer 40, and UV curing machine 50 (i.e., these devices are positioned on one side of the conveyor belt 60), and the height of the conveyor belt 60 is approximately the same as the pick-up and place height. Multiple robotic arms 70_0-70_6 are positioned on the other side of the conveyor belt 60, and similarly have approximately the same pick-up and place height. Multiple robotic arms 70_0-70_6 are used to remove multiple trays 2 (2_0-2_5) from the spin dryer 10, the first cleaning machine 20, the second cleaning machine 30, the blow dryer 40 and the UV curing machine 50 onto the conveyor belt 60, and to place the trays 2 from the conveyor belt 60 into these devices.

[0051] Figure 6a This is a state diagram of the first cycle of the 3D printing post-processing system 3 processing the workpiece. At this time, trays 2_1-2_5 are being processed in the spin dryer 10, the first cleaning machine 20, the second cleaning machine 30, the blow dryer 40, and the UV curing machine 50, respectively. Additionally, a tray 2_0 can be placed on the support 4 on the left side of the spin dryer 10 so that the workpiece contained in the tray 2_0 can be placed into the spin dryer 10 for processing in the next cycle. After the spin dryer 10, first cleaning machine 20, second cleaning machine 30, blow dryer 40, and UV curing machine 50 have finished processing the workpieces in trays 2_1-2_5, the doors of these machines for loading and unloading workpieces are opened. At this time, multiple robotic arms 70_0-70_5 remove trays 2_0-2_5 from the support 4, spin dryer 10, first cleaning machine 20, second cleaning machine 30, blow dryer 40, and UV curing machine 50 and place them onto the conveyor belt 60. Figure 6b As shown.

[0052] Figure 6bThis is a state diagram of the second cycle of the 3D printing post-processing system 3 processing the workpiece. At this time, trays 2_0-2_5 are all located on conveyor belt 60. After multiple robotic arms 70_0-70_5 place trays 2_0-2_5 on conveyor belt 60, conveyor belt 60 moves forward a certain distance in the direction shown by arrow R to move trays 2_0-2_5 to the front of spin dryer 10, first cleaning machine 20, second cleaning machine 30, blow dryer 40, UV curing machine 50, and support 5, respectively. Figure 6c As shown.

[0053] Figure 6c This is a state diagram of the third cycle of the 3D printing post-processing system 3 processing the workpiece. At this time, trays 2_0-2_5 are still located on conveyor belt 60, but relative to... Figure 6b In the second cycle shown, trays 2_0-2_5 have moved forward a certain distance in the direction indicated by arrow R, and are positioned in front of the spin dryer 10, the first cleaning machine 20, the second cleaning machine 30, the blow dryer 40, the UV curing machine 50, and the support 5, respectively. After trays 2_0-2_5 move into position with the conveyor belt 60, robotic arms 70_1-70_6 place trays 2_0-2_5 from the conveyor belt 60 into the spin dryer 10, the first cleaning machine 20, the second cleaning machine 30, the blow dryer 40, the UV curing machine 50, and the support 5, respectively. Figure 6d As shown.

[0054] Figure 6d This is a state diagram of the fourth cycle of the 3D printing post-processing system 3 processing the workpiece. At this time, trays 2_0-2_4 are placed in the spin dryer 10, the first cleaning machine 20, the second cleaning machine 30, the blow dryer 40, and the UV curing machine 50, respectively, to process the workpieces in trays 2_0-2_4. Tray 2_5 is placed on the support 5.

[0055] The 3D printing post-processing system 3 may also have a controller (not shown in the figure) for controlling the conveyor belt 60 and the robotic arm 70 to repeatedly perform actions such as... Figures 6a-6d The four cycles shown represent the operations required to process the workpieces placed in tray 2 in a streamlined manner. This allows for automatic post-processing of the 3D printed workpieces without human intervention, thus improving post-processing efficiency.

[0056] In a more specific embodiment, the controller controls the spin dryer 10, the first cleaning machine 20, the second cleaning machine 30, the blow dryer 40, the UV curing machine 50, the conveyor belt 60, and the multiple robotic arms 70 to operate in the following rhythm:

[0057] First cycle: When the spin dryer 10, the first cleaning machine 20, the second cleaning machine 30, the blow dryer 40, and the UV curing machine 50 complete one processing of the workpiece, the controller controls these devices to open the doors for picking up and placing the workpiece, and controls the robotic arm 70 to take the tray 2 out of these devices and place it on the conveyor belt 60.

[0058] Second cycle: After the tray 2 is placed on the conveyor belt 60, the controller controls the conveyor belt 60 to move a predetermined distance in a predetermined direction to move the tray 2 in front of the next processing equipment.

[0059] Third beat: When pallet 2 has moved to the front of the next processing equipment, the controller controls the conveyor belt 60 to stop moving;

[0060] Fourth cycle: When the tray 2 has moved to the front of the next processing equipment and the conveyor belt 60 stops moving, the controller controls the robotic arm 70 to put the tray 2 into the spin dryer 10, the first cleaning machine 20, the second cleaning machine 30, the blow dryer 40, and the UV curing machine 50 to perform the next processing on the workpiece in the tray 2.

[0061] Although Figures 6a-6d In the 3D printing post-processing system 3 shown, the spin dryer 10, the first cleaning machine 20, the second cleaning machine 30, the blow dryer 40, and the UV curing machine 50 are on the same side of the conveyor belt 60, and the multiple robotic arms 70_0-70_6 are on the other side of the conveyor belt 60. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the spin dryer 10, the first cleaning machine 20, the second cleaning machine 30, the blow dryer 40, and the UV curing machine 50, as well as the robotic arms 70 corresponding to these devices, can be located on both sides of the conveyor belt 60. For example, the spin dryer 10 can be located on the first side of the conveyor belt 60, the robotic arm 70_1 corresponding to the spin dryer 10 can be located on the second side of the conveyor belt 60, the first cleaning machine 20 can be located on the second side of the conveyor belt 60, and the robotic arm 70_2 corresponding to the first cleaning machine 20 can be located on the first side of the conveyor belt 60.

[0062] Example 3

[0063] Figure 7 This is a basic flowchart of a 3D printing post-processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to it. Figure 7 The 3D printing post-processing method 100 mainly utilizes the 3D printing post-processing system 1 described above to process the 3D printed workpiece, and may include the following steps:

[0064] Step 110: Use a spin dryer 10 to remove the resin adhering to the workpiece;

[0065] Step 120: Use the first cleaning machine 20 to perform a rough cleaning on the workpiece after it has been treated by the spin dryer 10;

[0066] Step 130: Use the second cleaning machine 30 to perform a fine cleaning on the workpiece after it has been treated by the first cleaning machine 20;

[0067] Step 140: Use the blow dryer 40 to dry the workpiece after it has been treated by the second cleaning machine 30 to remove the cleaning solvent;

[0068] Step 150: Use UV curing machine 50 to perform secondary UV curing on the workpiece after it has been treated by dryer 40.

[0069] Each step from 110 to 150 takes approximately 5 minutes, and the entire process takes only about 25 minutes. Compared to the several hours required by existing post-processing systems, this invention greatly shortens the post-processing time and improves the efficiency of post-processing.

[0070] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention, and various equivalent changes or substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, any changes or modifications to the above embodiments within the essential spirit of the invention will fall within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A 3D printing post-processing system, comprising: A spin dryer is used to remove liquid resin adhering to a workpiece. The spin dryer includes a spin-drying body, which includes a horizontal arm, a vertical arm, and a rotating shaft. The main body of the spin-drying body is formed by the horizontal arm and the vertical arm connected in a T-shape. One end of the vertical arm connected to the horizontal arm splits into two branches, while the end away from the horizontal arm is integrated. A counterweight is provided at the end of the vertical arm away from the horizontal arm. The horizontal arm includes a support plate and two inwardly extending side walls. The two branches of the vertical arm are respectively connected to the two side walls of the horizontal arm. The support plate and the side walls form a receiving space for accommodating a tray containing a workpiece. The tray includes a perforated bottom plate and perforated side plates. The rotating shaft is arranged horizontally and is located at the weight balance position of the spin-drying body. When removing the liquid resin adhering to the workpiece, the spin-drying body rotates around the rotating shaft. The first cleaning machine is used to perform rough cleaning on the workpiece after it has been processed by the spin dryer. The second cleaning machine is used to perform fine cleaning on the workpiece after it has been treated by the first cleaning machine. A blower is used to dry the workpiece after it has been treated by the second cleaning machine; as well as A UV curing machine is used to perform secondary UV curing on the workpiece after it has been treated by the blower, wherein... When the workpiece is placed in and removed, the components in the spin dryer, the first cleaning machine, the second cleaning machine, the blow dryer, and the UV curing machine that support the workpiece have the same height.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The accommodating space is also provided with a fixing component for fixing the workpiece placed in the tray when the tray is placed in the accommodating space.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fixing component includes a pressure plate, multiple springs, a handle, and a first transmission assembly. The two ends of the springs are respectively connected to the side wall and the pressure plate. The handle is connected to the pressure plate through the first transmission assembly and is used to move the pressure plate away from the workpiece when the handle is pulled.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, A flexible material is provided on the side of the pressure plate facing the workpiece.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first or second cleaning machine includes a cleaning machine body and a cover. The cleaning machine body includes a cleaning tank for containing cleaning solvent and cleaning the workpiece. The cover includes a shielding cover and a supporting part. The supporting part is disposed at the bottom of the shielding cover and is used to support a tray containing the workpiece. When cleaning the workpiece, the tray is placed in the cleaning tank, and the shielding cover covers the opening of the cleaning tank.

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cover is vertically and adjustablely positioned above the cleaning tank.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cleaning machine body also includes a lifting mechanism, which is connected to the cover to drive the cover to move up and down.

8. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism includes a lead screw, a nut, a motor, and a second transmission assembly. The nut is rotatably but not vertically movable on the body of the cleaning machine. One end of the lead screw is connected to the cover. The lead screw is located inside the nut. The motor drives the nut to rotate via the second transmission assembly, thereby causing the lead screw to move up and down, thus driving the cover to lift.

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second transmission assembly includes a tension pulley, a rotating pulley, and a belt. The belt is connected to the motor, the tension pulley, the rotating pulley, and the nut, respectively, to transmit the rotation of the motor to the nut.

10. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The shielding cover has a sealing strip at a position corresponding to the edge of the cleaning tank.

11. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cleaning machine body is also equipped with an ultrasonic driver, and the cleaning tank is equipped with an ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic generator generates ultrasonic vibrations under the drive of the ultrasonic driver, which in turn drives the cleaning solvent to oscillate, thereby cleaning the workpiece.

12. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a conveyor belt and multiple robotic arms; the conveyor belt is used to move a tray placed on it a predetermined distance; the robotic arms are used to remove the tray from the spin dryer, the first cleaning machine, the second cleaning machine, the blow dryer, and the UV curing machine onto the conveyor belt, and to place the tray on the conveyor belt into the spin dryer, the first cleaning machine, the second cleaning machine, the blow dryer, and the UV curing machine; the spin dryer, the first cleaning machine, the second cleaning machine, the blow dryer, and the UV curing machine, and their corresponding robotic arms are respectively arranged on both sides of the conveyor belt.

13. A three-dimensional printing post-processing method, comprising processing using the three-dimensional printing post-processing system as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, including: Use a spin dryer to remove liquid resin adhering to the workpiece; The workpiece is roughly cleaned using the first cleaning machine; The workpiece is thoroughly cleaned using a second cleaning machine; The workpiece is dried using a blower; as well as The workpiece is subjected to secondary UV curing using a UV curing machine.

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