Soluble molds and their preparation methods, composite material devices and mechanical equipment

Abstract

This application discloses a soluble mold and its preparation method, composite material device, and mechanical equipment. The preparation method of the soluble mold includes: determining whether a preset mold surface needs to be split; if it is determined that the mold surface does not need to be split, then: generating a mold surface printing path based on the mold surface using 3D printing; determining a printing offset direction based on the mold type of the target mold, the mold type including male mold type and female mold type; generating a support surface printing path based on the mold surface offset by a first preset distance according to the printing offset direction; generating a connecting surface printing path according to a first preset algorithm; and integrally printing the mold surface, support surface, and multiple connecting surfaces based on the mold surface printing path, support surface printing path, and connecting surface printing path; multiple connecting surfaces are set between the mold surface and the support surface, and a solvent channel is formed between two adjacent connecting surfaces; the connecting surfaces, mold surface, and support surface form the target mold; wherein, the mold surface, support surface, and multiple connecting surfaces are all made of soluble material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mold manufacturing, and more specifically, to a soluble mold and its preparation method, composite material devices, and mechanical equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Composite materials are made by combining multiple material components according to application requirements. They are characterized by high specific strength, high specific modulus, and light weight. Composite materials offer great structural design flexibility and are suitable for integral structural molding. Composite materials are widely used in many fields such as pressure device molding, aerospace structural component manufacturing, automotive lightweighting, and chemical engineering.

[0003] In order to obtain the required molding surface during the molding process of composite material devices, it is necessary to first make a corresponding molding surface mold. Currently, molding surface molds include fixed molds and soluble molds.

[0004] However, the inventors discovered that both fixed and soluble molds present challenges for irregularly shaped composite material devices, including complex structures, high manufacturing difficulty, and difficulty in handling such devices with limited internal space. Furthermore, current molding surface molds cannot be tailored to the specific mold type requirements (male / female mold) of the composite material device. Therefore, the inventors believe that current soluble molds require further improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of this application, a method for preparing a soluble mold is provided. The method includes: determining whether a preset mold surface needs to be split; if it is determined that the mold surface does not need to be split, then: generating a mold surface printing path based on the mold surface using 3D printing; determining a printing offset direction based on the mold type of the target mold, where the mold type includes male mold type and female mold type; generating a support surface printing path based on the mold surface offset by a first preset distance according to the printing offset direction; generating a connecting surface printing path according to a first preset algorithm; and printing the mold surface, support surface, and connecting surface based on the printing paths.

[0006] The bulk printing process generates a mold surface, a support surface, and multiple connecting surfaces. Multiple connecting surfaces are located between the mold surface and the support surface, and solvent channels are formed between adjacent connecting surfaces. The mold surface, the support surface, and the multiple connecting surfaces form the target mold. The mold surface, the support surface, and the multiple connecting surfaces are all made of soluble materials.

[0007] According to some example embodiments of this application, the preparation method further includes: if it is determined that the mold surface needs to be split, then: the mold surface is determined to be at least two mold surfaces, the at least two mold surfaces including a first mold surface and a second mold surface; a first mold surface printing path is generated based on 3D printing according to the first mold surface, and a second mold surface printing path is generated based on 3D printing according to the second mold surface; a first support surface printing path is generated based on the first mold surface offset by a first preset distance according to the printing offset direction, and a second support surface printing path is generated based on the second mold surface offset by a first preset distance according to the printing offset direction; a first connecting surface printing path and a second connecting surface printing path are generated according to a first preset algorithm.

[0008] The first mold surface, the first support surface, and multiple first connecting surfaces are integrally printed according to the printing paths of the first mold surface, the first support surface, and the first connecting surface. The multiple first connecting surfaces are disposed between the first mold surface and the first support surface, and a solvent channel is formed between two adjacent first connecting surfaces. The first mold surface, the first support surface, and the multiple first connecting surfaces form a first mold segment. The first mold surface, the first support surface, and the multiple first connecting surfaces are all made of soluble materials.

[0009] The second mold surface, the second support surface, and multiple second connecting surfaces are integrally printed according to the printing paths of the second mold surface, the second support surface, and the second connecting surface. Multiple second connecting surfaces are disposed between the second mold surface and the second support surface, and a solvent channel is formed between two adjacent second connecting surfaces. The second mold surface, the second support surface, and the multiple second connecting surfaces form a second mold segment. The second mold surface, the second support surface, and the multiple second connecting surfaces are all made of soluble materials.

[0010] The overlapping surface printing path is generated according to the second preset algorithm, and the overlapping surface is printed on the first support surface based on the overlapping surface printing path. The overlapping surface is used to connect the first mold segment and the second mold segment to form the target mold.

[0011] According to some example embodiments of this application, determining the printing offset direction based on the mold type of the target mold includes: when the mold type is a male mold, the printing offset direction is from the outside to the inside, and the supporting surface is the internal supporting surface; when the mold type is a female mold, volume number: 230102CI

[0012] The printing offset direction is from the inside out, and the support surface is the external support surface.

[0013] According to some example embodiments of this application, generating a connection surface printing path according to a first preset algorithm includes: performing a transverse pre-slicing process on the mold blank formed by the preset model of the mold surface and the preset model of the support surface to obtain N cross sections, the cross sections including the intersection line of the mold surface and the intersection line of the support surface; uniformly setting M division points on the intersection line of the mold surface, the distance between two adjacent division points is a second preset distance, where N and M are both positive integers; on the cross section, determining the two intersection points of the circle with the division point as the center and the second preset distance as the radius and the intersection line of the support surface as connection points; determining the line connecting the division point and the connection point as a connection line; generating a connection surface printing path based on the connection line.

[0014] According to some example embodiments of this application, generating the connection surface printing path according to the first preset algorithm further includes: determining whether there is an intersection between multiple connection lines; if there is an intersection, taking the projection point of the intersection point of the intersecting connection lines on the supporting surface intersection line as a new connection point; and determining the line connecting the dividing point and the new connection point as a connection line.

[0015] According to some example embodiments of this application, generating the connection surface printing path according to the first preset algorithm further includes: determining the connection point that is connected by only one connection line and whose distance to the adjacent connection point is less than a third preset distance; merging the connection point with the adjacent connection point into one connection point.

[0016] According to some example embodiments of this application, the second preset distance is 1.5 times the first preset distance, and the third preset distance is 0.2 times the first preset distance.

[0017] According to some example embodiments of this application, the error range between the dividing point on the Nth section and the dividing point on the (N-1)th section is ±1.

[0018] According to some example embodiments of this application, performing transverse pre-slicing processing on the mold blank formed by the preset model of the mold surface and the preset model of the support surface to obtain N cross sections further includes: performing micro-segment analysis on the cross sections, and when the curvature of the cross section changes rapidly, adding Q cross sections to the mold segment where the cross section is located, where Q is a positive integer.

[0019] According to another aspect of this application, a soluble mold is provided. The soluble mold is prepared according to the preparation method described above, and includes a mold surface and a support surface; a plurality of connecting surfaces are provided between the mold surface and the support surface, and solvent channels for solvent passage are provided between adjacent connecting surfaces; wherein, the mold surface, the support surface and the plurality of connecting surfaces are all made of soluble material.

[0020] Volume Number: 230102CI

[0021] According to some example embodiments of this application, the soluble mold further includes an overlapping surface; the soluble mold includes a first mold segment and a second mold segment, and the overlapping surface is disposed at the printing end of the first mold segment; the first mold segment is fixedly connected to the second mold segment through the overlapping surface.

[0022] According to another aspect of this application, a composite material device is provided. This composite material device is manufactured according to the soluble mold described above.

[0023] According to another aspect of this application, a mechanical device is provided. This mechanical device includes composite material devices as described above. For example, this mechanical device is applicable to various fields including, but not limited to, pressure device molding, aerospace structural component manufacturing, automotive lightweighting, and chemical engineering.

[0024] This application generates a mold surface printing path based on the mold surface using 3D printing, determines the printing offset direction according to the mold type of the target mold, generates a support surface printing path based on the mold surface by offsetting a first preset distance according to the printing offset direction, and generates a connection surface printing path according to a first preset algorithm. The mold surface, support surface and multiple connection surfaces are integrally printed based on the mold surface printing path, support surface printing path and connection surface printing path, thereby forming the target mold.

[0025] Compared with solid molds or other soluble molds based on 3D printing, this application has at least the following features:

[0026] 1. The mold type (male mold type / female mold type) can be determined according to the application type of composite material devices to meet the user's expectations, resulting in highly targeted products;

[0027] 2. Based on 3D printing additive manufacturing technology, the target mold can be directly made according to the shape (mold surface) of the composite material device, which improves the design freedom of composite material devices;

[0028] 3. Based on 3D printing additive manufacturing technology, it has a high utilization rate of soluble materials, low cost, and reduces material waste;

[0029] 4. It has solvent channels that conform to the mold surface and support surface, resulting in high dissolution efficiency and good demolding properties;

[0030] 5. The mold consists only of the mold surface, support surface, and connecting surface, making it simple in structure and easy to operate;

[0031] 6. The mold has a porous internal structure, making it relatively lightweight overall. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the following will describe the embodiments, volume number: 230102CI.

[0033] The accompanying drawings used in the description are briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a soluble mold according to an example embodiment of this application is shown.

[0035] Figure 2 Another structural schematic diagram of the soluble mold shown in the example embodiment of this application is illustrated.

[0036] Figure 3 Another structural schematic diagram of the soluble mold shown in the example embodiment of this application is illustrated.

[0037] Figure 4 Another structural schematic diagram of the soluble mold shown in the example embodiment of this application is illustrated.

[0038] Figure 5 A schematic flowchart illustrating the preparation method of an example embodiment of this application is shown.

[0039] Figure 6 Another schematic flowchart illustrating the preparation method of an example embodiment of this application is shown;

[0040] Figure 7 Another schematic flowchart illustrating the preparation method of an example embodiment of this application is shown;

[0041] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing a cross-section of an example embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 9 Another schematic flowchart illustrating the preparation method of an example embodiment of this application is shown;

[0043] Figure 10 Another schematic diagram showing a cross-section of an example embodiment of this application.

[0044] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0045] Mold surface 10; Support surface 20; Connecting surface 30; Solvent channel 31; Overlapping surface 40; First mold segment 11; Second mold segment 12; Mold surface intersection line A; Support surface intersection line B. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0047] The described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to give a full understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the technical solutions of this disclosure can be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or other methods, components, materials, devices, etc., may be employed. In these cases, volume number 230102CI will not be shown in detail.

[0048] Or it may describe a well-known structure, method, apparatus, implementation, material, or operation.

[0049] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0050] The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order.

[0051] The technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0052] In existing technologies, during the fabrication of composite material device molding surfaces using fixed molds, a certain ejection angle needs to be set on the fixed mold to facilitate demolding. For molding surfaces with complex structures, a combined mold is often required. The combined mold consists of multiple detachable parts. By adjusting the ejection direction of each detachable part in the combined mold, the molding surface is demolded to obtain the molding surface or molding structure of the composite material device.

[0053] However, the inventors discovered that in the aforementioned demolding solutions, product designers sometimes need to sacrifice some product functional requirements to ensure the demoldability of composite material devices, which limits the design space for the shape of the composite material devices. Furthermore, the complex structure, high design difficulty, and high manufacturing cost of the modular molds, the assembly structure between the various detachable parts increases the overall weight of the mold, and the modular molds require a certain amount of operating space, making them unsuitable for manufacturing the molding surfaces of composite material devices with irregular structures or limited internal spaces.

[0054] Soluble molds can be partially or completely dissolved by solvents after the composite material device molding surface has been laid up and cured, thus achieving the separation of the composite material device molding surface from the mold.

[0055] However, the inventors discovered that soluble molds (or easily damaged molds) produced by subtractive manufacturing methods require processes such as cutting the rough blanks of soluble or easily damaged materials. This inevitably leads to significant waste of raw materials during processing, increasing the mold manufacturing cost. (Volume No.: 230102CI)

[0056] The weak mechanical properties of soluble or easily damaged materials also increase the difficulty of mold manufacturing. In addition, for composite material devices with irregular structures, subtractive manufacturing methods make it difficult to construct solvent channels inside the mold for solvent passage, resulting in low dissolution efficiency inside the soluble mold and affecting mold manufacturing.

[0057] Soluble molds printed using 3D printing technology (additive manufacturing) offer high design flexibility, boasting advantages such as high printing efficiency and flexible structural design. However, the inventors believe that current 3D printing algorithms can only print regular-shaped open molds. For composite material devices with irregular structures, current algorithms cannot print areas containing internal mesh structures, thus limiting the application of 3D-printed soluble molds.

[0058] Different applications of composite material devices require different mold types. For example, composite material devices with high requirements for external surface precision require male molds, while those with high requirements for internal surface precision require female molds. Current 3D printing algorithms cannot determine the appropriate mold type based on the application of the composite material device.

[0059] Based on this, this application provides a soluble mold based on 3D printing technology and its preparation method. The following will describe this application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] According to one aspect of this application, a soluble mold is provided. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a soluble mold according to an example embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 2 Another structural schematic diagram of a soluble mold according to an example embodiment of this application is shown.

[0061] According to the example embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the soluble mold includes a mold surface 10 and a support surface 20. A plurality of connecting surfaces 30 are provided between the mold surface 10 and the support surface 20, and solvent channels 31 for solvent passage are provided between adjacent connecting surfaces 30.

[0062] The mold surface 10, the support surface 20, and the multiple connecting surfaces 30 are all made of soluble materials. For example, soluble materials include soluble ceramic materials, soluble resin materials, etc., and soluble materials are easily soluble in highly soluble solvents such as water, ethanol, and acetone.

[0063] Optionally, two adjacent connecting surfaces 30 form a corrugated solvent channel 31. This arrangement allows the solvent to better contact the mold surface 10 and the support surface 20, thereby improving the dissolution efficiency.

[0064] Volume Number: 230102CI

[0065] Figure 3 Another structural schematic diagram of the soluble mold shown in the example embodiment of this application is illustrated. Figure 4 Another structural schematic diagram of a soluble mold according to an example embodiment of this application is shown.

[0066] Optionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, the soluble mold also includes an overlapping surface 40. The soluble mold includes a first mold segment 11 and a second mold segment 12, with the overlapping surface 40 located at the printing end of the first mold segment 11 (i.e., the last printing position of the first mold segment 11). The first mold segment 11 is fixedly connected to the second mold segment 12 via the overlapping surface 40, and the connection effect between the first mold segment 11 and the second mold segment 12 is as follows. Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 The connection between the first mold segment 11 and the second mold segment 12 shown can be made by adhesive bonding.

[0067] According to the example embodiment, Figures 1-4 A schematic diagram of a soluble mold of the male type (mold surface 10 on the outside, support surface 20 on the inside) is shown. The soluble mold provided in this application can also be of the female type (mold surface 10 on the inside, support surface 20 on the outside), and this application is not limited thereto.

[0068] According to another aspect of this application, this application provides a method for preparing the above-mentioned soluble mold. Figure 5A schematic flowchart illustrating a preparation method according to an example embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 5 As shown, the preparation method includes steps S100-S150. According to the example embodiment, this method can be executed by a 3D printing device according to a user-preset algorithm.

[0069] In step S100, it is determined whether the preset mold surface needs to be split.

[0070] For example, the 3D printing equipment receives a mold profile input by the user. Exemplarily, the preset mold profile is a 3D drawing of the target mold forming surface of the composite material device to be printed. According to the example embodiment, if it is determined that the preset mold profile does not need to be split, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0071] In step S110, the mold surface printing path is generated based on the mold surface using 3D printing.

[0072] For example, a 3D printing device receives the mold surface input by the user and generates a mold surface printing path based on the printing path.

[0073] In step S120, the printing offset direction is determined according to the mold type of the target mold, which includes male mold type and female mold type.

[0074] For example, the required mold type volume number for different composite material device applications is: 230102CI

[0075] The mold types also differ. For example, for composite material devices with high requirements for the precision of the outer surface, a male mold type is required; for composite material devices with high requirements for the precision of the inner surface, a female mold type is required.

[0076] The 3D printing equipment receives the mold type of the target mold input by the user and determines the printing offset direction of the 3D printing equipment based on the mold type.

[0077] In step S130, a support surface printing path is generated based on the mold surface by offsetting a first preset distance according to the printing offset direction.

[0078] For example, after the 3D printing equipment generates the printing path for the mold surface, it offsets the path by a first preset distance based on a preset printing offset direction to generate the printing path for the support surface. The first preset distance is the distance between the mold surface and the support surface preset according to user requirements.

[0079] Optionally, in step S130, if the user inputs a model of the supporting surface, the 3D printing device generates a printing path for the supporting surface based on the model.

[0080] This can be understood as follows: in step S130, the printing path for the support surface does not necessarily need to strictly follow the surface structure of the mold surface during the generation process; some relevant details of the mold surface can be ignored during the generation of the printing path. This setting makes the generated support surface simpler and smoother, facilitating the subsequent dissolution process of the support surface.

[0081] In step S140, the connection surface printing path is generated according to the first preset algorithm.

[0082] In step S150, the mold surface, support surface, and multiple connection surfaces are integrally printed according to the printing paths of the mold surface, support surface, and connection surface.

[0083] For example, the 3D printing equipment receives a first preset algorithm input by the user and generates a printing path for the connecting surfaces according to the first preset algorithm. The 3D printing equipment simultaneously prints the mold surface, support surface, and multiple connecting surfaces based on the mold surface printing path, support surface printing path, and connecting surface printing path. Multiple connecting surfaces are positioned between the mold surface and the support surface, and solvent channels are formed between adjacent connecting surfaces for solvent passage. The connecting surfaces, mold surface, and support surface form an integral structure, and together they constitute the target mold (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (The soluble mold shown).

[0084] Optionally, in step S130, when the mold type is a male mold, the printing offset direction is from the outside to the inside, and the supporting surface is the inner supporting surface; when the mold type is a female mold (volume number: 230102CI)...

[0085] In the case of this type, the printing offset direction is from the inside to the outside, and the support surface is the external support surface.

[0086] For example, if the mold to be printed is a male mold, the 3D printing equipment will set the printing direction to shift inwards towards the mold surface, generating an internal support surface (such as...). Figure 1 The support surface shown is the internal support surface; if the mold type to be printed is a female mold type, the 3D printing equipment will set the printing direction to be offset outward from the mold surface to generate an external support surface. This setting allows this application to determine the mold type (male mold type / female mold type) that meets the user's expectations based on the application type of the composite material device.

[0087] According to the example embodiment, the mold surface, support surface, and multiple connecting surfaces are all made of soluble materials. For example, soluble materials include soluble ceramic materials, soluble resin materials, etc., and soluble materials are easily soluble in highly soluble solvents such as water, ethanol, and acetone.

[0088] When a user prepares the molding surface of a composite material device based on the above-mentioned soluble mold, the composite material is laid up on the mold surface. After the composite material has cured for a preset time, a solvent corresponding to the material of the soluble mold is selected and poured into the solvent channel / or the soluble mold is immersed in the solvent. The solvent flows along the solvent channel and partially or completely dissolves the mold surface and support surface in contact with it, thereby realizing the demolding of the composite material device from the mold and obtaining a complete composite material device.

[0089] Through the above exemplary embodiments, compared with solid molds or other soluble molds based on 3D printing, the features of this application include at least the following:

[0090] 1. The mold type (male mold type / female mold type) can be determined according to the application type of composite material devices to meet the user's expectations, resulting in highly targeted products;

[0091] 2. Based on 3D printing additive manufacturing technology, the target mold can be directly made according to the shape (mold surface) of the composite material device, which improves the design freedom of composite material devices;

[0092] 3. Based on 3D printing additive manufacturing technology, it has a high utilization rate of soluble materials, low cost, and reduces material waste;

[0093] 4. It has solvent channels that conform to the mold surface and support surface, resulting in high dissolution efficiency and good demolding properties;

[0094] 5. The mold consists only of the mold surface, support surface, and connecting surface, making it simple in structure and easy to operate;

[0095] 6. The mold has a porous internal structure, making it relatively lightweight overall.

[0096] Optionally, Figure 6 Another flowchart illustrating the preparation method of an example embodiment of this application, Volume No.: 230102CI

[0097] Figure. Figure 6 As shown, the preparation method also includes steps S100-S260.

[0098] In step S100, it is determined whether the preset mold surface needs to be split.

[0099] According to the example embodiment, if it is determined that the preset mold surface needs to be split, proceed to step S210.

[0100] In step S210, the mold surface is determined to be at least two mold surfaces, including a first mold surface and a second mold surface;

[0101] In step S220, a first mold surface printing path is generated based on 3D printing according to the first mold surface, and a second mold surface printing path is generated based on 3D printing according to the second mold surface.

[0102] In step S230, a first support surface printing path is generated based on the first mold surface offset by a first preset distance according to the printing offset direction, and a second support surface printing path is generated based on the second mold surface offset by a first preset distance according to the printing offset direction.

[0103] In step S240, the first connection surface printing path and the second connection surface printing path are generated according to the first preset algorithm;

[0104] In step S250, the first mold surface, the first support surface, and multiple first connecting surfaces are integrally printed according to the printing paths of the first mold surface, the first support surface, and the first connecting surface. The multiple first connecting surfaces are disposed between the first mold surface and the first support surface, and a solvent channel is formed between two adjacent first connecting surfaces. The first mold surface, the first support surface, and the multiple first connecting surfaces form a first mold segment. The first mold surface, the first support surface, and the multiple first connecting surfaces are all made of soluble materials.

[0105] The second mold surface, the second support surface, and multiple second connecting surfaces are integrally printed according to the printing paths of the second mold surface, the second support surface, and the second connecting surface. Multiple second connecting surfaces are disposed between the second mold surface and the second support surface, and a solvent channel is formed between two adjacent second connecting surfaces. The second mold surface, the second support surface, and the multiple second connecting surfaces form a second mold segment. The second mold surface, the second support surface, and the multiple second connecting surfaces are all made of soluble materials.

[0106] According to the example embodiments, the preparation process and principle of the first mold surface and the second mold surface are the same as those of the mold surface described above; the preparation process and principle of the first support surface and the second support surface are the same as those of the support surface described above; the preparation process and principle of the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface are the same as those of the connecting surface described above, and will not be repeated in this application.

[0107] Volume Number: 230102CI

[0108] In step S260, an overlapping surface printing path is generated according to the second preset algorithm, and an overlapping surface is printed on the first support surface based on the overlapping surface printing path. The overlapping surface is used to connect the first mold segment and the second mold segment to form the target mold.

[0109] Optionally, in step S260, generating an overlap surface printing path according to the second preset algorithm and printing an overlap surface on the first support surface based on the overlap surface printing path includes: printing an overlap surface based on the first support surface at a preset distance offset by the printing offset direction.

[0110] For example, the 3D printing equipment cuts a section (e.g., the length can be 20-50mm) of the second support surface connected to the first support surface, and offsets it by a preset distance (e.g. 0.5-2mm, the preset distance is related to the bonding gap and manufacturing precision between the first mold segment and the second mold segment) according to the printing offset direction to smoothly transition to the inner cavity of the second support surface, so as to print an overlapping surface.

[0111] For example, the thickness of the transition area is greater than the thickness of other areas. This arrangement can improve the local strength of the overlapping surface, allowing the first mold segment and the second mold segment to connect well.

[0112] The above example embodiment receives a second preset algorithm input by the user through a 3D printing device, and prints an overlapping surface (such as...) on the first support surface of the first mold segment according to the second preset algorithm through a certain printing path. Figure 4 As shown, the first mold segment and the second mold segment are connected to form the target mold. This setup allows the mold surface of the target mold to be split and printed in segments when the size of the target mold to be printed exceeds the single printing parameters of the 3D printing equipment or according to the actual needs of the user, making the printing operation convenient and fast.

[0113] Optionally, Figure 7 This diagram illustrates another flow chart of the preparation method for an example embodiment of this application. Figure 7 As shown, in step S140, generating the connection surface printing path according to the first preset algorithm may also include steps S141-S145.

[0114] In step S141, the mold blank formed by the preset model of the mold surface and the preset model of the support surface is subjected to transverse pre-slicing to obtain N cross sections, including the intersection line of the mold surface and the intersection line of the support surface.

[0115] For example, the preset models of the mold surface and the support surface are preset models based on the mold surface input by the user and envisioned by the printing algorithm. This facilitates 3D printing design. (Volume No.: 230102CI)

[0116] The algorithm is preprocessed in advance to generate the corresponding printing path.

[0117] Using the Z-axis as a reference, the mold blank formed by the mold surface and the support surface is pre-sliced ​​laterally along the horizontal direction to obtain N cross sections of the mold blank. The value of N is related to the size of the mold blank and depends on the actual needs of the user. For example, the value of N can be in the range of 10-30, but this application does not limit it.

[0118] Optionally, step S141 may further include: performing micro-segment analysis on N cross sections, and when the curvature of the cross section changes rapidly, adding Q cross sections to the mold segment where the cross section is located, where Q is a positive integer.

[0119] For example, the mold preform is cut at preset intervals, and cross-sections of the corresponding mold segments are taken at those intervals. When cross-sectional analysis shows that the curvature of the current cross-section changes rapidly or undergoes a sharp turn, Q more cross-sections are added to that mold segment, and connecting pieces are generated simultaneously for these Q cross-sections and other cross-sections. This setup allows for the targeted generation of connecting surfaces and solvent channels for irregularly shaped composite material devices, thereby improving the dissolution efficiency of soluble molds for irregular structures.

[0120] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing a cross-section of an example embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown, the cross-section includes the intersection line A of the mold surface and the intersection line B of the support surface. The intersection line A of the mold surface is the intersection line between the cross-section and the mold surface; the intersection line B of the support surface is the intersection line between the cross-section and the support surface.

[0121] In step S142, M points are evenly set on the intersection line of the mold surface, and the distance between two adjacent points is the second preset distance.

[0122] like Figure 8 As shown, multiple sub-points are evenly arranged on the intersection line A of the mold surface, such as sub-points C1, C2, C3...Cm. The second preset distance between each sub-point is preset according to actual needs.

[0123] Optionally, the second preset distance is 1.5 times the first preset distance.

[0124] In step S143, on the cross section, the two intersection points of the circle with the dividing point as the center and the second preset distance as the radius and the line of intersection with the support surface are determined as connection points.

[0125] like Figure 8 As shown, the intersection points of the circle with C1 as the center and the second preset distance as the radius with the support surface B are D1 and D2.

[0126] In step S144, the line connecting the dividing point and the connecting point is defined as the connecting line.

[0127] For example, such as Figure 8As shown, connect C1D1 and C2D2 to obtain two connecting lines L1 and L2.

[0128] In step S145, a connection surface printing path is generated based on the connection lines.

[0129] Volume Number: 230102CI

[0130] For example, a 3D printing device generates connecting pieces for a cross-section based on a certain printing path and connecting lines L1 and L2. Similarly, the 3D printing device prints connecting pieces corresponding to all division points on the cross-section based on the same principle.

[0131] According to the example embodiment, the 3D printing equipment connects adjacent connecting pieces on adjacent cross sections to form connecting surfaces, and connects all corresponding connecting pieces of N adjacent cross sections to form multiple connecting surfaces.

[0132] For example, to form a connecting surface, connect adjacent and similarly oriented connecting pieces on each cross section smoothly, or when the number of connecting pieces on adjacent cross sections is not equal (the number of dividing points can ensure that the error in the number of connecting pieces is ±2), then one of the two isolated connecting pieces can be randomly selected and smoothly extended to the middle position of the two adjacent cross sections.

[0133] Optionally, the error range between the division points on the Nth section and the division points on the (N-1)th section is ±1.

[0134] For example, the error between the dividing point on the 6th section and the dividing point on the 5th section should not exceed one. This setting ensures that the connecting surface formed by two adjacent sections will not have an excessively large inclination, thus narrowing the space within the solvent channel.

[0135] Optionally, Figure 9 Another schematic flowchart illustrating the preparation method of an example embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 10 Another schematic diagram showing a cross-section of an example embodiment of this application. (See attached diagram.) Figure 9 As shown, in step S144, determining the line connecting the dividing point and the connecting point as a connecting line may also include steps S1441-S1443.

[0136] In step S1441, it is determined whether there is a crossing between the multiple connecting lines;

[0137] In step S1442, if there is an intersection, the projection point of the intersection point of the intersecting connecting lines on the supporting surface intersection line is taken as the new connection point.

[0138] In step S1443, the line connecting the dividing point and the new connecting point is defined as the connecting line.

[0139] For example Figure 10As shown, the connecting line L3 generated from the circle containing the dividing point C2 intersects with connecting line L2. The projection point D0 of the intersection of connecting lines L3 and L2 onto the intersection line B of the support surface is then used as the new connecting point, connecting C1D0 and C2D0. C1D0 and C2D0 are then used as new connecting lines to print the connecting piece. This setup avoids intersections between connecting lines, which could affect the smooth generation of the connecting surface.

[0140] Optionally, generating the connection surface printing path according to the first preset algorithm further includes: determining the output volume number: 230102CI

[0141] Connect only one connection line and the distance between the connection point and its adjacent connection point is less than a third preset distance; merge the connection point with its adjacent connection point into one connection point.

[0142] For example, if it is determined that a certain connection point on the supporting intersection line B is connected by only one connection line, and the distance to the adjacent connection point is less than a third preset distance, then these two points can be identified as adjacent connection points, and the two connection points can be merged into one connection point.

[0143] Optionally, the third preset distance is 0.2 times the first preset distance.

[0144] Through the above example implementation, the 3D printing equipment completes the generation of the connection surfaces using the first preset algorithm. This ensures that the solvent channels between the multiple connection surfaces are interconnected, and this application can be applied to the fabrication of multiple molds with complex and irregular structures. The special structure of the solvent channels allows the soluble mold to dissolve effectively, ensuring the easy demolding of the soluble mold.

[0145] According to another aspect of this application, a composite material device is provided. This composite material device is manufactured according to the soluble mold described above.

[0146] According to another aspect of this application, a mechanical device is provided. This mechanical device includes composite material devices as described above. For example, this mechanical device is applicable to various fields including, but not limited to, pressure device molding, aerospace structural component manufacturing, automotive lightweighting, and chemical engineering.

[0147] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions of the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a soluble mold, comprising: determining whether a preset mold surface needs to be split; if it is determined that the mold surface does not need to be split, then: generating a mold surface printing path based on 3D printing according to the mold surface; determining a printing offset direction according to a mold type of a target mold, the mold type including a male mold type and a female mold type; generating a support surface printing path based on the mold surface by offsetting a first preset distance according to the printing offset direction; generating a connecting surface printing path according to a first preset algorithm; integrally forming a mold surface, a support surface, and a plurality of connecting surfaces according to the mold surface printing path, the support surface printing path, and the connecting surface printing path; the plurality of connecting surfaces are arranged between the mold surface and the support surface, and a solvent channel is formed between two adjacent connecting surfaces, and the mold surface, the support surface, and the plurality of connecting surfaces form the target mold; wherein the mold surface, the support surface, and the plurality of connecting surfaces are all soluble materials; the generating of the connecting surface printing path according to the first preset algorithm comprises: performing transverse pre-slicing processing on a mold surface embryo formed by a preset model of the mold surface and a preset model of the support surface to obtain N cross sections, the cross sections including mold surface intersection lines and support surface intersection lines; uniformly arranging M division points on the mold surface intersection lines, and the distance between two adjacent division points is a second preset distance, wherein N and M are positive integers; on the cross sections, determining two intersection points of a circle with the support surface intersection lines as connecting points, the circle having the division points as the center and the second preset distance as the radius; determining a connecting line between the division points and the connecting points as the connecting line; generating the connecting surface printing path based on the connecting line; determining whether there is an intersection between a plurality of the connecting lines; in the case of an intersection, determining a projection point of the intersection point of the intersecting connecting lines on the support surface intersection lines as a new connecting point; determining a connecting line between the division points and the new connecting points as the connecting line.

2. The production method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: if it is determined that the mold surface needs to be split, then: determining the mold surface as at least two mold surfaces, the at least two mold surfaces including a first mold surface and a second mold surface; generating a first mold surface printing path based on 3D printing according to the first mold surface, and generating a second mold surface printing path based on 3D printing according to the second mold surface; generating a first support surface printing path based on the first mold surface by offsetting a first preset distance according to the printing offset direction, and generating a second support surface printing path based on the second mold surface by offsetting a first preset distance according to the printing offset direction; generating a first connecting surface printing path and a second connecting surface printing path according to a first preset algorithm; According to the first mold surface printing path, the first support surface printing path and the first connecting surface printing path, a first mold surface, a first support surface and a plurality of first connecting surfaces are integrally formed by printing; the plurality of first connecting surfaces are arranged between the first mold surface and the first support surface, and a solvent channel is formed between adjacent two first connecting surfaces; the first mold surface, the first support surface and the plurality of first connecting surfaces form a first mold section, wherein the first mold surface, the first support surface and the plurality of first connecting surfaces are all soluble materials; According to the second mold surface printing path, the second support surface printing path and the second connecting surface printing path, a second mold surface, a second support surface and a plurality of second connecting surfaces are integrally formed by printing; the plurality of second connecting surfaces are arranged between the second mold surface and the second support surface, and a solvent channel is formed between adjacent two second connecting surfaces; the second mold surface, the second support surface and the plurality of second connecting surfaces form a second mold section, wherein the second mold surface, the second support surface and the plurality of second connecting surfaces are all soluble materials; According to a second preset algorithm, a connecting surface printing path is generated, and a connecting surface is printed on the first support surface based on the connecting surface printing path, the connecting surface being used to connect the first mold section and the second mold section to form the target mold.

3. The production method according to claim 1, wherein The determination of the printing offset direction according to the mold type of the target mold comprises: In the case of the mold type being a male mold type, the printing offset direction is from outside to inside, and the support surface is an internal support surface; In the case of the mold type being a female mold type, the printing offset direction is from inside to outside, and the support surface is an external support surface.

4. The production method according to claim 1, wherein The generation of the connecting surface printing path according to the first preset algorithm further comprises: A connecting point is determined, which connects only one connecting line and has a distance less than a third preset distance from an adjacent connecting point; The connecting point and the adjacent connecting point are merged into one connecting point.

5. The production method according to claim 4, wherein The second preset distance is 1.5 times the first preset distance, and the third preset distance is 0.2 times the first preset distance.

6. The production method according to claim 1, wherein The error range of a split point on an Nth cross section and a split point on an N-1th cross section is ±1.

7. The production method according to claim 1, wherein The transverse pre-slicing processing of the mold embryo formed by the preset model of the mold surface and the preset model of the support surface further comprises: In the case of rapid curvature change of the cross section, Q cross sections of the mold section where the cross section is located are added, wherein Q is a positive integer.

8. A dissolvable mold, wherein, The soluble mold is prepared by the preparation method according to any one of claims 1-7, and the soluble mold comprises a mold surface and a support surface; A plurality of connecting surfaces are arranged between the mold surface and the support surface, and a solvent channel for passing solvent is arranged between adjacent connecting surfaces; The mold surface, the support surface and the plurality of connecting surfaces are all soluble materials.

9. The dissolvable mold of claim 8, wherein, The soluble mold further comprises a connecting surface. The soluble mold comprises a first mold segment and a second mold segment, and the lap surface is arranged at a printing end of the first mold segment; The first mold segment is fixedly connected with the second mold segment through the lap surface.

10. A composite material device, wherein, The composite device is made of the soluble mold according to any one of claims 8 or 9.

11. A mechanical device, wherein, The composite device comprises the composite device according to claim 10.

Images