3D printing methods, 3D printers, intermediate products, post-processing methods, post-processing workstations, and 3D printing systems

Abstract

This application discloses a 3D printing method, a 3D printer, an intermediate product, a post-processing method, a post-processing workstation, and a 3D printing system. Both the 3D printing method and the 3D printer are used to form an intermediate product. The intermediate product has cooling conduits embedded in a first material body. The cooling conduits have at least two openings on the upper surface and / or side surface of the first material body, and channels connecting the openings, with a second material body filling the channels. The post-processing method and the post-processing workstation are used to clear the channels of the intermediate product and achieve rapid cooling of the intermediate product by supplying cooling gas to the channels. The 3D printing system includes the aforementioned 3D printer, post-processing workstation, and a movable printing support. The above technical solutions can accelerate the cooling rate of the intermediate product, or create material conditions for accelerating the cooling rate of the intermediate product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing, specifically to 3D printing methods, 3D printers, intermediate products, post-processing methods, post-processing workstations, and 3D printing systems. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technology, a 3D printing process is completed within a printing cavity that opens upwards in a printing support. Specifically, the 3D printing system includes a printing support, a 3D printer, and a post-processing workstation. The printing support includes a housing, a support plate, and casters. The support plate is housed within the housing and moves vertically relative to the housing. The upper surface of the support plate and the inner surface of the housing together form the upward-opening printing cavity. The casters are used to move the printing support. The printing support may also include a printing material receiving cavity and a powder lifting mechanism. The printing material receiving cavity holds the printing material, and the powder lifting mechanism lifts the printing material for the 3D printer to spread powder. A 3D printer generally includes a printing information generation module and a layered printing execution module. The printing information generation module is used to acquire the shape information of the 3D printed part and generate the layout information of the 3D printed part to be confirmed based on the shape information. After the layout information of the 3D printed part to be confirmed is confirmed, layered printing information is generated based on the shape information and layout information of the 3D printed part. Of course, the printing information generation module can also obtain modifications to the layout information of the 3D printed part from the user and generate layered printing information based on the shape information and the modified layout information of the 3D printed part. The layered printing execution module includes a controller and a printing device. After acquiring the layered printing information, the controller controls the printing device to lay powder layer by layer in the printing cavity and print based on the layered printing information. The printing device includes a powder laying mechanism and a printing mechanism. The powder laying mechanism is used to lay the printing material lifted by the powder lifting mechanism into the printing cavity. The printing mechanism is used to selectively shape specific areas on the surface of the printing material so that the printing material in the specific area is sintered and bonded together. One printing mechanism includes an inkjet unit and a heating unit. The inkjet unit is used to spray a sintering agent in the specific area, and the heating unit is used to heat the printing material to sinter the printing material in the specific area. After the printing device lays powder layer by layer and completes the printing process, an intermediate product is formed in the printing cavity. This intermediate product includes a material body contained in the printing cavity and a 3D printed part embedded in the material body. A printing support carries the intermediate product out of the 3D printer and into a post-processing workstation. In the post-processing workstation, the intermediate product is naturally cooled, and then a negative pressure device sucks away the printing material that formed the material body. Finally, the 3D printed part is removed from the material body. Some publicly available technical documents also disclose methods that do not use a post-processing workstation, but instead raise a support plate to lift the intermediate product from the printing cavity, allow it to cool naturally, and then use a negative pressure device to suck away the printing material that formed the material body. However, regardless of the post-processing method described above, the cooling time is very long, generally three to five times the printing time of the 3D printer, which becomes a key factor restricting the overall efficiency of 3D printing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to overcome the aforementioned defects or problems in the prior art and to provide a 3D printing method, a 3D printer, an intermediate product, a post-processing method, a post-processing workstation, and a 3D printing system that can accelerate the cooling rate of the intermediate product or create material conditions for accelerating the cooling rate of the intermediate product.

[0004] In order to achieve the above objectives, the following technical solutions are adopted:

[0005] The first technical solution relates to a 3D printing method, which generates and outputs layered printing information based on information to be printed; the information to be printed includes not only the shape information and layout information of the 3D printed part, but also the shape information and layout information of the cooling pipe components; the shape information of the cooling pipe components should ensure that the cooling pipe components have at least two openings and channels connecting each opening; the layout information of the cooling pipe components should ensure that the openings are all open to the side wall of the printing cavity and / or the uppermost layer of printing material.

[0006] The second technical solution is based on the first technical solution and includes the following steps: S11: obtaining the shape information of the three-dimensional printed part; S12: generating and / or obtaining the layout information of the three-dimensional printed part, the shape information of the cooling pipe component and the layout information of the cooling pipe component and forming the information to be printed; and S13: generating and outputting layered printing information based on the information to be printed.

[0007] The third technical solution is based on the second technical solution, wherein step S12 includes the following sub-steps: S12.1: Generate and output confirmation information, the confirmation information including the layout information of the 3D printed part to be confirmed, the shape information of the cooling pipe component to be confirmed, and the layout information of the cooling pipe component to be confirmed; the shape information of the cooling pipe component to be confirmed should ensure that the cooling pipe component has at least two openings and a channel connecting each opening; the layout information of the cooling pipe component to be confirmed should ensure that the cooling pipe component is separated from the 3D printed part and that the openings are located on the side wall of the printing cavity and / or the uppermost printing material; S12.2: Obtain feedback on the confirmation information; S12.3: Determine whether the confirmation information is confirmed. If the confirmation information is confirmed, then based on the shape information of the 3D printed part and the confirmation information, the following steps are taken: Confirmation information forms printable information; if the printable information is modified, proceed to sub-step S12.4; S12.4: Obtain modified information, which includes the layout information of the modified 3D printed part, the shape information of the modified cooling pipe component, and the layout information of the modified cooling pipe component; S12.5: Determine whether the modified information meets the conditions. If the shape information of the modified cooling pipe component meets the condition that the cooling pipe component has at least two openings and a channel connecting each opening, and the layout information of the modified cooling pipe component meets the condition that the openings are located on the side wall of the printing cavity and / or the uppermost printing material, then printable information is formed based on the shape information of the 3D printed part and the modified information; otherwise, proceed to sub-step S12.6; S12.6: Report an error and proceed to sub-step S12.4.

[0008] The fourth technical solution relates to a 3D printer for performing 3D printing in a printing cavity with an upward opening in a printing support. It includes: a printing information generation module comprising a memory and a processor, the memory storing a 3D printing computer program, the processor being adapted to call and execute the 3D printing computer program in the memory to implement the 3D printing method as described in the second or third technical solution and output layered printing information; and a layered printing execution module comprising a controller and a printing device, the controller acquiring the layered printing information and controlling the printing device to spread powder layer by layer in the printing cavity and print based on the layered printing information.

[0009] The fifth technical solution relates to an intermediate product, which is housed in a printing cavity with an upward opening of a printing support, comprising: a first material body housed in the printing cavity and formed of a portion of unformed printing material; a three-dimensional printed part formed of the printing material and embedded in the first material body; a cooling conduit formed of the printing material and embedded in the first material body, having at least two openings on the upper surface and / or side surface of the first material body, and a channel connecting the openings, at least one of the openings being open on the upper surface of the first material body; and a second material body formed of a portion of unformed printing material in the channel.

[0010] The sixth technical solution is based on the fifth technical solution, wherein the cooling pipe component has at least one through hole in its pipe wall.

[0011] The seventh technical solution relates to a post-processing method for post-processing the intermediate product described in the fifth or sixth technical solution, characterized by comprising the following steps in sequence: S21: drawing out the printing material forming the second material body to clear the channel of the intermediate product, allowing the channel to be gas-connected; S22: outputting or drawing out cooling gas from at least one opening on the upper surface of the first material body into the channel, so that the cooling gas flows within the channel; and S23: drawing out the printing material forming the first material body to remove the three-dimensional printed part, wherein the cooling pipe component is allowed to be removed or broken.

[0012] The eighth technical solution is based on the seventh technical solution, wherein the cooling gas is further recovered from the outlet from which the cooling gas is output.

[0013] The ninth technical solution relates to a post-processing workstation for post-processing intermediate products as described in the fifth or sixth technical solution, comprising: a body having a receiving cavity for accommodating the printing support; a dredging device including a suction pump and a flexible suction tube connected to the suction pump; the suction pump being used to draw air from the flexible suction tube, the flexible suction tube being adapted to extend into a channel of the intermediate product as described in the fifth technical solution to remove printing material forming the second material body; and a cooling device including a delivery pump and a delivery pipe connected to the delivery pump; the delivery pump being used to output or draw cooling gas, the delivery pipe being adapted to engage with at least one opening on the upper surface of the first material body to allow the cooling gas to flow within the channel.

[0014] The tenth technical solution is based on the ninth technical solution, wherein the cooling device further includes a recovery component, the gas pump is used to output cooling gas, the recovery component is connected to the input end of the gas pump, and is adapted to recover the cooling gas from the port that is never connected to the gas pipe.

[0015] The eleventh technical solution is based on the tenth technical solution, wherein the recyclable component is adapted to dock with the mouth or to cover the opening of the printing cavity.

[0016] The twelfth technical solution is based on the ninth technical solution, wherein the cooling device further includes a flow rate regulator, which is installed on the gas pump and / or the gas pipe to regulate the flow rate of the cooling gas.

[0017] The thirteenth technical solution is based on the ninth technical solution, wherein the cooling device further includes a heater, the gas pump is used to output cooling gas, and the heater is installed on the gas pump and / or the gas pipe to heat the cooling gas.

[0018] The fourteenth technical solution is based on the thirteenth technical solution, wherein the cooling device further includes a temperature controller, which is adapted to collect the input temperature of the cooling gas and control the heater.

[0019] The fifteenth technical solution relates to a three-dimensional printing system, comprising: a printing support having an upwardly opening printing cavity and adapted to move; and a three-dimensional printer as described in the fourth technical solution and having a receiving cavity for accommodating the printing support.

[0020] The sixteenth technical solution is based on the fifteenth technical solution, and it also includes a post-processing workstation as described in any one of the ninth to fourteenth technical solutions.

[0021] Compared with existing technologies, the above solution has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] In the first technical solution, the layered printing information is based not only on the shape and arrangement information of the 3D printed parts, but also on the shape and arrangement information of the cooling pipe components. The shape and arrangement information of the cooling pipe components ensures that each cooling pipe component has at least two openings and channels connecting these openings. Simultaneously, the openings are located on the side walls of the printing cavity and / or the uppermost printing material. This ensures that in the intermediate product printed based on the aforementioned layered printing information, the openings of the cooling pipe components are located on the upper surface and / or side surface of the first material body. Therefore, the 3D printing method defined in the first technical solution ensures the printing of cooling pipe components that can be unclogged and allow cooling gas to pass through. It is precisely because the channels of the cooling pipe components allow cooling gas to pass through that the cooling speed of the intermediate product is accelerated. In the first technical solution, the number of 3D printed parts should be interpreted as not only being one, but also two or more; the shape of the 3D printed parts should be interpreted as not only being one, but also two or more; the shape of the cooling pipe components should be interpreted as not only being one, but also two or more; The arrangement information of the 3D printed parts should be interpreted as the position information of the 3D printed part in the printing cavity when there is only one 3D printed part, and the position information of each 3D printed part in the printing cavity when there are two or more 3D printed parts. Similarly, the arrangement information of the cooling pipe components should be interpreted as the position information of the cooling pipe component in the printing cavity when there is only one cooling pipe component, and the position information of each cooling pipe component in the printing cavity when there are two or more cooling pipe components. Generally, as common knowledge, those skilled in the art know that, as the final output of 3D printing, each 3D printed part should be separate from other 3D printed parts and spaced apart from the cavity walls (including the bottom and side walls) of the printing cavity; and each cooling pipe component should also be separate from other cooling pipe components and from any 3D printed part. In the first technical solution, the uppermost printing material refers to the printing material located on the upper surface of the first material body after 3D printing is completed. The opening at the top layer of printing material should be interpreted not only as the cooling pipe opening in the intermediate printed product directly opening onto the upper surface of the first material body, but also as the case where, even if there is a certain distance between the opening and the upper surface of the first material body, the printing material above the opening is easily removed. This also falls under the category of the opening at the top layer of printing material. "Easily removed" can be interpreted as removal by hand or by negative pressure, but the removal must be limited to ensuring that no 3D printed part is exposed. Similarly, the opening at the side wall of the printing cavity should be interpreted not only as the cooling pipe opening in the intermediate printed product directly opening onto the side surface of the first material body, but also as the case where, even if there is a certain distance between the opening and the side surface of the first material body, the printing material to the side of the opening is easily removed. This also falls under the category of the opening at the side wall of the printing cavity.

[0023] The second technical solution provides an implementation method for the first technical solution, wherein the layout information of the 3D printed parts, the shape information of the cooling pipe parts, and the layout information of the cooling pipe parts can be automatically generated, obtained from the user, or confirmed or modified by the user after automatic generation.

[0024] The third technical solution provides the optimal implementation of the second technical solution. In this solution, the layout information of the 3D printed parts to be confirmed, the shape information of the cooling pipe components to be confirmed, and the layout information of the cooling pipe components to be confirmed, after automatic generation, require user confirmation or modification. This improves work efficiency, facilitates user operation, and allows users to modify the information according to the specific circumstances of the 3D printed parts, thus better meeting the needs of actual work. For existing 3D printers, generating the layout information of the 3D printed parts to be confirmed and the layout information of the cooling pipe components to be confirmed is a current technology, given that the shape information of the cooling pipe components to be confirmed is already provided, as the cooling pipe components can be considered as a special type of 3D printed part. Generating the shape information of the cooling pipe components to be confirmed can be easily achieved by pre-setting selectable cooling pipe component models or even pre-setting predetermined cooling pipe component shapes. With the development of artificial intelligence technology, other fields already possess the technology to automatically generate specific shapes and automatically arrange them in space; introducing these technologies into this field is effortless. In the third technical solution, the error message refers to reporting to the user that their modifications are unacceptable, and the reasons for the unacceptability can be explained to the user.

[0025] The 3D printer in the fourth technical solution has the technical effects of the second or third technical solutions. The layered printing execution module is existing and has not been improved in this application.

[0026] The intermediate product defined in the fifth technical solution is only one type of intermediate product formed by 3D printing according to the first to third technical solutions. It not only possesses the characteristics of the intermediate products formed by 3D printing according to the first to third technical solutions, namely, having an opening on the upper surface and / or side surface of the first material body, but also at least one opening on the upper surface of the first material body, and this intermediate product is contained within the printing cavity. This means that the intermediate product defined in the fifth technical solution is not removed from the printing cavity, and in this case, at least one opening can protrude from the upper surface of the first material body to be suitable for docking or insertion. Therefore, only the intermediate product defined in the fifth technical solution is suitable for being carried by the printing support and moved into the post-processing workstation for post-processing. The channels of the intermediate product defined in the fifth technical solution, after being cleared, can allow cooling gas to pass through, thus accelerating the cooling rate and achieving the inventive objective of this application. Therefore, the intermediate product defined in the fifth technical solution provides a material basis for accelerating the cooling rate.

[0027] In the sixth technical solution, the cooling pipe wall is provided with at least one through hole, which allows the cooling gas to directly contact the printing material during the cooling process, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency and shortening the cooling time.

[0028] The ninth technical solution provides a post-processing method, which unblocks the channels of the printing material that forms the second material body by suction and forms a material to be cooled. After the gas in the channel of the material to be cooled is connected, the cooling gas flows in the channel. Since the cooling pipe is embedded in the first material body, heat conduction is established inside the material to be cooled, which improves the cooling speed compared to simply cooling the intermediate product naturally.

[0029] The eighth technical solution involves recovering the cooling gas, which is particularly advantageous when the input temperature of the cooling gas is higher than room temperature. By recovering the cooling gas above room temperature, energy consumption is saved, and excessively high ambient temperatures are avoided. It should be noted that the cooling gas is not necessarily better the colder it is, especially in the initial cooling stage. Excessively low cooling gas temperatures can easily cause unacceptable deformation or even cracking of the 3D printed part, which is easily understood by those skilled in the art. Therefore, in the initial cooling stage, the temperature of the cooling gas is often adjusted to above room temperature to prevent unacceptable deformation or cracking of the 3D printed part due to excessively rapid cooling or excessive temperature gradients.

[0030] The ninth technical solution provides an apparatus embodiment for implementing the post-processing method of the seventh technical solution. The flexible suction tube, adapted to extend into the channel to remove the printing material forming the second material body, should be interpreted as the input end of the flexible suction tube being open to the atmosphere to facilitate the removal of the printing material. Methods for opening to the atmosphere may include forming a gap between the outer wall of the flexible suction tube and the inner wall of the channel, or the flexible suction tube forming an air passage between itself and the inner wall of the channel through its shape. For example, if the cross-section of the flexible suction tube is circular and the cross-section of the channel is square, then all four corners of the channel can be open to the atmosphere. It may also include the method defined in the tenth technical solution, i.e., supplying air to the input end of the flexible suction tube via an air pump, which can also achieve the effect of suctioning the printing material. In the ninth technical solution, because the flexible suction tube can extend into the channel, the printing material forming the second material body can be suctioned nearby, resulting in a faster unblocking speed. In the ninth technical solution, the connection between the gas supply pipe and the inlet can be achieved by extending into the channel from the inlet, or by fitting the gas supply pipe onto the inlet after removing the printing material outside the inlet, or by directly forming threads on the inlet through 3D printing to allow the gas supply pipe connector to connect with the inlet via threads. Generally, the connection between the gas supply pipe and the inlet can be either airtight or non-airtight. In the ninth technical solution, a flexible suction pipe can be used to draw in the second material body; therefore, the eighth technical solution can achieve the post-processing method defined in the sixth technical solution. It should be noted that even if the inlet, which is not connected to the gas supply pipe, is located on the side surface of the first material body, cooling gas can still be output or drawn from the gap between the object to be cooled and the side wall of the printing cavity. This is because the portion of the first material body near the side wall of the printing cavity is often far from the 3D printed part and therefore will not clump due to heating; it is often loose. The cooling gas output from the inlet opening on the side surface of the first material body will blow away this portion of the printing material, thereby forming an output channel.

[0031] The tenth technical solution has the same technical effect as the eighth technical solution.

[0032] The eleventh technical solution proposes two specific implementations of the recovery component. In one implementation, when docking with the opening of the printing chamber, it can collect cooling gas output from the opening on the side surface of the first material body. In this case, the gas delivery pipe needs to pass through the recovery component and dock with the opening located on the upper surface of the first material body.

[0033] The twelfth technical solution uses a flow rate regulator to adjust the input temperature of the cooling gas. In the early stage of cooling, a lower flow rate is set to increase the temperature of the cooling gas in the object to be cooled, thereby slowing down the heat transfer efficiency and preventing excessive deformation of the 3D printed part. In the later stage of cooling, a higher flow rate is set to remove heat more quickly and improve the cooling efficiency.

[0034] The thirteenth technical solution, by setting up a heater, can heat the cooling gas in the early stage of cooling, so that the temperature of the cooling gas in the object to be cooled is close to the temperature of the object to be cooled, thereby slowing down the heat transfer efficiency and avoiding excessive deformation of the 3D printed part.

[0035] The fourteenth technical solution, by setting a temperature controller, can control the input temperature of the cooling gas, thereby making the input temperature of the cooling gas close to the real-time temperature of the object to be cooled in the early stage of cooling, thus slowing down the heat conduction efficiency and avoiding excessive deformation of the 3D printed part. In the later stage of cooling, the input temperature of the cooling gas is reduced and widened to be different from the real-time temperature of the object to be cooled, which can improve the cooling efficiency without causing excessive deformation of the 3D printed part.

[0036] The technical effect of the fifteenth technical solution is the same as that of the fourth technical solution.

[0037] The technical effect of the sixteenth technical solution is the same as that of the fourth technical solution and the corresponding technical solutions in the ninth to fourteenth sections. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments, the accompanying drawings used are briefly described below:

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the printed support component in Example 1;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the 3D printer in Example 1;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the printing method in Example 1;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the 3D printer in Example 1;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate product structure in Example 1;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the post-processing workstation structure in Example 1;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the method for clearing the intermediate product in Example 1;

[0046] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the object to be cooled in Example 1;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the method for cooling the object to be cooled in Example 1;

[0048] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the printing method logic in Example 2;

[0049] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate product structure in Example 2;

[0050] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the unblocking device structure in Example 2;

[0051] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the method for clearing the intermediate product in Example 2;

[0052] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the object to be cooled in Example 2;

[0053] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling device structure in Example 2;

[0054] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling method for the object to be cooled in Example 2;

[0055] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the printing method logic in Example 3;

[0056] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the unblocking device structure in Example 3;

[0057] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the method for clearing the intermediate product in Example 3;

[0058] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling device structure in Example 3;

[0059] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate product structure in Example 4;

[0060] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the method for clearing the intermediate product in Example 4;

[0061] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the object to be cooled in Example 4;

[0062] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling device structure in Example 4;

[0063] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling method for the object to be cooled in Example 4;

[0064] Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate product structure in Example 5;

[0065] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the object to be cooled in Example 5.

[0066] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0067] 1. 3D printing system; 2. Printing support; 3. 3D printer; 4. Post-processing workstation; 5. Housing; 6. Support plate; 7. Drive unit; 8. Casters; 9. Printing cavity; 10. Frame; 11. Printing information generation module; 12. Layered printing execution module; 13. Receiving cavity; 14. Memory; 15. Processor; 16. Human-computer interaction unit; 17. 3D printing computer program; 18. Controller; 19. Printing device; 20. Powder spreading mechanism; 21. Printing mechanism; 22. Inkjet unit; 23. Heating unit; 24. Intermediate product; 25. First material body; 6. 3D printed part; 27. Cooling pipe component; 28. Second material body; 29. ​​Mouth; 30. Channel; 31. Body; 32. Unblocking device; 33. Cooling device; 34. Suction pipe; 35. Receptacle; 36. Suction pump; 37. Flexible suction pipe; 38. Object to be cooled; 39. Air pump; 40. Air supply pipe; 41. Recovery component; 42. Air pump; 43. Flexible air supply pipe; 44. Powder collector; 45. Flow rate regulator; 46. Vibrator; 47. Vibrating needle; 48. Ejector pin; 49. Heater; 50. Temperature controller; 51. Pipe wall; 52. Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0068] Unless otherwise specified, the terms “first,” “second,” or “third,” etc., in the claims and description are used to distinguish different objects and not to describe a particular order.

[0069] Unless otherwise specified, in the claims and description, the terms “center,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation and positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the purpose of simplifying the description, and do not imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0070] Unless otherwise specified in the claims and description, the terms "fixed connection" or "fixed connection" shall be interpreted broadly to mean any connection in which there is no displacement or relative rotation relationship between the two parties, including non-removable fixed connection, detachable fixed connection, integral connection, and fixed connection by other means or components.

[0071] Unless otherwise specified, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof in the claims and description shall mean “including but not limited to.”

[0072] The technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] Example 1

[0074] Embodiment 1 discloses a three-dimensional printing system 1, which includes a printing support 2, a three-dimensional printer 3, and a post-processing workstation 4.

[0075] Printed support component 2, as shown Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a housing 5, a support plate 6, a drive unit 7, and casters 8. The support plate 6 is housed within the housing 5 and is driven by the drive unit 7 to move vertically relative to the housing 5. The upper surface of the support plate 6 and the inner surface of the housing 5 together form an upward-opening printing cavity 9. The printing cavity 9 is the printing working area for 3D printing. During the 3D printing process, as each layer is printed, the support plate 6 descends layer by layer, and the depth of the printing cavity 9 gradually increases until printing is completed, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, intermediate product 24 is formed in printing cavity 9. Casters 8 are used to move printing support 2, which can be moved to engage with 3D printer 3 (e.g., Figure 4 (As shown), so that the 3D printer 3 can print in the printing cavity 9. After printing, the printing support 2 can be... Figure 5 The diagram shows intermediate product 24 being used in conjunction with post-processing workstation 4 (e.g.) Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the intermediate product 24 is provided for post-processing by the post-processing workstation 4. In the prior art, the printing support 2 is also used to hold powder as printing material; in the prior art, the printing support 2 is also provided with a powder lifting mechanism (not shown in the figure, which is the prior art) to lift the printing material to a position suitable for use by the 3D printer 3. However, since the technical problem solved by this application and the technical solution provided do not involve this aspect, the powder lifting mechanism is not shown in the figure of this application.

[0076] 3D printers 3 Figure 2 The device shown includes a rack 10, a print information generation module 11, and a layered print execution module 12.

[0077] The frame 10 serves as the carrier for the various modules of the 3D printer 3. The frame 10, as... Figure 4 The diagram shows a receiving cavity 13, which is used to receive the printing support 2, so that the printing support 2 can be used in conjunction with the 3D printer 3.

[0078] like Figure 2 As shown, the print information generation module 11 includes a memory 14, a processor 15, and a human-computer interaction unit 16. The memory 14 stores a 3D printing computer program 17, and the processor 15 is adapted to call the 3D printing computer program 17 from the memory 14 to implement the 3D printing method, i.e., to generate layered print information. The human-computer interaction unit 16 is as follows... Figure 4 The diagram illustrates methods for implementing human-computer interaction, typically including a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. A 3D printing method for generating layered printing information is shown below. Figure 3 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0079] Step S11: Obtain the shape information of the 3D printed part from the human-computer interaction unit 16; the 3D printed part 26 is the final output of 3D printing, and its shape can be one or more. Regardless of how many shapes the 3D printed part 26 has, the shape information of all kinds of 3D printed parts should be obtained from the human-computer interaction unit 16.

[0080] Step S12: Generate the layout information of the 3D printed parts, the shape information of the cooling pipe components, and the layout information of the cooling pipe components together with the shape information of the 3D printed parts to form the printing information; the layout information of the 3D printed parts refers to the position information of the 3D printed parts 26 in the printing cavity 9 when there is only one 3D printed part 26, and the position information of all 3D printed parts 26 in the printing cavity 9 when there are two or more 3D printed parts 26; specifically, in Embodiment 1, step S12 includes the following sub-steps:

[0081] Sub-step S12.1: Generate and output confirmation information to the user from the human-computer interaction unit 16. The confirmation information includes the layout information of the 3D printed part to be confirmed, the shape information of the cooling pipe component to be confirmed, and the layout information of the cooling pipe component to be confirmed. The shape information of the cooling pipe component to be confirmed should ensure that the cooling pipe component 27 has at least two openings 29 and a channel 30 connecting each opening 29. The layout information of the cooling pipe component to be confirmed should ensure that the cooling pipe component 27 is separated from the 3D printed part 26 and that the openings 29 are opened to the side wall of the printing cavity 9 and / or the uppermost printing material. The layout information of the cooling pipe component to be confirmed refers to the information when there is only one cooling pipe component. When the number of cooling pipe components 27 is 27, it refers to the position information of the cooling pipe component 27 in the printing cavity 9. When there are two or more cooling pipe components 27, it refers to the position information of each cooling pipe component 27 in the printing cavity 9. Generally, as is common knowledge to those skilled in the art, as the final output of 3D printing, each 3D printed component 26 should be separated from other 3D printed components 26 and should be spaced apart from the cavity walls (including the bottom cavity wall and the side cavity walls) of the printing cavity 9. Similarly, each cooling pipe component 27 should also be separated from other cooling pipe components 27 and from each 3D printed component 26. The uppermost printing material refers to the material after 3D printing is completed, such as... Figure 5As shown, the printing material located on the upper surface of the first material body 25 has its opening 29 at the topmost layer of printing material. This not only refers to the opening 29 of the cooling pipe component 27 in the printed intermediate product 24 directly opening onto the upper surface of the first material body 25, but also refers to the situation where, even if there is a certain distance between the opening 29 and the upper surface of the first material body 25, the printing material above the opening 29 is easily removed. This also falls under the category of the opening 29 opening onto the topmost layer of printing material. "Easily removed" means not only that it can be removed manually, but also that it can be removed by negative pressure. However, "easily removed" is limited to not exposing any three-dimensional printed part 26. Similarly, the opening 29 is located on the side wall of the printing cavity 9. This not only refers to the fact that the opening 29 of the cooling pipe component 27 in the printed intermediate product 24 directly opens onto the side surface of the first material body 25, but also refers to the fact that even if there is a certain distance between the opening 29 and the side surface of the first material body 25, the printing material on the side of the opening 29 is easily removed, which also falls under the case of the opening opening onto the side wall of the printing cavity. It should be pointed out that for existing 3D printers, if the shape information of the cooling pipe component to be confirmed is already given, generating the layout information of the 3D printed part to be confirmed and the layout information of the cooling pipe component to be confirmed is an existing technology, because the cooling pipe component can be regarded as a special type of 3D printed part. The shape information of the cooling pipe component to be confirmed can be easily solved by preset selectable cooling pipe component models or even preset determined cooling pipe component shapes. With the development of artificial intelligence technology, other fields already have the technology to automatically generate specific shapes in space and automatically arrange them. Introducing these technologies into this field is easy.

[0082] Sub-step S12.2: Obtain feedback on the information to be confirmed from the human-computer interaction unit 16;

[0083] Sub-step S12.3: Determine whether the information to be confirmed has been confirmed. If the information to be confirmed has been confirmed, then the information to be printed is formed based on the shape information of the 3D printed part and the information to be confirmed, and the process proceeds to step 13. If the information to be confirmed has not been confirmed, then sub-step S12.4 is executed.

[0084] Sub-step S12.4: Obtain modification information from the human-computer interaction unit 16. The modification information includes the layout information of the modified 3D printed parts, the shape information of the modified cooling pipe parts, and the layout information of the modified cooling pipe parts.

[0085] Sub-step S12.5: Determine whether the modified information meets the conditions. If the shape information of the modified cooling pipe component meets the condition that the cooling pipe component 27 has at least two openings 29 and a channel 30 connecting each opening 29, and the arrangement information of the modified cooling pipe component meets the condition that the openings 29 open into the side wall of the printing cavity 9 and / or the uppermost printing material, then the printing information is formed based on the shape information of the 3D printed part and the modified information and the process proceeds to step 13; otherwise, sub-step S2.6 is executed.

[0086] Sub-step S12.6: Report an error through the human-computer interaction unit 16 and execute sub-step 12.4;

[0087] Step S13: Generate and output layered printing information to the layered printing execution module 12 based on the information to be printed.

[0088] like Figure 2 As shown, the layered printing execution module 12 includes a controller 18 and a printing device 19. The controller 18 acquires the layered printing information output by the printing information generation module 11, and controls the printing device 19 to spread toner layer by layer and print in the printing cavity 9 based on the layered printing information. The printing device 19 includes a toner spreading mechanism 20 and a printing mechanism 21, and the printing mechanism 21 includes an inkjet unit 22 and a heating unit 23. Figure 4 As shown, the printing device 19 is mounted on the frame 10 and can slide back and forth relative to the frame 10 along the powder spreading direction. The powder spreading mechanism 20 is generally a powder spreading roller, which is used to spread the printing material lifted by the powder lifting mechanism into the printing chamber 9. The printing mechanism 21 is used to selectively shape specific areas on the surface of the printing material so that the printing material in the specific area is sintered and bonded together. The inkjet unit 22 is used to spray a sintering agent in the specific area, and the heating unit 23 is used to heat the printing material to sinter the printing material in the specific area.

[0089] After printing is completed under the control of the controller 18, the printing device 19 forms a shape in the printing cavity 9 as shown in the figure. Figure 5The intermediate product 24 is shown. In this embodiment, the intermediate product 24 is transferred to the post-processing workstation 4 via the printing support 2 for post-processing. Throughout the process, the intermediate product 24 is always contained within the printing cavity 9. In this embodiment, the intermediate product 24 includes a first material body 25, a plurality of 3D printed parts 26, a cooling conduit 27, and a second material body 28. The first material body 25 is formed from a portion of unformed printing material and is contained within the printing cavity 9 during the formation of the intermediate product 24. The 3D printed parts 26, as the final output of 3D printing, are formed from the printing material and embedded within the first material body 25. Generally, each 3D printed part 26 should be separate from the other 3D printed parts 26 and spaced apart from the cavity walls (including the bottom cavity wall and side cavity walls) of the printing cavity 9. The cooling conduit 27 is formed from the printing material and embedded within the first material body 25. The cooling pipe component 27 is provided with at least two openings 29 on the upper surface and / or side surface of the first material body 25, and a channel 30 connecting each opening 29. In this embodiment, the cooling pipe component 27 is provided with two openings 29 on the upper surface of the first material body 25, and the channel 30 is generally U-shaped.

[0090] Intermediate product 24 undergoes post-processing at post-processing workstation 4. The post-processing method generally includes three steps:

[0091] Step S21: Aspirate the printing material forming the second material body 28 to clear the channel 30 of the intermediate product 24, so that the channel 30 is gas-connected.

[0092] Step S22: Cooling gas is introduced into the channel 30 from at least one opening 29 on the upper surface of the first material body 25, and the cooling gas is discharged from the remaining openings 29; and

[0093] Step S23: The printing material forming the first material body 25 is aspirated to remove the 3D printed part 26. The cooling pipe part 27 may be removed or broken in this step.

[0094] The following describes in detail the method for post-processing intermediate product 24 in conjunction with the structure of post-processing workstation 4.

[0095] like Figure 6 As shown, the post-processing workstation 4 includes a main body 31, a dredging device 32, a cooling device 33, and a suction pipe 34.

[0096] The main body 31 is used to support the unblocking device 32, the cooling device 33, and the suction pipe 34. The main body 31 is provided with a receiving cavity 35 for accommodating the printing support 2. The main body 31 is also generally provided with a glass cover to prevent dust. Since it is not related to the technical problem to be solved by this application and the corresponding technical solution, it will not be described in detail here.

[0097] like Figure 6 As shown, the unblocking device 32 includes an air pump 36 and a flexible air suction tube 37. The air pump 36 is used to draw air from the flexible air suction tube 37, which is adapted to extend into the channel 30 to remove the printing material forming the second material body 28.

[0098] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown, the printing material forming the second material body 28 is gradually drawn from one of the openings 29 into the channel 30 through the flexible suction tube 37 until all openings 29 are connected to the gas through the channel 30. Specifically, the flexible suction tube 37 extending into the channel 30 to draw away the printing material forming the second material body 28 means that the input end of the flexible suction tube 37 is open to the atmosphere to facilitate the removal of the printing material. In this embodiment, a gap is formed between the outer wall of the flexible suction tube 37 and the inner wall of the channel 30. In other embodiments, the flexible suction tube 37 can also form an air passage connecting to the atmosphere through its own shape and the inner wall of the channel 30. For example, if the cross-section of the flexible suction tube 37 is circular and the cross-section of the channel 30 is square, then all four corners of the channel can be connected to the atmosphere.

[0099] After the channel 30 of intermediate product 24 is cleared, it forms as follows: Figure 8 The material to be cooled, 38, is shown. The difference between the material to be cooled, 38, and the intermediate product, 24 is that the second material body 28 within the channel 30 is removed, allowing gas communication between the openings 29 and the channel 30. In this embodiment, the material to be cooled, 38, is also contained within the printing chamber 9.

[0100] like Figure 6 As shown, the cooling device 33 for cooling the object 38 to be cooled includes a gas pump 39 and a gas delivery pipe 40 in this embodiment. The gas pump 39 is used to output cooling gas with a flow rate to the gas delivery pipe 40. In this embodiment, the cooling gas is room temperature air. The gas delivery pipe 40 is adapted to connect with at least one opening 29 on the upper surface of the first material body 25 to deliver the cooling gas to the gas-connected channel 30, thereby creating gas flow within the channel 30. In other embodiments, to create gas flow within the channel 30, the gas delivery pipe 40 can also be connected to a suction pump 36 or a separate suction pump, thereby creating gas flow within the channel 30 by suction, which can also accelerate the cooling of the 3D printed part 26. The connection between the gas delivery pipe 40 and the opening 29 can be as follows: the gas delivery pipe 40 can extend into the channel from the opening 29; it can also be fitted onto the opening 29 after removing the printing material outside the opening 29; or it can be that the opening 29 is directly threaded by 3D printing so that the connector of the gas delivery pipe 40 is threadedly connected to the opening 29. Generally, the connection between the gas pipe 40 and the mouth 29 can be either airtight or non-airtight.

[0101] Specifically, such as Figure 9As shown, in this embodiment, the cooling method involves using the gas supply pipe 40 of the cooling device 33 to input cooling gas from one opening 29 into the channel 30, so that the cooling gas is output from the remaining openings through the channel 30. Since the channel 30 penetrates the interior of the first material body 25, the flowing cooling gas will carry away heat, thereby accelerating the cooling rate of the 3D printed part 26.

[0102] like Figure 6 As shown, after cooling, the suction tube 34 is connected to the suction pump 36 to draw in the printing material forming the first material body 25. Since the suction tube 34 is used to draw in the printing material forming the first material body 25, the inner diameter of the input end of the suction tube 34 is generally larger than the inner diameter of the flexible suction tube 37. The suction tube 34 can be connected to the suction pump 36 by removing the flexible suction tube 37 and connecting it to the suction pump 36, or by connecting it to another input end of the suction pump 36, or by directly connecting it to the flexible suction tube 37. In some cases, the suction tube 34 may simply function as a connector suitable for connecting to the flexible suction tube 37, as long as it improves the efficiency of drawing in the printing material. In other embodiments, another suction pump can be specifically connected to the suction tube 34.

[0103] After the first material body 25 is removed, the 3D printed part 26 can be taken out. During this process, the cooling pipe component 27 can be removed or directly broken.

[0104] In this embodiment, cooling gas is introduced through the channel of the cooling pipe component 27 embedded in the first material body 25, thereby removing the internal heat of the object to be cooled 38 more quickly. This can improve the cooling speed of the 3D printed part 26, which is beneficial to improving production efficiency and solves the pain point of low efficiency in 3D printing.

[0105] In this embodiment, the layout information of the 3D printed parts to be confirmed, the shape information of the cooling pipe components to be confirmed, and the layout information of the cooling pipe components to be confirmed need to be confirmed or modified by the user after being automatically generated. This helps improve work efficiency, facilitates user operation, and allows users to modify the 3D printed parts 26 according to their specific circumstances, thus better meeting the needs of actual work.

[0106] Example 2

[0107] The difference between Example 2 and Example 1 is that:

[0108] 1. The methods for generating the information to be printed are different.

[0109] like Figure 10As shown in Embodiment 2, based on the shape information of the 3D printed part obtained from the human-computer interaction unit 16, the processor 15 in Embodiment 2 directly generates the layout information of the 3D printed part, the shape information of the cooling pipe components, and the layout information of the cooling pipe components when running the 3D printing computer program 17, without manual intervention, and generates the printing information together with the shape information of the 3D printed part. This approach is more efficient because it does not require manual intervention, but it is not flexible enough.

[0110] 2. The structure of intermediate product 24 is different.

[0111] like Figure 11 As shown in Embodiment 2, the intermediate product 24 includes two cooling pipe components 27, each cooling pipe component 27 having an opening 29 on the upper surface of the first material body 25 and an opening 29 on the side surface of the first material body 25.

[0112] 3. The unblocking device 32 and the unblocking method are different.

[0113] like Figure 12 As shown in Embodiment 2, the unblocking device 32 includes an air suction pump 36, two flexible air suction pipes 37, an air delivery pump 42, two flexible air delivery pipes 43, and a powder collector 44. The two flexible air suction pipes 37 are connected to the input end of the air suction pump 36, the two flexible air delivery pipes 43 are connected to the output end of the air delivery pump 42, and the powder collector 44 is connected in series with the flexible air suction pipes 37. The air delivery pump 42 is used to deliver gas to the flexible air delivery pipes 43 and is allowed to be time-division multiplexed with the air delivery pump 39. Time-division multiplexing means that the air delivery pump 42 and the air delivery pump 39 are allowed to share a single pump; during the unblocking phase, this pump is used as the air delivery pump 42, and during the cooling phase, it is used as the air delivery pump 39. In this embodiment, the air delivery pump 42 can selectively deliver pulsed gas, resulting in a stronger impact effect on the surface of the second material body 28.

[0114] like Figure 13 As shown, the output end of one of the flexible air delivery tubes 43 is located inside the flexible suction tube 37. Inserting the flexible suction tube 37 into the channel 30 allows for the suction of the printing material forming the second material body 28. The other flexible air delivery tube 43 extends into the channel 30 alongside the flexible suction tube 37, also enabling the suction of the printing material forming the second material body 28. In this embodiment, the output end of the flexible air delivery tube 43 is close to the input end of the flexible suction tube 37 to facilitate their coordinated operation and improve work efficiency.

[0115] The unblocking device 32 and unblocking method of this embodiment can impact the surface of the second material body 28, making the easily clumped printing material easier to break, thereby making it easier to improve the efficiency of the flexible suction tube 37 in sucking up the printing material.

[0116] This embodiment enables the recycling of printing material used to form the second material body 28 by using a powder collector 44, thus saving costs.

[0117] 4. The structure of the object to be cooled 38 is different.

[0118] like Figure 14 As shown, in this embodiment, because the structure of the intermediate product 24 is different, the structure of the object to be cooled 38 in this embodiment is also different from that in Embodiment 1. The specific difference is that the object to be cooled 38 includes two cooling pipe components 27, each cooling pipe component 27 having an opening 29 on the upper surface of the first material body 25 and an opening 29 on the side surface of the first material body 25.

[0119] 5. The cooling device 33 and the cooling method are different.

[0120] like Figure 15 As shown, the cooling device 33 in this embodiment includes an air pump 39, two air pipes 40, a recovery unit 41, and two flow rate regulators 45. The two air pipes 40 are connected to the output end of the air pump 39, the recovery unit 41 is connected to the input end of the air pump 39, and the two flow rate regulators 45 are connected in series with the two air pipes 40 respectively. Of course, in other embodiments, the flow rate regulators 45 can also be disposed on the air pump 39.

[0121] like Figure 16 As shown, the recovery component 41 covers the opening of the printing chamber 9 and is used to recover cooling gas from the port 29 that is not connected to the gas supply pipe 40. Specifically, the cooling gas output from the port 29 (the port 29 opening on the side surface of the first material body 25) that is not connected to the gas supply pipe 40 will impact the printing material forming the first material body 25 on the side surface, thereby forming a gap between the side cavity wall of the printing chamber 9 and the object to be cooled 38. The cooling gas enters the recovery component 41 covering the opening of the printing chamber 9 through this gap and is then circulated to the gas supply pump 39. Two gas supply pipes 40 respectively pass through the recovery component 41 and connect to the ports 29 opening on the upper surface of the first material body 25 of the two cooling pipe components 27. The flow rate regulator 45 is used to adjust the flow rate of the cooling gas in the gas supply pipes 40. In this embodiment, the flow rate of the cooling gas is lower in the initial stage of cooling and higher in the later stage of cooling. In this embodiment, when the recovery component 41 is placed over the opening of the printing chamber 9, it should form a sealed structure with the housing 5. Similarly, when the air supply pipe 40 passes through the recovery component 41, a sealed structure is also formed between it and the recovery component 41. These sealing structures are all prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0122] In this embodiment, the temperature of the cooling gas in the object to be cooled 38 is increased by setting a lower flow rate in the early stage of cooling, which slows down the heat conduction efficiency and avoids excessive deformation of the 3D printed part 26. In the later stage of cooling, the heat can be removed quickly by setting a higher flow rate, which improves the cooling efficiency.

[0123] This embodiment recovers cooling gas, which is particularly advantageous when the input temperature of the cooling gas is higher than room temperature. By recovering cooling gas that is higher than room temperature, energy consumption is saved, and the ambient temperature is also avoided from being too high.

[0124] This embodiment can also introduce flowing cooling gas through the channel of the cooling pipe component 27 embedded in the first material body 25, thereby removing the internal heat of the object to be cooled 38 more quickly, which can improve the cooling speed of the 3D printed part 26, which is beneficial to improving production efficiency and solving the pain point of low efficiency in 3D printing.

[0125] Example 3

[0126] The difference between Example 3 and Example 2 is that:

[0127] 1. The methods for generating the information to be printed are different.

[0128] like Figure 17 As shown, in Embodiment 3, all information to be printed, including the shape information of the 3D printed parts, the layout information of the 3D printed parts, the shape information of the cooling pipe components, and the layout information of the cooling pipe components, are obtained from the user through the human-machine interaction unit, and layered printing information is output according to the information to be printed. This is beneficial for dealing with various different working conditions, but the efficiency is lower than that of Embodiment 2.

[0129] 2. The unblocking device 32 and the unblocking method are different.

[0130] like Figure 18 As shown, in this embodiment, the unblocking device 32 includes an air pump 36, two flexible air suction pipes 37, a vibrator 46, a vibrating needle 47, a jacking pin 48, and a powder collector 44. The two flexible air suction pipes 37 are connected to the input end of the air pump 36. The powder collector 44 is connected in series to the output end of the air pump 36. The vibrator 46 generates mechanical vibration, and one end of the vibrating needle 47 is connected to the vibrator 46, while the other end... Figure 19 The input end of a flexible suction tube 37 extends out as shown. Similarly... Figure 19 As shown, the ejector pin 48 is fixed relative to the input end of another flexible suction tube 37 and extends out of the input end of the flexible suction tube 37.

[0131] The user forcefully inserts one of the flexible suction tubes 37 into the channel 30. The ejector pin 48 can penetrate deeper into the channel 30 as the flexible suction tube 37 goes deeper. During the unblocking process, the second material body 28 in the channel 30 can be pierced and broken into small lumps or powder by the ejector pin 48, thus making the unblocking efficiency higher.

[0132] The user inserts another flexible suction tube 37 into the channel 30. During the unblocking process, the second material body 28 inside the channel 30 can be broken by the vibrating needle 47 through mechanical vibration, which can improve the unblocking efficiency.

[0133] This embodiment enables the recycling of printing material used to form the second material body 28 by using a powder collector 44, thus saving costs.

[0134] 3. The cooling device 33 and the cooling method are different.

[0135] like Figure 20 As shown, in this embodiment, the cooling device 33 includes a gas pump 39, two gas pipes 40, a recovery unit 41, two heaters 49, and a temperature controller 50. The two gas pipes 40 are the same as in Embodiment 2, respectively connecting to two openings 29 on the upper surface of the first material body 25 and outputting cooling gas to corresponding channels 30. The heaters 49 are disposed on the gas pipes 40; however, in other embodiments, they can also be disposed within the gas pump 39. The heaters 49 are used to heat the cooling gas within the corresponding gas pipes 40. The temperature controller 50 is used to acquire the input temperature of the cooling gas and control the heaters 49.

[0136] It should be noted that cooling gas is not necessarily better the colder it is, especially in the initial stage of cooling. Excessively low cooling gas temperatures can easily cause unacceptable deformation or even cracking of the 3D printed part 26, which is easily understood by those skilled in the art. Therefore, in the initial stage of cooling, the temperature of the cooling gas is often adjusted to above room temperature to prevent unacceptable deformation or cracking of the 3D printed part 26 due to excessively rapid cooling or a large temperature gradient. In this embodiment, the input temperature of the cooling gas is close to the real-time temperature of the object to be cooled in the early stage of cooling, thereby slowing down heat conduction efficiency and preventing excessive deformation of the 3D printed part 26. In the later stage of cooling, the input temperature of the cooling gas is reduced and distanced from the real-time temperature of the object to be cooled 38, which improves cooling efficiency without causing excessive deformation of the 3D printed part 26.

[0137] This embodiment can also introduce flowing cooling gas through the channel of the cooling pipe component 27 embedded in the first material body 25, thereby removing the internal heat of the object to be cooled 38 more quickly, which can improve the cooling speed of the 3D printed part 26, which is beneficial to improving production efficiency and solving the pain point of low efficiency in 3D printing.

[0138] Example 4

[0139] The difference between Example 4 and Example 1 is that:

[0140] 1. The intermediate product 24 and the material to be cooled 38 have different structures.

[0141] like Figure 21 As shown, in this embodiment, the cooling pipe component 27 of the intermediate product 24 is provided with two openings 29 on the side surface of the first material body 25. For example... Figure 23 As shown, in this embodiment, the difference between the object to be cooled 38 and that in Embodiment 1 is that the cooling pipe component 27 of the intermediate product 24 is provided with two openings 29 on the side surface of the first material body 25.

[0142] 2. The relationship between intermediate product 24 and printing support 2 is different.

[0143] In this embodiment, as Figure 21 As shown, although the intermediate product 24 is formed in the printing support 2, after printing is completed, the driving component 7 of the printing support 2 raises the support plate 6, removing the intermediate product 24 from the printing cavity 9. Similarly, as... Figure 23 As shown, the object to be cooled 38 in this embodiment is also located outside the printing cavity 9.

[0144] Since the intermediate product 24 is removed from the printing cavity 9 after printing is completed, the heat dissipation area is larger, which is more conducive to the cooling of the 3D printed part 26.

[0145] 3. The structures of the 3D printing systems are different.

[0146] In this embodiment, the 3D printing system 1 does not have a post-processing workstation 4, but instead adds a dredging device 32 and a cooling device 33.

[0147] 4. Different dredging methods

[0148] The unblocking device 32 has the same structure as the unblocking device 32 in Embodiment 1, but the unblocking method is slightly different. For example... Figure 22 As shown, the flexible suction tube 37 extends into the channel 30 from an opening 29, drawing away the printing material forming the second material body 28, thereby forming... Figure 23 The object to be cooled, 38, is shown here, and at this time, gas is connected to channel 30.

[0149] 5. Different cooling devices and cooling methods

[0150] like Figure 24 and Figure 25As shown, the cooling device 33 adds a recovery component 41 compared to the cooling device 33 in Embodiment 1. The recovery component 41 is connected to the input end of the gas pump 39 and is adapted to dock with the outlet 29 of the output cooling gas, thereby enabling the recovery of cooling gas from the outlet 29 of the output cooling gas.

[0151] This embodiment can also introduce flowing cooling gas through the channel 30 of the cooling pipe component 27 embedded in the first material body 25, thereby removing the internal heat of the object to be cooled 38 more quickly, which can improve the cooling speed of the 3D printed part 26, which is beneficial to improving production efficiency and solving the pain point of low efficiency in 3D printing.

[0152] Example 5

[0153] The difference between Example 5 and Example 1 is that the intermediate product 24 and the material to be cooled 38 have different structures.

[0154] like Figure 26 As shown, in this embodiment, the cooling pipe component 27 of the intermediate product 24 has at least one through hole 52 on its pipe wall 51; specifically, in this embodiment, the number of through holes 52 is three. Figure 27 As shown, in this embodiment, the difference between the material to be cooled 38 and the material to be cooled 38 in Embodiment 1 is that the pipe wall 51 of the cooling pipe component 27 of the intermediate product 24 is provided with at least one through hole 52.

[0155] The cooling pipe component 27 has through holes 52 on its pipe wall 51, which allows the cooling gas to directly contact the printing material during the cooling process, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency and shortening the cooling time.

[0156] The description of the above specification and embodiments is used to explain the scope of protection of this application, but does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A 3D printing method, characterized by: Generate and output layered printing information based on the information to be printed; The information to be printed includes not only the shape information and layout information of the 3D printed part (26), but also the shape information and layout information of the cooling pipe part (27); the shape information of the cooling pipe part (27) should ensure that the cooling pipe part (27) has at least two openings (29) and a channel (30) connecting each opening (29); the layout information of the cooling pipe part (27) should ensure that the openings (29) are all open to the side wall of the printing cavity (9) and / or the uppermost printing material.

2. The three-dimensional printing method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S11: Obtain the shape information of the 3D printed part; S12: Generate and / or acquire the layout information of the 3D printed parts, the shape information of the cooling pipe components, and the layout information of the cooling pipe components, and form the information to be printed; and S13: Generate and output layered printing information based on the information to be printed.

3. The three-dimensional printing method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Step S12 includes the following sub-steps: S12.1: Generate and output confirmation information, which includes the layout information of the 3D printed parts to be confirmed, the shape information of the cooling pipe components to be confirmed, and the layout information of the cooling pipe components to be confirmed; the shape information of the cooling pipe components to be confirmed should ensure that the cooling pipe components (27) have at least two openings (29) and a channel (30) connecting each opening (29); the layout information of the cooling pipe components to be confirmed should ensure that the cooling pipe components (27) are separated from the 3D printed parts (26) and that the openings (29) are opened into the side wall of the printing cavity (9) and / or the uppermost printing material; S12.2: Obtain feedback on the information to be confirmed; S12.3: Determine whether the information to be confirmed has been confirmed. If the information to be confirmed has been confirmed, then the information to be printed is formed based on the shape information of the 3D printed part and the information to be confirmed. If the information to be confirmed is not confirmed, proceed to sub-step S12.4; S12.4: Obtain modification information, which includes the layout information of the modified 3D printed parts, the shape information of the modified cooling pipe parts, and the layout information of the modified cooling pipe parts; S12.5: Determine whether the modified information meets the conditions. If the shape information of the modified cooling pipe component meets the conditions that the cooling pipe component (27) has at least two openings (29) and a channel (30) connecting each opening (29), and the arrangement information of the modified cooling pipe component meets the conditions that the opening (29) opens into the side wall of the printing cavity (9) and / or the uppermost printing material, then the printing information is formed based on the shape information of the three-dimensional printed part (26) and the modified information; otherwise, execute sub-step S12.

6. S12.6: Report an error and execute sub-step S12.

4.

4. A 3D printer (3) for performing 3D printing in a printing cavity (9) that opens upward in a printing support (2), characterized in that, include: The printing information generation module (11) includes a memory (14) and a processor (15). The memory (14) stores a three-dimensional printing computer program (17), and the processor (15) is adapted to call the three-dimensional printing computer program (17) in the memory (14) and execute it to implement the three-dimensional printing method as described in claim 2 or 3 and output layered printing information. and The layered printing execution module (12) includes a controller (18) and a printing device (19). The controller (18) acquires the layered printing information and controls the printing device (19) to spread powder layer by layer and print in the printing cavity (9) based on the layered printing information.

5. An intermediate product (24), which is contained in a printing cavity (9) of a printing support (2) opening upwards, characterized in that, include: A first material body (25) is contained in the printing cavity (9) and is formed of a portion of unformed printing material; A three-dimensional printed part (26) is formed from printing material and embedded in the first material body (25); A cooling conduit (27), formed from a printing material and embedded in the first material body (25), has at least two openings (29) and channels (30) connecting each opening (29); each opening (29) is located on the upper surface of the first material body (25) and the channel (30) is U-shaped, or each opening (29) is located on the upper and side surfaces of the first material body (25) and the channel (30) is L-shaped; and The second material body (28) is formed in the channel (30) by a portion of the unformed printed material.

6. The intermediate product (24) as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The cooling pipe fitting (27) has at least one through hole (52) in its pipe wall (51).

7. A post-processing method for post-processing the intermediate product (24) as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The steps are as follows: S21: Aspirate the printing material forming the second material body (28) to clear the channel (30) of the intermediate product (24) and make the channel (30) gas-connected; S22: Cooling gas is output from or drawn from at least one opening (29) on the upper surface of the first material body (25) into the channel (30) to allow the cooling gas to flow within the channel (30); and S23: The printing material forming the first material body (25) is aspirated to remove the three-dimensional printed part (26), and the cooling pipe part (27) is allowed to be removed or broken.

8. The post-processing method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The cooling gas is also recovered from the outlet (29) from which the cooling gas is output.

9. A post-processing workstation (4) for post-processing the intermediate product (24) as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that it comprises: The body (31) has a receiving cavity (35) for accommodating the printing support (2); A dredging device (32) includes an air pump (36) and a flexible air suction tube (37) connected to the air pump (36); the air pump (36) is used to draw air from the flexible air suction tube (37), which is adapted to extend into the channel (30) of the intermediate product (24) as described in claim 5 to draw away the printing material forming the second material body (28); and A cooling device (33) includes a gas pump (39) and a gas pipe (40) connected to the gas pump (39); the gas pump (39) is used to output or draw cooling gas, and the gas pipe (40) is adapted to engage with at least one opening (29) on the upper surface of the first material body (25) to allow the cooling gas to flow within the channel (30).

10. The post-processing workstation (4) as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The cooling device (33) also includes a recovery unit (41), the gas pump (39) is used to output cooling gas, the recovery unit (41) is connected to the input end of the gas pump (39) and is adapted to recover the cooling gas from the port (29) that is never connected to the gas pipe (40).

11. The post-processing workstation (4) as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The recyclable part (41) is adapted to dock with the mouth (29) or to cover the opening of the printing cavity (9).

12. The post-processing workstation (4) as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The cooling device (33) further includes a flow rate regulator (45), which is installed on the gas pump (39) and / or the gas pipe (40) to regulate the flow rate of the cooling gas.

13. The post-processing workstation (4) as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The cooling device (33) further includes a heater (49), the gas pump (39) is used to output cooling gas, and the heater (49) is installed on the gas pump (39) and / or the gas pipe (40) to heat the cooling gas.

14. The post-processing workstation (4) as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The cooling device (33) further includes a temperature controller (50) adapted to acquire the input temperature of the cooling gas and control the heater (49).

15. A three-dimensional printing system (1), characterized in that, include: Printing support (2) having an upwardly opening printing cavity (9) and being adaptable to movement; and The 3D printer (3) as claimed in claim 4 has a receiving cavity (13) for accommodating the printing support (2).

16. The three-dimensional printing system (1) as described in claim 15, characterized in that, It also includes a post-processing workstation (4) as described in any one of claims 9 to 14.

Images