Methods, operating devices, systems, and readable storage media for printing metal parts

Abstract

This application provides a method, operating device, system, and readable storage medium for printing metal parts. The method includes: acquiring a metal part modeling file containing multiple metal part models and first distribution position information for each metal part model; responding to a print command, locating the substrate of a printing device based on each first distribution position information to obtain corresponding second distribution position information representing the physical position of the metal part model; calculating a powder-spreading area based on the multiple second distribution position information to obtain powder-spreading area information; generating print information based on the powder-spreading area information, model information corresponding to each metal part model, and the corresponding second distribution position information; and outputting the print information to the printing device for printing the metal part. By dividing the powder-spreading area, powder waste is reduced, the utilization rate of metal powder is improved, and the workload in the later stages of printing is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of selective laser melting (SLM) technology, and more particularly to a method, operating device, system, and readable storage medium for printing metal parts. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the rapid development of the laser industry, SLM technology is also gradually developing, making 3D metal printing possible.

[0003] In related technologies, SLM continuously cycles between printing and powder spreading when printing multiple metal parts until the printing of the metal parts is completed. During the powder spreading process, regardless of the size of the forming area of ​​each metal part, powder is spread to the entire substrate surface. However, the utilization rate of the spread metal powder is low throughout the printing process, and too much metal powder is not used during the printing process, resulting in waste. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this application is to provide a method, operating device, system, and readable storage medium for printing metal parts, aiming to reduce toner waste when printing multiple metal parts.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of this application provides a method for printing metal parts, the method comprising the following steps:

[0006] Obtain a metal part modeling file, wherein the metal part modeling file includes multiple metal part models and first distribution position information for each metal part model;

[0007] In response to a print command, the printing equipment substrate is positioned according to each of the first distribution position information to obtain the corresponding second distribution position information, wherein the second distribution position information is used to represent the physical position of the corresponding metal part model on the printing equipment substrate;

[0008] The powder-spreading area is calculated based on multiple second distribution location information to obtain powder-spreading area information, wherein the powder-spreading area information is used to represent one or more powder-spreading areas;

[0009] Printing information is generated based on the powder spreading area information, the model information corresponding to each metal part model, and the corresponding second distribution position information. The printing information is then output to the printing device for printing the metal parts.

[0010] In some possible embodiments of this application, the step of calculating the powder-spreading area based on multiple second distribution location information to obtain powder-spreading area information includes:

[0011] Based on multiple second distribution location information, the distance between the entity positions of each pair of adjacent metal parts models is calculated to obtain multiple relative entity distances;

[0012] The powder-spreading area is divided for each metal part model based on one or more of the relative entity distances to obtain the powder-spreading area information.

[0013] In some possible embodiments of this application, the step of dividing the powder-spreading region of each metal part model according to one or more of the relative entity distances to obtain the powder-spreading region information includes:

[0014] For each relative entity distance, the relative entity distance is compared with a first preset distance threshold. When the relative entity distance is less than the first preset distance threshold, the first powder-spreading area information is obtained based on the two metal part models corresponding to the relative entity distance. The first powder-spreading area information is used to divide the two corresponding metal part models into the first powder-spreading area.

[0015] The powder-spreading area is divided based on multiple first powder-spreading area information to obtain the powder-spreading area information.

[0016] In some possible embodiments of this application, the step of synthesizing the powder-spreading area based on multiple first powder-spreading area information to obtain the powder-spreading area information includes:

[0017] For each of the first powder-spreading areas, an overlap determination is performed based on the first powder-spreading area information and each other of the first powder-spreading areas information to obtain multiple first overlap determination results. The first overlap determination results are used to indicate whether there is an overlapping part between two first powder-spreading areas.

[0018] Based on multiple first overlap determination results, multiple first powder-spreading areas with overlapping parts are combined into powder-spreading areas to obtain the powder-spreading area information.

[0019] In some possible embodiments of this application, the powder-spreading area information includes powder-spreading area information for multiple layers;

[0020] The step of calculating the powder-spreading area based on multiple second distribution location information to obtain powder-spreading area information includes:

[0021] Multiple metal part models are subjected to printing layer processing to obtain multiple printing layer information, wherein each printing layer information is used to divide a printing layer for multiple metal part models, and the printing layer includes one of the multiple metal layers obtained by printing layer processing for one or more metal part models;

[0022] For each printed layer, the metal layer powder-spreading area is divided according to each metal layer in the printed layer to obtain the powder-spreading area information of the corresponding printed layer.

[0023] In some possible embodiments of this application, for each printed layer, the process of dividing the metal layer powder-spreading area according to each metal layer in the printed layer to obtain the powder-spreading area information corresponding to the printed layer includes:

[0024] Based on multiple second distribution location information, the distance between each pair of adjacent metal layers in the printed layer is calculated to obtain the distance between the metal layers.

[0025] For each metal layer distance corresponding to the printed layer, the metal layer distance is compared with a second preset distance threshold. When the metal layer distance is less than the second preset distance threshold, second powder spreading area information is obtained based on the two metal layers corresponding to the metal layer distance. The second powder spreading area information is used to divide the two corresponding metal layers into the second powder spreading area.

[0026] The powder-spreading area is divided according to multiple second powder-spreading area information to obtain the powder-spreading area information corresponding to the printing layer.

[0027] In some possible embodiments of this application, the step of synthesizing the layer powder-spreading region based on multiple second powder-spreading region information to obtain the layer powder-spreading region information corresponding to the printing layer includes:

[0028] For each second powder-spreading area information, overlap determination is performed based on the second powder-spreading area information and each other second powder-spreading area information to obtain multiple second overlap determination results, wherein the second overlap determination results are used to indicate whether there is an overlapping part between two second powder-spreading areas;

[0029] Based on multiple second overlap determination results, multiple second powder-spreading regions with overlapping parts are combined into a powder-spreading region to obtain powder-spreading region information.

[0030] To achieve the above objectives, a second aspect of this application provides a printing operation device for metal parts, the printing operation device comprising:

[0031] A metal part modeling file acquisition module is used to acquire a metal part modeling file, wherein the metal part modeling file includes multiple metal part models and first distribution position information of each metal part model;

[0032] The second distribution position information acquisition module is used to respond to the printing command, locate the position of the printing equipment substrate according to each of the first distribution position information, and obtain the corresponding second distribution position information, wherein the second distribution position information is used to represent the physical position of the corresponding metal part model on the printing equipment substrate;

[0033] The powder-spreading area information acquisition module is used to calculate the powder-spreading area based on multiple second distribution location information to obtain powder-spreading area information, wherein the powder-spreading area information is used to represent one or more powder-spreading areas;

[0034] The printing information generation module is used to generate printing information based on the powder spreading area information, the model information corresponding to each metal part model and the corresponding second distribution position information, and output the printing information to the printing device for printing metal parts.

[0035] To achieve the above objectives, a third aspect of this application provides a printing system for metal parts, the printing system including a printing device and a printing operation device as described in the second aspect above, the printing device being connected to the printing operation device.

[0036] To achieve the above objectives, a fourth aspect of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in the first aspect.

[0037] This application proposes a method, operating device, system, and readable storage medium for printing metal parts. The method includes: acquiring a metal part modeling file, wherein the metal part modeling file includes multiple metal part models and first distribution position information for each metal part model; responding to a print command, locating the position of the printing equipment substrate according to each of the first distribution position information to obtain corresponding second distribution position information, wherein the second distribution position information is used to represent the physical position of the corresponding metal part model on the printing equipment substrate; calculating a powder-spreading area according to the multiple second distribution position information to obtain powder-spreading area information, wherein the powder-spreading area information is used to represent one or more powder-spreading areas; generating print information according to the powder-spreading area information, model information corresponding to each metal part model, and the corresponding second distribution position information; and outputting the print information to the printing equipment for printing the metal part. By calculating the powder-spreading area for the physical position of each metal part model and dividing each metal part model into a corresponding powder-spreading area, the printing equipment does not need to cover the entire printing equipment substrate when printing, reducing powder waste, improving the utilization rate of metal powder, and reducing the workload in the later stages of printing. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the steps of a printing method provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the powder-spreading area provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the powder-spreading area provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a sub-step embodiment of step S102;

[0042] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a sub-step embodiment of step S202;

[0043] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a sub-step embodiment of step S302;

[0044] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another sub-step embodiment of step S102;

[0045] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a sub-step embodiment of step S502;

[0046] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a sub-step embodiment of step S603.

[0047] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a printing operation device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a printing system provided in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0050] It should be noted that although functional modules are divided in the device schematic diagram and a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be performed in a different order than the module division in the device or the order in the flowchart. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and the aforementioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this application only and is not intended to limit this application.

[0052] First, let's analyze some of the terms used in this application:

[0053] SLM: A metal additive manufacturing or metal 3D printing technology that uses a laser as an energy source to scan the metal powder bed layer by layer according to the path planned in the slice model. The scanned metal powder melts and solidifies to achieve a metallurgical bonding effect, and finally obtains the metal part designed by the model.

[0054] Currently, with the rapid development of the laser industry, SLM technology is also gradually developing, making 3D metal printing possible.

[0055] In related technologies, SLM continuously cycles between printing and powder spreading when printing multiple metal parts until the printing of the metal parts is completed. During the powder spreading process, regardless of the size of the forming area of ​​each metal part, powder is spread to the entire substrate surface. However, the utilization rate of the spread metal powder is low throughout the printing process, and too much metal powder is not used during the printing process, resulting in waste.

[0056] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a method, operating device, system, and readable storage medium for printing metal parts, aiming to reduce powder waste when printing multiple metal parts.

[0057] The printing method, operating device, system, and readable storage medium provided in the embodiments of this application are specifically described through the following embodiments. First, the printing method in the embodiments of this application is described.

[0058] The printing method provided in this application can be applied to a terminal, a server, or software running on either a terminal or a server. In some embodiments, the terminal can be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, etc.; the server can be configured as an independent physical server, a server cluster or distributed system composed of multiple physical servers, or a cloud server providing basic cloud computing services such as cloud services, cloud databases, cloud computing, cloud functions, cloud storage, network services, cloud communication, middleware services, domain name services, security services, CDN, and big data and artificial intelligence platforms; the software can be an application that implements the printing method, but is not limited to the above forms.

[0059] This application can be used in a wide variety of general-purpose or special-purpose computer system environments or configurations. Examples include: personal computers, server computers, handheld or portable devices, tablet devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and distributed computing environments including any of the above systems or devices. This application can be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions executed by a computer, such as program modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. This application can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices connected via a communication network. In distributed computing environments, program modules can reside in local and remote computer storage media, including storage devices.

[0060] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the steps of a printing method provided in one embodiment of this application. The printing method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps.

[0061] Step S101: Obtain the metal part modeling file.

[0062] It should be understood that the metal part modeling file here includes multiple metal part models and the first distribution position information of each metal part model. The first distribution position information here belongs to the virtual position information of the metal part model in the modeling file. In modeling, a virtual coordinate point needs to be specified as a reference point for modeling, and the first distribution position information is used to represent the position of the metal part model relative to the reference point in the modeling file.

[0063] It should be understood that the metal part modeling file includes various metal part models, which may be the same metal part model or different metal part models, and this application does not limit this.

[0064] Step S102: In response to the printing command, the printing equipment substrate position is located according to each first distribution position information to obtain the corresponding second distribution position information.

[0065] It should be understood that the second distribution position information here is used to represent the physical position of the corresponding metal part model on the printing equipment substrate. Since the reference systems of the virtual position and the physical position are different, the virtual position needs to be converted into the physical position in order for the metal part to be printed on the printing equipment substrate. Otherwise, there will be problems with the printed metal part.

[0066] Step S103: Calculate the powder-spreading area based on multiple second distribution location information to obtain the powder-spreading area information.

[0067] It should be understood that the powder-spreading area information here is used to represent one or more powder-spreading areas. The specific form in which the powder-spreading area information is obtained is diverse, and can be the following embodiment or other embodiments.

[0068] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the powder-spreading area provided in one embodiment of this application. Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a powder-spreading area and a non-powder-spreading area. In one embodiment, all metal part models are implemented with only one total powder-spreading area. Each metal part model occupies a certain solid area at the printing device location. The total solid area occupied by all metal part models in the entire metal part modeling file is determined based on the second distribution position information of each metal part model. If the interval between all metal part models is smaller, the total solid area is smaller; if the interval between all metal part models is larger, the total solid area is larger. Therefore, the powder-spreading area is calculated based on the total solid area to obtain the powder-spreading area information used to represent the total powder-spreading area.

[0069] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the powder-spreading area provided in another embodiment of this application. Figure 3 The diagram illustrates multiple powder-coated and non-powder-coated regions. In one embodiment, all metal part models are implemented based on multiple powder-coated regions. Each metal part model is assigned to a different powder-coated region based on its second distribution location information. For each powder-coated region, the area of ​​each powder-coated region is calculated based on the solid area of ​​each metal part model within that region, thus obtaining powder-coated region information representing the multiple powder-coated regions at once.

[0070] Step S104: Generate printing information based on the powder spreading area information, the model information of each metal part model and the corresponding second distribution position information, and output the printing information to the printing device for printing the metal parts.

[0071] In one embodiment, the powder-spreading area is determined by the powder-spreading area information. Each metal part model is solidly layered by the model information of each metal part model and the corresponding second distribution position information. The shape of each layer of each metal part model in its own powder-spreading area is determined, thereby generating printing information. The printing information enables the printing device to melt each layer of metal powder spread in the powder-spreading area to obtain the shape and structure of the metal part model in that layer, thereby realizing the simultaneous printing of multiple metal parts.

[0072] This application embodiment calculates the powder-spreading area for the physical location of each metal part model and divides each metal part model into a corresponding powder-spreading area. This eliminates the need for the printing equipment to cover the entire printing equipment substrate when printing, reducing powder waste, improving the utilization rate of metal powder, and reducing the workload in the later stages of printing.

[0073] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a sub-step embodiment of step S102. In some possible embodiments of this application, the model information includes model edge information, and step S102 includes, but is not limited to, the following embodiments.

[0074] Step S201: Based on multiple second distribution location information and model edge information of each metal part model, calculate the distance between the entities of each pair of adjacent metal part models to obtain multiple relative entity distances;

[0075] Step S202: Divide the powder-spreading area for each metal part model according to one or more relative entity distances to obtain powder-spreading area information.

[0076] It should be understood that the relative physical distance here refers to the distance between the edges of the two metal parts.

[0077] In one embodiment, the physical edge position of each metal part model on the printing device substrate is determined based on multiple second distribution location information and the model edge information of each metal part model. For two adjacent metal part models, the interval between them is calculated using their adjacent model edges. That is, the physical interval between the two metal part models on the printing device substrate is calculated based on the physical edge positions corresponding to the two adjacent model edges, thus obtaining the relative physical distance between the two adjacent metal part models. For a single metal part model, the powder-spreading area is divided based on the relative physical distance associated with that metal part model, thereby determining whether the metal part model belongs to the same powder-spreading area as its surrounding adjacent metal part models.

[0078] It should be understood that the solid edge position in the above embodiments refers to the solid edge position of the most prominent edge of the metal part model on the printing equipment substrate, in order to prevent the two metal part models from overlapping at the solid edge position of the most prominent edge, thereby preventing the two metal parts from sticking together.

[0079] It should be understood that the specific form of dividing each metal model into the corresponding powder-laying area based on one or more relative entity distances is varied and depends on the number of metal models adjacent to the metal model.

[0080] In one embodiment, for a metal part model, if there is only one metal part model adjacent to the metal part model, then the relative entity distance between the metal part model and the adjacent metal part model is used to determine whether the metal part model and the adjacent metal part model belong to the same powder-laying area.

[0081] In one embodiment, for a metal part model, when there are multiple metal part models adjacent to it, the relative entity distance between each adjacent metal part model and the metal part model is used to determine whether the metal part model belongs to the same powder-spreading region as one or more of the multiple adjacent metal part models. For example, if metal part model A has adjacent metal part models B, C, and D, the powder-spreading region is divided according to the relative entity distance between metal part model A and each of the adjacent metal part models B, C, and D, and it is finally determined that metal part model A belongs to the same powder-spreading region as adjacent metal parts models C and D.

[0082] This application embodiment divides the powder-spreading area by relative physical distance, which can result in multiple powder-spreading areas, reducing the occurrence of full powder-spreading on the printing equipment substrate. Furthermore, dividing the powder-spreading area by physical distance improves the flexibility of adjustment and enhances the environmental adaptability of powder-spreading area adjustment. This allows different performance devices to divide the powder-spreading area according to their own performance, reducing powder waste and improving the utilization rate of metal powder.

[0083] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a sub-step embodiment of step S202. In some possible embodiments of this application, step 202 includes, but is not limited to, the following sub-steps.

[0084] Step S301: For each relative entity distance, compare the relative entity distance with a first preset distance threshold. When the relative entity distance is less than the first preset distance threshold, obtain the first powder-spreading area information based on the two metal part models corresponding to the relative entity distance.

[0085] Step S302: Divide the powder spreading area according to the information of multiple first powder spreading areas to obtain powder spreading area information.

[0086] It should be understood that the information on the first powder-coated area is used to divide the corresponding two metal part models into the first powder-coated area.

[0087] It should be understood that the specific value of the first preset distance threshold here is varied. Those skilled in the art can determine the specific value of the first preset distance threshold based on the laser power of the printing equipment, the cooling rate after the metal powder melts, etc. This application does not limit it in this regard.

[0088] In one embodiment, multiple relative entity distances are compared one by one with a first preset distance threshold, and the comparison results are obtained one by one. When the comparison result indicates that the relative entity distance is less than the first preset distance threshold, it means that the two metal part models corresponding to the relative entity distance are relatively close and can be divided into a powder-spreading region. Thus, information about the first powder-spreading region for classifying the two metal part models into the first powder-spreading region can be obtained. For each relative entity distance less than the first preset distance threshold, the two metal part models corresponding to each relative entity distance are divided into an independent first powder-spreading region, that is, the number of first powder-spreading regions is equal to the number of relative entity distances of the first preset distance threshold. Based on the information of multiple first powder-spreading regions, multiple first powder-spreading regions with overlapping parts are combined into one powder-spreading region, and finally one or more powder-spreading regions are obtained, completing the powder-spreading region division of the metal part models.

[0089] In one embodiment, based on multiple first powder-spreading area information, one or more first powder-spreading areas that do not overlap are determined as powder-spreading areas, thus completing the powder-spreading area division of the metal part model.

[0090] In this embodiment, the first powder-spreading area is determined by relative physical distance. By filtering out the first powder-spreading areas that do not overlap with other first powder-spreading areas, a portion of the final required powder-spreading area is obtained. By combining the first powder-spreading areas that overlap with other first powder-spreading areas, the remaining powder-spreading area is obtained, thus improving the efficiency of powder-spreading area division.

[0091] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a sub-step embodiment of step S302. In some possible embodiments of this application, step S302 includes, but is not limited to, the following sub-steps.

[0092] Step S401: For each first powder-spreading area information, perform overlap determination based on the first powder-spreading area information and each other's first powder-spreading area information to obtain multiple first overlap determination results.

[0093] Step S402: Based on multiple first overlap determination results, multiple first powder-spreading areas with overlapping parts are combined into powder-spreading areas to obtain powder-spreading area information.

[0094] It should be understood that the first overlap determination result here is used to indicate whether there is an overlap between two first powder-coating regions. Specifically, among multiple first powder-coating regions, some first powder-coating regions may contain the same metal part model, resulting in some first powder-coating regions having overlapping parts. Therefore, powder-coating regions are synthesized based on the information of multiple first powder-coating regions, and multiple first powder-coating regions with overlapping parts are combined into one powder-coating region.

[0095] In one embodiment, the first powder-coated region information includes the second distribution position information of two metal part models within the first powder-coated region. For each first powder-coated region, it is determined whether the first powder-coated region has the same second distribution position information as each other, resulting in multiple first overlap determination results. For a first overlap determination result corresponding to a first powder-coated region, if the first overlap determination result indicates the existence of the same second distribution position information, then the first powder-coated region corresponding to the first powder-coated region overlaps with one of the multiple first powder-coated regions. The multiple overlapping first powder-coated regions are combined to obtain powder-coated region information representing one or more powder-coated regions.

[0096] For example, if there are multiple first powder-coating regions, and the metal part models included in the first powder-coating regions are (A, B), (B, C), (C, D) and (E, F), then the first three first powder-coating regions will be combined into a single powder-coating region including (A, B, C, D).

[0097] In one embodiment, the first powder-spreading area information includes multiple first area coordinates within the first powder-spreading area. For each first powder-spreading area information, it is determined whether the first powder-spreading area information shares the same first area coordinates with each other first powder-spreading area information, resulting in multiple first overlap determination results. For a first overlap determination result corresponding to a first powder-spreading area information, if the first overlap determination result indicates the existence of at least one identical first area coordinate, then the first powder-spreading area corresponding to the first powder-spreading area information overlaps with one of the multiple first powder-spreading areas. The multiple overlapping first powder-spreading areas are then combined to obtain powder-spreading area information representing one or more powder-spreading areas.

[0098] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another sub-step embodiment of step S102. In some possible embodiments of this application, step S102 includes, but is not limited to, the following sub-steps.

[0099] Step S501: Perform printing layer processing on multiple metal part models to obtain multiple printing layer information.

[0100] Step S502: For each printed layer, the metal layer powder-spreading area is divided according to each metal layer in the printed layer to obtain the powder-spreading area information of the corresponding printed layer.

[0101] It should be understood that each printing layer information here is used to divide multiple metal part models into a printing layer. A printing layer includes one of multiple metal layers obtained from the printing layering process of one or more metal part models. Specifically, the thickness of each printing layer is the same; that is, for each metal part model, different heights can result in different numbers of metal layers. By presetting the printing layer thickness, each metal part model is processed into multiple printing layers, and metal layers at the same height on each metal part model collectively form a single printing layer.

[0102] In one embodiment, multiple metal part models are printed in layers, dividing each metal part model into several layers to obtain multiple printing layer information. Each printing layer information corresponds to a printing layer, and each printing layer includes the metal layer of each metal model within that layer. When all metal part models have the same number of metal layers, the powder-spreading area is divided according to the metal layer of each metal part model in each printing layer to obtain the powder-spreading area information corresponding to each printing layer.

[0103] For example, suppose there are two metal part models, A and B, with the same height. A and B are divided into 10 layers, then there are also 10 printing layers. For each printing layer, each printing layer will have metal layers of A and B on that layer. The powder-spreading area is divided according to the metal layers of A and B on that layer, thus obtaining the powder-spreading area information for that layer.

[0104] In one embodiment, when the number of metal layers in all metal part models is different, the powder-spreading area is divided according to the existing metal layers in each printing layer to obtain the powder-spreading area information corresponding to each printing layer.

[0105] For example, suppose there are two metal part models, A and B, with different heights. A is divided into 10 layers, and B is divided into 6 layers, then there are 10 printing layers. Assuming the lowest layer is layer 1, then in layers 1 to 6, for each printing layer, each printing layer will have metal layers of both A and B. The powder-spreading area is divided based on the metal layers of A and B in that layer, thus obtaining the powder-spreading area information for that layer. In layers 7 to 10, each printing layer only has metal layers of A. The powder-spreading area is also divided based on the metal layers of A in that layer, thus obtaining the powder-spreading area information for that layer.

[0106] This application embodiment, by dividing the layer area, can precisely control the powder spreading area of ​​each printing layer, so that the metal powder spread by the printing device can meet the printing requirements of each printing layer, reduce the waste of metal powder in each printing layer, refine the powder spreading control particle size, and improve the control effect of metal powder amount.

[0107] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a sub-step embodiment of step S502. In some possible embodiments of this application, step S502 includes, but is not limited to, the following sub-steps.

[0108] Step S601: Based on multiple second distribution location information, calculate the distance between each pair of adjacent metal layers in the printed layer to obtain the distance between the metal layers.

[0109] Step S602: For each metal layer distance corresponding to the printed layer, compare the metal layer distance with a second preset distance threshold. When the metal layer distance is less than the second preset distance threshold, obtain the second powder spreading area information based on the two metal layers corresponding to the metal layer distance.

[0110] Step S603: Divide the layer powder spreading area according to the information of multiple second powder spreading areas to obtain the powder spreading area information corresponding to the printing layer.

[0111] It should be understood that the second powder-spreading area information here is used to divide the corresponding two metal layers into the second powder-spreading area, and the printing layer information here includes the edge information of multiple metal layers in the printing layer.

[0112] It should be understood that the specific value of the second preset distance threshold here is varied. Those skilled in the art can determine the specific value of the second preset distance threshold based on the laser power of the printing equipment, the cooling rate after the metal powder melts, etc. This application does not limit it in this regard.

[0113] In one embodiment, the edge position of each metal layer relative to the printing device substrate is determined based on multiple second distribution location information and the edge information of each metal layer in the printed layer. For two adjacent metal layers, the interval between them is calculated using their adjacent metal layer edges. That is, the physical interval between the two metal layers relative to the printing device substrate is calculated based on the edge positions corresponding to the edges of the two adjacent metal layers, thus obtaining the inter-metal layer distance between the two metal layers. For a single metal layer, the powder-spreading area is divided using the inter-metal layer distance associated with that metal layer, thereby determining whether the metal layer belongs to the same powder-spreading area as its surrounding adjacent metal layers.

[0114] Multiple interlayer metal distances are compared one by one with a second preset distance threshold, and the comparison results are obtained one by one. When the comparison result indicates that the interlayer metal distance is less than the second preset distance threshold, it means that the two metal layers corresponding to the interlayer metal distance are relatively close and can be divided into a single powder-coated region. Thus, information about the second powder-coated region for classifying the two metal layers into the second powder-coated region can be obtained. For each interlayer metal distance less than the second preset distance threshold, the two metal layers corresponding to each interlayer metal distance are divided into a second powder-coated region, that is, the number of second powder-coated regions is equal to the number of relative solid distances of the second preset distance threshold. Based on the information of multiple second powder-coated regions, multiple second powder-coated regions with overlapping parts are combined into a single powder-coated region, ultimately obtaining one or more powder-coated regions, completing the division of the powder-coated regions for the metal layers.

[0115] In one embodiment, based on information about multiple second powder-coating regions, one or more second powder-coating regions that do not overlap are identified as powder-coating regions, thus completing the division of powder-coating regions for the metal layer.

[0116] In this embodiment, the second powder-laying area is determined by the relative physical distance. By filtering out the second powder-laying areas that do not overlap with other second powder-laying areas, a portion of the final required layer powder-laying areas are obtained. By synthesizing the second powder-laying areas that overlap with other second powder-laying areas, the remaining layer powder-laying areas are obtained, thereby improving the efficiency of dividing the layer powder-laying areas.

[0117] Please see Figure 9 , Figure 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a sub-step embodiment of step S603. In some possible embodiments of this application, step S603 includes, but is not limited to, the following sub-steps.

[0118] Step S701: For each second powder-spreading area information, perform overlap determination based on the second powder-spreading area information and each other second powder-spreading area information to obtain multiple second overlap determination results.

[0119] Step S702: Based on multiple second overlap determination results, multiple second powder-spreading regions with overlapping parts are combined into a powder-spreading region to obtain powder-spreading region information.

[0120] It should be understood that the second overlap determination result here is used to indicate whether there is an overlap between the two second powder-spreading areas.

[0121] In one embodiment, the second powder-coated region information includes the third distribution position information of two metal layers in the second powder-coated region. For each second powder-coated region, it is determined whether the second powder-coated region information has the same third distribution position information as each other second powder-coated region information, resulting in multiple second overlap determination results. For a second overlap determination result corresponding to a second powder-coated region information, if the second overlap determination result indicates the existence of the same second distribution position information, then the second powder-coated region corresponding to the second powder-coated region information overlaps with one of the multiple second powder-coated regions. The multiple overlapping second powder-coated regions are combined into a layer powder-coated region to obtain layer powder-coated region information for representing one or more layer powder-coated regions.

[0122] It should be understood that the third distribution location information here is used to represent the physical location of the metal layer relative to the substrate of the printing device.

[0123] In one embodiment, the second powder-spreading region information includes multiple second region coordinates within the second powder-spreading region. For each second powder-spreading region information, it is determined whether the second powder-spreading region information shares the same region coordinates with each other, resulting in multiple second overlap determination results. For a second overlap determination result corresponding to a second powder-spreading region information, if the second overlap determination result indicates the existence of at least one identical second region coordinate, then the second powder-spreading region corresponding to the second powder-spreading region information overlaps with one of the multiple second powder-spreading regions. The multiple overlapping second powder-spreading regions are then combined into a layered powder-spreading region to obtain layered powder-spreading region information representing one or more layered powder-spreading regions.

[0124] Please see Figure 10 This application also provides a printing operation device for metal parts, which can implement the above-described printing method. The printing operation device 800 includes:

[0125] The metal part modeling file acquisition module 801 is used to acquire metal part modeling files.

[0126] It should be understood that the metal part modeling file includes multiple metal part models and the initial distribution location information for each metal part model;

[0127] The second distribution position information acquisition module 802 is used to respond to the printing command, locate the position of the printing equipment substrate according to each first distribution position information, and obtain the corresponding second distribution position information.

[0128] It should be understood that the second distribution location information here is used to represent the physical location of the corresponding metal part model on the printing equipment substrate;

[0129] The powder-spreading area information acquisition module 803 is used to calculate the powder-spreading area based on multiple second distribution location information to obtain the powder-spreading area information.

[0130] It should be understood that the powder-spreading area information is used to represent one or more powder-spreading areas;

[0131] The printing information generation module 804 is used to generate printing information based on the powder spreading area information, the model information corresponding to each metal part model and the corresponding second distribution position information, and output the printing information to the printing device for printing metal parts.

[0132] The specific implementation of the printing operation device is basically the same as the specific embodiment of the printing method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0133] Please see Figure 11 This application also provides a metal part printing system that can implement the above printing method. The printing system 900 includes a printing device 901 and the above-mentioned printing operation device 800, and the printing device 901 is connected to the printing operation device 800.

[0134] It is worth noting that, since the printing system of this application embodiment includes the printing operation device 800 of the above embodiment, and the printing operation device 800 of the above embodiment can implement the printing method of the above embodiment, the specific implementation method and technical effect of the printing system 900 of this application embodiment can refer to the specific implementation method and technical effect of the printing method of any of the above embodiments.

[0135] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described printing method.

[0136] It is worth noting that, since the computer-readable storage medium of this application embodiment can execute the control method of any of the above embodiments, the specific implementation and technical effects of the computer-readable storage medium of this application embodiment can be referred to the specific implementation and technical effects of the control method of any of the above embodiments.

[0137] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that all or some of the steps and systems in the methods disclosed above can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, and suitable combinations thereof. Some or all of the physical components can be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, digital signal processor, or microprocessor, or as hardware, or as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. Such software can be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which can include computer storage media (or non-transitory media) and communication media (or transient media). As is known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible to a computer. Furthermore, as is known to those skilled in the art, communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and may include any information delivery medium.

[0138] The above provides a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of this application. However, this application is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of this application. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A method for printing metal parts, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: Obtain a metal part modeling file, wherein the metal part modeling file includes multiple metal part models and first distribution position information for each metal part model; In response to a print command, the printing equipment substrate is positioned according to each of the first distribution position information to obtain the corresponding second distribution position information, wherein the second distribution position information is used to represent the physical position of the corresponding metal part model on the printing equipment substrate; The powder-spreading area is calculated based on multiple second distribution location information to obtain powder-spreading area information, wherein the powder-spreading area information is used to represent one or more powder-spreading areas; Based on the powder-spreading area information, the model information of each metal part model, and the corresponding second distribution position information, printing information is generated, and the printing information is output to the printing device for printing metal parts; The model information includes model edge information. The powder-spreading area is calculated based on multiple second distribution location information to obtain powder-spreading area information, including: Based on the multiple second distribution location information and the model edge information of each metal part model, the distance between the entities of each pair of adjacent metal part models is calculated to obtain multiple relative entity distances; For each relative entity distance, the relative entity distance is compared with a first preset distance threshold. When the relative entity distance is less than the first preset distance threshold, the first powder-spreading area information is obtained based on the two metal part models corresponding to the relative entity distance. The first powder-spreading area information is used to divide the two corresponding metal part models into the first powder-spreading area. For each of the first powder-spreading areas, an overlap determination is performed based on the first powder-spreading area information and each other of the first powder-spreading areas information to obtain multiple first overlap determination results. The first overlap determination results are used to indicate whether there is an overlapping part between two first powder-spreading areas. Based on multiple first overlap determination results, multiple first powder-spreading areas with overlapping parts are combined into powder-spreading areas to obtain the powder-spreading area information.

2. The printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The powder-spreading area information includes powder-spreading area information for multiple layers; The step of calculating the powder-spreading area based on multiple second distribution location information to obtain powder-spreading area information includes: Multiple metal part models are subjected to printing layer processing to obtain multiple printing layer information, wherein each printing layer information is used to divide a printing layer for multiple metal part models, and the printing layer includes one of the multiple metal layers obtained by printing layer processing for one or more metal part models; For each printed layer, the metal layer powder-spreading area is divided according to each metal layer in the printed layer to obtain the powder-spreading area information of the corresponding printed layer.

3. The printing method according to claim 2, characterized in that, For each printed layer, the metal layer powder-spreading area is divided according to each metal layer in the printed layer to obtain the powder-spreading area information corresponding to the printed layer, including: Based on multiple second distribution location information, the distance between each pair of adjacent metal layers in the printed layer is calculated to obtain the distance between the metal layers. For each metal layer distance corresponding to the printed layer, the metal layer distance is compared with a second preset distance threshold. When the metal layer distance is less than the second preset distance threshold, second powder spreading area information is obtained based on the two metal layers corresponding to the metal layer distance. The second powder spreading area information is used to divide the two corresponding metal layers into the second powder spreading area. The powder-spreading area is divided according to multiple second powder-spreading area information to obtain the powder-spreading area information corresponding to the printing layer.

4. The printing method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of dividing the layer powder-spreading area according to multiple second powder-spreading area information to obtain the layer powder-spreading area information corresponding to the printing layer includes: For each second powder-spreading area information, overlap determination is performed based on the second powder-spreading area information and each other second powder-spreading area information to obtain multiple second overlap determination results, wherein the second overlap determination results are used to indicate whether there is an overlapping part between two second powder-spreading areas; Based on multiple second overlap determination results, multiple second powder-spreading regions with overlapping parts are combined into a powder-spreading region to obtain powder-spreading region information.

5. A printing operation device for metal parts, characterized in that, The printing operation device includes: A metal part modeling file acquisition module is used to acquire a metal part modeling file, wherein the metal part modeling file includes multiple metal part models and first distribution position information of each metal part model; The second distribution position information acquisition module is used to respond to the printing command, locate the position of the printing equipment substrate according to each of the first distribution position information, and obtain the corresponding second distribution position information, wherein the second distribution position information is used to represent the physical position of the corresponding metal part model on the printing equipment substrate; The powder-spreading area information acquisition module is used to calculate the powder-spreading area based on multiple second distribution location information to obtain powder-spreading area information, wherein the powder-spreading area information is used to represent one or more powder-spreading areas; calculating the powder-spreading area based on multiple second distribution location information to obtain powder-spreading area information includes: calculating the distance between the entities of each pair of adjacent metal parts models based on the multiple second distribution location information and the model edge information of each metal part model to obtain multiple relative entity distances; comparing each relative entity distance with a first preset distance threshold, and when the relative entity distance is less than the first preset distance threshold... Based on the relative entity distance, the first powder-coating region information is obtained from the two metal part models corresponding to the threshold distance. This first powder-coating region information is used to divide the two corresponding metal part models into a first powder-coating region. For each first powder-coating region information, an overlap determination is performed based on the first powder-coating region information and each other first powder-coating region information, resulting in multiple first overlap determination results. These first overlap determination results indicate whether two first powder-coating regions have an overlapping portion. Based on the multiple first overlap determination results, the multiple first powder-coating regions with overlapping portions are combined to obtain the powder-coating region information. The printing information generation module is used to generate printing information based on the powder spreading area information, the model information corresponding to each metal part model and the corresponding second distribution position information, and output the printing information to the printing device for printing metal parts.

6. A printing system for metal parts, characterized in that, The printing system includes a printing device and a printing operation device as described in claim 5, wherein the printing device is connected to the printing operation device.

7. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 4.

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