A method for using a single-blade bidirectional powder spreading device

Abstract

The application provides a use method of a single-blade bidirectional powder spreading device, which comprises a powder hopper body and a forming cabin; two sides of the powder hopper body are respectively connected with baffle one and baffle two, and the bottom is connected with a scraper; the upper end faces of the baffle one and the baffle two are both provided with a push rod assembly, and the powder hopper body is provided with a partition section with a pointed upper end; the forming cabin is provided with a boss, and the boss is located at both ends of the movement track of a roller. The application realizes bidirectional powder spreading, reduces the number of scrapers, ensures the powder spreading efficiency, reduces the leveling difficulty of the scraper, and greatly improves the forming efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method of using a single-scraper bidirectional powder spreading device, belonging to the field of additive manufacturing laser selective melting forming technology. Background Technology

[0002] Selective laser melting (SLM) is an advanced laser additive manufacturing technology developed based on the principle of prototyping. It uses specialized software to slice and layer the three-dimensional digital model of a part to obtain the contour data of each section. Then, a high-energy laser beam is used to selectively melt metal powder layer by layer according to the contour data. By layering powder, melting, solidifying and stacking, three-dimensional solid parts are manufactured.

[0003] Currently, there are two main powder spreading methods for laser selective melting forming equipment: unidirectional and bidirectional. The disadvantage of unidirectional powder spreading equipment is low powder spreading efficiency. After completing one powder spreading operation, the scraper needs to return to the powder spreading starting point, which wastes this idle time. Therefore, in order to improve efficiency, most equipment adopts bidirectional powder spreading devices.

[0004] Based on the number of scrapers, it can be divided into two types: single-scraper bidirectional powder spreading and double-scraper bidirectional powder spreading. For double-scraper powder spreading devices, the powder generally falls between the two scrapers during powder spreading. During the back-and-forth scraping process, the two scrapers alternately play the role of spreading powder. However, the position of the scrapers needs to be adjusted before the device is put into operation so that the blades of the two scrapers are as close to the same plane as possible. If there is a height difference between the scrapers, the uneven powder layer thickness will cause the lower scraper to scrape against the forming part during powder spreading. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a method for using a single-scraper bidirectional powder spreading device. This method of using a single-scraper bidirectional powder spreading device adopts a single-scraper bidirectional powder spreading form, which can avoid the adverse effects caused by the blades of the two scrapers not being on the same plane.

[0006] The present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions.

[0007] This invention provides a method for using a single-scraper bidirectional powder spreading device. The device includes a powder hopper body and a forming chamber. A first baffle and a second baffle are respectively connected to both sides of the powder hopper body, and a scraper is connected to the bottom. Push rod assemblies are provided on the upper surfaces of both the first and second baffles. A section with a pointed upper end is provided inside the powder hopper body. Rollers are connected to the bottom of both the first and second baffles. A boss is provided inside the forming chamber, located at both ends of the roller's movement trajectory.

[0008] The device is used as follows:

[0009] ① Install the powder hopper body, baffle one, baffle two, push rod assembly and rollers;

[0010] ② Install the powder hopper body on the printer and work in conjunction with the upper powder discharge bin so that the raw material powder falling from the powder bin can effectively fall into the powder hopper body from the top of the powder hopper;

[0011] ③ Adjust the push rod assemblies on both the front and rear sides so that the push rod assemblies can effectively close baffle one and baffle two;

[0012] ④ Install bosses inside the molding chamber;

[0013] ⑤ Install the scraper and level its position. Control the powder feeding hopper to drop the raw material powder into the powder hopper body and start the printing program.

[0014] ⑥ After printing is complete, lift the first and second side baffles to clean the remaining raw material powder in the toner hopper, replace the scraper, and wait for the next printing.

[0015] The scraper is connected to the powder hopper body by screws.

[0016] Both sides of the powder hopper body are provided with sliding grooves, and baffle one and baffle two are slidably connected to the sliding grooves.

[0017] The push rod assembly includes a push rod and a spring sleeved on the push rod, with a ball connected to the lower end of the push rod.

[0018] The first baffle and the second baffle move along the sliding groove according to the up and down movement of the roller.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are: it achieves bidirectional powder spreading, and by reducing the number of scrapers, it reduces the difficulty of scraper leveling while ensuring powder spreading efficiency, thus greatly improving molding efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a portion of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Side view;

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The main view;

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Side sectional view;

[0025] In the diagram: 1-Baffle 1, 2-Roller, 3-Scraper, 4-Push rod assembly, 5-Powder hopper body, 6-Baffle 2, 7-Boss. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solution of the present invention is further described below, but the scope of protection is not limited to what is described.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] like Figures 1-5 As shown, a method for using a single scraper bidirectional powder spreading device includes a powder hopper body 5 and a forming chamber; baffle 1 and baffle 2 6 are respectively connected to both sides of the powder hopper body 5, and a scraper 3 is connected to the bottom; push rod assembly 4 is provided on the upper end surface of baffle 1 and baffle 2 6, and a partition with a pointed upper end is provided inside the powder hopper body 5; rollers 2 are connected to the bottom of baffle 1 and baffle 2 6; a boss 7 is provided inside the forming chamber, and the bosses 7 are respectively located at both ends of the movement trajectory of the rollers 2.

[0029] The scraper 3 is connected to the powder hopper body 5 by screws.

[0030] Both sides of the powder hopper body 5 are provided with sliding grooves, and baffle 1 and baffle 2 are slidably connected to the sliding grooves.

[0031] The push rod assembly 4 includes a push rod and a spring sleeved on the push rod, with a ball connected to the lower end of the push rod.

[0032] Specifically, the push rod assembly 4 can act on the first baffle 1 and the second baffle 6 respectively by means of spring force, so that the first baffle 1 and the second baffle 6 can be effectively closed under the action of the spring.

[0033] Specifically, pressure is effectively applied by the ball at the lower end of the push rod, so that baffle 1, baffle 2, and powder hopper body 5 are properly closed.

[0034] The baffle 1 and baffle 6 move along the sliding groove according to the up and down movement of the roller 2, thereby opening and closing the bottom of the powder hopper body 5.

[0035] Preferably, the scraper 3 can be replaced with rubber or other materials depending on the actual situation.

[0036] Example 2

[0037] Driven by the motor assembly, the powder hopper reciprocates. When the powder hopper moves to one end of its stroke, the roller 2 is lifted upward along the boss 7, thereby driving the baffle 1 to move upward along the sliding grooves on both sides of the powder hopper body 5. At this time, the powder in the partition on that side falls freely, completing the single-side powder falling. Similarly, when the powder hopper moves to the other end of its stroke, the powder in the partition on the other side falls freely. Under the action of the scraper 3, the single scraper achieves the bidirectional powder spreading action.

[0038] Specifically, during the middle stroke of the printing process, since there is no boss 7 in the formation, the baffle 1 and baffle 2 6, under the action of the push rod assembly 4, prevent the powder hopper body 5 from falling downwards.

[0039] Example 3

[0040] The installation process of this invention is as follows:

[0041] 1. Install the powder hopper body 5 on the printer, ensuring good fit with the upper powder hopper, so that the raw material powder falling from the powder hopper can effectively fall into the powder hopper body 5 from the top of the powder hopper.

[0042] 2. Insert baffle 1 and baffle 2 into the powder hopper body 5 along the sliding groove of the powder hopper body 5.

[0043] 3. Install the push rod assemblies 4 on both the front and rear sides so that they can effectively close the baffle 1 and baffle 2 6 under the action of the spring.

[0044] 4. Install bosses 7 in the molding chamber. Bosses 7 are located at both ends of the movement trajectory of roller 2. Adjust the specific position of bosses 7 on the movement trajectory according to the opening and closing size of the baffle.

[0045] 5. Install the scraper 3 onto the powder hopper body 5.

[0046] Example 4

[0047] During printing, the raw material powder is fed into the powder hopper body 5 by controlling the powder feeding hopper. The scraper 3 moves to one end, and the opposite side baffle 1 opens under the action of the boss 7, allowing the raw material powder to fall on that side. The laser scans the printing area, and after scanning, the raw material powder is spread out by the running scraper 3. When the scraper 3 moves to the other end, the opposite side baffle 2 opens under the action of the boss 7 on the other side, allowing the raw material powder to fall on that side. The laser scans the printing area, and after scanning, the raw material powder is spread out by the running scraper 3. During this process, the powder feeding hopper replenishes the raw material powder to the powder replenishment hopper body 5 in a timely manner. After printing, the two side baffles 1 and 2 6 are manually lifted to clean the residual raw material powder in the powder hopper body 5, the scraper 3 is replaced, and the machine is ready for the next printing.

[0048] In summary, this invention achieves bidirectional powder spreading with a single scraper, featuring a simple structure, convenient installation, and reduced equipment costs. It enables high-efficiency SLM molding with uniform powder distribution, without affecting the structural stability of the 3D printer. The smooth operation of the scraper greatly improves the efficiency of bidirectional powder spreading in selective laser melting.

Claims

1. A method of using a single-scraper bidirectional powder spreading device, the device comprising a powder hopper body (5) and a forming chamber, characterized in that: The powder hopper body (5) is connected to two sides of baffle one (1) and baffle two (6) respectively, and a scraper (3) is connected to the bottom; push rod assembly (4) is provided on the upper surface of baffle one (1) and baffle two (6), and a partition with a pointed top is provided inside the powder hopper body (5); rollers (2) are connected to the bottom of baffle one (1) and baffle two (6); a boss (7) is provided in the molding chamber, and the boss (7) is located at both ends of the movement trajectory of the roller (2); sliding grooves are provided on both sides of the powder hopper body (5), and baffle one (1) and baffle two (6) are slidably connected to the sliding grooves; baffle one (1) and baffle two (6) move along the sliding grooves according to the up and down movement of the roller (2); The device is used as follows: ① Install the powder hopper body (5), baffle one (1), baffle two (6), push rod assembly (4) and roller (2); ② Install the powder hopper body (5) on the printer and work in conjunction with the upper powder hopper so that the raw material powder falling from the powder hopper can effectively fall into the powder hopper body (5) from the upper end of the powder hopper; ③ Adjust the push rod assembly (4) on the front and rear sides so that the push rod assembly (4) can effectively close the baffle one (1) and the baffle two (6). ④ Install the boss (7) inside the molding chamber; ⑤ Install the scraper (3) and level its position. Control the powder hopper to drop the raw material powder into the powder hopper body (5) and start the printing program. ⑥ During the printing process, the powder hopper is driven by the motor assembly to reciprocate. When the powder hopper moves to one end of the stroke, the roller (2) is lifted up along the boss (7), thereby driving the baffle (1) to move up along the sliding grooves on both sides of the powder hopper body (5). At this time, the powder in the partition on that side falls freely, completing the single-sided powder drop. Similarly, when the powder hopper moves to the other end of the stroke, the powder in the partition on the other side falls freely. Under the action of the scraper (3), the single scraper double-sided powder spreading action is realized. After printing, the baffles (1) and the second baffle (6) on both sides are lifted to clean the residual raw material powder in the powder hopper body (5), and the scraper (3) is replaced to wait for the next printing.

2. The method of using the single-scraper bidirectional powder spreading device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The push rod assembly (4) includes a push rod and a spring sleeved on the push rod, with a ball connected to the lower end of the push rod.

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