Filling type high-flux powder spreading device for laser powder bed melting additive manufacturing

Abstract

The invention discloses a filling type high-throughput powder spreading device for laser powder bed melting additive manufacturing, belongs to the technical field of powder spreading, and aims at solving the problems that only one layer can be printed at a time, and the manufacturing capacity of a high-throughput LPBF process printing multilayer structure and the innovation and research and development speed of the process are limited. A second C-shaped frame is fixed to one side of the top face of the bottom plate, a second top plate is arranged below the second C-shaped frame, a plurality of evenly-distributed second electric push rods are fixed to the bottom face of the second top plate, filling devices are fixed to the bottom faces of the second electric push rods, and second pistons are fixed to the output ends of the second electric push rods. According to the invention, a plurality of metal samples with controllable layer thickness and different formulas can be printed at one time with high throughput, and the manufacturing capability of a high-throughput LPBF process for printing a multilayer structure and the innovation and research and development speed of the process are greatly improved. Therefore, various different experiment requirements can be met. Implementation of the multi-layer printing and layer thickness control functions is a key innovation point of the method, and the flexibility and applicability of the high-throughput LPBF process are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of powder spreading, and in particular relates to a filling-type high-throughput powder spreading device for laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing. Background Art

[0002] Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), as one of the metal additive manufacturing technologies, has unique advantages in printing complex metal parts with high relative density, high dimensional accuracy and good structural mechanical properties. LPBF technology is a unique rapid repeated heating and cooling process that requires a special metal alloy formulation. However, the formulations currently developed for LPBF are limited to a certain number of traditional metal alloys, such as 316L, TC4, AISi10Mg, etc. The reason for this result is that the materials currently on the market are created using the traditional unit alloying idea. The development of multi-component alloys stems from the new concept of multi-element alloying of LPBF. This concept has attracted more attention because it has the potential to provide better and customized properties than traditional alloys. Multi-component alloys are made by mixing two or more main elements in equal or larger proportions, which requires a lot of experiments to explore new formulations.

[0003] High-throughput screening is a technique for large-scale, automated design, production, and characterization of materials to accelerate the discovery of new formulations. The use of high-throughput technology to develop LPBF materials offers broad prospects for exploring new multi-component alloy formulations and expanding material databases.

[0004] High-throughput LPBF can prepare alloy samples of multiple components on the same substrate in a single pass, which greatly speeds up the innovation and development of alloy formulas and process coordination suitable for LPBF technology. High-throughput LPBF can achieve the laying of alloy powders of different components in different areas on the same substrate.

[0005] After searching, the Chinese patent publication number CN117505888A discloses a high-throughput powder spreading device for laser selective melting (LPBF) additive manufacturing. When this device performs laser melting, the alloy ratio mixed each time can be different, and a large number of discrete alloy samples with different components can be prepared in a short time, thereby greatly accelerating the development of alloy formulas and process parameters suitable for LPBF technology.

[0006] However, the device limits the number of printed layers of the sample, and only one layer can be printed at a time, which greatly restricts the manufacturing capability of the LPBF process to print multi-layer structures and the speed of innovation and development of the process.

[0007] Therefore, a filling-type high-throughput powder-laying device for laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing is needed to solve the problem in the prior art that only one layer can be printed at a time, which limits the manufacturing capacity of the LPBF process to print multi-layer structures and the innovation and R&D speed of its process. Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a filling-type high-throughput powder spreading device for laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing to solve the problems raised in the above-mentioned background technology.

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: a filling-type high-throughput powder spreading device for laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing, comprising a base plate, a second C-shaped frame is fixed to one side of the top surface of the base plate, a second top plate is arranged below the second C-shaped frame, a plurality of evenly distributed second electric push rods are fixed to the bottom surface of the second top plate, a filler is fixed to the bottom surface of the second electric push rod, a second piston is fixed to the output end of the second electric push rod, and the second piston is located in the filler, a fixing frame is arranged above the base plate, a plurality of evenly distributed first electric push rods are fixed to the bottom surface of the inner side wall of the fixing frame, an outer column is fixed to the output end of the first electric push rod, a first top plate is fixed to the top surface of the fixing frame, and a plurality of evenly distributed openings are opened on the top surface of the first top plate.

[0010] Furthermore, a mounting plate is arranged above the bottom plate, a fixing strip is fixed to the inner side wall of the mounting plate, and a powder spreading roller is movably connected inside the fixing strip.

[0011] Furthermore, a first piston is fixed to the top surface of the outer column, and the first piston is correspondingly engaged in the opening.

[0012] Furthermore, a first linear motor is fixed on the top surface of the bottom plate, a first slider is arranged on the first linear motor, an L-shaped plate is fixed on the top surface of the first slider, and the fixing frame is fixed to the top of one side surface of the L-shaped plate.

[0013] Furthermore, a third linear motor is fixed to the top surface of the inner side wall of the second C-shaped frame, a third slider is arranged on the third linear motor, and the top surface of the second top plate is fixed to the bottom surface of the third slider.

[0014] Furthermore, a first C-shaped frame is fixed to the middle of the top surface of the bottom plate, a second linear motor is fixed to the top surface of the inner wall of the first C-shaped frame, and a second sliding block is arranged on the second linear motor.

[0015] Furthermore, a connecting plate is fixed to the bottom surface of the second sliding block, and the bottom surface of the connecting plate is fixed to the top surface of the mounting plate.

[0016] Furthermore, four evenly distributed recovery grooves are provided on the top surface of the first top plate.

[0017] Furthermore, there are sixteen openings, and the sixteen openings are distributed in an array.

[0018] Furthermore, there are sixteen first electric push rods, which are distributed in an array, and there are sixteen second electric push rods, which are distributed in an array.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a filling type high-throughput powder spreading device for laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing, which has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0020] (1) Multi-layer printing and layer thickness control: The device can print multiple layers at a time and control the layer thickness, which greatly improves the manufacturing capability of high-throughput LPBF process to print multi-layer structures and the innovation and development speed of the process. This can meet a variety of different experimental requirements. The realization of multi-layer printing and layer thickness control functions is the key innovation of the present invention, which improves the flexibility and applicability of the high-throughput LPBF process.

[0021] (2) High-throughput powder supply system: The powder supply system with 16 fillers is designed to load mixed powders of different proportions in parallel, realizing high-throughput preparation of samples with multiple component proportions. The design and layout of this system is one of the key points and can significantly improve the preparation efficiency.

[0022] (3) Precise powder distribution and laying control: Develop a precise control system to precisely control the up and down movement of the second piston of the powder supply system, the horizontal movement of the powder laying roller, and the movement of the first top plate to ensure that the mixed powder can be evenly and accurately distributed to the 16 openings of the substrate. The hardware and software design of this control system is the focus of protection.

[0023] (4) Compatibility design: The size of the first top plate is consistent with that of current commercial LPBF equipment (such as BLT S200), which is 105×105 mm, ensuring that the first top plate loaded with multi-proportion mixed powder is suitable for the subsequent laser melting process, thereby achieving compatibility with existing LPBF equipment. This compatibility design enables the present invention to be seamlessly integrated into the existing LPBF process, improving the versatility of the equipment.

[0024] (5) Control system hardware and software: The control system hardware includes a control terminal, a control board, a driver, a first linear motor, a second linear motor and a third linear motor, and the software system is developed based on Labview. The movement of the filler, the first top plate, the powder spreading roller, etc. is accurately controlled to simplify the operation process and improve the accuracy and reliability of the operation. This integrated control system of hardware and software is the core protection point of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second sliding block of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mounting plate of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing frame of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the top view of the first top plate of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the filler of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the first piston of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the second piston structure of the present invention;

[0033] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hardware control flow chart of the control system of the present invention.

[0034] In the figure:

[0035] 100, bottom plate; 101, first linear motor; 102, first slider; 103, L-shaped plate;

[0036] 200, fixed frame; 201, first top plate; 202, opening; 203, recovery tank;

[0037] 300, first electric push rod; 301, outer column; 302, first piston;

[0038] 400, second linear motor; 401, second slider; 402, connecting plate; 403, mounting plate; 404, fixing bar; 405, powder spreading roller;

[0039] 500, third linear motor; 501, third slider; 502, second top plate; 503, second electric push rod; 504, filler; 505, second piston;

[0040] 600, first C-frame; 601, second C-frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical scheme in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described in combination with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments in the present disclosure and the features in the embodiments can be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged with each other. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] In the accompanying drawings, the size and relative size of components may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. When the exemplary embodiments may be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed in a different order than described. For example, two successively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in an order opposite to the order described. In addition, the same reference numerals represent the same components.

[0043] The terms used here are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to be restrictive. As used here, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one (kind, person)" and "said (the)" are also intended to include plural forms. In addition, when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" and their variations are used in this specification, it is explained that there are stated features, integral bodies, steps, operations, parts, assemblies and / or their groups, but it is not excluded that there are or add one or more other features, integral bodies, steps, operations, parts, assemblies and / or their groups. It should also be noted that, as used here, the terms "substantially", "approximately" and other similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as degree terms, so that they are used to explain the inherent deviations of the measured values, calculated values ​​and / or the values ​​provided that will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0044] A specific embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 1-Figure 9As shown, a filling-type high-throughput powder spreading device for laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing is disclosed, including a base plate 100, a second C-shaped frame 601 is fixed to one side of the top surface of the base plate 100, a second top plate 502 is arranged below the second C-shaped frame 601, a plurality of evenly distributed second electric push rods 503 are fixed to the bottom surface of the second top plate 502, a filler 504 is fixed to the bottom surface of the second electric push rod 503, a second piston 505 is fixed to the output end of the second electric push rod 503, and the second piston 505 is located in the filler 504, a fixed frame 200 is arranged above the base plate 100, a plurality of evenly distributed first electric push rods 300 are fixed to the bottom surface of the inner side wall of the fixed frame 200, an outer column 301 is fixed to the output end of the first electric push rod 300, a first top plate 201 is fixed to the top surface of the fixed frame 200, and a plurality of evenly distributed openings 202 are opened on the top surface of the first top plate 201.

[0045] As a further solution of the present invention, a mounting plate 403 is arranged above the bottom plate 100 , a fixing bar 404 is fixed to the inner wall of the mounting plate 403 , and a powder spreading roller 405 is movably connected inside the fixing bar 404 .

[0046] By providing the powder spreading roller 405 , after the mixed metal powder discharged from the filler 504 is injected into the opening 202 , the powder spreading roller 405 can smooth the metal powder on the top of the opening 202 .

[0047] As a further solution of the present invention, a first piston 302 is fixed to the top surface of the outer column 301 , and the first piston 302 is correspondingly engaged in the opening 202 .

[0048] By setting the first piston 302 , the metal powder is used to print the metal sample on the first piston 302 .

[0049] As a further solution of the present invention, a first linear motor 101 is fixed on the top surface of the base plate 100, a first slider 102 is arranged on the first linear motor 101, an L-shaped plate 103 is fixed on the top surface of the first slider 102, and the fixing frame 200 is fixed to the top of one side of the L-shaped plate 103.

[0050] The first linear motor 101 is provided to enable the fixing frame 200 to move, thereby enabling the first top plate 201 to move and correspond to the filler 504 .

[0051] As a further solution of the present invention, a third linear motor 500 is fixed to the top surface of the inner wall of the second C-shaped frame 601 , a third slider 501 is provided on the third linear motor 500 , and the top surface of the second top plate 502 is fixed to the bottom surface of the third slider 501 .

[0052] The third linear motor 500 is provided to enable the second top plate 502 to move, and after the filler 504 is filled with metal powder, the second top plate 502 can move to a corresponding position to perform the next step of filling the opening 202 with metal powder.

[0053] This solution has the following working process: first, the mixed metal powder is placed in sixteen fillers 504, and then the third linear motor 500 is operated to move the third slider 501, and the movement of the third slider 501 drives the second top plate 502 to move, and finally the sixteen fillers 504 are moved to the corresponding positions, and then the first linear motor 101 is started, and the movement of the first linear motor 101 drives the first slider 102 to move, and then drives the L-shaped plate 103 to move, and finally the fixed frame 200 is moved to the corresponding position, and the sixteen openings 202 are matched with the sixteen fillers 504. At this time, according to actual needs, the sixteen first electric push rods 300 are started, and the output end of the first electric push rod 300 moves to drive the first piston 302 to move, and then the first piston 302 moves up to the specified position, which can control the layer thickness of the metal powder. Start the second electric push rod 503, the output end of the second electric push rod 503 moves and drives the second piston 505 to move, the second piston 505 moves to push the metal powder in the filler 504 out, so that the metal powder enters the opening 202, and then control the first linear motor 101 to rotate in the opposite direction to move the first slider 102, the movement of the first slider 102 drives the first top plate 201 to move, so that the first top plate 201 moves to the position directly below the second linear motor 400, start the second linear motor 400, so that the second slider 401 moves, and then the powder spreading roller 405 moves, when the powder spreading roller 405 moves to the first top plate 201, the powder spreading roller 405 pushes the metal powder on the first top plate 201 into the corresponding recovery groove 203.

[0054] According to the above working process, we can know that:

[0055] High-throughput powder supply system: A powder supply system with 16 fillers 504 is designed to load mixed powders of different proportions in parallel, achieving high-throughput preparation of samples with multiple component proportions. The design and layout of this system is one of the key points and can significantly improve the preparation efficiency.

[0056] Precise powder distribution and laying control: Develop a precise control system to precisely control the up and down movement of the second piston 505 of the powder supply system, the horizontal movement of the powder laying roller 405, and the movement of the first top plate 201, to ensure that the mixed powder can be evenly and accurately distributed into the 16 openings 202 of the substrate. The hardware and software design of this control system is the focus of protection.

[0057] Multi-layer printing and layer thickness control: The device can print multiple layers and control the layer thickness by pre-controlling the movement of the output end of the first electric push rod 300 so that the first piston 302 moves upward. This can meet a variety of different experimental requirements. The realization of multi-layer printing and layer thickness control functions is the key innovation of the present invention, which improves the flexibility and applicability of the LPBF process.

[0058] Compatibility design: The size of the first top plate 201 is consistent with that of the current commercial LPBF equipment (such as BLT S200), which is 105×105 mm, ensuring that the first top plate 201 loaded with multi-proportion mixed powder is suitable for the subsequent laser melting process, thereby achieving compatibility with the existing LPBF equipment. This compatibility design enables the present invention to be seamlessly integrated into the existing LPBF process, improving the versatility of the equipment.

[0059] Control system hardware and software: The control system hardware includes a control terminal, a control board, a driver, a first linear motor 101, a second linear motor 400 and a third linear motor 500, and the software system is developed based on Labview. The movement of the filler 504, the first top plate 201, the powder spreading roller 405, etc. is accurately controlled to simplify the operation process and improve the accuracy and reliability of the operation. This integrated control system of hardware and software is the core protection point of the present invention.

[0060] As a further solution of the present invention, a first C-shaped frame 600 is fixed to the middle of the top surface of the base plate 100 , a second linear motor 400 is fixed to the top surface of the inner wall of the first C-shaped frame 600 , and a second slider 401 is provided on the second linear motor 400 .

[0061] By setting up the second linear motor 400 , the powder spreading roller 405 can move back and forth to flatten the metal powder on the top of the opening 202 below the powder spreading roller 405 .

[0062] As a further solution of the present invention, a connecting plate 402 is fixed to the bottom surface of the second sliding block 401 , and the bottom surface of the connecting plate 402 is fixed to the top surface of the mounting plate 403 .

[0063] By providing the connecting plate 402, the second slider 401 can be connected to the mounting plate 403, so that the powder spreading roller 405 can be driven to move when the second slider 401 moves.

[0064] As a further solution of the present invention, four evenly distributed recovery grooves 203 are provided on the top surface of the first top plate 201 .

[0065] By setting the recovery groove 203 , when the powder spreading roller 405 smoothes the metal powder on the top of the opening 202 , the excess metal powder can enter the recovery groove 203 and be collected.

[0066] As a further solution of the present invention, there are sixteen openings 202, and the sixteen openings 202 are distributed in an array.

[0067] The sixteen openings 202 are arranged so that metal powder can be injected into different openings 202 .

[0068] As a further solution of the present invention, there are sixteen first electric push rods 300 , which are distributed in an array, and there are sixteen second electric push rods 503 , which are distributed in an array.

[0069] The high-throughput preparation efficiency of the mixed metal powder is improved by providing sixteen first electric push rods 300 and second electric push rods 503 .

[0070] The powder spreading device also includes control system hardware, which is composed of a control terminal, a control board, a driver, a first linear motor 101, a second linear motor 400, and a third linear motor 500. When the powder spreading device is used, the control terminal is operated, and the control terminal transmits the operation signal to the control board, and the control board controls the driver, and the driver controls the start-up operation of the first linear motor 101, the second linear motor 400, and the third linear motor 500 in sequence by an internal program, so as to realize the function of the entire powder spreading device. The software system will be developed based on Labview.

[0071] The size of the first top plate 201 of the device is consistent with that of the current commercial LPBF equipment (BLT S200), which is 105×105 mm, to ensure that the first top plate 201 loaded with multi-ratio mixed powder is suitable for the subsequent laser melting process.

[0072] In summary: first, the mixed metal powder is placed in sixteen fillers 504, and then the third linear motor 500 is operated to move the third slider 501, and the movement of the third slider 501 drives the second top plate 502 to move, and finally the sixteen fillers 504 are moved to the corresponding positions, and then the first linear motor 101 is started, and the movement of the first linear motor 101 drives the first slider 102 to move, and then drives the L-shaped plate 103 to move, and finally the fixed frame 200 is moved to the corresponding position, and the sixteen openings 202 are matched with the sixteen fillers 504. At this time, according to actual needs, the sixteen first electric push rods 300 are started, and the output end of the first electric push rod 300 moves to drive the first piston 302 to move, and then the first piston 302 moves up to the specified position, which can control the layer thickness of the metal powder. Start the second electric push rod 503, the output end of the second electric push rod 503 moves and drives the second piston 505 to move, the second piston 505 moves to push the metal powder in the filler 504 out, so that the metal powder enters the opening 202, and then control the first linear motor 101 to rotate in the opposite direction to move the first slider 102, the movement of the first slider 102 drives the first top plate 201 to move, so that the first top plate 201 moves to the position directly below the second linear motor 400, start the second linear motor 400, so that the second slider 401 moves, and then the powder spreading roller 405 moves, when the powder spreading roller 405 moves to the first top plate 201, the powder spreading roller 405 pushes the metal powder on the first top plate 201 into the corresponding recovery groove 203.

[0073] The first linear motor 101, the second linear motor 400, the third linear motor 500, the first electric push rod 300 and the second electric push rod 503 can all be purchased on the market, which are mature technologies in this field and have been fully disclosed, so they are not repeated in the specification.

[0074] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A filling type high throughput powder spreading device for laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing, comprising a base plate (100), characterized in that: A second C-shaped frame (601) is fixed on one side of the top surface of the bottom plate (100); a second top plate (502) is arranged below the second C-shaped frame (601); a plurality of evenly distributed second electric push rods (503) are fixed on the bottom surface of the second top plate (502); a filler (504) is fixed on the bottom surface of the second electric push rod (503); a second piston (505) is fixed at the output end of the second electric push rod (503); the second piston (505) is located in the filler (504); a fixing frame (200) is arranged above the bottom plate (100); a plurality of evenly distributed first electric push rods (300) are fixed on the bottom surface of the inner side wall of the fixing frame (200); an outer column (301) is fixed at the output end of the first electric push rod (300); a first top plate (201) is fixed on the top surface of the fixing frame (200); and a plurality of evenly distributed openings (202) are opened on the top surface of the first top plate (201).

2. The filling type high-throughput powder spreading device for laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing according to claim 1, characterized in that: A mounting plate (403) is arranged above the bottom plate (100), a fixing strip (404) is fixed to the inner side wall of the mounting plate (403), and a powder spreading roller (405) is movably connected inside the fixing strip (404).

3. The filling type high-throughput powder spreading device for laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing according to claim 2, characterized in that: A first piston (302) is fixed on the top surface of the outer column (301), and the first piston (302) is correspondingly engaged in the opening (202).

4. The filling type high-throughput powder spreading device for laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing according to claim 3 is characterized in that: A first linear motor (101) is fixed on the top surface of the base plate (100), a first slider (102) is provided on the first linear motor (101), an L-shaped plate (103) is fixed on the top surface of the first slider (102), and the fixing frame (200) is fixed to the top of one side of the L-shaped plate (103).

5. The filling type high-throughput powder spreading device for laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing according to claim 4, characterized in that: A third linear motor (500) is fixed to the top surface of the inner wall of the second C-shaped frame (601), a third slider (501) is arranged on the third linear motor (500), and the top surface of the second top plate (502) is fixed to the bottom surface of the third slider (501).

6. The filling type high-throughput powder spreading device for laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing according to claim 5, characterized in that: A first C-shaped frame (600) is fixed to the middle of the top surface of the bottom plate (100), a second linear motor (400) is fixed to the top surface of the inner wall of the first C-shaped frame (600), and a second slider (401) is arranged on the second linear motor (400).

7. The filling type high-throughput powder spreading device for laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing according to claim 6, characterized in that: A connecting plate (402) is fixed to the bottom surface of the second sliding block (401), and the bottom surface of the connecting plate (402) is fixed to the top surface of the mounting plate (403).

8. The filling type high-throughput powder spreading device for laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing according to claim 7, characterized in that: The top surface of the first top plate (201) is provided with four evenly distributed recovery grooves (203).

9. The filling type high-throughput powder spreading device for laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing according to claim 8, characterized in that: There are sixteen openings (202), and the sixteen openings (202) are distributed in an array.

10. The filling type high-throughput powder spreading device for laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing according to claim 9, characterized in that: There are sixteen first electric push rods (300), and the sixteen first electric push rods (300) are distributed in an array; there are sixteen second electric push rods (503), and the sixteen second electric push rods (503) are distributed in an array.

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