Rapid photocuring 3D printing system based on SLIPS lubricating interface and preparation method of SLIPS lubricating interface

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of 3D printing, and discloses a rapid photocuring 3D printing system based on an SLIPS lubricating interface and a preparation method of the SLIPS lubricating interface, the rapid photocuring 3D printing system comprises a rapid photocuring printing table and a light machine, the light machine is placed in front of the rapid photocuring printing table and provides light for the rapid photocuring printing table, the rapid photocuring printing table comprises a liquid tank, and the liquid tank is arranged in front of the rapid photocuring printing table and provides light for the rapid photocuring printing table. The liquid tank is used for injecting curing liquid, the bottom of the liquid tank is provided with an SLIPS lubricating interface, and the SLIPS lubricating interface plays a lubricating role and reduces adhesion of the curing liquid. The SLIPS lubrication interface technology is applied to the rapid photocuring 3D printing system, the sliding performance between the material and a printing platform in the printing process is improved, material adhesion is reduced, and therefore the quality and printing efficiency of a printed piece are improved. Through the design of the SLIPS lubricating interface, the printing failure rate can be remarkably reduced, and the service life of equipment can be prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of 3D printing, and in particular relates to a rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on a SLIPS lubricating interface and a method for preparing the SLIPS lubricating interface. Background Art

[0002] In the rapidly developing manufacturing and scientific research fields, photocuring 3D printing technology, as a revolutionary manufacturing method, has been widely used in many fields such as medical devices, aerospace, and precision parts manufacturing. Although traditional digital light processing (DLP) technology performs well in terms of precision and complexity, its printing efficiency is low and its surface quality is limited by the obvious step effect. These problems are becoming increasingly prominent. The step effect originates from the layer-by-layer curing process. Especially when printing inclined and curved surfaces, the step marks on the edge of each layer of cured resin will cause the surface of the final product to be rough, affecting the appearance and functional performance. In order to improve printing efficiency and reduce surface defects, rapid photocuring technology has become a research hotspot, aiming to shorten the printing cycle through a continuous printing process, but this puts higher requirements on the separation interface between the printing platform and the cured resin.

[0003] Currently, the continuous liquid surface photocuring (CLIP) technology achieves almost uninterrupted printing and improves efficiency by inhibiting the curing process with oxygen, but the special breathable membrane it relies on is expensive and needs to be replaced regularly, increasing the cost of use and the complexity of maintenance. In addition, how to maintain the stability of the printing interface during high-speed continuous printing and prevent the rapid loss of membrane materials is another major challenge facing CLIP technology. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on a SLIPS lubricating interface and a method for preparing a SLIPS lubricating interface, so as to solve the adhesion problem existing in the rapid light-curing 3D printing process.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the specific technical solutions of a rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on a SLIPS lubricating interface and a method for preparing a SLIPS lubricating interface of the present invention are as follows: A rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on a SLIPS lubricating interface comprises a rapid light-curing printing table and an optical machine, wherein the optical machine is placed in front of the rapid light-curing printing table to provide light for the rapid light-curing printing table, the rapid light-curing printing table comprises a liquid tank, the liquid tank is used to inject a curing liquid, and the bottom of the liquid tank has a SLIPS lubricating interface, the SLIPS lubricating interface plays a lubricating role to reduce the adhesion of the curing liquid.

[0006] Furthermore, the SLIPS lubricating interface includes a base structure and a lubricating liquid layer, the lubricating liquid layer covers the base structure, and the contact angle between the base structure and the lubricating liquid layer is greater than 80 degrees.

[0007] Furthermore, the base structure is composed of a base material, the base material is PDMS material, and the surface of the base structure has a geometric micro-nano structure.

[0008] Furthermore, the lubricating liquid layer is perfluoropolyether oil.

[0009] Furthermore, the rapid light-curing printing table also includes a work surface, glass, a light path refraction mirror, a molding platform and a lifting mechanism, the glass is installed on the upper surface of the work surface, the liquid tank is installed on the upper surface of the glass, the lifting mechanism is fixedly installed on one side of the work surface, the molding platform is installed on the lifting mechanism and aligned with the liquid tank, the light path refraction mirror is installed below the work surface and faces the optical machine, the optical machine is used to emit a light beam of a specific wavelength to solidify the liquid curing liquid, the work surface is used to carry the object to be printed, and the lifting mechanism realizes precise displacement control during the printing process.

[0010] Furthermore, the optical machine adopts a high-power LE3D or laser as a light source, the work surface is made of an optical breadboard, and the lifting mechanism adopts a stepper motor transmission mode.

[0011] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism includes a stepper motor, a lead screw, a guide rail and a slider. The guide rail is vertically fixed on one side of the worktable, the stepper motor is fixedly installed above the guide rail, the lead screw is parallel to the guide rail, and the upper end is fixedly connected to the stepper motor. The slider is threadedly connected to the lead screw and slidably connected to the guide rail. The forming platform is fixedly connected to the front end of the slider. The lead screw rotates when driven by the stepper motor, driving the slider to move up and down to realize the up and down movement of the forming platform.

[0012] The present invention also discloses a method for preparing a SLIPS lubricating interface, comprising the following steps: Step S1: uniformly mix the PDMS substrate and the curing agent; Step S2: adding citric acid monohydrate as a sacrificial template to the PDMS mixture, the citric acid monohydrate particles have a certain size distribution, and finally a porous material with a desired pore structure is obtained, and the particles are fully dispersed in the PDMS; Step S3: placing the PDMS mixture containing the sacrificial template in a vacuum environment for degassing to remove possible air bubbles inside; Step S4: pouring the degassed mixture into a mold and performing a curing treatment to transform the PDMS from a liquid state to a solid state; Step S5: Once the PDMS is completely cured, the entire structure is immersed in water. Over time, the citric acid monohydrate crystals will gradually dissolve in the water, leaving cavities inside the PDMS to form a porous structure; Step S6: thoroughly clean all residues and allow the sample to dry to form a base structure; Step S7: injecting a selected lubricating liquid onto the substrate structure to form a stable SLIPS lubricating interface. Before injecting the lubricating liquid, the surface of the substrate structure is cleaned and dried to ensure that the lubricating liquid can stably adhere to the substrate. Step S8: ensuring the formation of a stable SLIPS lubricating interface by immersing in lubricating liquid.

[0013] A rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on a SLIPS lubricating interface and a method for preparing a SLIPS lubricating interface of the present invention have the following advantages: (1) The present invention improves the sliding performance between the material and the printing platform during the printing process and reduces material adhesion by applying SLIPS lubricating interface technology to a rapid light-curing 3D printing system, thereby improving the quality of the printed parts and the printing efficiency. The design of the SLIPS lubricating interface can not only significantly reduce the printing failure rate, but also extend the service life of the equipment.

[0014] (2) By forming a stable lubricating liquid layer on the base structure, the present invention achieves a super-hydrophobic effect on the surface of the printing platform, making it easy for the material to detach during the printing process, reducing the generation of waste materials and improving the material utilization rate. At the same time, the presence of the lubricating liquid layer reduces the wear that may occur during the printing process, further saving maintenance costs.

[0015] (3) The rapid light-curing printing platform provided by the present invention combines SLIPS lubricating interface technology, making the operation of the entire system easier and reducing the complicated calibration and maintenance work in the traditional printing process. Since there is no need to frequently replace or clean the printing platform, the operation process is simplified and the technical requirements for operators are reduced.

[0016] (4) The rapid light-curing 3D printing system of the present invention can easily upgrade the existing printing system without changing the main structure of the existing printing equipment, without the need to redesign or purchase new printing equipment, greatly saving the cost of equipment replacement. In addition, the present invention also has a wide range of application prospects and is suitable for rapid prototyping of a variety of materials, including but not limited to resins, plastics and other light-curable materials.

[0017] In summary, the present invention provides an efficient, low-cost and easy-to-implement rapid light-curing 3D printing solution, which not only improves printing quality and efficiency, but also reduces maintenance and operating costs. It has broad application prospects and significant economic benefits. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is an overall schematic diagram of the rapid light-curing 3D printing system of the present invention; Figure 2 It is an overall schematic diagram of the rapid light-curing printing station of the present invention; Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the combination of the SLIPS lubricating interface and the printing platform of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the SLIPS lubricating interface substrate structure of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the effect of ordinary light-curing printing products; Figure 6 This is a comparison chart of the effects of the rapid light-curing printing products of the present invention.

[0019] Explanation of the marks in the figure: 1. Rapid light-curing printing table; 11. Work surface; 12. Glass; 13. Liquid tank; 14. Light path refraction mirror; 15. Forming platform; 16. Lifting mechanism; 161. Stepper motor; 162. Screw rod; 163. Guide rail; 164. Slider; 17. SLIPS lubrication interface; 171. Base structure; 172. Lubricating liquid layer; 2. Optical machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In order to better understand the purpose, structure and function of the present invention, a rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on a SLIPS lubricating interface and a method for preparing a SLIPS lubricating interface of the present invention are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0021] like Figure 1 Figure 2 As shown, a rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on a SLIPS lubricating interface of the present invention comprises a rapid light-curing printing table 1 and an optical machine 2. The optical machine 2 is placed in front of the rapid light-curing printing table 1 to provide light for the rapid light-curing printing table 1. The rapid light-curing printing table 1 comprises a work surface 11, a glass 12, a liquid tank 13, an optical path refraction mirror 14, a molding platform 15 and a lifting mechanism 16. The glass 12 is mounted on the upper surface of the work surface 11, the liquid tank 13 is mounted on the upper surface of the glass 12, the lifting mechanism 16 is fixedly mounted on one side of the work surface 11, the molding platform 15 is mounted on the lifting mechanism 16, aligned with the liquid tank 13, and the optical path refraction mirror 14 is mounted below the work surface 11, facing the optical machine 2. The bottom of the liquid tank 13 has a SLIPS lubricating interface 17. The optical machine 2 is used to emit a light beam of a specific wavelength to solidify the liquid curing liquid, the work surface 11 is used to carry the object to be printed, and the lifting mechanism 16 realizes precise displacement control during the printing process.

[0022] When in use, the curing liquid is injected into the liquid tank 13, and the molding platform 15 contacts the liquid surface. Under the action of the light machine 2 and the lifting action of the lifting mechanism 16, the curing liquid is cured layer by layer to form a 3D printing effect between the work surface 11 and the molding platform 15. The SLIPS lubricating interface 17 plays a lubricating role between the work surface and the liquid curing liquid to reduce material adhesion. Preferably, the liquid curing liquid is a resin.

[0023] like Figure 3 As shown, the SLIPS lubricating interface 17 includes a base structure 171 and a lubricating layer 172, the lubricating layer 172 covers the base structure 173, and the contact angle between the base structure 171 and the lubricating layer 172 is greater than 80 degrees, which enhances the fixing ability of the lubricating liquid and the water repellency of the interface, thereby improving the stability and self-healing ability of the SLIPS lubricating interface. The base structure 171 is composed of a base material, and the base material is selected from PDMS material. The surface of the base structure 171 is processed by micro-nano processing to form a micro-nano structure with a specific geometric shape to enhance the adhesion of the lubricating layer and the stability of the interface.

[0024] The lubricating liquid layer 172 is made of a liquid material with high fluidity and stable chemical properties, such as perfluoropolyether oil. The lubricating liquid layer 172 is continuously supplied through a lubricating liquid injection system and maintained within a predetermined thickness range to ensure that minimal friction is generated between the material and the SLIPS lubricating interface during the printing process, thereby improving printing accuracy and speed.

[0025] Preferably, the optical machine 2 uses a high-power LED or a laser as a light source, the work surface 11 is made of an optical breadboard, and the lifting mechanism 16 uses a stepping motor transmission mode.

[0026] The lifting mechanism 16 includes a stepper motor 161, a lead screw 162, a guide rail 163, and a slider 164. The guide rail 163 is vertically fixed on one side of the work surface 11. The stepper motor 161 is fixedly installed above the guide rail 163. The lead screw 162 is parallel to the guide rail 163, and the upper end is fixedly connected to the stepper motor 161. The slider 164 is threadedly connected to the lead screw 162 and slidably connected to the guide rail 163. The molding platform 15 is fixedly connected to the front end of the slider 164. The lead screw 162 rotates under the drive of the stepper motor 161, driving the slider 164 to move up and down to realize the up and down movement of the molding platform 15.

[0027] The method for preparing the SLIPS lubricating interface 17 of the present invention comprises the following steps: Step S1: Mix the PDMS substrate and the curing agent evenly.

[0028] Step S2: Add citric acid monohydrate to the PDMS mixture as a sacrificial template. The citric acid monohydrate particles have a certain size distribution so that a porous material with a desired pore structure can be obtained. Ensure that the particles are fully dispersed in the PDMS.

[0029] Step S3: placing the PDMS mixture containing the sacrificial template in a vacuum environment for degassing to remove possible air bubbles inside.

[0030] Step S4: pour the degassed mixture into a mold and perform a curing treatment to transform the PDMS from a liquid state to a solid state.

[0031] Step S5: Once the PDMS is completely cured, the entire structure is immersed in water. Over time, the citric acid monohydrate crystals will gradually dissolve in the water, leaving cavities inside the PDMS to form a porous structure.

[0032] Step S6: Thoroughly clean all residues and allow the sample to air dry naturally or use other methods to accelerate the drying process to form a base structure 171.

[0033] Step S7: injecting the selected lubricating liquid onto the substrate structure 171 to form a stable SLIPS lubricating interface 17. Before injecting the lubricating liquid, the surface of the substrate structure 171 needs to be cleaned and dried to ensure that the lubricating liquid can stably adhere to the substrate; Step S8: ensuring the formation of a stable SLIPS lubricating interface by immersing in lubricating liquid.

[0034] A method for printing a three-dimensional object with a complex geometric shape and high surface finish by a rapid light-curing 3D printing system of the present invention comprises the following specific processes: Step S1: designing a three-dimensional model using 3D modeling software; Step S2: Slice the design model to generate a printing path; Step S3: setting optimized printing parameters, including but not limited to exposure intensity, exposure time, pulling speed and exposure interval; Step S4: starting the printing system, reducing adhesion through the SLIPS lubricated interface, and rapidly and continuously curing the resin to form a printed object; Step S5: After printing is completed, surface treatment and post-curing treatment are performed to ensure the physical and chemical properties of the final product.

[0035] The present invention provides a fast light-curing 3D printing system based on the SLIPS lubricating interface. By designing a specific micro-nano structure and lubricating liquid layer, it not only solves the problem of the lubricating interface being easily unstable and damaged in fast light-curing 3D printing, but also improves the printing efficiency and the surface quality of the printed parts. The whole process is simple and easy to operate, with low cost, high flexibility and wide adaptability.

[0036] It is to be understood that the present invention is described by some embodiments, and it is known to those skilled in the art that various changes or equivalent substitutions may be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, under the teachings of the present invention, these features and embodiments may be modified to adapt to specific circumstances and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on a SLIPS lubricating interface, comprising a rapid light-curing printing platform (1) and an optical machine (2), wherein the optical machine (2) is placed in front of the rapid light-curing printing platform (1) to provide light for the rapid light-curing printing platform (1), and the rapid light-curing printing platform (1) comprises a liquid tank (13), wherein the liquid tank (13) is used to inject a curing liquid, and is characterized in that: The bottom of the liquid tank (13) is provided with a SLIPS lubricating interface (17), and the SLIPS lubricating interface (17) plays a lubricating role to reduce adhesion of the solidified liquid.

2. The rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on SLIPS lubricating interface according to claim 1, characterized in that: The SLIPS lubricating interface (17) comprises a base structure (171) and a lubricating liquid layer (172), wherein the lubricating liquid layer (172) covers the base structure (171), and a contact angle between the base structure (171) and the lubricating liquid layer (172) is greater than 80 degrees.

3. The rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on SLIPS lubricating interface according to claim 2, characterized in that: The base structure (171) is composed of a base material, wherein the base material is PDMS material, and the surface of the base structure (171) has a micro-nano structure with a geometric shape.

4. The rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on SLIPS lubricating interface according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lubricating liquid layer (172) is perfluoropolyether oil.

5. The rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on SLIPS lubricating interface according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rapid light-curing printing table (1) further comprises a work surface (11), a glass (12), a light path refraction mirror (14), a molding platform (15) and a lifting mechanism (16), wherein the glass (12) is mounted on the upper surface of the work surface, the liquid tank (13) is mounted on the upper surface of the glass (12), the lifting mechanism (16) is fixedly mounted on one side of the work surface (11), the molding platform (15) is mounted on the lifting mechanism (16) and aligned with the liquid tank (13), the light path refraction mirror (14) is mounted below the work surface (11) and facing the optical machine (2), the optical machine (2) is used to emit a light beam of a specific wavelength to solidify a liquid curing liquid, the work surface (11) is used to carry an object to be printed, and the lifting mechanism (16) realizes precise displacement control during the printing process.

6. The rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on SLIPS lubricating interface according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical machine (2) uses a high-power LE3D or laser as a light source, the work surface (11) is made of an optical breadboard, and the lifting mechanism (16) uses a stepping motor (161) transmission method.

7. The rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on SLIPS lubricating interface according to claim 6, characterized in that: The lifting mechanism (16) comprises a stepper motor (161), a lead screw (162), a guide rail (163) and a slider (164); the guide rail (163) is vertically fixed to one side of the work surface (11); the stepper motor (161) is fixedly mounted above the guide rail (163); the lead screw (162) is parallel to the guide rail (163) and its upper end is fixedly connected to the stepper motor (161); the slider (164) is threadedly connected to the lead screw (162) and slidably connected to the guide rail (163); the molding platform (15) is fixedly connected to the front end of the slider (164); the lead screw (162) rotates under the drive of the stepper motor (161) to drive the slider (164) to move up and down, thereby realizing the up and down movement of the molding platform (15).

8. A method for preparing a SLIPS lubricating interface, characterized in that: The steps include: Step S1: uniformly mix the PDMS substrate and the curing agent; Step S2: adding citric acid monohydrate as a sacrificial template to the PDMS mixture, the citric acid monohydrate particles have a certain size distribution, and finally a porous material with a desired pore structure is obtained, and the particles are fully dispersed in the PDMS; Step S3: placing the PDMS mixture containing the sacrificial template in a vacuum environment for degassing to remove possible air bubbles inside; Step S4: pouring the degassed mixture into a mold and performing a curing treatment to transform the PDMS from a liquid state to a solid state; Step S5: Once the PDMS is completely cured, the entire structure is immersed in water. Over time, the citric acid monohydrate crystals will gradually dissolve in the water, leaving cavities inside the PDMS to form a porous structure; Step S6: thoroughly clean all residues and allow the sample to dry to form a base structure (171); Step S7: injecting a selected lubricating liquid onto the substrate structure (171) to form a stable SLIPS lubricating interface (17). Before injecting the lubricating liquid, the surface of the substrate structure (171) is cleaned and dried to ensure that the lubricating liquid can be stably attached to the substrate. Step S8: Ensure the formation of a stable SLIPS lubricating interface by soaking in lubricating liquid (17).

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