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

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the field of 3D printing technology, and discloses a rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on a SLIPS lubricating interface and a method for preparing the SLIPS lubricating interface, comprising 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, and the rapid light-curing printing table comprises a liquid tank, wherein the liquid tank is used to inject a curing liquid, and the bottom of the liquid tank has a SLIPS lubricating interface, wherein the SLIPS lubricating interface plays a lubricating role and reduces the adhesion of the curing liquid. The present invention improves the sliding performance between the material and the printing platform during the printing process and reduces the adhesion of the material by applying the SLIPS lubricating interface technology to the rapid light-curing 3D printing system, thereby improving the quality of the printed part 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.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of 3D printing technology, 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, which is becoming increasingly prominent. The step effect is caused by the layer-by-layer curing process. Especially when printing inclined and curved surfaces, the step marks at 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 places higher requirements on the separation interface between the printing platform and the cured resin.

[0003] Currently, continuous liquid interface photopolymerization (CLIP) technology achieves nearly uninterrupted printing by inhibiting the curing process with oxygen, improving efficiency. However, the specialized breathable membrane it relies on is expensive and requires regular replacement, increasing operational costs and maintenance complexity. Furthermore, maintaining the stability of the print interface during high-speed continuous printing and preventing rapid membrane wear 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 lubricated interface and a method for preparing a SLIPS lubricated interface to solve the adhesion problem existing in the rapid light-curing 3D printing process.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the specific technical solutions of the present invention, a rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on a SLIPS lubricated interface and a method for preparing a SLIPS lubricated interface, are as follows:

[0006] A rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on a SLIPS lubricating interface includes a rapid light-curing printing platform and an optical machine. The optical machine is placed in front of the rapid light-curing printing platform to provide light for the rapid light-curing printing platform. The rapid light-curing printing platform includes a liquid tank for injecting a curing liquid. The bottom of the liquid tank has a SLIPS lubricating interface. The SLIPS lubricating interface acts as a lubricant to reduce adhesion of the curing liquid.

[0007] Furthermore, the SLIPS lubricating interface includes a base structure and a lubricating liquid layer, wherein the lubricating liquid layer covers the base structure, and a contact angle between the base structure and the lubricating liquid layer is greater than 80 degrees.

[0008] 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.

[0009] Furthermore, the lubricating liquid layer is perfluoropolyether oil.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism includes a stepper motor, a screw rod, a guide rail and a slider. The guide rail is vertically fixed on one side of the work table. The stepper motor is fixedly installed above the guide rail. The screw rod is parallel to the guide rail and the upper end is fixedly connected to the stepper motor. The slider is threadedly connected to the screw rod and slidingly connected to the guide rail. The forming platform is fixedly connected to the front end of the slider. The screw rod rotates under the drive of the stepper motor, driving the slider to move up and down to realize the up and down movement of the forming platform.

[0013] The present invention also discloses a method for preparing a SLIPS lubricating interface, comprising the following steps:

[0014] Step S1: Mix the PDMS substrate and the curing agent evenly;

[0015] 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 ultimately a porous material with a desired pore structure is obtained. The particles are fully dispersed in the PDMS.

[0016] Step S3: placing the PDMS mixture containing the sacrificial template in a vacuum environment for degassing to remove any air bubbles that may exist inside;

[0017] Step S4: pouring the degassed mixture into a mold and performing a curing process to transform the PDMS from a liquid state to a solid state;

[0018] 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.

[0019] Step S6: Thoroughly clean all residues and allow the sample to dry to form a base structure;

[0020] Step S7: Injecting the selected lubricating liquid onto the substrate structure to form a stable SLIPS lubricated 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.

[0021] Step S8: ensuring the formation of a stable SLIPS lubricated interface by soaking in lubricating liquid.

[0022] The present invention provides a rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on a SLIPS lubricated interface and a method for preparing a SLIPS lubricated interface, which have the following advantages:

[0023] (1) This invention applies SLIPS lubricated interface technology to a rapid light-curing 3D printing system, improving the sliding performance between the material and the printing platform during the printing process and reducing material adhesion, thereby improving the quality of printed parts and printing efficiency. The design of the SLIPS lubricated interface not only significantly reduces the printing failure rate but also extends the service life of the equipment.

[0024] (2) By forming a stable lubricating layer on the base structure, the present invention achieves a superhydrophobic 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 and improving material utilization. At the same time, the presence of the lubricating layer reduces the wear that may occur during the printing process, further saving maintenance costs.

[0025] (3) The rapid light-curing printing platform provided by the present invention incorporates SLIPS lubricated interface technology, making the entire system easier to operate and reducing the complex calibration and maintenance work required during traditional printing. This simplifies the operating process and reduces the technical requirements for operators, as the printing platform does not need to be frequently replaced or cleaned.

[0026] (4) The rapid light-curing 3D printing system of the present invention can be used to easily upgrade existing printing systems without changing the main structure of the existing printing equipment. This eliminates the need to redesign or purchase new printing equipment, significantly reducing the cost of equipment replacement. Furthermore, the present invention has broad 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.

[0027] 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

[0028] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the rapid light-curing 3D printing system of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is an overall schematic diagram of the rapid light-curing printing station of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 Schematic cross-sectional view of the combination of the SLIPS lubricating interface and the printing platform of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the SLIPS lubricating interface substrate structure of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the effect of ordinary light-curing printing products;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a comparison chart of the effects of the rapid light-curing printing product of the present invention.

[0034] 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; 163. Guide rail; 164. Slider; 17. SLIPS lubrication interface; 171. Base structure; 172. Lubricating liquid layer; 2. Optical machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] To better understand the purpose, structure, and function of the present invention, the following is a further detailed description of a rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on a SLIPS lubricated interface and a method for preparing a SLIPS lubricated interface of the present invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] like Figure 1 Figure 2As shown, a rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on a SLIPS lubricating interface of the present invention includes a rapid light-curing printing platform 1 and an optical machine 2. 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. The rapid light-curing printing platform 1 includes a work surface 11, a glass 12, a liquid tank 13, a light 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, the liquid tank 13 is mounted on the upper surface of the glass 12, and 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 faces 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 solution. The work surface 11 is used to support the object to be printed. The lifting mechanism 16 realizes precise displacement control during the printing process.

[0037] During use, curing liquid is injected into the liquid tank 13, and the forming platform 15 contacts the liquid surface. Under the influence of light from the optical machine 2 and the lifting action of the lifting mechanism 16, the curing liquid solidifies layer by layer, forming a 3D printing effect between the work surface 11 and the forming platform 15. The SLIPS lubricating interface 17 lubricates the work surface and the liquid curing liquid, reducing material adhesion. Preferably, the liquid curing liquid is a resin.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, the SLIPS lubricating interface 17 includes a base structure 171 and a lubricating layer 172. Lubricating layer 172 overlies a base structure 173. The contact angle between base structure 171 and lubricating layer 172 is greater than 80 degrees, enhancing the lubricating fluid's ability to hold the interface in place and the water repellency of the interface, thereby improving the stability and self-healing ability of the SLIPS lubricating interface. Base structure 171 is composed of a base material, preferably PDMS. The surface of base structure 171 has been micro-nanoprocessed to form a micro-nanostructure with a specific geometry, enhancing the adhesion of the lubricating layer and the stability of the interface.

[0039] The lubricating liquid layer 172 is made of a highly fluid and chemically stable liquid material, 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 minimal friction between the material and the SLIPS lubricated interface during printing, thereby improving printing accuracy and speed.

[0040] Preferably, the optical machine 2 uses a high-power LED or laser as a light source, the work surface 11 is made of an optical breadboard, and the lifting mechanism 16 adopts a stepping motor transmission mode.

[0041] Lifting mechanism 16 includes a stepper motor 161, a screw 162, a guide rail 163, and a slider 164. Guide rail 163 is vertically fixed to one side of work surface 11. Stepper motor 161 is fixedly mounted above guide rail 163. Screw 162 is parallel to guide rail 163 and fixedly connected to stepper motor 161 at its upper end. Slide 164 is threadedly connected to screw 162 and slidably connected to guide rail 163. The forming platform 15 is fixedly connected to the front end of slider 164. Screw 162 rotates under the drive of stepper motor 161, driving slider 164 up and down to achieve the up and down motion of forming platform 15.

[0042] The method for preparing the SLIPS lubricating interface 17 of the present invention comprises the following steps:

[0043] Step S1: Mix the PDMS matrix and the curing agent evenly.

[0044] Step S2: Add citric acid monohydrate to the PDMS mixture as a sacrificial template. The citric acid monohydrate particles have a specific size distribution to ultimately produce a porous material with the desired pore structure. Ensure that the particles are fully dispersed within the PDMS.

[0045] Step S3: The PDMS mixture containing the sacrificial template is placed in a vacuum environment for degassing to remove any air bubbles that may exist inside.

[0046] Step S4: Pour the degassed mixture into a mold and perform a curing process to transform the PDMS from a liquid state to a solid state.

[0047] Step S5: Once the PDMS is fully cured, the entire structure is immersed in water. Over time, the citric acid monohydrate crystals gradually dissolve in the water, leaving cavities within the PDMS to form a porous structure.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Step S7: Injecting the selected lubricating fluid onto the substrate 171 to form a stable SLIPS lubricated interface 17. Before injecting the lubricating fluid, the surface of the substrate 171 needs to be cleaned and dried to ensure that the lubricating fluid can stably adhere to the substrate.

[0050] Step S8: ensuring the formation of a stable SLIPS lubricated interface by soaking in lubricating liquid.

[0051] The present invention provides a method for printing a three-dimensional object with a complex geometric shape and high surface finish using a rapid light-curing 3D printing system. The specific process is as follows:

[0052] Step S1: Design a three-dimensional model using 3D modeling software;

[0053] Step S2: Slice the design model to generate a printing path;

[0054] Step S3: setting optimized printing parameters, including but not limited to exposure intensity, exposure time, pulling speed, and exposure interval;

[0055] 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;

[0056] Step S5: After printing is completed, surface treatment and post-curing are performed to ensure the physical and chemical properties of the final product.

[0057] The present invention provides a rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on a SLIPS lubricating interface. By designing a specific micro-nanostructure and lubricating layer, this system not only addresses the issue of lubricating interface instability and damage in rapid light-curing 3D printing, but also improves printing efficiency and surface quality. The entire process is simple, cost-effective, flexible, and adaptable to a wide range of applications.

[0058] It will be understood that the present invention is described by way of some embodiments, and it will be appreciated by 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 to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are intended to be protected by 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) has a SLIPS lubricating interface (17), and the SLIPS lubricating interface (17) plays a lubricating role to reduce the adhesion of the solidified liquid; the SLIPS lubricating interface (17) includes a base structure (171) and a lubricating liquid layer (172), and the lubricating liquid layer (172) is covered on the base structure (171), and the contact angle between the base structure (171) and the lubricating liquid layer (172) is greater than 80 degrees; the base structure (171) is composed of a base material, and the base material is selected from PDMS material, and the surface of the base structure (171) has a geometric micro-nano structure.

2. The rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on SLIPS lubricated interface according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lubricating liquid layer (172) is perfluoropolyether oil.

3. The rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on SLIPS lubricated 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 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.

4. The rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on SLIPS lubricated interface according to claim 3, 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) for transmission.

5. The rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on SLIPS lubricating interface according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lifting mechanism (16) includes a stepper motor (161), a screw rod (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 installed above the guide rail (163). The screw rod (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 screw rod (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 screw rod (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).

6. A method for preparing a SLIPS lubricating interface for a rapid light-curing 3D printing system based on a SLIPS lubricating interface according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The steps include: Step S1: Mix the PDMS substrate and the curing agent evenly; 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 ultimately a porous material with a desired pore structure is obtained. 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 any air bubbles that may exist inside; Step S4: pouring the degassed mixture into a mold and performing a curing process 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 base structure (171) to form a stable SLIPS lubricating interface (17). Before injecting the lubricating liquid, the surface of the base structure (171) is cleaned and dried to ensure that the lubricating liquid can be stably attached to the base; Step S8: Ensure the formation of a stable SLIPS lubricating interface by soaking in lubricating liquid (17).

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