Novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing post-processing method

Abstract

The invention relates to a 3D printing post-processing method for a novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material, and belongs to the technical field of 3D printing. Comprising the following steps that S1, cleaning and pretreatment are conducted, specifically, (a) a supporting structure is removed, specifically, for a supporting structure using an insoluble supporting material, the supporting structure needs to be manually dismantled from a printed piece carefully; for a supporting structure using a soluble supporting material, a printed piece can be soaked in a corresponding solvent, so that the supporting material is dissolved; (b) polishing; s2, finish machining: (a) polishing; (b) paint spraying; (c) surface smoothing; and S3, other post-treatment is conducted, specifically, (a) acetone welding is conducted; (b) gluing; and (c) water transfer printing. The novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing post-processing method comprises cleaning and pre-processing, finish machining and other post-processing methods, correct operation steps and safety prevention measures are followed to avoid damage to a printed piece or personal injury, and it can be ensured that the printed piece meets the optimal performance and appearance requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing post-processing method, belonging to the technical field of 3D printing. Background Art

[0002] 3D printing technology, also known as additive manufacturing technology, is a technology that uses a computer three-dimensional design model as a blueprint, decomposes it into several layers of plane slices through software, uses powdered, linear and other forms of metal or plastic and other bondable materials, and uses laser beams, hot melt nozzles and other methods to stack and bond the materials layer by layer, superimpose and form them, and manufacture physical products. Compared with traditional subtractive manufacturing and processing technology, additive manufacturing technology can directly produce any required physical parts through computer model data by layer-by-layer stacking without the need for original embryos and molds, which can effectively simplify the product manufacturing process, shorten the product development cycle, improve efficiency and reduce costs. 3D printing technology has been widely used in many fields such as aerospace, automobile manufacturing, mold manufacturing, bioengineering and medical, architecture, and art manufacturing.

[0003] 3D printing technology can produce high-quality parts, but its principle is to use digital model files as the basis, and use plastics, metals, inorganic non-metallic materials and other materials to print layer by layer to construct objects. Therefore, the parts printed by 3D are inevitably rough on the surface, and the textures printed layer by layer are clearly visible. Usually, the printed parts need to be post-processed. However, during the post-processing, due to the large number of operating steps and lack of system, a certain step may be missing during the operation, and the operating steps may be disordered, resulting in the difficulty of the printed parts to achieve the best performance and appearance requirements. Based on this, the present invention provides a new industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing post-processing method. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing post-processing method, including cleaning and pretreatment, finishing and other post-processing methods, following the correct operating procedures and safety precautions to avoid damage to the prints or personal injury, and ensuring that the prints meet the optimal performance and appearance requirements.

[0005] The present invention provides a novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing post-processing method, and the proposed technical solution comprises the following steps:

[0006] S1: Cleaning and pretreatment:

[0007] (a) Removal of support structures: For support structures using insoluble support materials, the support structures should be carefully removed from the printed part manually; for support structures using soluble support materials, the printed part can be immersed in the corresponding solvent to dissolve the support material;

[0008] (b) Polishing: Use sandpaper to polish the surface of the printed part to remove layer lines, spots, and traces left after the support is removed;

[0009] S2: Finishing:

[0010] (a) Polishing: Polishing is an important step to further smooth the surface. Plastic polishing machines and tools are used for polishing. Before polishing, it is necessary to ensure that the printed part has been fully polished and all residual particles have been removed;

[0011] (b) Painting: Before painting, the printed part needs to be primed to provide a smooth base layer. Choose a suitable model paint and paint in a well-ventilated environment. This is applicable to all FDM materials.

[0012] (c) Surface smoothing: For parts printed with ABS material, acetone can be used for surface smoothing.

[0013] S3: Other post-processing:

[0014] (a) Acetone welding: Acetone can be used for welding when multiple ABS printed parts need to be connected together;

[0015] (b) Gluing: For printed parts made of non-ABS materials, glue can be used to connect them;

[0016] (c) Water transfer printing: Water transfer printing can be used if you need to add complex patterns or textures to your prints.

[0017] Furthermore, in step S1, pliers and carving tools are used to remove the support structure of the insoluble support material, and special attention is paid to the narrow or hard-to-reach areas during the removal.

[0018] Furthermore, when the support structure of the soluble support material is removed in step S1, the soluble support material is a combination of HIPS and ABS, or a combination of PVA and PLA, and the solvent is D-limonene or water.

[0019] Furthermore, wet sanding and circular motion techniques are used during sanding in step S1, and the sandpaper starts with low-grit sandpaper and gradually transitions to high-grit sandpaper to obtain a smoother surface to avoid damaging the surface of the printed part.

[0020] Furthermore, during polishing in step S2, a polishing agent is used and the polishing cloth or tool is moved in a circular motion.

[0021] Furthermore, the spray painting in step S2 is used to enhance the appearance and texture of the parts, and masking tape is used during the spray painting to achieve sharp color intersections and precise patterns.

[0022] Furthermore, during the surface smoothing in step S2, acetone is poured into a container, the printed part is placed on a platform above the container, and the container cover is closed to allow the steam to melt the outer layer of the part.

[0023] Furthermore, during the acetone welding in step S3, acetone is applied on the parts to be connected to make them slightly melted, and then another part is attached to the melted edge for welding.

[0024] Furthermore, in the step S3, the designed pattern is applied to the surface of the printed part by using special water transfer paper during water transfer printing.

[0025] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0026] The present invention provides a novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing post-processing method, including cleaning and pre-processing, finishing and other post-processing methods. Following the correct operating steps and safety precautions to avoid damaging the printed parts or causing personal injury can ensure that the printed parts meet the optimal performance and appearance requirements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0028] The present invention provides a novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing post-processing method, which comprises the following steps:

[0029] S1: Cleaning and pretreatment:

[0030] (a) Removal of support structures: For support structures using insoluble support materials, the support structures should be carefully removed manually from the printed part. When removing support structures using insoluble support materials, tools such as pliers and carving knives are used. When removing, special attention should be paid to narrow or hard-to-reach areas. For support structures using soluble support materials, the printed part can be immersed in the corresponding solvent to dissolve the support material. Soluble support materials are a combination of HIPS and ABS, and a combination of PVA and PLA. The solvent is D-limonene or water.

[0031] (b) Sanding: Use sandpaper to sand the surface of the printed part to remove layer lines, spots and traces left after the support is removed. It is recommended to start with low-grit sandpaper (such as 150-400 mesh) and gradually transition to high-grit sandpaper (up to 2000 mesh) to obtain a smoother surface. Use wet sanding and circular motion techniques to avoid damaging the surface of the printed part.

[0032] S2: Finishing:

[0033] (a) Polishing: Polishing is an important step to further smooth the surface. Use plastic polishing machines and tools for polishing. Before polishing, make sure that the printed part has been fully polished and all residual particles have been removed. Use polishing agent and move the polishing cloth or tool in a circular motion until a satisfactory surface finish is achieved.

[0034] (b) Painting: Painting is used to enhance the appearance and texture of parts. It is suitable for all FDM materials. Before painting, the printed parts need to be primed to provide a smooth base layer. Choose a suitable model paint and perform the painting operation in a well-ventilated environment. Wear a gas mask and gloves to protect your own safety. Masking tape can be used when painting to achieve sharp color intersections and precise patterns.

[0035] (c) Surface smoothing: For parts printed with ABS materials, acetone can be used for surface smoothing. Pour acetone into a container, place the printed part on the platform above it, close the container lid to allow the steam to melt the outer layer of the part. Acetone treatment should be performed with caution and ensure that it is performed in a well-ventilated environment and follow appropriate safety precautions;

[0036] S3: Other post-processing:

[0037] (a) Acetone welding: If you need to connect multiple ABS printed parts together, you can use acetone for welding. When welding with acetone, apply acetone on the parts to be connected to make it melt slightly, and then stick the other part on the melted edge for welding;

[0038] (b) Gluing: For printed parts made of non-ABS materials, glue can be used for connection. Choose glue that suits the material properties and make sure to follow the correct operating steps when connecting.

[0039] (c) Water transfer printing: If you need to add complex patterns or textures to the printed parts, you can use water transfer printing technology. Use special water transfer paper to apply the designed pattern to the surface of the printed part.

[0040] Note: When performing any post-processing steps, ensure the safety and hygiene of the operating environment, select appropriate tools and equipment according to the characteristics of the material and the requirements of the post-processing method, and follow the correct operating procedures and safety precautions to avoid damage to the print or personal injury.

[0041] In summary, a new industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing post-processing method includes cleaning and pretreatment, finishing and other post-processing methods. Following the correct operating procedures and safety precautions to avoid damage to the printed parts or personal injury can ensure that the printed parts meet the best performance and appearance requirements.

[0042] The present invention and its implementation methods are described above, and such description is not restrictive, and the actual structure is not limited thereto. In short, if ordinary technicians in the field are inspired by it, without departing from the purpose of the invention, they can design structures and embodiments similar to the technical solution without creativity, which should all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing post-processing method, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1: Cleaning and pretreatment: (a) Removal of support structures: For support structures using insoluble support materials, the support structures should be carefully removed from the printed part manually; for support structures using soluble support materials, the printed part can be immersed in the corresponding solvent to dissolve the support material; (b) Polishing: Use sandpaper to polish the surface of the printed part to remove layer lines, spots, and traces left after the support is removed; S2: Finishing: (a) Polishing: Polishing is an important step to further smooth the surface. Plastic polishing machines and tools are used for polishing. Before polishing, it is necessary to ensure that the printed part has been fully polished and all residual particles have been removed; (b) Painting: Before painting, the printed part needs to be primed to provide a smooth base layer. Choose a suitable model paint and paint in a well-ventilated environment. This is applicable to all FDM materials. (c) Surface smoothing: For parts printed with ABS material, acetone can be used for surface smoothing. S3: Other post-processing: (a) Acetone welding: Acetone can be used for welding when multiple ABS printed parts need to be connected together; (b) Gluing: For printed parts made of non-ABS materials, glue can be used to connect them; (c) Water transfer printing: Water transfer printing can be used if you need to add complex patterns or textures to your prints.

2. A novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing post-processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the step S1, pliers and carving tools are used to remove the support structure of the insoluble support material, and special attention is paid to the narrow or hard-to-reach areas during the removal.

3. A novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing post-processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the support structure of the soluble support material is removed in step S1, the soluble support material is a combination of HIPS and ABS, or a combination of PVA and PLA, and the solvent is D-limonene or water.

4. A novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing post-processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the step S1, wet sanding and circular motion techniques are used for sanding, and the sandpaper starts with low-grit sandpaper and gradually transitions to high-grit sandpaper to obtain a smoother surface to avoid damaging the surface of the printed part.

5. A novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing post-processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: During polishing in step S2, a polishing agent is used and the polishing cloth or tool is moved in a circular motion.

6. A novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing post-processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spray painting in step S2 is used to enhance the appearance and texture of the parts, and masking tape is used during the spray painting to achieve sharp color intersections and precise patterns.

7. A novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing post-processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: During the surface smoothing in step S2, acetone is poured into a container, the printed part is placed on a platform above the container, and the container cover is closed to allow the steam to melt the outer layer of the part.

8. A novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing post-processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the acetone welding in step S3, acetone is applied on the parts to be connected to make them slightly melted, and then another part is attached to the melted edge for welding.

9. A novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing post-processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the water transfer printing in step S3, the designed pattern is applied to the surface of the printed part by using special water transfer paper.