A new industrial-grade high-performance composite 3D printing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing method, belonging to the field of 3D printing technology. The following steps are included: S1: Print model file establishment import design; S2: High-performance composite material preparation: Load the high-performance composite material into the material tray of the 3D printer and ensure smooth feeding; S3: Set the print nozzle route: Use digital control to control the print nozzle according to the path and speed of the X-axis walking mechanism, Y-axis walking mechanism, and Z-axis walking mechanism set by the printer; S4: Laser-assisted molten deposition; S5: Printing and molding; S6: Post-processing. The present invention provides a novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing method, which can achieve innovation in materials, technology, process and application. This printing method has the advantages of high precision, high efficiency, high performance and low cost, and can meet the needs of different fields for high-performance composite materials.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the 1980s, early 3D printing technology began to emerge. The technology at this stage is called rapid prototyping technology, and its core concept is to print objects layer by layer according to digital models to achieve rapid prototyping. In the mid-term development stage from the 1990s to the early 21st century, it began to mature gradually, and was not only used in industrial design, model making and prototyping, but also began to penetrate into the fields of medicine, aviation, automobiles and construction. After entering the 21st century, 3D printing technology has made more significant breakthroughs. It can not only print complex structures and precision parts, but also realize multi-material and multi-color printing. This makes the application of 3D printing in manufacturing, medicine, aerospace, and other fields more extensive and in-depth.

[0003] The existing 3D printing methods for composite materials can basically meet normal usage needs, but the current printing methods for composite materials are not innovative enough in terms of materials and technology, resulting in low printing accuracy, low efficiency and relatively high cost, making it difficult to meet the needs of different fields for high-performance composite materials.

[0004] Based on this, the present invention provides a novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing method. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a new industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing method, which can achieve innovation in materials, technology, processes and applications. This printing method has the advantages of high precision, high efficiency, high performance and low cost, and can meet the needs of different fields for high-performance composite materials.

[0006] The present invention provides a novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing method, and the proposed technical solution comprises the following steps:

[0007] S1: Printing model file creation and import design: Use computer-aided CAD design software to create or obtain the required three-dimensional data model, convert the CAD model into an STL format file that can be recognized by the 3D printer, and use slicing software to cut the 3D model in STL format into a series of two-dimensional slices;

[0008] S2: Preparation of high-performance composite materials: High-performance composite materials are new materials composed of two or more materials with different properties through physical or chemical methods. Load the high-performance composite materials into the material tray of the 3D printer and ensure smooth material feeding;

[0009] S3: Setting the print head route: Using digital control, the print head is controlled according to the path and speed of the X-axis travel mechanism, Y-axis travel mechanism, and Z-axis travel mechanism set by the printer;

[0010] S4: Laser-assisted molten deposition: The printer heats the nozzle to a suitable temperature, and uses multiple printing nozzles to lay high-performance composite materials at the same time. The high-performance composite materials are melted regularly and extruded layer by layer onto the building platform. The laser beam is used to locally heat and melt the composite materials to achieve a more precise deposition and curing process. After each layer of material is deposited, it quickly cools and solidifies to form a thin layer with a contour shape and adheres to the previous layer. As the printing progresses, the building platform will gradually reduce the thickness of a thin layer to start printing the next layer;

[0011] S5: Printing: After printing a certain number of layers, the printer is paused, the set X-axis walking mechanism, Y-axis walking mechanism, and Z-axis walking mechanism are reset, and the nozzle stops spraying composite materials;

[0012] S6: Post-processing: Automated post-processing of printed products to reduce the impact of human factors on printing quality.

[0013] Furthermore, the three-dimensional data model includes geometric shape, size and structural information of the object to be printed.

[0014] Furthermore, the STL format file contains the surface information of the model for subsequent slicing processing.

[0015] Furthermore, the slicing software automatically calculates the cross-sectional information of the model, and the thickness of each layer is usually between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0016] Furthermore, the high-performance composite material is mixed and prepared through specific processes and technologies to form a high-performance composite material with excellent mechanical properties, thermal stability and chemical stability. The composite material includes high-strength carbon fiber, ceramic fiber, aramid fiber material, and thermoplastic or thermosetting resin matrix material. In addition to traditional fibers and resins, new filling materials such as nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, etc. are introduced to further improve the performance of the high-performance composite material.

[0017] Furthermore, during the printing process, support structures are added as needed to support the suspended parts to ensure stability and accuracy during the printing process. These support structures need to be removed after printing is completed.

[0018] Furthermore, precise control of the laser beam can ensure uniformity and stability of the material during the printing process, thereby improving the accuracy and performance of the printed part.

[0019] Furthermore, the digital control system can accurately control various parameters in the printing process, such as temperature, speed, and pressure, to achieve a more sophisticated and accurate printing process.

[0020] The above-mentioned new industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing method is applied in the fields of aerospace, automobile manufacturing, medical, sports equipment, and construction.

[0021] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0022] The present invention provides a novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing method, which can achieve innovation in materials, technology, processes and applications. This printing method has the advantages of high precision, high efficiency, high performance and low cost, and can meet the needs of different fields for high-performance composite materials. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0024] The present invention provides a novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing method, which comprises the following steps:

[0025] S1: Printing model file creation and import design: Use computer-aided CAD design software to create or obtain the required three-dimensional data model. The three-dimensional data model includes the geometric shape, size and structure information of the object to be printed. Convert the CAD model into an STL format file that can be recognized by the 3D printer. The STL format file contains the surface information of the model for subsequent slicing. Use slicing software to cut the 3D model in STL format into a series of two-dimensional layers. The slicing software will automatically calculate the cross-sectional information of the model. The thickness of each layer is usually between 0.1mm and 0.5mm;

[0026] S2: Preparation of high-performance composite materials: Load high-performance composite materials into the material tray of the 3D printer and ensure smooth feeding; achieve innovation in materials. Composite materials are new materials composed of two or more materials with different properties through physical or chemical methods. The high-performance composite materials used in this new printing method may include high-strength and high-modulus fiber materials such as carbon fiber, ceramic fiber, and aramid fiber, as well as matrix materials such as thermoplastic or thermosetting resins. These materials are mixed and prepared through specific processes and technologies to form composite materials with excellent mechanical properties, thermal stability and chemical stability. In addition to traditional fibers and resins, new filler materials such as nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes may be introduced to further improve the performance of composite materials. These filler materials can be evenly dispersed in the matrix material to form a more dense and uniform structure, thereby improving the strength and stiffness of the printed parts;

[0027] S3: Setting the print head route: Using digital control, the print head is controlled according to the path and speed of the X-axis travel mechanism, Y-axis travel mechanism, and Z-axis travel mechanism set by the printer. The digital control system can accurately control various parameters in the printing process, such as temperature, speed, and pressure, to achieve a more precise and accurate printing process, thereby improving the accuracy and consistency of the printouts;

[0028] S4: Laser-assisted molten deposition: This is a technological innovation. The printer heats the nozzle to a suitable temperature, and uses multiple print nozzles to lay high-performance composite materials at the same time. The high-performance composite materials are regularly melted and extruded layer by layer onto the building platform to achieve a fast and efficient printing process. The laser beam is used to locally heat and melt the composite materials to achieve a more precise deposition and curing process. The precise control of the laser beam can ensure the uniformity and stability of the material during the printing process, thereby improving the accuracy and performance of the printed parts. After each layer of material is deposited, it quickly cools and solidifies to form a thin layer with a contour shape and adheres to the previous layer. As the printing progresses, the building platform will gradually reduce the thickness of a thin layer to start printing the next layer;

[0029] S5: Printing: During the printing process, support structures are added as needed to support the suspended parts to ensure stability and accuracy during the printing process. These support structures need to be removed after printing. After printing a certain number of layers, the printer is paused, the set X-axis walking mechanism, Y-axis walking mechanism, and Z-axis walking mechanism are reset, and the nozzle stops spraying composite materials;

[0030] S6: Post-processing: Automated post-processing of printed products to reduce the impact of human factors on printing quality.

[0031] A new industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing method has been developed to achieve automated production, from material preparation, printing process to post-processing. Automated production can greatly improve production efficiency, reduce production costs, and reduce the impact of human factors on printing quality.

[0032] In terms of application innovation, the new industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing method can be used to manufacture complex parts and structural parts in the aerospace field. These parts and structural parts have the advantages of high strength, high stiffness and light weight, and can meet the demand for high-performance materials in the aerospace field; they can also be used in the automotive manufacturing field to manufacture lightweight and high-strength automotive parts. These parts can improve the fuel economy and safety of automobiles and reduce production and maintenance costs; in addition, they can also be used in medical, sports equipment, construction and other fields. In the medical field, personalized medical devices and implants can be manufactured. In the sports equipment field, high-performance sports equipment and equipment can be manufactured. In the construction field, lightweight and high-strength building components and structures can be manufactured.

[0033] In summary, the new industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing method can achieve innovation in materials, technology, processes and applications. This printing method has the advantages of high precision, high efficiency, high performance and low cost, and can meet the needs of different fields for high-performance composite materials.

[0034] 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 method, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1: Printing model file creation and import design: Use computer-aided CAD design software to create or obtain the required three-dimensional data model, convert the CAD model into an STL format file that can be recognized by the 3D printer, and use slicing software to cut the 3D model in STL format into a series of two-dimensional slices; S2: Preparation of high-performance composite materials: High-performance composite materials are new materials composed of two or more materials with different properties through physical or chemical methods. Load the high-performance composite materials into the material tray of the 3D printer and ensure smooth material feeding; S3: Setting the print head route: Using digital control, the print head is controlled according to the path and speed of the X-axis travel mechanism, Y-axis travel mechanism, and Z-axis travel mechanism set by the printer; S4: Laser-assisted molten deposition: The printer heats the nozzle to a suitable temperature, and uses multiple printing nozzles to lay high-performance composite materials at the same time. The high-performance composite materials are melted regularly and extruded layer by layer onto the building platform. The laser beam is used to locally heat and melt the composite materials to achieve a more precise deposition and curing process. After each layer of material is deposited, it quickly cools and solidifies to form a thin layer with a contour shape and adheres to the previous layer. As the printing progresses, the building platform will gradually reduce the thickness of a thin layer to start printing the next layer; S5: Printing: After printing a certain number of layers, the printer is paused, the set X-axis walking mechanism, Y-axis walking mechanism, and Z-axis walking mechanism are reset, and the nozzle stops spraying composite materials; S6: Post-processing: Automated post-processing of printed products to reduce the impact of human factors on printing quality.

2. A novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The three-dimensional data model includes geometric shape, size and structural information of the object to be printed.

3. A novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The STL format file contains the surface information of the model, which is used for subsequent slicing processing.

4. A novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slicing software will automatically calculate the cross-sectional information of the model, and the thickness of each layer is usually between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm.

5. A novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The high-performance composite material is mixed and prepared through specific processes and technologies to form a high-performance composite material with excellent mechanical properties, thermal stability and chemical stability. The composite material includes high-strength carbon fiber, ceramic fiber, aramid fiber material, and thermoplastic or thermosetting resin matrix material. In addition to traditional fibers and resins, new filling materials such as nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, etc. are introduced to further improve the performance of the high-performance composite material.

6. A novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: During the printing process, support structures are added as needed to support the suspended parts to ensure stability and accuracy during the printing process. These support structures need to be removed after printing is completed.

7. A novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The precise control of the laser beam can ensure the uniformity and stability of the material during the printing process, thereby improving the accuracy and performance of the printed parts.

8. A novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The digital control system can accurately control various parameters in the printing process, such as temperature, speed, and pressure, to achieve a more sophisticated and accurate printing process.

9. Application of a novel industrial-grade high-performance composite material 3D printing method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 in the fields of aerospace, automobile manufacturing, medical, sports equipment, and construction.