Ultrasonic 3D printer, system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of additive manufacturing, in particular to an ultrasonic 3D printer, system and method.The ultrasonic 3D printer comprises an execution module used for achieving a target 3D printing task through ultrasonic waves; and the control module is used for controlling the execution module to execute the target 3D printing task according to the target code stored by the ultrasonic 3D printer, and in the process of executing the target 3D printing task, distribution control over acoustic properties is achieved based on the cavitation effect, and control over the printing flux is achieved based on the synchronous signal. Therefore, the problems that in the 3D printing field, the printing flux is low, the printing precision is poor, and acoustic controllability is not achieved in the prior art are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to an ultrasonic 3D printer, system and method. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of science and technology, manufacturing technology is undergoing unprecedented changes. Among many emerging manufacturing technologies, 3D printing technology has gradually become a shining star in the manufacturing industry with its unique additive manufacturing method and highly customized characteristics. 3D printing technology directly converts digital models into physical objects, which not only greatly shortens the product development cycle, but also reduces production costs, providing strong support for the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry.

[0003] The relevant technologies mainly use SLA (Stereo Lithography Appearance, stereo photopolymerization) technology, SLS (Selective Laser Sintering, selective laser sintering) technology, FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling, fused deposition modeling) technology, etc. to achieve the goal of 3D printing.

[0004] However, the relevant technology is limited by the size of the nozzle and the mechanism of re-extruding the melted material, and the printing flux is low. In addition, due to factors such as the printing mechanism and uneven material extrusion, the printing accuracy is poor. Even though the SLA technology has a high printing flux, the cost is relatively expensive and the printing material requirements are very high. In addition, the photocurable resin used in the SLA technology and the powder material used in the SLS technology will produce some components that are harmful to the environment and the human body during the printing process, which is not conducive to environmental protection and human health. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application provides an ultrasonic 3D printer, system and method to solve the problems of low printing flux, poor printing accuracy and lack of acoustic controllability in the related technology in the field of 3D printing.

[0006] The first aspect of the present application provides an ultrasonic 3D printer, including: an execution module, used to achieve a target 3D printing task through ultrasound; a control module, used to control the execution module to perform the target 3D printing task according to a target code stored in the ultrasonic 3D printer, and in the process of performing the target 3D printing task, realize the distribution control of acoustic properties based on the cavitation effect and realize the control of printing flux based on a synchronization signal; a post-processing module, used to perform at least one operation of cleaning and curing the printed parts.

[0007] Optionally, the control module includes a three-dimensional displacement platform, a signal generator and a power amplifier, wherein the host computer drives the displacement of the three-dimensional displacement platform and the synchronization of the printing flux of the execution module based on the synchronization signal.

[0008] Optionally, the host computer communicates with the 3D printer through the channel degree of freedom and the NI data acquisition card, and drives the signal generator through the communication protocol NI to perform real-time printing and adjust printing parameters.

[0009] Optionally, the NI data acquisition card receives an electrical signal from a communication channel between the ultrasonic 3D printer and a host computer, and the host computer calls a target function based on the electrical signal to control a signal generator to output printing parameters, wherein the target function is a function generated based on different printing parameters.

[0010] Optionally, the execution module includes a printing platform, an ultrasonic transducer and a clamping member, wherein a printing material is placed on the printing platform, and the clamping member is used to clamp the ultrasonic transducer. By adjusting the angle and position of the clamping member, the ultrasonic waves excited by the transducer are focused on the printing platform, and the ultrasonic transducer and the printing platform are kept relatively parallel.

[0011] Optionally, the ultrasonic transducer is a spherical or cylindrical focusing transducer.

[0012] The second aspect of the present application provides an ultrasonic 3D printing system, including: the ultrasonic 3D printer mentioned above; a host computer, wherein the host computer communicates with the ultrasonic 3D printer based on NI, produces a three-dimensional digital model of the target object, generates a target code for the target 3D printing task based on the three-dimensional digital model, stores the target code in the ultrasonic 3D printer, and the ultrasonic 3D printer executes the target 3D printing task based on the target code.

[0013] Optionally, the host computer slices the three-dimensional digital model, generates target code for the target 3D printing task according to the slices, and generates a target function according to different printing parameters, and the target function assists in executing the target 3D printing task.

[0014] The third aspect of the present application provides an ultrasonic 3D printing method, which uses the above-mentioned ultrasonic 3D printer to perform 3D printing, wherein the method includes the following steps: pre-treating the printing material and placing it in a container on the printing platform for sealing; fixing the ultrasonic transducer on the clamping member, and keeping the printing platform and the ultrasonic transducer relatively parallel, adjusting the relative position of the ultrasonic transducer and the printing platform so that the focus is located in front of the printing platform; making a three-dimensional digital model of the target object, generating a target code for the target 3D printing task based on the three-dimensional digital model, and using the target code to drive the ultrasonic 3D printer to perform the target 3D printing task.

[0015] Therefore, this application includes the following beneficial effects:

[0016] In the embodiment of the present application, the host computer drives the displacement of the three-dimensional displacement platform based on the synchronization signal and synchronizes the printing flux of the execution module, thereby ensuring the precise focusing and curing of the ultrasound on the printing material, ensuring the uniformity and consistency of the curing of the printing material at different positions, and improving the printing flux. In addition, the electrical signal in the communication channel between the ultrasonic 3D printer and the host computer is received by the NI data acquisition card and transmitted to the host computer. The host computer calls the objective function according to the electrical signal to control the signal generator to output different printing parameters, and uses the communication protocol NI to drive the signal generator to perform real-time printing and adjust the printing parameters, thereby controlling the curing speed, curing thickness and size of the material at the ultrasound focus, thereby improving the printing efficiency of ultrasonic 3D printing. Printing flux, printing accuracy and printing efficiency. At the same time, the embodiment of the present application introduces bubbles into the printed parts based on the cavitation effect to create porosity. The signal generator adjusts its printing parameters in real time through the synchronization signals of the host computer at different positions, thereby achieving precise control of the porosity and meeting the printing requirements of complex acoustic components. Therefore, the host computer realizes the synchronization of displacement and printing flux, and completes the synchronization of displacement and porosity distribution control. Before ultrasonic 3D printing, it is necessary to adjust the angle and position of the clamping part so that the ultrasonic wave excited by the ultrasonic transducer is focused on the printing platform, and keep the ultrasonic transducer and the printing platform relatively parallel, so as to ensure the printing accuracy and improve the quality and reliability of the printed parts.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become apparent from the description below, or will be learned through the practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easily understood from the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 It is a schematic block diagram of an ultrasonic 3D printer provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a honeycomb structure printed by an ultrasonic 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an opaque straight line case printed by an ultrasonic 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a transparent straight line case printed by an ultrasonic 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 5A schematic diagram of a case of pore distribution of transparent and opaque areas of a piecewise straight line printed by an ultrasonic 3D printer under a confocal microscope according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an opaque letter M printed by an ultrasonic 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a transparent letter M printed by an ultrasonic 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an ultrasonic 3D printer execution module provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Fig. 9 It is a block diagram of an ultrasonic 3D printing system provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of an ultrasonic 3D printing system provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Fig.11 The figure is a schematic diagram of the flow of the ultrasonic 3D printing method provided according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present application, and should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0031] 3D printing technology: It is a rapid prototyping technology that can quickly produce three-dimensional objects according to the design model. 3D printing is not limited by traditional manufacturing processes and can produce very complex geometric shapes, such as parts with complex channel structures inside, shells with non-uniform wall thickness, etc. With the development of technology, 3D printing technology has been widely used in various fields. The core principle of 3D printing is layered manufacturing. First, the three-dimensional digital model is sliced, that is, it is decomposed into a series of two-dimensional thin layers. Each layer has corresponding geometric shape and thickness information. Then, the printing device adds materials layer by layer to build according to these slice information. According to different printing mechanisms, 3D printing technology is divided into many types, including fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), etc. However, the construction of various 3D printers is roughly the same, including the displacement stage, control panel, input and output devices as the main body of the 3D printer. The invention of traditional 3D printing technology and printers has paved the way for the research and development of new 3D printing technology.

[0032] NI-VISA control system: a software architecture for instrument control that provides a common method to communicate with various instruments, regardless of the interface through which the instrument is connected, such as GPIB, USB, Ethernet, serial port, etc. NI-VISA creates an abstraction layer between the instrument and the application. This abstraction layer hides the specific hardware details of the instrument and the complexity of the communication protocol, allowing application developers to use a unified programming interface to control different types of instruments. At the same time, NI-VISA provides support for multiple programming languages, including C, C++, LabVIEW, Python, etc., which can meet the programming needs of different projects and developers.

[0033] Currently common 3D printing technologies include fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), and selective laser sintering (SLS). FDM technology builds objects by heating and extruding filamentary materials. The printing accuracy is limited by the nozzle diameter and material flow characteristics, generally around 0.2-0.5mm, and the printing speed is relatively slow. SLA technology uses photocurable resin to cure under ultraviolet light. It requires the use of specific photocurable resins and has certain requirements for the environment, such as the need to store the resin in light-proof conditions, and the equipment cost is relatively high. SLS technology uses laser sintering of powder materials to form, but the equipment is expensive, and the processing and recycling of powder materials are relatively complicated.

[0034] However, 3D printing technology has certain limitations, including low throughput, high cost, poor biocompatibility, etc. Specifically:

[0035] 1. Low printing flux. Due to the size limitation of the nozzle and the mechanism of melting and re-extruding the material, the printing flux of FDM technology is low. Although SLA technology has a higher printing flux, the cost is very expensive. The printing accuracy is poor. Due to factors such as the printing mechanism and the unevenness of material extrusion, the printing accuracy of FDM technology is generally around 0.2-0.5mm. The accuracy of SLS technology is also restricted by the size of powder particles and the unevenness of the sintering process. The printing material requirements are high. The material application range of SLA and SLS technologies is limited. For example, SLA technology is powerless for transparent materials. In addition, the photocurable resin used in SLA technology and the powder material used in SLS technology will produce some components that are harmful to the environment and the human body during the printing process. Poor biocompatibility. Existing 3D printing technology is difficult to be directly applied to bioprinting, and the biocompatibility of printing materials is also poor.

[0036] 2. Lack of acoustic controllability. The printing mechanisms of existing 3D printing technologies have their own advantages, but none of them have the ability to control the acoustic parameters of printed parts during the printing process. This has caused a gap in the manufacturing of acoustic components in the field of 3D printing, and also missed the opportunity for complex acoustic components to play a role in various fields. Ultrasonic 3D printing technology has a cavitation effect, and with the control system, it can achieve control of the acoustic parameters of printed parts.

[0037] In order to better illustrate the difference between the embodiments of the present application and the related art, an ultrasonic 3D printing method and a 3D printed part disclosed in the related art are taken as an example, wherein an ultrasonic 3D printing method includes the following steps: using CAM numerical control software to analyze and process the imported model to obtain printing parameters; the ultrasonic print head forms a printing path and printing power according to the printing parameters, the ultrasonic print head moves on the material and applies mechanical vibration to the material, and the material passed by the ultrasonic print head is accelerated to solidify and form a component; the solidified component is taken out from the unformed material, and the component is a 3D printed part. The ultrasonic 3D printing method can print a 3D printed part without stratification and good strength, and has the advantages of low cost, easy operation, strong controllability and fast printing speed.

[0038] This application differs from them mainly in three aspects:

[0039] 1. In view of the differences between hardware and software, there are significant differences in the implementation logic of the printing process between the two. Therefore, there are significant differences in the structure and function of printers designed for these two bases.

[0040] 2. The printing mechanisms of the two are also different. Compared with the mechanical thermal effect curing molding mechanism generally emphasized in the prior art, this application focuses on exploring and applying the cavitation effect generated during ultrasonic 3D printing. The introduction of the cavitation effect enables the ultrasonic 3D printer to edit the porosity of the printed parts during the printing process to meet the printing requirements of complex acoustic parts.

[0041] 3. In the design of the control module, most of the existing technologies use conventional 3D printing control logic, while this application achieves the synchronization of displacement and porosity distribution control on the basis of realizing the synchronization of displacement and printing flux.

[0042] To this end, the embodiments of the present application propose an ultrasonic 3D printer, system and method, which use an ultrasonic transducer to convert electrical energy into high-frequency ultrasonic waves. When ultrasonic waves propagate in the printed material, a series of physical effects will be generated, such as cavitation effect, thermal effect, etc. These effects can cause the printed material to solidify or fuse. In terms of printing control, a control system has been developed that can monitor and adjust ultrasonic parameters and various variables in the printing process in real time to ensure the stability and consistency of printing quality. By controlling the focal position and energy of the ultrasonic wave, the printed material can be selectively solidified, and the porosity of the printed material can be controlled to achieve voxel additive manufacturing. Ultrasonic 3D printing has the advantages of high flux and good biocompatibility, and has important application value in the fields of soft robots, implantable biomedical devices, etc.

[0043] The ultrasonic 3D printer, system and method of the present application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 A block diagram of an ultrasonic 3D printer provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the ultrasonic 3D printer 100 includes: an execution module 10, a control module 20 and a post-processing module 30, wherein the execution module 10 is used to achieve a target 3D printing task through ultrasonic waves; the control module 20 is used to control the execution module to perform the target 3D printing task according to the target code stored in the ultrasonic 3D printer, and in the process of performing the target 3D printing task, the distribution control of acoustic properties is achieved based on the cavitation effect and the control of printing flux is achieved based on the synchronization signal; the post-processing module 30 is used to perform at least one operation of cleaning and curing the printed parts.

[0045] The target 3D printing task refers to a specific 3D printing job that requires the control module and the execution module to work together to complete, which may be a simple object or a complex structure or component.

[0046] It can be understood that in ultrasonic 3D printing, the control module of the embodiment of the present application controls the execution module to execute the 3D printing task according to the target code stored in the ultrasonic 3D printer. In the process of executing the target 3D printing task, based on the synchronization signal, the synchronization of displacement and printing flux is achieved, and the synchronization of displacement and porosity distribution control is completed, thereby achieving the precise distribution of acoustic properties inside the printed object while improving the printing flux. After printing is completed, the post-processing module cleans or cures the printed parts to meet the requirements of the printed parts for strength, accuracy and porosity.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present application, the control module includes a three-dimensional displacement platform, a signal generator and a power amplifier, wherein the host computer drives the displacement of the three-dimensional displacement platform and the synchronization of the printing flux of the execution module based on a synchronization signal.

[0048] Among them, printing flux refers to the control quantity directly related to the printing process, including whether to print, curing speed, curing thickness and size, etc.; the synchronization of the two means that the host computer at different positions controls the switches and parameters of the signal generator to achieve whether to print, how much printing power, etc., which is mainly used to control the printing flux.

[0049] It can be understood that the embodiment of the present application drives the displacement of the three-dimensional displacement platform based on the synchronization signal by the upper computer and synchronizes the printing flux of the execution module, so that the upper computer can still accurately control the signal generator to perform corresponding operations under different positions of the three-dimensional displacement platform, thereby achieving the matching of position and curing operation during the printing process, thereby improving the printing flux and realizing fast printing.

[0050] For example, Figure 2 As shown, the embodiment of the present application can realize the printing of honeycomb structure, based on Figure 2 As shown, the ultrasonic 3D printer of the embodiment of the present application has the ability to print complex structures.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present application, the host computer communicates with the 3D printer through the channel degree of freedom and the NI data acquisition card, and drives the signal generator through the communication protocol NI to perform real-time printing and adjust printing parameters.

[0052] Among them, the channel degree of freedom refers to the channel between the ultrasonic 3D printer and the host computer. The NI data acquisition card in this channel is used to receive the electrical signal of the channel to realize the communication between the ultrasonic 3D printer and the host computer; the printing parameters include waveform, frequency, duty cycle, power, etc. Different printing parameters achieve different porosity distributions.

[0053] It can be understood that the host computer of the embodiment of the present application receives the electrical signal collected by the NI data acquisition card from the channel degree of freedom, and uses the communication protocol NI to drive the signal generator to perform real-time printing and adjust the printing parameters. These parameters mainly control the acoustic properties of the material, realize the porosity distribution at different positions, and meet the printing requirements of complex acoustic components.

[0054] For example, taking the printing of PDMS material as an example, the printing parameters of the signal generator will affect the porosity of 3D printing. To prove the ability of ultrasonic 3D printing to control porosity, three straight lines printed by the signal generator under different printing parameters are given below, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown in the figure, they are: the pore distribution of the opaque (high porosity) straight line, the transparent (low porosity) straight line, the transparent area of ​​the segmented straight line under the confocal microscope, and the opaque area; taking the printed letter "M" as an example, Figure 6 and Figure 7 They are the opaque letter M and transparent letter M at the porosity of the signal generator under different printing parameters.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present application, the NI data acquisition card receives an electrical signal from a communication channel between the ultrasonic 3D printer and a host computer, and the host computer calls an objective function control machine signal generator to output printing parameters based on the electrical signal.

[0056] Among them, the objective function is a function generated based on different printing parameters. Specifically, the host computer generates one or more objective functions based on the printing requirements and material properties input by the user. The objective function is preset in the signal generator, and the host computer controls its direct call. However, it is more commonly saved in the host computer. The host computer directly outputs the printing parameters to the signal generator for modification and then outputs it.

[0057] It can be understood that the host computer in the embodiment of the present application receives the electrical signal from the ultrasonic 3D printer, and calls different objective functions according to the electrical signal to control the signal generator to output different printing parameters. These printing parameters determine the curing speed, curing thickness and size of the material focused by ultrasound, thereby improving the printing throughput.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present application, the execution module includes a printing platform, an ultrasonic transducer and a clamping member, wherein a printing material is placed on the printing platform, and the clamping member is used to clamp the ultrasonic transducer. By adjusting the angle and position of the clamping member, the ultrasonic waves excited by the transducer are focused on the printing platform, and the ultrasonic transducer and the printing platform are kept relatively parallel.

[0059] The ultrasonic transducer may be any type of focused transducer, such as a spherical or cylindrical focused transducer, which can convert electrical energy into ultrasonic vibration energy. When the ultrasonic transducer is activated, high-frequency vibrations are generated and transmitted to the printing material in the form of ultrasonic waves. There are no strict requirements for the parameters of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0060] It is understandable that, in the embodiment of the present application, the printing material needs to be placed on the printing platform before ultrasonic 3D printing, the ultrasonic transducer is clamped on the clamping member, and then, Figure 8 As shown, the angle and position of the clamp are adjusted to keep the ultrasonic transducer and the printing platform relatively parallel, ensure that the ultrasonic waves excited by the transducer can be focused on the printing platform, and accurately control the focal point and focal depth of the ultrasonic waves, so as to accurately achieve the solidification of the material or the formation of the structure, thereby improving the printing efficiency and printing accuracy.

[0061] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the biomedical field to manufacture biocompatible stents, drug transport and sustained-release carriers, acoustic components, etc. In the mechanical industry, acoustically controlled micro robots, sensors, underwater vehicle components, etc. can be manufactured.

[0062] According to the ultrasonic 3D printer proposed in the embodiment of the present application, before ultrasonic 3D printing, the ultrasonic transducer must first be fixed parallel to the printing platform so that the ultrasonic wave is focused on the printing platform to improve printing efficiency and printing accuracy. The host computer drives the displacement of the three-dimensional displacement platform and the synchronization of the printing flux of the execution module based on the synchronization signal, ensuring the precise focusing and curing of the ultrasonic wave on the printing material, ensuring the uniformity and consistency of the curing of the printing material at different positions, thereby improving the printing flux. In addition, the NI data acquisition card transmits the electrical signal in the channel of communication between the ultrasonic 3D printer and the host computer to the host computer, and the host computer calls the objective function according to the electrical signal to control the signal generator to output different printing parameters, and uses The communication protocol NI drives the signal generator to perform real-time printing and adjust printing parameters, control the curing speed, curing thickness and size of the ultrasonic focused material, thereby improving the printing flux, printing accuracy and printing efficiency of ultrasonic 3D printing. At the same time, the signal generator adjusts its printing parameters in real time through the synchronization signal of the host computer at different positions to achieve precise control of the porosity and meet the printing requirements of complex acoustic components. Therefore, not only the synchronization of displacement and printing flux is achieved, but also the synchronization of displacement and porosity distribution control is achieved. Finally, at least one of the operations of cleaning and curing the printed parts can not only improve the quality and performance of the parts, but also enhance the applicability and compatibility of the parts.

[0063] Fig. 9 A block diagram of an ultrasonic 3D printing system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0064] like Fig. 9 As shown, the ultrasonic 3D printing system 200 includes: the ultrasonic 3D printer 100 and the host computer 110. The host computer communicates with the ultrasonic 3D printer based on NI, makes a three-dimensional digital model of the target object, generates a target code for the target 3D printing task based on the three-dimensional digital model, stores the target code in the ultrasonic 3D printer, and the ultrasonic 3D printer executes the target 3D printing task based on the target code.

[0065] Among them, the target code is the G-code code generated after slicing the three-dimensional digital model. It is stored in the ultrasonic 3D printer and is an instruction set that the ultrasonic 3D printer can understand and execute. It includes all the actions and steps that the printer needs to perform during the printing process.

[0066] It is understandable that if Fig.10 As shown, the host computer of the embodiment of the present application communicates with the ultrasonic 3D printer based on NI, makes a three-dimensional digital model of the target object, generates a target code according to the model, and stores the code in the ultrasonic 3D printer, and then drives the execution module and control module of the ultrasonic 3D printer according to the target code to synchronously execute the target 3D printing task, thereby improving the overall printing flux, printing efficiency and printing accuracy, and realizing the porosity distribution at different positions.

[0067] In one embodiment of the present application, the host computer slices the three-dimensional digital model, generates target code for the target 3D printing task based on the slices, and generates a target function based on different printing parameters, and the target function assists in executing the target 3D printing task.

[0068] Among them, slicing refers to the process of converting a three-dimensional digital model into a series of two-dimensional layers. That is, the slicing software will cut out multiple contour lines in the Z-axis direction of the model, and then process the data of these contour lines to generate a working path for the ultrasonic 3D printer.

[0069] It can be understood that the host computer of the embodiment of the present application generates a target code based on the slices and generates a target function based on different printing parameters. The host computer controls the signal generator to output the printing parameters by calling the target function, and jointly drives the ultrasonic 3D printer to perform the target 3D printing task with the generated target code, thereby improving the printing throughput and printing accuracy and shortening the printing cycle.

[0070] According to the ultrasonic 3D printing system proposed in the embodiment of the present application, the host computer communicates with the ultrasonic 3D printer based on NI, produces a three-dimensional digital model of the target object, generates a target code for the target 3D printing task based on the three-dimensional digital model, stores the target code in the ultrasonic 3D printer, and the ultrasonic 3D printer executes the target 3D printing task based on the target code. In the process of executing the target 3D printing task, the host computer calls the target function to drive the signal generator to adjust the printing parameters, thereby improving the printing flux, printing efficiency and printing accuracy of the ultrasonic 3D printing, and realizing the precise distribution of acoustic properties.

[0071] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the process flow of the ultrasonic 3D printing method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0072] like Fig.11 As shown, the ultrasonic 3D printing method includes the following steps:

[0073] In step S001, the printing material is pre-treated and then placed in a container on the printing platform for sealing.

[0074] Among them, pretreatment refers to operations such as mixing and proportioning of printing materials, vacuuming, particle size adjustment, impurity removal and cleaning, drying, and preheating.

[0075] It is understandable that the embodiments of the present application require pre-processing of the printing material to ensure printing efficiency and printing quality, and then placing it in a container on the printing platform and sealing it, which helps to ensure the smooth progress of the printing process and high-quality output of the print.

[0076] In step S002, the ultrasonic transducer is fixed on the clamping member, and the printing platform and the ultrasonic transducer are kept relatively parallel, and the relative positions of the ultrasonic transducer and the printing platform are adjusted so that the focus is located in front of the printing platform.

[0077] It is understandable that the embodiment of the present application needs to fix the ultrasonic transducer on the clamp before printing to ensure its stability during operation, reduce vibration deviation, improve printing accuracy, and maintain the relative parallelism between the printing platform and the ultrasonic transducer to ensure that the sound waves are transmitted to the printing material at a consistent angle and path, thereby improving printing accuracy and uniformity. Then, the relative position of the ultrasonic transducer and the printing platform is adjusted so that the focus is located in front of the printing platform to ensure that the printing material can fully absorb the ultrasonic energy and achieve high-quality printing effects.

[0078] In step S003, a three-dimensional digital model of the target object is made, a target code for the target 3D printing task is generated according to the three-dimensional digital model, and the target code is used to drive the ultrasonic 3D printer to execute the target 3D printing task.

[0079] It can be understood that the embodiment of the present application generates a target code for a target 3D printing task based on a three-dimensional digital model, and uses the target code to drive an ultrasonic 3D printer to perform the target 3D printing task, thereby ensuring that the ultrasonic 3D printer can perform voxel printing according to a predetermined path and parameters to achieve the target 3D printing task.

[0080] According to the ultrasonic 3D printing method proposed in the embodiment of the present application, the printing material is first pre-treated and then placed in a container on the printing platform for sealing to ensure the smooth progress of the printing process and the high-quality output of the print. Then, the ultrasonic transducer is fixed on the clamp and made relatively parallel to the printing platform so that the focus is located in front of the printing platform, thereby effectively improving the printing accuracy and uniformity and achieving high-quality printing effects. Finally, according to the target code of the target 3D printing task generated by the three-dimensional digital model, the ultrasonic 3D printer is driven to perform the target printing task according to the predetermined path and parameters. Thus, the problems of low printing flux, poor printing accuracy, and lack of acoustic controllability in the field of 3D printing of related technologies are solved.

[0081] The ultrasonic 3D printing method will be described below through a specific embodiment, as follows:

[0082] (1) Pre-treating the printing material, placing it in a container for sealing, fixing the container on a clamp, and keeping the printing platform and the ultrasonic transducer relatively parallel;

[0083] (2) Adjust the relative position of the transducer and the printing platform so that the focus is located in front of the printing platform and perform pre-printing to determine the accuracy of the position;

[0084] (3) Slice the 3D model to be printed, load the exported G-code into the 3D printer, and write different printing parameters into functions for calling;

[0085] (4) Control the 3D printer to print, and the signal will synchronously drive Matlab to control the signal generator to change parameters and control the output;

[0086] (5) After printing is completed, the printed parts are cleaned and re-cured.

[0087] In summary, 1. The accuracy of the ultrasonic 3D printing technology proposed in the embodiment of the present application depends on the focal size and ultrasonic parameters of the ultrasonic transducer. When the equipment and parameters are appropriate, the printing accuracy can reach 0.1mm, and it has a larger material application range, lower cost and higher printing flux, etc.; 2. Ultrasonic 3D printing technology has a cavitation effect, and with the control system, it can realize the control of the acoustic parameters of the printed parts; 3. Ultrasonic 3D printing can realize underwater in-situ manufacturing; 4. Ultrasonic 3D printing can print through biological tissues, and is expected to be used for 3D printing of living organisms.

[0088] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms are not necessarily directed to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or N embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0089] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of this application, "N" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0090] Any process or method description in a flowchart or otherwise described herein may be understood to represent a module, fragment or portion of code comprising one or N executable instructions for implementing the steps of a custom logical function or process, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of the present application includes alternative implementations in which functions may not be performed in the order shown or discussed, including performing functions in a substantially simultaneous manner or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, which should be understood by technicians in the technical field to which the embodiments of the present application belong.

[0091] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and cannot be understood as limitations on the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic 3D printer, characterized in that: include: An execution module, used to achieve a target 3D printing task through ultrasound; The control module is used to control the execution module to execute the target 3D printing task according to the target code stored in the ultrasonic 3D printer, and in the process of executing the target 3D printing task, realize the distribution control of acoustic properties based on the cavitation effect and realize the control of printing flux based on the synchronization signal.

2. The ultrasonic 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control module includes a three-dimensional displacement platform, a signal generator and a power amplifier, wherein the host computer drives the displacement of the three-dimensional displacement platform and the synchronization of the printing flux of the execution module based on a synchronization signal.

3. The ultrasonic 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The host computer realizes communication with the 3D printer through the channel degree of freedom and the NI data acquisition card, and drives the signal generator to perform real-time printing and adjust printing parameters through the communication protocol NI.

4. The ultrasonic 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The NI data acquisition card receives an electrical signal from a communication channel between the ultrasonic 3D printer and the host computer. The host computer calls an objective function based on the electrical signal to control the signal generator to output printing parameters, wherein the objective function is a function generated based on different printing parameters.

5. The ultrasonic 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The execution module includes a printing platform, an ultrasonic transducer and a clamping member, wherein a printing material is placed on the printing platform, and the clamping member is used to clamp the ultrasonic transducer. By adjusting the angle and position of the clamping member, the ultrasonic waves excited by the transducer are focused on the printing platform, and the ultrasonic transducer and the printing platform are kept relatively parallel.

6. The ultrasonic 3D printer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The ultrasonic transducer is a spherical or cylindrical focusing transducer.

7. The ultrasonic 3D printer according to claim 5, characterized in that: Also includes: The post-processing module is used to perform at least one of cleaning and curing operations on the printed parts.

8. An ultrasonic 3D printing system, characterized in that: include: The ultrasonic 3D printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7; A host computer, wherein the host computer communicates with the ultrasonic 3D printer based on the NI, makes a three-dimensional digital model of the target object, generates a target code for a target 3D printing task based on the three-dimensional digital model, stores the target code in the ultrasonic 3D printer, and the ultrasonic 3D printer executes the target 3D printing task based on the target code.

9. The ultrasonic 3D printing system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The host computer slices the three-dimensional digital model, generates a target code for the target 3D printing task according to the slices, and generates a target function according to different printing parameters, wherein the target function assists in executing the target 3D printing task.

10. An ultrasonic 3D printing method, characterized in that: The method uses the ultrasonic 3D printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7 to perform 3D printing, wherein the method comprises the following steps: After pre-treatment, the printing material is placed in a container on the printing platform and sealed; Fix the ultrasonic transducer on the clamping member, keep the printing platform and the ultrasonic transducer relatively parallel, and adjust the relative position of the ultrasonic transducer and the printing platform so that the focus is located in front of the printing platform; A three-dimensional digital model of a target object is produced, a target code for a target 3D printing task is generated according to the three-dimensional digital model, and the target code is used to drive the ultrasonic 3D printer to execute the target 3D printing task.

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