Device, system and method for automatically removing powder and extracting three-dimensional printing part

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus, system and method. The apparatus is configured to dedust and extract one or more printed components of a three-dimensional (3D) printer. The device comprises a lifting frame, a perforated plate, a lifting device, a powder removing component and at least one clamping device. A lift frame is removably secured to the open top of the first container and is configured to laterally receive the fully raised at least one 3D printed layer and the partially raised at least one powder layer. After the lifting frame and the perforated plate are lifted together, the powder removing component is configured to remove powder between the at least one powder layer and the one or more 3D printing components. The at least one gripper is configured to automatically extract one or more 3D printed components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to three-dimensional (3D) printing, and more particularly, to an apparatus, system and method for automatic powder removal and extraction of 3D printed parts. Background Art

[0002] Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also known as "additive manufacturing," is an important manufacturing method used to produce precision parts, including complex mechanical components. Specifically, 3D printing manufacturing technology is known for its efficient manufacturing of complex parts and minimizing material waste. In addition, 3D printing allows parts to be manufactured individually in customizable batches or even in mass production.

[0003] The 3D printing manufacturing process includes several different stages, namely the pre-processing, processing and post-processing of the part. The pre-processing step requires creating a computer-aided design (CAD) model of the desired part in a computer, and then importing the CAD model into the 3D printer in a machine-readable form. The processing step involves one or more sub-steps, such as (a) storing the powder in a storage box of the 3D printer, (b) transferring a small amount of powder to a print box inside the 3D printer, and then flattening the powder by the printing device (c) processing including heating and hardening the flattened layer. These sequential steps are repeated until the desired part is manufactured. In addition, the post-processing step includes other steps, such as extracting the 3D printed part while removing the remaining powder (removing excess powder), cleaning the print box, etc. The post-processing step also includes a sintering step, in which the part is placed in a furnace to obtain the desired amount of the part.

[0004] Figure 1 A simplified block diagram of a system 100 related to a 3D printing process is shown. The system 100 mainly includes a three-dimensional (3D) printer 102, and a controller 106 electrically connected to the 3D printer 102. The 3D printer 102 is designed to manufacture 3D printed parts. The 3D printer 102 includes at least a print cartridge 108 and a linear drive actuator 110. The print cartridge 108 can be mounted on the linear drive actuator 110. The controller 106 controls the linear drive actuator 110 so that the 3D printed part is manufactured in the print cartridge 108. The detailed printing process of the 3D printer 102 is described in detail. Figures 2A-2D Controller 106 may be in the form of a microprocessor or similar programmable device.

[0005] Figures 2A-2D A front view of a conventional system 100 is shown, highlighting the steps for manufacturing one or more 3D printed parts 201 (e.g., Figure 2D102 may be a selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printer. However, it should be understood that different types of 3D printers may also be combined, including but not limited to binder jet printing (BJP), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), fused deposition modeling (FDM), digital light processing (DLP), multi-jet fusion (MJF), electron beam melting (EBM), and similar technologies. It should also be noted that the selection of an SLS 3D printer (e.g., 3D printer 102) in the present disclosure is used as an example, and the system 100 may be implemented with any other of the above-mentioned 3D printers 102 utilizing a print cartridge 108.

[0006] The 3D printer 102 includes a print box 108, a storage container 202, a linear drive actuator 110, and another linear drive actuator 204 (also referred to as linear drive actuator 204). The storage container 202 is designed to hold powder 205 and includes a removable tray 206 and an opening 208. The powder 205 in the storage container 202 is first transported to the print box 108 and then processed using a binder jetting device 210 integrated in the 3D printer 102, including heating and hardening the powder. The properties of the powder 205 used here may include metallic and non-metallic materials, depending on the specific material requirements for manufacturing one or more 3D printed parts 201. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, 316 grade and 420 grade stainless steel (SS), silicon carbide, aluminum, copper, various plastics, polymers, sand, and similar substances. Accordingly, a suitable binder material can be selected to produce one or more 3D printed parts 201 (see Figure 2D ).

[0007] When the powder 205 is filled into the storage container 202, the movable tray 206 is located at the bottom dead center (BDC) of the storage container 202. If the storage container 202 is empty and there is no powder in it, the movable tray 206 is located at the top dead center (TDC). Between BDC and TDC, the movable tray 206 reciprocates a distance H in the downward and upward directions 212 (see Figure 2A ). The movable tray 206 is operated by the linear drive actuator 204. The linear drive actuator 204 is electrically connected to the controller 106 (eg Figure 1 As shown) and combined with the movable tray 206, a portion of the powder 205 is lifted above the opening 208 to a predetermined height (eg, ΔH), the predetermined height being the height H (see Figure 2B The predetermined height ΔH provided by the linear drive actuator 204 is controlled by the controller. When the movable tray 206 reciprocates laterally along the upward direction 212 by one third of the predetermined height ΔH, the powder 205 stored in the storage container 202 will also reciprocate above the opening 208 along the upward direction 212 by the predetermined height ΔH.

[0008] The linear drive actuator 204 can be in the form of a hydraulic linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator, an electric linear actuator, or a piezoelectric actuator. The linear drive actuator 204 shown in the illustrated example is a hydraulic linear actuator. The hydraulic linear actuator is designed to convert the energy stored in the working fluid into mechanical work, mainly promoting the reciprocating motion of the movable tray 206. The pressure of the working fluid acts on the piston in the hydraulic linear actuator to generate a propulsion force, which causes the movable tray 206 to reciprocate upward in the vertical direction 212. Since the linear drive actuator 204 is electronically connected to the controller 106, the predetermined height ΔH can be adjusted as needed.

[0009] The pusher device 214 in the 3D printer 102 is electrically connected to the controller 106 and is used to transfer the portion of the powder 205 corresponding to the predetermined height ΔH (i.e., the powder located above the opening 208) to the opening portion 216 of the print box 108. The pusher device 214 is combined with a powder flattener 218. The powder flattener 218 is configured to flatten the powder located at the opening 216 to form a sub-layer 220 (e.g., Figure 2C ). The powder flattener 218 is in the shape of a square plate, which is reciprocated by a movable rod 221 in the pusher device 214. However, in an alternative configuration, a cylindrical powder flattener may be used.

[0010] Reference now Figure 2D , the print box 108 is designed to accommodate multiple extraction layers 224 longitudinally, extending from the movable base 222 to the opening 216. The multiple extraction layers 224 include at least one 3D printed layer 228 (also referred to as "3D printed layer 228") and at least one powder layer 230 (also referred to as "powder layer 230"). These layers, namely the 3D printed layers 228 and the powder layers 230, are arranged alternately. The 3D printed layer 228 is composed of one or more 3D printed parts 201, and the powder 232 is dispersed between the one or more 3D printed parts 201. In the example shown, the one or more 3D printed parts 201 have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, in other examples, more complex and asymmetric shapes can also be prepared.

[0011] At the beginning of the printing process, the movable base 222 is located at the top dead center (TDC) of the print cartridge 108 (i.e., at the opening 216). When the print cartridge 108 is filled with a plurality of extraction layers 224, the movable base 222 begins to reciprocate in the downward direction 234, and the reciprocating distance is represented as Y (see Figure 2D ) until the bottom dead center (BDC) of the print cartridge 108 is reached.

[0012] The movable base 222 is actuated by the linear drive actuator 110. The linear drive actuator 110 is electronically connected to the controller 106 and interconnected with the movable base 222 to lift the uppermost 3D printed layer 228 of the plurality of extraction layers 224 to a height Y (e.g., 1 / 8 of the height Y) from the opening 216. Figure 3B In addition, the linear drive actuator 110 is partially used to raise the powder layer 230 located below the fully raised 3D printing layer 228.

[0013] The linear drive actuator 110 can be in the form of a hydraulic linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator, an electric linear actuator, or a piezoelectric actuator. In the illustrated example, the linear drive actuator 110 is specifically represented as a hydraulic linear actuator. The hydraulic linear actuator is configured to convert the energy stored in the working fluid therein into mechanical work, thereby promoting the reciprocating motion of the movable base 222. The pressure of the working fluid acts on the piston of the hydraulic linear actuator, generating a thrust that causes the movable base 222 to reciprocate in the upward direction 212. Since the linear drive actuator 110 is electronically connected to the controller 106, the predetermined height △Y can be adjusted as needed.

[0014] In the post-processing of 3D printed parts, especially when the prints are fragile or in mass production where a large number of parts need to be printed, the process of removing powder and extracting parts from the print box of the 3D printer is very tedious and requires a lot of manpower. Usually, the removal of powder and extraction of printed parts are done manually by skilled workers. Skilled workers will slowly remove the powder between the printed parts and then carefully remove the parts one by one from the printed surface in the print box of the 3D printer. However, when removing the printed parts, it becomes more difficult to enter each layer because skilled workers need to go deep into the print box.

[0015] Therefore, there is a need to develop a system that can automate one or more post-processing steps and overcome one or more of the above limitations and provide other technical advantages. Summary of the invention

[0016] Various embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus, system, and method for automatic powder removal and extraction of three-dimensional (3D) printed parts.

[0017] In one implementation example, a system for automatically removing powder and extracting three-dimensional (3D) printed parts is disclosed. The system includes a controller, a first container, a first linear drive actuator, and a device. The first container has a movable base and an opening. The first container is configured to accommodate multiple extraction layers longitudinally. The multiple extraction layers include at least one 3D printed layer and at least one powder layer. At least one powder layer is arranged alternately with at least one 3D printed layer. At least one 3D printed layer includes one or more 3D printed parts and powder between one or more 3D printed parts. The first linear drive actuator is electronically connected to the controller and interconnected to the movable base to fully lift at least one 3D printed layer located at the top of the multiple extraction layers from the top of the opening to a first predefined height, and partially lift at least one powder layer below the fully raised at least one 3D printed layer. The device is electronically connected to the controller and configured to remove powder between at least one powder layer and one or more 3D printed parts and extract one or more 3D printed parts. The device is electronically connected to the controller and configured to remove powder between at least one powder layer and one or more 3D printed parts and extract one or more 3D printed parts. The device includes a high-elevated frame, a perforated plate, a lifting device, a powder removal component and at least one clamp. The elevated frame is detachably fixed to the top of the opening and is configured to laterally receive at least one fully-elevated 3D printing layer and at least one partially-elevated powder layer. The perforated plate is slidably inserted into the elevated frame and longitudinally passes through at least one partially-elevated powder layer. The perforated plate is configured to remove powder from at least a portion of at least one partially-elevated powder layer.

[0018] The lifting device is mechanically connected to the raised frame. The lifting device is configured to movably fix the raised frame to the top of the opening during the insertion of the perforated plate into the raised frame, and to lift the raised frame together with the perforated plate to a second predetermined height after the perforated plate is inserted into the raised frame. The powder removal component is electronically connected to the controller and configured to remove at least one powder layer, powder between one or more 3D printed parts, and powder adhering to one or more 3D printed parts. At least one clamp is electronically connected to the controller and configured to automatically extract one or more 3D printed parts of at least one 3D printed layer that is fully raised. The powder removal component has a vibrator, which is electronically connected to the controller and configured to apply a vibrating motion to at least the perforated plate to remove a portion of at least one partially raised powder layer and a portion of the powder between one or more 3D printed parts. The powder removal component also has at least one pressurizer, which is electronically connected to the controller and configured to remove powder adhering to one or more 3D printed parts.

[0019] In one implementation example, a device for automatically removing powder and extracting three-dimensional (3D) printed parts is disclosed. The device is mounted on a first container of the system and is electronically connected to a controller. The device includes a lifting frame, a perforated plate, a lifting device, a powder removal component, and at least one clamp. The lifting frame is detachably fixed to the top of the opening and is configured to laterally receive at least one fully raised 3D printed layer and at least one partially raised powder layer. The perforated plate is slidably inserted into the lifting frame and is capable of longitudinally passing through at least one partially raised powder layer. The perforated plate is configured to remove powder from at least a portion of at least one partially raised powder layer. The lifting device is mechanically connected to the lifting frame. The lifting device is configured to movably fix the lifting frame to the top of the opening during the insertion of the perforated plate into the lifting frame, and to lift the lifting frame together with the perforated plate to a second predetermined height after the perforated plate is inserted into the lifting frame. The powder removal component is electronically connected to the controller and is configured to remove powder from at least one powder layer, powder between one or more 3D printed parts, and powder adhering to one or more 3D printed parts. At least one gripper is electronically connected to the controller and is configured to automatically extract the one or more 3D printed parts of the fully elevated at least one 3D printed layer.

[0020] In another implementation example, a method for automatically removing powder and extracting three-dimensional (3D) printed parts is disclosed. The method includes accommodating a plurality of extraction layers in a first container. The plurality of extraction layers in the first container include at least one 3D printed layer and at least one powder layer arranged alternately with the at least one 3D printed layer. The at least one 3D printed layer includes one or more 3D printed parts and powder between the one or more 3D printed parts. Next, the method includes completely raising at least one 3D printed layer located at the top of the plurality of extraction layers to a first predetermined height from an opening by a first linear drive actuator, and partially raising at least one powder layer located below the at least one 3D printed layer that is completely raised. In addition, the method includes transversely receiving at least one fully raised 3D printed layer and at least one partially raised powder layer through an elevation frame of the device. The elevation frame is detachably fixed to the top opening. Next, the method includes slidably receiving a perforated plate through the elevation frame, and the perforated plate longitudinally passes through at least one partially raised powder layer. The perforated plate is configured to remove powder from at least a portion of at least one partially raised powder layer. The method also includes, after completing the insertion of the perforated plate into the elevated frame, lifting the elevated frame together with the perforated plate to a second predetermined height by a lifting device of the device. The method also includes removing powder from at least one powder layer, powder between one or more 3D printed parts, and powder adhering to one or more 3D printed parts by a powder removal component of the device. Next, the method includes extracting one or more 3D printed parts of at least one fully raised 3D printed layer by at least one clamp of the device. In the method, the process of removing powder and extracting three-dimensional (3D) printed parts is repeated until all 3D printed parts are extracted from multiple extraction layers. It should be noted that the extraction of 3D printed parts is performed layer by layer on multiple extraction layers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments may be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In order to illustrate the content of the present invention, exemplary configurations of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific devices or tools and means disclosed herein. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0022] Figure 1 A simplified block diagram of a conventional system related to printing, de-dusting and extracting a three-dimensional printed (3D) part is shown;

[0023] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D An example of a conventional system is shown showing the operations involved in manufacturing one or more 3D printed parts;

[0024] Figure 3AA simplified block diagram of a system related to powder removal and extraction of three-dimensional (3D) printed parts according to an example implementation of the present disclosure is shown;

[0025] Figure 3B A perspective view of a system for removing powder and extracting one or more 3D printed parts according to an implementation example of the present disclosure is shown;

[0026] Figure 3C An implementation example according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3B The main view of the system;

[0027] Figure 4A Shows Figure 3B a front view of the system showing the device being raised from a first container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4B shows a perspective view of the system showing the device raised from the first container and the perforated plate partially inserted into the raised frame according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5A shows an example representation of a system perspective diagram according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 5B Another embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5A Example representation of an exploded view of a system;

[0031] Figure 6 A perspective view showing a system associated with printing, de-dusting, and extracting three-dimensional (3D) printed parts according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0032] Figure 7 A flow chart of a method for automatically removing powder and extracting 3D printed parts according to an example implementation of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Unless specifically noted, the drawings referred to in this specification should not be understood as being drawn to scale and are merely schematic in nature. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the implementation examples of this article. The examples used herein are intended only to facilitate an understanding of the manner in which this article can be practiced, and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the implementation examples of this article. Therefore, these examples should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the implementation examples of this article.

[0035] References in this specification to "an implementation example" or "implementation examples" mean that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the implementation example are included in at least one implementation example of the present disclosure. The phrase "in the implementation examples" appearing in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same implementation example, nor is it a separate or alternative implementation example that is mutually exclusive with other implementation examples. In addition, various features are described that some implementation examples may exhibit but other implementation examples may not exhibit. Similarly, various requirements are described that may be requirements of some embodiments but not of other embodiments.

[0036] In addition, although the following description contains many details for illustrative purposes, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many variations and / or changes to the details are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, although many features of the present disclosure are described in relation to or in conjunction with each other, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Therefore, this description of the present disclosure is set forth without loss of generality and does not impose limitations on the present disclosure.

[0037] The present disclosure covers several implementation examples of systems and methods for providing automatic powder removal and extraction of three-dimensional (3D) printed parts. In one implementation example of the present disclosure, the system includes a first container, a first linear drive actuator, a device removably fixed to the first container, and a controller electronically connected to the first linear drive actuator and the device.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a system device for automatically removing powder and extracting one or more 3D printed parts includes a first container, a controller, and a first linear drive actuator. The first container is temporarily mounted to the first linear drive actuator. In this embodiment, the first container of the 3D printer (after printing the 3D parts in the first container using the 3D printer) can be temporarily mounted to the first linear drive actuator to remove powder and extract one or more 3D printed parts. The system is covered by a housing of a lifting device. The first container accommodating multiple extraction layers can be temporarily installed for the purpose of removing powder and extraction. Once the purpose of removing powder and extraction is completed, a new container accommodating multiple extraction layers can be installed for the purpose of removing powder and extraction.

[0039] The device includes a lifting frame detachably fixed to the open top of the first container, the lifting frame being configured to receive the powder layer of the fully raised 3D printing layer and the partially raised multiple extraction layers laterally through a first linear drive actuator. The perforated plate of the device is slidably inserted into the lifting frame, which passes longitudinally through the partially raised powder layer. The perforated plate removes powder from at least a portion of the partially raised powder layer. In addition, the powder removal component of the device includes a vibrator and a press to remove powder from the fully raised 3D printing layer and the partially raised powder layer. Afterwards, the gripper of the device automatically extracts one or more 3D printed parts of the fully raised 3D printing layer. The powder between the substance to be removed of the partially raised powder layer and the one or more 3D printed parts is collected in the channel of the raised frame, removed by a suction mechanism, and can be reused for printing purposes.

[0040] The powder removal component has a vibrator, which is electronically connected to the controller and configured to apply a vibration motion to at least the perforated plate to remove a portion of at least one partially lifted powder layer and a portion of the powder between the one or more 3D printed parts. The powder removal component also has at least one press, which is electronically connected to the controller and configured to remove powder adhering to the one or more 3D printed parts.

[0041] The following will refer to FIG. 3A to FIG. 7 to describe various example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 3AA simplified block diagram of a system 300 related to at least some implementation examples of the present disclosure is shown. The system 300 mainly includes a first container 308, a first linear drive actuator 310, a device 304 detachably fixed to the first container 308, and a controller 306 electronically connected to the first linear drive actuator 310 and the device 304. The device 304 is designed to remove powder (hereinafter, the expression "remove" may also be referred to as "remove powder") and extract one or more 3D printed parts manufactured using a 3D printer. The first container 308 can be temporarily mounted on the first linear drive actuator 310. Once the device 304 completes the removal of powder and extraction of 3D printed parts from the first container 308, the first container 308 can be removed from the system 300, and a new container with one or more manufactured 3D printed parts can be mounted on the first linear drive actuator 310 for performing the removal of powder and extraction operations.

[0043] The device 304 (also referred to as the powder removal and extraction device 304) is configured to automatically remove powder and extract one or more 3D printed parts related operations. The device 304 is controlled by the controller 306 through electronic signals obtained from input signals received from various components of the system 300. The controller 306 can be in the form of a microprocessor or similar programmable device. For example, the controller 306 can be embodied as one or more types of processing devices, such as an auxiliary processor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuit with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices, including integrated circuits, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microcontroller units (MCUs), hardware accelerators, dedicated computer chips, integrated circuits, or similar components.

[0044] Figure 3B A perspective view of a system 300 for removing powder and extracting one or more 3D printed parts according to an example implementation of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3C The same implementation example according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3B 304 includes an elevated frame 352. The elevated frame 352 is designed to be securely attached to the open top 366 and is configured to be in a horizontal manner (eg, Figure 3C The upward or vertical direction 363 shown in FIG. 3 accommodates the fully raised 3D printed layer 378 (eg, Figure 3C ) and a partially raised powder layer 380 (as shown Figure 3C shown).

[0045] The raised frame 352 includes a channel 354 (eg Figure 3C The channel 354 has an outer flange 356 (as shown). Figure 3C As shown), inner flange 358 (as Figure 3C ) and a connecting plate 360 ​​(as shown) connecting the outer flange 356 and the inner flange 358 Figure 3C 364). The connecting plate 360 ​​extends from the base of the inner flange 358. The outer flange 356 extends laterally (i.e., in an upward direction 363) from the connecting plate 360 ​​to a first predetermined height ΔY'. The inner flange 358 extends laterally along the top 362 of the first container 308 to the perforated plate 364. The inner flange 358 extends along the top 362 so that the perforated plate 364 can be inserted therein.

[0046] The combination of the outer flange 356, the inner flange 358 and the connecting plate 360 ​​form a cavity 365 therebetween. The cavity 365 is configured to collect powder around the inner periphery of the first container 308 through the perforated wall 367 (at the fully raised at least one 3D printed layer 378 and the partially raised powder layer 380). The first container 308 is designed to collect the powder removal area 420 (such as Figure 4A ), and a powder removal area 369 (as shown) from powder 382 dispersed between one or more 3D printed parts 301 Figure 3C shown).

[0047] In addition, the elevated frame 352 also includes a perforated wall 367 (such as Figure 3B The perforated wall 367 extends from the top 368 of the inner flange 358 (as shown in FIG. Figure 3C The perforated wall 367 is configured to facilitate the removal of powder (hereinafter referred to as "powder removal" or "material removal") including a portion 420 (as shown) of the partially elevated powder layer 380. Figure 4A The perforated wall 367 can be formed with one or more patterns that allow the removed powder material to flow into the chamber 365. For example, as a non-limiting example, micro-sized spherical powder can flow through the perforated wall 367, which can have circular perforations. The perforated wall 367 is connected to the top 368 of the inner flange 358 (as shown in FIG. Figure 3C The attachment (shown) can be temporary (e.g., by using screws, nuts and bolts, etc.) or permanent (e.g., by welding). In addition, the design of the perforated wall 367 is based on considerations of the bending and compressive forces applied thereto.

[0048] The perforated plate 364 is slidably inserted into the raised frame 352 and is longitudinally (i.e., in a horizontal direction 370, such as Figure 3BThe perforated plate 364 is configured to remove at least a portion of the partially raised powder layer 380. In the illustrated configuration, the perforated plate 364 has a cross-section that is aligned with a cross-section of an open top 366 of the first container 308. In addition, the perforated plate 364 can form a strong frame around its perimeter.

[0049] In order to facilitate the smooth sliding insertion of the perforated plate 364 into the lifting frame 352, the insertion side 373 (see FIG. 354 ) of the outer flange 356 is provided. Figure 3B ) is provided with guide rail 372. It is noteworthy that, except for the insertion side 373, the remaining sides of the outer flange 356 do not have guide rail 372. This specific design allows the perforated plate 364 to be inserted into the guide rail 372 located at the insertion side 373 without difficulty. The guide rail 372 can take the form of a groove or any other opening form that allows the perforated plate 364 to be inserted into the elevated frame 352. The shape of the groove closely matches the cross-sectional shape of the perforated plate. As an illustration, in a non-limiting example, a rectangular groove can be created on the outer flange 356 to accommodate the perforated plate 364, which itself has a rectangular shape very similar to the cross-sectional shape of the perforated plate 364. For ease of insertion, a clearance fit can be provided between the perforated plate 364 and the rectangular groove. It should be noted that the perforated plate 364 can be inserted into and extracted from the guide rail 372 using an appropriate mechanism activated by the controller 306.

[0050] In one implementation example, the perforated plate 364 is inserted before de-powdering and extracting one or more printed parts 301 from the topmost layer of the plurality of extraction layers 374. Once the one or more printed parts 301 are extracted from the topmost layer of the plurality of extraction layers 374, the perforated plate 364 is withdrawn from the guide rail 372. Then, the first linear drive actuator 310 fully lifts at least one 3D printed layer 378 located at the top of the plurality of extraction layers 374 to a first predetermined height from the open top 366, and partially lifts at least one powder layer 380 located below the currently fully lifted at least one 3D printed layer 378. At this stage, the perforated plate 364 can be inserted into and withdrawn from the guide rail 372, and the process continues until all 3D printed parts are extracted from the plurality of extraction layers 374. Therefore, the de-powdering and extraction of one or more printed parts 301 is performed layer by layer in the plurality of extraction layers 374.

[0051] Figure 4A A front view of the system 300 is shown, showing the device 304 being raised from the first container 308 according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. Figure 4BA perspective view of the system 300 is shown, showing the device 304 being lifted from the first container 308 according to the same embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the perforated plate 364 is partially inserted into the lifting frame 352. After the perforated plate 364 is successfully inserted into the lifting frame 352, the controller 306 transmits an input signal to the lifting device 402 integrated into the device 304. The lifting device 402 is mechanically coupled to the lifting frame 352 and is configured to lift the lifting frame 352 together with the perforated plate 364 to a second predetermined height Z'. This action occurs once the perforated plate 364 is slidably inserted into the lifting frame. The lifting device 402 includes a housing (such as a housing) for covering the system 300. Figure 5A For the sake of clarity in the drawing, Figures 3B to 4B The housing is not shown. Detailed information on the geometric configuration and operating properties of the lifting device 402 will be referred to Figure 5B To elaborate.

[0052] The device 304 also includes a powder removal component 404. The powder removal component 404 is configured to remove the 3D printed layer 378 (see Figure 3C ) between one or more 3D printed parts 301 (see Figure 3C ) and powder region 382 (see Figure 3C ). The powder removal component 404 is electronically connected to the controller 306. When the 3D printing layer 378 (such as Figure 3C When the lifting frame 352 with the partially raised powder layer 380 is lifted, the controller 306 starts the powder removal component 404.

[0053] The powder removal component 404 includes a vibrator 406. The vibrator 406 is configured to apply a vibration motion to at least the perforated plate 364. The vibration motion of the perforated plate 364 relative to the lifting frame 352 acts on a portion of the powder layer 380 that is partially lifted and a portion of the powder 382 that exists between one or more 3D printed components 301 of the 3D printed layer 378. The vibrator 406 used herein can be one of a mechanical oscillator, an electric oscillator, a hydraulic oscillator, a pneumatic oscillator, or a piezoelectric oscillator. For example, in the configuration shown, the vibrator 406 is fixed to the perforated plate 364. When the perforated plate 364 is inserted into the lifting frame 352, the controller 306 activates the vibrator 406 to apply a vibration motion to the perforated plate 364. Therefore, this action helps to reduce the adhesion of the powder, thereby facilitating its removal.

[0054] In some implementation examples, in order to ensure that no residual powder adheres to one or more 3D printed parts 301, the powder removal unit 404 also includes at least one pressure generator 408 (also referred to as "pressure generator 408"). The pressure generator 408 is configured to remove powder adhered to one or more 3D printed parts 301. The pressure generator 408 used in the illustrated implementation example may include one or more components, such as a tank (not shown) for storing pressurized gas (e.g., air), a polymerization nozzle (not shown), and a hose (not shown) connecting the polymerization nozzle to the tank. The pressure generator 408 is electronically connected to the controller 306. The controller 306 can adjust the air pressure applied to the one or more printed parts 301 as needed to achieve the powder removal process. The air pressure applied to the one or more printed parts 301 is used to remove powder adhered to the one or more 3D printed parts 301. Then, the removed material generated in the process is collected in the first container 308 through the perforated plate 364.

[0055] It should be noted that the powder 420 removed using the perforated plate 364 and the vibrator 406 of the powder removal component 404 is collected into the first container 308 through the perforated plate 364. More specifically, the powder 420 of the partially raised powder layer 380, as well as the material to be removed of the portion 369 of the powder 382 located between one or more 3D printed components 301, is collected into the chamber 365 through the perforated wall 367. Specifically, this involves the powder located at the first predetermined height ΔY' at the top of the opening of the first container 308, which is subjected to the powder removal operation and then accumulated in the chamber 365.

[0056] The device 304 also includes a suction mechanism 410, which is configured to extract the removed material collected in the chamber 365 of the channel 354. The suction mechanism 410 includes at least one suction tube 412 and a suction pump (not shown). One end of the at least one suction tube 412 is connected to the connecting plate 360 ​​of the channel 354, and the other end is connected to the suction pump. This arrangement establishes a flow connection between the suction pump and the chamber 365, and the removed material is stored in the chamber 365. The vacuum pressure (i.e., negative pressure relative to atmospheric pressure) generated by the suction mechanism 410 can be set by the controller 306 based on the amount of removed material collected at the chamber 365. It should be noted that the suction pump of the suction mechanism 410 can further transport the collected removed material to a storage container. The removed material in the storage container can be reused for printing 3D parts.

[0057] In order to facilitate the extraction of the one or more 3D printed parts 301 that have been de-powdered, the device 304 is equipped with at least one gripper 414 (also referred to as "gripper 414"). The main function of the gripper 414 is to effectively extract the one or more 3D printed parts 301 from the fully raised 3D printed layer 378. In an implementation example, the system 300 can also conveniently use an automatic mechanism ( Figure 4A and 4B (not shown), the automated mechanism includes multiple grippers for simultaneously processing one or more 3D printed parts 301. The advantage of this configuration is that the press 408 can remove powder from each side of the one or more 3D printed parts 301. Subsequently, the multiple grippers can transport the one or more 3D printed parts 301 to a suitable transport device, such as a conveyor, thereby simplifying post-processing operations.

[0058] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, one or more 3D printed parts 301 have a cubic shape, specifically a rectangular cross-section. If the 3D printer manufactures complex and asymmetric parts, the geometric configuration of at least one gripper 414 will accommodate such changes in the shape of the parts. In addition, the gripper 414 may include one or more sensors that are electronically connected to the controller 306. These sensors may include various types, such as motion sensors, touch sensors, etc. By utilizing these sensors, the gripper 414 can determine the shape and precise position of one or more 3D printed parts 301. This information allows the gripper 414 to engage with one or more 3D printed parts 301 with a controlled and calibrated force that is customized by the specific requirements of the identified part shape and positioning.

[0059] In addition, see Figure 4B , the perforated plate 364 includes at least one movable member 416 (hereinafter referred to as "movable member 416"). The movable member 416 is configured to slide along the horizontal direction 370 around at least one fixed member 418 (hereinafter referred to as "fixed member 418") of the elevated frame 352. The shape of the movable member 416 is complementary to the configuration of the fixed member 418. A clearance fit is established between the movable member 416 and the fixed member 418 to ensure smooth movement. The movable member 416 can be electronically connected to the controller 306. This connection enables the controller 306 to control the insertion and removal of the perforated plate 364 in the elevated frame 352.

[0060] The engagement of the raised frame 352 with the open top 366 in the top 362 of the first container 308 can be achieved in a variety of ways. One example employs a snap-fit ​​arrangement, wherein the inner flange 358 is removably secured to the open top 366 in the top 362 of the first container 308 (e.g., Figure 3BAlternatively, another method involves using one or more engaging members (such as Figure 3C ), which is designed to be removably fixed to corresponding complementary engagement members located on the open top 366 of the first container 308. These engagement mechanisms ensure a safe and reliable connection between the rising frame 352 and the first container 308, thereby improving the stability of the assembly.

[0061] Figure 5A An illustrative representation of an alternative implementation example of system 500 is shown, and Figure 5B An exploded view of a system 500 of the same embodiment as the present disclosure is provided. The system 500 shares some common components with the previously described system 300, including the apparatus 304, the first container 308, the first linear drive actuator 310, and the controller 306. In this particular embodiment, the first container 308 can be temporarily mounted to the first linear drive actuator 310. After the de-powdering and extraction process is completed, wherein the apparatus 304 reads one or more 3D printed parts 301 from the first container 308, the first container 308 can be easily detached from the system 500. The system 500 is designed for automatic de-powdering and extraction of one or more 3D printed parts 301, including the apparatus 304, the first container 308, the first linear drive actuator 310. Importantly, the system 500 accommodates multiple extraction layers 374 (e.g., Figure 4A The first container 308 (shown in FIG. 1 ) can be temporarily mounted to the first linear drive actuator 310. This design feature is versatile because the first container 308 of any type of 3D printer (e.g., SLS, DMLS, FDM, DLP, MJF, EBM, and similar technologies) can be used to temporarily mount it for the specific purpose of powder removal and extraction.

[0062] Lifting mechanism 402( Figure 5A 4A and 4B (not shown) have a housing 502. The housing 502 includes a first side wall 504A, a second side wall 504B opposite the first side wall 504A, a third side wall 504C, and a fourth side wall 504D opposite the third side wall 504C. This arrangement ensures full coverage of the lifting device 402 and the first linear drive actuator 310 contained therein. More specifically, at least one or more components of the lifting device 402 are disposed in the top 506A of the housing 502, while the first linear drive actuator 310 is disposed in the bottom 506B of the housing 502, and the middle portion 506C of the housing 502 has an opening 508 on at least one side of the housing 502. In the illustrated configuration, the opening 508 is formed on the first side wall 540A. The opening 508 is suitable for encapsulating the first container 308. The design of the housing 502 allows the first container 308 of any 3D printer to be encapsulated in the middle portion 506C of the housing 502.

[0063] like Figure 5B As shown, the first side wall 504A of the housing 502 is located on the first side 510A of the elevating frame 352, and the second side wall 504B of the housing 502 is located on the second side 510B of the elevating frame 352. The first side wall 504A fixes the first bracket 512A, and the second side wall 504B fixes the second bracket 512B. The first bracket 512A is configured to fix the first pair of fixed sleeves 514A, and the second bracket 512B is configured to fix the second pair of fixed sleeves 514B. The first pair of fixed sleeves 514A can be slidably engaged with the first pair of moving sleeves 516A on the first side 510A, and the second pair of fixed sleeves 514B can be slidably engaged with the second side 510B of the second pair of moving sleeves 516B on the second side 510A.

[0064] In one implementation example, the device 304 of the system 500 can be mounted to a casting component having a first container 308. For example, in the area of ​​investment casting components, the device 304 can be mounted to a printing box of the investment casting component for de-powdering and extracting the cast component.

[0065] It should be noted that the plurality of extraction layers 374 include at least one 3D printed layer 378 and at least one powder layer 380. The 3D printed layers 378 and the powder layers 380 are arranged alternately to form the plurality of extraction layers 374. The 3D printed layer 378 is composed of one or more 3D printed parts 301, and the powder 382 is dispersed between the one or more 3D printed parts 301. In the pre-processing step of manufacturing one or more 3D printed parts 301, a computer-aided design (CAD) model is input, and its details are not limited to the predefined number of extraction layers 374 to be achieved, the predefined height of the powder layer 380 to be achieved for one or more 3D printed parts 301, and the predefined height of the powder layer between each 3D printed layer 378 to be achieved. In an embodiment of the present invention, a preset 3D printer is used, and the CAD model can act as a controller 306 and automatically control one or more operations of the powder removal and extraction system for the 3D printed parts 301. In one embodiment of the present invention, the controller 306 retrieves information from the CAD model and automatically performs one or more control operations of the powder removal and extraction system for the 3D printed parts 301. One or more control operations of the system are not limited to a) using the first linear drive actuator 310 to lift the first container 308 having multiple extraction layers 374 to a first predetermined height; b) using the lifting device 402 to lower and fix the raised frame 352 to the open top 366; c) inserting the perforated plate 364 into the guide rail 372; d) using the lifting device 402 to lift the raised frame 352 with the perforated plate 364; e) using the powder removal part 404 to perform a powder removal operation and extract the 3D printed part 301.

[0066] Figure 6A perspective view of a system 600 related to printing, powder removal, and extraction of three-dimensional (3D) printed parts according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In a preferred embodiment, the system 300 only performs powder removal and extraction of 3D printed parts, while the printing of 3D printed parts is performed with the aid of a conventional 3D printer. Figure 6 In the illustrated alternative implementation example, the system performs printing of 3D printed parts in addition to powder removal and extraction of 3D printed parts. In this case, any conventional print cartridge of the 3D printer 602 will serve as the first container 308. The first container 308 of the 3D printer 602 can be used as the first container 308 for powder removal and extraction of printed parts. Thus, a single system 600 can be used to perform printing, powder removal, and extraction of printed parts.

[0067] In the case where the printing process is performed separately from the powder removal and extraction process of the printed component 301, the system 300 (such as Figure 3C The first container 308 containing the printed extraction layer 374 in the embodiment shown in the figure can be used to remove powder and extract the printed parts. In such a scenario, the printing box after the parts are printed using a conventional 3D printer can be used as the first container 308. Therefore, the system of the present invention is not limited to removing powder and extracting parts printed by a single 3D printer, but can also perform various operations including the process of a 3D printer, so that a single system 600 can be used for printing and automatic removal of powder and extraction of printed parts.

[0068] like Figure 6 As shown, the system 600 has a 3D printer 602, which includes a first container 308, a second container 603, a first linear drive actuator 310 and a second linear drive actuator 604. The second container 603 is designed to hold powder 605 and is combined with a movable tray 606 and an opening 608. The powder 605 stored in the second container 603 is first transported to the first container 308 and then processed using a binder jetting device 610 integrated in the 3D printer 602, including heating and hardening the powder. The selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printer is used only for exemplary purposes of this description, and any other 3D printer can be used to implement the system, such as direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), fused deposition modeling (FDM), digital light processing (DLP), multi-jet melting (MJF), electron beam melting (EBM), etc., using the first container.

[0069] When the powder 605 is filled into the second container 603, the movable tray 606 is located at the bottom dead center (BDC) of the second container 603. If the second container 603 is empty and there is no powder therein, the movable tray 606 is located at the top dead center (TDC). Between BDC and TDC, the movable tray 606 reciprocates a distance H' in the downward direction 634 and the upward direction 363. The movable tray 606 is operated by the second linear drive actuator 604. The second linear drive actuator 604 is electronically connected to the controller 306 (e.g., Figure 3A The movable tray 606 is reciprocatingly engaged with the movable tray 606 to lift a portion of the powder 605 above the opening 608, which is a third predetermined height (e.g., ΔH') of the height H'. The third predetermined height ΔH' provided by the second linear drive actuator 604 is controlled by the controller 306. When the movable tray 606 reciprocates laterally in the upward direction 363 by the third predetermined height ΔH', the powder 605 stored in the second container 603 will also reciprocate in the upward direction 363 by the third predetermined height ΔH' above the opening 608.

[0070] The second linear drive actuator 604 can be in the form of a hydraulic linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator, an electric linear actuator, or a piezoelectric actuator. The second linear drive actuator 604 shown in the illustrated implementation example is a hydraulic linear actuator. The hydraulic linear actuator is designed to convert the energy stored in the working fluid into mechanical work, mainly promoting the reciprocating motion of the movable tray 606. The pressure of the working fluid acts on the piston in the hydraulic linear actuator to generate a propulsion force, which causes the movable tray 606 to reciprocate upward in the upward direction 363. Since the second linear drive actuator 604 is electronically connected to the controller 306, the third predetermined height △H' can be adjusted as needed.

[0071] The pusher device 614 in the 3D printer 602 is electrically connected to the controller 306 and is designed to transfer the portion of the powder 605 corresponding to the third predetermined height ΔH' (i.e., the powder located above the opening 608) to the upper 366 of the opening of the first container 308. The pusher device 614 combines a powder flattener. The powder flattener 618 is configured to flatten the powder located at the opening end 366 to form a sublayer. In the embodiment currently shown, the powder flattener 618 takes the shape of a square plate, which is reciprocated by a movable rod 621 in the pusher device 614. However, in an alternative configuration, a cylindrical powder flattener can be used.

[0072] The first container 308 is designed to accommodate multiple extraction layers 374 longitudinally, extending from the movable base 622 to the open top 366. The multiple extraction layers 374 include 3D printed layers 378 and powder layers 380. These layers, namely the 3D printed layers 378 and the powder layers 380, are arranged alternately. The 3D printed layers 378 are composed of one or more 3D printed parts 301, and the powder 382 is dispersed between the one or more 3D printed parts 301. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more 3D printed parts 301 have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, in other embodiments, more complex and asymmetric shapes can also be prepared.

[0073] During the printing start-up, the movable base 622 is located at the top dead center (TDC) of the first container 308 (i.e., at the top 366 of the opening). When the first container 308 is filled with a plurality of extraction layers 374, the movable base 622 begins to reciprocate in the downward direction 634, the reciprocating distance indicated as Y', until reaching the bottom dead center (BDC) of the first container 308. Conversely, in order to perform powder removal and extraction of one or more 3D printed parts 301 by the device 304, the movable base 622 performs a reciprocating motion in the upward direction 363, moving from the BDC of the first container 308 toward the TDC of the first container 308.

[0074] The movable base 622 is actuated by the first linear drive actuator 310. The first linear drive actuator 310 is electronically connected to the controller 306 and reciprocally coupled to the movable base 622 to lift the 3D printed layer 378 located at the uppermost portion of the plurality of extraction layers 374 to a first predetermined height ΔY' of the height Y' from the opening top 366. In addition, the first linear drive actuator 310 partially lifts the powder layer 380 located below the fully raised 3D printed layer 378.

[0075] The first linear drive actuator 310 can be in the form of a hydraulic linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator, an electric linear actuator, or a piezoelectric actuator. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first linear drive actuator 310 is specifically represented as a hydraulic linear actuator. The hydraulic linear actuator is configured to convert the energy stored in the working fluid contained therein into mechanical work, thereby promoting the reciprocating motion of the movable base 622. The pressure of the working fluid acts on the piston of the hydraulic linear actuator, generating a thrust that causes the movable base 622 to reciprocate in the upward direction 363. Since the first linear drive actuator 310 is electronically connected to the controller 306, the first predetermined height △Y' can be adjusted as needed.

[0076] It is worth noting that the 3D printer 602 is shown as including the above-mentioned components, however, those skilled in the art will understand that the 3D printer 602 includes other components, which may not be relevant to the explanation of the present disclosure and are therefore not shown and described.

[0077] Figure 7 A flow chart of a method 700 for providing interactive entertainment to people according to an example implementation of the present disclosure is shown. It should be noted that the sequence of the method 700 may not necessarily be performed in the order in which they are presented. In addition, one or more steps may be grouped and performed in the form of a single step, or a step may have several sub-steps that may be performed in parallel or in a sequential manner. The method 700 begins at step 702.

[0078] In step 702, the first container 308 contains a plurality of extraction layers 374. The plurality of extraction layers 374 include at least one 3D printed layer 378 and at least one powder layer 380. The at least one 3D printed layer 378 and the at least one powder layer 380 are arranged alternately with each other in the plurality of extraction layers 374. The at least one 3D printed layer 378 includes one or more 3D printed parts 301 and powder 382 between the one or more 3D printed parts 301. The geometric configuration and operating characteristics of the first container 308 for containing the plurality of extraction layers 374 have been described in detail. Figure 4A has been explained, so for the sake of brevity it will not be repeated here.

[0079] In step 704, the first linear drive actuator 310 completely lifts at least one 3D printed layer 378 located at the top of the multiple extraction layers 374 to a first predetermined height △Y' from the opening top 366, and partially lifts at least one powder layer 380 located below the at least one completely lifted 3D printed layer 378.

[0080] In step 706, the elevated frame 352 laterally receives the fully elevated at least one 3D printed layer 378 and the partially elevated at least one powder layer 380. It should be noted that the elevated frame 352 is removably fixed to the open top 366.

[0081] In step 708 , method 700 includes raising frame 352 to receive perforated plate 364 slidably inserted longitudinally into the partially raised at least one powder layer 380 , wherein perforated plate 364 is designed to remove powder from at least a portion of the partially raised at least one powder layer 380 .

[0082] In step 710, after the perforated plate 364 is slidably inserted into the lifting frame 352, the lifting device 402 lifts the lifting frame 352 together with the perforated plate 364 to a second predetermined height Z'. The geometric structure and operating characteristics of the lifting device 402 have been described in detail. Figure 5B was discussed in detail, and therefore, will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0083] In step 712 , the vibrator 406 and the at least one pressure generator 408 are included to remove at least one powder layer 380 and powder 382 between one or more 3D printed parts 301 .

[0084] In step 714, at least one gripper 414 extracts one or more 3D printed parts 301 of the fully raised at least one 3D printed layer 378. In this step, the perforated plate 364 slidably inserted into the raising frame can be withdrawn from the guide rail 372, and steps 704, 706, 708, 710, 712, and 714 are repeated until all 3D printed parts are extracted from each of the plurality of extracted layers 374. After the perforated plate 364 is withdrawn, the first linear drive actuator 310 fully raises the currently topmost at least one 3D printed layer 378 and partially raises the partially raised at least one powder layer 380 below the currently topmost at least one 3D printed layer 378. When all 3D printed parts are extracted, a sintering process is performed and the parts are placed in a furnace to obtain the desired shape of the 3D printed parts.

[0085] As described above, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced with different orders of steps and / or operations and / or hardware elements different from the disclosed configurations. Therefore, although the present disclosure is described based on these implementation examples, it should be noted that some modifications, variations, and alternative configurations may be apparent and are fully within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0086] Although various implementation examples of the present disclosure are described herein in the language of specific structural features and / or methodological actions, the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Instead, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A system, characterized in that: include: Controller; a first container, comprising a movable base and an open top, the first container being configured to longitudinally contain a plurality of extraction layers, the plurality of extraction layers comprising at least one 3D printed layer and at least one powder layer arranged alternately with the at least one 3D printed layer, wherein the at least one 3D printed layer comprises one or more 3D printed parts and powder located between the one or more 3D printed parts; a first linear drive actuator electronically connected to the controller and interengaged with the movable base to fully lift at least one 3D printed layer located on top of the plurality of extraction layers to a first predetermined height from the open top and partially lift at least one powder layer located below the fully lifted at least one 3D printed layer; and A device electronically connected to the controller and configured to remove powder between at least one powder layer and one or more 3D printed parts and extract the one or more 3D printed parts, the device comprising: The raised frame is removably fixed to the open top and is configured to laterally receive at least the fully raised at least one 3D printed layer and the partially raised at least one powder layer; The perforated plate is slidably inserted into the lifting frame and is capable of longitudinally penetrating the at least one partially raised powder layer and de-powdering at least a portion of the at least one partially raised powder layer; a lifting device mechanically engaged with the lifting frame, the lifting device configured to removably secure the lifting frame to the top of the opening during slidable insertion of the perforated plate into the lifting frame, and configured to lift the lifting frame together with the perforated plate to a second predetermined height after slidable insertion of the perforated plate into the lifting frame; a powder removal component, electronically coupled to the controller, configured to remove at least one powder layer, powder between one or more 3D printed parts, and powder adhering to one or more 3D printed parts; and At least one gripper is electronically coupled to the controller and configured to automatically extract the one or more 3D printed parts of the fully raised at least one 3D printed layer.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the powder removal component comprises: a vibrator, electronically connected to the controller, configured to apply a vibratory motion to at least the perforated plate to remove a portion of powder from the partially lifted at least one powder layer and a portion of powder between the one or more 3D printed parts; as well as At least one pressure generator, electronically connected to the controller, is configured to remove powder adhering to one or more 3D printed parts.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The raised frame includes a channel including: an inner flange that rises laterally along the top of the first container to the perforated plate; A connecting plate extending outwardly from a bottom of the inner flange; and An outer flange that rises laterally from the connecting plate to a first predetermined height, The inner flange, the connecting plate and the outer flange together form a chamber to receive part of the powder removed from at least one partially elevated powder layer and part of the powder removed between one or more 3D printed parts.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the elevation frame further comprises a perforated wall fixed to the inner flange, the perforated wall extending upward from the top of the inner flange to a first predetermined height, wherein the perforated wall is configured to allow a portion of powder removed from at least one partially elevated powder layer and a portion of powder removed between one or more 3D printed parts to flow into the chamber.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The perforated plate is inserted into the elevated frame by sliding through the guide rail of the outer flange and the top of the inner flange, and the guide rail has a shape complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the perforated plate.

6. The system according to claim 3, further comprising a suction device, the suction device being configured to remove a portion of the powder of the at least one partially raised powder layer and a portion of the powder collected between the one or more 3D printed parts in the chamber, wherein: The suction device comprises at least one suction tube and a suction pump, the suction tube fluidically connecting the chamber to the suction pump.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first linear drive actuator is one of a hydraulic linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator, an electric linear actuator, or a piezoelectric actuator.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the perforated plate comprises at least one movable member configured to slide relative to at least one fixed member of the elevation frame, the at least one movable member having a shape complementary to the at least one fixed member.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the lifting device comprises: The housing comprises a first side wall and a second side wall, wherein the first side wall is located on a first side of the elevated frame and the second side wall is located on a second side of the elevated frame; a first bracket and a second bracket, the first bracket being fixed to the first side wall, and the second bracket being fixed to the second side wall; a first pair of fixed sleeves and a second pair of fixed sleeves, the first pair of fixed sleeves being fixed to the first bracket and the second pair of fixed sleeves being fixed to the second bracket; and A first pair of moving sleeves and a second pair of moving sleeves, wherein the first pair of fixed sleeves are slidably engaged with the first pair of moving sleeves on the first side, and the second pair of fixed sleeves are slidably engaged with the second pair of moving sleeves on the second side.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The housing further includes an opening configured to receive the first container and provide a cover for at least the first linear drive.

11. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a 3D printer, the 3D printer comprising: a second container including a removable tray and an opening, the second container being configured to store a powder; a second linear drive actuator electronically connected to the controller and interengaging the movable tray to lift the powder to a third predetermined height above the opening; a pusher device, electronically connected to the controller, configured to transfer powder located at a third predetermined height above the opening to a top portion of the opening of the first container to form a powder layer on the movable base for printing one or more 3D printed parts, wherein after transferring the powder to the third predetermined height, the first linear drive actuator laterally lowers the movable base by the third predetermined height; as well as A binder jetting device, electronically connected to the controller, is configured to drop a binder of the binder jetting device onto a portion of the powder located in the first container.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The push rod device includes a powder flattening machine, which is configured to flatten a powder layer to print one or more 3D printed parts.

13. A device mounted on a first container of a system and electronically connected to a controller, the device comprising: an elevated frame removably secured to the open top of the first container and configured to laterally receive at least the fully elevated at least one 3D printed layer and the partially elevated at least one powder layer, wherein the at least one 3D printed layer includes one or more 3D printed parts and powder between the one or more 3D printed parts; a perforated plate slidably insertable into the elevation frame and longitudinally passing through the partially elevated at least one powder layer, wherein the perforated plate is configured to de-powder at least a portion of the partially elevated at least one powder layer; a lifting mechanism mechanically coupled to the lifting frame, the lifting mechanism being configured to removably secure the lifting frame to the top of the opening during the sliding insertion of the perforated plate into the lifting frame, and to lift the lifting frame together with the perforated plate to a second predetermined height after the sliding insertion of the perforated plate into the lifting frame is completed; a powder removal component electronically coupled to the controller and configured to remove at least one powder layer, powder between one or more 3D printed parts, and powder adhering to one or more 3D printed parts; and at least one gripper electronically connected to the controller and configured to automatically extract the one or more 3D printed parts of the fully elevated at least one 3D printed layer; 14. The device according to claim 13, wherein: The powder removal component comprises: a vibrator electronically connected to the controller and configured to apply a vibratory motion to at least the perforated plate to remove a portion of powder from the partially lifted at least one powder layer and a portion of powder between the one or more 3D printed parts; and at least one pressure generator electronically coupled to the controller and configured to remove powder adhered to one or more 3D printed parts.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the overhead frame assembly includes a channel, the channel comprising: The inner flange rises laterally along the top of the first container to the perforated plate; The connecting plate extends outward from the bottom of the inner flange; as well as The outer flange rises laterally from the connecting plate to a first predetermined height, The inner flange, the connecting plate and the outer flange form a chamber to receive a portion of the powder removed from at least one partially raised powder layer and a portion of the powder removed between one or more 3D printed parts.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein: The lifting frame also includes a perforated wall fixed to the inner flange, the perforated wall extending upward from the top of the inner flange to a first predetermined height, wherein the perforated wall is configured to allow removed portions of powder from at least one partially lifted powder layer and removed portions of powder between one or more 3D printed parts to flow into the chamber.

17. The device according to claim 15, wherein: The perforated plate is slidably inserted into the lifting frame through the guide rails of the outer flange and the guide rails of the inner flange, and the guide rails have a shape complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the perforated plate.

18. The device according to claim 13 further includes a suction mechanism configured to remove the removed portion of powder from at least one partially raised powder layer and the removed portion of powder between one or more 3D printed parts, wherein the suction mechanism includes at least one suction tube and a suction pump, and the suction tube connects the chamber to the suction pump flow.

19. The device according to claim 13, wherein the lifting device comprises: The housing comprises a first side wall and a second side wall, wherein the first side wall is located on a first side of the elevated frame and the second side wall is located on a second side of the elevated frame; a first bracket and a second bracket, the first bracket being fixed to the first side wall, the second bracket being fixed to the second side wall; and a first pair of fixed sleeves and a second pair of fixed sleeves, the first pair of fixed sleeves being fixed to the first bracket, the second pair of fixed sleeves being fixed to the second bracket, The first pair of fixed sleeves can be slidably engaged with the first pair of movable sleeves on the first side, and the second pair of fixed sleeves can be slidably engaged with the second pair of movable sleeves on the second side.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the housing further comprises an opening configured to receive the first container and provide a covering for at least the first linear drive actuator.

21. A method comprising: Accommodating a plurality of extraction layers by a first container, the plurality of extraction layers comprising at least one three-dimensional (3D) printed layer and at least one powder layer alternately arranged with the at least one 3D printed layer, wherein the at least one 3D printed layer comprises one or more 3D printed parts and powder located between the one or more 3D printed parts; Fully lifting the at least one 3D printed layer located at the top of the plurality of extraction layers to a first predetermined height from the top of the opening by a first linear drive actuator, and partially disposing the at least one powder layer below the fully lifted at least one 3D printed layer; receiving laterally the fully elevated at least one 3D printed layer and the partially elevated at least one powder layer via an elevated frame of the apparatus, wherein the elevated frame is removably secured to the open top; receiving a perforated plate by the raised frame, the perforated plate slidably passing longitudinally through the partially raised at least one powder layer, wherein the perforated plate is configured to remove at least a portion of powder from the partially raised at least one powder layer; After the perforated plate is slidably inserted into the elevated frame, the elevated frame together with the perforated plate is lifted to a second predetermined height by the lifting device of the equipment; removing at least one powder layer, powder between one or more 3D printed parts, and powder adhering to one or more 3D printed parts by a powder removal component of the device; and The one or more 3D printed parts of at least one 3D printed layer that are fully raised are extracted by at least one gripper of the device.

22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising: providing a vibrating motion to at least the perforated plate by a vibrator to remove a portion of powder of the at least one powder layer that is partially lifted and a portion of powder between the one or more 3D printed parts; as well as Powder adhering to one or more 3D printed parts is removed by at least one pressure generator.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the elevated frame includes a channel comprising: an inner flange that rises laterally along the top of the first container to the perforated plate; A connecting plate extending outwardly from the bottom of the inner flange; as well as an outer flange that rises laterally from the connecting plate to a first predetermined height; as well as A chamber is formed between the inner flange, the connecting plate and the outer flange for receiving a portion of the powder removed from at least one partially raised powder layer and a portion of the powder removed between one or more 3D printed parts.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising allowing a portion of the powder removed from at least one partially lifted powder layer and a portion of the powder removed between the one or more 3D printed parts to enter the chamber through the perforated wall.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises: The housing comprises a first side wall and a second side wall, wherein the first side wall is located on a first side of the elevated frame and the second side wall is located on a second side of the elevated frame; a first bracket and a second bracket, the first bracket being fixed to the first side wall and the second bracket being fixed to the second side wall; and a first pair of fixed sleeves and a second pair of fixed sleeves, the first pair of fixed sleeves being fixed to the first bracket, and the second pair of fixed sleeves being fixed to the second bracket, The first pair of fixed sleeves can be slidably engaged with the first pair of movable sleeves on the first side, and the second pair of fixed sleeves can be slidably engaged with the second pair of movable sleeves on the second side.

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