A multi-material lom process 3D printing system and printing method

Abstract

This invention provides a multi-material LOM (Laminated Object Manufacturing) 3D printing system and method, belonging to the field of 3D printing technology. The system includes a feeding and cutting device, a printing platform device, and an adhesive coating and hot pressing device. The feeding and cutting device includes a rotating turret, a feeding module, and a cutting module. Multiple feeding modules are slidably disposed on the outer periphery of the rotating turret for feeding predetermined sheets onto the printing platform device. The cutting module cuts the sheets from the feeding modules on the printing platform device. The height of the printing platform device is adjustable. The adhesive coating and hot pressing device includes an adhesive coating module and a hot pressing module. The adhesive coating module applies a predetermined adhesive, and the hot pressing module performs hot pressing curing on the sheets on the printing platform device. The rotating turret device allows for rapid material conversion, and more sheet feeding mechanisms can be added as needed. Combinations of various sheet materials and adhesives can be used to obtain a variety of mechanical properties, achieving the desired mechanical properties.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular relates to a multi-material LOM process 3D printing system and printing method. Background Technology

[0002] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance understanding of the overall background of the invention and is not necessarily to be construed as an admission or in any way implying that such information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0003] Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) is a 3D printing technology that builds three-dimensional objects by stacking and bonding a series of thin slices of material (such as paper or plastic film). The core advantage of LOM lies in its use of inexpensive materials, creating three-dimensional solids layer by layer through laser or tool cutting and thermal bonding, making it particularly suitable for early concept verification and shape evaluation in product design. Other advantages include fast prototyping speed, no need to design and build support structures, high prototype accuracy, and minimal warpage. Furthermore, because LOM uses low-cost materials and involves no chemical reactions, it can be used to manufacture large objects.

[0004] Compared to other 3D printing technologies, LOM (Layer of Materials) technology has far fewer readily available materials. The most mature and commonly used material is fiber paper coated with thermal adhesive. Due to the limitations of raw materials, the mechanical strength of the molded parts is relatively poor. In recent years, LOM technology has been developing towards a more diversified range of materials, and this diversified material selection still shows potential and development prospects in specific application areas. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the current state of technology, the purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-material LOM (Layer of Materials) 3D printing system and method. The system adopts a modular structure. The rotary sheet feeding and cutting module can use sheets of different materials or thicknesses to assemble parts in a set vertical order; the online gluing and hot pressing module can use different types of adhesives in a set order to meet the bonding requirements of different materials; it can realize the rapid prototyping of multi-material, complex structures.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] In the first aspect, a multi-material LOM process 3D printing system includes a material feeding and cutting device, a printing platform device, and an adhesive coating and hot pressing device.

[0008] The feeding and cutting device includes a rotating tower, a feeding module, and a cutting module; a plurality of the feeding modules are slidably disposed on the outer periphery of the rotating tower for feeding a set sheet onto the printing platform device, and the cutting module is used to cut the sheet located on the feeding module on the printing platform device;

[0009] The height of the printing platform device is adjustable, which is used for layer-by-layer molding of multi-material LOM process;

[0010] The adhesive coating and hot pressing device includes an adhesive coating module and a hot pressing module; the adhesive coating module is used to apply a set adhesive to the sheet on the printing platform device; the hot pressing module is used to perform hot pressing curing treatment on the sheet on the printing platform device; the adhesive coating and hot pressing device can move along a set track, approaching or moving away from the printing platform device.

[0011] Optionally, each of the feeding modules includes two active rollers for feeding sheet consumables and recycling sheet waste, and the distance between the two active rollers is greater than the length of the printing platform device.

[0012] Optionally, the feeding module can rotate around the rotating tower and move up and down along the longitudinal direction of the rotating tower.

[0013] Optionally, the cutting module is slidably mounted on the rotating tower and can move up and down along the rotating tower.

[0014] Optionally, the cutting module includes a cutting head that is movable in a two-dimensional plane parallel to the upper surface of the printing platform device.

[0015] Optionally, the cutting module includes an X-axis and two Y-axis, with a laser cutting head and a milling cutter cutting head respectively mounted on the two Y-axis.

[0016] Optionally, the printing platform device can rise or fall along the Z-axis, and the distance between the printing platform device and the rotating tower is equal to the distance between the feeding module and the rotating tower.

[0017] Optionally, the adhesive application module includes multiple sets of adhesive application mechanisms, each set of adhesive application mechanisms including an adhesive nozzle and an adhesive application roller, and each set of adhesive application mechanisms can be raised and lowered independently; the adhesive application roller can move along a plane parallel to the upper surface of the printing platform device.

[0018] Optionally, the adhesive nozzles of each group of adhesive application mechanisms are connected to a designated adhesive pumping device.

[0019] Optionally, the hot pressing module includes a hot pressing roller that is capable of moving along a plane parallel to the upper surface of the printing platform device.

[0020] Secondly, the printing method based on the above-mentioned multi-material LOM process 3D printing system includes the following steps:

[0021] S1. The adhesive application module moves above the printing platform device, applies the set adhesive to the top surface of the printing plate, and then leaves the printing platform device.

[0022] S2. The set feeding module rotates along the rotating tower, moves to the top of the printing platform device, and descends, so that the sheet of the feeding module contacts the printing top surface;

[0023] S3. The hot pressing module moves above the printing platform device, hot-presses the sheet material from the feeding module to the printing top surface, and then leaves the printing platform device.

[0024] S4. The cutting module moves to a set distance above the printing platform device and cuts the sheet on the feeding module according to the set path through the cutting head, so that the sheet that is heat-pressed together with the printing top surface is separated from the feeding module and leaves the printing platform device; the feeding module collects the waste sheet after cutting and releases new sheet.

[0025] S5. The printing platform device descends a set distance, making the upper surface of the newly hot-pressed sheet the new printing top surface, and the printing process is repeated.

[0026] Optionally, in S1, after the glue application module moves along the track above the printing platform device, the set glue application mechanism descends, the adhesive nozzle releases a set type of adhesive onto the glue application roller, and the glue application roller applies the adhesive to the printing top surface. After that, the glue application mechanism rises away from the printing top surface, and the glue application module moves away from the printing platform device along the track.

[0027] Optionally, in S2, during the descent of the feeding module 13, the printing platform device 2 extends into the gap between the two active rollers, so that the top surface of the print comes into contact with the tensioning plane 133 of the sheet.

[0028] Optionally, in S3, the heat source of the hot pressing module is the hot pressing roller, and the pressure during the hot pressing process is set by the platform lifting piston of the printing platform device to finely adjust the lifting amplitude.

[0029] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0030] 1. In the multi-material 3D printing system based on LOM technology of the present invention, a rotating turret device enables rapid conversion of printing materials, thereby achieving multi-material LOM 3D printing. This overcomes the raw material limitations of LOM technology, utilizes the excellent properties of composite materials to improve the mechanical strength of the molded parts, and endows them with certain functionalities. The rotating turret can also be equipped with more sheet conveying mechanisms as needed, thereby enabling the printing of more materials and achieving a variety of mechanical properties through combinations of various sheet materials and binders, thus obtaining a range of predetermined mechanical properties.

[0031] 2. Since the present invention is equipped with multiple feeding modules, the same material of different thicknesses can be loaded on the feeding and cutting device. During actual printing, according to the geometry of the printed part, the thicker material is applied to the position with uniform structure and no need for high precision, and the thinner material is applied to the position with high shape precision, which can further improve the printing speed. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-material LOM process 3D printing system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the material feeding and cutting device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the printing platform device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the adhesive coating hot pressing device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0037] The components include: 1. Feeding and cutting device; 11. Rotary tower; 12. Cutting module; 121. Laser cutting head; 122. Milling cutter head; 13. Feeding module; 131. First active drum; 132. Second active drum; 133. Tensioning plane; 2. Printing platform device; 21. Platform lifting piston; 22. Printing platform; 23. Printed semi-finished product; 3. Glue coating and hot pressing device; 31. Hot pressing module; 32. Glue coating roller; 33. Adhesive nozzle; 34. Track; 35. Glue coating module. Detailed Implementation

[0038] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and intended to provide further illustration of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0039] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0040] A multi-material LOM process 3D printing system, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes a feeding and cutting device 1, a printing platform device 2, and an adhesive coating and hot pressing device 3; the figure uses a right-handed rectangular coordinate system, with the vertical direction being the Z-axis and the track direction of the adhesive coating and hot pressing device 3 being the X-axis.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the feeding and cutting device 1 includes a rotating tower 11, a feeding module 13 and a cutting module 12; multiple feeding modules 13 are slidably disposed on the outer periphery of the rotating tower 11 for feeding a set sheet onto the printing platform device 2, and the cutting module 12 is used to cut the sheet located on the feeding module 13 on the printing platform device 2.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, in the printing platform device 2, the height of the printing platform 22 can be adjusted by the platform lifting piston 21 below, which is used for the layer-by-layer forming of multi-material LOM process. The upper surface of the printing semi-finished product 23 carried on the printing platform 22 is the printing top surface. When printing starts and the printing semi-finished product 23 has not yet been produced, the upper surface of the printing platform 22 is the printing top surface.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the adhesive coating and hot pressing device 3 includes an adhesive coating module 35 and a hot pressing module 31; the adhesive coating module 35 is used to apply a set adhesive to the sheet on the printing platform device 2; the hot pressing module 31 is used to perform hot pressing curing treatment on the sheet on the printing platform device 2; the adhesive coating and hot pressing device 3 can move along the set track 34, approaching or moving away from the printing platform device 2.

[0044] With the above settings, the rotating tower 11 can be used to quickly switch printing materials, thereby breaking through the limitations of conventional LOM process 3D printing methods, and can also use different combinations of adhesives and sheets to obtain the set mechanical properties.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, each feeding module 13 includes two active rollers, namely a first active roller 131 and a second active roller 132: the first active roller 131 is equipped with a roll of printing sheet material, and the sheet material for printing is released by rotation; the second active roller 132 is a recovery roller, which recovers the remaining sheet edge after cutting into a cylindrical shape by rotation; the sheet between the two active rollers is taut due to the tension provided by the two rollers, and the taut plane 133 is parallel to the upper surface of the printing platform device 2; the distance between the two active rollers is greater than the length of the printing platform device 2; as shown... Figure 1As shown, when the feeding module 13 descends, the printing platform device 2 can penetrate into the gap between the two active rolls, and the upper surface of the printing platform device 2 can contact the tensioning plane 133 of the sheet, thereby cutting the sheet with the set contour from the tensioning sheet plane and bonding it to the printing top surface of the printing platform device 2.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the feeding module 13 can rotate around the rotating tower 11 and move up and down along the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the rotating tower 11. The rotation movement can switch the feeding module 13 located above the printing platform device 2. The lifting movement can make the tensioning plane 133 of the sheet move closer to or away from the printing platform device 2 in a direction perpendicular to the top surface of the print.

[0047] The cutting module 12 is slidably mounted on the rotating tower 11 and can move up and down (Z direction) along the rotating tower 11. When the cutting module 12 is lowered, the tensioning plane 133 of the sheet is separated from the cutting device by a set distance, which facilitates the operation of the cutting device. When the cutting module 12 is raised, it can avoid interference with other devices.

[0048] The cutting module 12 includes a cutting head that can move on a two-dimensional plane (XY plane) parallel to the upper surface of the printing platform device 2. Since the LOM process uses sheet material for processing, the moving plane of the cutting head can be parallel to the tensioning plane 133 of the sheet material.

[0049] The cutting module 12 includes an X-axis frame with two Y-axis moving rods, namely an X-axis moving axis and two Y-axis moving axes. The two Y-axis moving axes are respectively equipped with a laser cutting head 121 and a milling cutter cutting head 122. The milling cutter cutting head 122 can select a set milling cutter from the tool library and select the appropriate cutting head for cutting according to different sheets.

[0050] The printing platform device 2 can rise or fall along the Z-axis. The distance between the printing platform device 2 and the rotating tower 11 is equal to the distance between the feeding module 13 and the rotating tower 11. Therefore, the feeding module 13 can move above the printing platform device 2 by rotating, avoiding the need to add an extension length adjustment device between the feeding module 13 and the rotating tower 11.

[0051] The adhesive application module 35 includes multiple adhesive application mechanisms. Each adhesive application mechanism includes an adhesive nozzle 33 and an adhesive application roller 32. Each adhesive application mechanism can be raised and lowered independently. The adhesive application roller 32 can move along a plane parallel to the upper surface of the printing platform device 2. Multiple adhesive application mechanisms move as a whole, but only the set adhesive application mechanism descends to the height of contact with the top surface of the printing to release the adhesive and roller coating.

[0052] Adhesive nozzles 33 are arranged above the coating roller 32 along a straight line parallel to the axis of the coating roller 32, and are used to evenly distribute adhesive on the coating roller 32. Each adhesive nozzle of the coating mechanism is connected to a set adhesive pumping device, and is used to coat a set type of adhesive according to performance requirements.

[0053] The hot pressing module 31 includes a hot pressing roller that can move along a plane parallel to the upper surface of the printing platform device 2 to hot press the new sheet layer, causing the adhesive under the new sheet layer to cure and bond the new sheet layer to the printing semi-finished product 23 to form a new printing top surface.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the hot pressing module 31 and the glue application module 35 move on different X-axis tracks to avoid mutual interference.

[0055] The printing method using the multi-material LOM process 3D printing system of this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0056] S1. The adhesive application module 35 moves above the printing platform device 2, applies the set adhesive to the printing top surface, and then leaves the printing platform device 2.

[0057] S2. The set feeding module 13 rotates along the rotating tower 11 to move above the printing platform device 2 and descends, so that the sheet of the feeding module 13 contacts the top surface of the printing.

[0058] S3. The hot pressing module 31 moves above the printing platform device 2, and hot presses the sheet material of the feeding module 13 with the printing top surface into one piece before leaving the printing platform device 2.

[0059] S4. The cutting module 12 moves to a set distance above the printing platform device 2 and cuts the sheet on the feeding module 13 according to the set path through the cutting head, so that the sheet that is heat-pressed together with the printing top surface is separated from the feeding module 13. Then the cutting module 12 leaves the printing platform device 2. After the feeding module 13 leaves the printing platform device 2, it collects the waste sheet material after cutting and releases new sheet material.

[0060] S5. The printing platform device 2 descends by a set distance, making the upper surface of the newly hot-pressed sheet the new printing top surface, and repeats the printing process.

[0061] In S1, after the glue application module 35 moves along the track above the printing platform device 2, the set glue application mechanism descends, the adhesive nozzle releases the set type of adhesive onto the glue application roller 32, and the glue application roller 32 performs roller coating on the printing top surface. After that, the glue application mechanism rises away from the printing top surface, and the glue application module 35 moves away from the printing platform device 2 along the track 34.

[0062] In S2, since the distance between the two active rollers of the feeding module 13 is greater than the length of the printing platform device 2, during the descent of the feeding module 13, the printing platform device 2 extends into the gap between the two active rollers, so that the top surface of the print comes into contact with the tensioning plane 133 of the sheet.

[0063] In S3, the heat source of the hot pressing module 31 is the hot pressing roller, and the pressure during the hot pressing process is set by the platform lifting piston 21 of the printing platform device 2 to finely adjust the lifting amplitude.

[0064] To avoid friction between the printed top surface and the sheet waste from the feeding module 13, affecting waste recycling, in S4, after the cutting module 12 leaves the printing platform device 2, the platform lifting piston 21 of the printing platform device 2 descends by a distance twice the sheet thickness. After the gluing module 35 rolls the set adhesive on the printed top surface in S1, and after the feeding module 13 releases new sheet material in S2 to form a new tensioning plane 133, the platform lifting piston 21 rises by a distance once the sheet thickness, so that the tensioning plane 133 adheres to the printed top surface.

[0065] Since multiple feeding modules 13 are provided, the same material of different thicknesses can be loaded on the feeding and cutting device 1. During actual printing, according to the geometry of the printed part, the thicker material is applied to the position with uniform structure and no need for high precision, and the thinner material is applied to the position with high shape precision. At this time, when switching between different feeding modules 13, the sheet material of different thicknesses is switched, which can further improve the printing speed.

[0066] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-material LOM process 3D printing system, characterized in that, Includes a material feeding and cutting device, a printing platform device, and an adhesive coating and hot pressing device; The feeding and cutting device includes a rotating tower, a feeding module, and a cutting module; Multiple feeding modules are slidably disposed on the outer periphery of the rotating tower for feeding a set sheet onto the printing platform device, and the cutting module is used to cut the sheet located on the feeding module of the printing platform device; The height of the printing platform device is adjustable for layer-by-layer forming of multi-material LOM processes; the adhesive coating and hot pressing device includes an adhesive coating module and a hot pressing module; the adhesive coating module is used to apply a set adhesive to the sheet on the printing platform device; the hot pressing module is used to perform hot pressing curing treatment on the sheet on the printing platform device; the adhesive coating and hot pressing device can move along a set track, moving closer to or further away from the printing platform device. Each of the feeding modules includes two active rollers for supplying sheet consumables and recycling sheet waste. The distance between the two active rollers is greater than the length of the printing platform device. The feeding module is capable of rotating around the rotating tower and moving up and down along the longitudinal direction of the rotating tower.

2. The multi-material LOM process 3D printing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The cutting module is slidably mounted on the rotating tower and can move up and down along the rotating tower.

3. The multi-material LOM process 3D printing system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The cutting module includes a cutting head that is movable in a two-dimensional plane parallel to the upper surface of the printing platform device.

4. The multi-material LOM process 3D printing system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The cutting module includes an X-axis and two Y-axis, with a laser cutting head and a milling cutter cutting head respectively mounted on the two Y-axis.

5. The multi-material LOM process 3D printing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The printing platform device can rise or fall along the Z-axis, and the distance between the printing platform device and the rotating tower is equal to the distance between the feeding module and the rotating tower.

6. The multi-material LOM process 3D printing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The adhesive application module includes multiple adhesive application mechanisms, each of which includes an adhesive nozzle and an adhesive application roller. Each adhesive application mechanism can be raised and lowered independently. The adhesive application roller can move along a plane parallel to the upper surface of the printing platform device.

7. The multi-material LOM process 3D printing system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Each adhesive spray nozzle of the adhesive application mechanism is connected to a designated adhesive pumping device.

8. The multi-material LOM process 3D printing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hot pressing module includes a hot pressing roller, which is capable of moving along a plane parallel to the upper surface of the printing platform device.

9. A printing method based on a multi-material LOM process 3D printing system as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. The adhesive application module moves above the printing platform device, applies the set adhesive to the top surface of the printing plate, and then leaves the printing platform device. S2. The set feeding module rotates along the rotating tower, moves to the top of the printing platform device, and descends, so that the sheet of the feeding module contacts the printing top surface; S3. The hot pressing module moves above the printing platform device, hot-presses the sheet material from the feeding module to the printing top surface, and then leaves the printing platform device. S4. The cutting module moves to a set distance above the printing platform device and cuts the sheet on the feeding module according to the set path through the cutting head, so that the sheet that is heat-pressed together with the printing top surface is separated from the feeding module and leaves the printing platform device; the feeding module collects the waste sheet after cutting and releases new sheet. S5. The printing platform device descends a set distance, making the upper surface of the newly hot-pressed sheet the new printing top surface, and the printing process is repeated.

10. The printing method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, In S1, after the glue application module moves along the track above the printing platform device, the set glue application mechanism descends, the adhesive nozzle releases the set type of adhesive onto the glue application roller, and the glue application roller applies the adhesive to the printing top surface. After that, the glue application mechanism rises away from the printing top surface, and the glue application module moves away from the printing platform device along the track.

11. The printing method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, In S2, during the descent of the feeding module, the printing platform device extends into the gap between the two active rollers, so that the top surface of the print comes into contact with the tensioned plane of the sheet.

12. The printing method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, In S3, the heat source of the hot pressing module is the hot pressing roller, and the pressure during the hot pressing process is set by the platform lifting piston of the printing platform device to finely adjust the lifting amplitude.

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