3D printing material conveying device and using method

Abstract

The invention discloses a 3D printing material conveying device and a using method, and belongs to the technical field of 3D printing. Comprising a 3D printing workbench, a material mixing and conveying mechanism arranged above the 3D printing workbench and a plurality of feeding mechanisms which are arranged on one side of the 3D printing workbench and are of the same structure, when 3D printing work is prepared, metal powder is sucked into the material mixing and conveying mechanism from the feeding mechanisms to be conveyed and mixed, drying is completed, and the metal powder is conveyed to the 3D printing workbench. A printing groove used for printing a workpiece is formed in the top of the 3D printing workbench, and finally 3D printing is conducted in the printing groove of the 3D printing workbench. Through the combined design of the material mixing and conveying mechanism and the feeding mechanism, the problems that the printing effect is affected after metal is placed for a long time and affected with damp, and mixed powder is not evenly mixed are solved, and the 3D printing quality is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of 3D printing, and in particular to a 3D printing material conveying device and a use method thereof. Background Art

[0002] 3D printing technology, also known as "rapid prototyping technology" or "additive manufacturing technology", is a manufacturing technology based on the discrete-accumulation principle. It accumulates materials layer by layer under the control of a computer to eventually obtain a three-dimensional object. Compared with traditional subtractive manufacturing technology, 3D printing technology has the advantages of high precision, simple process, high degree of freedom, saving raw materials and time, and has been widely used in aerospace, industry, medical, automotive, electronics and other fields.

[0003] In 3D printing technology, metal powder is an important printing material, especially non-ferrous metal powders such as titanium alloy and aluminum alloy, which have attracted much attention due to their excellent performance. However, existing 3D printing powders have several significant defects. 1. Powders are easily affected by moisture: Metal powders, especially micron-sized metal powders, have a large specific surface area, which makes them very easy to react with oxygen and moisture in the air. When metal powders are damp, their chemical activity will increase significantly, which will not only affect the printing effect of the powder, but also may cause explosion accidents during the printing process. When metal powders are damp, heat will be generated and accumulated. If they come into contact with an ignition source, they may cause violent combustion and explosion. In addition, damp metal powders are also prone to internal defects such as pores and cracks in the formed parts during the printing process, thereby affecting the mechanical properties and surface quality of the formed parts. 2. Effective mixing cannot be achieved: In some 3D printing projects, materials with specific properties may be required, such as specific strength, hardness, corrosion resistance or thermal conductivity. By mixing different metal powders, the physical and chemical properties of the final printed parts can be adjusted and optimized to meet specific application requirements. However, existing metal powder mixing technology has some problems, which makes the quality of the mixed powder unstable and poor in uniformity. Unevenly mixed metal powder will lead to uneven composition of the formed part during the printing process, thus affecting its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. In addition, uneven mixing may also lead to uneven heat distribution during the printing process, causing defects inside the formed part.

[0004] Therefore, the existing 3D printing powder materials have two main defects: they are easily damp when placed for a long time and cannot be effectively mixed. The present invention proposes a printing material conveying device and method, which can dry the damp powder during the powder material conveying process and improve the mixing uniformity of the powder, thereby meeting the demand of 3D printing technology for high-quality powder. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a 3D printing material conveying device and a method of use to solve the problems raised in the above background technology.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a 3D printing material conveying device, comprising: a 3D printing workbench, wherein a printing slot for printing a workpiece is provided on the top of the 3D printing workbench;

[0007] A mixing and conveying mechanism, which is arranged above the 3D workbench and includes a mixing barrel and a stirring and conveying assembly arranged in the mixing barrel;

[0008] A plurality of feeding mechanisms are arranged on one side of the 3D printing workbench. The feeding mechanisms have the same structure and include a storage box and a discharge hopper connected to the bottom end of the storage box. One side of the discharge hopper is connected to a vacuum suction pump, and the other side is connected to a mixing conveying mechanism.

[0009] Preferably, the bottom end of the storage box is connected to the discharge hopper via a discharge pipe, one side of the discharge hopper is connected to the vacuum suction pump via an air inlet pipe, and the other side of the discharge hopper is connected to the mixing barrel via a feed pipe.

[0010] Preferably, three feeding mechanisms are provided, and three feeding ports are provided above one end of the mixing barrel and are respectively connected to the feeding pipes; a discharge port is provided below the other end of the mixing barrel, and the discharge port is connected to the printing nozzle through a connecting pipe to print the workpiece in the printing groove.

[0011] Preferably, a support frame is provided on the top of the 3D printing workbench, and the mixing and conveying mechanism is arranged on the support frame.

[0012] Preferably, the stirring and conveying assembly comprises a powder conveying roller arranged in the mixing barrel, stirring and conveying blades are evenly distributed on the powder conveying roller, and an electromagnetic coil is arranged inside the powder conveying roller.

[0013] Preferably, both ends of the powder conveying roller are matched with the bearing seat, wherein one end of the powder conveying roller is connected to the conveying motor, and the bearing seat is provided with a fastening screw for axially limiting the powder conveying roller.

[0014] Preferably, one end of the mixing barrel having a feed port is bolted to a support flange, and one end of the powder conveying roller passes through the support flange and cooperates with the bearing seat.

[0015] Preferably, a support platform is provided on the support flange, a platform opening is opened on the support platform, and the support platform and the bearing seat are fixed by bolts through the platform opening.

[0016] The present invention also provides a method for using the above-mentioned 3D printing material conveying device, comprising the following steps:

[0017] Step 1: Preparation and loading

[0018] Check the device: make sure the 3D printing table, mixing conveying mechanism and feeding mechanism are in good working condition and not damaged or blocked;

[0019] Loading materials: Load different types of 3D printing materials into different storage boxes, making sure each material is correctly matched to its storage box to avoid confusion;

[0020] Connecting pipes: Check and ensure that the discharge pipe, feed pipe, connecting pipe and air inlet pipe are tightly connected and leak-free;

[0021] Step 2: Priming and Mixing

[0022] Start the vacuum suction pump: Turn on the vacuum suction pump and control the material conveying speed by adjusting the suction force to ensure that the material can smoothly enter the mixing barrel from the storage box through the discharge hopper;

[0023] Start the stirring and conveying assembly: turn on the power of the electromagnetic coil, and drive the conveying motor to start the powder conveying roller and the stirring and conveying blades at the same time, so as to heat the material and achieve uniform mixing of the material. During the stirring process, the stirring and conveying blades drive the powder to move forward;

[0024] Monitor the mixing process: observe the mixing of materials in the mixing barrel to ensure that different types of materials can be fully mixed and evenly mixed; when the materials are mixed evenly, open the valve between the connecting pipe and the print head to allow the mixed materials to enter the print head through the connecting pipe for printing, thus completing the material delivery.

[0025] Therefore, the present invention adopts the above-mentioned 3D printing material conveying device and use method, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0026] (1) By separating the material storage box and the mixing mechanism and using a vacuum suction pump to assist in feeding, the exposure time of the metal powder during the transportation process is reduced, thereby reducing the risk of moisture. Key components such as the mixing barrel and connecting pipes may adopt a sealed design to further prevent external moisture intrusion and ensure the dry state of the metal powder.

[0027] (2) The stirring and conveying components configured in the mixing barrel, especially the powder conveying roller and the evenly distributed stirring and conveying blades, can ensure that the metal powder is fully stirred and mixed during the mixing process, thereby improving the mixing uniformity. The introduction of the electromagnetic coil can dry and heat the metal powder that has been placed for a long time;

[0028] (3) Automatic conveying and mixing of metal powders are realized, reducing reliance on manual operations and improving production efficiency and automation level; the design of multiple feeding mechanisms enables the simultaneous processing of multiple different types of metal powders, increasing the flexibility of material combinations and meeting the needs of different 3D printing tasks;

[0029] (4) The design of the support frame, support flange and support platform ensures the stability of the mixing and conveying mechanism during operation, reducing the problem of uneven mixing caused by vibration or shaking;

[0030] (5) Dry, evenly mixed metal powder is the basis of high-quality 3D printing. This technical solution improves the printing quality by solving the problems of metal moisture and uneven mixing, providing a strong guarantee for printing workpieces with excellent performance and precise geometric shapes.

[0031] The technical solution of the present invention is further described in detail below through the accompanying drawings and embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a 3D printing workbench of a 3D printing material conveying device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a feeding mechanism of a 3D printing material conveying device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of a mixing and conveying mechanism of a 3D printing material conveying device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a stirring and conveying assembly of a 3D printing material conveying device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0036] Reference numerals

[0037] 1. 3D printing workbench; 2. Printing tank; 3. Base plate;

[0038] 4. Feeding mechanism; 41. Storage box; 42. Discharging pipe; 43. Discharging hopper; 44. Air inlet pipe; 45. Feeding pipe;

[0039] 5. Mixing and conveying mechanism; 51. Mixing barrel; 52. Discharge port; 53. Feed port; 54. Powder conveying roller; 55. Mixing and conveying blade; 56. Bearing seat; 57. Support flange; 58. Support platform;

[0040] 6. Support frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The technical solution of the present invention is further described below through the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the present invention should be understood by people with ordinary skills in the field to which the present invention belongs. The words "first", "second" and similar words used in the present invention do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. "Include" or "comprise" and similar words mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. "Connect" or "connected" and similar words are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0043] The specific connection methods of each part all adopt conventional means such as mature bolts, rivets, welding, etc. in the existing technology. The machinery, parts and equipment all adopt conventional models in the existing technology, and the circuit connection adopts the conventional connection method in the existing technology, which will not be described in detail here.

[0044] Example 1

[0045] like Figure 1-Figure 4 As shown, Figure 1-Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a 3D printing material conveying device, including a 3D printing workbench 1, a mixing and conveying mechanism 5 arranged above the 3D printing workbench 1, and three feeding mechanisms 4 with the same structure arranged on one side of the 3D printing workbench 1, wherein a support frame 6 is arranged on the top of the 3D printing workbench 1, and the mixing and conveying mechanism 5 is arranged on the support frame 6. When preparing for 3D printing, the metal powder is sucked from the feeding mechanism 4 into the mixing and conveying mechanism 5 for transportation and mixing, and is dried, and finally 3D printing is performed on the 3D printing workbench 1.

[0046] Specifically, a printing slot 2 for printing a workpiece is provided on the top of the 3D printing workbench 1 , and a substrate 3 is provided in the printing slot 2 for performing 3D printing of the workpiece.

[0047] The feeding mechanism 4 includes a storage box 41 and a discharge hopper 43 connected to the bottom of the storage box 41 through a discharge pipe 42. One side of the discharge hopper 43 is connected to a vacuum suction pump through an air inlet pipe 44 and is connected to the mixing and conveying mechanism 5 through a feeding pipe 45.

[0048] The mixing and conveying mechanism 5 includes a mixing barrel 51 and a stirring and conveying assembly arranged in the mixing barrel 51; three feed ports 53 are provided above one end of the mixing barrel 51, and a feed pipe 45 realizes the connection between the feed port 53 and the discharge hopper 43; a discharge port 52 is provided below the other end of the mixing barrel 51, and the discharge port 52 is connected to the printing nozzle through a connecting pipe to print the workpiece in the printing slot 2.

[0049] The stirring and conveying assembly includes a powder conveying roller 54 disposed in a mixing barrel 51, on which stirring and conveying blades 55 are evenly distributed, and an electromagnetic coil is disposed inside the powder conveying roller 54. Both ends of the powder conveying roller 54 are matched with a bearing seat 56, and one end is connected to a conveying motor through the bearing seat 56, and a fastening screw for axially limiting the powder conveying roller 54 is disposed in the bearing seat 56.

[0050] One end of the mixing barrel 51 with a feed port 53 is bolted to a support flange 57, and one end of the powder conveying roller 54 passes through the support flange 57 and matches with the bearing seat 56. A support platform 58 is provided on the support flange 57, and a platform opening is provided on the support platform 58. The support platform 58 and the bearing seat 56 are fixed by bolts through the platform opening.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] This embodiment provides a method for using the above-mentioned 3D printing material conveying device, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0053] Step 1: Preparation and loading

[0054] Check the device: ensure that the 3D printing workbench 1, the mixing and conveying mechanism 5 and the feeding mechanism 4 are in good working condition and are not damaged or blocked;

[0055] Loading materials: Load different types of 3D printing materials into each storage box 41, ensuring that each material correctly corresponds to its storage box 41 to avoid confusion;

[0056] Connecting pipes: Check and ensure that the discharge pipe 42, the feed pipe 45, the connecting pipe, and the air inlet pipe 44 are tightly connected without leakage; especially the connection between the discharge hopper 43 and the vacuum suction pump, and the feed pipe 45 and the mixing barrel 51.

[0057] Step 2: Priming and Mixing

[0058] Start the vacuum suction pump: Turn on the vacuum suction pump and control the material conveying speed by adjusting its suction force to ensure that the material can smoothly flow from the material storage box 41 through the discharge hopper 43 into the mixing barrel 51.

[0059] Start the stirring and conveying assembly: turn on the power of the electromagnetic coil, and drive the conveying motor to start the powder conveying roller 54 and the stirring and conveying blade 55 at the same time, so as to heat the material and achieve uniform mixing of the material at the same time, and during the stirring process, the stirring and conveying blade 55 drives the powder to move forward.

[0060] Monitor the mixing process: Observe the mixing of materials in the mixing barrel 51 to ensure that different types of materials are fully mixed. If necessary, the mixing and conveying component can be paused to manually adjust the proportion or position of the materials. After the materials are mixed evenly, open the valve between the connecting pipe and the print head to allow the mixed materials to enter the print head through the connecting pipe for printing, thereby completing the material conveying.

[0061] Step 3: Print and clean up

[0062] Start printing: According to the instructions in the 3D printing software, adjust the movement speed and output of the print head to ensure the printing quality.

[0063] Monitor the printing process: During the printing process, pay close attention to the formation of the workpiece in the printing tank 2. If necessary, you can pause the printing process to check and adjust the printing parameters or clean the print head.

[0064] Clean the device: After printing is completed, turn off all power supplies and equipment. After waiting for the device to cool down, clean the residual materials in the mixing barrel 51, the feed pipe 45, the connecting pipe and other parts. Make sure that the inside of the device is clean and free of impurities for the next use. At the same time, perform necessary maintenance and care on the device to extend its service life.

[0065] Therefore, the present invention adopts the above-mentioned 3D printing material conveying device and use method, which can dry the powder during the process of conveying the metal powder, and can also achieve mixing of multiple powders, thereby improving the mixing uniformity.

[0066] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of the present invention rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify or replace the technical solution of the present invention with equivalents, and these modifications or equivalent replacements cannot cause the modified technical solution to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A 3D printing material conveying device, characterized in that: include: A 3D printing workbench, wherein a printing slot for printing a workpiece is provided on the top of the 3D printing workbench; A mixing and conveying mechanism, which is arranged above the 3D workbench and includes a mixing barrel and a stirring and conveying assembly arranged in the mixing barrel; A plurality of feeding mechanisms are arranged on one side of the 3D printing workbench. The feeding mechanisms have the same structure and include a storage box and a discharge hopper connected to the bottom end of the storage box. One side of the discharge hopper is connected to a vacuum suction pump, and the other side is connected to a mixing conveying mechanism.

2. A 3D printing material conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom end of the material storage box is connected to the discharge hopper through a discharge pipe, one side of the discharge hopper is connected to the vacuum suction pump through an air inlet pipe, and the other side of the discharge hopper is connected to the mixing barrel through a feed pipe.

3. A 3D printing material conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The feeding mechanisms are provided with three, and three feeding ports are provided above one end of the mixing barrel and are respectively connected to the feeding pipes; a discharge port is provided below the other end of the mixing barrel, and the discharge port is connected to the printing nozzle through a connecting pipe to print the workpiece in the printing tank.

4. A 3D printing material conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A support frame is arranged on the top of the 3D printing workbench, and the mixing and conveying mechanism is arranged on the support frame.

5. A 3D printing material conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stirring and conveying assembly comprises a powder conveying roller arranged in the mixing barrel, stirring and conveying blades are evenly distributed on the powder conveying roller, and an electromagnetic coil is arranged inside the powder conveying roller.

6. A 3D printing material conveying device according to claim 5, characterized in that: Both ends of the powder conveying roller are matched with the bearing seat, wherein one end of the powder conveying roller is connected to the conveying motor, and the bearing seat is provided with a fastening screw for axially limiting the powder conveying roller.

7. A 3D printing material conveying device according to claim 6, characterized in that: One end of the mixing barrel with a feed inlet is bolted to a supporting flange, and one end of the powder conveying roller passes through the supporting flange and cooperates with the bearing seat.

8. A 3D printing material conveying device according to claim 7, characterized in that: A support platform is arranged on the support flange, a platform opening is opened on the support platform, and the support platform and the bearing seat are fixed by bolts in the platform opening.

9. A method for using a 3D printing material conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Step 1: Preparation and loading Check the device: make sure the 3D printing table, mixing conveying mechanism and feeding mechanism are in good working condition and not damaged or blocked; Loading materials: Load different types of 3D printing materials into different storage boxes, making sure each material is correctly matched to its storage box to avoid confusion; Connecting pipes: Check and ensure that the discharge pipe, feed pipe, connecting pipe and air inlet pipe are tightly connected and leak-free; Step 2: Priming and Mixing Start the vacuum suction pump: Turn on the vacuum suction pump and control the material conveying speed by adjusting the suction force to ensure that the material can smoothly enter the mixing barrel from the storage box through the discharge hopper; Start the stirring and conveying assembly: turn on the power of the electromagnetic coil, and drive the conveying motor to start the powder conveying roller and the stirring and conveying blades at the same time, so as to heat the material and achieve uniform mixing of the material. During the stirring process, the stirring and conveying blades drive the powder to move forward; Monitor the mixing process: observe the mixing of materials in the mixing barrel to ensure that different types of materials can be fully mixed and evenly mixed; when the materials are mixed evenly, open the valve between the connecting pipe and the print head to allow the mixed materials to enter the print head through the connecting pipe for printing, thus completing the material delivery.

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