3D printing equipment and 3D printing method

Abstract

The invention provides 3D printing equipment and a 3D printing method. The 3D printing equipment comprises a plurality of material bins, a plurality of material conveying screw rods, a material mixing bin, a material mixing screw rod, a heating block, a printing nozzle, a controller and a wire conveying assembly. The material mixing screw rod is arranged in the material mixing bin and is used for mixing and stirring various simple substance element internal mixing materials to form a mixed internal mixing material and outputting the mixed internal mixing material from the material outlet; the heating block is connected to the discharge hole and is used for melting and mixing the banburying material to form a molten fluid material; the printing nozzle is connected to the heating block; the controller is electrically connected to the plurality of material conveying screws and is used for controlling the rotating speed of the plurality of material conveying screws so as to regulate and control the output ratio of the multiple simple substance element banburying materials in the printing direction; the wire conveying assembly is connected to the printing nozzle and used for conveying a specific wire, and the specific wire can react with the molten fluid material to generate a structural reinforcing material. According to the method, different types of simple substance element internal mixing materials are selected to be combined, and customization of 3D printing components of any components can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of 3D printing, and more particularly to a 3D printing device and a 3D printing method. Background Art

[0002] 3D printing technology is an advanced additive manufacturing technology that can manufacture composite components with high strength and high rigidity. It is widely used in the fields of aerospace, automotive manufacturing, sporting goods, medical devices, and industrial manufacturing. In the aerospace field, it is widely used to manufacture lightweight and high-strength structural components, such as the wings and fuselages of unmanned aerial vehicles; in the automotive manufacturing field, it is used to manufacture automotive parts, such as body structural components and seat frames, to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency, etc.

[0003] The current 3D printing methods have problems such as the low strength of the printed structure and the inability to meet the printing requirements of structures with specific design forms. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (I) Technical Problems to be Solved The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are that the current 3D printing methods have limited types of printing materials, it is difficult to prepare fiber-reinforced metal or ceramic composite components, the interlayer bonding strength of the printed green body is low, and the printing requirements of structures with specific design forms cannot be met.

[0005] (II) Technical Solutions To achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: In the first aspect, the present invention provides a 3D printing device, including a plurality of material bins, a plurality of feeding screws, a mixing bin, a mixing screw, a heating block, a printing nozzle, a controller, and a wire material conveying component; the plurality of material bins are respectively used for storing a plurality of single-element masterbatches correspondingly; the plurality of feeding screws are respectively connected to the outlets of the plurality of material bins one by one; the inlet of the mixing bin is connected to the plurality of feeding screws, and the mixing bin has an outlet; the mixing screw is arranged in the mixing bin and is used for mixing and stirring a plurality of single-element masterbatches to form a mixed masterbatch, and outputting the mixed masterbatch from the outlet; the heating block is connected to the outlet and is used for melting the mixed masterbatch to form a molten fluid material; the printing nozzle is connected to the heating block; the controller is electrically connected to the plurality of feeding screws and is used for controlling the rotation speeds of the plurality of feeding screws to adjust the output ratio of the plurality of single-element masterbatches along the printing direction; the wire material conveying component is connected to the printing nozzle, and the wire material conveying component is used for conveying a specific wire material, and the specific wire material can react with the molten fluid material to generate a structure strengthening material.

[0006] Preferably, there are four bins. The first bin is used to store the kneaded material of titanium element, the second bin is used to store the kneaded material of aluminum element, the third bin is used to store the kneaded material of vanadium element, and the fourth bin is used to store the kneaded material of silicon element. The specific wire material is carbon fiber.

[0007] Preferably, the specific wire material includes a core layer and a polymer material layer wrapped around the circumferential direction of the core layer.

[0008] Preferably, the core layer includes carbon fiber wire material and polymer material wire material, and the carbon fiber wire material and the polymer material wire material are twisted to form the core layer.

[0009] Preferably, it further includes an ultrasonic oscillator, and the ultrasonic oscillator is connected to the heating block.

[0010] Preferably, it further includes a cutting component, and the cutting component is arranged between the wire material conveying component and the printing nozzle.

[0011] Preferably, it further includes a moving driving component, the moving driving component is connected to the printing nozzle, and the moving driving component is used to drive the printing nozzle to move along a preset printing track.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a 3D printing method, which uses the 3D printing device described in any one of the above technical solutions for printing, and includes the following steps: Determine the specific components of a variety of elemental kneaded materials according to the designed materials of the printed components; Prepare a variety of elemental kneaded materials, and the elemental kneaded materials are obtained by kneading and granulating elemental powder and multi-component polymer; Correspondingly fill a variety of elemental kneaded materials in multiple bins; Start the feeding screw, and the feeding screw conveys the corresponding elemental kneaded material to the mixing bin, and the controller correspondingly controls the rotation speeds of multiple feeding screws to adjust the ratio of each elemental component; Start the mixing screw, and the mixing screw mixes and stirs a variety of elemental kneaded materials to form a mixed kneaded material, and outputs the mixed kneaded material from the discharge port; The heating block melts the mixed kneaded material to form a molten fluid material, and the molten fluid material flows out from the printing nozzle; The wire material conveying component conveys the specific wire material; The printing nozzle moves along a preset printing track, and the specific wire material combines with the molten fluid material on the preset printing track to obtain a three-dimensional structure green body; Debind the three-dimensional structure green body, and obtain a brown body after debinding; Sinter the brown blank to obtain a densified component after sintering. During the sintering process, the specific wire material reacts with the blank formed by the molten fluid material to generate a structure reinforcing material.

[0013] Preferably, a plurality of the elemental masterbatches include a first elemental masterbatch and a second elemental masterbatch, and the elemental contained in the first elemental masterbatch is different from the elemental contained in the second elemental masterbatch. Start the feeding screw, and the feeding screw conveys the corresponding elemental masterbatch to the mixing bin. The controller correspondingly controls the rotation speeds of the plurality of feeding screws to adjust the ratio of each elemental, including the following steps: initially set the output proportion of the first elemental masterbatch to 100%. During the movement of the print head along the preset printing trajectory, gradually reduce the ratio of the first elemental masterbatch and gradually increase the ratio of the second elemental masterbatch along the direction of the preset printing trajectory, and finally make the output proportion of the second elemental masterbatch 100%.

[0014] Preferably, a plurality of the elemental masterbatches include a main elemental masterbatch and a plurality of auxiliary elemental masterbatches, wherein the main elemental masterbatch has a main element, and the plurality of auxiliary elemental masterbatches have corresponding auxiliary elements. Start the feeding screw, and the feeding screw conveys the corresponding elemental masterbatch to the mixing bin. The controller correspondingly controls the rotation speeds of the plurality of feeding screws to adjust the ratio of each elemental, including the following steps: During the movement of the print head along the preset printing trajectory, adjust the ratio between the elemental masterbatch and the plurality of auxiliary elemental masterbatches along the preset printing direction to form a component with a gradually changing strength along the preset printing trajectory.

[0015] (III) Beneficial effects The above technical solutions of the present invention have at least the following advantages: 1. The 3D printing device provided by the present invention has a plurality of bins, which are respectively used to store a plurality of elemental masterbatches correspondingly. Then, the corresponding elemental masterbatches are output through the corresponding feeding screws. Finally, a plurality of elemental masterbatches are mixed in the mixing bin to form a mixed masterbatch. The mixed masterbatch is heated and melted by a heating block to form a molten fluid material. Finally, the molten fluid material flows out from the print head along the preset printing trajectory. By stacking the molten fluid material, a 3D printed component is finally formed. By selecting different combinations of elemental masterbatches, customization of 3D printed components with any composition can be achieved.

[0016] 2. In the present invention, the molten fluid material flows out from the printing nozzle, and the specific wire material is output from the wire conveying assembly to the printing nozzle. The molten fluid material and the specific wire material are combined along a preset printing trajectory. After the molten fluid material forms the blank of the 3D printing structure, the specific wire material can be used as a skeleton to enhance the strength and toughness of the blank.

[0017] 3. In the present invention, by controlling the rotation speeds of the plurality of feeding screws through a controller to regulate the output ratio of various single-element kneaded materials along the printing direction, the regulation of the final components of the blank can be achieved, and at the same time, a 3D printing component with a gradually changing strength along the printing direction can be prepared.

[0018] 4. In the present invention, the multiple single-element kneaded materials include a silicon-element kneaded material, and the specific wire material is carbon fiber. During the sintering process, the carbon fiber reacts with the blank (the silicon element in the silicon-element kneaded material) formed by the molten fluid material to generate a structure-enhancing material (silicon carbide); the silicon element reacts with the carbon fiber at the circumferential surface of the carbon fiber to generate a silicon carbide material, and the silicon carbide enables the carbon fiber to achieve chemical bonding with the embryo part of the densified component, thereby improving the bonding strength of the carbon fiber interface and further enhancing the integrity and strength of the densified component.

[0019] 5. In the present invention, the specific wire material includes a core layer and a polymer material layer wrapped around the circumferential direction of the core layer. The core layer includes carbon fiber filaments and polymer material filaments, and the carbon fiber filaments and the polymer material filaments are twisted to form the core layer. The polymer material layer wrapped around the circumferential direction of the core layer can improve the wettability of the specific wire material, facilitate the stable output of the specific wire material during the 3D printing process, and improve the bonding effect between the specific wire material and the molten fluid material. The twisted core layer retains a certain pre-tension, so that the carbon fiber has a certain internal pre-stress, and thus the carbon fiber implanted into the 3D printing component has a certain internal pre-stress, so as to improve the bonding effect between the carbon fiber and the molten fluid material, and at the same time improve the tensile performance and strength of the finally formed 3D printing component.

[0020] 6. In the present invention, the multiple single-element kneaded materials include a first single-element kneaded material and a second single-element kneaded material, and the single elements included in the first single-element kneaded material are different from those included in the second single-element kneaded material; during the 3D printing process, the initial set output ratio of the first single-element kneaded material is 100%. During the movement of the printing nozzle along the preset printing trajectory, the ratio of the first single-element kneaded material is gradually decreased and the ratio of the second single-element kneaded material is gradually increased along the direction of the preset printing trajectory, and finally the output ratio of the second single-element kneaded material is 100%. In order to realize a 3D printing component formed by connecting dissimilar materials, compared with the conventional dissimilar material welding technology, the mechanical properties of the dissimilar material connection area realized by the present invention are better and the internal structure defects are fewer. Description of the Drawings

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a 3D printing device provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a 3D printing device provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 It is an application schematic diagram of a 3D printing device provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a specific wire provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of a core layer provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The reference numerals in the drawings are as follows: 10, 3D printing device; 20, frame; 30, platform; 1, material bin; 2, feeding screw; 3, mixing bin; 4, mixing screw; 5, heating block; 6, printing nozzle; 7, wire conveying assembly; 8, ultrasonic oscillator; 9, cutting assembly; 11, first material bin; 12, second material bin; 13, third material bin; 14, fourth material bin; 31, feeding port; 32, discharging port; 71, specific wire; 711, core layer; 712, polymer material layer; 7111, carbon fiber wire; 7112, polymer material wire. Specific Embodiments

[0028] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0029] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0030] It should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention, rather than indicating that the device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the present invention.

[0031] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating relative importance or indicating the quantity of technical features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "a plurality of" is two or more unless otherwise specifically defined. The following describes the specific implementation of the present invention in more detail with reference to specific embodiments: As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a 3D printing device 10, including a plurality of material bins 1, a plurality of feeding screws 2, a mixing bin 3, a mixing screw 4, a heating block 5, a printing nozzle 6, a controller, and a wire feeding assembly 7; the plurality of material bins 1 are respectively used for storing a plurality of elemental masterbatches correspondingly; the plurality of feeding screws 2 are respectively connected to the outlets of the plurality of material bins 1 one by one; the inlet 31 of the mixing bin 3 is connected to the plurality of feeding screws 2, and the mixing bin 3 has an outlet 32; the mixing screw 4 is arranged in the mixing bin 3 and is used for mixing and stirring a plurality of elemental masterbatches to form a mixed masterbatch, and outputting the mixed masterbatch from the outlet 32; the heating block 5 is connected to the outlet 32 and is used for melting the mixed masterbatch to form a molten fluid material; the printing nozzle 6 is connected to the heating block 5; the controller is electrically connected to the plurality of feeding screws 2 and is used for controlling the rotation speeds of the plurality of feeding screws 2 to regulate the output ratio of the plurality of elemental masterbatches along the printing direction; the wire feeding assembly 7 is connected to the printing nozzle 6, and the wire feeding assembly 7 is used for feeding a specific wire 71, and the specific wire 71 can react with the molten fluid material to generate a structure strengthening material. It should be noted that the elemental masterbatch is obtained by kneading and granulating elemental powder and multi-component polymer, the elemental powder includes but is not limited to metal elemental powder and ceramic elemental powder, and the multi-component polymer includes but is not limited to paraffin material and resin material. For a plurality of elemental masterbatches, the mass fraction of the elemental elements contained in the elemental masterbatch per unit weight is the same. The controller is built-in with a corresponding PLC control program, and this PLC control program is a conventional technical means well-known to those skilled in the art. Through this PLC control program, the rotation speeds of the plurality of feeding screws 2 can be coordinated and controlled.

[0032] Specifically, both the feeding screw 2 and the mixing screw 4 are composed of a screw main body and corresponding screw motors. The output shaft of the screw motor is connected to the screw main body, and the screw motor can drive the screw main body to rotate, thereby outputting the materials in the material bin 1 / mixing bin 3. Further, when the output ratio of the multi-element masterbatch cannot be accurately regulated by adjusting the rotation speeds of multiple feeding screws 2, the feeding assembly can be set up to accurately feed the corresponding material bin 1, so as to accurately regulate the output ratio of the multi-element masterbatch. For example, when the main material of the component prepared by 3D printing is TC4, 90% of Ti, 6% of aluminum, and 4% of vanadium can be respectively fed into the corresponding material bin 1 through the feeding assembly, so that the finally 3D printed structure is Ti-6Al-4V, that is, the TC4 component. Specifically, the heating method of the heating block 5 is preferably resistance heating. When the current passes through the resistor, heat is generated by the resistor, and the heat generated by the resistor is transferred to the mixed masterbatch in the heating block 5, so that the mixed masterbatch forms a molten fluid material.

[0033] In one embodiment, there are four material bins 1. The first material bin 11 is used to store the titanium element masterbatch, the second material bin 12 is used to store the aluminum element masterbatch, the third material bin 13 is used to store the vanadium element masterbatch, the fourth material bin 14 is used to store the silicon element masterbatch, and the specific wire 71 is a carbon fiber.

[0034] As Figure 4 shown, in one embodiment, the specific wire 71 includes a core layer 711 and a polymer material layer 712 wrapped around the circumference of the core layer. The polymer material layer 712 wrapped around the circumference of the core layer can improve the wettability of the specific wire 71, facilitate the stable output of the specific wire 71 during the 3D printing process, and improve the bonding effect between the specific wire 71 and the molten fluid material.

[0035] As Figure 5As shown, in one embodiment, the core layer 711 includes carbon fiber filaments 7111 and polymer material filaments 7112. The carbon fiber filaments 7111 and the polymer material filaments 7112 are twisted to form the core layer 711. Specifically, first, the carbon fiber filaments 7111 and the polymer material filaments 7112 are prepared, and then a twisting machine is used to twist the carbon fiber filaments 7111 and the polymer material filaments 7112, and a certain pre-tension is given to the carbon fiber filaments 7111 so that the two are wound to form the core layer 711. During the twisting process, the twisted core layer 711 is immersed in the molten polymer material, and then cooled to obtain the core layer 711 wrapped by the polymer material layer 712. At this time, the core layer retains a certain pre-tension, so that the carbon fiber has a certain internal pre-stress, and the polymer material layer 712 shapes the core layer 711 to fix and retain the pre-tension after the core layer is twisted. Finally, the surface of the polymer material layer 712 is machined to form a specific filament 71 with equal diameters and a smooth surface everywhere. It should be noted that the polymer material filaments 7112 and the polymer material layer 712 can be removed during the degreasing process. After their removal, the carbon fiber filaments 711 can be combined with the blank of the 3D printing structure in the form of having a certain internal pre-stress, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of the 3D printing structure.

[0036] In one embodiment, an ultrasonic oscillator 8 is further included. The ultrasonic oscillator 8 is connected to the heating block 5. The ultrasonic oscillator 8 can vibrate and compact the molten fluid material during the 3D printing process to avoid the problem of material breakage at the print nozzle, and at the same time improve the density of the material during the 3D printing process and reduce the internal defects of the printed component.

[0037] In one embodiment, a cutting assembly 9 is further included. The cutting assembly 9 is arranged between the filament feeding assembly 7 and the print nozzle 6. Specifically, the cutting assembly 9 is preferably an electric scissors or a hydraulic shear. The cutting assembly 9 can cut the specific filament 71 to facilitate the laying of the specific filament 71.

[0038] In one embodiment, a moving drive assembly is further included. The moving drive assembly is connected to the print nozzle 6. The moving drive assembly is used to drive the print nozzle 6 to move along a preset printing trajectory. Specifically, the moving drive assembly is preferably a multi-axis motion system capable of moving in three directions of X, Y, and Z. It can drive the print nozzle to move to a specified position in three-dimensional space, thereby realizing the printing of a structure along a preset printing trajectory.

[0039] The embodiment of the present invention provides a 3D printing method, which uses the 3D printing device 10 in any of the above embodiments for printing, including the following steps: Determine the specific components of various single-element masterbatches according to the designed materials of the printed components; Prepare masterbatches of multiple elemental substances, where the masterbatches of elemental substances are obtained by masterbatch granulation of elemental substance powders and multi-component polymers; Fill multiple masterbatches of elemental substances into multiple bins 1 in one-to-one correspondence; Start the feeding screw 2. The feeding screw 2 conveys the corresponding masterbatch of elemental substance to the mixing bin 3, and the controller correspondingly controls the rotation speeds of multiple feeding screws 2 to adjust the proportion of each elemental substance; Start the mixing screw 4. The mixing screw 4 mixes and stirs multiple masterbatches of elemental substances to form a mixed masterbatch, and outputs the mixed masterbatch from the discharge port 32; The heating block 5 melts the mixed masterbatch to form a molten fluid material, and the molten fluid material flows out from the printing nozzle 6; The wire feeding assembly 7 feeds a specific wire 71; The printing nozzle 6 moves along a preset printing trajectory. The specific wire 71 combines with the molten fluid material on the preset printing trajectory to obtain a green body of a three-dimensional structure; Debind the green body of the three-dimensional structure, and obtain a brown body after debinding; Sinter the brown body to obtain a densified component. During the sintering process, the specific wire 71 reacts with the green body formed by the molten fluid material to generate a structure reinforcing material.

[0040] In one embodiment, the multiple masterbatches of elemental substances include a first masterbatch of elemental substance and a second masterbatch of elemental substance. The elemental substances contained in the first masterbatch of elemental substance are different from those contained in the second masterbatch of elemental substance; Start the feeding screw 2. The feeding screw 2 conveys the corresponding masterbatch of elemental substance to the mixing bin 3, and the controller correspondingly controls the rotation speeds of multiple feeding screws 2 to adjust the proportion of each elemental substance, including the following steps: initially set the output proportion of the first masterbatch of elemental substance to 100%. During the movement of the printing nozzle 6 along the preset printing trajectory, gradually reduce the proportion of the first masterbatch of elemental substance and gradually increase the proportion of the second masterbatch of elemental substance along the direction of the preset printing trajectory, and finally make the output proportion of the second masterbatch of elemental substance 100%.

[0041] In one embodiment, the multiple masterbatches of elemental substances include a main masterbatch of elemental substance and multiple auxiliary masterbatches of elemental substances. The main masterbatch of elemental substance has a main elemental substance, and the multiple auxiliary masterbatches of elemental substances have corresponding auxiliary elemental substances; Start the feeding screw 2. The feeding screw 2 conveys the corresponding masterbatch of elemental substance to the mixing bin 3, and the controller correspondingly controls the rotation speeds of multiple feeding screws 2 to adjust the proportion of each elemental substance, including the following steps: During the movement of the printing nozzle 6 along a preset printing trajectory, the ratio between the single-element masterbatch and multiple auxiliary single-element masterbatches is adjusted along the preset printing direction to form a component with a gradually changing strength along the preset printing trajectory.

[0042] As Figure 3 shown, further, this embodiment also provides a printing system, which includes a plurality of 3D printing devices 10. The plurality of 3D printing devices 10 are movably connected to a frame 20 and can realize 3D printing of corresponding structures on a platform 30. By setting the plurality of 3D printing devices 10 to work simultaneously, simultaneous printing of multiple components or combined printing of a single component can be achieved, improving the efficiency of 3D printing.

[0043] The following is an illustration with specific embodiments: Embodiment

[0044] This embodiment provides a 3D printing method, including the following steps: Determine the specific components of multiple single-element masterbatches according to the designed material of the printed component. In this embodiment, for preparing a TC4 component, the required single elements are titanium, aluminum, and vanadium. In addition, an appropriate proportion of silicon element is added to strengthen other properties of the matrix. When adding 0.1% to 0.6% of silicon element, the strength, stiffness, and wear resistance of the titanium alloy can be improved, and its high and low temperature properties can be improved simultaneously. When adding 0.5 - 2% of silicon element, the wear resistance and corrosion resistance can be improved.

[0045] Prepare multiple single-element masterbatches, which are obtained by mixing and granulating single-element powders and multi-component polymers. Specifically, the multi-component polymer is preferably a wax-based material (such as paraffin wax). A mixer is used to prepare the single-element masterbatches. When the mixer works, first, the upper ram is lifted, and the single-element powder and the multi-component polymer are added through the feeding port. The upper ram presses the materials into the mixing chamber under the drive of air pressure. During the working process, the upper ram always presses the materials to apply a certain force to the materials. After mixing, the lower ram is opened, and the single-element masterbatch is discharged through the discharge port. The materials plasticized by the mixer are viscous lumps when discharged, and must be rolled into sheets by an open mill and cooled before the next operation. The finally prepared single-element masterbatch is in granular form.

[0046] Fill multiple single-element masterbatches into a plurality of bins 1 in one-to-one correspondence. Specifically, in this embodiment, there are four bins 1, namely the first bin 11, the second bin 12, the third bin 13, and the fourth bin 14. The first bin 11 is used to store the titanium-element masterbatch, the second bin 12 is used to store the aluminum-element masterbatch, the third bin 13 is used to store the vanadium-element masterbatch, and the fourth bin 14 is used to store the silicon-element masterbatch. The specific wire material is carbon fiber.

[0047] Start the feeding screw 2. The feeding screw 2 conveys the corresponding elemental masterbatch to the mixing bin 3. The controller correspondingly controls the rotation speeds of multiple feeding screws 2 to adjust the ratio of each elemental component. Specifically, the feeding screw 2 in the first bin 11 can output a titanium elemental masterbatch with a proportion of 89% - 91%, the feeding screw 2 in the second bin 12 can output an aluminum elemental masterbatch with a proportion of 5.5% - 6.8%, the feeding screw 2 in the third bin 13 can output a vanadium elemental masterbatch with a proportion of 3.5% - 4.5%, and the feeding screw 2 in the fourth bin 14 can output a silicon elemental masterbatch with a proportion of 0.1% - 2%.

[0048] Start the mixing screw 4. The mixing screw 4 mixes and stirs the titanium elemental masterbatch, aluminum elemental masterbatch, vanadium elemental masterbatch, and silicon elemental masterbatch to form a mixed masterbatch, and outputs the mixed masterbatch from the discharge port 32. After the mixed masterbatch enters the heating block 5, the heating block 5 melts the mixed masterbatch to form a molten fluid material, and the molten fluid material flows out from the printing nozzle 6. At this time, the molten fluid material includes multi-component polymers in a molten flow state and elemental powder contained therein.

[0049] The wire feeding assembly 7 feeds a specific wire 71. In this embodiment, the specific wire 71 is preferably carbon fiber. The carbon fiber is output from the wire feeding assembly 7 and combined with the molten fluid material.

[0050] The printing nozzle 6 moves along a preset printing trajectory. The specific wire 71 is combined with the molten fluid material on the preset printing trajectory to obtain a green body of a three-dimensional structure. Specifically, the molten fluid material in a flowing state and the specific wire 71 converge at the printing nozzle. The molten fluid material wraps the elemental powder (which can be metal powder, ceramic powder, or composite powder. In this embodiment, it is titanium elemental powder, aluminum elemental powder, vanadium elemental powder, and silicon elemental powder), further uniformly coats the specific wire 71, and then is extruded from the printing nozzle. Adjust the distance between the printing nozzle and the bottom plate, evenly coat the material extruded from the printing nozzle on the bottom plate, and the printing nozzle 6 moves along the preset printing trajectory, and the materials are stacked layer by layer to form a complex green body of a three-dimensional structure.

[0051] Debind the green body of the three-dimensional structure. After debinding, a brown body is obtained. Specifically, the debinding process and method are related to the polymer component, including solvent extraction debinding, thermal debinding, and catalytic debinding. After debinding, a brown body is formed. At this time, the brown body is a porous structure, and its size has not changed much compared with the green body, and there is almost no shrinkage.

[0052] Sinter the brown blank to obtain a densified component. During the sintering process, a specific wire 71 reacts with the blank formed by the molten fluid material to generate a structure strengthening material. The sintering process is a densification process, and the size of the brown blank changes significantly, shrinking significantly to between 75% and 85% of the original size. The specific wire 71 is evenly distributed inside the product, greatly improving the toughness and strength of the product. In addition, during the sintering process, the specific wire 71 (carbon fiber) reacts with the blank (silicon element in the silicon element masterbatch) formed by the molten fluid material to generate a structure strengthening material (silicon carbide); the silicon element reacts with the carbon fiber at the circumferential surface of the carbon fiber to generate silicon carbide material, which enables the carbon fiber to chemically bond with the embryo part of the densified component, thereby enhancing the bonding strength of the carbon fiber interface and further enhancing the integrity and strength of the densified component. Example

[0053] This example provides a 3D printing method, including the following steps: Determine the specific components of a variety of single-element masterbatches according to the design materials of the printed components; the variety of single-element masterbatches include a main single-element masterbatch and a variety of auxiliary single-element masterbatches, where the main single-element masterbatch has a main single element, and the variety of auxiliary single-element masterbatches have corresponding auxiliary single elements; the main single elements include titanium and aluminum, and the auxiliary single elements include vanadium and silicon.

[0054] Prepare a variety of single-element masterbatches, which are obtained by mixing and granulating single-element powders and multi-component polymers; specifically, the multi-component polymer is preferably a wax-based material (such as paraffin). A mixer is used to prepare the single-element masterbatches. When the mixer works, first the upper plug is lifted, the single-element powder and the multi-component polymer are added from the feeding port, and the upper plug presses the materials into the mixing chamber under the drive of air pressure. During the working process, the upper plug always presses the materials to exert a certain force on the materials. After mixing, the lower plug is opened, and the single-element masterbatch is discharged from the discharge port. The materials plastically processed by the mixer are viscous lumps when discharged, and must be rolled into sheets by an open mill and cooled before the next operation. The finally prepared single-element masterbatch is in granular form.

[0055] Fill a variety of single-element masterbatches in multiple bins 1 in one-to-one correspondence; specifically, in this example, there are four bins 1, which are the first bin 11, the second bin 12, the third bin 13, and the fourth bin 14 respectively. The first bin 11 is used to store the titanium element masterbatch, the second bin 12 is used to store the aluminum element masterbatch, the third bin 13 is used to store the vanadium element masterbatch, and the fourth bin 14 is used to store the silicon element masterbatch. The specific wire is carbon fiber.

[0056] Start the feeding screw 2. The feeding screw 2 conveys the corresponding elemental masterbatch to the mixing bin 3. The controller correspondingly controls the rotation speeds of multiple feeding screws 2 to adjust the ratio of each elemental component. Specifically, in the initial state, the feeding screw 2 in the first bin 11 can output a titanium elemental masterbatch with a proportion of 89% - 91%, the feeding screw 2 in the second bin 12 can output an aluminum elemental masterbatch with a proportion of 5.5% - 6.8%, the feeding screw 2 in the third bin 13 can output a vanadium elemental masterbatch with a proportion of 3.5% - 4.5%, and the feeding screw 2 in the fourth bin 14 can output a silicon elemental masterbatch with a proportion of 0.1% - 2%. During the 3D printing process, the output proportion of the titanium elemental masterbatch in the first bin 11 gradually changes from 89% - 91% towards 0, the output proportion of the aluminum elemental masterbatch in the second bin 12 gradually changes from 5.5% - 6.8 towards 94% - 95.5%, the output proportion of the vanadium elemental masterbatch in the third bin 13 gradually changes from 3.5% - 4.5% towards 0, and the output proportion of the silicon elemental masterbatch in the fourth bin 14 gradually changes from 0.1% - 2% towards 4.5 - 6.0%. The reduction rates of the proportions of each elemental masterbatch can be the same or different. Among them, the reduction rate of the output proportion of the titanium elemental masterbatch is basically the same as that of the aluminum elemental masterbatch to achieve a gradual change of the component material from TC4 titanium alloy to 4A01 aluminum alloy along the printing direction, and thus achieve a gradient change of the component along the printing direction.

[0057] Start the mixing screw 4. The mixing screw 4 mixes and stirs the titanium elemental masterbatch, aluminum elemental masterbatch, vanadium elemental masterbatch, and silicon elemental masterbatch to form a mixed masterbatch, and outputs the mixed masterbatch from the discharge port 32. After the mixed masterbatch enters the heating block 5, the heating block 5 melts the mixed masterbatch to form a molten fluid material, and the molten fluid material flows out from the printing nozzle 6. At this time, the molten fluid material includes a multi-component polymer in a molten flow state and elemental powder contained therein.

[0058] The wire feeding assembly 7 feeds a specific wire 71. In this embodiment, the specific wire 71 preferably includes a core layer 711 and a polymer material layer 712 wrapped around the circumference of the core layer. The core layer 711 includes a carbon fiber wire 7111 and a polymer material wire 7112, and the carbon fiber wire 7111 and the polymer material wire 7112 are twisted to form the core layer 711.

[0059] The printing nozzle 6 moves along a preset printing trajectory, and a specific wire material 71 is combined with the molten fluid material on the preset printing trajectory to obtain a green body of a three-dimensional structure; specifically, the molten fluid material in a flowing state converges with the specific wire material 71 at the printing nozzle, and the molten fluid material wraps the elemental powder, and further uniformly coats the specific wire material 71, so as to be extruded at the printing nozzle. The distance between the printing nozzle and the bottom plate is adjusted well, and the material extruded from the printing nozzle is uniformly coated on the bottom plate. The printing nozzle 6 moves along the preset printing trajectory, and the materials are stacked layer by layer, so as to form a green body of a complex three-dimensional structure.

[0060] The green body of the three-dimensional structure is degreased, and a brown body is obtained after degreasing; specifically, the degreasing process and method are related to the polymer components, including solvent extraction degreasing, thermal degreasing and catalytic degreasing. After degreasing, a brown body is formed. At this time, the brown body is a porous structure, and its size has not changed much from that of the green body, and there is almost no shrinkage. At this time, the polymer material layer 712 and the polymer material wire 7112 are removed during the degreasing process, and only the carbon fiber with appropriate pre-tightening force remains as a skeleton and is implanted into the structure.

[0061] The brown body is sintered, and a densified component is obtained after sintering. Among them, during the sintering process, the blank formed by the specific wire material 71 and the molten fluid material reacts to generate a structure strengthening material. Specifically, the sintering process is a densification process. The size change of the brown body is obvious, significantly reduced, reduced to between 75% and 85% of the original size, and the specific wire material 71 is evenly distributed inside the product, greatly improving the toughness and strength of the product. In addition, during the sintering process, the specific wire material 71 (carbon fiber) reacts with the blank (silicon element in the silicon element masterbatch of the molten fluid material) to generate a structure strengthening material (silicon carbide); the silicon element reacts with the carbon fiber at the circumferential surface of the carbon fiber to generate silicon carbide material, and the silicon carbide enables the carbon fiber to achieve chemical bonding with the embryo part of the densified component, thereby enhancing the bonding strength of the carbon fiber interface and further enhancing the integrity and strength of the densified component. At the same time, twisting can increase the internal prestress of the carbon fiber and further enhance the strength of the structure. Embodiment

[0062] This embodiment provides a 3D printing method, including the following steps: Determine the specific components of a variety of elemental masterbatches according to the designed materials of the printed components; this embodiment is used to realize the connection of tungsten metal and copper metal (i.e., the connection of dissimilar materials), and the required elemental substances are tungsten element and copper element respectively.

[0063] Prepare masterbatches of multiple elemental substances. The masterbatches of elemental substances are obtained by kneading and pelletizing elemental substance powders and multi-component polymers. Specifically, the multi-component polymer is preferably a wax-based material (such as paraffin wax). A kneader is used to prepare the masterbatches of elemental substances. When the kneader is working, first, the upper ram is lifted, and the elemental substance powder and the multi-component polymer are added through the feeding port. The upper ram presses the materials into the mixing chamber under the drive of air pressure. During the working process, the upper ram always presses the materials, applying a certain force to the materials. After mixing is completed, the lower ram is opened, and the masterbatches of elemental substances are discharged through the discharge port. The materials kneaded by the kneader are in a viscous mass state when discharged, and they must be rolled into sheets by an open mill and cooled before the next operation. Finally, the prepared masterbatches of elemental substances are in granular form. Specifically, the masterbatches of multiple elemental substances include the first masterbatch of elemental substance and the second masterbatch of elemental substance. The elemental substances contained in the first masterbatch of elemental substance are different from those contained in the second masterbatch of elemental substance. The first masterbatch of elemental substance is a masterbatch of tungsten element, which contains tungsten elemental substance, and the second masterbatch of elemental substance is a masterbatch of copper element, which contains copper elemental substance.

[0064] Fill the masterbatches of multiple elemental substances in multiple bins 1 in one-to-one correspondence. Specifically, in this embodiment, there are two bins 1, which are the first bin 11 and the second bin 12 respectively. The first bin 11 is used to store the masterbatch of tungsten element, and the second bin 12 is used to store the masterbatch of copper element.

[0065] Start the feeding screw 2. The feeding screw 2 conveys the corresponding masterbatch of elemental substance to the mixing bin 3. The controller correspondingly controls the rotation speeds of multiple feeding screws 2 to adjust the ratio of each elemental substance. Specifically, in the initial state, the output proportion of the masterbatch of tungsten element is 100%. During the process of the print head moving along the preset printing trajectory, the proportion of the masterbatch of tungsten element is gradually reduced and the proportion of the masterbatch of copper element is gradually increased along the direction of the preset printing trajectory, and finally the output proportion of the masterbatch of copper element is 100%. In this way, the dissimilar connection of tungsten metal and copper metal is achieved.

[0066] Start the mixing screw 4. The mixing screw 4 mixes and stirs the masterbatch of tungsten element and the masterbatch of copper element to form a mixed masterbatch, and outputs the mixed masterbatch from the discharge port 32. After the mixed masterbatch enters the heating block 5, the heating block 5 melts the mixed masterbatch to form a molten fluid material, and the molten fluid material flows out from the print head 6. At this time, the molten fluid material includes a multi-component polymer in a molten flowing state and the elemental substance powder contained therein.

[0067] The wire feeding assembly 7 feeds a specific wire 71. In this embodiment, the specific wire 71 is preferably carbon fiber. The carbon fiber is output from the wire feeding assembly 7 and combined with the molten fluid material.

[0068] The printing nozzle 6 moves along a preset printing trajectory, and a specific wire material 71 is combined with the molten fluid material on the preset printing trajectory to obtain a green body of a three-dimensional structure. Specifically, the molten fluid material in a flowing state converges with the specific wire material 71 at the printing nozzle. The molten fluid material wraps the elemental powder (which can be metal powder, ceramic powder, or composite powder. In this embodiment, it is tungsten elemental powder and copper elemental powder), and further uniformly coats the specific wire material 71, and then is extruded from the printing nozzle. After adjusting the distance between the printing nozzle and the bottom plate, the material extruded from the printing nozzle is uniformly coated on the bottom plate. The printing nozzle 6 moves along the preset printing trajectory, and the materials are stacked layer by layer, thereby forming a complex green body of a three-dimensional structure.

[0069] The green body of the three-dimensional structure is degreased, and a brown body is obtained after degreasing. Specifically, the degreasing process and method are related to the polymer component, including solvent extraction degreasing, thermal degreasing, and catalytic degreasing. After degreasing, a brown body is formed. At this time, the brown body is a porous structure, and its size has not changed much from the green body, and there is almost no shrinkage.

[0070] The brown body is sintered, and a densified component is obtained after sintering. Embodiment

[0071] Determine the specific components of multiple elemental masterbatches according to the designed materials of the printed components. This embodiment is used to realize the 3D printing and manufacturing of metal and ceramic materials. The required elemental materials are tungsten element and alumina ceramic respectively.

[0072] Prepare multiple elemental masterbatches, which are obtained by mixing elemental powder and multi-component polymer through kneading and granulation. Specifically, the multi-component polymer is preferably a wax-based material (such as paraffin wax). A kneader is used to prepare the elemental masterbatches. When the kneader works, first, the upper plug is lifted, and the elemental powder and the multi-component polymer are added from the feeding port. The upper plug presses the materials into the mixing chamber under the drive of air pressure. During the working process, the upper plug always presses the materials to apply a certain force to the materials. After mixing, the lower plug is opened, and the elemental masterbatch is discharged from the discharging port. The materials kneaded by the kneader are viscous lumps when discharged, and must be rolled into sheets by an open mill, cooled, and then subjected to the next operation. Finally, the prepared elemental masterbatches are in granular form. Specifically, the multiple elemental masterbatches include tungsten elemental masterbatch and alumina ceramic masterbatch.

[0073] Fill multiple elemental masterbatches in multiple bins 1 in one-to-one correspondence. Specifically, in this embodiment, there are two bins 1, which are the first bin 11 and the second bin 12 respectively. The first bin 11 is used to store tungsten elemental masterbatch, and the second bin 12 is used to store alumina ceramic masterbatch.

[0074] Start the feeding screw 2, and the feeding screw 2 conveys the corresponding elemental masterbatch to the mixing bin 3. The controller correspondingly controls the rotation speeds of multiple feeding screws 2 to adjust the ratio of each elemental component.

[0075] Start the mixing screw 4. The mixing screw 4 mixes and stirs the tungsten elemental masterbatch and the alumina ceramic masterbatch to form a mixed masterbatch, and outputs the mixed masterbatch from the discharge port 32. After the mixed masterbatch enters the heating block 5, the heating block 5 melts the mixed masterbatch to form a molten fluid material, and the molten fluid material flows out from the printing nozzle 6. At this time, the molten fluid material includes multi-component polymers in a molten flow state and elemental powder contained therein.

[0076] The wire feeding assembly 7 feeds a specific wire 71. In this embodiment, the specific wire 71 is preferably carbon fiber, and the carbon fiber is output from the wire feeding assembly 7 and combined with the molten fluid material.

[0077] The printing nozzle 6 moves along a preset printing trajectory, and the specific wire 71 is combined with the molten fluid material on the preset printing trajectory to obtain a green body of a three-dimensional structure. Specifically, the molten fluid material in a flowing state and the specific wire 71 converge at the printing nozzle. The molten fluid material wraps the elemental powder (which can be metal powder, ceramic powder or composite material powder. In this embodiment, it is tungsten elemental powder and alumina ceramic particles), and further uniformly coats the specific wire 71, and then is extruded from the printing nozzle. Adjust the distance between the printing nozzle and the bottom plate, and evenly coat the material extruded from the printing nozzle on the bottom plate. The printing nozzle 6 moves along the preset printing trajectory, and the materials are stacked layer by layer, thus forming a green body of a complex three-dimensional structure.

[0078] Debind the green body of the three-dimensional structure, and obtain a brown body after debinding. Specifically, the debinding process and method are related to the polymer component, including solvent extraction debinding, thermal debinding and catalytic debinding. After debinding, a brown body is formed. At this time, the brown body is a porous structure, and its size does not change much from the green body, and there is almost no shrinkage.

[0079] Sinter the brown body to obtain a densified component.

[0080] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A 3D printing device, characterized in that, include: Multiple silos, used to store various single element refining materials; A plurality of feeding screws are respectively connected to the outlets of the plurality of silos in a one-to-one correspondence; A mixing bin, wherein the feeding port of the mixing bin is connected to the plurality of feeding screws, and the mixing bin has a discharging port; A mixing screw, arranged in the mixing bin, is used to mix and stir multiple single element banburying materials to form a mixed banburying material, and output the mixed banburying material from the discharge port; A heating block connected to the discharge port, used for melting the material to form a molten fluid; A printing nozzle connected to the heating block; A controller, electrically connected to the plurality of feeding screws, for controlling the rotation speed of the plurality of feeding screws, so as to adjust the output ratio of the plurality of single element mixed materials along the printing direction; A wire material delivery component is connected to the printing nozzle, and the wire material delivery component is used to deliver a specific wire material, and the specific wire material can react with the molten fluid material to generate a structural reinforcement material.

2. The 3D printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are four silos, the first silo is used to store titanium element densely mixed material, the second silo is used to store aluminum element densely mixed material, the third silo is used to store vanadium element densely mixed material, and the fourth silo is used to store silicon element densely mixed material. The specific wire material is carbon fiber.

3. The 3D printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific filament comprises a core layer and a polymer material layer wrapped around the core layer.

4. The 3D printing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The core layer includes carbon fiber filaments and polymer material filaments, and the carbon fiber filaments and the polymer material filaments are twisted to form the core layer.

5. The 3D printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an ultrasonic oscillator, which is connected to the heating block.

6. The 3D printing device according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a cutting component, which is arranged between the wire conveying component and the printing nozzle.

7. The 3D printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a moving drive component, which is connected to the printing nozzle and is used to drive the printing nozzle to move along a preset printing trajectory.

8. A 3D printing method, which uses the 3D printing device described in any one of claims 1-7 for printing, is characterized in that, The following steps are involved: Determine the specific composition of multiple single element mixed materials according to the design materials of the printed components; Preparing a plurality of single element banbury materials, wherein the single element banbury materials are obtained by banburying and granulating single element powder and multi-component polymer; Fill multiple single element mixing materials into multiple silos one by one; The feeding screw is started, and the feeding screw conveys the corresponding single element mixed material to the mixing bin. The controller controls the rotation speed of multiple feeding screws to adjust the ratio of each single element. Starting a mixing screw to mix and stir a plurality of single element banburying materials to form a mixed banburying material, and outputting the mixed banburying material from the discharge port; The heating block melts the mixed material to form a molten fluid material, and the molten fluid material flows out from the printing nozzle; The wire delivery assembly delivers a specific wire; The printing nozzle moves along a preset printing track, and the specific wire material is combined with the molten fluid material on the preset printing track to obtain a three-dimensional structure green body; Degreasing the three-dimensional structure green body to obtain a brown body; The brown blank is sintered to obtain a densified component, wherein during the sintering process, the specific wire reacts with a blank formed by a molten fluid material to generate a structural reinforcement material.

9. The 3D printing method according to claim 8, wherein, The multiple single-element kneaded materials include a first single-element kneaded material and a second single-element kneaded material, and the single element contained in the first single-element kneaded material is different from the single element contained in the second single-element kneaded material; Start the feeding screw, and the feeding screw conveys the corresponding single-element kneaded material to the mixing bin. The controller correspondingly controls the rotation speeds of multiple feeding screws to adjust the ratio of each single element, including the following steps: initially set the output ratio of the first single-element kneaded material to be 100%. During the movement of the print head along the preset printing trajectory, gradually reduce the ratio of the first single-element kneaded material and gradually increase the ratio of the second single-element kneaded material along the direction of the preset printing trajectory, and finally make the output ratio of the second single-element kneaded material be 100%.

10. The 3D printing method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The multiple single-element kneaded materials include a main single-element kneaded material and multiple auxiliary single-element kneaded materials, where the main single-element kneaded material has a main single element, and the multiple auxiliary single-element kneaded materials have corresponding auxiliary single elements; Start the feeding screw, and the feeding screw conveys the corresponding single-element kneaded material to the mixing bin. The controller correspondingly controls the rotation speeds of multiple feeding screws to adjust the ratio of each single element, including the following steps: During the movement of the print head along the preset printing trajectory, adjust the ratio between the single-element kneaded material and the multiple auxiliary single-element kneaded materials along the preset printing direction to form a component with a gradually changing strength along the preset printing trajectory.

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