Powder charging device for a can for hot isostatic pressing, powder charging method and use thereof

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of powder metallurgy, and specifically discloses a powder loading device for a can for hot isostatic pressing, a powder loading method thereof and application. The powder loading device comprises a fixed carrier, a powder supply mechanism, a first and a second vibration mechanism, the fixed carrier has a plurality of placement cylinders in an annular array, the powder supply mechanism is rotatable and has a powder monitoring function, and the first and second vibration mechanisms provide vertical and horizontal direction vibrations respectively. The powder loading method comprises the steps of can placement and weighing, initial powder loading and preheating, vertical direction vibration for secondary powder supplementing, horizontal direction vibration for tertiary powder supplementing, weight verification and iterative vibration, and the like, so as to ensure that the powder loading meets the standards. When applied to TiAl alloy blade preparation, the application can realize one-time multi-can powder loading, form a multi-dimensional vibration mode to fully vibrate and compact the powder, monitor and control the filling condition in real time, reduce manual intervention, significantly improve the powder loading efficiency and quality stability, reduce the cost and shorten the preparation period, and effectively promote large-scale production of TiAl alloy blades.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of powder metallurgy technology, specifically relating to a powder loading device, powder loading method and application for hot isostatic pressing. Background Technology

[0002] In high-end manufacturing sectors such as aerospace, TiAl alloys, with their advantages of low density, excellent high-temperature strength, good creep resistance, and outstanding oxidation resistance, have become a promising new type of lightweight high-temperature structural material to replace nickel-based superalloys, especially showing great application potential in the manufacture of aircraft blades. However, the intrinsic brittleness of this material at room temperature limits its further large-scale application. In recent years, with the development of powder metallurgy hot isostatic pressing technology, it has provided an effective way to prepare high-performance TiAl alloy blades by eliminating macroscopic segregation and refining the microstructure. Among these technologies, the cladding, as a key container for holding metal powder, directly affects the final performance of the blade due to the tap density of the powder inside.

[0003] Currently, the powder loading process for TiAl alloy blades mainly relies on traditional motor vibration platforms. These platforms have the following problems: First, they can only load a single pack at a time, which is insufficient for industrial-scale mass production and greatly restricts production efficiency. Second, they rely solely on vertical vibration, lacking horizontal auxiliary vibration, resulting in insufficient powder compaction. Manual hammering is required to compensate, but manual operation is not only inefficient but also prone to pack displacement, affecting powder uniformity. Third, the existing powder loading process lacks real-time monitoring and precise control methods, making it impossible to promptly perceive the powder filling status and ensure that the powder within the pack reaches the preset weight and density requirements, leading to potential quality issues with uncompacted parts in subsequent manufacturing processes.

[0004] In summary, traditional powder loading methods severely hinder the large-scale production of TiAl alloy blades, resulting in unstable final product quality and high production costs. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new powder loading device and method to address the shortcomings of existing technologies.

[0005] In view of this, this invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a powder loading device, method and application for hot isostatic pressing (HIP) sheaths. It mainly addresses the problems of low production efficiency (single-bundle filling), poor powder compaction (lack of horizontal vibration and reliance on manual hammering), and difficulty in accurately controlling the filling process (no real-time monitoring). This invention enables efficient multi-bundle powder loading, thorough multi-dimensional powder compaction, and ensures that the powder within the sheath reaches the preset weight and density requirements through real-time monitoring and intelligent powder replenishment. This improves the production efficiency and product quality of TiAl alloy blades, promoting their large-scale engineering application.

[0007] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a powder loading device for a hot isostatic pressing shroud, comprising:

[0009] A fixed platform, on which multiple placement cylinders for installing sleeves are arranged in a circular array around its center;

[0010] A powder supply mechanism, which has a rotation function and is located above the fixed platform, is used to fill metal powder into the sleeve in any of the placement cylinders and monitor the filling status in real time.

[0011] The first vibration mechanism is located below the fixed platform and at the bottom of the package, and is used to vibrate and weigh the package in any of the placement cylinders in the vertical direction.

[0012] The second vibration mechanism is disposed between the fixed platform and the first vibration mechanism. The second vibration mechanism is provided with telescopic hammer rods in the same number as the number of placement cylinders in the circumferential direction. Each telescopic hammer rod corresponds to one placement cylinder and is used to hammer and vibrate the sleeve in any of the placement cylinders in the horizontal direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the placement cylinder includes a cylinder body, inside which two arc-shaped clamps are symmetrically arranged. Each arc-shaped clamp is rotatably connected to a screw with a handle. The screw with the handle is also threadedly connected to the cylinder body. The placement cylinder is mainly used to fix the cylindrical sleeve.

[0014] Furthermore, the powder supply mechanism includes:

[0015] A fixed platform is disposed above the fixed carrier.

[0016] The material tank is located on the upper part of the fixed platform;

[0017] The powder conveying pipe consists of a vertical inlet section, an inclined middle section, and a vertical outlet section, wherein the inlet section is connected to the outlet of the material tank;

[0018] An automatic valve is installed on the outlet section;

[0019] A rotating platform is located below the fixed platform. Its rotating output end is fixedly connected to the inlet section and is used to drive the powder conveying pipe to rotate around the central axis of the inlet section so that the outlet pipe is aligned with any of the sleeve nozzles placed in the cylinder.

[0020] Furthermore, the powder supply mechanism also includes a heating element, which is embedded in the wall of the powder conveying pipe and is used to heat the metal powder conveyed in the pipe through heat conduction. The heating temperature is generally set to 40℃~100℃ to avoid powder oxidation and improve fluidity.

[0021] Furthermore, the powder supply mechanism also includes a powder flow monitor and a video monitor. Both the powder flow monitor and the video monitor are equipped with outlet pipe openings and are linked to an automatic valve (when the video monitor detects that the powder sinking depth of the sleeve nozzle is >2mm and lasts for 5 seconds, it triggers powder replenishment) to monitor the filling status in real time.

[0022] Furthermore, the first vibration mechanism includes:

[0023] The base platform is located below the fixed platform;

[0024] The number of vibration tables is the same as that of the placement cylinders and their positions correspond one-to-one. Each vibration table is installed on the base platform.

[0025] Vibration motors, the same number as the vibration tables, are fixed on the base platform and connected to the corresponding vibration tables;

[0026] Electronic scales are installed on each vibration table to measure the weight of the corresponding package;

[0027] Multiple elastic support members are evenly distributed at the bottom of the base platform.

[0028] Furthermore, the telescopic hammer rod in the second vibration mechanism is driven by a pneumatic device to perform linear reciprocating hammering on the sleeve in the horizontal direction, and the head of the telescopic hammer rod is provided with a hammer head made of rubber.

[0029] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for loading powder into a cladding for hot isostatic pressing, the method being based on the aforementioned powder loading device and comprising the following steps:

[0030] Step 1: Placement of the package and initialization of weighing

[0031] Multiple packages of metal powder to be loaded are fixed in the placement cylinder of the fixed platform, and the electronic scale of the first vibration mechanism is used to tare and zero each package.

[0032] Step 2, Initial powder loading and preheating

[0033] The powder feeding mechanism's rotary table aligns the outlet section of the powder feeding pipe with the powder injection port of the target package; then the heating element is turned on to preheat the powder feeding pipe, and the automatic valve is activated to fill the package with metal powder until it reaches the initial full state (i.e., the powder is filled to the point where there are no visible gaps at the package opening), and then the powder feeding stops.

[0034] Step 3: Vertical vibration and secondary powder replenishment

[0035] The first vibration mechanism is activated to apply vertical vibration to the sleeve, and the powder filling status at the sleeve nozzle is monitored simultaneously by the powder flow monitor and video monitor. When the powder sinks and creates gaps, the automatic valve is opened to replenish metal powder until the electronic scale displays a stable weight and the sleeve reaches a second full state.

[0036] Step 4: Horizontal vibration and three-time powder replenishment

[0037] The second vibration mechanism is activated to drive the telescopic hammer rod to hammer the sleeve horizontally, while simultaneously monitoring the powder filling status at the sleeve nozzle; when a gap is detected, powder is added until the electronic scale displays a stable weight and the sleeve reaches the state of being full three times.

[0038] Step 5: Weight Verification and Iterative Vibration

[0039] After three full fillings, compare the actual weight measured by the electronic scale with the preset design weight: if the actual weight is lower than the design weight, repeat the vertical vibration in step 3 and the horizontal vibration in step 4, as well as the corresponding powder replenishment; if the actual weight reaches the design weight, terminate the powder filling process.

[0040] Furthermore, in step 3, the excitation force of the first vibration mechanism is generally set to 80N to 100N, and the frequency is 20Hz to 70Hz, which can be set according to the specific situation.

[0041] Furthermore, in step 4, the hammering force of the second vibration mechanism is generally set to 25N to 50N, and the hammering cycle is 15 times / min to 50 times / min, which can be set according to the specific situation.

[0042] Thirdly, the present invention also provides a TiAl alloy blade, which is prepared by hot isostatic pressing and its powder loading process is based on the powder loading device described above.

[0043] The powder filling process of the packaging includes the following steps:

[0044] (a) The package is fixed in the placement cylinder of the fixed platform, and the package is weighed by the electronic scale of the first vibration mechanism;

[0045] (b) The preheated TiAl alloy powder is filled into the cladding through the powder feeding mechanism until the cladding is initially full;

[0046] (c) Start the first vibration mechanism to apply vertical vibration to the package and replenish powder to the secondary full state;

[0047] (d) Start the second vibration mechanism to drive the telescopic hammer rod to hammer the sleeve in the horizontal direction and replenish the powder to the full state three times;

[0048] (e) Repeat the vibration and powder replenishment operation until the measured weight of the powder in the package reaches the preset design weight.

[0049] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0050] 1. The powder loading device for hot isostatic pressing sleeves provided by the present invention, by setting multiple placement cylinders in a circular array on a fixed platform, and in conjunction with a rotatable powder supply mechanism, can load powder into multiple sleeves at one time. Compared with the traditional single-single-sleeve filling method, it greatly reduces the powder loading time, meets the needs of industrial mass production, and significantly improves production efficiency.

[0051] 2. The powder loading device for the hot isostatic pressing sheath provided by this invention provides vertical vibration through a first vibration mechanism and horizontal hammering vibration through a telescopic hammer rod of a second vibration mechanism, forming a multi-dimensional vibration mode. Compared with traditional single vertical vibration, this allows for more thorough compaction of the powder inside the sheath, and eliminates the need for manual hammering, avoiding sheath misalignment caused by manual operation and ensuring uniform powder loading. Furthermore, the head of the telescopic hammer rod is made of rubber, which effectively prevents damage to the sheath while ensuring the hammering effect, thus extending the sheath's service life.

[0052] 3. The powder loading device for the hot isostatic pressing (HIP) shroud provided by this invention, through a powder flow monitor and video monitor equipped with a powder supply mechanism, can monitor the powder filling status at the shroud nozzle in real time and is linked with an automatic valve. Once powder settling and gaps are detected, metal powder can be replenished in a timely manner. Combined with real-time weighing by an electronic scale, through weight verification and iterative vibration, it ensures that the powder inside the shroud reaches the preset weight and density requirements, effectively eliminating the quality risks of uncompacted parts and improving product quality stability. In addition, the heating element in the powder supply mechanism can preheat the metal powder, which can adapt to the powder loading needs of powders with different characteristics, expanding the application range of the device.

[0053] In summary, by using this powder loading device, the present invention reduces manual intervention, improves powder loading efficiency and quality stability, reduces rework costs and labor costs caused by product quality problems, and greatly shortens the preparation cycle of hot isostatic pressing cladding, which helps to promote the large-scale engineering production of TiAl alloy blades. Attached Figure Description

[0054] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and form part of this specification, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0055] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the powder loading device for the hot isostatic pressing of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the fixed platform in the powder loading device of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cylinder placed in the fixed platform of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the powder supply mechanism in the powder loading device of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first vibration mechanism in the powder loading device of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 6 This is a front view schematic diagram of the first vibration mechanism in the powder loading device of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the second vibration mechanism in the powder loading device of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 8 This is a bottom view schematic diagram of the second vibration mechanism in the powder loading device of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 9 This is a metallographic image of the nozzle after the powder filling device is used to complete the filling of the sleeve powder in Embodiment 2 of the present invention and after hot isostatic pressing treatment.

[0065] Figure 10 The image shows the metallographic results of the nozzle after the conventional method of filling the coating powder and hot isostatic pressing treatment, which is a comparative example of the present invention.

[0066] in:

[0067] 1 is a fixed platform; 11 is a placement cylinder; 12 is a limiting hole; 111 is the cylinder body; 112 is an arc-shaped clamping plate; 113 is a screw with a handle;

[0068] 2 is the powder supply mechanism; 21 is the fixed platform; 22 is the material tank; 23 is the powder conveying pipe; 24 is the automatic valve; 25 is the rotary table; 26 is the heating element; 27 is the powder flow monitor; 28 is the video monitor; 231 is the inlet section; 232 is the intermediate section; 233 is the outlet section;

[0069] 3 is the first vibration mechanism; 31 is the base platform; 32 is the vibration table; 33 is the vibration motor; 34 is the electronic scale; 35 is the elastic support component;

[0070] 4 is the second vibration mechanism; 41 is the telescopic hammer rod; 42 is the pneumatic device; 43 is the hammer head. Detailed Implementation

[0071] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses consistent with some aspects of the invention as detailed in the appended claims.

[0072] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0073] Please see Figures 1-8 The present invention provides a powder loading device for a hot isostatic pressing (HIP) liner, which mainly consists of a fixed platform 1, a powder supply mechanism 2, a first vibration mechanism 3, and a second vibration mechanism 4. The fixed platform 1 has a disc-shaped structure, with multiple placement cylinders 11 arranged in a circular array around its center. Each placement cylinder 11 contains a liner for carrying the HIP process. The powder supply mechanism 2 is located above the fixed platform 1 and has rotation and heating functions. It can accurately position each placement cylinder 11 during rotation to achieve the metal powder filling operation for all liners. The first vibration mechanism 3 is located below the fixed platform 1 and in contact with the bottom of the liner, used to vertically vibrate and weigh the liners in the placement cylinders 11. The second vibration mechanism is located between the fixed platform 1 and the first vibration mechanism 3, and has the same number of telescopic hammer rods 41 as the number of placement cylinders 11 arranged circumferentially. Each telescopic hammer rod 41 corresponds to one placement cylinder 11 and is used to hammer and vibrate the liners in any placement cylinder 11 in the horizontal direction. With the above structural design, the powder loading device can complete the synchronous powder loading of multiple packages at one time, and use multi-dimensional vibration to ensure that the powder is fully compacted, so that the powder density and weight in the package meet the preset process requirements.

[0074] Specifically, in this invention, the fixed platform 1 adopts a disc-shaped structure made of high-strength alloy material. The limiting hole 12 at its center cooperates with the positioning shaft at the top of the second vibration mechanism 4, ensuring that the second vibration mechanism 4 maintains stable concentricity during operation. Using the axis of the limiting hole 12 as a reference, six placement cylinders 11 are evenly distributed along the circumference at 60° intervals. Each placement cylinder 11 can lock a cylindrical sleeve, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the powder loading device provided by the present invention can complete the clamping of six packages at one time, which greatly improves production efficiency.

[0075] like Figure 3 As shown, the placement cylinder 11 of the present invention includes a cylinder body 111. Two arc-shaped clamping plates 112 are symmetrically installed inside the cylinder body 111. Each arc-shaped clamping plate 112 is rotatably connected to a screw rod 113 with a handle via a bearing. The screw rod 113 with the handle is also threadedly connected to the cylinder body 111. When the sleeve is placed into the cylinder body 111, rotating the screw rod 113 with the handle drives the two arc-shaped clamping plates 112 to move towards or away from each other, thereby locking or releasing the sleeve. Furthermore, to improve the locking effect, a rubber protective layer is provided on the side of the arc-shaped clamping plate 112 that contacts the sleeve.

[0076] In this invention, the specific structure of the powder supply mechanism 2 is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, it includes a fixed platform 21 positioned above a fixed carrier 1. A material tank 22 is mounted on the upper part of the fixed platform 21, and a powder conveying pipe 23 is positioned at the lower part. The powder conveying pipe 23 consists of a vertical inlet section 231, an inclined middle section 232, and a vertical outlet section 233. The outlet of the material tank 22 passes through the fixed platform 21 and is movably connected to the inlet section 231 of the powder conveying pipe 23. A heating element 26 is installed inside the wall of the middle section 232 of the powder conveying pipe 23 for heating the metal powder conveyed inside the pipe through heat conduction. An automatic valve 24 is installed on the outlet section 233 of the powder conveying pipe 23, and a powder flow monitor 27 and a video monitor 28, which are linked to the automatic valve 24, are installed at the outlet of the outlet section 233 for real-time monitoring of the filling status. In addition, a rotating platform 25 is provided at the lower part of the fixed platform 21. The rotating output end of the rotating platform 25 is fixedly connected to the inlet section 231 and is used to drive the powder conveying pipe 23 to rotate around the central axis of the inlet section 231 so that the outlet section 233 is aligned with the cladding nozzle in any of the placement cylinders 11.

[0077] It should be noted that the fixed platform 1 and fixed platform 21 in this invention can be fixed by brackets or frame structures to ensure the overall stability of the device. Specifically, a suitable support structure can be selected according to the actual installation scenario. For example, a high-strength metal bracket can be rigidly connected to the ground or equipment base, or an integrated frame can be used to form a vertically corresponding and mutually independent support system for the fixed platform 1 and fixed platform 21. This ensures both the stability of the fixed platform 1 during vibration operation and the accuracy requirements of the powder supply mechanism 2 during rotational positioning.

[0078] In this invention, the structure of the first vibration mechanism 3 is as follows: Figure 5 , 6 As shown, it includes a base platform 31 located below the fixed platform 1. The base platform 31 is made of high-strength alloy material. Vibration tables 32, the same number as the placement cylinders 11 and corresponding in position, are installed on the base platform 31. Each vibration table 32 adopts a modular design for easy disassembly and maintenance. Each vibration table 32 is equipped with a vibration motor 33, which is a high-precision variable frequency vibration motor, installed at the bottom of the base platform 31 and securely connected to the base platform 31 by high-strength bolts, providing a stable and adjustable vibration frequency and amplitude. Furthermore, each vibration table 32 is equipped with an electronic scale 34 for measuring the weight of the corresponding package. This electronic scale 34 has high precision and sensitivity, can accurately measure the weight of the package in real time, and transmits the data to the control system. Simultaneously, multiple elastic support members 35 are evenly arranged at the bottom of the base platform. The elastic support members 35 are made of rubber at both ends and connected by a spring in the middle, which effectively generates vibration in the vertical (axial) direction of the package while reducing the impact on external equipment, ensuring stability during operation.

[0079] In this embodiment of the invention, the structure of the second vibration mechanism 4 is as follows: Figure 7 , 8 As shown, it includes a cylindrical pneumatic device 42. The bottom end of the pneumatic device 42 is set on the base platform 31 of the first vibration mechanism 3, and the positioning shaft at the top end is embedded in the limiting hole 12 in the middle of the fixed platform 1. In order to prevent relative rotation between the two, multiple matching concave and convex structures can be set along the axial direction on the contact surface between the positioning shaft and the limiting hole 12. For example, three rectangular keys are set in the circumference of the positioning shaft, and corresponding keyways are opened in the inner wall of the limiting hole to form a keyway anti-rotation connection. Six telescopic hammer rods 41 are evenly arranged around the circumference of the pneumatic device 42. Each telescopic hammer rod 41 can be driven by the pneumatic device 42 to reciprocate and extend, and is used to perform linear reciprocating hammering on the package in the horizontal direction to achieve compaction of the powder inside the package.

[0080] Preferably, to prevent damage to the sheath surface caused by the telescopic hammer rod 41, each telescopic hammer rod 41 is equipped with a hammer head 43 made of highly elastic rubber material. The hammer head 43 adopts a detachable design and is fixed to the telescopic hammer rod 41 by a threaded connection. The rubber material of the hammer head 43 has a Shore A hardness of 60-70, which can provide sufficient hammering energy and effectively buffer the impact force to ensure that the surface quality of the sheath is not damaged.

[0081] Furthermore, based on the above-mentioned powder loading device, the present invention also provides a powder loading method for a hot isostatic pressing sleeve, specifically including the following steps:

[0082] Step 1: Placement of the package and initialization of weighing

[0083] Six packages of metal powder to be loaded are fixed in the placement cylinder 11 of the fixed platform 1. The electronic scale 34 of the first vibration mechanism 3 performs a tare and zeroing operation on each package to ensure the accuracy of the initial weight data and lay the foundation for subsequent precise powder loading.

[0084] Step 2, Initial powder loading and preheating

[0085] By manipulating the rotary table 25 of the powder supply mechanism 2, the outlet section 233 of the powder conveying pipe 23 is aligned with the powder injection port of the target package; first, the heating element 26 is turned on to preheat the powder conveying pipe 23, raising the temperature inside the pipe to the set temperature to avoid problems such as metal powder clumping due to temperature differences; then the automatic valve 24 is activated to fill the package with metal powder according to the preset filling rate until the package reaches the initial full state, and then the powder feeding is automatically stopped.

[0086] Step 3: Vertical vibration and secondary powder replenishment

[0087] The first vibration mechanism 3 is activated, and the vibration motor 33 applies vertical vibration to the sleeve with an excitation force of 80N to 100N and a frequency of 20Hz to 70Hz, so as to initially compact the metal powder in the sleeve. At the same time, the powder flow monitor 27 and the video monitor 28 monitor the powder filling at the sleeve nozzle in real time. When gaps are detected due to powder settling, the automatic valve 24 is opened in time to replenish metal powder. The replenishment continues until the electronic scale 34 shows a stable weight and the sleeve reaches a second full state, ensuring that the powder filling in the sleeve is more compact.

[0088] Step 4: Horizontal vibration and three-time powder replenishment

[0089] The second vibration mechanism 4 is activated, driving the telescopic hammer rod 41 to perform linear reciprocating hammering on the sleeve in the horizontal direction. The hammering force is generally 25N to 50N, and the hammering cycle is 15 times / min to 50 times / min, which is used to further compact the powder in the sleeve. Simultaneously, the powder filling status at the sleeve nozzle is continuously monitored. Once a gap is detected, powder is immediately added. This cycle is repeated until the electronic scale 34 shows a stable weight and the sleeve reaches the three full states, further improving the powder filling density.

[0090] Step 5: Weight Verification and Iterative Vibration

[0091] After three full filling operations, the actual weight of the package measured by the electronic scale 34 is compared with the preset design weight. If the actual weight is lower than the design weight, the vertical vibration in step 3 and the horizontal vibration in step 4, as well as the corresponding powder replenishment operation, are repeated until the actual weight reaches the design weight standard. If the actual weight reaches the design weight, the powder filling process is terminated to ensure that the metal powder filling amount of each package meets the requirements of the hot isostatic pressing process.

[0092] To further verify the effectiveness of the present invention, the inventors conducted the following specific experiments:

[0093] Example 1

[0094] This embodiment uses hot isostatic pressing (HIP) to prepare a certain type of TiAl alloy blade. The powder loading device described above is used to load powder into the pre-designed and manufactured casing. The specific powder loading process is as follows:

[0095] 1) Preparation before powder loading: After checking and confirming that the powder loading device is correct, load sufficient TiAl alloy powder (greater than the theoretical design weight) into the material tank 22 of the powder supply mechanism 2. The particle size of the TiAl alloy powder in the material tank 22 is 15-250μm, and the weight is 30.00kg;

[0096] 2) Sleeve Installation and Weighing Initialization: The pre-designed and manufactured sleeves for loading TiAl alloy powder are installed in the placement cylinder 11 of the fixed platform 1. This powder loading device can hold 6 sleeves for preparing TiAl alloy blades at a time. After placement, the sleeves are locked in place by the placement cylinder 11. After the sleeves are fixed, the powder conveying pipe 23 is adjusted by controlling the rotary table 25 so that the outlet section 233 is aligned with the sleeve nozzle. At this time, the six electronic scales 34 display weights of 2.70kg, 2.71kg, 2.70kg, 2.72kg, 2.70kg, and 2.71kg respectively. Then, the electronic scales 34 are all tareed and zeroed to ensure measurement accuracy.

[0097] 3) Initial powder loading: By operating the rotary table 25, the outlet section 233 of the powder conveying pipe 23 is aligned sequentially with the packaging nozzle in each placement cylinder 11, and the automatic valve 24 then controls the powder dispensing. During the powder dispensing process, the powder flow monitor 27 and the video monitor 28 monitor the powder filling status at the packaging nozzle in real time. When the packaging is completely filled for the first time, the automatic valve 24 controls the powder dispensing to stop. At this time, the corresponding displayed weights on the electronic scale 34 are 2.05kg, 2.10kg, 2.05kg, 2.10kg, 2.10kg, and 2.10kg, respectively.

[0098] 4) Vertical vibration and secondary powder replenishment: After the first sleeve is completely filled, the first vibration mechanism 3 is activated to generate vertical vibration. The excitation force is controlled at 100N and the frequency is 50Hz. The powder filling status at the sleeve nozzle is monitored by the powder flow monitor 27 and the video monitor 28. When the powder sinks and creates gaps, the automatic valve 24 is opened to replenish TiAl alloy powder until the sleeve is completely filled for the second time. At this time, the corresponding displayed weights on the electronic scale 34 are 2.55kg, 2.60kg, 2.58kg, 2.62kg, 2.56kg, and 2.48kg, respectively.

[0099] 5) Horizontal vibration and three-stage powder replenishment: After the second sleeve is completely filled, the second vibration mechanism 4 is activated to generate horizontal vibration. The hammering force is set to 25N and the hammering cycle is 15 times / min. The powder filling status at the sleeve nozzle is monitored by the powder flow monitor 27 and the video monitor 28. When the powder sinks and creates gaps, the automatic valve 24 is opened to replenish TiAl alloy powder until the sleeve is completely filled for the third time. At this time, the corresponding displayed weights on the electronic scale 34 are 3.10kg, 3.11kg, 3.12kg, 3.09kg, 3.10kg, and 3.11kg, respectively.

[0100] 6) Weight verification and powder loading completion: After the third packing is completely filled, the powder filling weight is compared with the theoretical design of 3.1±0.05kg. After this powder loading is completed, the packing weight of the six TiAl alloy blades meets the requirements. The powder loading process is completed and the powder loading device stops operating.

[0101] Example 2

[0102] This embodiment also uses hot isostatic pressing (HIP) to prepare a certain type of TiAl alloy blade. The powder loading device described above is used to load powder into a pre-designed and manufactured casing. This aims to further verify the stability and reliability of the powder loading device under different production conditions. The specific powder loading process is as follows:

[0103] 1) Preparation before powder loading: After checking and confirming that the powder loading device is correct, load sufficient TiAl alloy powder (greater than the theoretical design weight) into the material tank 22 of the powder supply mechanism 2. The particle size of the TiAl alloy powder in the material tank 22 is 15-250μm, and the weight is 40.00kg;

[0104] 2) Sleeve Installation and Weighing Initialization: The pre-designed and manufactured sleeves for loading TiAl alloy powder are installed in the placement cylinder 11 of the fixed platform 1. This powder loading device can hold 6 sleeves for preparing TiAl alloy blades at a time. After placement, the sleeves are locked in place by the placement cylinder 11. After the sleeves are fixed, the powder conveying pipe 23 is adjusted by controlling the rotary table 25 so that the outlet section 233 is aligned with the sleeve nozzle. At this time, the six electronic scales 34 display weights of 2.65kg, 2.70kg, 2.70kg, 2.68kg, 2.71kg, and 2.68kg respectively. Then, the electronic scales 34 are all tareed and zeroed to ensure measurement accuracy.

[0105] 3) Initial Powder Loading: By manipulating the rotary table 25, the outlet section 233 of the powder conveying pipe 23 is aligned sequentially with the packaging nozzle in each placement cylinder 11. The heating element 26 is turned on to heat the powder conveying pipe 23, and the heating temperature is set to 50℃ (adjusted according to the powder characteristics to optimize powder flowability). After the temperature reaches the target and stabilizes, the automatic valve 24 then controls the powder feeding. During the powder feeding process, the powder flow monitor 27 and the video monitor 28 monitor the powder filling status at the packaging nozzle in real time. When the packaging is completely filled for the first time, the automatic valve 24 controls the powder feeding to stop. At this time, the corresponding displayed weights on the electronic scale 34 are 2.10kg, 2.05kg, 2.10kg, 2.08kg, 2.11kg, and 2.06kg, respectively.

[0106] 4) Vertical vibration and secondary powder replenishment: After the first sleeve is completely filled, the first vibration mechanism 3 is activated to generate vertical vibration. During vibration, the excitation force is controlled at 90N and the frequency is 60Hz. The powder filling status at the sleeve nozzle is monitored by the powder flow monitor 27 and the video monitor 28. When the powder sinks and creates gaps, the automatic valve 24 is opened to replenish TiAl alloy powder until the sleeve is completely filled for the second time. At this time, the corresponding displayed weights on the electronic scale 34 are 2.50kg, 2.48kg, 2.51kg, 2.46kg, 2.51kg, and 2.49kg, respectively.

[0107] 5) Horizontal vibration and three-stage powder replenishment: After the second sleeve is completely filled, the second vibration mechanism 4 is activated to generate horizontal vibration. The hammering force is set to 30N and the hammering cycle is 20 times / min. The powder filling status at the sleeve nozzle is monitored by the powder flow monitor 27 and the video monitor 28. When the powder sinks and creates gaps, the automatic valve 24 is opened to replenish TiAl alloy powder until the sleeve is completely filled for the third time. At this time, the corresponding displayed weights on the electronic scale 34 are 3.08kg, 3.10kg, 3.09kg, 3.11kg, 3.09kg, and 3.10kg, respectively.

[0108] 6) Weight verification and powder filling completion: After the third packing was completely filled, the powder filling weight was compared with the theoretical design of 3.10±0.05kg. After this powder filling, the weight of all six packings met the requirements and the deviation was within the allowable range. This proves that the powder filling device can still ensure the stability of powder filling quality under different parameter settings. The powder filling process is over and the powder filling device stops operating.

[0109] Comparative Example

[0110] This comparative example also uses hot isostatic pressing (HIP) to prepare a certain type of TiAl alloy blade, serving as a control with Example 2. This comparative example uses a traditional powder filling method to fill the sleeve: TiAl alloy powder with a particle size of 15-250 μm is poured into the pre-designed sleeve by natural drop. After the first filling, the side wall of the sleeve is manually tapped with a rubber hammer to promote powder settling, followed by a second powder replenishment. The above "powder filling-tapping-powder replenishment" cycle is repeated until the powder no longer settles at the sleeve nozzle after the rubber hammer is tapped, achieving an apparent full state.

[0111] After powder loading, the sleeves filled with TiAl alloy powder from the comparative examples, Example 1, and Example 2 were simultaneously placed in a hot isostatic pressing (HIP) apparatus for processing. Under the synergistic effect of high temperature and high pressure, the powder inside the sleeves underwent compaction and densification processes. Testing showed that the TiAl alloy blades treated with the powder loading device of this invention in Examples 1 and 2 consistently achieved a density of over 99.99%. Metallographic examination results at the sleeve nozzles are as follows... Figure 9 As shown, the microstructure is uniform and pore-free, fully verifying that the part has achieved complete densification, meeting the stringent standards for material density in high-performance aero-engine blades, and significantly improving the mechanical properties and service reliability of the blade. In contrast, the metallographic results of the TiAl alloy blade using the traditional powder loading process after hot isostatic pressing (HIP) at the ferrule are as follows: Figure 10 As shown, there are obvious loose areas and uncompacted pores, indicating that traditional powder filling methods cannot ensure uniform and dense powder filling, resulting in quality defects in the final parts.

[0112] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0113] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the content already described above, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A powder loading device with a sheath for hot isostatic pressing, characterized in that, include: A fixed platform (1) is provided with a plurality of placement cylinders (11) for installing the sleeve arranged in a ring around its center. The placement cylinder (11) includes a cylinder body (111). Two arc-shaped clamps (112) are symmetrically arranged inside the cylinder body (111). Each arc-shaped clamp (112) is rotatably connected to a screw (113) with a handle. The screw (113) with the handle is also threadedly connected to the cylinder body (111). A rubber protective layer is provided on the side of the arc-shaped clamp (112) that contacts the sleeve. The powder supply mechanism (2) has a rotating function and is located above the fixed platform (1). It is used to fill metal powder into the sleeve of any of the placement cylinders (11) and monitor the filling status in real time. The powder supply mechanism (2) includes a fixed platform (21), a material tank (22), a powder conveying pipe (23), an automatic valve (24), a rotary table (25), a heating element (26), a powder flow monitor (27), and a video monitor (28). The fixed platform (21) is located above the fixed platform (1), and the material tank (22) is located on the upper part of the fixed platform (21). The powder conveying pipe (23) consists of a vertical inlet section (231), an inclined middle section (232), and a vertical outlet section (233). The inlet section (231) is connected to the outlet of the material tank (22), and the automatic valve (24) is installed on the outlet section (233). On the platform, the rotating table (25) is set at the lower part of the fixed platform (21), and its rotating output end is fixedly connected to the inlet section (231) to drive the powder conveying pipe (23) to rotate around the central axis of the inlet section (231) so that the outlet section (233) is aligned with the cladding nozzle in any placement cylinder (11). The heating element (26) is embedded in the pipe wall of the powder conveying pipe (23) to heat the metal powder conveyed in the pipe through heat conduction. The powder flow monitor (27) and the video monitor (28) are both set at the outlet section (233) and linked with the automatic valve (24) to monitor the filling status in real time. The first vibration mechanism (3) is located below the fixed platform (1) and at the bottom of the package. It is used to vibrate and weigh the package inside any of the placement cylinders (11) in the vertical direction. The first vibration mechanism (3) includes a base platform (31), a vibration table (32), a vibration motor (33), an electronic scale (34), and an elastic support (35). The base platform (31) is located below the fixed platform (1). The number of vibration tables (32) is the same as the number of placement cylinders (11), and their positions are the same. One-to-one correspondence, each of the vibration tables (32) is installed on the base platform (31), the number of vibration motors (33) is the same as the number of vibration tables (32), fixed on the base platform (31) and connected to the corresponding vibration table (32), the electronic scale (34) is set on each vibration table (32) for measuring the weight of the corresponding package, there are multiple elastic support members (35) evenly arranged at the bottom of the base platform (31), the elastic support members (35) are made of rubber at both ends and spring in the middle; The second vibration mechanism (4) is located between the fixed platform (1) and the first vibration mechanism (3). The second vibration mechanism (4) is provided with telescopic hammer rods (41) in the same number as the placement cylinders (11) along the circumferential direction. Each telescopic hammer rod (41) corresponds to a placement cylinder (11) and is used to hammer and vibrate the sleeve in any of the placement cylinders (11) in the horizontal direction. When preparing TiAl alloy blades using hot isostatic pressing, the powder loading device is used to fill the cladding of the TiAl alloy blades with powder.

2. The powder loading device for hot isostatic pressing with a sheath according to claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic hammer rod (41) in the second vibration mechanism (4) is driven by a pneumatic device (42) to perform linear reciprocating hammering on the sleeve in the horizontal direction, and the head of the telescopic hammer rod (41) is provided with a hammer head (43) made of rubber.

3. A method for loading powder into a cladding for hot isostatic pressing, characterized in that, The powder loading method, based on the powder loading device according to claim 1 or 2, includes the following steps: Step 1: Placement of the package and initialization of weighing Multiple packages of metal powder to be loaded are fixed in the placement cylinder (11) of the fixed platform (1), and the electronic scale (34) of the first vibration mechanism (3) is used to tare and zero each package; Step 2, Initial powder loading and preheating By using the rotary table (25) of the powder supply mechanism (2), the outlet section (233) of the powder conveying pipe (23) is aligned with the powder injection port of the target package; then the heating element (26) is turned on to preheat the powder conveying pipe (23), and the automatic valve (24) is started to fill the package with metal powder until the initial full state is reached and then the powder feeding stops. Step 3: Vertical vibration and secondary powder replenishment Start the first vibration mechanism (3) to apply vertical vibration to the sleeve, and simultaneously monitor the powder filling status at the sleeve nozzle through the powder flow monitor (27) and video monitor (28); when the powder sinks and creates gaps, open the automatic valve (24) to replenish metal powder until the electronic scale (34) shows that the weight is stable and the sleeve reaches the second full state. Step 4: Horizontal vibration and three-time powder replenishment Start the second vibration mechanism (4) to drive the telescopic hammer rod (41) to hammer the sleeve in the horizontal direction, and monitor the powder filling status at the sleeve nozzle at the same time; when a gap is detected, add powder until the electronic scale (34) shows that the weight is stable and the sleeve reaches the state of being full three times. Step 5: Weight Verification and Iterative Vibration After three full fillings, compare the actual weight measured by the electronic scale (34) with the preset design weight: if the actual weight is lower than the design weight, repeat the vertical vibration of step 3 and the horizontal vibration of step 4, as well as the corresponding powder replenishment; if the actual weight reaches the design weight, terminate the powder filling process.

4. The powder loading method for the hot isostatic pressing sleeve according to claim 3, characterized in that, In step 3, the excitation force of the first vibration mechanism (3) is set to 80N~100N and the frequency is 20Hz~70Hz.

5. The powder loading method for the hot isostatic pressing shroud according to claim 3, characterized in that, In step 4, the hammering force of the second vibration mechanism (4) is set to 25N to 50N, and the hammering cycle is 15 times / min to 50 times / min.

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