A printing device and its usage method

Abstract

This application discloses a printing device and its usage method, including a frame, a laser device, a first powder feeding device, and a second powder feeding device. The frame has a printing plane, and the laser device's emission port faces the printing plane. The first powder feeding device includes a first powder feeding assembly and a first driving assembly. The first powder feeding assembly is mounted on the frame and above the printing plane via the first driving assembly. The second powder feeding device includes a second powder feeding assembly and a powder spreading assembly. The second powder feeding assembly is mounted on the frame and below the printing plane, and the powder spreading assembly is mounted beside the second powder feeding assembly. This printing device uses metal powder to fill the forming area on demand and introduces low-cost ceramic powder to fill the non-forming area. This not only significantly reduces the consumption of traditionally required metal materials but also utilizes the physical properties of ceramic materials to actively improve the process thermal environment, fundamentally solving the two major technical problems of material waste and thermal defects in printing devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology, and in particular to a printing device and its method of use. Background Technology

[0002] Additive manufacturing technology is a rapidly developing advanced manufacturing technology that has been widely applied in fields such as jewelry manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive manufacturing. Compared with traditional manufacturing methods, 3D printing has advantages such as speed, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, existing metal additive manufacturing equipment typically relies on a whole-layer powder-layout method, meaning that in each layer of printing, regardless of the size of the target area, metal powder must be spread across the entire printing plane. After printing, the powder that did not participate in melting needs to be recycled, sieved, and dried, a complex and inefficient process. Especially when using high-value materials such as precious metals, powder waste is extremely significant, leading to high printing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. This application provides a printing device and a method of using the same, which enables efficient utilization of printing powder, saves on metal powder consumption, and significantly reduces printing costs.

[0004] A printing apparatus according to a first aspect embodiment of this application includes:

[0005] The frame is provided with a printing plane;

[0006] A laser device, wherein the laser outlet faces the printing plane;

[0007] The first powder feeding device includes a first powder feeding component and a first driving component. The first powder feeding component is mounted on the frame via the first driving component and is located on the upper side of the printing plane.

[0008] The second powder feeding device includes a second powder feeding component and a powder spreading component. The second powder feeding component is disposed on the frame and on the lower side of the printing plane. The powder spreading component is disposed on the side of the second powder feeding component.

[0009] The first powder feeding component is configured to move along a preset path on the printing plane and deliver metal powder to the printing plane; the laser device is configured to melt the metal powder on the printing plane; the second powder feeding device is configured to deliver ceramic powder from the second powder feeding component to a powder-free area on the printing plane through the powder spreading component, and the powder spreading component spreads the ceramic powder to form support for the spreading of the next layer of metal powder.

[0010] The printing device according to the embodiments of this application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0011] The printing apparatus of this application includes a frame, a laser device, a first toner feeding device, and a second toner feeding device. The frame has a printing plane, and the laser device's emission port faces the printing plane. The first toner feeding device includes a first toner feeding assembly and a first drive assembly. The first toner feeding assembly is mounted on the frame and above the printing plane via the first drive assembly. The second toner feeding device includes a second toner feeding assembly and a toner spreading assembly. The second toner feeding assembly is mounted on the frame and below the printing plane, and the toner spreading assembly is mounted beside the second toner feeding assembly.

[0012] In use, the first step involves the first powder feeding component moving along a preset path on the printing plane under the drive of the first driving component. It releases metal powder onto the printing plane in the area where the current layer needs to be formed, eliminating the need to spread powder across the entire plane. This significantly reduces the consumption of metal powder in ineffective areas (non-forming areas), making it particularly suitable for printing precious metals such as gold and silver. It achieves on-demand powder supply, ensuring that every particle of powder can be used for part forming, fundamentally solving the problem of metal powder waste in traditional technologies. The second step involves the laser device irradiating the newly laid metal powder area, causing the metal powder to melt and solidify into shape. The third step involves activating the second powder feeding device. The powder spreading component delivers the ceramic powder provided by the second powder feeding component to the powder-free area of ​​the printing plane. The powder spreading component evenly spreads and levels the ceramic powder, filling the non-forming area of ​​the current layer. This provides stable support and a thermally conductive foundation for the spreading of the next layer of metal powder, ensuring forming accuracy. At the same time, the ceramic material has high thermal conductivity, which can significantly accelerate heat diffusion during the printing process, effectively improving the cooling rate of the molten metal pool and reducing thermal stress, thus reducing warping deformation and optimizing the overall performance of the final formed part.

[0013] The printing device of this application fills the forming area with metal powder on demand and introduces low-cost ceramic powder to fill the non-forming area. This not only significantly reduces the consumption of metal materials required in the traditional method, but also utilizes the physical properties of ceramic materials to actively improve the process thermal environment, fundamentally solving the two major technical problems of material waste and thermal defects in printing devices.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this application, the laser device includes a first laser component and a second laser component, the first laser component being configured to generate a first light spot, the second laser component being configured to generate a second light spot, the size of the first light spot being larger than the size of the second light spot, the first light spot being configured to preheat the metal powder, and the second light spot being configured to melt the preheated metal powder.

[0015] According to some embodiments of this application, the first powder feeding assembly includes an ultrasonic transducer, a powder storage component, and a nozzle, wherein the nozzle is disposed below the powder storage component, and the ultrasonic transducer is disposed between the nozzle and the powder storage component.

[0016] According to some embodiments of this application, a negative pressure suction device is also included, the negative pressure suction device having a suction port facing the printing plane, the negative pressure suction device being used to recover ceramic powder.

[0017] According to some embodiments of this application, a molding device is also included, the molding device comprising a second drive assembly, a first piston and a molding cylinder, the molding cylinder being disposed on the frame and below the printing plane, the first piston being disposed inside the molding cylinder, the printing plane being disposed on the first piston, and the second drive assembly being connected to the first piston.

[0018] According to some embodiments of this application, the powder spreading assembly includes a third driving assembly, an adapter plate, and a powder spreading component. The third driving assembly includes a third driving component and a third slide rail connected together. The adapter plate is slidably disposed on the third slide rail, and the powder spreading component is connected to the adapter plate.

[0019] According to some embodiments of this application, the second powder feeding assembly includes a fourth drive assembly, a second piston, and a powder supply cylinder. The powder supply cylinder is disposed on the frame and below the printing plane. The second piston is disposed inside the powder supply cylinder. The fourth drive assembly is connected to the second piston.

[0020] According to some embodiments of this application, both the first laser component and the second laser component include a main body, the main body including a laser component, an optical fiber and a galvanometer, and the two ends of the optical fiber are respectively connected to the laser component and the galvanometer.

[0021] The printing apparatus and its method of use according to the second aspect of this application, applied to the printing apparatus described in the above embodiments, includes:

[0022] S1. The first powder feeding component moves on the printing plane according to a preset path and delivers metal powder to the printing plane;

[0023] S2. The laser device melts the metal powder on the printing surface;

[0024] S3. The powder spreading component delivers the ceramic powder from the second powder feeding component to the powder-free area on the printing plane. The powder spreading component spreads the ceramic powder evenly to provide support for the spreading of the next layer of metal powder.

[0025] S4. The printing plane is longitudinally moved away from the first toner feeding component by a preset distance;

[0026] Repeat steps S1 to S4 until the part is formed.

[0027] According to some embodiments of this application, S2. The laser device melts the metal powder on the printing plane, including:

[0028] The first laser component preheats the metal powder using a first laser spot, and the second laser component melts the preheated metal powder using a second laser spot. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a printing device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a printing device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method of using a printing device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of step S1 of one embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of step S2 in one embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of step S3 in one embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the completed molding of a part according to one embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure label:

[0038] Rack 1; Printing plane 11;

[0039] Laser device 2; first laser assembly 21; laser component 211; galvanometer 212; first laser spot 213; second laser assembly 22; second laser spot 221; moving component 23;

[0040] First powder feeding device 3; First powder feeding assembly 31; Powder storage component 311; Nozzle 312; First drive assembly 32; First slide rail 321; First slide table 322; Second slide rail 323; Second slide table 324;

[0041] Second powder feeding device 4; Second powder feeding assembly 41; Fourth drive assembly 411; Powder supply cylinder 412; Powder spreading assembly 42; Third drive assembly 421; Adapter plate 422; Powder spreading component 423; Third slide rail 424;

[0042] Molding device 5; second drive assembly 51; molding cylinder 52; molding cavity 521; first piston 53;

[0043] Unmelted metal powder 61; formed metal powder 62; previous layer supporting ceramic powder 63; ceramic powder to be used 64; current layer supporting ceramic powder 65. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0045] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the use of terms such as "center," "middle," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0047] The following reference Figures 1 to 7 This application describes the printing device and its usage method in the embodiments.

[0048] In existing technologies, printing often employs a full-layer powder-layout method, meaning that in each printing layer, regardless of the target area size, the entire printing plane must be covered with metal powder. After printing, the powder that did not participate in melting needs to be recycled, sieved, and dried, a complex and inefficient process. Especially when using high-value materials such as titanium alloys and precious metals, powder waste is extremely significant, leading to high printing costs. When printing complex overhanging structures or multi-layer cavities, metal support structures are often required, but these supports are not only difficult to remove but also increase material consumption and printing time. If support is not provided in time, powder layer collapse can lead to molding failure or surface defects. Furthermore, laser melting often uses a high-energy beam local heating process, where the metal powder melts and solidifies instantly from room temperature, creating strong temperature gradients and thermal stress, often resulting in warping, cracking, or high porosity in the printed parts.

[0049] Therefore, according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a printing device according to one embodiment of this application includes a frame 1, a laser device 2, a first toner feeding device 3, and a second toner feeding device 4. The frame 1 serves as the overall support structure for the printing equipment. An internal printing plane 11 is provided within the frame 1, which supports the printed parts. A laser device 2 can be mounted on the frame 1, with its emission port facing the printing plane 11 to irradiate the powder spread on it. A first powder feeding device 3 supplies metal powder and includes a first powder feeding assembly 31 and a first drive assembly 32. The first powder feeding assembly 31 is mounted on the frame 1 via the first drive assembly 32 and is positioned above the printing plane 11. A second powder feeding device 4 supplies ceramic powder and includes a second powder feeding assembly 41 and a powder spreading assembly 42. The second powder feeding assembly 41 is mounted on the frame 1 and is positioned below the printing plane 11, providing low-cost ceramic powder to the printing plane 11. The powder spreading assembly 42 is positioned beside the second powder feeding assembly 41 to deliver the ceramic powder supplied by the second powder feeding assembly 41 to the printing plane 11. (Continue to see...) Figure 3 When using the printing equipment:

[0050] Step 1 (see Figure 4 The first powder feeding component 31, driven by the first driving component 32, moves on the printing plane 11 according to a preset path and releases metal powder onto the printing plane 11 in the area where the current layer needs to be formed.

[0051] Step Two (see...) Figure 5): The laser device 2 is activated, and its outlet faces the printing plane 11. The laser beam scanning path corresponds to the powder feeding trajectory of the first powder feeding component 31. The laser beam irradiates the area of ​​the newly laid metal powder, causing the unmelted metal powder 61 to melt and solidify to form the shaped metal powder 62, thereby forming the target part structure layer by layer on the printing plane 11.

[0052] Step 3 (see Figure 6 ): The second powder feeding device 4 is activated, and the powder spreading component 42 delivers the ceramic powder 64 to be used in the second powder feeding component 41 to the powder-free area of ​​the printing plane 11. The powder spreading component 42 spreads and flattens the ceramic powder evenly, so that the ceramic powder fully fills the non-forming area of ​​the current layer. The ceramic powder of the current layer provides stable support and thermal conductivity for the spreading of the metal powder of the next layer, and finally completes the forming of the current layer.

[0053] Step 4: The printing plane 11 is moved away from the first powder feeding component 31 by a preset distance in preparation for printing the next layer.

[0054] Repeat steps one through four in sequence until all layers are formed (see...). Figure 7 ).

[0055] The printing equipment of this application firstly uses the first powder feeding component 31 to precisely deliver metal powder only to the forming area. Through precise movement control, the metal powder is deposited on demand, eliminating the need to spread powder across the entire plane. This significantly reduces the consumption of metal powder in ineffective areas (non-forming areas), thus greatly reducing the amount of metal powder consumed. It is particularly suitable for printing precious metals such as gold and silver, achieving on-demand powder supply so that every particle of technical powder can be used for part forming, fundamentally solving the problem of metal powder waste in traditional technologies. Secondly, after the laser device 2 forms the metal powder, the second powder feeding device 4 delivers low-cost, high-performance ceramic powder to fill the non-forming area, forming a stable support layer. This provides stable physical support for the spread of the next layer of metal powder, ensuring forming accuracy. At the same time, the ceramic material has high thermal conductivity, which can significantly accelerate heat diffusion during printing, effectively improving the cooling rate of the molten metal pool and reducing thermal stress, thus reducing warping deformation and optimizing the overall performance of the final formed part. Ultimately, the leveling effect of the powder spreading component 42 ensures that each printed plane 11 maintains good flatness, providing a uniform base for the spreading of the next layer of metal powder, thereby improving the interlayer bonding quality and the surface accuracy of the part.

[0056] In some embodiments, see details. Figure 2 The first drive assembly 32 includes a first drive component, a first slide rail 321, a first slide table 322, a second slide rail 323, and a second slide table 324. The first slide rail 321 is positioned along the X-axis direction ( Figure 2As shown, the first drive component is mounted on the frame 1, and the first slide 322 is connected to the first slide table 322. The first slide table 322 is slidably mounted on the first slide rail 321, and the first slide table 322 can slide along the first slide rail 321. The second slide rail 323 is fixed in the Y-axis direction (…). Figure 2 As shown, a first powder feeding assembly 324 is fixedly mounted on a first slide 322, and a second slide 324 is slidably mounted on a second slide rail 323. The second slide 324 can slide along the second slide rail 323. A first powder feeding assembly 31 is fixedly mounted on the second slide 324. The first powder feeding assembly 31 achieves high-precision powder feeding on the printing plane 11 through the high-precision positioning capability of the X and Y axis moving mechanism. In some embodiments, the first driving component can be configured as a motor driving component, a pneumatic driving component, a hydraulic driving component, or other driving components.

[0057] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the printing apparatus further includes a forming device 5, which is used to carry and form the printed component layer by layer. The forming device 5 includes a second drive assembly 51 and a first piston 53 (see...). Figure 7 The forming cylinder 52 is mounted on the frame 1 and below the printing plane 11. The forming cylinder 52 has a vertical forming cavity 521, and the first piston 53 is installed in the forming cavity 521 of the forming cylinder 52 (see [link]). Figure 7 Inside, the printing plane 11 is mounted on the first piston 53, and the second drive assembly 51 is connected to the first piston 53.

[0058] Before printing begins, the second drive assembly 51 drives the first piston 53 to rise to an initial height, with the printing plane 11 positioned on the first printing substrate. After the second powder feeding device 4 completes filling the non-forming area in the third step, the second drive assembly 51 drives the first piston 53 to descend longitudinally by a preset distance. After the first piston 53 descends, the printing plane 11 returns to an appropriate height, facilitating the continuation of the next layer of metal powder forming, laser processing, and ceramic powder filling. This cyclical process is repeated to ensure consistent thickness across each layer, ultimately forming a complete part.

[0059] In some embodiments, the second drive component 51 may be configured as an electric telescopic rod, a pneumatic drive component, a hydraulic drive component, or other drive components.

[0060] In some other embodiments, a fifth driving component is provided between the first powder feeding component 31 and the first driving component 32. The first powder feeding component 31 can move longitudinally via the fifth driving component, while the printing plane 11 is fixedly set. Before printing begins, the fifth driving component drives the first powder feeding component 31 to descend to its initial height. After the second powder feeding device 4 completes the third step of filling the non-forming area, the fifth driving component drives the first powder feeding component 31 to rise longitudinally by a preset distance, so that the printing plane 11 is back at an appropriate height, facilitating the continuation of the next layer of metal powder forming, laser processing, and ceramic powder filling.

[0061] according to Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the laser device 2 includes a first laser component 21 and a second laser component 22. The first laser component 21 and the second laser component 22 can be mounted side by side on a frame 1. The first laser component 21 is configured to generate a first light spot 213, and the second laser component 22 is configured to generate a second light spot 221. The size of the first light spot 213 is larger than the size of the second light spot 221. The first light spot 213 has a large diameter and a wide coverage area, and is used for in-situ preheating of the metal powder. The second light spot 221 has a small diameter and a small coverage area, and is used for precise melting of the preheated metal powder.

[0062] See also Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the second step, the laser device 2 is activated, with its output port facing the printing plane 11. The laser beam scanning path corresponds to the powder feeding trajectory of the first powder feeding component 31. The first laser component 21 is activated, and the first spot 213 preheats the unmelted metal powder 61 in situ according to a preset path. The preheating process raises the temperature of the metal powder to near the melting critical point, but does not completely melt it, effectively reducing the temperature gradient and reducing the energy required for subsequent melting. After the first laser component 21 completes the preheating of a certain area of ​​metal powder, the second laser component 22 follows the same path using a follow-up scanning method, which can quickly melt the preheated metal powder.

[0063] The scanning speed, interval, and energy output of the first laser component 21 and the second laser component 22 can be coordinated and controlled by the control system to achieve a continuous and stable energy transition.

[0064] The printing device of this application employs a front-and-back following heating configuration of two laser components. Preheating with a large laser spot (first spot 213) ensures a more uniform temperature distribution across the metal powder. The smaller laser spot (second spot 221) eliminates the need for a large instantaneous energy input during melting, significantly reducing the local energy gradient. Combined with the application of ceramic powder, this further reduces thermal stress and warping caused by rapid heating. Furthermore, the lower energy gradient after preheating reduces surface roughness, making it easier for molten metal droplets to spread during laser melting, reducing the adhesion of unmelted powder and thus minimizing powder consumption. Ultimately, this results in a smoother surface and denser interlayer bonding in the formed part, significantly improving overall forming accuracy.

[0065] according to Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, both the first laser component 21 and the second laser component 22 include a main body. The main body includes a laser component 211, an optical fiber, and a galvanometer 212. The laser component 211 is used for the laser beam. The two ends of the optical fiber are connected to the laser component 211 and the galvanometer 212, respectively. The laser beam is transmitted to the galvanometer 212 through the optical fiber. The galvanometer 212 is used to control the deflection angle of the laser beam so that the laser beam forms a light spot on the printing plane 11.

[0066] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 The main body also includes a movable component 23, which is installed between the galvanometer 212 and the frame 1. The galvanometer 212 can be moved longitudinally by the movable component 23. Figure 2 (As shown) Move it to adjust the size of the light spot.

[0067] according to Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the first powder feeding assembly 31 includes an ultrasonic transducer, a powder storage component 311, and a nozzle 312. The powder storage component 311 is disposed on the upper part of the first powder feeding assembly 31 and is used to store metal powder for printing. The nozzle 312 is installed below the powder storage component 311 and communicates with the bottom of the powder storage component 311. The nozzle 312 can be configured as a tapered channel that gradually narrows from top to bottom. The nozzle 312 faces the printing plane 11 and is used to directionally release the metal powder. The orifice diameter of the nozzle 312 can be designed according to the metal powder particle size and the powder delivery rate. The ultrasonic transducer is installed between the nozzle 312 and the powder storage component 311, allowing ultrasonic vibration to be transmitted longitudinally to the bottom of the nozzle 312.

[0068] In the first step, when the first powder feeding component 31 moves above the forming area, the metal powder in the powder storage component 311 gathers at the conical opening of the nozzle 312 under the action of gravity. After receiving the control signal, the ultrasonic transducer generates high-frequency mechanical vibration. The ultrasonic vibration is transmitted to the nozzle 312, causing the wall of the nozzle 312 to vibrate slightly, thereby reducing the static friction and agglomeration force between the metal powders, so that the metal powders are in a uniform flow state and fall continuously and controllably from the nozzle 312 outlet to the printing plane 11.

[0069] By adjusting the excitation frequency and power of the ultrasonic transducer, the flow rate of metal powder can be precisely controlled, enabling precise quantitative powder supply for different layer thicknesses or printing areas.

[0070] In some embodiments, a flat scraping surface may be provided at the bottom of the nozzle 312. When the nozzle 312 moves along the printing plane 11, it can also lightly spread the falling metal powder to ensure uniform thickness.

[0071] The printing device of this application breaks the agglomeration effect of metal powder by setting an ultrasonic transducer, so that the metal powder is kept in a uniform and loose flow state at the nozzle 312 outlet, preventing powder blockage or intermittent falling, and making the metal powder uniformly deposited on the printing plane 11, avoiding excessive accumulation or uneven powder layer; at the same time, the metal powder can be further smoothed by the flat scraping surface at the bottom of the nozzle 312, ensuring uniform material accumulation at the edges of complex contours, providing ideal conditions for subsequent laser melting.

[0072] In the prior art, after printing is completed, excess powder still needs to undergo complex recycling processes, which greatly increases labor costs and energy consumption. Therefore, in one embodiment of this application, the printing equipment includes a negative pressure suction device (not shown). The negative pressure suction device can be installed on the frame 1. The negative pressure suction device is provided with a suction port (not shown) facing the printing plane 11.

[0073] Understandably, metal powders have high density and high inertia, while ceramic powders have low density and low inertia. In horizontal or vertical airflow, high-density metal particles experience a much greater gravitational / inertial force than aerodynamic force, making them more likely to settle and deviate less from the airflow. Low-density ceramic particles experience aerodynamic force that is closer to gravity, making them more likely to be carried by the airflow to greater distances.

[0074] The suction port of the negative pressure suction device is set horizontally. Figure 2The airflow velocity of the negative pressure suction device is precisely controlled according to the physical properties (such as density, particle size, and shape) of the metal powder and ceramic powder (in the X and Y planes). After the part is formed, a horizontal airflow can be formed through the negative pressure suction device. The light ceramic powder floats with the airflow and enters the suction port, while the heavy metal powder remains in place, thereby achieving the separation of (unused) metal powder and ceramic powder, and recycling the ceramic powder for reuse as support.

[0075] The printing equipment of this application recovers ceramic powder and a small amount of metal powder that can be reused after the parts are formed by a negative pressure suction device. It does not require the introduction of chemical reagents, avoids the environmental pollution problems that may be caused by traditional wet recycling, reduces industrial waste emissions, further reduces powder consumption, and is in line with the concept of green manufacturing.

[0076] according to Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the powder spreading assembly 42 includes a third drive assembly 421, an adapter plate 422, and a powder spreading component 423. The third drive assembly 421 includes a third drive component and a third slide rail 424 connected together. The third slide rail 424 is fixedly mounted on the frame 1 along the X-axis direction. The adapter plate 422 is slidably mounted on the third slide rail 424 and can move laterally along the third slide rail 424. The powder spreading component 423 is fixedly connected to the adapter plate 422 and is used to convey and spread ceramic powder along the printing plane 11.

[0077] See also Figure 3 and Figure 6 In the third step, the third driving component moves the adapter plate 422 along the third slide rail 424. The powder-spreading component 423 on the adapter plate 422 then moves laterally along the printing plane 11, pushing the ceramic powder to the powder-free area. During this forward movement, the ceramic powder is compacted and leveled, ensuring a consistent and uniform thickness and distribution. This provides a stable and flat base for the next layer of metal powder, preventing uneven accumulation and collapse. The uniformly spread ceramic powder layer not only provides physical support, but its high thermal conductivity also accelerates heat dissipation from the molten metal pool, reducing interlayer thermal stress accumulation and thus improving overall printing quality. After powder spreading is complete, the third driving component reverses direction, driving the adapter plate 422 back to its initial position, ready for the next cycle.

[0078] In some embodiments, the third driving component may be configured as a motor driving component, a pneumatic driving component, a hydraulic driving component, or other driving components.

[0079] In some embodiments, the powder spreading component 423 may be configured as a scraper.

[0080] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the second powder feeding assembly 41 includes a fourth drive assembly 411, a second piston, and a powder supply cylinder 412. The powder supply cylinder 412 is mounted on the frame 1 and below the printing plane 11. The powder supply chamber has a powder supply cavity for storing ceramic powder. The second piston is installed inside the powder supply cavity of the powder supply cylinder 412, and the fourth drive assembly 411 is connected to the second piston.

[0081] In some embodiments, the fourth drive component 411 may be configured as an electric telescopic rod, a pneumatic drive component, a hydraulic drive component, or other drive components.

[0082] After the second powder feeding device 4 completes filling the non-forming area in the third step, the process includes the following steps: the fourth drive assembly 411 is activated, driving the second piston to move longitudinally upward. The upward push of the second piston causes the ceramic powder in the powder supply chamber to be pushed out through the discharge port at the upper end of the powder supply cylinder 412. Subsequently, the powder spreading assembly 42, driven by the third drive assembly 421, moves laterally along the printing plane 11, spreading the pushed-out ceramic powder to the powder-free area and leveling it. The above steps are repeated to ensure that the second powder feeding assembly 41 continuously supplies ceramic powder.

[0083] according to Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the printing device applied to the above embodiments includes:

[0084] S1. The first powder feeding component 31 moves on the printing plane 11 according to a preset path and feeds metal powder onto the printing plane 11;

[0085] S2. Laser device 2 melts the metal powder on the printing plane 11;

[0086] S3. The powder spreading component 42 delivers the ceramic powder in the second powder feeding component 41 to the powder-free area on the printing plane 11. The powder spreading component 42 spreads the ceramic powder evenly to provide support for the spreading of the next layer of metal powder.

[0087] S4. The printing plane 11 is longitudinally moved away from the first powder feeding component 31 by a preset distance;

[0088] Repeat steps S1 to S4 until the part is formed.

[0089] Specifically, the following is one specific implementation method of the printing device of this application:

[0090] S1. Add metal powder to the powder storage component 311 and seal it; add ceramic powder to the powder supply chamber of the powder supply cylinder 412.

[0091] S2. The first powder feeding component 31 is located in the first initial position; the first piston 53 in the forming cylinder 52 rises to the second initial position, so that the printing plane 11 is flush with the initial printing base surface; the powder spreading component 42 is located in the third initial position; the second piston of the powder supply cylinder 412 rises to the fourth initial position, and the ceramic powder is pushed out through the discharge port at the upper end of the powder supply cylinder 412; according to the slicing data of the part, the path information of the forming area of ​​the current layer is generated to form a preset path.

[0092] It should be noted that the first powder feeding component 31 located in the first initial position does not interfere with the moving powder spreading component 42, and the powder spreading component 42 located in the second initial position does not interfere with the moving first powder feeding component 31.

[0093] S3. See details. Figure 4 Driven by the first driving component 32, the first powder feeding component 31 moves away from the first initial position and moves on the printing plane 11 according to the preset path. In the area where the current layer needs to be formed, the ultrasonic transducer generates ultrasonic vibration, which enhances the fluidity of the metal powder in the powder storage component 311 under the vibration excitation and makes it fall evenly onto the printing plane 11. The flat surface at the bottom of the nozzle 312 slightly smooths the fallen powder during the movement, so that the powder thickness of the current layer is uniform and the surface is flat. The metal powder forms a powder layer only in the formed area, and the unformed area remains blank. After the metal powder delivery of the current layer is completed, the first powder feeding component 31 returns to the first initial position.

[0094] S4. See details. Figure 5 The laser device 2 is activated, with its output port facing the printing plane 11. The laser beam scanning path corresponds to the powder feeding trajectory of the first powder feeding component 31. The first laser component 21 is activated, and the first spot 213 preheats the unmelted metal powder 61 in situ according to the preset path. The preheating process raises the temperature of the metal powder to near the melting point, but does not completely melt it, effectively reducing the temperature gradient and reducing the energy required for subsequent melting. After the first laser component 21 completes the preheating of the metal powder in a certain area, the second laser component 22 follows the same path and uses a follow-up scanning method to quickly melt the preheated metal powder. After melting, the metal powder cools and solidifies rapidly to form the shaped metal powder 62, thereby forming the target part structure in the current layer.

[0095] S5. See details. Figure 6The second powder feeding device 4 is activated, and the powder spreading component 42 is driven away from the third initial position by the fourth drive component 411. The powder spreading component 42 delivers the ceramic powder 64 to be used in the second powder feeding component 41 to the powder-free area of ​​the printing plane 11. The powder spreading component 42 spreads and flattens the ceramic powder evenly, so that the ceramic powder fully fills the non-forming area of ​​the current layer. The ceramic powder 65 supporting the current layer provides stable support and thermal conductivity for the spreading of the metal powder of the next layer, and finally completes the forming of the current layer. After the ceramic powder spreading of the current layer is completed, the powder spreading component 42 returns to the third initial position.

[0096] S6. The printing plane 11 moves away from the first powder feeding assembly 31 by a preset distance to prepare for the printing of the next layer. Specifically: after the current layer is printed, the second drive assembly 51 drives the first piston 53 to descend precisely by a preset distance in the longitudinal direction, so that the printing plane 11 moves away from the first powder feeding assembly 31 by a preset distance; at the same time, the fourth drive assembly 411 drives the second piston to move upward, pushing out the ceramic powder 64 to be used from the powder supply cylinder 412 to prepare the ceramic powder required for the next layer of printing.

[0097] On the plane formed by the previous layer of supporting ceramic powder 63, repeat steps S3 to S6 until all layers of the part are formed. See below. Figure 7 .

[0098] S7. The negative pressure suction device forms a horizontal airflow. Light ceramic powder floats with the airflow and enters the suction port, while heavy metal powder remains in place, thereby achieving the separation of (unused) metal powder and ceramic powder, and recycling the ceramic powder for reuse as support.

[0099] First, the printing device of this application arranges the first powder feeding component 31 above the printing plane 11. The flow of metal powder is stimulated by an ultrasonic transducer, so that the metal powder is deposited evenly, directionally and quantitatively in the part forming area. The second powder feeding component 41 is arranged below the printing plane 11. The ceramic powder is delivered to the powder spreading component 42 by the independent powder supply cylinder 412 and the second piston. The powder spreading component 42 spreads the ceramic powder along the printing plane 11, covering the non-forming area and smoothing the surface, realizing the zoned and coordinated powder supply of metal powder and ceramic powder, realizing powder supply on demand. The metal powder is only used for structural forming, while the ceramic powder undertakes the supporting and heat conduction functions, which significantly reduces the amount of metal powder used and greatly improves the material utilization rate. At the same time, the ceramic powder can be recycled, further reducing the overall printing cost. Secondly, the first laser component 21 emits a large-spot, low-energy laser to preheat the powder layer uniformly, ensuring a uniform temperature distribution across the metal powder. The second laser component 22 then emits a small-spot, high-energy laser to precisely melt and shape the preheated metal powder. By sequentially scanning the same path, temperature is controlled in stages. The preheating stage eliminates the high-temperature gradient during laser melting, significantly reducing cooling shrinkage stress. The precise melting stage features concentrated and stable energy, forming a dense and smooth molten pool, effectively reducing thermal stress and warping risk, and significantly improving molten pool stability and interlayer bonding quality. This results in printed parts that are internally dense, have a smooth surface, and high dimensional accuracy. Finally, the first powder feeding device 3, the second powder feeding device 4, and the laser device 2 can all be controlled sequentially by the control system, achieving an automatic cycle of metal powder feeding, preheating, melting, and ceramic powder spreading. The printing process is fully automated, requiring no manual intervention, and has a short interlayer switching time. This ensures the forming accuracy of complex curved surfaces and thin-walled structures while also reducing the time cost per batch through process optimization, achieving a dual improvement in high precision and high efficiency.

[0100] In the description of this specification, the use of terms such as "an embodiment," "some examples," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" indicates that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0101] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this application.

Claims

1. A method of using a printing device, characterized by, The printing device comprises: a rack provided with a printing plane; a laser device, an exit of the laser device is directed to the printing plane, the laser device comprises a first laser assembly and a second laser assembly, the first laser assembly and the second laser assembly are sequentially arranged in a following manner, the first laser assembly is configured to generate a first light spot, the second laser assembly is configured to generate a second light spot, a size of the first light spot is greater than a size of the second light spot; a first powder feeding device, comprising a first powder feeding assembly and a first driving assembly, the first powder feeding assembly is arranged on the rack through the first driving assembly, the first powder feeding assembly is arranged on an upper side of the printing plane; a second powder feeding device, comprising a second powder feeding assembly and a powder spreading assembly, the second powder feeding assembly is arranged on the rack, the second powder feeding assembly is arranged on a lower side of the printing plane, the powder spreading assembly is arranged on a side of the second powder feeding assembly; wherein the first powder feeding assembly is configured to move on the printing plane according to a preset path and feed metal powder onto the printing plane; the laser device is configured to fuse the metal powder on the printing plane, the first light spot is configured to preheat the metal powder, and the second light spot is configured to fuse the metal powder after preheating; the second powder feeding device is configured to feed ceramic powder in the second powder feeding assembly to a powder-free area on the printing plane through the powder spreading assembly, and the powder spreading assembly spreads the ceramic powder to form support for spreading of the next layer of metal powder; a negative pressure suction device, the negative pressure suction device is mounted on the rack, the negative pressure suction device is provided with a suction port, the suction port is directed to the printing plane, and the negative pressure suction device is used for recycling the ceramic powder; the use method comprises: S1. The first powder feeding assembly moves on the printing plane according to a preset path and feeds metal powder onto the printing plane; S2. The laser device fuses the metal powder on the printing plane; S3. The powder spreading assembly feeds the ceramic powder in the second powder feeding assembly to the powder-free area on the printing plane, and the powder spreading assembly spreads the ceramic powder to form support for spreading of the next layer of metal powder; S4. The printing plane is longitudinally away from the first powder feeding assembly by a preset distance; circulation S1 to S4 until the part is formed; S5. After the part is formed, a horizontal air flow is formed by the negative pressure suction device, the light ceramic powder floats with the air flow and enters the suction port, and the heavy metal powder stays in place, so as to realize separation of the metal powder and the ceramic powder and recycling of the ceramic powder.

2. The method of using a printing device of claim 1, wherein: The first powder feeding assembly comprises an ultrasonic transducer, a powder storage component and a nozzle, the nozzle is arranged on a lower side of the powder storage component, and the ultrasonic transducer is arranged between the nozzle and the powder storage component.

3. The method of using a printing device of claim 1, wherein: The printing device further comprises a forming device, the forming device comprises a second driving assembly, a first piston and a forming cylinder, the forming cylinder is arranged on the rack and arranged on a lower side of the printing plane, the first piston is arranged in the forming cylinder, the printing plane is arranged on the first piston, and the second driving assembly is connected with the first piston.

4. The method of using a printing device of claim 1, wherein: The powder spreading assembly comprises a third driving assembly, an adapter plate and a powder spreading component, the third driving assembly comprises a third driving component and a third sliding rail connected with each other, the adapter plate is slidingly arranged on the third sliding rail, and the powder spreading component is connected with the adapter plate.

5. The method of using a printing device of claim 1 or 4, wherein: The second powder feeding assembly comprises a fourth driving assembly, a second piston and a powder supply cylinder, the powder supply cylinder is arranged on the frame and on the lower side of the printing plane, the second piston is arranged in the powder supply cylinder, and the fourth driving assembly is connected with the second piston.

6. The method of using a printing device of claim 1, wherein: The first laser assembly and the second laser assembly each comprise a main body, the main body comprises a laser component, an optical fiber and a galvanometer, and two ends of the optical fiber are connected with the laser component and the galvanometer respectively.

7. The method of using a printing device of claim 1, wherein, The S2. laser device melts the metal powder on the printing plane, comprising: The first laser assembly preheats the metal powder through a first light spot, and the second laser assembly melts the metal powder which has been preheated through a second light spot.

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