Powder adding device and method for selective laser sintering equipment

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of 3D printing, and particularly relates to a powder adding device and method for selective laser sintering equipment, high automation and precise control of the whole powder adding process are achieved, manual intervention is greatly reduced, and the working efficiency is improved. And the air pressure balance mechanism is arranged, so that the dust raising problem of the powder is fundamentally solved, and the cleanness and safety of the working environment are ensured. And by introducing the heating mechanism, the adaptability to wet powder is improved, and the sintering quality is guaranteed. The cooperative work of the monitoring mechanism and the controller ensures the high precision of the powder adding amount, and waste or shortage of powder is avoided. Through the synergistic effect of all the mechanisms, a powder adding solution which is efficient, clean, reliable and high in adaptability is provided, and the high-standard requirements of industrial continuous production for the stability and accuracy of a powder supply system are effectively met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of 3D printing technology, and particularly relates to a powder feeding device and method for selective laser sintering equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a key technology in additive manufacturing. It enables the rapid prototyping of complex structural parts by progressively adding powder and sintering it with a laser. This technology offers advantages such as lower manufacturing costs, shorter production cycles, higher material utilization, and the elimination of the need for molds, making it particularly suitable for the direct manufacturing of products with complex geometries.

[0003] In SLS equipment, the stability of the powder supply system and the precision of the powder addition process have a significant impact on the quality of the formed parts, powder utilization efficiency, and the continuous operation capability of the equipment. As the core component for storing and conveying the forming powder, the performance of the powder addition device in the powder supply cylinder directly affects the reliability and automation level of the entire system. Common powder addition methods include manual addition, screw conveyor addition, gravity-fed addition, vibration-assisted addition, and pneumatic conveyor addition. However, these methods all have certain limitations: manual addition is inefficient and difficult to meet the needs of continuous production; screw conveyors are prone to dust generation, and wear and tear on mechanical parts leads to high maintenance costs; gravity-fed addition relies on a certain height difference, has specific requirements for site layout, and is prone to clogging when the powder is damp or has poor flowability; vibration-assisted addition also has dust problems and may exacerbate powder moisture absorption and agglomeration, affecting the uniformity of powder distribution.

[0004] To address this, a powder feeding device and method for selective laser sintering equipment are proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a powder feeding device and method for selective laser sintering equipment to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution:

[0007] A powder feeding device for selective laser sintering equipment, comprising:

[0008] A cover body for installation at the top opening of the powder supply cylinder;

[0009] A powder supply mechanism is connected to the cover, and the powder supply mechanism is used to supply powder to the powder supply cylinder through the cover.

[0010] A heating mechanism is disposed between the powder supply mechanism and the cover body. The heating mechanism is used to heat the powder and monitor the heating temperature during the powder supply process.

[0011] Multiple air pressure balancing mechanisms are installed on the cover. These mechanisms are used to balance the air pressure between the powder supply cylinder and the external environment and to filter the powder.

[0012] A monitoring mechanism is installed on the top surface of the cover, and the monitoring mechanism is used to monitor the height of powder in the powder supply cylinder;

[0013] The controller is used to control the heating mechanism to heat the powder according to the heating temperature monitored by the heating mechanism, so that the heating temperature reaches the set value and is maintained at a constant temperature, and to control the powder supply mechanism to supply powder into the powder supply cylinder according to the height of the powder in the powder supply cylinder monitored by the monitoring mechanism.

[0014] Preferably, the monitoring mechanism includes a detection window disposed on the top surface of the cover, and a rangefinder is disposed on one side of the detection window. The rangefinder measures the height of the powder in the powder supply cylinder through the detection window and transmits the data to the controller.

[0015] Preferably, the monitoring mechanism further includes a rotary cylinder, which is fixedly mounted above the detection window by a bracket. The output shaft of the rotary cylinder is coaxially rotatable with the detection window. The output shaft of the rotary cylinder passes through the detection window and is fixedly connected to a brush head. The bristles of the brush head contact the detection window, and the brush head is used to wipe away powder on the detection window.

[0016] Preferably, the powder supply mechanism includes a conveying pipe, which is fixed to the cover and communicates with the inner cavity of the cover. The heating mechanism is disposed on the conveying pipe, and a quick connector for connecting to the powder supply assembly is fixedly installed at the top end of the conveying pipe.

[0017] Preferably, the air pressure balancing mechanism includes a filter element disposed on the top surface of the cover, the filter element being in communication with the inner cavity of the cover, and a plurality of filter elements being disposed at equal intervals along the circumferential axis of the delivery pipe.

[0018] Preferably, the powder supply mechanism further includes a powder conveying pump, the inlet of which is connected to a powder container, the outlet of which is connected to the conveying pipe, and the powder conveying pump is also connected to a pneumatic solenoid valve for driving the operation of the powder conveying pump, the pneumatic solenoid valve being electrically connected to the controller.

[0019] Preferably, the heating mechanism includes a heating sleeve, which is fitted over the outside of the conveying pipe, and the heating sleeve is electrically connected to a temperature controller, which is electrically connected to the controller.

[0020] Preferably, the heating mechanism further includes a temperature sensor embedded in the inner wall of the conveying pipe, the temperature sensor being used to detect the temperature of the powder and transmit the data to the controller.

[0021] Preferably, a mounting groove is provided circumferentially at the bottom outer edge of the cover, the mounting groove is adapted to and detachably connected to the top outer edge of the powder supply cylinder, and a sealing gasket is provided circumferentially between the mounting groove and the powder supply cylinder.

[0022] A powder feeding method for a selective laser sintering (SLS) equipment, based on the aforementioned powder feeding device for SLS, comprises the following steps:

[0023] Install the cover at the top opening of the powder supply cylinder, set the heating temperature of the heating mechanism and the powder height in the powder supply cylinder, turn on the heating mechanism until the temperature reaches the set value, maintain a constant temperature, supply powder to the powder supply cylinder through the powder supply mechanism, monitor the powder height in the powder supply cylinder through the monitoring mechanism, stop supplying powder when the powder height in the powder supply cylinder is greater than or equal to the set value, and transfer the powder supply cylinder to the selective laser sintering equipment.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and technical effects:

[0025] This invention achieves a high degree of automation and precise control throughout the powder feeding process, greatly reducing manual intervention and improving operational efficiency. The air pressure balancing mechanism fundamentally solves the powder dust problem, ensuring a clean and safe working environment. The introduction of a heating mechanism enhances adaptability to moist powder, which is beneficial for ensuring sintering quality. The coordinated operation of the monitoring mechanism and controller ensures high precision in powder feeding, avoiding powder waste or shortage. Through the synergistic effect of various mechanisms, this invention provides an efficient, clean, reliable, and highly adaptable powder feeding solution, effectively meeting the high standards of stability and accuracy required for powder supply systems in continuous industrial production. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cover in this invention;

[0029] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the detection window in this invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the cover and the powder supply cylinder in this invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a partial enlarged view of the connection between the cover and the powder supply cylinder in this invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the process of the present invention;

[0033] The components are as follows: 1. Cover; 2. Filter element; 3. Mounting groove; 4. Handle; 5. Quick connector; 6. Heating jacket; 7. Observation window; 8. Detection window; 9. Bracket; 10. Rotary cylinder; 11. Rangefinder; 12. Controller; 13. Temperature controller; 14. Operation panel; 15. Powder supply cylinder; 301. Sealing gasket; 51. Powder conveying pump; 52. Powder container; 53. Pneumatic solenoid valve; 100. Brush head; 111. Laser emitter. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0036] Reference Figures 1 to 6 This invention discloses a powder feeding device for selective laser sintering equipment, comprising:

[0037] Cover 1, which is used to be installed at the top opening of powder supply cylinder 15;

[0038] A powder supply mechanism is connected to the cover 1 and is used to supply powder into the powder supply cylinder 15 through the cover 1.

[0039] A heating mechanism is installed between the powder supply mechanism and the cover 1. The heating mechanism is used to heat the powder during the powder supply process and monitor the heating temperature.

[0040] Multiple air pressure balancing mechanisms are installed on the cover 1. The air pressure balancing mechanisms are used to balance the air pressure between the powder supply cylinder 15 and the external environment and to filter the powder.

[0041] The monitoring mechanism is installed on the top surface of the cover 1 and is used to monitor the height of the powder in the powder supply cylinder 15.

[0042] The controller 12 is used to control the heating mechanism to heat the powder according to the heating temperature monitored by the heating mechanism, so that the heating temperature reaches the set value and is kept constant, and to control the powder supply mechanism to supply powder into the powder supply cylinder 15 according to the height of the powder in the powder supply cylinder 15 monitored by the monitoring mechanism.

[0043] The cover 1 is made of stainless steel, which reduces the risk of corrosion from hygroscopic powder and increases the overall weight.

[0044] Handles 4 are provided on both opposite sides of the cover 1 for flexible transfer of the cover. They can be operated manually or mechanically lifted.

[0045] An observation window 7 is provided on one side of the cover 1 for observing the powder addition process.

[0046] The controller 12 includes a PLC controller and is electrically connected to an operation panel 14 for easy operation by staff.

[0047] The cover 1 is precisely installed at the top opening of the powder supply cylinder 15, forming a sealed connection. The powder supply mechanism then delivers powder into the powder supply cylinder 15 through the cover 1. The heating mechanism, activated under the command of the controller 12, heats and monitors the flowing powder in real time, ensuring the powder reaches the preset drying temperature. Multiple pressure balancing mechanisms at the top of the device operate continuously throughout the powder feeding process, effectively balancing the air pressure inside the powder supply cylinder 15 with the external environment and filtering any escaping powder particles, thereby maintaining stable internal pressure and preventing dust. Simultaneously, a monitoring mechanism installed on the top surface of the cover 1 continuously scans and measures the accumulation height of the powder inside the powder supply cylinder 15 in real time.

[0048] As the core control unit, the controller 12 synchronously receives temperature data from the heating mechanism and height data from the monitoring mechanism. Based on this real-time feedback information, the controller 12 precisely regulates the power output of the heating mechanism to maintain the optimal powder temperature and intelligently controls the start and stop of the powder supply mechanism: when the powder height is detected to reach the predetermined value, the powder supply is immediately stopped, thereby realizing the automated closed-loop control of the powder feeding process.

[0049] The device of this invention exhibits remarkable performance, achieving a high degree of automation and precise control throughout the powder feeding process, significantly reducing manual intervention and improving operational efficiency. Its excellent sealing performance and pressure balance design fundamentally solve the powder dust problem, ensuring a clean and safe working environment. The introduction of a heating mechanism enhances adaptability to moist powder, which is beneficial for ensuring sintering quality. The coordinated operation of the monitoring mechanism and controller ensures high precision in powder feeding, avoiding powder waste or shortage. In summary, through the synergistic effect of its various mechanisms, this device provides an efficient, clean, reliable, and highly adaptable powder feeding solution, effectively meeting the high standards of stability and accuracy required for powder supply systems in continuous industrial production.

[0050] The scheme is further optimized. The monitoring mechanism includes a detection window 8, which is set on the top surface of the cover 1. A rangefinder 11 is set on one side of the detection window 8. The rangefinder 11 measures the height of the powder in the powder supply cylinder 15 through the detection window 8 and transmits the data to the controller 12.

[0051] The rangefinder 11 includes a laser rangefinder, whose laser emitter 111 monitors the height of powder in the powder supply cylinder 15 through the detection window 8.

[0052] The monitoring mechanism is integrated into the top surface of the cover 1 through the detection window 8, and the rangefinder 11 is set on one side of it. During operation, the powder height in the powder supply cylinder 15 is scanned in real time through the detection window 8, and the data is accurately transmitted to the controller 12 to realize closed-loop control of the powder addition amount, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of height measurement, and effectively improving the automation level and accuracy of the powder addition process.

[0053] To further optimize the design, the monitoring mechanism also includes a rotary cylinder 10. The rotary cylinder 10 is fixedly installed above the detection window 8 via a bracket 9. The output shaft of the rotary cylinder 10 is coaxially rotated with the detection window 8. The output shaft of the rotary cylinder 10 passes through the detection window 8 and is fixedly connected to a brush head 100. The bristles of the brush head 100 contact the detection window 8, and the brush head 100 is used to wipe away the powder on the detection window 8.

[0054] The monitoring mechanism allows the rangefinder 11 to measure the powder height in the powder supply cylinder 15 in real time through the detection window 8. Simultaneously, a rotary cylinder 10 is fixedly mounted above the detection window 8 via a bracket 9, with its output shaft coaxially rotating with the detection window 8, driving the fixedly connected brush head 100 to rotate. The bristles of the brush head 100 contact the surface of the detection window 8, and the controller 12 periodically controls the rotary cylinder 10 to wipe away the powder adhering to the detection window 8. This ensures the continuous cleanliness of the detection window 8, preventing powder obstruction from affecting the laser measurement accuracy of the rangefinder 11, thus ensuring that the controller 12 can accurately acquire height data and achieve closed-loop control of the powder supply amount. This improves monitoring reliability, reduces errors caused by window contamination, and enhances the automation level and stability of the entire powder supply system.

[0055] Further optimization of the scheme: the powder supply mechanism includes a conveying pipe, which is fixed to the cover 1 and communicates with the inner cavity of the cover 1. The heating mechanism is set on the conveying pipe, and a quick connector 5 for connecting with the powder supply component is fixedly installed at the top of the conveying pipe.

[0056] The powder supply mechanism is fixedly connected to the cover 1 through the conveying pipe and achieves internal cavity communication. The heating mechanism is integrated into the outer wall of the conveying pipe. During operation, the quick connector 5 at the top of the conveying pipe quickly connects with the external powder supply component. After the powder is preheated and dehumidified by the heating mechanism, it is injected into the powder supply cylinder 15 through the conveying pipe. This not only ensures the sealing of the powder conveying path, but also effectively improves the drying efficiency of the damp powder through the integrated heating design. The use of the quick connector 5 significantly simplifies the disassembly and assembly process and improves the convenience of equipment maintenance and operation.

[0057] Further optimization of the scheme: the air pressure balancing mechanism includes a filter element 2 set on the top surface of the cover 1, the filter element 2 is connected to the inner cavity of the cover 1, and multiple filter elements 2 are set at equal intervals along the circumferential axis of the delivery pipe.

[0058] The air pressure balancing mechanism functions through multiple filter elements 2 installed on the top surface of the cover 1. These filter elements 2 are connected to the inner cavity of the cover 1 and are evenly spaced along the circumferential axis of the conveying pipe to increase the exhaust volume. During operation, the filter elements 2 allow air circulation, balancing the air pressure inside the powder supply cylinder 15 with the external environment, preventing powder leakage caused by pressure differences, effectively avoiding dust problems, ensuring the cleanliness and safety of the powder adding process, and improving the stability of equipment operation and powder utilization rate.

[0059] In a further optimized scheme, the powder supply mechanism also includes a powder conveying pump 51. The inlet of the powder conveying pump 51 is connected to a powder container 52, and the outlet of the powder conveying pump 51 is connected to a conveying pipe. The powder conveying pump 51 is also connected to a pneumatic solenoid valve 53 for driving the operation of the powder conveying pump 51. The pneumatic solenoid valve 53 is electrically connected to the controller 12.

[0060] The powder supply mechanism achieves automated powder conveying through a powder conveying pump 51, whose inlet is connected to a powder container 52 and whose outlet is connected to a conveying pipe. When the controller 12 issues a command, the pneumatic solenoid valve 53 starts and drives the powder conveying pump 51 to work, stably conveying the powder from the powder container 52 through the heated conveying pipe to the powder supply cylinder 15, so that the powder conveying amount is precisely controlled, effectively avoiding the low efficiency and dust problems of manual powder addition, and significantly improving the automation and reliability of the powder addition process through electrical linkage.

[0061] The design is further optimized so that the heating mechanism includes a heating sleeve 6, which is fitted on the outside of the conveying pipe. The heating sleeve 6 is electrically connected to a temperature controller 13, which is electrically connected to a controller 12.

[0062] The heating mechanism achieves powder pretreatment through a heating jacket 6, which is tightly fitted onto the outside of the conveying pipe and uniformly heats the powder flowing through the pipe during operation. A temperature controller 13 is electrically connected to the heating jacket 6, monitoring and precisely adjusting the heating temperature in real time. Simultaneously, it uploads the temperature data to the main controller 12, forming a closed-loop temperature control system. This effectively removes moisture from the powder, prevents agglomeration, and ensures the powder maintains optimal flowability and sintering characteristics. This not only improves the stability of the powder feeding process but also reduces reliance on operators through automated temperature control, significantly enhancing the equipment's adaptability to powders of different materials.

[0063] In a further optimized design, the heating mechanism also includes a temperature sensor embedded in the inner wall of the conveying pipe. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the powder and transmit the data to the controller 12.

[0064] The heating mechanism, based on the heating jacket 6 heating the powder inside the conveying pipe, uses a temperature sensor embedded in the inner wall of the conveying pipe to directly contact the powder flow, accurately detecting the actual temperature of the powder in real time and transmitting this data to the controller 12. This design allows the temperature control system to adjust based on the actual temperature of the powder, rather than relying solely on the set temperature of the heating jacket. This achieves precise closed-loop control of the powder heating process, effectively preventing incomplete dehumidification due to overheating or underheating, significantly improving the reliability and consistency of the heat treatment, and providing a crucial guarantee for obtaining powder with optimal sintering quality.

[0065] To further optimize the design, an installation groove 3 is provided circumferentially at the bottom outer edge of the cover 1. The installation groove 3 is adapted to the top outer edge of the powder supply cylinder 15 and can be detachably connected. A sealing gasket 301 is provided circumferentially between the installation groove 3 and the powder supply cylinder 15.

[0066] Mounting slot 3 is set to an inverted U-shape.

[0067] Before adding powder, the operator aligns the mounting groove 3 at the bottom of the cover 1 with the outer edge of the top of the powder supply cylinder 15 and installs it from top to bottom. The circumferentially arranged sealing gasket 301 is compressed under the weight of the cover 1, tightly filling the gap between the mounting groove 3 and the cylinder wall of the powder supply cylinder 15. The sealing gasket 301 effectively prevents powder leakage from the interface during powder addition, completely eliminating the dust source and ensuring a clean and safe working environment.

[0068] A powder feeding method for a selective laser sintering (SLS) equipment, based on a powder feeding device for the SLS equipment, comprises the following steps:

[0069] Install the cover 1 at the top opening of the powder supply cylinder 15, set the heating temperature of the heating mechanism and the powder height in the powder supply cylinder 15, turn on the heating mechanism until the temperature reaches the set value, maintain a constant temperature, supply powder to the powder supply cylinder 15 through the powder supply mechanism, monitor the powder height in the powder supply cylinder 15 through the monitoring mechanism, stop supplying powder when the powder height in the powder supply cylinder 15 is greater than or equal to the set value, and transfer the powder supply cylinder 15 to the selective laser sintering equipment.

[0070] The specific working process is as follows: First, the operator aligns the mounting groove 3 at the bottom of the cover 1 with and fits it onto the top of the powder supply cylinder 15, using the circumferentially arranged sealing gasket 301 to achieve an initial seal. Then, the quick connector 5 at the top of the conveying pipe is connected to the outlet of the powder conveying pump 51, while the inlet of the powder conveying pump 51 is inserted into the powder container 52. After preparation, the system is started via the controller 12, and the heating jacket 6 begins to work, heating the conveying pipe. Its temperature is monitored in real time by a temperature sensor and fed back to the temperature controller 13 for precise control, ensuring that the powder is preheated and dehumidified before conveying.

[0071] The controller 12 then issues a command to activate the pneumatic solenoid valve 53, starting the powder delivery pump 51. Powder is drawn from the powder container 52 and continuously injected into the powder supply cylinder 15 via the heated delivery pipe and cover 1. During this process, multiple filter elements 2 located on the top surface of the cover 1 are responsible for balancing the air pressure inside the powder supply cylinder 15 with the external environment and filtering any dust that may escape, thereby maintaining stable pressure and preventing dust from escaping. At the same time, the monitoring mechanism starts working: the rangefinder 11 monitors the changes in the height of the powder in the powder supply cylinder 15 in real time through the detection window 8 and transmits the data to the controller 12. To ensure measurement accuracy, the controller 12 will periodically or control the rotary cylinder 10 to rotate the brush head 100 at the end of its output shaft to remove any powder that may adhere to the detection window 8.

[0072] When the rangefinder 11 detects that the powder level in the powder supply cylinder 15 has reached the preset value, the controller 12 immediately sends a stop signal to the pneumatic solenoid valve 53, shutting down the powder conveying pump 51, and the powder feeding process ends. Finally, the powder supply cylinder 15 is moved to the selective laser sintering equipment.

[0073] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention, and are not intended to 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 invention.

[0074] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A powder feeding device for selective laser sintering equipment, characterized in that, include: Cover (1), the cover (1) is used to be installed at the top opening of the powder supply cylinder (15); A powder supply mechanism is connected to the cover (1) and is used to supply powder to the powder supply cylinder (15) through the cover (1); A heating mechanism is provided between the powder supply mechanism and the cover (1). The heating mechanism is used to heat the powder and monitor the heating temperature during the powder supply process. Multiple air pressure balancing mechanisms are installed on the cover (1). The air pressure balancing mechanisms are used to balance the air pressure between the powder supply cylinder (15) and the external environment and to filter the powder. A monitoring mechanism is installed on the top surface of the cover (1), and the monitoring mechanism is used to monitor the height of powder in the powder supply cylinder (15); The controller (12) is used to control the heating mechanism to heat the powder according to the heating temperature monitored by the heating mechanism, so that the heating temperature reaches the set value and is kept constant, and to control the powder supply mechanism to supply powder into the powder supply cylinder (15) according to the height of the powder in the powder supply cylinder (15) monitored by the monitoring mechanism.

2. The powder feeding device for selective laser sintering equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The monitoring mechanism includes a detection window (8), which is located on the top surface of the cover (1). A rangefinder (11) is provided on one side of the detection window (8). The rangefinder (11) measures the height of the powder in the powder supply cylinder (15) through the detection window (8) and transmits the data to the controller (12).

3. The powder feeding device for selective laser sintering equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The monitoring mechanism also includes a rotary cylinder (10), which is fixedly installed above the detection window (8) by a bracket (9). The output shaft of the rotary cylinder (10) is coaxially rotatable with the detection window (8). The output shaft of the rotary cylinder (10) passes through the detection window (8) and is fixedly connected to a brush head (100). The bristles of the brush head (100) contact the detection window (8) and the brush head (100) is used to wipe away the powder on the detection window (8).

4. The powder feeding device for selective laser sintering equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder supply mechanism includes a conveying pipe, which is fixed to the cover (1) and communicates with the inner cavity of the cover (1). The heating mechanism is disposed on the conveying pipe, and a quick connector (5) for connecting with the powder supply assembly is fixedly installed at the top end of the conveying pipe.

5. The powder feeding device for selective laser sintering equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The air pressure balancing mechanism includes a filter element (2) disposed on the top surface of the cover (1), the filter element (2) being connected to the inner cavity of the cover (1), and multiple filter elements (2) being equally spaced circumferentially along the axis of the conveying pipe.

6. The powder feeding device for selective laser sintering equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The powder supply mechanism also includes a powder conveying pump (51), the inlet of which is connected to a powder container (52), the outlet of which is connected to the conveying pipe, and the powder conveying pump (51) is also connected to a pneumatic solenoid valve (53) for driving the powder conveying pump (51) to work, and the pneumatic solenoid valve (53) is electrically connected to the controller (12).

7. The powder feeding device for selective laser sintering equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heating mechanism includes a heating sleeve (6), which is fitted on the outside of the conveying pipe. The heating sleeve (6) is electrically connected to a temperature controller (13), which is electrically connected to the controller (12).

8. The powder feeding device for selective laser sintering equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heating mechanism also includes a temperature sensor, which is embedded in the inner wall of the conveying pipe. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the powder and transmit the data to the controller (12).

9. The powder feeding device for selective laser sintering equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom outer edge of the cover (1) is provided with a mounting groove (3) in the circumferential direction. The mounting groove (3) is adapted to the top outer edge of the powder supply cylinder (15) and can be detachably connected. A sealing gasket (301) is provided in the circumferential direction between the mounting groove (3) and the powder supply cylinder (15).

10. A method for adding powder to a selective laser sintering (SLS) equipment, based on the powder adding device for a SLS equipment according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The steps are as follows: Install the cover (1) at the top opening of the powder supply cylinder (15), set the heating temperature of the heating mechanism and the powder height in the powder supply cylinder (15), turn on the heating mechanism until the temperature reaches the set value, maintain a constant temperature, supply powder to the powder supply cylinder (15) through the powder supply mechanism, monitor the powder height in the powder supply cylinder (15) through the monitoring mechanism, if the powder height in the powder supply cylinder (15) is greater than or equal to the set value, stop supplying powder, and transfer the powder supply cylinder (15) to the selective laser sintering equipment.

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