3D printing wax mold post-processing method and production line

Abstract

The invention discloses a 3D printing wax mold post-processing method and a production line, and belongs to the field of 3D printing. The 3D printing wax mold post-processing method comprises the following steps that a printing bottom plate is cooled; preparing a plurality of cleaning solvents, wherein part of the cleaning solvents are rough cleaning solvents; soaking the wax mold by using the rough cleaning solvents in sequence according to a fixed sequence, wherein the soaking operation comprises the following steps of: heating the cleaning solvents; applying stirring and / or ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning solvent; the wax mold is soaked in a cleaning solvent for a specified soaking time; taking out the wax mold from the cleaning solvent; and controlling the soaking time for soaking the wax mold by using each part of the rough cleaning solvent to decrease progressively. The production line comprises a cooling plate removing platform and a plurality of wax washing devices. The wax mold is separated from the plate in a cooling manner, so that the wax mold is conveniently and completely taken down; and a reasonable cleaning gradient is established, and the soaking time of each time is set to be reduced in sequence, so that relatively high cleaning efficiency is kept while a rough cleaning solvent is saved, and the wax mold main body is protected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of 3D printing, and in particular to a method and production line for post-processing of 3D printed wax models. Background Technology

[0002] The wax model produced by a 3D wax printer consists of a support wax portion and a structural wax portion. The support wax portion needs to be washed away to obtain a complete product. Therefore, the 3D printing wax model manufacturing process requires a post-processing step. Current post-processing methods have some shortcomings, such as difficulty in completely removing the wax model from the printer's printing plate; and low cleaning efficiency, requiring a considerable amount of time to completely remove the support wax. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a post-processing method and production line for 3D printed wax models.

[0004] The 3D printing wax model post-processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps: Cool the printing base plate to separate the wax mold on the printing base plate from the printing base plate; Prepare multiple portions of cleaning solvent, wherein a portion of the cleaning solvent is a pre-washing solvent; The wax model is soaked in each portion of the initial washing solvent in a fixed order, and the soaking time of each portion of the initial washing solvent is controlled to decrease progressively. The soaking operation includes: Heating the cleaning solvent; The cleaning solvent is agitated and / or subjected to ultrasonic vibration; Immerse the wax model in the cleaning solvent and maintain the specified immersion time; Remove the wax model from the cleaning solvent.

[0005] The 3D printed wax model post-processing method according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following technical effects: the wax model is detached from the plate by cooling, which facilitates the complete removal of the wax model; a reasonable cleaning gradient is established and the soaking time is set to decrease sequentially, which helps to save the initial cleaning solvent while maintaining high cleaning efficiency and protecting the wax model itself.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, one of the cleaning solvents is a fine cleaning solvent, and the 3D printing wax model post-processing method further includes: The wax model is soaked in the aforementioned cleaning solvent.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the step of preparing multiple portions of the cleaning solvent includes: The initial washing solvent was prepared using anhydrous ethanol, isopropanol, and polypropylene glycol.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the step of preparing multiple portions of the cleaning solvent includes: Determine the casting process to be used for the wax model plan; When the wax model is to be cast using plaster mold casting or silica sol casting, the fine cleaning solvent is prepared using anhydrous alcohol as a single component.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the step of preparing multiple portions of cleaning solvent further includes: When the wax model is to be electroformed, the fine cleaning solvent is prepared using anhydrous ethanol, isopropanol and polypropylene glycol.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the step of removing the wax model from the cleaning solvent includes: Determine the structural stress-bearing positions of the wax model, and remove the wax model by clamping the structural stress-bearing positions.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the 3D printed wax model post-processing method further includes: The wax model, which has been removed from the cleaning solvent, is placed on a pre-laid soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel to dry.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the step of removing the wax model from the cleaning solvent includes: Use a strainer to remove the wax model.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the 3D printed wax model post-processing method further includes: The wax mold retrieved from the washing solvent is kept in the filter basket for a certain period of time to dry.

[0014] The 3D printing wax model post-processing production line according to a second aspect of the present invention applies the above-described 3D printing wax model post-processing method. The 3D printing wax model post-processing production line includes a cooling stripping platform and multiple wax washing devices. The top of the cooling stripping platform is provided with a cooling station for cooling the printing base plate. The wax washing devices are used to perform the soaking operation on the wax model.

[0015] The 3D printing wax mold post-processing production line according to the second aspect of the present invention has at least the following technical effects: by applying the above-mentioned 3D printing wax mold post-processing method, the 3D printing wax mold post-processing production line facilitates the removal of the wax mold from the printing base plate, is less likely to damage the wax mold, and has a high cleaning efficiency for the support wax.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the 3D printing wax model post-processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the soaking operation in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the steps for preparing multiple portions of cleaning solvent in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling and stripping platform in the 3D printing wax model post-processing production line according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the wax washing device in the 3D printing wax model post-processing production line according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] In the attached image: 800-Heating magnetic stirrer; 801-Stirring bar; 810-Wax washing tank; 820-Filter basket; 830-Ultrasonic generator; 900-Bottom shell; 910-Tabletop; 920-Refrigeration plate; 921-Radiator; 930-Thermoconductive silicone pad. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention 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 the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0020] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," "exceeding," etc., are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," "within," etc., are understood to include the stated number. If "first" or "second" is used, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features or the order of the indicated technical features.

[0021] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0022] The following is for reference. Figures 1 to 5 This invention describes a 3D printing wax model post-processing method and production line according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The post-processing method for 3D printed wax models according to the first aspect of the present invention refers to... Figure 1 It includes the following steps: Step S100 involves cooling the printing plate to separate the wax model from the printing plate. It is understood that during printing, the wax solidifies from a liquid state and adheres to the printing plate, causing the wax model to adhere firmly and be difficult to remove directly. This embodiment lowers the temperature of the printing plate and the wax model. Due to the different materials of the printing plate and the wax model, their shrinkage rates differ during cooling, creating stress at their contact point. This causes the wax model to detach from the printing plate. Cooling facilitates the complete removal of the wax model. Furthermore, even if the wax model is not removed promptly, extending the cooling time will not damage it, avoiding the problem of prolonged heating that can damage the wax model in methods that involve melting and removing it by heating. This improves production efficiency.

[0024] Step S200: Prepare multiple cleaning solvents, some of which are initial cleaning solvents.

[0025] Step S300: The wax model is soaked in each initial washing solvent in a fixed order, and the soaking time of each initial washing solvent is controlled to decrease progressively. Among them, reference Figure 2 The soaking process includes the following steps: Step S310: Heat the cleaning solvent; Step S320: Apply stirring and / or ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning solvent; Step S330: Immerse the wax model in the cleaning solvent and maintain the soaking time for the specified time; Step S340: Remove the wax model from the cleaning solvent; This invention involves immersing each wax model in different initial washing solvents in the same order, with the immersion time decreasing progressively. The wax model is immersed for a longer time in the initial washing solvent, allowing sufficient time for the solvent to penetrate the internal structure of the supporting wax, causing it to swell and soften from the inside out, thereby disrupting its integrity and dissolving a significant amount of the supporting wax. After most of the supporting wax has been dissolved in the earlier immersion steps, some dissolved wax debris and residue will still adhere to the surface and crevices of the wax model. Since most of the supporting wax has been removed, subsequent immersion steps do not need to be too long; otherwise, the solvent may begin to slightly corrode the wax model itself, or prolonged exposure to the solvent environment could increase the risk. Therefore, this invention sets the immersion time to decrease progressively, ensuring that residual supporting wax is removed and the wax model itself is protected in the later immersion steps.

[0026] The later the initial wash solvent is listed, the less supporting wax it dissolves and the lower the supporting wax content. Therefore, this invention can establish a reasonable cleaning gradient, which is beneficial for saving initial wash solvent while maintaining high cleaning efficiency.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present invention, step S300 further includes: controlling the stirring speed of each portion of the initial washing solvent to decrease progressively. When the wax model is immersed in the initial washing solvent that is ranked earlier, there is more supporting wax and the structure is more stable, so a more aggressive stirring method can be used to obtain higher cleaning efficiency; when the wax model is immersed in the initial washing solvent that is ranked later, there is less supporting wax and the structure is more fragile, so a gentler stirring method is used to avoid damaging the wax model.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention, one of the cleaning solvents is a fine cleaning solvent, and the 3D printing wax model post-processing method further includes the following steps: In step S400, the wax model is immersed in a fine cleaning solvent. It should be noted that although the initial cleaning with the solvent may remove visible support wax residue, some tiny particles of support wax and cleaning solvent residue often remain on the surface of the wax model, requiring further cleaning. Therefore, this embodiment uses a fine cleaning solvent for cleaning.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, the step of preparing multiple portions of cleaning solvent in step S200 specifically includes: Step S210: Prepare an initial washing solvent using anhydrous ethanol, isopropanol, and polypropylene glycol. Ethanol and isopropanol dissolve the supporting wax, while polypropylene glycol protects the wax model body to reduce surface dissolution damage.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 3 The step S200, which involves preparing multiple portions of the cleaning solvent, specifically includes: Step S220: Determine the casting process to be used in the wax model plan.

[0031] Step S221: When the wax model is planned to be cast using plaster mold casting or silica sol casting, a cleaning solvent is prepared using anhydrous alcohol as a single component. Anhydrous alcohol can remove dirt while slightly etching the wax model to create a rough surface, which facilitates the application of slurry to the wax model surface during the shell making process.

[0032] Step S222: When the wax model is planned to be electroformed, a cleaning solvent is prepared using anhydrous ethanol, isopropanol, and polypropylene glycol. This removes contaminants while avoiding damage to the surface of the wax model.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present invention, step S340 specifically includes: Step S341: Determine the stress-bearing positions of the wax model and remove it by clamping the stress-bearing positions. For some wax models with relatively fragile outer structures, using a filter basket to remove the wax model may damage it. Therefore, in this embodiment, the wax model that needs to be removed after melting is removed using tools (mainly tweezers, hooks, or by hand with gloves on, or by wrapping it with a lint-free cloth). Locate the stress-bearing positions, gently clamp, hook, and handle it, and slowly drain the water to reduce turbulence before quickly moving to the next step, thus avoiding deformation and breakage of the wax model.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present invention, the 3D printing wax model post-processing method further includes: In step S410, the wax model removed from the solvent clamp is placed on a pre-laid soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel for drying. Avoid excessive contact that could damage or deform the wax model; the paper towel or similar material will absorb any remaining solvent. Generally, the wax model is dried naturally in the shade without the need for hot air or heating. However, for large wax models, or if it is certain that the wax model will not be damaged, a cool air drying method can be used for rapid drying.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present invention, step S340 specifically includes: Step S342: Use a filter basket to remove the wax model. For wax models with relatively stable structures that are not easily damaged, using a filter basket makes the process easier.

[0036] In some embodiments of the present invention, the 3D printing wax model post-processing method further includes: In step S420, the wax mold removed from the washing solvent is kept in a filter basket for a certain period of time to dry. This ensures good ventilation around the wax mold, which helps improve drying efficiency.

[0037] The 3D printing wax model post-processing production line according to a second aspect of the present invention applies the above-described 3D printing wax model post-processing method. The production line includes a cooling stripping platform and multiple wax washing devices. The top of the cooling stripping platform is provided with a cooling station for cooling the printing base plate. The wax washing devices are used to perform an immersion operation on the wax model. By applying the above-described 3D printing wax model post-processing method, the 3D printing wax model post-processing production line facilitates the removal of the wax model from the printing base plate, minimizes damage to the wax model, and has high cleaning efficiency for the supporting wax.

[0038] In some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 4 The cooling stripping platform includes a platform 910, a cooling assembly located under the platform 910, and a base shell 900 located under the platform 910 and used to support the platform 910 and the cooling assembly. The platform 910 can be made of thermally conductive materials such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy. The cooling assembly includes a radiator 921 and a cooling plate 920 attached between the platform 910 and the radiator 921. The radiator 921 is equipped with a fan to promote airflow. In this way, the wax model and printing base plate removed from the 3D printer can be placed directly on the upper side of the platform 910, and the cooling assembly can be activated to cool the platform 910, the printing base plate, and the wax model.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present invention, a graphene thermally conductive pad or a thermally conductive silicone sheet 930 is stacked on top of the tabletop 910. The flexible graphene thermally conductive pad or thermally conductive silicone sheet 930 can fill the gap between the printing substrate and the tabletop 910 to improve thermal conductivity.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 5 The wax washing device includes a heating magnetic stirrer 800, a wax washing tank 810 located above the heating magnetic stirrer 800, and a filter basket 820 located inside the wax washing tank 810. Activating the heating magnetic stirrer 800 heats and stirs the cleaning solvent in the wax washing tank 810. The heating magnetic stirrer 800 is a conventional device in the art and can be purchased directly from the market; its specific structure will not be described in detail here. The wax washing tank 810 is used to hold the cleaning solvent. Inside the wax washing tank 810, below the filter basket 820, is an ultrasonic generator 830 and / or a stir bar 801. The stir bar 801 is adapted to the heating magnetic stirrer 800. The filter basket 820 is used to hold the wax model to separate the ultrasonic generator 830 and the stir bar 801. The filter basket 820 prevents the wax model from being damaged by collision and facilitates the retrieval of the wax model.

[0041] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and these equivalent modifications or substitutions are all included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A post-processing method for 3D printed wax models, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Cool the printing base plate to separate the wax mold on the printing base plate from the printing base plate; Prepare multiple portions of cleaning solvent, wherein a portion of the cleaning solvent is a pre-washing solvent; The wax model is soaked in each portion of the initial washing solvent in a fixed order, and the soaking time of each portion of the initial washing solvent is controlled to decrease progressively. The soaking operation includes: Heating the cleaning solvent; The cleaning solvent is agitated and / or subjected to ultrasonic vibration; Immerse the wax model in the cleaning solvent and maintain the specified immersion time; Remove the wax model from the cleaning solvent.

2. The 3D printing wax model post-processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: One of the cleaning solvents is a fine cleaning solvent, and the 3D printed wax model post-processing method further includes: The wax model is soaked in the aforementioned cleaning solvent.

3. The 3D printing wax model post-processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step of preparing multiple portions of the cleaning solvent includes: The initial washing solvent was prepared using anhydrous ethanol, isopropanol, and polypropylene glycol.

4. The 3D printing wax model post-processing method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The step of preparing multiple portions of the cleaning solvent includes: Determine the casting process to be used for the wax model plan; When the wax model is to be cast using plaster mold casting or silica sol casting, the fine cleaning solvent is prepared using anhydrous alcohol as a single component.

5. The 3D printing wax model post-processing method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The step of preparing multiple portions of the cleaning solvent further includes: When the wax model is to be electroformed, the fine cleaning solvent is prepared using anhydrous ethanol, isopropanol and polypropylene glycol.

6. The 3D printing wax model post-processing method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The step of removing the wax model from the cleaning solvent includes: Determine the structural stress-bearing positions of the wax model, and remove the wax model by clamping the structural stress-bearing positions.

7. The 3D printing wax model post-processing method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The post-processing method for 3D printed wax models also includes: The wax model, which has been removed from the cleaning solvent, is placed on a pre-laid soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel to dry.

8. The 3D printing wax model post-processing method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The step of removing the wax model from the cleaning solvent includes: Use a strainer to remove the wax model.

9. The 3D printing wax model post-processing method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The post-processing method for 3D printed wax models also includes: The wax mold retrieved from the washing solvent is kept in the filter basket for a certain period of time to dry.

10. A 3D printing wax mold post-processing production line, characterized in that: The 3D printing wax model post-processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is described in the following: the 3D printing wax model post-processing production line includes a cooling stripping platform and multiple wax washing devices; the top of the cooling stripping platform is provided with a cooling station for cooling the printing base plate; the wax washing devices are used to perform the immersion operation on the wax model.

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