Powder treatment system and powder treatment method for additive manufacturing
By designing a powder handling system that includes a frame, old powder bins, mixing bins, blowers, and cyclone separators, combined with an electric vibrating screen and control module, the problem of powder leakage during powder handling was solved, achieving automated and precise powder mixing and reducing the risks of manual operation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TPM 3D PRINTING TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing powder handling systems in powder bed fused additive manufacturing require manual operation for powder handling, resulting in a high risk of powder leakage.
A powder handling system was designed, comprising a frame, old powder bins, mixing bins, a blower, a cyclone separator, and operating hoses. The system collects and transports powder under negative pressure, ensuring that the entire process is carried out in a closed space. Combined with an electric vibrating screen and a control module, it achieves automated control and precise mixing.
It effectively avoids powder leakage, realizes an automated and precise powder mixing process, and reduces manpower consumption.
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Figure CN121973443A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of additive manufacturing, and more particularly to powder processing systems and methods for additive manufacturing. Background Technology
[0002] In powder bed fusion additive manufacturing processes such as selective laser sintering (SLS) or selective laser melting (SLM), a large amount of unsintered old powder remains in the forming barrel after printing, requiring the addition of new powder for mixing and reuse. Existing powder handling systems require manual operation for sieving and mixing, resulting in powder exposure and a risk of powder leakage. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a powder handling system for additive manufacturing that can prevent powder leakage.
[0004] Another object of the present invention is to provide a powder processing method for additive manufacturing that can prevent powder leakage.
[0005] This invention provides a powder handling system for additive manufacturing, comprising a frame, a used powder hopper, a mixing hopper, a blower, a first cyclone separator, a second cyclone separator, and an operating hose. The frame has a cleaning chamber for holding powder packets. The used powder hopper stores used powder, and its outlet is equipped with a first valve. The mixing hopper mixes used and new powder. The blower extracts air. The outlet of the first cyclone separator is connected to the used powder hopper, and its outlet is connected to the blower via a pipe and a second valve. The outlet of the second cyclone separator is connected to the mixing hopper, and its outlet is connected to the blower via a pipe and a third valve. The inlet of the second cyclone separator is connected to the used powder hopper, and its inlet can also be connected to a new powder hopper via a fourth valve. One end of the operating hose is connected to the inlet of the first cyclone separator, and the other end of the operating hose can move freely within the cleaning chamber.
[0006] This powder handling system uses a blower to create negative pressure in the first cyclone separator, collecting old powder from the cleaning chamber and transferring it to the old powder hopper via an operating hose. The system also uses a blower to create negative pressure in the second cyclone separator, separately conveying the old powder from the old powder hopper and the new powder from the new powder hopper to the mixing hopper for mixing. The old and new powders are kept within a closed space throughout the process, preventing powder leakage.
[0007] In another illustrative embodiment of the additive manufacturing powder handling system, the system further includes an electric vibrating screen. The electric vibrating screen is connected to a first valve via a pipe. When the first valve is open, the old powder in the old powder bin falls into the electric vibrating screen under gravity. The inlet of the second cyclone separator is connected to the outlet of the electric vibrating screen via a pipe. This allows the agglomerated old powder to be broken up, making it easier for subsequent use.
[0008] In another illustrative embodiment of the additive manufacturing powder handling system, the first, second, third, and fourth valves are pneumatically operated normally closed butterfly valves. The powder handling system also includes a control module configured to control the first, second, third, and fourth valves. This enables automatic control of the powder handling process, saving manpower.
[0009] In another illustrative embodiment of the additive manufacturing powder handling system, the system further includes a first weighing module and a second weighing module. The first weighing module is mounted on the frame and generates first weight information based on the weight of the old powder hopper. The second weighing module is mounted on the frame and generates second weight information based on the weight of the mixing hopper. The control module is configured to activate a blower upon a start command, open a second valve upon a powder suction command, open a third valve upon a powder mixing command, control the first valve and the electric vibrating screen device based on preset old powder weight, the first weight information, and the second weight information, and control a fourth valve based on preset new powder weight and the second weight information. This enables automatic and more precise control of the powder mixing process.
[0010] In another illustrative embodiment of the additive manufacturing powder handling system, the system further includes a touch screen mounted on the frame and connected to the control module. The touch screen sends start commands, powder suction commands, and powder mixing commands to the control module. It also displays and modifies the weights of the old and new powders. This facilitates operation by on-site personnel.
[0011] In another illustrative embodiment of the additive manufacturing powder handling system, the electric vibrating screen includes a housing, a screen, and a first powder level sensor. The housing has an inner cavity. The screen is disposed within the inner cavity and divides the cavity into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Old powder in the upper chamber can pass through the screen into the lower chamber. The upper chamber is connected to an old powder container via a pipe, and the outlet of the electric vibrating screen is located in the lower chamber. The first powder level sensor is disposed in the lower chamber. When old powder accumulates to the top in the lower chamber, the first powder level sensor generates a first position signal. A control module is configured to receive the first position signal and control a first valve to close based on the first position signal. This prevents old powder from accumulating in the electric vibrating screen.
[0012] In another illustrative embodiment of the additive manufacturing powder handling system, the electric vibrating screen further includes a second powder level sensor. The second powder level sensor is located in the upper chamber and generates a second position signal when old powder accumulates to the top in the upper chamber. The control module is configured to receive the second position signal and control the first valve to close based on the second position signal. Simultaneously, the control module also generates an alarm signal. This allows for timely alerting of operators when a malfunction occurs in the electric vibrating screen.
[0013] In another illustrative embodiment of the additive manufacturing powder handling system, the system further includes an external powder hopper and a third cyclone separator. The external powder hopper is used to store used powder. The outlet of the third cyclone separator is connected to the external powder hopper, and the outlet of the third cyclone separator is connected to a blower via a pipe and a fifth valve. The inlet of the third cyclone separator is connected to the outlet of an electric vibrating screen. This allows used powder from the electric vibrating screen to be transferred externally, providing greater flexibility in application.
[0014] In another illustrative embodiment of the additive manufacturing powder handling system, the system further includes a filter barrel, filter elements, a dust collection bin, and a fourth cyclone separator. The filter barrel has an inlet and an outlet, with the outlet connected to the inlet of a blower. The filter elements are disposed within the filter barrel and are capable of filtering powder passing through it. The outlet of the fourth cyclone separator is connected to the dust collection bin, and the outlet of the fourth cyclone separator is connected to the inlet of the filter barrel via a pipe. The outlets of the first and second cyclone separators are connected to the inlet of the fourth cyclone separator. This allows for the filtering and collection of powder, preventing damage to the blower due to powder ingress.
[0015] In another illustrative embodiment of the additive manufacturing powder handling system, the system further includes a fifth cyclone separator. The outlet of the fifth cyclone separator is connected to the powder feeding hopper of the additive manufacturing equipment. The air outlet of the fifth cyclone separator is connected to a blower via a pipe and a sixth valve. The inlet of the fifth cyclone separator is connected to the outlet of the mixing hopper via a pipe. This allows the mixed powder to be directly conveyed to the powder feeding hopper of the additive manufacturing equipment.
[0016] The present invention also provides a powder processing method for additive manufacturing, which uses the powder processing system described above. The powder processing method includes: Start the blower; Close the first, third, and fourth valves, and open the second valve; Operate the operating hose to draw the old powder from the cleaning chamber into the old powder container; Close the second and fourth valves, open the first and third valves, and suck the old powder from the old powder bucket into the mixing bucket. Close the first and second valves, and open the third and fourth valves to draw the new powder from the new powder hopper into the mixing hopper; and Start the mixing tank to mix the old powder and the new powder.
[0017] The present invention also provides another powder processing method for additive manufacturing, which uses the powder processing system described above. The powder processing method includes: Start the blower; Close the first, third, and fourth valves, and open the second valve; Operate the operating hose to draw the old powder from the cleaning chamber into the old powder container; Close the second and fourth valves, open the first and third valves, and start the electric vibrating screen device to suck the old powder in the electric vibrating screen device into the mixing tank. Close the first and second valves, and open the third and fourth valves to draw the new powder from the new powder hopper into the mixing hopper; and Start the mixing tank to mix the old powder and the new powder. Attached Figure Description
[0018] The following figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention.
[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of a powder handling system for additive manufacturing.
[0020] Figure 2 This is another structural schematic diagram of a powder processing system.
[0021] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of a powder processing system.
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first cyclone separator.
[0023] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the first cyclone separator.
[0024] Figure 6 This is another partial structural diagram of the powder processing system.
[0025] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an electric vibrating screen device.
[0026] Figures 8A to 8C An illustrative embodiment for illustrating a powder processing method in additive manufacturing.
[0027] Label Explanation 10 frames 12 Qingfenqiang 20 old powder buckets 22 First Weighing Module 24 External powder buckets 30 Mixing bucket 32 Second Weighing Module 40 Blower 50 Operating hose 61 Filter Canister 62 Filter element 63 Dust collection bin 71 First Cyclone Separator 711 Separation Channel 712 Inlet of the first cyclone separator 713 Discharge port of the first cyclone separator 714 Vent Channel 715 Air outlet of the first cyclone separator 72 Second Cyclone Separator 73 Third Cyclone Separator 74 Fourth Cyclone Separator 74 Fifth Cyclone Separator 80 Electric Vibrating Screen Device 82 Casing 821 Upper Chamber 822 Inferior Chamber 84 mesh 86 First powder level sensor 88 Second powder level sensor 90 Control Module 91 First Valve 92 Second Valve 93 Third Valve 94 Fourth Valve 95 Fifth Valve 96. Sixth Valve 99 Touchscreen 100 new powder buckets 110 Powder feeding hopper for additive manufacturing equipment. Detailed Implementation
[0028] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of the invention, specific embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate components with the same or similar structures but the same function.
[0029] In this document, “illustrative” means “serving as an example, illustration or description”, and any illustration or implementation described herein as “illustrative” should not be construed as a more preferred or advantageous technical solution.
[0030] In this document, terms such as "first" and "second" do not indicate their importance or order, but are only used to distinguish them to facilitate the description of the document.
[0031] To keep the drawings simple, each drawing only schematically shows the parts related to the present invention, and they do not represent the actual structure of the product.
[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of a powder handling system for additive manufacturing. Figure 2 This is another structural schematic diagram of a powder processing system. Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the powder handling system. (Refer to...) Figures 1 to 3 The additive manufacturing powder handling system includes a frame 10, a used powder hopper 20, a mixing hopper 30, a blower 40, a first cyclone separator 71, a second cyclone separator 72, and an operating hose 50.
[0033] The frame 10 has a cleaning chamber 12 for placing powder packets. An old powder hopper 20 is used to store old powder, and a first valve 91 is provided at the outlet of the old powder hopper 20. A mixing hopper 30 is used to mix old and new powder. A blower 40 is used to extract air.
[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first cyclone separator. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the first cyclone separator. (Refer to...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first cyclone separator 71 includes a cylindrical air outlet channel 714 and a separation channel 711 spirally surrounding the air outlet channel 714. The air outlet 715 of the first cyclone separator 71 is located at one end of the air outlet channel 714, and the inlet 712 and outlet 713 of the first cyclone separator 71 are located at opposite ends of the separation channel 711. Air mixing with the powder enters the separation channel 711 tangentially from the inlet 712 of the first cyclone separator 71. Under centrifugal force, the powder is thrown against the inner wall of the separation channel 711 and falls along the inner wall from the outlet 713 of the first cyclone separator 71. The air freed from the dust enters the air outlet channel 714 and is drawn out from the air outlet 715 of the first cyclone separator 71. Other cyclone separators in this invention have similar structures and working principles to the first cyclone separator 71, and therefore will not be described in detail. The discharge port of the first cyclone separator 71 is connected to the old powder hopper 20, and the air outlet 715 of the first cyclone separator 71 is connected to the blower 40 through a pipe and the second valve 92.
[0035] The discharge port of the second cyclone separator 72 is connected to the powder mixing tank 30. The air outlet of the second cyclone separator 72 is connected to the blower 40 through a pipe and the third valve 93. The inlet of the second cyclone separator 72 is connected to the old powder tank 20. The inlet of the second cyclone separator 72 can also be connected to the new powder tank 100 through the fourth valve 94.
[0036] One end of the operating hose 50 is connected to the inlet 712 of the first cyclone separator 71, and the other end of the operating hose 50 can move freely in the powder cleaning chamber 12. Due to the negative pressure in the operating hose 50, the operator can move the operating hose 50 according to the shape of the powder bag to suck the old powder out of the powder bag.
[0037] The powder processing system provided by this invention uses a blower 40 to create negative pressure in the first cyclone separator 71, and collects the old powder in the cleaning chamber 12 and collects it into the old powder hopper 20 via an operating hose 50. The powder processing system also uses the blower 40 to create negative pressure in the second cyclone separator 72, and transports the old powder in the old powder hopper 20 and the new powder in the new powder hopper 100 to the mixing hopper 30 for mixing. The old and new powders are kept in a closed space throughout the process, preventing powder leakage.
[0038] In the illustrative embodiment, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The powder handling system also includes an electric vibrating screen device 80. The electric vibrating screen device 80 is connected to a first valve 91 via a pipe. When the first valve 91 is open, the old powder in the old powder bin 20 falls into the electric vibrating screen device 80 under gravity. The inlet of the second cyclone separator 72 is connected to the outlet of the electric vibrating screen device 80 via a pipe. In this way, before the old powder enters the mixing bin 30, the electric vibrating screen device 80 can break up any clumps of old powder, making it easier for subsequent use.
[0039] In the illustrative embodiment, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The powder handling system also includes a filter barrel 61, a filter element 62, a dust collection bin 63, and a fourth cyclone separator 74. The filter barrel 61 has an inlet and an outlet, with the outlet connected to the inlet of the blower 40. The filter element 62 is disposed inside the filter barrel 61 and filters the powder passing through it. The outlet of the fourth cyclone separator 74 is connected to the dust collection bin 63, and the outlet of the fourth cyclone separator 74 is connected to the inlet of the filter barrel 61 via a pipe. The outlets of the first cyclone separator 71 and the second cyclone separator 72 are connected to the inlet of the fourth cyclone separator 74. This allows for the filtration and collection of powder, preventing damage to the blower 40 due to powder ingress.
[0040] In the illustrative embodiment, refer to Figures 1 to 3The powder handling system also includes an external powder hopper 24 and a third cyclone separator 73. The external powder hopper 24 is used to store old powder. The outlet of the third cyclone separator 73 is connected to the external powder hopper 24, and the air outlet of the third cyclone separator 73 is connected to the blower 40 through a pipe and a fifth valve 95. The inlet of the third cyclone separator 73 is connected to the outlet of the electric vibrating screen device 80. This allows the old powder in the electric vibrating screen device 80 to be transferred to the outside, making the application more flexible.
[0041] In the illustrative embodiment, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The powder handling system also includes two fifth cyclone separators 75. The outlet of the fifth cyclone separator 75 can be connected to the powder feeding tank 110 of the additive manufacturing equipment. The air outlet of the fifth cyclone separator 75 is connected to the blower 40 through a pipe and a sixth valve 96. The inlet of the fifth cyclone separator 75 is connected to the outlet of the mixing tank 30 through a pipe. This allows the mixed powder to be directly conveyed to the powder feeding tank 110 of the additive manufacturing equipment. Although in the illustrative embodiment, there are two fifth cyclone separators 75, six valves 96, and powder feeding tanks 110, corresponding to the left and right powder feeding tanks of the additive manufacturing equipment, this is not a limitation. In other illustrative embodiments, the number of fifth cyclone separators 75 can be adjusted according to actual needs; of course, it may also include only one fifth cyclone separator 75, sixth valve 96, and powder feeding tank 110.
[0042] Figure 6 This is another partial structural diagram of the powder handling system. (Refer to...) Figure 3 and Figure 6 The first valve 91, the second valve 92, the third valve 93, the fourth valve 94, the fifth valve 95, and the sixth valve 96 are pneumatically operated normally closed butterfly valves. The powder handling system also includes a control module 90, which is configured to control the first valve 91, the second valve 92, the third valve 93, the fourth valve 94, the fifth valve 95, and the sixth valve 96.
[0043] In the illustrative embodiment, refer to Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 6 The powder handling system also includes a first weighing module 22 and a second weighing module 32. The first weighing module 22 is mounted on the frame 10 and can generate first weight information based on the weight of the old powder hopper 20. The second weighing module 32 is mounted on the frame 10 and can generate second weight information based on the weight of the powder mixing hopper 30.
[0044] The control module 90 is configured to turn on the blower 40 according to the start command and open the second valve 92 according to the powder suction command. At this time, the blower 40 creates a negative pressure in the first cyclone separator 71 and the old powder hopper 20, and the old powder in the cleaning chamber 12 enters the old powder hopper 20 through the operating hose 50 and the pipeline.
[0045] The control module 90 is also configured to open the third valve 93 according to the powder mixing command. At this time, the blower 40 creates a negative pressure in the second cyclone separator 72 and the powder mixing tank 30. The control module 90 controls the first valve 91 and the electric vibrating screen device 80 according to the preset old powder weight, first weight information and second weight information. The first weight information is used to determine whether the weight of the old powder falling into the electric vibrating screen device 80 is the preset old powder weight, and the second weight information is used to verify the actual value of the old powder weight in the powder mixing tank 30, thereby controlling the preset weight of old powder to enter the powder mixing tank 30. The control module 90 controls the fourth valve 94 according to the preset new powder weight and second weight information. Specifically, before adding new powder, the value of the second weight information is recorded. This value is added to the preset new powder weight to obtain the predetermined value of the second weight information after adding new powder. The fourth valve 94 is opened and the second weight information is monitored. When the value of the second weight information reaches the calculated predetermined value, the fourth valve 94 is closed, thereby controlling the preset weight of new powder to enter the powder mixing tank 30.
[0046] With the help of control module 90, first weighing module 22 and second weighing module 32, the powder handling system can automatically and more accurately control the powder mixing process, saving a lot of manpower.
[0047] In the illustrative embodiment, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 6 The powder handling system also includes a touch screen 99, which is mounted on the frame 10 and signal-connected to the control module 90. The touch screen 99 is used to send start commands, powder suction commands, and powder mixing commands to the control module 90. The touch screen 99 is also used to display and modify the weight of old powder and the weight of new powder. This makes it easier for on-site personnel to operate.
[0048] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an electric vibrating screen device. (Refer to...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 The electric vibrating screen device 80 includes a housing 82, a screen 84, and a first powder level sensor 86. The housing 82 has an inner cavity. The screen 84 is disposed within the inner cavity and divides it into an upper chamber 821 and a lower chamber 822. Old powder in the upper chamber 821 can pass through the screen 84 into the lower chamber 822. The upper chamber 821 is connected to an old powder container 20 via a pipe. The outlet of the electric vibrating screen device 80 is located in the lower chamber 822. The first powder level sensor 86 is disposed in the lower chamber 822. When old powder accumulates to the top in the lower chamber 822, the first powder level sensor 86 generates a first position signal. The control module 90 is configured to receive the first position signal and control the first valve 91 to close based on the first position signal. After the accumulation position of the old powder in the lower chamber 822 decreases, the control module 90 controls the first valve 91 to open if it does not receive the first position signal. This prevents old powder from accumulating in the electric vibrating screen device 80.
[0049] In the illustrative embodiment, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The electric vibrating screen also includes a second powder level sensor 88, which is located in the upper chamber 821. When old powder accumulates to the top in the upper chamber 821, the second powder level sensor 88 generates a second position signal. The control module 90 is configured to receive the second position signal and control the first valve 91 to close based on the second position signal. Simultaneously, the control module 90 also generates an alarm signal, which can be used to generate an alarm image or sound. This allows the electric vibrating screen 80 to continue operating and prevents old powder from entering the electric vibrating screen 80 when old powder accumulates, while also alerting the operator to the malfunction.
[0050] Figures 8A to 8C An illustrative embodiment of a powder processing method for additive manufacturing. This powder processing method uses the powder processing system described above. The powder processing method includes: Step 1: Start the blower 40.
[0051] Step 2: Close the first valve 91, the third valve 93, and the fourth valve 94, and open the second valve 92. At this time, the blower 40 creates a negative pressure in the first cyclone separator 71 and the old powder hopper 20 (e.g., Figure 8A (As shown).
[0052] Step 3: Operate the operating hose 50 to suck the old powder in the cleaning chamber 12 into the old powder container 20.
[0053] Step 4: Close the second valve 92 and the fourth valve 94, open the first valve 91 and the third valve 93, and start the electric vibrating screen device 80 to suck the old powder in the electric vibrating screen device 80 into the mixing tank 30 (e.g., Figure 8B (As shown).
[0054] Step 5: Close the first valve 91 and the second valve 92, open the third valve 93 and the fourth valve 94, and draw the new powder from the new powder hopper 100 into the mixing hopper 30 (e.g., Figure 8C (As shown).
[0055] Step 6: Start the mixing tank 30 to mix the old powder and the new powder.
[0056] In other illustrative embodiments, the first valve 91, the second valve 92, the third valve 93, and the fourth valve 94 can be normally closed valves, such as pneumatic normally closed butterfly valves, and the action of closing the first valve 91, the second valve 92, the third valve 93, and the fourth valve 94 can be omitted in each step of the powder processing method.
[0057] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to various embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.
[0058] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent implementation schemes or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such as combinations, divisions or repetitions of features, should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A powder handling system for additive manufacturing, characterized in that, include: The frame (10) has a powder cleaning chamber (12) for placing powder packets. An old powder hopper (20) is used to store old powder, and the outlet of the old powder hopper (20) is provided with a first valve (91). Mixing bucket (30), which is used to mix old powder and new powder; Blower (40), which is used to draw air; The first cyclone separator (71) has its outlet (713) connected to the old powder hopper (20), and its air outlet (715) is connected to the blower (40) through a pipe and a second valve (92). The second cyclone separator (72) has its outlet connected to the mixing tank (30). The outlet of the second cyclone separator (72) is connected to the blower (40) via a pipe and a third valve (93). The inlet of the second cyclone separator (72) is connected to the old powder tank (20), and the inlet of the second cyclone separator (72) can also be connected to a new powder tank via a fourth valve (94). An operating hose (50) is connected at one end to the inlet (712) of the first cyclone separator (71), and the other end of the operating hose (50) can move freely within the powder cleaning chamber (12).
2. The additive manufacturing powder processing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The powder processing system also includes an electric vibrating screen device (80), which is connected to the first valve (91) through a pipe. When the first valve (91) is open, the old powder in the old powder bucket (20) can fall into the electric vibrating screen device (80) under the action of gravity. The inlet of the second cyclone separator (72) is connected to the outlet of the electric vibrating screen device (80) through a pipe.
3. The additive manufacturing powder processing system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first valve (91), the second valve (92), the third valve (93) and the fourth valve (94) are pneumatic normally closed butterfly valves; the powder processing system also includes a control module (90), which is configured to control the first valve (91), the second valve (92), the third valve (93) and the fourth valve (94).
4. The additive manufacturing powder processing system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The powder processing system also includes: A first weighing module (22), which is disposed on the frame (10) and is capable of generating first weight information based on the weight of the old powder hopper (20); and The second weighing module (32) is installed on the frame (10) and can generate second weight information based on the weight of the powder mixing bucket (30); The control module (90) is configured to turn on the blower (40) according to the start command, open the second valve (92) according to the powder suction command, open the third valve (93) according to the powder mixing command, control the first valve (91) and the electric vibrating screen device (80) according to the preset old powder weight, the first weight information and the second weight information, and control the fourth valve (94) according to the preset new powder weight and the second weight information.
5. The additive manufacturing powder processing system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The powder processing system also includes a touch screen (99), which is disposed on the frame (10) and signal-connected to the control module (90). The touch screen (99) is used to send the start command, the powder suction command and the powder mixing command to the control module (90). The touch screen (99) is also used to display and modify the weight of the old powder and the weight of the new powder.
6. The additive manufacturing powder processing system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The electric vibrating screen device (80) includes: The shell (82) has an internal cavity; A screen (84) is disposed in the inner cavity and divides the inner cavity into an upper chamber (821) and a lower chamber (822). Old powder in the upper chamber (821) can pass through the screen (84) into the lower chamber (822). The upper chamber (821) is connected to the old powder container (20) via a pipe. The outlet of the electric vibrating screen device (80) is located in the lower chamber (822). The first powder level sensor (86) is disposed in the lower cavity (822) and when old powder in the lower cavity (822) accumulates to the top, the first powder level sensor (86) can generate a first position signal, and the control module (90) is configured to receive the first position signal and control the first valve (91) to close according to the first position signal.
7. The additive manufacturing powder processing system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The electric vibrating screen also includes a second powder level sensor (88), which is located in the upper chamber (821). When old powder accumulates to the top in the upper chamber (821), the second powder level sensor (88) can generate a second position signal. The control module (90) is configured to receive the second position signal and control the first valve (91) to close according to the second position signal. At the same time, the control module (90) also generates an alarm signal.
8. The additive manufacturing powder processing system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The powder processing system also includes: External powder hopper (24), which is used to store old powder; and The third cyclone separator (73) has its outlet connected to the external powder hopper (24). The outlet of the third cyclone separator (73) is connected to the blower (40) through a pipe and a fifth valve (95). The inlet of the third cyclone separator (73) is connected to the outlet of the electric vibrating screen device (80).
9. The additive manufacturing powder processing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The powder processing system also includes: A filter barrel (61) having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of the filter barrel (61) being connected to the inlet of the blower (40); A filter element (62) is disposed inside the filter barrel (61) and is capable of filtering powder passing through the filter barrel (61). Dust collection bin (63); and The fourth cyclone separator (74) has its outlet connected to the dust collection bucket (63). The air outlet of the fourth cyclone separator (74) is connected to the inlet of the filter bucket (61) through a pipe. The air outlets of the first cyclone separator (71) and the second cyclone separator (72) are connected to the inlet of the fourth cyclone separator (74).
10. The additive manufacturing powder processing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The powder processing system also includes a fifth cyclone separator (75), the outlet of which can be connected to the powder feeding tank of the additive manufacturing equipment, the air outlet of which is connected to the blower (40) through a pipe and a sixth valve (96), and the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the mixing tank (30) through a pipe.
11. A powder processing method for additive manufacturing, characterized in that, The powder processing method uses the powder processing system as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, and the powder processing method includes: Start the blower (40); Close the first valve (91), the third valve (93) and the fourth valve (94), and open the second valve (92); Operate the operating hose (50) to suck the old powder in the cleaning chamber (12) into the old powder container (20); Close the second valve (92) and the fourth valve (94), open the first valve (91) and the third valve (93), and suck the old powder in the old powder bucket (20) into the mixing bucket (30). Close the first valve (91) and the second valve (92), open the third valve (93) and the fourth valve (94), and draw the new powder from the new powder container into the mixing container (30); and Start the mixing tank (30) to mix the old powder and the new powder.
12. A powder processing method for additive manufacturing, characterized in that, The powder processing method uses the powder processing system as described in any one of claims 2 to 8, and the powder processing method includes: Start the blower (40); Close the first valve (91), the third valve (93) and the fourth valve (94), and open the second valve (92); Operate the operating hose (50) to suck the old powder in the cleaning chamber (12) into the old powder container (20); Close the second valve (92) and the fourth valve (94), open the first valve (91) and the third valve (93), start the electric vibrating screen device (80), and suck the old powder in the electric vibrating screen device (80) into the mixing tank (30). Close the first valve (91) and the second valve (92), open the third valve (93) and the fourth valve (94), and draw the new powder from the new powder container into the mixing container (30); and Start the mixing tank (30) to mix the old powder and the new powder.