Optical platform and equipment for additive manufacturing and additive manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of additive manufacturing, in particular to an optical platform and equipment for additive manufacturing and an additive manufacturing method of the optical platform and the equipment. The light path output mechanism is used for outputting a high-energy beam; the at least one transparent blocking piece is arranged below the light path output mechanism and allows the high-energy beams to penetrate through, the transparent blocking pieces are arranged at the output end of the driving system, and in the additive manufacturing process, when pollutants such as material splashing and smoke dust are generated, the transparent blocking pieces can flexibly move under the action of the driving system, the pollutants are dynamically blocked, and the light path output mechanism is used for transmitting the high-energy beams. The probability that pollutants are directly deposited and attached to the surface of the light path output mechanism is effectively reduced, so that the situation that the normal laser propagation path is interfered after the surface of the light path output mechanism is polluted is avoided, the risk that the light path output mechanism is damaged due to pollution is reduced, and the stability and reliability of the whole additive manufacturing process are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology, and in particular to an optical platform, equipment and method for additive manufacturing. Background Technology

[0002] In the cutting-edge and precision manufacturing technology of additive manufacturing, the processing is often accompanied by complex physicochemical changes, with the generation of large amounts of contaminants such as material spatter and dust being a significant characteristic. These contaminants have extremely strong adhesion and easily deposit on the surface of the optical output mechanism. As a key component in additive manufacturing equipment for achieving precise laser transmission and focusing, the optical output mechanism, once covered with contaminants, directly interferes with the normal propagation path of the laser, leading to a significant decrease in optical performance. In severe cases, it may even damage the optical output mechanism, thereby affecting the stability and reliability of the entire additive manufacturing process. Traditionally, fixed protective lenses are used to protect the optical output mechanism. However, with prolonged use, localized contaminant accumulation occurs on the surface of these fixed protective lenses. This uneven contamination distribution causes differences in the transmittance of the protective lens, resulting in high-energy beam scattering. This prevents the laser energy from being effectively concentrated, ultimately leading to energy loss and greatly limiting the precision and efficiency of additive manufacturing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an optical platform, equipment, and additive manufacturing method for additive manufacturing, so as to solve the problems of poor precision and low efficiency in additive manufacturing caused by uneven light transmittance, high-energy beam scattering, and energy loss due to local contamination accumulation in fixed protective mirrors in the prior art.

[0004] The technical solution of this invention is: an optical platform for additive manufacturing, comprising: A drive system having at least one output terminal; Optical output mechanism, used to output high-energy beam; At least one transparent barrier is disposed below the optical path output mechanism to allow the high-energy beam to pass through, and the transparent barrier is configured on the output end of the drive system.

[0005] Preferably, the output end performs at least a linear motion along a first direction and / or a second direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction; the output end drives the transparent baffle to move along the first direction and / or the second direction, the transparent baffle being offset relative to the optical path output mechanism, so that the high-energy beam continuously passes through the uncontaminated area and acts on the forming area.

[0006] Preferably, the driving system has multiple output terminals, and the optical path output mechanism and the transparent block are respectively fixedly connected to different output terminals. The driving system drives the optical path output mechanism and the transparent block to achieve synchronous movement or independent movement.

[0007] Preferably, at least two transparent blocks are provided, each of which is located below one or more optical path output mechanisms, each of which is fixedly connected to one of the output terminals, and the multiple transparent blocks move synchronously or asynchronously.

[0008] Preferably, the driving system drives all the transparent stops to move synchronously by one step according to a preset printing cycle; Alternatively, the drive system can drive all the transparent stops to move independently by one step at different printing cycles.

[0009] Preferably, at least two of the transparent baffles are spliced ​​together on a horizontal plane to form a baffle group, the baffle group is disposed below one or more optical path output mechanisms, and the baffle group is fixedly connected as a whole to one of the output terminals of the drive system.

[0010] Preferably, the optical platform includes at least two of the aforementioned baffle groups, each corresponding to a different area of ​​the covering molding platform, and each of the aforementioned baffle groups is driven independently by the driving system; When any optical path output mechanism needs to move between different areas, the corresponding stop group is selectively moved below the optical path output mechanism.

[0011] Preferably, the output end moves synchronously along the first direction and the second direction, driving the transparent baffle to perform arc motion; on the motion trajectory corresponding to the arc motion, different areas of the transparent baffle are respectively directly below the optical path output mechanism.

[0012] Preferably, the output end rotates along the rotation axis, and the central axis of the optical path output mechanism is eccentric to the rotation axis of the output end.

[0013] Preferably, the output end independently performs linear motion and fixed-axis rotational motion, and the central axis of the optical path output mechanism is always offset from the rotation axis of the output end.

[0014] On the other hand, this application also provides an apparatus including an optical platform for additive manufacturing; and a molding system, wherein the optical platform is disposed above the molding system.

[0015] In another aspect, this application also provides an additive manufacturing method applied to an optical platform for additive manufacturing, the specific method including: The optical path output mechanism outputs a light beam that passes through a transparent baffle and gradually scans the printing area of ​​the part to be formed; At any point during the printing phase, the drive system drives the transparent stop to move one step.

[0016] Preferably, the driving system drives the transparent stop to move one step, according to a preset printing cycle; The preset method for the printing cycle includes either a fixed total printing time or a fixed number of printing cycles.

[0017] Preferably, one of the step lengths corresponds to the pulse equivalent of the driving system, including the linear displacement corresponding to the linear motion of the transparent stop or the fixed angle corresponding to the rotational motion of the transparent stop.

[0018] Preferably, when multiple transparent baffles are configured, the multiple transparent baffles move independently by one step according to different printing cycles, and the printing cycle in which each transparent baffle moves by one step is correlated with the number of times the output beam passes through the corresponding transparent baffle.

[0019] Preferably, each of the transparent blocks moves along the same or different directions or trajectories.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are: (1) The output end of the drive system drives the transparent baffle to move in the first direction and / or the second direction. During the additive manufacturing process, when material splashes and dust and other contaminants are generated, the transparent baffle can move flexibly under the action of the drive system. Compared with the traditional fixed protective mirror, it dynamically blocks contaminants, effectively reducing the probability of contaminants being directly deposited and attached to the surface of the optical path output mechanism. This avoids the optical path output mechanism from being contaminated and interfering with the normal propagation path of the laser, ensuring the optical performance of the optical path output mechanism, reducing the risk of damage to the optical path output mechanism due to contamination, and improving the stability and reliability of the entire additive manufacturing process.

[0021] (2) At least two transparent baffles are spliced ​​together on the horizontal plane to form a baffle group. The size and shape of the protected area can be flexibly adjusted according to the actual size and scanning range of the optical path output mechanism. Compared with a single transparent baffle, the baffle group can cover a larger area, meet the needs of different specifications of optical path output mechanisms and complex processing scenarios, and can accurately protect the area where the optical path output mechanism is located, avoiding over-protection of non-critical areas and improving the utilization efficiency of transparent baffles. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments: Figure 1A top view of an optical platform for additive manufacturing provided in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical platform for additive manufacturing provided in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an optical platform for additive manufacturing provided by the present invention; Figure 4 The schematic diagram of the structure corresponding to the fixed-axis rotational motion of the output end along the rotation axis in the optical platform for additive manufacturing provided by the present invention; Figure 5 A state diagram of the transparent stop when the output end of the optical platform for additive manufacturing provided by the present invention undergoes a fixed-axis rotational motion along the rotation axis; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of a fixed-axis rotational motion of the output end along the rotation axis in an optical platform for additive manufacturing provided in another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 The schematic diagram of the structure of the optical platform for additive manufacturing provided by the present invention, in which the output end independently performs linear motion and fixed-axis rotational motion; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the drive system and stop assembly provided in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path output mechanism and the baffle assembly provided in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a bottom view of the optical path output mechanism and stop assembly provided in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of multiple sets of baffles provided in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the device described in this invention.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Drive system; 11. Output end; 11a. Rotating shaft; 12. Drive platform; 2. Transparent baffle; 3. Optical output mechanism; 31. High-energy beam; 32. Contaminants; 4. Stop assembly; 51. Powder spreading component; 52. Forming hopper; 53. Powder hopper; 54. Construction lifting device; 55. Powder supply lifting device; 56. Forming plane. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0025] 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.

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an optical platform for additive manufacturing is used in equipment or can be part of the equipment structure. The additive manufacturing involved in this application can be SLM (Selective Laser Melting), which selectively melts a pre-laid layer of metal powder and deposits it layer by layer to directly produce a metal part.

[0027] The optical platform for additive manufacturing of the present invention includes at least a drive system 1, an optical path output mechanism 3, and a transparent baffle 2. The drive system 1 has multiple output ends 11. The optical path output mechanism 3 outputs a high-energy beam 31 to precisely melt or sinter the material into a planar shape, thereby constructing a three-dimensional metal part layer by layer. The transparent baffle 2 is disposed below the optical path output mechanism 3, allowing the high-energy beam 31 to pass through. The transparent baffle 2 is positioned on the output ends 11 of the drive system 1 and is movable, preventing contaminants 32, such as aerosols, condensed metal vapor particles, unmelted micro-powder splashes, and other byproducts generated during additive manufacturing, from damaging the optical path output mechanism 3.

[0028] Reference Figure 3 As shown, during the printing process, as the duration increases, the contaminants 32 generated by the high-energy beam 31 acting on the molding material continuously diffuse upwards and accumulate on the lower surface of the transparent baffle 2. These contaminants 32 are not uniformly distributed; their composition, particle size, and adhesion strength vary, directly affecting the optical path of the high-energy beam and even interfering with the printing process, causing defects. For example, in the absence of contaminants 32, the scanning area of ​​the high-energy beam 31 is region a. When the optical path changes due to the influence of contaminants 32, the scanning area of ​​the high-energy beam 31 changes to region b, which will inevitably affect the quality of the molded metal part.

[0029] Since the diffusion of contaminant 32 occurs in the vertical direction, generally speaking, the most contaminant 32 accumulates on the transparent baffle 2 directly below the optical path output mechanism 3. Furthermore, because the transparent baffle 2 cannot be disassembled and cleaned during the continuous printing process, this application places the transparent baffle 2 on the output end 11 of the drive system 1, continuously adjusting the position of the transparent baffle 2 relative to the optical path output mechanism 3 to shift the area where the most contaminant 32 accumulates, minimizing contaminants below the optical path output mechanism 3 and ensuring print quality.

[0030] Regarding the configuration of the drive system 1, in one embodiment, the output end performs at least a linear motion along a first direction and / or a second direction, where the first and second directions are defined to be perpendicular to each other and both parallel to the forming plane. The output end 11 is constrained to a motion with only two translational degrees of freedom, and all its possible movement trajectories can be decomposed into a synthesis of linear motions along the first and second directions. This configuration excludes any vertical motion perpendicular to the forming plane or rotational motion about any axis, clarifying that the core function of the drive system 1 is to achieve precise path displacement of the output end 11 within the two-dimensional working plane.

[0031] In some embodiments, when the optical path output mechanism 3 is stationary, the output end 11 drives the transparent baffle 2 to move continuously or intermittently along the first and / or second directions, causing the transparent baffle 2 to shift relative to the optical path output mechanism 3. This ensures that the high-energy beam continuously passes through the clean area on its surface that is not contaminated or has attached impurities, and acts stably on the forming area. The transparent baffle 2 effectively reduces the risk of decreased light transmittance and high-energy beam quality degradation caused by the accumulation of contaminants in local areas. While maintaining the optical path stationary, the active displacement of the transparent baffle 2 enables dynamic updating of its light-transmitting area, ensuring energy uniformity and forming stability during the additive manufacturing process.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the drive system 1 has multiple independent output terminals 11, with the optical path output mechanism 3 and the transparent baffle 2 fixedly connected to different output terminals 11. The drive system 1 flexibly controls the two to achieve precise synchronous linkage or completely independent movement. In synchronous motion mode, the optical path output mechanism 3 and the transparent baffle 2 move as a whole unit, ensuring that the relative positional relationship of the high-energy beam passing area remains constant. This is suitable for conventional scanning processing, that is, when the transparent baffle 2 blocks spatter and no contaminants adhere to its surface.

[0033] In independent movement mode, the drive system 1 can drive the transparent baffle 2 to move independently along the first direction and / or the second direction, causing its clean area to shift relative to the high-energy beam path. This allows the transmission window of the high-energy beam to be actively switched without interrupting the operation of the optical path output mechanism 3 or changing its orientation, thus continuously utilizing the uncontaminated area to maintain the integrity and energy stability of the high-energy beam.

[0034] The output end 11 of the drive system 1 has multiple implementations. In a specific implementation of this solution, the output end 11 used to drive the transparent stop 2 can be configured as any one or a combination of a telescopic component, a lead screw drive structure, and a linear motor structure to drive the transparent stop 2 to translate in the first direction and / or the second direction.

[0035] When the drive system 1 uses a telescopic assembly, the telescopic assembly can take the form of a high-precision electric actuator, a piezoelectric ceramic actuator, or a linear voice coil motor, and can be directly or through a flexible hinge connected to the transparent stop 2. The drive system 1 also includes a drive platform 12, on which the telescopic assembly is rigidly mounted or on a fixed base, and the telescopic axis of the telescopic assembly is set to be parallel to a first direction and / or a second direction.

[0036] like Figure 8 As shown, during operation, when it is necessary to switch the light-transmitting area of ​​the transparent baffle 2, one or more telescopic components perform linear telescopic movements. For example, the extension or contraction of the telescopic component in the first direction can cause the transparent baffle 2 to shift along the first direction; the movement of the telescopic component in the second direction achieves the shift in the second direction. If two sets of orthogonal telescopic components are configured, the transparent baffle 2 can be driven to achieve any desired positional shift in the two-dimensional plane through their combined telescopic movements. This implementation transforms translational motion into more compact linear telescopic movement, reducing motion inertia and space occupation, improving the response speed and accuracy of position control, while maintaining independent control capability decoupled from the motion of the main optical path output mechanism 3.

[0037] When the drive system 1 adopts a ball screw transmission structure, the drive system 1 includes a servo motor, a ball screw pair, and a linear guide. The servo motor drives the ball screw to rotate, and the rotational motion is converted into precise linear motion of the transparent stop 2 along the guide rail through the ball screw nut. The ball screw transmission structure has high thrust, high positioning rigidity, and relatively low cost, making it suitable for applications requiring long-term stable operation.

[0038] When the drive system 1 adopts a linear motor structure, the drive system 1 includes a linear motor stator and mover, as well as a matching linear encoder and guide rail. The linear motor directly drives the transparent stop 2 through electromagnetic thrust, without the need for intermediate mechanical conversion links, making it suitable for rapid prototyping applications with high requirements for scanning speed and dynamic performance. Furthermore, when there are multiple output terminals 11, a single stator and multiple mover structure can be adopted.

[0039] The drive system 1 can also adopt a combined structure. For example, a long-stroke ball screw drive can be used for main positioning in one direction of motion (such as the first direction), while a linear motor can be used for fine-tuning of a single transparent stop 2 in another direction of motion (such as the second direction) to achieve an optimized combination of long stroke and high dynamic performance. All drive systems 1 are connected to the computer control system, receive commands and feed back position information, thereby achieving precise coordinated control of the movement paths and speeds of multiple transparent stops 2.

[0040] In this embodiment, the drive system 1 can use the above three transmission structures and their combinations to drive the optical path output mechanism 3 to move, which will not be described in detail here.

[0041] Regarding the configuration of the drive system 1, in another embodiment, the output end 11 moves synchronously along the first direction and the second direction, driving the transparent baffle 2 to perform arc motion; on the motion trajectory corresponding to the arc motion, different areas of the transparent baffle 2 correspond to the area directly below the optical path output mechanism 3, thereby realizing the transfer of contaminants 32 on the lower surface of the transparent baffle 2 based on dynamic position adjustment.

[0042] Regarding the configuration of drive system 1, in another embodiment, refer to... Figure 4 As shown, the output end 11 rotates along the rotation axis 11a, and the central axis of the optical path output mechanism 3 is eccentric to the rotation axis 11a of the output end 11.

[0043] Specifically, in combination Figure 5 As shown, in the initial state, the transparent baffle 2 is set in any fixed posture. The high-energy beam 31 penetrates the transparent baffle 2. At this time, the contaminants 32 generated during the printing process mainly accumulate in region C. Before the accumulated contaminants 32 interfere with the high-energy beam 31, the transparent baffle 2 is driven to rotate by the drive system 1, so that region D rotates to be directly below the optical path output mechanism 3, thus realizing the transfer of contaminants 32.

[0044] Of course, each transparent baffle 2 can also correspond to multiple optical path output mechanisms 3. The specific number is not limited and can be set according to the actual application scenario. Please refer to the following for details. Figure 6 As shown.

[0045] Regarding the settings of drive system 1, in a further implementation, refer to... Figure 7 As shown, the output end 11 independently performs linear motion and fixed-axis rotational motion, and the central axis of the optical path output mechanism 3 is always offset from the rotation axis 11a of the output end 11. For example, the linear motion is driven by a linear motor, and the fixed-axis rotational motion is driven by a rotary motor.

[0046] Specifically, in the initial state, the transparent barrier 2 is set in any fixed posture, and the high-energy beam 31 penetrates the transparent barrier 2. When the pollutants accumulate, the penetration position of the high-energy beam 31 is changed by rotating the rotary motor until the rotary motor drives the transparent barrier 2 to rotate a full circle. At this time, the pollutants cover a circle of the lower surface of the transparent barrier 2. After that, the linear motor drives the transparent barrier 2 to translate, changing the distance between the central axis of the optical path output mechanism 3 and the rotation axis 11a, so that the high-energy beam 31 penetrates the inner or outer circle of the already formed circle of pollutants. Then, the transparent barrier 2 continues to rotate by rotating the rotary motor.

[0047] In some embodiments, at least two transparent baffles 2 may be provided, each transparent baffle 2 being independently positioned below one or more optical path output mechanisms 3 and fixedly connected to an independent output terminal 11 of the drive system 1, enabling coordinated or asynchronous movement of multiple transparent baffles 2. In synchronous mode, all transparent baffles 2 can be uniformly controlled by the drive system 1 to perform translation in the same direction and distance, ensuring that the transmission windows of multiple optical path output mechanisms 3 maintain a consistent spatial relationship, suitable for scenarios where multiple high-energy beams are processed simultaneously. In asynchronous mode, each transparent baffle 2 can independently perform movement along a first direction and / or a second direction based on the real-time monitoring signal of the working status or surface contamination of the optical path output mechanism 3 below it. For example, when a certain optical path output mechanism 3 is continuously processing, its corresponding transparent baffle 2 can individually perform stepping or reciprocating motion to switch the high-energy beam to an uncontaminated area, while other baffles in standby or cleaned areas remain stationary. This independently adjustable layout of multiple transparent baffles 2 enhances the parallel processing capability and contamination resistance redundancy of the drive system 1, enabling the optical platform to continuously maintain the transmission quality and processing stability of all high-energy beams during complex and long-term additive manufacturing processes.

[0048] Specifically, the movement mode of the transparent stop 2 can be finely configured according to the additive manufacturing strategy. One of the following two core control modes or a combination thereof can be selected: The transparent baffles 2 move synchronously and periodically. The drive system 1 uses a preset printing cycle as the trigger signal, for example, after each layer of powder spreading and scanning is completed, to drive all the transparent baffles 2 to move synchronously along their respective directions by a fixed or programmable step size, ensuring that the transmission areas of all high-energy beams remain in a relatively consistent clean state. This is suitable for situations where multiple high-energy beams perform the same or symmetrical scanning task and where strictly consistent processing conditions are required.

[0049] The transparent baffle 2 moves periodically and asynchronously. The movement of the drive system 1 is independently triggered by the processing progress or state of the specific optical path output mechanism 3 associated with it. For example, when the cumulative working time of a certain optical path output mechanism 3 reaches its independent threshold, or when a local decrease in light transmittance is detected by its integrated contamination sensor, the drive system 1 will drive the corresponding transparent baffle 2 to move independently by one step. The movement timing and step size of different transparent baffles 2 can be differentiated according to the usage intensity or contamination rate of their respective optical paths. This mode enables on-demand and precise maintenance actions, avoids unnecessary mechanical movement, and improves the overall anti-contamination efficiency of the system while also optimizing energy utilization efficiency and component lifespan.

[0050] like Figures 8 to 11 As shown, in some embodiments, an integrated implementation of the transparent baffle 2 is provided. Specifically, at least two transparent baffles 2 can be tightly spliced ​​together on a horizontal plane, for example, by means of slots, dovetail joints, or precision frames, to form a larger, continuous baffle assembly 4, thereby avoiding the use of a single large transparent baffle 2. Since a single large transparent baffle 2 is difficult to process, has poor surface quality and dimensional accuracy, and is extremely costly, in this embodiment, a single small-sized transparent baffle 2 can easily achieve high standards of surface finish, flatness, and optical uniformity, and its yield rate is much higher than that of a large-sized transparent baffle 2. By splicing together the required large area, the inherent high scrap rate and extremely high processing cost of large-sized transparent baffles 2 are effectively avoided.

[0051] The movement path of the baffle group 4 or a single transparent baffle 2 can be precisely pre-compensated or dynamically followed by the real-time scanning path of the optical path output mechanism 3 above it.

[0052] In some embodiments, a path pre-compensation mode is provided for the transparent baffle 2 or the baffle group 4. Before the optical path output mechanism 3 starts scanning, the drive system 1 pre-calculates the corresponding optimal or safest moving path of the baffle group 4 or the transparent baffle 2 according to a predetermined scanning trajectory. This pre-calculated path aims to keep the transmission point of the high-energy beam on the transparent baffle 2 within a preset, relatively fixed optimal area as much as possible throughout the scanning process. For example, the high-energy beam is always in a brand-new and centrally located clean area, thereby avoiding the high-energy beam from wandering randomly on the surface of the transparent baffle 2, which could lead to potential local overheating or premature contamination. The transparent baffle 2 moves and positions itself according to this pre-calculated path before the start of scanning or during scanning intervals.

[0053] In some embodiments, a dynamic following movement mode is provided for the transparent baffle 2 or baffle group 4. The baffle group 4 or transparent baffle 2 no longer moves intermittently, but rather moves synchronously and continuously with the scanning galvanometer of the optical path output mechanism 3. Its movement direction forms a specific compensating relationship with the movement direction of the optical path scanning point; for example, it moves in a small and opposite direction. The purpose is to actively cancel out or significantly reduce the relative velocity of the high-energy beam on the surface of the transparent baffle 2. Ideally, through precise motion control, the "spot dwell point" of the high-energy beam on the transparent baffle 2 can be kept almost stationary, thereby concentrating energy deposition and contaminant adhesion within a very small, controllable area. This greatly extends the service life of the overall usable clean area of ​​the baffle and improves the stability of energy transmission during processing.

[0054] like Figure 12 As shown, in some embodiments, the optical platform can be configured with at least two independent stop groups 4, which correspond to and cover different sub-regions of the forming platform, such as the left half and the right half, or the center region and the edge region. Each stop group 4 is controlled by an independent output terminal 11 of the drive system 1, thus enabling independent movement of each stop group 4 within its respective coverage area.

[0055] When a certain optical path output mechanism 3 needs to move its high-energy beam from one forming sub-region to another for operation according to the processing path planning, the drive system 1 will execute a coordinated area switching logic: First, the optical path output mechanism 3 itself moves according to the instruction; at the same time, the corresponding stop group 4 in the target area will be selectively and quickly translated or positioned by the drive system 1 to ensure that after the optical path output mechanism 3 arrives at the new position, there is always a transparent stop 2 in the working position providing continuous protection below it. The stop group 4 in the original area can then use this gap to perform independent cleaning steps or return to the standby position.

[0056] This application also provides an apparatus, preferably a 3D printing type that uses a laser beam / electron beam as an energy source. Powder bed 3D printing technology requires pre-laying powder, then melting the material through laser scanning, causing the loose powder to solidify together, and then scanning layer by layer to lay powder layer by layer, with a retractable platform sinking down, finally obtaining a solid object wrapped in powder.

[0057] The device comprises at least a molding system, an optical path unit, and a computer control system. The optical platform of this invention is preferably part of the optical path unit. In a specific spatial arrangement, the optical path unit can be positioned above the molding system, or it can be arranged according to the actual structure, based on the core inventive points taught in this application. In the control logic, the computer control system controls both the molding system and the optical path unit; that is, the control of the optical platform of this invention is preferably achieved by the computer control system.

[0058] Since the optical platform of the present invention needs to interact with other parts of the device, especially the molding system, when used, the configuration of the molding system of the device is described here.

[0059] The forming system of the equipment includes at least a powder-laying component 51, a forming chamber 52, a powder silo 53, a construction lifting device 54, and a powder supply lifting device 55. The forming chamber 52 is used to form parts; that is, the parts are finally constructed within the forming chamber 52. The distance the forming chamber 52 descends each time is the layer thickness of the part. After the part is constructed, the forming chamber 52 rises to facilitate the removal of the constructed part and to prepare for the next construction. The lifting of the forming chamber 52 is driven by the construction lifting device 54. The powder silo 53 is located on one side of the forming chamber 52 and is used to supply powder material to the forming chamber 52. The lifting of the powder silo 53 is driven by the powder supply lifting device 55. The powder described here refers to the material to be processed, used in a powder-loaded state. The powder-laying component 51 rolls back and forth between the forming chamber 52 and the powder silo 53, laying powder layer by layer on top of the forming chamber 52, i.e., the forming platform, thereby forming a powder bed within the forming chamber 52.

[0060] This application also provides an additive manufacturing method, the specific method of which is as follows: During the printing stage, the optical output mechanism 3 outputs a high-energy beam. After passing through the transparent baffle 2, the high-energy beam precisely scans and shapes the material of the plane according to the preset path, so as to build the part layer by layer.

[0061] At any selected moment during the printing process, that is, triggered by a preset time interval, number of scan layers, cumulative energy threshold, or a contamination feedback signal monitored in real time by an optical sensor, the drive system 1 controls the transparent stop 2 to move by a preset or dynamically calculated step size. One step size corresponds to the pulse equivalent of the drive system, including the linear displacement corresponding to the linear movement of the transparent stop, or the fixed angle corresponding to the rotational movement of the transparent stop.

[0062] The movement of the transparent stop 2 is performed according to a preset printing cycle, which can be preset in the following ways: Based on a fixed total printing time, a movement is triggered once after each continuous processing reaches the set time; Based on a fixed number of prints, that is, a movement is triggered once after a set number of layers are scanned or a set number of scan outlines are completed; When multiple transparent blocks 2 are configured, the movement control of each transparent block 2 is independent of each other, and each transparent block 2 moves independently by one step according to its corresponding printing cycle. The printing cycle of each transparent baffle 2 is correlated with the number of times the high-energy beam passes through it. That is, the transparent baffle 2 corresponding to the area with the higher frequency of high-energy beam use and the more times it is scanned has a shorter movement trigger cycle, thereby achieving differentiated dynamic protection for areas with different pollution loads. The movement direction of each transparent baffle 2 can be set independently according to the actual layout and contamination distribution, allowing it to move in the same direction to achieve unified updates, or move in different directions to optimize the utilization efficiency of the clean area, thereby achieving overall collaborative control of the optical window's lasting cleanliness and the continuous and stable processing process.

[0063] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical concept and features of the present invention, intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and thus all changes falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention.

Claims

1. An optical platform for additive manufacturing, characterized in that, include: A drive system having at least one output terminal; Optical output mechanism, used to output high-energy beam; At least one transparent barrier is disposed below the optical path output mechanism to allow the high-energy beam to pass through, and the transparent barrier is configured on the output end of the drive system.

2. The additive manufacturing optical platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The output terminal performs at least a linear motion along a first direction and / or a second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; The output terminal drives the transparent baffle to move along the first direction and / or the second direction. The transparent baffle is offset relative to the optical path output mechanism so that the high-energy beam can continuously pass through the uncontaminated area and act on the forming area.

3. The additive manufacturing optical platform according to claim 2, characterized in that: The driving system is provided with multiple output terminals. The optical path output mechanism and the transparent block are respectively fixedly connected to different output terminals. The driving system drives the optical path output mechanism and the transparent block to achieve synchronous movement or independent movement.

4. The additive manufacturing optical platform according to claim 3, characterized in that: At least two transparent blocks are provided, each of which is located below one or more optical path output mechanisms. Each transparent block is fixedly connected to one of the output terminals, and the multiple transparent blocks can move synchronously or asynchronously.

5. The additive manufacturing optical platform according to claim 4, characterized in that: The drive system drives all the transparent stops to move synchronously by one step according to a preset printing cycle; Alternatively, the drive system can drive all the transparent stops to move independently by one step at different printing cycles.

6. The additive manufacturing optical platform according to claim 2, characterized in that: At least two of the transparent baffles are spliced ​​together on a horizontal plane to form a baffle group, the baffle group being disposed below one or more optical path output mechanisms, and the baffle group being fixedly connected as a whole to one of the output terminals of the drive system.

7. The additive manufacturing optical platform according to claim 6, characterized in that: The optical platform includes at least two of the aforementioned baffle groups, which respectively correspond to different areas of the covering molding platform, and each of the aforementioned baffle groups is driven independently by the driving system; When any optical path output mechanism needs to move between different areas, the corresponding stop group is selectively moved below the optical path output mechanism.

8. The additive manufacturing optical platform according to claim 2, characterized in that: The output end moves synchronously along the first and second directions, driving the transparent baffle to perform arc motion; on the motion trajectory corresponding to the arc motion, different areas of the transparent baffle are respectively directly below the optical path output mechanism.

9. The additive manufacturing optical platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The output end rotates along the rotation axis, and the central axis of the optical path output mechanism is eccentric to the rotation axis of the output end.

10. An additive manufacturing optical platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The output end independently performs linear motion and fixed-axis rotational motion, and the central axis of the optical path output mechanism is always offset from the rotation axis of the output end.

11. A device, characterized in that: The invention includes an optical platform for additive manufacturing as described in any one of claims 1-10; it also includes a molding system, wherein the optical platform is disposed above the molding system.

12. An additive manufacturing method, characterized in that, The method of using an optical platform for additive manufacturing according to any one of claims 1-10 includes: The optical path output mechanism outputs a high-energy beam that passes through the transparent baffle and gradually scans the printing area of ​​the part to be formed; At any point during the printing phase, the drive system drives the transparent stop to move one step.

13. The additive manufacturing method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The driving system drives the transparent stop to move one step, and executes according to the preset printing cycle; The preset method for the printing cycle includes either a fixed total printing time or a fixed number of printing cycles.

14. The additive manufacturing method according to claim 13, characterized in that, One of the step sizes corresponds to the pulse equivalent of the driving system, including the linear displacement corresponding to the linear motion of the transparent stop or the fixed angle corresponding to the rotational motion of the transparent stop.

15. The additive manufacturing method according to claim 13, characterized in that, When multiple transparent baffles are configured, the multiple transparent baffles move independently by one step according to different printing cycles. The printing cycle in which each transparent baffle moves by one step is correlated with the number of times the output high-energy beam passes through the corresponding transparent baffle.

16. The additive manufacturing method according to claim 15, characterized in that, Each of the transparent blocks moves in the same or different directions or trajectories.

Images