A modular manufacturing device and method for rapid prototyping of complex topologies of thermoplastic materials

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of modular preparation device and method for the rapid prototyping of complex topological structure of thermoplastic material, it is related to the technical field of thermoplastic material forming, solve the problem such as complex topological hollow structure forming difficulty, forming strength is low, mould adaptability is poor, forming cycle is long in existing thermoplastic material forming process, including: mould and stamping device, stamping device is used to provide the moulding pressure of thermoplastic material in mould;Wherein, the forming cavity for placing die core is arranged between female die and male die;Cross-shaped slide rail is designed on the four surfaces of die core fixing frame, four die core surfaces are slidably installed on die core fixing frame, by replacing die core fixing frame, die core surface, male die and female die, different specifications, sizes and topological surface moulding parts can be made.Based on the structure, after moulding and cooling to room temperature, die core fixing frame can be directly extracted and four die core surfaces are removed, so that die core is quickly removed without damaging moulding part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of thermoplastic material molding, and in particular to a modular preparation apparatus and method for rapid prototyping of complex topological structures of thermoplastic materials. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of thermoplastic material molding, traditional molding processes have long dominated, relying heavily on traditional injection molding, extrusion, or blow molding, and are highly dependent on pre-manufactured molds of specific shapes. However, when dealing with complex topological hollow structures, which often have irregular shapes, internal cavities, and intricate details, traditional mold manufacturing struggles to accurately reproduce these characteristics. The emergence of 3D printing technology has brought new hope to the molding of complex topological hollow structures. This technology, through layer-by-layer stacking, can construct complex shapes without traditional molds, solving to some extent the limitations of molds in traditional processes. However, 3D printing still has limitations in molding speed, material strength, and large-scale production, especially in the rapid, high-strength molding of thermoplastic materials, and cannot completely replace traditional processes. Therefore, for the molding of complex topological hollow structures in thermoplastic materials, there is an urgent need for a new type of fabrication device that can inherit the advantages of traditional processes, overcome the limitations of traditional processes in terms of mold and equipment flexibility, and balance production efficiency and material properties. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the problems of difficult and inaccurate molding of complex topological hollow structures, poor mold adaptability, and long molding cycles in existing thermoplastic material molding processes, the present invention aims to provide a modular preparation device and method for rapid molding of complex topological structures of thermoplastic materials. Through modular design, the male mold, female mold, and mold core surface can be quickly replaced to adapt to various structural requirements; the built-in electric heating system improves material flowability and ensures molding quality; and the stamping device provides stable pressure to achieve efficient and automated production.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0005] A modular fabrication apparatus for rapid prototyping of complex topological structures of thermoplastic materials, characterized in that it comprises: a mold 1 and a stamping device 2, wherein the stamping device 2 is used to perform compression molding of thermoplastic material within the mold 1;

[0006] The mold 1 includes: a male mold 101, a female mold 103, a mold core 105, and electric heating elements 107. The upper surface of the female mold 103 is provided with a molding cavity for placing the mold core 105. The male mold 101 covers the upper surface of the female mold 103. Multiple electric heating elements 107 are installed on both the male mold 101 and the female mold 103. The multiple electric heating elements 107 are used to preheat the mold 1.

[0007] The mold core 105 includes: a mold core fixing frame 10501 and mold core surfaces 10502. The central section of the mold core fixing frame 10501 is cross-shaped. The four mold core surfaces 10502 are arranged around the mold core fixing frame 10501 and slide along the length direction on the mold core fixing frame 10501. The left and right ends of the mold core fixing frame 10501 are provided with semi-circular structures. The two semi-circular structures are used to limit the position of the mold core 105 during the molding process.

[0008] The modular preparation device described above includes a stamping device 2 comprising a base, a press head, and a stepper motor. The mold 1 is placed on the base, the press head is mounted on the base and located above the mold 1, and the stepper motor is used to drive the press head to move downward to achieve the compression molding of the thermoplastic material inside the mold 1.

[0009] The modular preparation device described above includes a mold 1 further comprising a right end face 102 and a left end face 104. The left end face 104 and the right end face 102 are respectively connected to the left and right ends of the female mold 103 via pins. A gap is provided between the right end face 102 and the left end face 104 and the female mold 103 for the outflow of excess thermoplastic material during the molding process. A groove is provided on the upper surface of the left end face 104 and the right end face 102. The two grooves are respectively used to limit the two semi-circular structures of the mold core fixing frame 10501. The planes of the two semi-circular structures of the mold core fixing frame 10501 are respectively placed at the bottom of the two grooves.

[0010] In the aforementioned modular preparation device, the mold core fixing frame 10501 is designed with cross-shaped slide rails on all four sides. Any mold core surface 10502 is located between two adjacent cross-shaped slide rails, and the two planes of each mold core surface 10502 are slidably connected to the two cross-shaped slide rails respectively.

[0011] In the aforementioned modular preparation device, each mold core surface 10502 is provided with two planes and one topological surface, and both planes are provided with sliding grooves that match the cross-shaped slide rail.

[0012] In the aforementioned modular fabrication apparatus, the two planes of each mold core surface 10502 are perpendicular to each other.

[0013] The modular preparation device described above includes a mold 1 that further includes a fastening screw 106, threaded holes at the bottom of the two grooves, through holes at both ends of the male mold 101 and on the two semi-circular structures, and the male mold 101, female mold 103 and mold core 105 are detachably connected by two fastening screws 106.

[0014] In the aforementioned modular preparation device, both ends of the male mold 101 are provided with strip-shaped through holes, which are used for the outflow of excess thermoplastic material during the molding process.

[0015] In the aforementioned modular preparation device, electric heating elements 107 are installed on the upper end face and the front and rear end faces of the male mold 101, and electric heating elements 107 are installed on the lower end face and the front and rear end faces of the female mold 103.

[0016] A modular fabrication method for rapid prototyping of complex topological structures in thermoplastic materials, applicable to the aforementioned modular fabrication apparatus, comprising:

[0017] S1. Before the fabrication of complex topological components, select the male mold 101, female mold 103 and mold core 105 according to the structural requirements of the topological components. Connect the mold core surface 10502 to the mold core fixing frame 10501, connect the right end face 102 and the left end face 104 to the female mold 103, apply a release agent to the male mold 101, female mold 103 and mold core surface 10502, and preheat the male mold 101 and female mold 103 by the electric heating plate 107.

[0018] S2. In the process of preparing complex topological components, firstly, softened thermoplastic material is filled into the female mold 103. Then, the mold core 105 is placed inside the female mold 103 and limited by the support of the right end face 102 and the left end face 104. Softened thermoplastic material is filled again. The male mold 101, mold core 105 and female mold 103 are connected by fastening screws 106. The mold 1 is placed on the base of the stamping device 2. The stepper motor drives the pressure head to move vertically downward. The pressure head contacts the mold 1 to perform compression molding. Excess thermoplastic material flows out through the two strip-shaped through holes of the male mold 101 and the gaps between the female mold 103 and the left and right ends. By continuously tightening the fastening screws 106, continuous molding pressure is provided during the compression molding process.

[0019] S3. After the complex topological structure component preparation process, once the mold 1 has cooled to room temperature, open the fastening screws 106, first remove the male mold 101, female mold 103, right end face 102 and left end face 104, then pull the mold core fixing frame 10501 out of the mold core 105 and remove the four mold core faces 10502 one by one to achieve non-destructive and rapid demolding, thus realizing the molding of the complex topological structure of the hollow structure.

[0020] The present invention, by employing the above-mentioned technology, has the following positive effects compared with the prior art:

[0021] (1) In this invention, by replacing the dimensions of the mold core fixing frame, the male mold and the female mold, or by replacing the male mold and the female mold with different molding cavity depths and structures, it is possible to produce molded parts of different sizes and thicknesses. By replacing different mold core surfaces, the shape of the topological surface of the molded parts can be quickly changed.

[0022] (2) In this invention, all four mold core surfaces are slidably mounted on the mold core fixing frame, which enables the rapid assembly of the mold core surfaces and the mold core fixing frame and the rapid replacement of the four mold core surfaces; thereby, the structure of the topological surface can be changed while ensuring the size of the molded part. Based on this structure, after molding and cooling to room temperature, the mold core fixing frame can be directly pulled out from the left or right end, and then the four mold core surfaces can be removed in sequence. This demolding method can quickly remove the mold core without damaging the molded part. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a modular fabrication device for rapid prototyping of complex topological structures of thermoplastic materials according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the mold structure of a modular fabrication device for rapid prototyping of complex topological structures of thermoplastic materials according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the mold core of a modular fabrication device for rapid prototyping of complex topological structures of thermoplastic materials according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the mold core and the female mold of a modular preparation device for rapid prototyping of complex topological structures of thermoplastic materials according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the inner surface of the male mold of a modular fabrication device for rapid prototyping of complex topological structures of thermoplastic materials according to the present invention.

[0028] In the attached diagram: 1. Mold; 2. Stamping device; 101. Male mold; 102. Right end face; 103. Female mold; 104. Left end face; 105. Mold core; 106. Fastening screw; 107. Electric heating element; 10501. Mold core fixing frame; 10502. Mold core surface. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0030] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5As shown, a modular fabrication apparatus and method for rapid prototyping of complex topological structures in thermoplastic materials are illustrated, comprising: a mold 1 and a stamping device 2; the mold 1 consists of a male mold 101, a right end face 102, a female mold 103, a left end face 104, a mold core 105, fastening screws 106, and an electric heating element 107; the mold core 105 consists of a mold core fixing frame 10501 and a mold core surface 10502; the stamping device 2 consists of a base, a pressure head, and a stepper motor, providing the pressure required for compression molding.

[0031] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the mold 1 comprises a male mold 101, a right end face 102, a female mold 103, a left end face 104, a mold core 105, fastening screws 106, and an electric heating element 107. The male mold 101 has two holes at its upper ends to facilitate the outflow of excess thermoplastic material during molding. The right end face 102 and the left end face 104 are connected to the female mold 103 via pins, forming a gap to facilitate the outflow of excess thermoplastic material during molding, together constituting an overflow channel. The male mold 101 and the female mold... The mold core 105 and the mold 101 work together to form the outer surface of the molding structure. The mold core 105 forms the inner surface and topology of the molding structure. The fastening screw 106 connects the male mold 101 and the female mold 103 together through the threaded hole on the female mold 103, providing continuous molding pressure during the molding process. The electric heating elements 107 are distributed on the upper end face and front and rear end faces of the male mold 101, and on the lower end face and front and rear end faces of the female mold 103, preheating the mold before molding and improving the fluidity of the thermoplastic material during the molding process.

[0032] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the mold core 105 is composed of a mold core fixing frame 10501 and a mold core surface 10502. It is fixed in the middle of the mold 1 by the support of the right end face 102 and the left end face 104. The mold core fixing frame 10501 has semi-circular structures at both ends to prevent the mold core 105 from rotating relative to the mold 1. The mold core fixing frame 10501 has cross-shaped slide rails on all four sides. The mold core surface 10502 is a modular replaceable component with multiple topological shapes. It has four sides, thus forming a molded part with different topological structures. It is connected to the mold core fixing frame 10501 through the cross-shaped slide rails for easy demolding. Together with the mold core 105, it forms the inner surface of a variety of different molded structures.

[0033] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention, based on the above design, has the following preparation process: Before the preparation of the complex topological structure component, male mold 101, female mold 103, and mold core surface 10502 of different specifications are selected according to the structural requirements of the topological structure component. The mold core surface 10502 is connected to the mold core fixing frame 10501 through a cross-shaped slide rail. The right end face 102 and the left end face 104 are connected to the female mold 103 through pins. A release agent is applied to the male mold 101, female mold 103, and mold core surface 10502, and the male mold 101 and female mold 103 are preheated by an electric heating element 107. During the preparation of the complex topological structure component, a certain amount of softened thermoplastic material is first filled into the female mold 103. Then, the mold core 105 is placed in the middle of the mold 1 and fixed by the support of the right end face 102 and the left end face 104. A certain amount of softened thermoplastic material is then filled again. After the thermoplastic material is heated, the male mold 101 is connected to the mold 105 by fastening screws 106 and placed on the base of the stamping device 2. The stepper motor rotates and drives the pressure head to move vertically downward to contact the mold 1 for compression molding. Excess thermoplastic material will flow out through the two holes at both ends of the upper part of the male mold 101 and the gap between the right end face 102, the left end face 104 and the female mold 103. The fastening screws 106 are continuously tightened to provide continuous molding pressure during the compression molding process. After the complex topological structure part is prepared, after the mold cools to room temperature, the fastening screws 106 are opened. First, the male mold 101, the female mold 103, the right end face 102 and the left end face 104 are removed. Then, the mold core fixing frame 10501 is separated from the mold core 105, and the four mold core faces 10502 are removed one by one to complete the demolding operation and realize the compression molding of the complex topological structure of the hollow structure.

[0034] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the implementation methods and protection scope of the present invention.

[0035] In addition to the above, the present invention also has the following embodiments:

[0036] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the present invention aims to provide a modular, freely assembleable rapid prototyping preparation device with a heating system, capable of automatically molding complex topological structures. This device aims to solve problems in existing thermoplastic material molding processes, such as difficulty in accurately molding complex hollow topological structures, poor mold adaptability, and long molding cycles. Through modular design, the male mold 101, female mold 103, and mold core surface 10502 can be quickly replaced to adapt to various structural requirements; the built-in electric heating system improves material flowability and ensures molding quality; the stamping device 2 provides stable pressure, achieving efficient automated production.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the mold 1 is used to realize the compression molding of complex topological structures of hollow structures. Specifically, different male molds 101, female molds 103, mold core fixing frames 10501 and mold core surfaces 10502 can be selected according to the structural requirements of the topological structure parts, so as to realize the compression molding of various specifications and sizes and different types of complex topological structures.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the mold 1 adopts a modular design, and the right end face 102 and the left end face 104 are detachably mounted on the left and right sides of the female mold 103 by means of pins. Specifically, it is constructed by... Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the right end of the base plate of the female mold 103 is connected to the right end face 102 by two pins, and the left end of the base plate of the female mold 103 is connected to the left end face 104 by two pins. There are gaps between the front and rear sides of the right end face 102 and the right end of the female mold 103, and there are gaps between the front and rear sides of the left end face 104 and the left end of the female mold 103. The gaps on the front and rear sides of the left end face 104 and the right end face 102 are used to allow excess thermoplastic material to flow out during the molding process.

[0039] In a further embodiment of the present invention, grooves are provided on the upper surfaces of the left end face 104 and the right end face 102. The two grooves are used to limit the two semi-circular structures of the mold core fixing frame 10501. The planes of the two semi-circular structures of the mold core fixing frame 10501 are respectively placed at the bottom of the two grooves. Threaded holes are provided at the bottom of the two grooves. Corresponding through holes are provided at both ends of the male mold 101 and on the two semi-circular structures. The male mold 101, female mold 103 and mold core 105 are detachably connected by two fastening screws 106. The left and right ends of the male mold 101 are provided with protrusions that match the groove openings of the two grooves. With this structure, the female mold 103, mold core 105 and male mold 101 can be quickly limited, and the fastening screws 106 can be easily assembled, so as to realize the rapid assembly of the mold 1 as a whole.

[0040] In further embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 The diagram illustrates one embodiment of the mold core 105. This description is used to explain the structure of the mold core holder 10501 and the assembly structure between the mold core holder 10501 and the mold core surface 10502, but does not limit the topological structure of the mold core surface 10502. The mold core holder 10501 is designed with cross-shaped slide rails on all four sides, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the mold core fixing frame 10501 is designed with cross-shaped slide rails on all four sides. The mold core surface 10502 is a modular replaceable component with various topological shapes, with a total of four sides, thereby forming a molded part with different topological structures. It is connected to the mold core fixing frame 10501 through the cross-shaped slide rails.

[0041] In a further embodiment of the present invention, all four mold core surfaces 10502 are slidably mounted on the mold core fixing frame 10501, which enables rapid assembly of the mold core surfaces 10502 and the mold core fixing frame 10501 and rapid replacement of the four mold core surfaces 10502; thereby, the structure of the topological surface can be changed while ensuring the size of the molded part. Based on this structure, after molding and cooling to room temperature, the mold core fixing frame 10501 can be directly pulled out from the left or right end, and then the four mold core surfaces 10502 can be removed in sequence. This demolding method can quickly remove the mold core 105 without damaging the molded part.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface of the male mold 101 may also be provided with an arc groove as required, for forming a molding cavity with the female mold 103.

[0043] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the male mold 101 and the female mold 103 may also be replaced with molding cavities of different depths and shapes as needed, thereby adjusting the wall thickness and outer wall shape of the molded part.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the present invention, by replacing the dimensions of the mold core holder 10501, the male mold 101 and the female mold 103, or by replacing the male mold 101 and the female mold 103 with different molding cavity depths and structures, it is possible to produce molded parts of different sizes and thicknesses. By replacing different mold core surfaces 10502, the shape of the topological surface of the molded part can be quickly changed.

[0045] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the implementation methods and protection scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should recognize that any equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made based on the description and illustrations of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular fabrication apparatus for rapid prototyping of complex topological structures in thermoplastic materials, characterized in that, include: A mold (1) and a stamping device (2), wherein the stamping device (2) is used to perform compression molding of thermoplastic material inside the mold (1); The mold (1) includes: a male mold (101), a female mold (103), a mold core (105), and an electric heating element (107). The upper surface of the female mold (103) is provided with a molding cavity for placing the mold core (105). The male mold (101) covers the upper surface of the female mold (103). Both the male mold (101) and the female mold (103) are equipped with multiple electric heating elements (107). The multiple electric heating elements (107) are used to preheat the mold (1) and improve the fluidity of the thermoplastic material. The mold core (105) includes: a mold core fixing frame (10501) and a mold core surface (10502). The four sides of the mold core fixing frame (10501) are provided with cross-shaped slide rails along the length direction. The four mold core surfaces (10502) are slidably mounted on the mold core fixing frame (10501) around the mold core fixing frame (10501). The left and right ends of the mold core fixing frame (10501) are provided with semi-circular structures. The two semi-circular structures cooperate with the grooves on the left and right end faces to achieve circumferential positioning and prevent rotation, thereby achieving positioning of the mold core (105) during the molding process.

2. The modular preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stamping device (2) includes: a base, a press head and a stepper motor. The mold (1) is placed on the base, the press head is installed on the base and located above the mold (1), and the stepper motor is used to drive the press head to move down to achieve the molding of thermoplastic material in the mold (1).

3. The modular preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mold (1) further includes a right end face (102) and a left end face (104). The left end face (104) and the right end face (102) are connected to the left and right ends of the female mold (103) respectively by pins. The right end face (102) and the left end face (104) are provided with gaps between themselves and the female mold (103) for excess thermoplastic material to flow out during the molding process. The upper surfaces of the left end face (104) and the right end face (102) are provided with grooves. The two grooves are used to limit the two semi-circular structures of the mold core fixing frame (10501). The planes of the two semi-circular structures of the mold core fixing frame (10501) are respectively placed at the bottom of the two grooves.

4. The modular preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mold core fixing frame (10501) is designed with cross-shaped slide rails on all four sides. Any mold core surface (10502) is located between two adjacent cross-shaped slide rails. The two planes of each mold core surface (10502) are slidably connected to the two cross-shaped slide rails respectively.

5. The modular preparation apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each mold core surface (10502) has two planes and one topological surface, and both planes have sliding grooves that match the cross-shaped slide rail.

6. The modular preparation apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The two planes of each mold core surface (10502) are perpendicular to each other.

7. The modular preparation apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mold (1) further includes: fastening screws (106), threaded holes are provided at the bottom of the two grooves, and through holes with corresponding positions are provided at both ends of the male mold (101) and on the two semi-circular structures. The male mold (101), female mold (103) and mold core (105) are detachably connected by two fastening screws (106).

8. The modular preparation apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both ends of the male mold (101) are provided with strip-shaped through holes, which are used for the outflow of excess thermoplastic material during the molding process.

9. The modular preparation apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, Electric heating elements (107) are installed on the upper end face and the front and rear end faces of the male mold (101), and electric heating elements (107) are installed on the lower end face and the front and rear end faces of the female mold (103).

10. A modular fabrication method for rapid prototyping of complex topological structures in thermoplastic materials, applicable to the modular fabrication apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, include: S1. Before the preparation of complex topological structural components, select the male mold (101), female mold (103) and mold core (105) according to the structural requirements of the topological structural components. Connect the mold core surface (10502) to the mold core fixing frame (10501), connect the right end face (102) and the left end face (104) to the female mold (103), apply the release agent to the male mold (101), female mold (103) and mold core surface (10502), and preheat the male mold (101) and female mold (103) by the electric heating plate (107). S2. In the process of preparing complex topological components, firstly, softened thermoplastic material is filled into the female mold (103), then the mold core (105) is placed inside the female mold (103), and the mold core (105) is limited by the support of the right end face (102) and the left end face (104). Softened thermoplastic material is filled again, and the male mold (101), mold core (105) and female mold (103) are connected by fastening screws (106). The mold (1) is placed on the base of the stamping device (2), and the stepper motor drives the pressure head to move vertically downward. The pressure head contacts the mold (1) for molding. Excess thermoplastic material flows out through the two strip-shaped through holes of the male mold (101) and the gap between the female mold (103) and the left and right ends. By continuously tightening the fastening screws (106), continuous molding pressure is provided during the molding process. S3. After the complex topological structure component is prepared, after the mold (1) has cooled to room temperature, open the fastening screw (106), first remove the male mold (101), female mold (103), right end face (102) and left end face (104), then pull the mold core fixing frame (10501) out of the mold core (105) and remove the four mold core faces (10502) one by one to complete the demolding operation and realize the molding of the complex topological structure of the hollow structure.

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