3D printing method, forming module and printing device

Abstract

The application provides a 3D printing method, a forming module and a printing device. The method comprises the following steps: providing a forming module, wherein the forming module comprises a containing cavity, a light-transmitting assembly and a platform assembly, the containing cavity is pre-stored with printing material, the light-transmitting assembly is used for allowing light to pass through and solidify the printing material, the platform assembly can move away from or close to the light-transmitting assembly, the platform assembly comprises a forming platform, a forming cavity is formed between the forming platform and the light-transmitting assembly, and the containing cavity comprises the forming cavity; separating: moving the forming platform away from the light-transmitting assembly and increasing the air pressure of the containing cavity; and solidifying: moving the forming platform to a next printing position and allowing the printing material to be photocured on the forming platform to form a printing layer. The application realizes the transfer of the printing material from the containing cavity to the forming cavity by increasing the air pressure change of the containing cavity, so that the printing material can be more smoothly transferred and the printing efficiency is improved.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202511073917.9, filed on July 31, 2025, entitled “Container Components, Printing Equipment and Printing System”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202511433214.2, filed on September 30, 2025, entitled "Container Components, Printing Equipment, Printing System, Printing Material Capsule and Printing Material Capsule Components", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and more particularly to a 3D printing method, a molding module, and a printing device. Background Technology

[0004] Most existing photopolymer 3D printing equipment uses a motor and lead screw to move the printing platform in the Z-axis direction to achieve layer-by-layer 3D printing. This method is quite difficult for printing high-viscosity resin materials. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this application is to provide a 3D printing method, molding module, and printing equipment, thereby alleviating the technical problem that existing printing systems face difficulties in printing high-viscosity resin materials.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a 3D printing method, comprising: providing a molding module: the molding module includes a receiving cavity, a light-transmitting component, and a platform component, the receiving cavity pre-stores printing material, the light-transmitting component allows light to pass through to solidify the printing material, the platform component can move away from or closer to the light-transmitting component, the platform component includes a molding platform, a molding cavity is formed between the molding platform and the light-transmitting component, and the receiving cavity includes the molding cavity;

[0007] Release: The molding platform moves away from the light-transmitting component, and the air pressure in the receiving cavity is increased;

[0008] Curing: The molding platform is moved to the next printing position, and the printing material is photocured on the molding platform to form a printing layer.

[0009] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a molding module, including: a receiving cavity, a light-transmitting component, and a platform component. The receiving cavity is pre-stored with printing material, the light-transmitting component allows light to pass through and solidify the printing material, the platform component can move away from or closer to the light-transmitting component, the platform component includes a molding platform, and a molding cavity is formed between the molding platform and the light-transmitting component. The receiving cavity includes the molding cavity.

[0010] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a printing device, including: the molding module provided in any of the foregoing aspects of embodiments of this application.

[0011] The 3D printing method, molding module, and printing equipment provided in this application first provide a molding module, which includes a receiving cavity, a light-transmitting component, and a platform component. The receiving cavity is pre-stored with printing material. The light-transmitting component allows light to pass through and solidify the printing material. The platform component can move away from or towards the light-transmitting component. The platform component includes a molding platform, and a molding cavity is formed between the molding platform and the light-transmitting component. The receiving cavity includes the molding cavity. By moving the molding platform away from the light-transmitting component, the printing layer is released, and the air pressure in the receiving cavity is increased simultaneously, so that the printing material in the receiving cavity is squeezed into the molding cavity. As the air pressure in the receiving cavity increases, the volume of the molding cavity becomes larger and larger. Light enters the molding cavity through the light-transmitting component. In the curing step, when the molding platform moves to the next printing position, the printing material in the molding cavity forms a printing layer on the molding platform through photocuring, realizing a layer-by-layer printing process. In this way, by increasing the air pressure change in the receiving cavity, the printing material is transferred from the receiving cavity to the molding cavity. This printing method is not limited by high-viscosity resin materials, and the printing material can be transferred more smoothly, reducing the probability of printing failure. It improves the bonding accuracy between printing layers and the forming efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are some embodiments of the invention, and that those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printing device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a molding module 100 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a molding module 100 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a molding module 100 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the molding module 100 according to an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a printing device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 7 A schematic flowchart of a 3D printing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printing device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Icons: 100- Molding module, 110- Outer cylinder, 111- Light-transmitting component, 120- Platform component, 121- Molding platform, 122- Top cover, 123- Inner cylinder, 124- Receiving cavity, 130- Cover plate, 140- Molding cavity, 300- Air injection mechanism, 301- Air pump, 302- Air injection connector, 400- Drive module, 401- Drive component, 402- Limiting part.

[0022] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0024] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of the invention is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0028] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Where there is no conflict between the embodiments, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other. Furthermore, the timing of the steps in the following method embodiments is merely an example and not a strict limitation.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 1 This application provides a 3D printing device according to an embodiment of the present application, comprising a molding module 100, wherein:

[0031] The molding module 100 includes a receiving cavity 124, a light-transmitting component 111, and a platform component 120. The receiving cavity 124 is pre-stored with printing material. The light-transmitting component 111 allows light to pass through and solidify the printing material. The platform component 120 can move away from or closer to the light-transmitting component 111. The platform component 120 includes a molding platform 121. A molding cavity 140 is formed between the molding platform 121 and the light-transmitting component 111. The receiving cavity 124 includes the molding cavity 140.

[0032] In one embodiment, the receiving cavity 124 can be a sealed cavity to facilitate changes in the air pressure within the receiving cavity 124.

[0033] In one embodiment, the dimensions of the molding module 100 are not less than 8mm (length) × 8mm (width) × 8mm (height) and not greater than 150mm (length) × 150mm (width) × 150mm (height), specifically, the length, width, and height are all not less than 8mm and not greater than 150mm. This ensures that the molding module 100 can print, including high-viscosity materials, solving the problem that large-sized, high-viscosity materials are difficult to spread quickly and evenly due to their poor flowability. In one embodiment, such as... Figure 2 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a molding module 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The molding module 100 includes an outer cylinder 110, the outer cylinder cavity of the outer cylinder 110 is a receiving cavity 124, the outer cylinder 110 includes a light-transmitting component 111 disposed on one side of the outer cylinder cavity, and the platform component 120 is slidably and sealingly connected to the outer cylinder 110.

[0034] In this embodiment, the outer cylinder cavity can be directly used as the receiving cavity 124, and a light-transmitting component 111 can be placed at one end of the outer cylinder 110 in the axial direction. The sliding sealing connection between the platform component 120 and the outer cylinder 110 maintains the airtightness of the receiving cavity 124 during the release step, thereby achieving precise air pressure control.

[0035] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a molding module 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The molding module 100 includes an outer cylinder 110, which includes a light-transmitting component 111 disposed on one side of the outer cylinder cavity. The platform component 120 is provided with a pressure-receiving surface, which is the cavity wall of the receiving cavity. The pressure-receiving surface intersects with the movement direction of the platform component 120, for example, perpendicularly.

[0036] In one embodiment, the platform assembly 120 includes an inner cylinder 123, which is disposed in the outer cylinder cavity and slidably and sealingly connected to the outer cylinder 110. A forming platform 121 is disposed on the inner cylinder 123 on the side facing the light-transmitting component 111. The inner cylinder cavity of the inner cylinder 123 communicates with the forming cavity 140, and the receiving cavity 124 includes the inner cylinder cavity. The pressure-bearing surface includes the cavity wall of the inner cylinder cavity opposite to the forming platform 121.

[0037] In this embodiment, the molding module 100 is provided with a double-cylinder nested structure. The inner cylinder cavity contains the printing material, and the inner cylinder 123 is slidably sealed to the outer cylinder 110. The communication design between the inner cylinder cavity and the molding cavity 140 allows the printing material to flow between the inner cylinder cavity and the molding cavity 140. The inner cylinder cavity serves as a material storage chamber to continuously supply material to the molding cavity 140. The rigid support of the inner cylinder 123, combined with the axial precision control of the sliding seal, further improves the motion stability of the platform component 120 and improves the printing accuracy.

[0038] Optionally, the outer cylinder 110 and the inner cylinder 123 are inserted into each other, with the shape and size of the inner cylinder 123 matching that of the outer cylinder 110 to achieve a sliding seal after insertion. The bottom of the inner cylinder 123 has a liquid outlet hole to allow communication between the outer cylinder cavity of the outer cylinder 110 and the inner cylinder cavity of the inner cylinder 123. To avoid structural interference, a vent can be provided at the top of the inner cylinder 123.

[0039] In order to ensure the sealing of the cavity 124, the inner wall of the outer cylinder 110 is sealed to the outer wall of the inner cylinder 123.

[0040] In this embodiment, the dimensions of the molding module 100 are 12mm long × 12mm wide × 35mm high.

[0041] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a molding module 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The molding module 100 further includes a first outer cylinder 110 and a second outer cylinder 110. The first outer cylinder 110 includes a light-transmitting component 111 disposed on one side of the first outer cylinder cavity of the first outer cylinder 110. The platform component 120 is disposed in the first outer cylinder cavity and is slidably and sealingly connected to the first outer cylinder 110. The second outer cylinder cavity of the second outer cylinder 110 communicates with the molding cavity 140, and the receiving cavity 124 includes the second outer cylinder cavity.

[0042] In this embodiment, the molding module 100 can be configured as a double outer cylinder 110 structure. The platform component 120 is slidably and sealed to the first outer cylinder 110 to ensure the high airtightness of the molding cavity 140 during the release step; the second outer cylinder cavity serves as a material storage bin and continuously supplies material to the molding cavity 140 through a connecting channel.

[0043] In one embodiment, both the outer cylinder 110 and the inner cylinder 123 are cylindrical. One side of the outer cylinder 110 is open and the other side is a light-transmitting component 111. One side of the inner cylinder 123 is provided with a vent and the other side is a forming platform 121. The inner wall of the outer cylinder 110 and the outer wall of the inner cylinder 123 are slidably sealed together. The forming platform 121 is positioned facing the light-transmitting component 111, and the side of the inner cylinder 123 where the forming platform 121 is located is provided with a communication port connecting the forming cavity 140 and the inner cylinder cavity.

[0044] In other possible implementations, the outer cylinder 110 can also be a cylinder of other shapes, such as a rectangular cylinder or other variable cylindrical structures.

[0045] like Figure 5The diagram shows a molding module 100 according to an embodiment of this application. Taking a cylindrical double-cylinder nested structure as an example, the molding module 100 includes an outer cylinder 110 and a platform assembly 120. Along the axial direction of the outer cylinder 110, a light-transmitting component 111 is disposed at one end of the outer cylinder 110. The platform assembly 120 includes a molding platform 121 disposed opposite to the light-transmitting component 111. The platform assembly 120 is at least partially slidably and sealingly connected to the other end of the outer cylinder 110. A molding cavity 140 is formed between the platform assembly 120 and the light-transmitting component 111. The molding module 100 has a sealed receiving cavity 124 for receiving printing material, and the receiving cavity 124 communicates with the molding cavity 140. The molding platform 121 is capable of moving toward or away from the light-transmitting component 111.

[0046] The inner cylinder 123 of the platform assembly 120 can be installed inside the outer cylinder 110. A perforated ring can be provided at the bottom of the platform assembly 120 to allow printing material from the cavity 124 to flow into the molding cavity 140. The printing material can be, for example, a UV-curable resin. Two sealing rings can be provided around the inner cylinder 123 of the platform assembly 120 for sealing. A top cover 122 and a sealing sleeve can be provided at the top of the platform assembly 120 for sealing air intake.

[0047] Optionally, the platform assembly 120 is also provided with a vent communicating with the receiving cavity 124. The air pressure in the receiving cavity 124 can be controlled through the vent. For example, injecting gas into the sealed receiving cavity 124 increases the air pressure. When the air pressure in the receiving cavity 124 is greater than the external air pressure, the platform assembly 120 moves upward (i.e., moves away from the light-transmitting component 111). Alternatively, depressurizing the sealed receiving cavity 124 causes the platform assembly 120 to move downward (i.e., moves closer to the light-transmitting component) when the air pressure in the receiving cavity 124 is less than the external air pressure. In this embodiment, the downward movement of the platform assembly 120 is driven by a limiting part. Of course, a limiting part 402 can also be connected, allowing the limiting part 402 to drive the platform assembly 120 upward. The limiting part 402 is driven by a driving component 401, such as a motor.

[0048] In one embodiment, the vent is located above the liquid surface of the printing material. Gas pressure acts on the liquid surface of the printing material, thereby squeezing the printing material. The vent is located at the top of the platform assembly 120, or it can be located above the limiting liquid level of the platform assembly 120. The limiting liquid level is not higher than the highest liquid level of the printing material that the platform assembly 120 can hold.

[0049] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6The figure shown is a cross-sectional view of a printing device provided in an embodiment of this application; the printing device further includes: a drive module 400: including a drive member 401 and a limiting part 402, the drive member 401 and the limiting part 402 are connected in a transmission manner, and the limiting part 402 is limited or fixedly connected to the platform assembly 120.

[0050] In this embodiment, the drive module 400 is connected to the limiting part 402 via the drive member 401, and the limiting part 402 is connected to the platform assembly 120 via the limiting engagement or fixed connection, so that the drive module 400 can drive the limiting part 402 to move via the drive member 401. The limiting part 402 can limit the displacement of the platform assembly 120, such as achieving precise control of the moving distance of the platform assembly 120 in the release step or curing step.

[0051] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the printing device also includes: an air injection mechanism 300: an air injection connector 302 is provided, which cooperates with the molding module 100 to communicate with the receiving cavity 124.

[0052] In this embodiment, the air injection mechanism 300 is directly connected to the receiving cavity 124 via the air injection connector 302, thereby inflating the receiving cavity 124 with air to change the air pressure inside the receiving cavity 124. For example, by inflating the receiving cavity 124 with air through the air injection connector 302, the air pressure inside the receiving cavity 124 is increased, allowing the printing material to flow more quickly from the receiving cavity 124 into the molding cavity 140. The air injection connector 302 can be sealed with the molding module 100 to achieve reliable inflation.

[0053] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the printing device also includes: an air injection mechanism 300: disposed on the limiting part 402, the air injection mechanism 300 is provided with an air injection connector 302, and the air injection connector 302 cooperates with the molding module 100 to connect to the receiving cavity 124 when the limiting part 402 and the platform component 120 are in a limiting cooperation state.

[0054] In this embodiment, the air injection mechanism 300 and the limiting part 402 can be integrated together. When the limiting part 402 is in a limiting engagement with the platform component 120, the air injection connector 302 of the air injection mechanism 300 is connected to the receiving cavity 124 of the molding module 100. This allows air to be injected into the receiving cavity 124 through the air injection connector 302 of the air injection mechanism 300 when the limiting part 402 is in a limiting engagement with the platform component 120, thereby increasing the air pressure in the receiving cavity 124 and allowing the printing material to flow from the receiving cavity 124 into the molding cavity 140 more quickly.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 7This is a 3D printing method provided in one embodiment of the present application, which can be applied to... Figure 1-6 The printing device shown in any embodiment of the invention includes the following steps:

[0056] Step 701: Provide molding module 100: Molding module 100 includes receiving cavity 124, light-transmitting component 111 and platform component 120. Receiving cavity 124 is pre-stored with printing material. Light is transmitted through light through light-transmitting component 111 to solidify the printing material. Platform component 120 can move away from or closer to light-transmitting component 111. Platform component 120 includes molding platform 121. Molding cavity 140 is formed between molding platform 121 and light-transmitting component 111. Receiving cavity 124 includes molding cavity 140.

[0057] Step 702: Demolding: Move the molding platform 121 away from the light-transmitting component 111 and increase the air pressure in the receiving cavity 124;

[0058] Step 703: Curing: Move the molding platform 121 to the next printing position and photocur the printing material on the molding platform 121 to form a printing layer.

[0059] The aforementioned 3D printing method first provides a molding module 100 comprising a receiving cavity 124 and a molding cavity 140. The receiving cavity 124 is pre-stored with printing material, and the platform assembly 120 can move away from or towards the light-transmitting assembly 111. By moving the molding platform 121 away from the light-transmitting assembly 111, the printed layer is released, and the air pressure in the receiving cavity 124 is simultaneously increased to allow the printing material in the receiving cavity 124 to enter the molding cavity 140 more quickly. As the molding platform 121 moves away from the light-transmitting assembly 111, the air pressure in the molding cavity 140... The light travels through the light-transmitting component 111 into the forming cavity 140. During the curing step, as the forming platform 121 moves to the next printing position, the printing material in the forming cavity 140 forms a printing layer on the forming platform 121 through photopolymerization, achieving layer-by-layer printing. Furthermore, by increasing the air pressure in the receiving cavity 124, the printing material is rapidly transferred from the receiving cavity 124 to the forming cavity 140. This printing method is not limited by high-viscosity resin materials, allowing for smoother material transfer and improved printing efficiency. This enhances the bonding accuracy between printing layers and the overall forming efficiency.

[0060] In one embodiment, the receiving cavity 124 can be a sealed cavity. This allows the air pressure inside the receiving cavity 124 to be increased by inflating it with air. Alternatively, if the receiving cavity 124 is not a sealed cavity, it can also be a cavity in which the inflation rate is greater than the leakage rate when inflating the receiving cavity 124, ensuring that the air pressure inside the receiving cavity 124 can be increased.

[0061] In one embodiment, increasing the air pressure in the receiving cavity 124 includes increasing the air pressure in the receiving cavity 124 to a first air pressure, the first air pressure being greater than the ambient air pressure.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first air pressure inside the receiving cavity 124 during release can be higher than the ambient air pressure, so as to create an air pressure difference between the receiving cavity 124 and the external environment, thereby improving the release efficiency.

[0063] In one embodiment, the air pressure in the receiving cavity 124 is increased to a first air pressure, which is greater than the ambient air pressure. The pressure difference between the inside and outside of the receiving cavity 124 drives the molding platform 121 to move away from the light-transmitting component 111.

[0064] In this embodiment, by increasing the air pressure in the receiving cavity 124 to a first air pressure greater than the ambient air pressure, a directional pressure difference is formed between the air pressure inside the receiving cavity 124 and the ambient air pressure. This pressure difference directly drives the molding platform 121 to move away from the light-transmitting component 111, replacing the traditional purely mechanical drive mode. Optionally, in the release step, the uniform thrust generated by the pressure difference, in conjunction with the limit control of the drive module 400, can achieve precise control of the displacement of the molding platform 121, ensuring smooth release.

[0065] In one embodiment, after the release is completed, the method further includes: reducing the air pressure in the receiving cavity 124 to a second air pressure, the second air pressure being less than the first air pressure and not less than the ambient air pressure.

[0066] In this embodiment, the receiving cavity 124 is precisely depressurized after release, so that the air pressure inside the receiving cavity 124 after depressurization is lower than the release air pressure, thus avoiding continuous high pressure in the receiving cavity 124. Secondly, the second air pressure inside the receiving cavity 124 after depressurization is not less than the ambient air pressure. The second air pressure can be equal to the ambient air pressure or other air pressure values ​​greater than the ambient air pressure. This prevents deformation of the light-transmitting component 111 when it is a flexible part, and also prevents the board from falling off, thereby improving printing reliability.

[0067] Optionally, the gas injection mechanism 300 can be used simultaneously to achieve stable pressure relief, or a pressure relief valve can be configured in the receiving cavity 124 to achieve pressure relief.

[0068] In one embodiment, the release step includes: moving the molding platform 121 away from the light-transmitting component 111 by a preset distance.

[0069] In this step, the light-transmitting component 111 includes a release film. Before release, the printed layer formed by the molding platform 121 may be in close contact with the release film on the light-transmitting component 111. Release refers to the process of separating the printed layer from the release film. By moving the molding platform 121 away from the light-transmitting component 111 by a preset distance, the printed layer on the molding platform 121 is driven away from the release film, completing the release. By configuring the preset distance, the displacement of the platform component 120 during the release step is precisely constrained, allowing the printed layer to smoothly leave the release film.

[0070] Optionally, the completion of the release can be determined by detecting whether the distance of the movement of the molding platform 121 away from the light-transmitting component 111 reaches a preset distance, or by detecting whether the printed layer and the release film are separated by other means.

[0071] In one embodiment, the driving method of the molding platform 121 includes one or more of the following: pneumatic drive, mechanical drive, and a combination of pneumatic and mechanical drive. Multiple driving methods can be flexibly selected according to actual needs.

[0072] In one embodiment, the method further includes: providing a drive module 400: including a drive member 401 and a limiting part 402, wherein the drive member 401 is connected to the limiting part 402 in a transmission manner, and the limiting part 402 is engaged with or fixedly connected to the platform component 120 in a limiting engagement.

[0073] In this embodiment, the drive module 400 is connected to the limiting part 402 via the drive member 401, and the limiting part 402 is connected to the platform assembly 120 via the limiting engagement or fixed connection, so that the drive module 400 can drive the limiting part 402 to move via the drive member 401. The limiting part 402 can limit the displacement of the platform assembly 120, such as achieving precise control of the moving distance of the platform assembly 120 in the release step or curing step.

[0074] In one embodiment, the method further includes: providing an air injection mechanism 300: having an air injection connector 302, the air injection connector 302 cooperating with the molding module 100 to communicate with the receiving cavity 124.

[0075] In this embodiment, the gas injection mechanism 300 is directly connected to the receiving cavity 124 via the gas injection connector 302, and then gas is injected into the receiving cavity 124 through the gas injection connector 302 to change the gas pressure inside the receiving cavity 124. For example, by injecting gas into the receiving cavity 124 through the gas injection connector 302, the gas pressure inside the receiving cavity 124 is increased, so that the pressure difference inside and outside the receiving cavity 124 forces the printing material from the receiving cavity 124 into the molding cavity 140. The gas injection connector 302 can be sealed with the molding module 100 to avoid pressure fluctuations caused by bypass gas injection.

[0076] In one embodiment, the method further includes: providing an air injection mechanism 300: disposed on the limiting part 402, the air injection mechanism 300 is provided with an air injection connector 302, and the air injection connector 302 cooperates with the molding module 100 to communicate with the receiving cavity 124 when the limiting part 402 and the platform component 120 are in a limiting and cooperating state.

[0077] In this embodiment, the air injection mechanism 300 and the limiting part 402 can be integrated together. When the limiting part 402 is in a limiting engagement with the platform component 120, the air injection connector 302 of the air injection mechanism 300 is connected to the receiving cavity 124 of the molding module 100. This allows air to be injected into the receiving cavity 124 through the air injection connector 302 of the air injection mechanism 300 when the limiting part 402 is in a limiting engagement with the platform component 120. This increases the air pressure inside the receiving cavity 124, and the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the receiving cavity 124 forces the printing material from the receiving cavity 124 into the molding cavity 140.

[0078] Taking resin liquid as the printing material as an example, the resin liquid can be formed and cured on the forming platform 121 during the printing process. The light-transmitting component 111 can be installed at the bottom of the outer cylinder 110 and can be fixed with a thin film cover plate 130. The air inlet of the already installed forming module 100 will match the air injection connector 302 of the inflation structure 300, and the cavity 124 is filled with the light-curing resin required for printing.

[0079] By controlling the gas injection mechanism 300 of the printing device to inject gas into the receiving cavity 124 of the forming module 100, since the receiving cavity 124 is connected to the forming cavity 140, the high pressure formed by the gas injection mechanism 300 forces the printing material to flow from the receiving cavity 124 to the forming cavity 140 more quickly. That is, the printing material flows from the receiving cavity 124 to the forming cavity 140 more quickly under the pressure of the injected gas.

[0080] Optionally, the inflation process of the inflation mechanism 300 can be controlled according to preset inflation pressure parameters to precisely adjust the gas pressure, thereby increasing the flow rate of the printing material from the receiving cavity 124 into the forming cavity 140. The pressure difference between the inside and outside of the receiving cavity 124 creates a driving force on the platform assembly 120 away from the light-transmitting component 111, lifting the platform assembly 120 and causing it to move away from the light-transmitting component 111. This increases the flow rate of the printing material from the receiving cavity 124 into the forming cavity 140 and controls the movement of the platform assembly 120 away from the light-transmitting component 111. In other words, the movement of the forming platform 121 away from the light-transmitting component 111 can be achieved by increasing the air pressure in the receiving cavity 124. Increasing the air pressure in the receiving cavity 124 is sufficient to achieve release, provided that the air pressure driving force on the platform assembly 120 is not less than the minimum force required to move the platform assembly 120 away from the light-transmitting component 111, i.e., the aforementioned pneumatic drive. In this embodiment, the position of the platform assembly 120 is controlled by the limiting part 402. For example, if the limiting part 402 moves away from the light-transmitting component and stops at the target position / target distance, the platform assembly 120 moves away from the light-transmitting component 111 and stops at the location of the limiting part 402. The platform assembly 120 can then move to the target position / achieve the target distance. Furthermore, the limiting part 402 and the platform assembly 120 can maintain a limiting engagement state and move synchronously.

[0081] Optionally, the lower pressure limit can be 0, and the upper pressure limit can be 50 kPa. The gradual pressure increase curve formed by gradually increasing the pressure value during inflation can be linear or non-linear, depending on the actual needs.

[0082] The release process includes controlling the movement of the forming platform 121 away from the light-transmitting component 111 to separate the printed layer from the light-transmitting component 111; it also includes inflating the receiving cavity 124 during release, using the pressure difference inside and outside the receiving cavity 124 to create opposing forces on the printed layer and the light-transmitting component 111, accelerating the separation of the printed layer and the light-transmitting component 111; the greater pressure inside the receiving cavity 124 during release causes the printing material to flow more quickly between the printed layer and the light-transmitting component 111, which can further accelerate the release and the return replenishment of the printing material, thereby improving printing efficiency. The movement of the molding platform 121 away from the light-transmitting component 111 can be controlled by either pneumatic or mechanical drive. Specifically, the platform component 120 is fixedly connected to the limiting part 402. The movement of the limiting part 402 away from the molding module 100 drives the platform component 120 to move away from the light-transmitting component 111, and the movement of the limiting part 402 toward the molding module 100 drives the platform component 120 toward the light-transmitting component 111. Alternatively, a combination of pneumatic and mechanical methods can be used, provided that the sum of the pneumatic driving force on the platform component 120 and the mechanical driving force on the molding module 100 by the limiting part 402 is not less than the minimum force required to move the platform component 120 away from the light-transmitting component 111.

[0083] For details of each step of the above method, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0084] Please refer to Figure 8 This is a 3D printing apparatus 800 according to an embodiment of this application, which can be applied to... Figure 1-6 The printing device shown in any embodiment includes: a forming module 801, a release module 802, and a curing module 803. The functional principles of each module are as follows:

[0085] The molding module 801 is used to provide a molding module: the molding module includes a receiving cavity, a light-transmitting component and a platform component. The receiving cavity is pre-stored with printing material. The light-transmitting component allows light to pass through and solidify the printing material. The platform component can move away from or closer to the light-transmitting component. The platform component includes a molding platform. A molding cavity is formed between the molding platform and the light-transmitting component. The receiving cavity includes the molding cavity.

[0086] Release module 802, used for release: to move the molding platform away from the light-transmitting component and increase the air pressure in the receiving cavity;

[0087] The curing module 803 is used for curing: it moves the molding platform to the next printing position and photocures the printing material on the molding platform to form a printing layer.

[0088] In one embodiment, the receiving cavity is a sealed cavity.

[0089] In one embodiment, the molding module includes an outer cylinder, the outer cylinder cavity of which is a receiving cavity, the outer cylinder includes a light-transmitting component disposed on one side of the outer cylinder cavity, and the platform component is slidably and sealingly connected to the outer cylinder.

[0090] In one embodiment, the molding module includes an outer cylinder, the outer cylinder includes a light-transmitting component disposed on one side of the outer cylinder cavity, the platform assembly includes an inner cylinder, the inner cylinder is disposed in the outer cylinder cavity and is slidably and sealingly connected to the outer cylinder, the molding platform is disposed on the inner cylinder on the side facing the light-transmitting component, the inner cylinder cavity of the inner cylinder is connected to the molding cavity, and the receiving cavity includes the inner cylinder cavity.

[0091] In one embodiment, the molding module further includes a first outer cylinder and a second outer cylinder. The first outer cylinder includes a light-transmitting component disposed on one side of the first outer cylinder cavity. The platform component is disposed in the first outer cylinder cavity and is slidably and sealedly connected to the first outer cylinder. The second outer cylinder cavity of the second outer cylinder is connected to the molding cavity, and the receiving cavity includes the second outer cylinder cavity.

[0092] In one embodiment, the release module 802 is specifically used to increase the air pressure in the receiving cavity to a first air pressure, which is greater than the ambient air pressure.

[0093] In one embodiment, the release module 802 is specifically used to increase the air pressure in the receiving cavity to a first air pressure, which is greater than the ambient air pressure. The pressure difference between the inside and outside of the receiving cavity drives the molding platform to move away from the light-transmitting component.

[0094] In one embodiment, the device further includes a pressure relief module for reducing the air pressure in the receiving cavity to a second air pressure after the release is completed. The second air pressure is less than the first air pressure and is not less than the ambient air pressure.

[0095] In one embodiment, the release module 802 is used to move the molding platform away from the light-transmitting component by a preset distance.

[0096] In one embodiment, the driving method of the molding platform includes one or more of the following: pneumatic drive, mechanical drive, and a combination of pneumatic and mechanical drive.

[0097] In one embodiment, both the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder are cylindrical. One side of the outer cylinder is open and the other side is a light-transmitting component. One side of the inner cylinder is provided with a vent and the other side is a forming platform. The inner wall of the outer cylinder and the outer wall of the inner cylinder are slidably sealed together. The forming platform is positioned facing the light-transmitting component, and a communication port connecting the forming cavity and the inner cylinder cavity is provided on the side where the forming platform is located.

[0098] In one embodiment, the device further includes a drive module for providing a drive module: the drive module includes a drive member and a limiting part, the drive member and the limiting part are connected in a driving connection, and the limiting part is engaged with or fixedly connected to the platform component.

[0099] In one embodiment, the device further includes a first gas injection module for providing a gas injection mechanism: the gas injection mechanism is provided with a gas injection connector, which cooperates with the molding module to communicate with the receiving cavity.

[0100] In one embodiment, the device further includes a second gas injection module for providing a gas injection mechanism: the gas injection mechanism is disposed on the limiting part, the gas injection mechanism is provided with a gas injection connector, and the gas injection connector is engaged with the molding module to communicate with the receiving cavity when the limiting part and the platform component are in a limiting engagement state.

[0101] For a detailed description of the 3D printing device 800 described above, please refer to the description of the relevant method steps in the above embodiments. The implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be repeated here in this embodiment.

[0102] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple modules may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0103] The integrated modules described above, implemented as software functional modules, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. These software functional modules, stored in a storage medium, include several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute some steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application.

[0104] It should be understood that the aforementioned processor can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The memory may include high-speed RAM (Random Access Memory), and may also include non-volatile memory (NVM), such as at least one disk storage device, and may also be a USB flash drive, external hard drive, read-only memory, disk, or optical disc, etc.

[0105] An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium can be an integral part of the processor. Both the processor and the storage medium can reside in an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can exist as discrete components in an electronic device or host device.

[0106] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, garment, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, garment, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, garment, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0107] The sequence numbers of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0108] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes several instructions to cause a terminal device (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, air conditioner, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods of the various embodiments of this application.

[0109] The collection, storage, use, processing, transmission, provision, and disclosure of user data and other information involved in the technical solution of this application all comply with the provisions of relevant laws and regulations and do not violate public order and good morals.

[0110] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A 3D printing method, characterized in that, include: A molding module is provided: the molding module includes a receiving cavity, a light-transmitting component and a platform component. The receiving cavity is pre-stored with printing material. The light-transmitting component allows light to pass through and solidify the printing material. The platform component can move away from or towards the light-transmitting component. The platform component includes a molding platform. A molding cavity is formed between the molding platform and the light-transmitting component. The receiving cavity includes the molding cavity. Release: The molding platform moves away from the light-transmitting component, and the air pressure in the receiving cavity is increased; Curing: The molding platform is moved to the next printing position, and the printing material is photocured on the molding platform to form a printing layer.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving cavity is a sealed cavity.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The molding module includes an outer cylinder, the outer cylinder cavity of which is a receiving cavity, the outer cylinder including the light-transmitting component disposed on one side of the outer cylinder cavity, and the platform component being slidably and sealingly connected to the outer cylinder.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The molding module includes an outer cylinder, the outer cylinder includes a light-transmitting component disposed on one side of the outer cylinder cavity, the platform assembly includes an inner cylinder, the inner cylinder is disposed in the outer cylinder cavity and is slidably and sealingly connected to the outer cylinder, the molding platform is disposed on the inner cylinder on the side facing the light-transmitting component, the inner cylinder cavity of the inner cylinder is in communication with the molding cavity, and the receiving cavity includes the inner cylinder cavity.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The molding module further includes a first outer cylinder and a second outer cylinder. The first outer cylinder includes a light-transmitting component disposed on one side of the first outer cylinder cavity. The platform component is disposed in the first outer cylinder cavity and is slidably and sealingly connected to the first outer cylinder. The second outer cylinder cavity of the second outer cylinder is connected to the molding cavity. The receiving cavity includes the second outer cylinder cavity.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Increasing the air pressure in the accommodating cavity includes: Increase the air pressure in the receiving cavity to a first air pressure, which is greater than the ambient air pressure.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The air pressure in the receiving cavity is increased to a first air pressure, which is greater than the ambient air pressure. The pressure difference between the inside and outside of the receiving cavity drives the molding platform to move away from the light-transmitting component.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, After the release molding is completed, the following is also included: The air pressure inside the containment cavity is reduced to a second air pressure, which is less than the first air pressure and not less than the ambient air pressure.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The release agent includes: The molding platform moves a preset distance away from the light-transmitting component.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving method of the molding platform includes one or more of the following: pneumatic drive, mechanical drive, and a combination of pneumatic and mechanical drive.

11. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder are cylindrical. One side of the outer cylinder is open and the other side is a light-transmitting component. One side of the inner cylinder is provided with a vent and the other side is a forming platform. The inner wall of the outer cylinder and the outer wall of the inner cylinder are slidably sealed together. The forming platform is positioned facing the light-transmitting component, and a communication port connecting the forming cavity and the inner cylinder cavity is provided on the side where the forming platform is located on the inner cylinder.

12. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, A drive module is provided: the drive module includes a drive component and a limiting part, the drive component is connected to the limiting part in a transmission manner, and the limiting part is engaged with or fixedly connected to the platform component in a limiting manner.

13. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, A gas injection mechanism is provided: the gas injection mechanism is provided with a gas injection connector, and the gas injection connector is connected to the molding module to communicate with the receiving cavity.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, A gas injection mechanism is provided: the gas injection mechanism is disposed on the limiting part, the gas injection mechanism is provided with a gas injection connector, and the gas injection connector is engaged with the molding module to connect and receive the cavity when the limiting part and the platform component are in a limiting engagement state.

15. A molding module, characterized in that, include: The device includes a receiving cavity, a light-transmitting component, and a platform assembly. The receiving cavity is pre-stored with printing material. The light-transmitting component allows light to pass through and solidify the printing material. The platform assembly can move away from or towards the light-transmitting component. The platform assembly includes a forming platform. A forming cavity is formed between the forming platform and the light-transmitting component. The receiving cavity includes the forming cavity.

16. The module according to claim 15, characterized in that, The receiving cavity is a sealed cavity.

17. The module according to claim 16, characterized in that, The molding module includes an outer cylinder, the outer cylinder cavity of which is a receiving cavity, the outer cylinder including the light-transmitting component disposed on one side of the outer cylinder cavity, and the platform component being slidably and sealingly connected to the outer cylinder.

18. The module according to claim 16, characterized in that, The molding module includes an outer cylinder, the outer cylinder includes a light-transmitting component disposed on one side of the outer cylinder cavity, the platform assembly includes an inner cylinder, the inner cylinder is disposed in the outer cylinder cavity and is slidably and sealingly connected to the outer cylinder, the molding platform is disposed on the inner cylinder on the side facing the light-transmitting component, the inner cylinder cavity of the inner cylinder is in communication with the molding cavity, and the receiving cavity includes the inner cylinder cavity.

19. The module according to claim 16, characterized in that, The molding module further includes a first outer cylinder and a second outer cylinder. The first outer cylinder includes a light-transmitting component disposed on one side of the first outer cylinder cavity. The platform component is disposed in the first outer cylinder cavity and is slidably and sealingly connected to the first outer cylinder. The second outer cylinder cavity of the second outer cylinder is connected to the molding cavity. The receiving cavity includes the second outer cylinder cavity.

20. The module according to claim 15, characterized in that, The driving method of the molding platform includes one or more of the following: pneumatic drive, mechanical drive, and a combination of pneumatic and mechanical drive.

21. The module according to claim 18, characterized in that, Both the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder are cylindrical. One side of the outer cylinder is open and the other side is a light-transmitting component. One side of the inner cylinder is provided with a vent and the other side is a forming platform. The inner wall of the outer cylinder and the outer wall of the inner cylinder are slidably sealed together. The forming platform is positioned facing the light-transmitting component, and a communication port connecting the forming cavity and the inner cylinder cavity is provided on the side where the forming platform is located on the inner cylinder.

22. The module according to claim 15, characterized in that, The dimensions of the molding module are not less than 8mm in length × 8mm in width × 8mm in height and not greater than 150mm in length × 150mm in width × 150mm in height.

23. A 3D printing device, characterized in that, include: The molding module according to any one of claims 15-22.

24. The device according to claim 23, characterized in that, Also includes: Drive module: The drive module includes a drive component and a limiting part. The drive component is connected to the limiting part in a transmission manner, and the limiting part is engaged with or fixedly connected to the platform component in a limiting manner.

25. The device according to claim 23, characterized in that, Also includes: Gas injection mechanism: The gas injection mechanism is provided with a gas injection connector, which is connected to the molding module and the receiving cavity.

26. The device according to claim 24, characterized in that, Also includes: Gas injection mechanism: The gas injection mechanism is located at the limiting part and is equipped with a gas injection connector. When the limiting part and the platform component are in a limiting engagement state, the gas injection connector is engaged with the molding module to communicate with the receiving cavity.

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