An additive manufacturing apparatus and an additive manufacturing method

Abstract

This invention discloses an additive manufacturing apparatus and method, belonging to the field of additive manufacturing technology and heating / drying. The invention includes a processing platform; a substrate is fixed to the upper surface of the processing platform by a clamping fixture, and a forming part is formed on the upper surface of the substrate by a welding gun assembly; a lifting mechanism is provided on the processing platform, and a ring assembly is connected to one side of the lifting mechanism. Multiple negative pressure pipes are installed on the ring assembly, and the negative pressure pipes are connected to the air inlet of a negative pressure device. This invention, by setting up a ring assembly around the forming part, which can be driven by the lifting mechanism and raised synchronously with the printing height, and arranging multiple negative pressure pipes on it; the inlet end of the negative pressure pipe is directly close to the source of smoke and splashes, effectively sucking away pollutants before they diffuse; and through the control of the lifting mechanism, the system can rise synchronously with the increase of the printing layer, always maintaining the optimal collection distance, ensuring a continuous and efficient dust removal effect throughout the printing process.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Arc printing additive manufacturing refers to a 3D printing method that uses metal wire as raw material and an electric arc as a heat source to perform surfacing. In arc printing additive manufacturing, the workpiece is printed onto a pre-fabricated metal substrate, and the surfacing height continuously increases during the surfacing process.

[0003] In existing additive manufacturing technologies, especially welding-based metal 3D printing, there is a common problem: the smoke and splatter generated during the printing process can affect the quality of the finished product and the working environment.

[0004] In existing technologies, the common method of dust protection is to install a high-power centralized dust removal system in the entire processing workshop or work chamber. Although this method can reduce the overall dust concentration in the workshop, the dust removal target is not precise, it is far away from the printing point, and the dust removal efficiency of the printing area is low and not timely, making it difficult to effectively prevent dust from contaminating the molded parts. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an additive manufacturing apparatus and method that can solve the problems of low efficiency and untimely removal of smoke and dust generated in the printing area by existing dust removal systems.

[0006] An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a processing platform and a welding torch assembly disposed above the processing platform; the welding torch assembly includes a welding torch and a moving mechanism that allows the welding torch to move in the horizontal and vertical directions; a substrate is fixed on the upper surface of the processing platform by a clamping fixture, and a forming part is formed on the upper surface of the substrate by the action of the welding torch assembly; a lifting mechanism is provided on the processing platform, and a ring assembly is connected to one side of the lifting mechanism; a plurality of negative pressure pipes with inlet ends near the end of the forming part are installed on the ring assembly, the negative pressure pipes are connected to a gas collecting ring, and the gas collecting ring is connected to the air inlet end of a negative pressure device.

[0007] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism includes a lead screw with one end penetrating the processing platform, and at least one column fixed to the upper surface of the processing platform. The top of the column is connected to a top plate, and the top of the lead screw is rotatably mounted on the top plate. It also includes a movable platform with a lead screw nut inside, the ring assembly is connected to the movable platform, the lead screw and the lead screw cooperate, and the column penetrates the movable platform. A reduction motor connected to the lead screw and driving the lead screw to rotate is installed below the processing platform.

[0008] Furthermore, the ring assembly includes a ring with an opening, a pair of connecting rods are provided at the opening of the ring, a socket for inserting the connecting rods is provided on one side of the movable platform, and a locking bolt A is threadedly connected to the movable platform to fix the connecting rods inserted into the socket.

[0009] Furthermore, the ring assembly also includes several mounting seats that can be detachably mounted on the ring. Each mounting seat includes an upper groove plate and a lower groove plate with mounting ears on both sides. The upper groove plate and the lower groove plate are connected by bolt assemblies that pass through the mounting ears. A fixing block is provided on the upper groove plate / lower groove plate. The fixing block has a through hole for the negative pressure pipe to pass through. A locking bolt B is threaded onto the fixing block to fix the negative pressure pipe inserted into the through hole.

[0010] Furthermore, a flow channel is provided inside the gas collecting ring, and a first connector and a second connector connected to the flow channel are provided on the upper surface of the gas collecting ring. There are multiple first connectors, and the first connector is connected to the negative pressure pipe through a first flexible hose. The second connector is connected to the air inlet end of the negative pressure device through a second flexible hose. A connecting post is connected to the bottom side of the ring body, and the bottom end of the connecting post is fixed to the upper surface of the gas collecting ring.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a tubular drying component, which is vertically arranged and has a metal welding wire running through it; a heating channel is formed inside the drying component, and the top and bottom of the heating channel are respectively connected to an exhaust port and an air inlet; the air inlet is connected to the outlet of the negative pressure device, and the exhaust port is connected to the exhaust gas treatment device.

[0012] Furthermore, the drying assembly includes, from the outside inwards, a plastic outer shell, an insulation layer, a first inner liner, and a second inner liner. The inner wall surface of the first inner liner and the outer wall surface of the second inner liner are respectively provided with a spiral-shaped first flow channel and a second flow channel, which cooperate to form the heating flow channel. The plastic outer shell, the insulation layer, the first inner liner, and the second inner liner are all tubular structures, and end caps A and B are respectively installed at the top and bottom.

[0013] Furthermore, the exhaust gas treatment device is connected to the drying device and the exhaust pipe through a three-way valve. An annular flow channel connected to the drying device is provided inside the end cover B, and an air jet hole connected to the annular flow channel is provided on the inner wall of the end cover B; the air jet hole is inclined upward.

[0014] Furthermore, an image detection module for monitoring the height of the forming section is also provided. The image detection module is connected to a processor, and the processor is connected to a lifting mechanism and a moving mechanism.

[0015] An additive manufacturing method using an additive manufacturing apparatus includes: Step 1: Take a picture of the molding part using the image detection module and upload the picture to the processor. The processor analyzes the picture to obtain the height of the molding part. Step 2: The processor controls the lifting and moving mechanisms to move upwards, which in turn drives the negative pressure pipe and welding torch to move upwards synchronously.

[0016] This invention features a ring-shaped assembly around the forming section, which can be driven by a lifting mechanism and raised synchronously with the printing height. Multiple negative pressure pipes are arranged on the ring-shaped assembly. The inlet end of the negative pressure pipe is close to the source of smoke and splashes, which can effectively remove pollutants before they spread. Controlled by the lifting mechanism, the system can rise synchronously with the increase of the printing layer, always maintaining the optimal collection distance and ensuring a continuous and efficient dust removal effect throughout the printing process. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an additive manufacturing apparatus provided by the present invention; Figure 2 Provided by the present invention Figure 1 Enlarged view of a portion of point A in the middle; Figure 3 Provided by the present invention Figure 1 The main view; Figure 4 The waste gas treatment flow chart provided by the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the drying component structure provided by the present invention; Figure 6 Provided by the present invention Figure 5 A sectional view.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1-Processing platform, 2-Gas collecting ring, 4-Negative pressure device, 5-Drying component, 10-Forming part, 11-Substrate, 12-Column, 13-Moving table, 14-Top plate, 15-Screw rod, 16-Gear motor, 3-Ring body, 30-Connecting rod, 31-First connector, 32-Second connector, 33-Connecting column, 34-Upper groove plate, 35-Lower groove plate, 36-Bolt assembly, 37-Fixing block, 38-Negative pressure pipe, 39-First 50 - Heating channel, 51 - Plastic outer shell, 52 - Insulation layer, 53 - First inner liner, 54 - Second inner liner, 55 - End cap A, 56 - End cap B, 100 - Metal welding wire, 131 - Locking bolt A, 371 - Locking bolt B, 501 - Exhaust port, 502 - Air inlet, 531 - First channel, 541 - Second channel, 561 - Annular channel, 562 - Jet nozzle, 61 - Three-way valve, 7 - Drying device. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, but it should be understood that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments.

[0020] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an additive manufacturing apparatus provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a processing platform 1 and a welding torch assembly disposed above the processing platform 1. The welding torch assembly includes a welding torch and a moving mechanism that allows the welding torch to move in the horizontal and vertical directions. A substrate 11 is fixed on the upper surface of the processing platform 1 by a clamping fixture, and a forming part 10 is formed on the upper surface of the substrate 11 by the action of the welding torch assembly. A lifting mechanism is provided on the processing platform 1, and a ring assembly is connected to one side of the lifting mechanism. Multiple negative pressure pipes 38 with inlet ends close to the end of the forming part 10 are installed on the ring assembly. The negative pressure pipes 38 are connected to a gas collecting ring 2, which is connected to the air inlet end of a negative pressure device 4. During use, as the height of the forming part 10 gradually increases, the height of the negative pressure pipes 38 is controlled to increase synchronously by the lifting mechanism, ensuring that the inlet end of the negative pressure pipes 38 is close to the top of the forming part 10. This allows the printing dust generated during printing to be promptly drawn away from the port of the negative pressure pipes 38, effectively removing the dust before it diffuses and improving the collection efficiency.

[0021] The lifting mechanism includes a lead screw 15 extending through the processing platform 1 at one end, and at least one column 12 fixed to the upper surface of the processing platform 1. A top plate 14 is connected to the top of the column 12, and the top of the lead screw 15 is rotatably mounted on the top plate 14. It also includes a movable platform 13 with a lead screw nut inside, the ring assembly connected to the movable platform 13, the lead screw nut and lead screw 15 engaging, and the column 12 extending through the movable platform 13. A reduction motor 16, connected to and driving the lead screw 15, is installed below the processing platform 1. The motor drives the lead screw to rotate, which is converted into precise linear motion of the movable platform along the column. After printing one layer, the movable platform raises the entire ring assembly by one layer height.

[0022] Specifically, the ring assembly includes a ring 3 with an opening and several mounting seats detachably mounted on the ring 3. A pair of connecting rods 30 are provided at the opening of the ring 3. One side of the movable platform 13 is provided with an insertion hole for inserting the connecting rods 30. The upper thread of the movable platform 13 is connected with a locking bolt A131 to fix the connecting rods 30 inserted into the insertion hole. The mounting seat includes an upper groove plate 34 and a lower groove plate 35 with mounting ears on both sides. The upper groove plate 34 and the lower groove plate 35 are connected by a bolt assembly 36 that passes through the mounting ears. A fixing block 37 is provided on the upper groove plate 34 / lower groove plate 35. The fixing block 37 has a through hole for the negative pressure pipe 38 to pass through. The fixing block 37 is threaded with a locking bolt B371 to fix the negative pressure pipe 38 inserted into the through hole. A flow channel is provided inside the gas collecting ring 2. The upper surface of the gas collecting ring 2 is provided with a first connector 31 and a second connector 32 that communicate with the flow channel. There are multiple first connectors 31, and the first connector 32 is... A connector 31 connects to the negative pressure pipe 38 via a first flexible hose 39, and a second connector 32 connects to the air inlet of the negative pressure device 4 via a second flexible hose. A connecting post 33 is connected to the bottom side of the ring 3, and the bottom end of the connecting post 33 is fixed to the upper surface of the gas collecting ring 2. The detachable installation of the mounting base relative to the ring 3 and the mating installation of the negative pressure pipe 38 relative to the fixing block 37 allow for adjustment of the number of mounting bases and the fixed position of the negative pressure pipe 38 relative to the through hole according to the diameter of the forming part 10 during use. This facilitates adjustment of the distance between the port of the negative pressure pipe 38 and the current welding point. As a gas confluence component, the gas collecting ring 3 collects the smoke and dust from multiple negative pressure pipes 38 and connects it to the negative pressure device 4 through a single outlet, simplifying the pipeline layout and avoiding the clutter of multiple pipes directly connected to the negative pressure device.

[0023] It is known that in actual production, insufficient drying of the welding wire during printing may introduce moisture, affecting welding quality; for example... Figure 4-6Based on this, the present invention also provides a tubular drying assembly 5. The drying assembly 5 is vertically arranged and includes, from the outside to the inside, a plastic outer shell 51, a heat insulation layer 52, a first inner liner 53, and a second inner liner 54. The inner wall surface of the first inner liner 53 and the outer wall surface of the second inner liner 54 are respectively provided with a spiral first flow channel 531 and a second flow channel 541, which cooperate to form a heating flow channel 50. The plastic outer shell 51, the heat insulation layer 52, the first inner liner 53, and the second inner liner 54 are all tubular structures, and end caps A55 and B56 are respectively installed at the top and bottom. The interior of the second inner liner 54 is permeated with a wire coil. The metal welding wire 100 passes through the second inner liner 54 from top to bottom and is then dried. The top and bottom of the outer wall of the plastic shell 51 are respectively connected by heating channels 50, which are equipped with exhaust port 501 and air inlet 502. The air inlet 502 is connected to the outlet of the negative pressure device 4, and the exhaust port 501 is connected to the exhaust gas treatment device. The exhaust gas treatment device is connected to the drying device 7 and the exhaust pipe through a three-way valve 61. The end cap B56 is provided with an annular channel 561 connected to the drying device 7, and the inner wall of the end cap B56 is provided with a jet hole 562 connected to the annular channel 561. The jet hole 562 is inclined upward. The first inner liner 53 and the second inner liner 54 are both made of copper.

[0024] During use, the negative pressure device 4 collects the high-temperature fumes generated at the welding position through the negative pressure pipe 38 of the gas collecting ring 3 and sends the fumes into the heating channel 50. The heating channel 50 transfers the heat of the high-temperature fumes to the hull through the second inner liner 54, thereby creating a high-temperature environment inside the second inner liner 54. When the metal welding wire 100 passes through the second inner liner 54 from top to bottom, the high-temperature environment heats and dries the passing metal welding wire 100. At the same time, after the fumes pass through the heating channel 50, they enter the exhaust gas treatment device for treatment. The clean gas is first treated by the drying device 7 and then sent into the second inner liner 54 from the end cover B56. An upward airflow is formed inside the second inner liner 54, thereby completing the replacement of the gas inside the second inner liner 54, keeping the humidity of the gas inside the second inner liner 54 low, and improving the drying effect of the metal welding wire 100.

[0025] An image detection module is installed to monitor the height of the molding section 10. The image detection module is connected to a processor, which is connected to a lifting mechanism and a moving mechanism. The moving mechanism adopts a three-axis module or a robotic arm. The negative pressure device uses a vacuum pump. The exhaust gas treatment device includes a chamber with inlet and outlet ports at both ends. Three porous baffles are installed inside the chamber. The three porous baffles are filled with an activated carbon particle filling layer, a PP cotton layer, and a ceramic ball filling layer, respectively. The exhaust gas is filtered and adsorbed sequentially through the ceramic ball filling layer, the PP cotton layer, and the activated carbon particle filling layer.

[0026] Based on the image detection module setup, additive manufacturing methods are also provided, including: Step 1: Take an image of the molding part 10 using the image detection module and upload the image to the processor. The processor analyzes the image to obtain the height of the molding part 10. Step 2: The processor controls the lifting and moving mechanisms to move upwards, which in turn drives the negative pressure pipe 38 and the welding torch to move upwards synchronously.

[0027] The image detection module continuously captures images of the forming section, and the processor analyzes the images to calculate the height of the current printing layer. If the height is lower than expected, the welding torch is controlled to travel more circles on this layer; at the same time, the lifting mechanism is controlled to raise the layer according to the set height, thus achieving automated printing.

[0028] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely a few specific examples of the present invention. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and any variations that can be conceived by those skilled in the art should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An additive manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that, It includes a processing platform (1) and a welding torch assembly disposed above the processing platform (1); the welding torch assembly includes a welding torch and a moving mechanism that allows the welding torch to move in the horizontal and vertical directions; The upper surface of the processing platform (1) is fixed with a substrate (11) by a clamping fixture. The upper surface of the substrate (11) is formed with a forming part (10) by the action of the welding gun assembly. The processing platform (1) is provided with a lifting mechanism. A ring assembly is connected to one side of the lifting mechanism. Multiple negative pressure pipes (38) with inlet ends close to the end of the forming part (10) are installed on the ring assembly. The negative pressure pipes (38) are connected to the gas collecting ring (2). The gas collecting ring (2) is connected to the air inlet end of the negative pressure device (4).

2. The additive manufacturing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism includes a lead screw (15) that passes through the processing platform (1) at one end, and at least one column (12) fixed on the upper surface of the processing platform (1). The top of the column (12) is connected to a top plate (14), and the top of the lead screw (15) is rotatably mounted on the top plate (14). It also includes a movable platform (13) with a nut inside, the ring assembly is connected to the movable platform (13), the nut and the lead screw (15) cooperate, and the column (12) passes through the movable platform (13). A geared motor (16) is installed below the processing platform (1) and is connected to the lead screw (15) to drive the lead screw (15) to rotate.

3. The additive manufacturing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ring assembly includes a ring (3) with an opening, a pair of connecting rods (30) are provided at the opening of the ring (3), and a socket for inserting the connecting rods (30) is provided on one side of the movable platform (13). The movable platform (13) is threaded with a locking bolt A (131) to fix the connecting rods (30) inserted into the socket.

4. The additive manufacturing apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The ring assembly also includes several mounting seats that can be detachably mounted on the ring (3). The mounting seats include an upper groove plate (34) and a lower groove plate (35) with mounting ears on both sides. The upper groove plate (34) and the lower groove plate (35) are connected by a bolt assembly (36) that passes through the mounting ears. A fixing block (37) is provided on the upper groove plate (34) / lower groove plate (35). The fixing block (37) has a through hole for the negative pressure pipe (38) to pass through. A locking bolt B (371) is threaded on the fixing block (37) to fix the negative pressure pipe (38) inserted into the through hole.

5. The additive manufacturing apparatus as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The gas collecting ring (2) is provided with a flow channel. The upper surface of the gas collecting ring (2) is provided with a first connector (31) and a second connector (32) connected to the flow channel. There are multiple first connectors (31), and the first connector (31) is connected to the negative pressure pipe (38) through a first hose (39). The second connector (32) is connected to the air inlet of the negative pressure device (4) through a second hose. The bottom side of the ring (3) is connected to a connecting post (33), and the bottom end of the connecting post (33) is fixed to the upper surface of the gas collecting ring (2).

6. The additive manufacturing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a tubular drying assembly (5), which is vertically arranged and has a metal welding wire (100) passing through it. A heating channel (50) is formed inside the drying component (5), and the top and bottom of the heating channel (50) are respectively connected to the exhaust port (501) and the air inlet (502). The air inlet (502) is connected to the air outlet of the negative pressure device (4), and the exhaust port (501) is connected to the exhaust gas treatment device.

7. The additive manufacturing apparatus as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The drying assembly (5) includes, from the outside to the inside, a plastic outer shell (51), a heat insulation layer (52), a first inner liner (53), and a second inner liner (54). The inner wall of the first inner liner (53) and the outer wall of the second inner liner (54) are respectively provided with a spiral-shaped first flow channel (531) and a second flow channel (541). The first flow channel (531) and the second flow channel (541) cooperate to form the heating flow channel (50). The plastic outer shell (51), the insulation layer (52), the first inner liner (53) and the second inner liner (54) are all tubular structures, and the top and bottom are respectively fitted with end cap A (55) and end cap B (56).

8. The additive manufacturing apparatus as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The exhaust gas treatment device is connected to the drying device (7) and the exhaust pipe through a three-way valve (61). The end cap B (56) is provided with an annular flow channel (561) that is connected to the drying device (7). The inner wall of the end cap B (56) is provided with a jet hole (562) that is connected to the annular flow channel (561). The jet hole (562) is inclined upward.

9. The additive manufacturing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, An image detection module for monitoring the height of the forming part (10) is also provided. The image detection module is connected to a processor, which is connected to a lifting mechanism and a moving mechanism.

10. The additive manufacturing method of the additive manufacturing apparatus as described in claim 9, characterized in that, include: Step 1: Take a picture of the molding part (10) through the image detection module and upload the picture to the processor. The processor analyzes the picture to obtain the height of the molding part (10). Step 2: The processor controls the lifting mechanism and the moving mechanism to move upward, which drives the negative pressure pipe (38) and the welding torch to move upward synchronously.

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