A multifunctional screening machine for metal 3D printing powder screening

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical fields of screening equipment, and discloses a multifunctional screening machine for metal 3D printing powder screening.The screening machine comprises a cavity, a mesh frame connecting block, a discharge port, a mesh frame, a precision screen and a handle.The upper end of the cavity is connected with a feeding conveying pipeline and an inert gas replacement pipeline.The cavity is provided with an ultrasonic generator power supply on one side, and a plurality of ultrasonic generators are connected through a connecting frame.The ultrasonic generator makes the precision screen produce high-frequency micro-vibration, effectively avoids mesh blockage, and improves the screening efficiency.The mesh frame bottom is provided with magnetic blocks to realize quick disassembly and assembly.The observation window is convenient for real-time monitoring, and the rotating window plate is convenient for cleaning and maintenance.The multifunctional screening machine integrates inert gas protection, ultrasonic anti-blocking, quick mesh frame assembly and convenient observation and cleaning functions, and is particularly suitable for fine screening of metal 3D printing powders such as titanium alloy and aluminum alloy which are prone to oxidation and agglomeration, and has the advantages of high screening efficiency, safe operation, convenient maintenance and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of screening equipment technology, specifically a multi-functional screening machine for screening metal 3D printing powder. Background Technology

[0002] Metal 3D printing places extremely high demands on the particle size distribution, sphericity, flowability, and purity of powder raw materials. Powder particle sizes are typically between 15μm and 53μm or 20μm and 63μm, and unmelted powder during the printing process needs to be recovered and re-sieved before reuse. Therefore, efficient, precise, and safe sieving equipment is a crucial component of a metal 3D printing production line.

[0003] Currently, common vibrating screens have several shortcomings when used for screening metal powders. First, most screens operate in open or semi-open environments, while fine metal powders such as titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, and stainless steel react readily with oxygen, altering their composition and potentially causing combustion or even explosions due to static electricity or friction. Existing equipment lacks effective inert gas replacement and sealing protection structures, posing significant safety hazards. Second, fine powders, due to their large specific surface area and high surface energy, easily agglomerate and clog the screen mesh. Ordinary mechanical vibration is insufficient to effectively break up these agglomerates, leading to decreased screening efficiency and requiring frequent shutdowns for cleaning or screen replacement, disrupting production continuity. Third, screen frames are typically fixed to the machine base with bolts or pressure plates. Changing to different mesh sizes requires tools for individual disassembly and assembly, which is cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to damaging seals and threads due to repeated disassembly and assembly.

[0004] In addition, the cavities of traditional screening machines are mostly closed structures, making it impossible for operators to observe the screening status in real time. Once screen blockage or powder accumulation occurs, the entire machine often needs to be disassembled for cleaning, making maintenance extremely inconvenient.

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, it is necessary to develop a multi-functional screening machine that meets the requirements for high safety, high efficiency, and high precision screening of metal 3D printing powder. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-functional sieving machine for screening powders used in metal 3D printing in order to solve the problems mentioned above.

[0007] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: A multifunctional screening machine for screening metal 3D printing powder includes a cavity, a mesh frame connecting block is fixedly connected to one side of the cavity, a discharge port is provided on the inner surface of the mesh frame connecting block, a mesh frame is fixedly connected to the upper end of the discharge port, a precision screen is provided on one side of the mesh frame, and a handle is fixedly connected to the upper end of the mesh frame.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, operation is simple: just place the screen frame into the installation position from top to bottom, and the bottom magnetic block automatically engages with the iron platform of the machine body, without the need for bolts, clips, or any tools. Compared to the traditional multi-screw fixing method, the disassembly and assembly time is short, making it suitable for metal 3D printing powder sieving processes that require frequent changes of different mesh sizes. The bottom magnetic attachment does not occupy the space around the screen frame, allowing the sides of the screen frame to be completely open, facilitating the cleaning of residual powder with a brush or air gun. Because metal 3D printing powder has a small particle size and easily adheres to the walls, the quick-assembly screen frame without side obstructions can be quickly removed and thoroughly cleaned, avoiding cross-contamination between different batches of powder.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, an inert gas replacement pipe is fixedly connected to the upper end of one side of the cavity, and a feeding conveying pipe is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the cavity.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the inert gas replacement pipeline is used to introduce inert gases such as argon or nitrogen into the screening machine cavity to prevent the metal 3D printing powder from oxidizing or burning and exploding during the screening process. The feeding and conveying pipeline serves as the channel for powder to enter the screening machine, with one end connected to the feeding device and the other end connected to the top of the cavity, realizing the continuous and stable conveying of metal powder to the surface of the precision screen.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of feet are fixedly connected to the lower surface of the cavity.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the feet are installed at the four corners of the bottom of the cavity to support the entire screening machine and adjust its level. At the same time, they also serve to reduce vibration and noise during equipment operation.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, an ultrasonic generator power supply is provided on one side of the cavity relative to the mesh frame connecting block.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the ultrasonic generator power supply provides high-frequency electrical energy to the ultrasonic generator, converting the industrial frequency AC power into a high-frequency signal suitable for driving the piezoelectric ceramic transducer, thereby generating ultrasonic vibration on the screen.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, a connecting frame is provided on one side of the ultrasonic generator power supply, and multiple ultrasonic generators are provided on the connecting frame at one end relative to the ultrasonic generator power supply.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the connecting frame serves as a transition structure between the ultrasonic generator power supply and multiple ultrasonic generators, while simultaneously transmitting ultrasonic signals stably to each generator. The ultrasonic generator converts electrical energy into high-frequency mechanical vibrations, which directly act on the precision screen, causing the screen to generate micron-level amplitudes. This effectively prevents metal powder from clogging the screen and improves screening efficiency.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, a rotating window plate is rotatably connected to one side of the cavity via a rotating shaft.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the rotating window plate is installed on the side of the cavity and can be flipped outward around the axis to open, which makes it convenient for operators to quickly clean the residual powder on the inner wall of the cavity or replace the sieve frame without disassembling the whole machine.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, an observation window is provided on one side of the rotating window panel.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the observation window is embedded in the transparent viewing port of the rotating window plate, which is made of high-strength tempered glass or plexiglass, making it easy to observe the powder flow and screen blockage during the sieving process in real time.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, a handle for the rotating window panel is provided on one side of the rotating window panel at the lower end of the observation window.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the window panel handle is fixed on the outside of the window panel, allowing the operator to hold it to open or close the window panel. After closing, it can cooperate with the locking mechanism to ensure that the window panel is tightly sealed.

[0023] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. During operation, simply place the screen frame into the installation position from top to bottom. The bottom magnetic block will automatically engage with the iron platform of the machine body, without the need for bolts, clips, or any tools. Compared to the traditional method of fixing with multiple screws, the disassembly and assembly time is short, making it suitable for metal 3D printing powder sieving applications that require frequent changes of different mesh sizes.

[0024] 2. The bottom magnetic closure does not occupy the space around the screen frame, allowing the sides of the screen frame to be completely open, making it easy to clean residual powder with a brush or air gun. Because metal 3D printing powder has a small particle size and easily adheres to the walls, the quick-release screen frame without side obstructions can be quickly removed and thoroughly cleaned, avoiding cross-contamination between different batches of powder. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is an overall structural unfolded diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 3 The quick-assembly sieve frame with magnetic blocks in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic generator structure in this invention.

[0026] The markings in the diagram are: 1. Cavity; 2. Mesh frame connecting block; 3. Discharge port; 4. Magnetic block; 5. Mesh frame; 6. Precision screen; 7. Handle; 8. Inert gas replacement pipe; 9. Feeding and conveying pipe; 10. Foot; 11. Ultrasonic generator power supply; 12. Connecting frame; 13. Ultrasonic generator; 14. Rotating window panel; 15. Observation window; 16. Rotating window panel handle. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] Example: Reference Figure 1-3 A mesh frame connecting block 2 is fixedly connected to one side of the cavity 1. A discharge port 3 is provided on the inner surface of the mesh frame connecting block 2. A mesh frame 5 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the discharge port 3. A precision screen 6 is provided on one side of the mesh frame 5, and a handle 7 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the mesh frame 5. During operation, simply place the screen frame into the installation position from top to bottom. The bottom magnetic block automatically engages with the iron platform of the machine body, requiring no bolts, clips, or tools. Compared to traditional multi-screw fixing methods, the disassembly and assembly time is shorter, making it suitable for metal 3D printing powder sieving processes that require frequent changes of different mesh sizes. The bottom magnetic attachment does not occupy the space around the screen frame, allowing the sides of the screen frame to be completely open, facilitating the cleaning of residual powder with a brush or air gun. Because metal 3D printing powder has a small particle size and easily adheres to the walls, the quick-installation screen frame without side obstructions can be quickly removed and thoroughly cleaned, avoiding cross-contamination between different batches of powder.

[0029] Reference Figure 1-2 An inert gas replacement pipe 8 is fixedly connected to the upper end of one side of the cavity 1, and a feeding conveying pipe 9 is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the cavity 1. The inert gas replacement pipe 8 is used to introduce inert gases such as argon or nitrogen into the screening machine cavity to prevent oxidation or combustion and explosion of the metal 3D printing powder during the screening process. The feeding conveying pipe 9 serves as the channel for powder to enter the screening machine, with one end connected to the feeding device and the other end connected to the top of the cavity, realizing the continuous and stable conveying of metal powder to the surface of the precision screen.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 Multiple feet 10 are fixedly connected to the lower surface of the cavity 1. The feet 10 are installed at the four corners of the bottom of the cavity to support the entire screening machine and adjust its level. They also serve to dampen vibrations and reduce vibration transmission and noise during operation.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 4 An ultrasonic generator power supply 11 is provided on one side of the cavity 1 relative to the mesh frame connecting block 2. The ultrasonic generator power supply 11 provides high-frequency electrical energy to the ultrasonic generator, converting the power frequency AC current into a high-frequency signal suitable for driving the piezoelectric ceramic transducer, thereby generating ultrasonic vibration on the screen.

[0032] Reference Figure 4 A connecting frame 12 is provided on one side of the ultrasonic generator power supply 11, and multiple ultrasonic generators 13 are arranged at one end of the connecting frame 12 relative to the ultrasonic generator power supply 11. The connecting frame 12 serves as a transition structure between the ultrasonic generator power supply and the multiple ultrasonic generators, and simultaneously transmits the ultrasonic signal stably to each generator. The ultrasonic generators 13 convert electrical energy into high-frequency mechanical vibration and act directly on the precision screen, causing the screen to generate micron-level amplitude, effectively preventing metal powder from clogging the screen and improving screening efficiency.

[0033] Reference Figure 1 A rotating window plate 14 is rotatably connected to one side of the cavity 1 via a rotating shaft. The rotating window plate 14 is installed on the side of the cavity and can be flipped outward around the rotating shaft to facilitate operators to quickly clean residual powder on the inner wall of the cavity or replace the sieve frame without disassembling the entire machine.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 An observation window 15 is provided on one side of the rotating window plate 14. The observation window 15 is a transparent viewing port embedded in the rotating window plate, made of high-strength tempered glass or plexiglass, which facilitates real-time observation of powder flow and screen clogging during the sieving process.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 A rotating window panel handle 16 is provided on one side of the rotating window panel 14 at the lower end of the observation window 15. The rotating window panel handle 16 is fixed to the outside of the rotating window panel, allowing the operator to hold it to open or close the window panel. After closing, it can cooperate with the locking mechanism to ensure that the window panel is tightly sealed.

[0036] The implementation principle of a multifunctional sieving machine for sieving powder in metal 3D printing according to an embodiment of the present invention is as follows: Before starting the equipment, argon or nitrogen gas is continuously introduced into the cavity 1 through the inert gas replacement pipe 8 to expel oxygen and moisture, creating an inert protective atmosphere within the cavity to prevent oxidation or dust explosion of reactive metal powders such as titanium alloys and aluminum alloys during the sieving process. Subsequently, the metal powder falls onto the precision screen 6 within the mesh frame 5 through the feeding conveyor pipe 9. After the ultrasonic generator power supply 11 is powered on, multiple ultrasonic generators 13 are driven through the connecting frame 12 to generate high-frequency vibrations. This vibration is transmitted to the precision screen 6, causing micron-level amplitude on the screen surface, effectively breaking down powder agglomeration and mesh blockage, significantly improving sieving efficiency. Simultaneously, the quick-installation screen frame with magnetic blocks 4 at the bottom reliably adheres to the cavity through magnetic attraction, ensuring a seal and easy disassembly and assembly. The sieving qualified powder is discharged from the outlet 3. Operators can observe the powder flow status within the cavity in real time through the observation window 15. When cleaning or replacing the screen is required, simply hold the rotating window plate handle 16 to open the rotating window plate 14 for quick operation. The foot 10 supports the entire machine and absorbs vibration, ensuring stable operation of the equipment.

[0037] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, 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 process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0038] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multifunctional sieving machine for sieving powder in metal 3D printing, comprising a cavity (1), characterized in that: A mesh frame connecting block (2) is fixedly connected to one side of the cavity (1). A discharge port (3) is provided on the inner surface of the mesh frame connecting block (2). A mesh frame (5) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the discharge port (3). A precision screen (6) is provided on one side of the mesh frame (5). A handle (7) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the mesh frame (5).

2. The multifunctional sieving machine for screening metal 3D printing powder as described in claim 1, characterized in that: An inert gas replacement pipe (8) is fixedly connected to the upper end of one side of the cavity (1), and a feeding conveying pipe (9) is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the cavity (1).

3. The multifunctional sieving machine for screening metal 3D printing powder as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple feet (10) are fixedly connected to the lower surface of the cavity (1).

4. A multi-functional sieving machine for screening powders used in metal 3D printing as described in claim 1, characterized in that: An ultrasonic generator power supply (11) is provided on one side of the cavity (1) relative to the mesh frame connecting block (2).

5. A multi-functional sieving machine for screening powders used in metal 3D printing as described in claim 4, characterized in that: A connecting frame (12) is provided on one side of the ultrasonic generator power supply (11), and multiple ultrasonic generators (13) are provided on one end of the connecting frame (12) relative to the ultrasonic generator power supply (11).

6. A multi-functional sieving machine for screening powders used in metal 3D printing as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A rotating window plate (14) is rotatably connected to one side of the cavity (1) via a rotating shaft.

7. A multifunctional sieving machine for screening powders used in metal 3D printing as described in claim 6, characterized in that: An observation window (15) is provided on one side of the rotating window panel (14).

8. A multifunctional sieving machine for screening powders used in metal 3D printing as described in claim 6, characterized in that: A handle (16) is provided on one side of the rotating window panel (14) at the lower end of the observation window (15).

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