Motion system for wax model 3d printer

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of motion systems for wax mould 3D printer, motion system includes substrate, X direction motion mechanism, Y direction motion mechanism and Z direction motion mechanism.X direction motion mechanism includes bearing plate, linear motor and two opposite X direction slide rails, two X direction slide rails are arranged on substrate, bearing plate is slidably arranged on X direction slide rail, linear motor includes linear motor stator and linear motor rotor, linear motor stator is arranged on substrate, and located between two X direction slide rails, linear motor rotor is arranged on the lower surface of bearing plate, and the position corresponding with linear motor stator.The application uses linear motor as the power piece of X direction motion mechanism, linear motor direct drive eliminates the intermediate link error such as existing technology's screw gap, elastic deformation, and the application uses magnetic grating ruler, the resolution of magnetic grating ruler is 0.001mm linear motor is used in combination with magnetic grating ruler, can realize ±2um positioning accuracy, to improve the printing precision of printer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of 3D printing equipment technology, and more particularly to a motion system for a wax model 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] In existing large-format wax-sprayed 3D printers (or similar inkjet additive manufacturing equipment), the motion mechanism typically employs the following configuration:

[0003] X-axis (horizontal motion axis): This typically uses a servo motor to drive a ball screw or synchronous belt to achieve horizontal movement of the printing platform or printhead. Under large strokes (≥Φ550mm), the ball screw is prone to torsional elastic deformation and thermal elongation, leading to a decrease in positioning accuracy (usually only reaching ±10μm level); synchronous belts, on the other hand, exhibit elastic slippage and hysteresis, failing to meet the ±2μm positioning accuracy requirement.

[0004] Z-axis (vertical motion axis): Employs a single-sided lead screw lifting and guide column structure. Due to cantilever load or off-center load, it is prone to lifting swaying and crawling phenomena. Furthermore, after long-term operation, the guide sleeve wears out, making it difficult to control the repeatability accuracy within ±1μm. The printing layer thickness adjustment range is narrow, typically only allowing for 0.01~0.05mm step adjustments, and it cannot be continuously adjusted.

[0005] Y-axis (printhead micro-motion axis): To achieve high-resolution printing (such as 1200 dpi), current technologies mostly use the high resolution of the piezoelectric printhead itself or through physical misalignment of multiple printheads, but this increases printhead cost and control complexity. There is a lack of a mechanical micro-motion mechanism that can improve the physical resolution (400 dpi) of a printhead to an equivalent resolution of 1200 dpi through precise mechanical micro-motion.

[0006] Structural rigidity: The equipment base plate, lifting frame and other components are mostly made of welded steel frame or ordinary aluminum alloy. There is a lack of finite element optimization design for large stroke and large load. After long-term operation, residual stress release leads to deformation and loss of installation reference surface accuracy of motion guide rail.

[0007] Full closed-loop feedback: Most devices only use semi-closed-loop control with servo motor encoders, which cannot directly compensate for errors in mechanical transmission links such as lead screw backlash, guide rail friction, and thermal deformation. Even with the addition of a linear encoder, signal loss or accuracy reduction can occur due to contamination from wax, dust, etc.

[0008] In summary, existing technologies have significant shortcomings in large-size forming, high-precision positioning, multi-axis collaborative dynamic performance, and long-term stability, making it difficult to meet the stringent requirements of wax molds for complex thin-walled castings, such as ±2μm positioning accuracy, ±1μm repeatability, 1200dpi high-resolution printing, and large-stroke, high-rigidity load bearing. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To overcome the above-mentioned defects, the technical problem solved by the present invention is to provide a motion system for a wax model 3D printer to improve the printing accuracy of the wax model 3D printer.

[0010] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides a motion system for a wax model 3D printer, comprising a base plate, an X-axis motion mechanism, a Y-axis motion mechanism, and a Z-axis motion mechanism. The X-axis motion mechanism includes a support plate, a linear motor, and two opposing X-axis slide rails. The two X-axis slide rails are mounted on the base plate, and the support plate is slidably mounted on the X-axis slide rails. The linear motor includes a stator and a mover. The stator is mounted on the base plate and located between the two X-axis slide rails, while the mover is mounted on the lower surface of the support plate and corresponds to the position of the stator. The Z-axis motion mechanism includes a frame mounted on the base plate, and a lifting slide plate is movably mounted on the frame. The Y-axis motion mechanism is mounted on the lifting slide plate.

[0011] Furthermore, a printing plate is provided on the upper surface of the support plate, and the X-axis motion mechanism further includes two sets of clamping assemblies. The two clamping assemblies are respectively disposed on both sides of the printing plate. Each clamping assembly includes a connector fixedly disposed on the support plate. A cavity is provided on the connector. A guide shaft is horizontally disposed in the cavity. A clamping plate is slidably disposed on the guide shaft. On the side facing the printing plate, the clamping plate is provided with a clamping part. On the side away from the printing plate, a tension spring is sleeved on the guide shaft. One end of the tension spring is fixedly connected to the clamping plate, and the other end of the tension spring is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the cavity. On the side away from the printing plate, a cam is rotatably disposed on the connector. When the cam rotates, it can push the clamping plate to move to clamp the printing plate and lock the clamping plate.

[0012] Furthermore, an X-axis magnetic grating ruler is also provided on the substrate, and the X-axis magnetic grating ruler is arranged along the movement direction of the support plate.

[0013] Furthermore, a proximity switch is also provided on the support plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the Y-axis motion mechanism includes a Y-axis power component and a Y-axis lead screw. The Y-axis lead screw is connected to the Y-axis power component for transmission. The Y-axis power component is mounted on the lifting slide plate. An L-shaped connecting plate is mounted on the Y-axis lead screw. The L-shaped connecting plate is used to connect to the print head assembly.

[0015] Furthermore, a Y-axis slide rail is horizontally provided on the side of the lifting slide plate, and the printing nozzle assembly is slidably mounted on the Y-axis slide rail.

[0016] Furthermore, the upper surface of the lifting slide plate is provided with a Y-axis magnetic grating ruler, which is arranged along the direction of movement of the print head assembly.

[0017] Furthermore, the Z-axis motion mechanism also includes a Z-axis power assembly for driving the lifting slide plate. The Z-axis power assembly is provided in two sets. The Z-axis power assembly includes a Z-axis power component disposed on the frame. The power output end of the Z-axis power component is connected to a Z-axis lead screw. The lifting slide plate is disposed on the Z-axis lead screw.

[0018] Furthermore, the frame is also provided with two Z-axis magnetic scales, which are arranged along the direction of the lifting and sliding motion.

[0019] Furthermore, the support plate is provided with a support plate hollow structure, and the lifting slide is provided with a lifting slide hollow structure.

[0020] After adopting the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The motion system for the wax model 3D printer of the present invention includes a base plate, an X-axis motion mechanism, a Y-axis motion mechanism, and a Z-axis motion mechanism. The X-axis motion mechanism includes a support plate, a linear motor, and two oppositely arranged X-axis slide rails. The two X-axis slide rails are disposed on the base plate, and the support plate is slidably disposed on the X-axis slide rails. The linear motor includes a linear motor stator and a linear motor mover. The linear motor stator is disposed on the base plate and located between the two X-axis slide rails, and the linear motor mover is disposed on the lower surface of the support plate and corresponds to the position of the linear motor stator. The present invention uses a linear motor as the power component of the X-axis motion mechanism. The direct drive of the linear motor eliminates intermediate errors such as lead screw backlash and elastic deformation in the prior art. Furthermore, the present invention uses a magnetic scale with a resolution of 0.001mm. The combination of the linear motor and the magnetic scale can achieve a positioning accuracy of ±2µm, thereby improving the printing accuracy of the wax model 3D printer and meeting printing requirements.

[0021] Magnetic grating rulers can effectively resist wax adhesion and have better long-term stability than optical grating rulers used in existing technologies.

[0022] A printing plate is mounted on the upper surface of a support plate, and two sets of clamping assemblies clamp the printing plate onto the support plate. After the printing plate is placed on the support plate, it needs to be clamped. The operator holds the handle of the cam and rotates the cam. The cam pushes the clamping plates to slide along the guide shaft, and both clamping plates simultaneously approach the printing plate until the clamping parts of both clamping plates clamp the printing plate. At this point, the clamping state of the printing plate is maintained by the dead point of the cam. The clamping assembly relies on mechanical dead point locking, which does not require continuous air supply or electromagnetic holding, resulting in high clamping reliability. Furthermore, the printing plate is easy to install and remove. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1This is a perspective view of the motion system (with print head assembly) for a wax model 3D printer according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the motion system for a wax model 3D printer according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is another perspective view of the motion system for the wax model 3D printer of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Top view of the X-axis motion mechanism;

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Side view of the X-axis motion mechanism;

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Sectional view along the middle AA direction;

[0030] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of region B in the middle;

[0031] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A structural diagram with the printing plate removed;

[0032] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 Enlarged 3D view of the Y-axis motion mechanism and the Z-axis motion mechanism;

[0033] Figure 11 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagrams of the Y-axis motion mechanism and the Z-axis motion mechanism;

[0034] In the diagram, 1. Base plate; 2. X-axis motion mechanism; 21. X-axis slide rail; 22. Linear motor stator; 23. Linear motor mover; 24. X-axis slider; 25. Clamping assembly; 251. Clamping plate; 2511. Clamping part; 252. Cam; 253. Guide shaft; 254. Tension spring; 255. Connector; 26. Proximity switch; 27. Support plate; 271. Support plate hollow structure; 28. X-axis Magnetic scale; 3. Y-axis motion mechanism; 31. Y-axis power component; 32. Y-axis lead screw; 33. Y-axis slide rail; 34. Y-axis slider; 35. L-shaped connecting plate; 36. Y-axis magnetic scale; 4. Z-axis motion mechanism; 41. Frame; 42. Z-axis power component; 43. Z-axis lead screw; 44. Lifting slide plate; 441. Lifting slide plate hollow structure; 45. Z-axis magnetic scale; 5. Printing plate; 6. Printing nozzle assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0036] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown in the figure, this embodiment discloses a motion system for a wax model 3D printer, which includes a base plate 1, an X-axis motion mechanism 2, a Y-axis motion mechanism 3, and a Z-axis motion mechanism 4. The X-axis motion mechanism 2 is disposed on the base plate 1 and includes a support plate 27, a linear motor, and two oppositely disposed X-axis slide rails 21. The support plate 27 is slidably disposed on the X-axis slide rails 21. The linear motor includes a linear motor stator 22 and a linear motor mover 23. The linear motor stator 22 is disposed on the base plate 1 and located between the two X-axis slide rails 21. The linear motor mover 23 is disposed on the lower surface of the support plate 27 and corresponds to the position of the linear motor stator 22. The linear motor mover 23 drives the support plate 27 to perform linear reciprocating motion along the X-axis slide rails 21.

[0037] The Z-axis motion mechanism 4 includes a frame 41, which is mounted on the substrate 1. To reduce the overall weight of the wax model 3D printer, a hollow frame structure is provided on the frame 41. Finite element analysis shows that the maximum deformation of the frame 41 is ≤0.03mm, meeting the high rigidity requirement. A lifting slide plate 44 is provided on the frame 41 for vertical movement, and the Y-axis motion mechanism 3 is mounted on the lifting slide plate 44.

[0038] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, preferably, a printing plate 5 is disposed on the upper surface of the support plate 27, and two proximity switches 26 are disposed on the support plate 27. The two proximity switches 26 detect whether the printing plate 5 is placed in the correct position.

[0039] An X-axis magnetic grating ruler 28 is also provided on the substrate 1, and the X-axis magnetic grating ruler 28 is arranged along the movement direction of the support plate 27.

[0040] The X-axis motion mechanism 2 also includes two sets of clamping assemblies 25, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the printing plate 5. Each clamping assembly 25 includes a connector 255 fixedly mounted on a support plate 27. A cavity is provided on the connector 255, and a guide shaft 253 is horizontally disposed within the cavity. A clamping plate 251 is slidably disposed on the guide shaft 253. On the side facing the printing plate 5, a clamping part 2511 is provided on the clamping plate 251, protruding towards the printing plate 5. On the side away from the printing plate 5, a tension spring 254 is sleeved on the guide shaft 253. One end of the tension spring 254 is fixedly connected to the clamping plate 251, and the other end is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the cavity. On the side away from the printing plate 5, a cam 252 is rotatably disposed on the connector 255. When the cam 252 rotates, it can push the clamping plate 251 to move, clamping the printing plate 5 and locking the clamping plate 251. Using this clamping assembly 25 makes it easy to install and remove the printing plate 5.

[0041] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, the Y-axis motion mechanism 3 includes a Y-axis power component 31 and a Y-axis lead screw 32. The Y-axis lead screw 32 is connected to the Y-axis power component 31. The Y-axis power component 31 is mounted on the lifting slide plate 44. An L-shaped connecting plate 35 is mounted on the Y-axis lead screw 32, which is used to connect to the print head assembly 6. When the Y-axis power component 31 is working, the L-shaped connecting plate 35 performs linear reciprocating motion under the drive of the Y-axis lead screw 32. The print head assembly 6 is a prior art print head assembly 6, which is common knowledge to those skilled in the art, and its specific structure, working principle, and working process will not be described in detail here. The Y-axis power component 31 is preferably a servo motor.

[0042] A Y-axis slide rail 33 is horizontally arranged on the side of the lifting slide plate 44, and the print head assembly 6 is slidably mounted on the Y-axis slide rail 33. Preferably, four Y-axis slide rails 33 are provided, and Y-axis sliders 34 are slidably arranged on each of the four Y-axis slide rails 33. The print head assembly 6 is simultaneously fixedly connected to the four Y-axis sliders 34.

[0043] A Y-axis magnetic grating ruler 36 is provided on the upper surface of the lifting slide plate 44, and the Y-axis magnetic grating ruler 36 is set along the direction of movement of the print head assembly 6.

[0044] A servo motor drives a Y-axis lead screw 32, causing the print head assembly 6 to move horizontally along four Y-axis slide rails 33. A Y-axis magnetic scale 36 provides full closed-loop control, achieving micron-level stepping. The controller (not shown in the figure) precisely plans the print head to perform one or more micro-steps during each scan, effectively increasing the physical resolution from 400 dpi to 1200 dpi.

[0045] The Y-axis lead screw 32 is a short lead screw with a lead of 4mm and a stroke of only 80mm. Combined with four high-rigidity Y-axis slide rails 33 (each Y-axis slide rail 33 is paired with a single Y-axis slider 34, but the total rigidity of the four Y-axis slide rails 33 is excellent), it reduces cantilever deflection. The fully closed-loop micro-motion positioning error is ≤±0.002mm, and it can stably output micro-motion steps at the 1 / 3 pixel level (approximately 21um), achieving a resolution of 1200dpi.

[0046] The Z-axis motion mechanism 4 also includes a Z-axis power assembly for driving the lifting slide plate 44. Two sets of Z-axis power assemblies are provided. Each Z-axis power assembly includes a Z-axis power component 42 mounted on the frame 41. The power output end of the Z-axis power component 42 is connected to a Z-axis lead screw 43. The lifting slide plate 44 is mounted on the Z-axis lead screw 43. The Z-axis lead screw 43 rotates under the drive of the Z-axis power component 42, simultaneously driving the lifting slide plate 44 to move up and down. The Z-axis power component 42 is preferably a servo motor.

[0047] Preferably, two Z-axis magnetic scales 45 are also provided on the frame 41, and the Z-axis magnetic scales 45 are arranged along the movement direction of the lifting slide plate 44.

[0048] To reduce the overall weight of the wax model 3D printer, a hollow structure 271 is provided on the support plate 27, and a hollow structure 441 is provided on the lifting slide plate 44.

[0049] This application achieves precise synchronization between X, Y, and Z-axis movements and printhead ejection through a linear motor driving X-axis motion, two servo motors driving Z-axis motion via a Z-axis lead screw 43, high-precision micro-motion in the Y-axis, and feedback from a fully closed-loop X-axis magnetic grating ruler 28, Y-axis magnetic grating ruler 36, and Z-axis magnetic grating ruler 45. The cast aluminum structural components, including the base plate 1 and frame 41, ensure long-term accuracy maintenance. Vibration suppression algorithms (which can be integrated into the driver) and thermal error compensation (real-time correction of magnetic grating thermal expansion via temperature sensors) further enhance dynamic performance.

[0050] Based on actual testing (example data):

[0051] The positioning error in the X and Y directions is ≤ ±1.8 μm, and the repeatability error is ≤ 0.9 μm;

[0052] The repeatability error in the Z-axis is ≤0.8µm;

[0053] The micro-motion error in the Y direction is ≤0.0015mm, and the printing resolution reaches 1200dpi;

[0054] Furthermore, it moves smoothly at maximum printing speed with no visible vibration stripes.

[0055] The printing process of a wax model 3D printer using the motion system of the present invention is described in detail below:

[0056] In use, the print head assembly 6 is installed on the Y-axis motion mechanism 3. While the print plate 5 moves along the X-axis under the action of the X-axis motion mechanism 2, the print head sprays wax, thus completing the first layer of printing on the workpiece. Then, the lifting slide plate 44 rises a certain distance, and while the print plate 5 moves along the X-axis under the action of the X-axis motion mechanism 2, the print head sprays wax, thus completing the first layer of printing on the workpiece. This cycle continues until the workpiece is printed.

[0057] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship described by terms such as "X-axis motion mechanism," "X-axis slide rail," "X-axis slider," "X-axis magnetic scale," "Y-axis motion mechanism," "Y-axis servo motor," "Y-axis lead screw," "Y-axis slide rail," "Y-axis slider," "Y-axis magnetic scale," "Z-axis motion mechanism," "Z-axis servo motor," "Z-axis lead screw," "Z-axis magnetic scale," "horizontal," "vertical movement," and "side" are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. They are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0058] This invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Any modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the above concept without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A motion system for a wax model 3D printer, characterized in that, The system includes a base plate, an X-axis motion mechanism, a Y-axis motion mechanism, and a Z-axis motion mechanism. The X-axis motion mechanism includes a support plate, a linear motor, and two opposing X-axis slide rails. The two X-axis slide rails are mounted on the base plate, and the support plate is slidably mounted on the X-axis slide rails. The linear motor includes a linear motor stator and a linear motor mover. The linear motor stator is mounted on the base plate and located between the two X-axis slide rails. The linear motor mover is mounted on the lower surface of the support plate and corresponds to the position of the linear motor stator. The Z-axis motion mechanism includes a frame mounted on the base plate. A lifting slide plate is mounted on the frame and moves vertically. The Y-axis motion mechanism is mounted on the lifting slide plate.

2. The motion system for a wax model 3D printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The upper surface of the support plate is provided with a printing plate. The X-axis motion mechanism further includes two sets of clamping assemblies, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the printing plate. Each clamping assembly includes a connector fixedly disposed on the support plate. The connector has a cavity, and a guide shaft is horizontally disposed in the cavity. A clamping plate is slidably disposed on the guide shaft. On the side facing the printing plate, the clamping plate has a clamping part. On the side away from the printing plate, a tension spring is sleeved on the guide shaft. One end of the tension spring is fixedly connected to the clamping plate, and the other end of the tension spring is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the cavity. On the side away from the printing plate, a cam is rotatably disposed on the connector. When the cam rotates, it can push the clamping plate to move to clamp the printing plate and lock the clamping plate.

3. The motion system for a wax model 3D printer as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The substrate is also provided with an X-axis magnetic grating ruler, which is arranged along the movement direction of the support plate.

4. The motion system for a wax model 3D printer as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The support plate is also equipped with a proximity switch.

5. The motion system for a wax model 3D printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The Y-axis motion mechanism includes a Y-axis power component and a Y-axis lead screw. The Y-axis lead screw is connected to the Y-axis power component for transmission. The Y-axis power component is mounted on the lifting slide plate. An L-shaped connecting plate is mounted on the Y-axis lead screw. The L-shaped connecting plate is used to connect to the print head assembly.

6. The motion system for a wax model 3D printer as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The side of the lifting slide plate is horizontally provided with a Y-axis slide rail, and the printing nozzle assembly is slidably mounted on the Y-axis slide rail.

7. The motion system for a wax model 3D printer as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The upper surface of the lifting slide plate is provided with a Y-axis magnetic grating ruler, which is set along the direction of movement of the print head assembly.

8. The motion system for a wax model 3D printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The Z-axis motion mechanism also includes a Z-axis power assembly for driving the lifting slide plate. Two sets of the Z-axis power assembly are provided. The Z-axis power assembly includes a Z-axis power component mounted on the frame. The power output end of the Z-axis power component is connected to a Z-axis lead screw. The lifting slide plate is mounted on the Z-axis lead screw.

9. The motion system for a wax model 3D printer as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The frame is also equipped with two Z-axis magnetic scales, which are set along the direction of the lifting and sliding motion.

10. The motion system for a wax model 3D printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support plate is provided with a support plate hollow structure, and the lifting slide is provided with a lifting slide hollow structure.

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