Automatic multi-material volume 3D printing system

Abstract

An automatic multi-material volume 3D printing system comprises a light source projection system. A printing container in which a resin for printing is loaded; the switching unit can realize switching of multiple materials, and specifically comprises a turntable capable of rotating at a certain angle; the resin tank is used for carrying out projection printing on the printing container placed in the resin tank; the washing tank is fixed at the center position of the turntable and is used for cleaning the printed parts; and the feeding mechanical arm can clamp the printing container and move, and the feeding mechanical arm can further drive the printing container to rotate along the central axis of the printing container. According to the automatic multi-material volume 3D printing system provided by the utility model, the latest 3D printing technology, the automatic control technology and the multi-material processing technology are combined, so that automatic and multi-material volume photocuring 3D printing is realized, and the volume 3D printing efficiency of multi-material parts is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of 3D printing, in particular to an automated multi-material volume 3D printing system. Background Art

[0002] Existing photocuring 3D printing methods mainly use light sources such as lasers, LEDs or LCDs to irradiate photosensitive resins to form a solidified layer, which is stacked layer by layer to form a three-dimensional model, such as SLA (Stereo Lithography Apparatus) with points as the basic unit or DLP (Digital Light Processing) with surfaces as the basic unit. The layer-by-layer printing method will inevitably produce a "staircase effect", which leads to unsatisfactory surface quality of the printed structure and consumes a lot of processing time. Moreover, most printing processes require support structures for the next step of printing, and the subsequent removal process will also destroy the surface morphology of the printed structure.

[0003] Recently, volumetric 3D printing technology has begun to rise. Unlike the layer-by-layer stacking printing method, the volumetric printing method utilizes the principle of oxygen inhibition, uses a projector to input a specific projection sequence into the target area, accumulates energy at multiple angles, and realizes the integrated molding of complex structures within tens of seconds. Molding in high-viscosity resin, unsupported and non-layered integrated manufacturing, the surface quality far exceeds that of SLA and DLP printing structures. However, due to the difficulty of replacing materials during printing with traditional volumetric 3D printing technology, materials can only be replaced manually after a print is completed and it is difficult to locate. Therefore, there are great difficulties in printing multi-material parts, low printing efficiency, and lack of automatic loading devices. The printing scale is small, and mass production cannot be achieved. The production efficiency is limited, and it is difficult to achieve automated multi-material printing.

[0004] To this end, we propose an automated multi-material volumetric 3D printing system. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the above-mentioned existing production technologies, the applicant provides an automated multi-material volumetric 3D printing system, thereby realizing automated, multi-material volumetric light-curing 3D printing, greatly improving the volumetric 3D printing efficiency of multi-material parts.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the utility model is as follows:

[0007] An automated multi-material volumetric 3D printing system, comprising:

[0008] Light source projection system, used to project 3D models layer by layer onto photosensitive resin;

[0009] a printing container, which is loaded with resin for printing;

[0010] The switching unit can realize the switching of multiple materials, and its specific structure includes:

[0011] A turntable that can rotate at a certain angle;

[0012] There are multiple resin tanks which are equidistantly distributed in a circular shape on the turntable, and the multiple resin tanks are located on the projection path of the light source projection system, and are used to perform projection printing on the printing containers placed in the resin tanks;

[0013] The washing tank is fixed in the center of the turntable and is used to wash the printed parts;

[0014] as well as,

[0015] The loading robot arm can clamp the printing container and move it, and the loading robot arm can also drive the printing container to rotate along the central axis of the printing container.

[0016] Furthermore, the light source projection system includes a projection optical machine and an XY axis displacement platform. The projection optical machine is connected above the XY axis displacement platform and can be accurately moved and adjusted in the XY plane.

[0017] Furthermore, the turntable is a circular structure, and the center of the turntable is connected to the driving shaft of the rotation driving device.

[0018] Furthermore, the resin tank and the washing tank are both rectangular high-transmittance structures with open upper ends, the opposite sides of the resin tank and the washing tank form an angle of 45°, and at least one side of the resin tank is arranged parallel to the corresponding outer section of the turntable.

[0019] Furthermore, the light transmittances of the multiple resin tanks are different to meet the printing requirements for different resins.

[0020] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0021] Precision optical platform, providing support for the light source projection system;

[0022] A precision rotating device, which is held by the loading robot arm and includes a positioning rod for determining the center position of the printing material;

[0023] The print monitoring module is located on both sides of the resin tank and is used to monitor the printing process in real time.

[0024] Furthermore, the printing monitoring module includes a CCD camera bracket, a CCD camera, an LED light source bracket and an LED light source, and the working band of the LED light source is in the red band to avoid affecting the energy accumulation of purple band light energy in the mixed photosensitive resin during the printing stage.

[0025] Furthermore, the washing tank contains a reagent for washing the printed resin, which is used to reduce the resin residue on the printed sample after each printing is completed.

[0026] Furthermore, the resin tank is loaded with printing resin that does not contain a photoinitiator to reduce the dose deviation of the light source caused by interface refraction during the printing stage.

[0027] The beneficial effects of the utility model are as follows:

[0028] The automated multi-material volumetric 3D printing system provided by the utility model realizes automated, multi-material volumetric light-curing 3D printing by combining the latest 3D printing technology, automated control technology and multi-material processing technology, greatly improving the volumetric 3D printing efficiency of multi-material parts.

[0029] Specifically:

[0030] It solves the problem of traditional volumetric 3D printing that it is difficult to change materials in time during the printing process, realizes multi-material printing, and meets more complex and diversified printing needs.

[0031] Through automated loading, changing and unloading operations, manual intervention is reduced, and the automation level and production efficiency of the printing process are improved.

[0032] The high-precision optical platform and projection system are used to ensure the accuracy and stability of printing. At the same time, the real-time monitoring of the printing monitoring module further guarantees the printing quality.

[0033] In general, the system not only improves printing efficiency, but also expands the application scope of 3D printing technology, providing strong technical support for rapid prototyping, small batch production, and personalized customization. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 It is the front view of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 It is a multi-material printing flow chart of the present invention.

[0037] in:

[0038] 1. Precision optical platform; 2. XY axis displacement platform; 3. Projection optical machine; 4. CCD camera bracket; 5. CCD camera; 6. Rotation drive device; 7. Adapter plate; 8. Resin tank; 9. Washing tank; 10. Turntable; 11. Loading tank; 12. Positioning rod; 13. Rotating table; 14. Adapter shaft; 15. Loading robot arm; 16. Three-jaw chuck; 17. Controller; 18. LED light source bracket; 19. LED light source; 20. Printing container; 21. Fixing plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The specific implementation of the present utility model is described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Embodiment 1

[0041] This embodiment provides an automated multi-material volume 3D printing system, which combines the latest 3D printing technology, automated control technology and multi-material processing technology to achieve automated, multi-material volumetric light-curing 3D printing. The specific structure and working principle of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the core components of the system include a precision optical platform 1, a light source projection system, a precision rotating device, a printing monitoring module, a loading robot 15, a loading trough 11, a printing container 20, a rotating drive device 6, a switching unit and multiple adapter plates 7, etc.

[0043] As the foundation of the entire printing system, the precision optical platform 1 provides a stable and precise printing environment. Its top surface adopts a three-point leveling method to ensure that it is in a horizontal state, thereby ensuring accuracy and stability during the printing process.

[0044] The switching unit can realize the switching of multiple materials, and its specific structure includes:

[0045] A turntable 10, which can rotate at a certain angle;

[0046] There are multiple resin tanks 8 equidistantly distributed in a circular shape on the turntable 10 , and the multiple resin tanks 8 are located on the projection path of the light source projection system, and are used to perform projection printing on the printing containers 20 placed in the resin tanks 8 .

[0047] In this embodiment, the turntable 10 is a circular structure, and the center of the turntable 10 is connected to the driving shaft of the rotation driving device 6 .

[0048] In this embodiment, the resin tank 8 and the washing tank 9 are both rectangular high-transmittance structures with open upper ends. In this embodiment, there are four resin tanks 8, and the opposite sides of the resin tank 8 and the washing tank 9 form an angle of 45°. At least one side of the resin tank 8 is arranged parallel to the corresponding outer section of the turntable.

[0049] At the same time, the light transmittances of the plurality of resin tanks 8 are different to meet the printing requirements for different resins.

[0050] The light source projection system is installed on the precision optical platform 1, and mainly includes a projection optical machine 3. The projection optical machine 3 is responsible for projecting the designed 3D model layer by layer onto the photosensitive resin in the resin tank 8, and solidifying the resin layer by layer through the photocuring technology, so as to construct a 3D entity.

[0051] The loading robot arm 15 is another highlight of this system. The bottom of the robot arm overlaps with the precision optical platform 1, and has high flexibility and accuracy, and can achieve various complex movements. The precision rotating device is clamped on the clamping claw of the loading robot arm 15. Through the precise control of the robot arm, automatic material replacement, material collection and material discharge operations during the printing process can be achieved.

[0052] The printing monitoring modules are distributed on both sides of the printing resin tank 8, and are used to monitor various parameters and states in the printing process in real time, such as printing progress, resin curing, etc. These monitoring data can be fed back to the control system in a timely manner to ensure the stability and accuracy of the printing process.

[0053] The resin tank 8 is fixed on the turntable 10 through a rotating plate, and the turntable 10 is connected to the rotary drive device 6. This design allows the resin tank 8 to be easily switched between different stations, realizing multi-material printing and batch production. The washing tank 9 is fixed at the center of the turntable 10 and is used to wash the printed parts and clean the residual resin.

[0054] The printing container 20 is placed in the loading trough 11, and the loading trough 11 is located on one side of the loading mechanical arm 15. Through the precise control of the mechanical arm, automatic loading and unloading operations can be achieved, further improving the printing efficiency.

[0055] The utility model solves the problem of difficulty in timely changing materials to achieve multi-material printing in traditional volumetric 3D printing, and the problem of limited efficiency due to inability to perform batch printing, through the above-mentioned design. The utility model provides an automated, multi-material volumetric photocuring 3D printing device and method, which is suitable for rapid photocuring and batch production of target parts, greatly improving the volumetric 3D printing efficiency of multi-material parts.

[0056] Embodiment 2

[0057] This embodiment further illustrates the first embodiment, focusing on the specific structure and working principle of the light source projection system.

[0058] like Figure 1-3As shown, the light source projection system includes a projection optical machine 3 and an XY axis displacement platform 2. The XY axis displacement platform 2 is fixedly connected to the precision optical platform 1, and the projection optical machine 3 is connected above the XY axis displacement platform 2. This design allows the projection optical machine 3 to be accurately moved and adjusted in the XY plane to meet different printing requirements.

[0059] The XY axis displacement platform 2 is mainly used for center leveling of the projection light machine 3. During the printing process, the center line of the projection light machine 3 must be perpendicular to the center line of the printing container 20 in the same plane to ensure the accuracy of projection and the precision of printing. Through the precise adjustment of the XY axis displacement platform 2, the center leveling of the projection light machine 3 can be easily achieved.

[0060] Embodiment 3

[0061] This embodiment further illustrates the second embodiment and describes in detail the technical parameters and working status of the light source projection system.

[0062] The projection optical machine 3 is fixedly connected to the XY axis displacement platform 2, and its projection wavelength is 405nm, and the focal length of the lens used is 150mm. These technical parameters ensure the high resolution and high contrast of the projection optical machine 3, thereby realizing high-precision 3D printing.

[0063] During the printing process, the projector 3 projects the designed 3D model layer by layer onto the photosensitive resin in the resin tank 8. Since the center line of the projector 3 is perpendicular to the center line of the printing container 20 in the same plane, the printing accuracy and stability of each layer can be ensured. At the same time, through the precise adjustment of the XY axis displacement platform 2, the projection angle and position can be further optimized to improve the printing quality and efficiency.

[0064] Embodiment 4

[0065] This embodiment further illustrates the first embodiment, focusing on the cooperative working principle of the loading robot arm 15 and the printing monitoring module.

[0066] The bottom of the loading robot arm 15 overlaps with the precision optical platform 1, and has high flexibility and accuracy. Through a precise control system, the loading robot arm 15 can perform various complex actions, such as clamping, moving, rotating, etc. During the printing process, the loading robot arm 15 is responsible for clamping the precision rotating device and moving it to the specified position for printing operation.

[0067] The print monitoring module is distributed on both sides of the printing resin tank 8, and is used to monitor various parameters and states in the printing process in real time. By working in coordination with the feeding robot arm 15, the print monitoring module can timely feedback abnormal conditions in the printing process, such as printing failure, incomplete resin curing, etc. These feedback information can help the control system to adjust the printing parameters and the action of the robot arm in time to ensure the stability and accuracy of the printing process.

[0068] At the same time, the design of the co-linear center line of the feeding robot arm 15 and the CCD camera 5 allows the camera to capture image information during the printing process in real time. By processing and analyzing these image information, the printing parameters and the motion trajectory of the robot arm can be further optimized to improve the printing quality and efficiency.

[0069] Embodiment 5

[0070] This embodiment further illustrates the first embodiment and describes in detail the specific structure and working principle of the precision rotating device.

[0071] The precision rotating device is one of the important components in this system, which is mainly responsible for clamping and rotating the printing material during the printing process. Figure 1-3 As shown, the precision rotating device includes a positioning rod 12, a rotating table 13, a transfer shaft 14, a three-jaw chuck 16, a controller 17 and other components.

[0072] The rotating table 13 is fixedly connected to the fixed plate 21, and the adapter shaft 14 is fixedly connected above the rotating table 13. The three-jaw chuck 16 is fixedly connected below the adapter shaft 14 and is used to clamp the printing material. The positioning rod 12 is connected to the center of the three-jaw chuck 16 and is used to determine the center position of the printing material. The controller 17 is fixedly connected above the precision optical platform 1 and is responsible for controlling the parameters such as the rotation angle and speed of the rotating table 13.

[0073] During the printing process, the controller 17 sends instructions to the rotating table 13 according to the printing requirements, and the rotating table 13 drives the adapter shaft 14 and the three-jaw chuck 16 to rotate accurately. By adjusting parameters such as the rotation angle and speed, the precise positioning and rotation operation of the printing material can be achieved. This design not only improves the flexibility and accuracy of printing, but also provides strong support for the realization of multi-material printing and mass production.

[0074] Embodiment 6

[0075] Based on the first embodiment, this embodiment describes in detail the structure and working principle of the printing monitoring module.

[0076] The printing monitoring module is a key part to ensure the accurate progress of the 3D printing process. The module includes a CCD camera bracket 4, a CCD camera 5, an LED light source bracket 18 and an LED light source 19. The precise layout and configuration of these components make real-time monitoring during the printing process possible.

[0077] The CCD camera bracket 4 and the LED light source bracket 18 are firmly connected to the top of the precision optical platform 1, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the monitoring equipment. The CCD camera 5 and the LED light source 19 are fixed on the corresponding brackets, and the relative positions of the two are carefully designed to be 180° opposite and the center is placed at the same height, which can ensure the accuracy of the monitoring field of view and the uniformity of the light.

[0078] The working band of the LED light source is selected in the red band. The key to this choice is that the light in the red band will not affect the energy accumulation of the purple band light energy in the mixed photosensitive resin during the printing stage. This design allows the monitoring equipment to clearly capture every detail of the printing during the printing process without causing any interference to the printing material.

[0079] Embodiment 7

[0080] Based on the first embodiment, this embodiment further describes the design and function of the resin tank 8 and the washing tank 9.

[0081] The resin tank 8 and the washing tank 9 are two important components in the 3D printing system, which are connected to the turntable 10 in a specific way. This design allows the resin tank 8 and the washing tank 9 to be easily switched during the printing process, greatly improving the printing efficiency.

[0082] The resin tank 8 is filled with a printing resin without a photoinitiator. This specially formulated resin can reduce the dosage deviation problem caused by interface refraction of the optical machine light source during the printing stage, thereby improving the accuracy and quality of printing.

[0083] The washing tank 9 contains a reagent specifically used for washing the printed resin. After each printing is completed, some uncured resin may remain on the printed sample, and these residues may affect the quality of the next printing. The reagent in the washing tank 9 can easily remove these residues, ensuring that each printing starts from a clean state.

[0084] Embodiment 8

[0085] Based on the first embodiment, this embodiment describes in detail the coordinated work of the printing container 20 and the loading robot arm 15 during the printing process.

[0086] The printing container 20 is a key component for loading printing resin, and it can be firmly clamped by the three-jaw chuck 16. Before printing begins, the loading robot arm 15 will clamp the printing container 20 filled with resin from the loading slot 11 and accurately place it on the printing position.

[0087] The positioning rod 12 is located on the center line of the printing container 20. During printing, the printed sample will be attached to the positioning rod 12. After the first printing is completed, the loading robot 15 will accurately move the printed sample attached to the positioning rod 12 to the washing tank 9 for washing. During the washing process, the turntable 10 will rotate 45° through the rotary drive device 6, so that the projection light machine 3 can project purple light to post-cure the printed sample.

[0088] After the post-curing is completed, the loading robot arm 15 will clamp the printing container 20 containing different resins from the loading slot 11 again, and the printed sample attached to the positioning rod 12 will automatically enter the new printing container 20 for the next printing. This design makes multi-material printing simple and efficient.

[0089] Embodiment 9

[0090] Based on embodiments 1 to 8, this embodiment provides a complete printing method of an automated multi-material volume 3D printing system.

[0091] An automated multi-material volumetric 3D printing system 3D printing method, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

[0092] Step 1: Calculate the optical dose, build a 3D model of the target printed part, voxelize the 3D model, and then perform CT inverse calculation algorithm to obtain a multi-angle projection sequence.

[0093] Step 2: Mix the high-viscosity resin and a small amount of photoinitiator in a planetary mixer, put them into the printing container 20, and then use the loading robot 15 to clamp them into the resin tank 8 through the three-jaw chuck 16.

[0094] Step 3: Printing is performed. During printing, the projection optical machine 3 projects a related sequence. Along with the rotation of the printing container 20, it can be observed in the printing monitoring module that the integrated molding of the target structure can be achieved within tens of seconds.

[0095] Step 4: When performing multi-material printing, after the printing of a part of the structure is completed, the position of the printing platform can be adjusted by the loading robot 15 so that the next part can be printed continuously again. When it is necessary to change the material to print another part of the structure, the printing sample attached to the positioning rod 12 can be placed in the washing tank 9 for washing by the loading robot 15. During washing, the turntable 10 is rotated 45° by the rotating drive device 6, and the projection light machine 3 projects purple light to post-cure the printed sample. After post-cure, the loading robot 15 clamps the printing container 20 containing different resins from the loading tank 11, and the printing sample attached to the positioning rod 12 automatically enters the printing area in the printing container 20. At the same time, the turntable 10 is rotated 45° again by the rotating drive device 6, and the resin tank 8 containing the same printed resin without photoinitiator as the printing container 20 is rotated into the printing position of the turntable 10. The printing container 20 is placed in the resin tank 8 by the loading robot 15 for the second printing. The cycle is repeated to complete multi-material printing.

[0096] In this embodiment, the principle of oxygen inhibition is used so that the photosensitive resin does not solidify immediately in the initial stage of printing. After the energy reaches the solidification threshold, the complex geometric body is formed in one piece.

[0097] The photosensitive resin material is a free radical photosensitive resin material, and polymerization is highly inhibited by oxygen, resulting in an oxygen inhibition effect. Therefore, the photosensitive resin does not solidify immediately at the beginning of printing. After the energy reaches the solidification threshold, the complex geometric body is formed in one piece. The light source projection system allows the dose to accumulate quickly in the XY plane during the printing process and can compensate for the attenuated dose. The rotation speed of the printing container 20 during the printing process is 20° / s, and if Figure 1 As shown, when the photosensitive resin material is printed, the position of the printing platform can be adjusted by the loading mechanical arm 15 so that the next part can be printed continuously again. When it is necessary to change the material to print another part of the structure, the printing sample attached to the positioning rod 12 can be placed in the washing tank 9 for washing by the loading mechanical arm 15. During washing, the turntable 10 is rotated 45° by the rotating driving device 6, and the projection light machine 3 projects purple light to post-cure the printed sample. After post-cure, the printing container 20 containing different resins is clamped from the loading tank 11 by the loading mechanical arm 15, and the printed sample attached to the positioning rod 12 automatically enters the printing area in the printing container 20. At the same time, the turntable 10 is rotated 45° again by the rotating driving device 6, and the resin tank 8 containing the same printed resin as the printing container 20 without a photoinitiator is rotated into the printing position of the turntable 10. The printing container 20 is placed in the resin tank 8 by the loading mechanical arm 15 for the second printing. The cycle is repeated to complete multi-material printing.

[0098] The above description is an explanation of the utility model, not a limitation of the utility model. The scope of the utility model is defined by the claims. Any form of modification can be made within the protection scope of the utility model.

Claims

1. An automated multi-material volumetric 3D printing system, characterized in that: include: Light source projection system; a printing container, which is loaded with resin for printing; The switching unit can realize the switching of multiple materials, and its specific structure includes: A turntable that can rotate at a certain angle; There are multiple resin tanks which are equidistantly distributed in a circular shape on the turntable, and the multiple resin tanks are located on the projection path of the light source projection system, and are used to perform projection printing on the printing containers placed in the resin tanks; The washing tank is fixed in the center of the turntable and is used to wash the printed parts; as well as, The loading robot arm can clamp the printing container and move it, and the loading robot arm can also drive the printing container to rotate along the central axis of the printing container.

2. An automated multi-material volumetric 3D printing system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The light source projection system comprises a projection optical machine and an XY axis displacement platform. The projection optical machine is connected above the XY axis displacement platform and can be accurately moved and adjusted in the XY plane.

3. An automated multi-material volumetric 3D printing system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The turntable is a circular structure, and the center of the turntable is connected to the driving shaft of the rotation driving device.

4. The automated multi-material volumetric 3D printing system of claim 1, wherein: The resin tank and the washing tank are both rectangular high-transmittance structures with open upper ends, the opposite sides of the resin tank and the washing tank form an angle of 45°, and at least one side of the resin tank is arranged parallel to the corresponding outer section of the turntable.

5. An automated multi-material volumetric 3D printing system as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The multiple resin tanks have different light transmittances to meet printing requirements for different resins.

6. The automated multi-material volumetric 3D printing system of claim 1, wherein: Also includes: Precision optical platform, providing support for the light source projection system; A precision rotating device, which is held by the loading robot arm and includes a positioning rod for determining the center position of the printing material; The print monitoring module is located on both sides of the resin tank and is used to monitor the printing process in real time.

7. An automated multi-material volumetric 3D printing system as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The printing monitoring module includes a CCD camera bracket, a CCD camera, an LED light source bracket and an LED light source. The working band of the LED light source is in the red band to avoid affecting the energy accumulation of purple band light energy in the mixed photosensitive resin during the printing stage.

8. The automated multi-material volumetric 3D printing system of claim 1, wherein: The washing tank contains a reagent for washing the printing resin, which is used to reduce the resin residue on the printed sample after each printing is completed.

9. The automated multi-material volumetric 3D printing system of claim 1, wherein: The resin tank is loaded with printing resin without photoinitiator to reduce the dosage deviation caused by interface refraction of the light source during the printing stage.

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