Additive manufacturing forming chamber

Abstract

The utility model discloses an additive manufacturing forming chamber, relates to the technical field of additive manufacturing, and aims to solve the problem that the effective power of laser is attenuated due to the fact that smoke dust and splash generated in the forming process drift around a lens of an optical system along with airflow. The additive manufacturing forming chamber comprises a forming chamber body and a wind field adjusting component. The forming chamber body is provided with a first side wall and a second side wall which are oppositely arranged, the first side wall is provided with a through hole and an air inlet part, and the second side wall is provided with an air outlet part; the wind field adjusting component is located in the forming chamber body and fixed to the first side wall, the wind field adjusting component is provided with a cavity communicating with the through hole, the wind field adjusting component is provided with a first air supply hole communicating with the cavity, and the opening direction of the first air supply hole deviates from the bottom plate of the forming chamber body. The additive manufacturing forming chamber provided by the utility model is used for adjusting a wind field in the forming chamber and protecting a lens of an optical system from being polluted, so that the forming quality of a product is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology, and in particular to an additive manufacturing forming chamber. Background Technology

[0002] Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology, an important branch of 3D printing, uses specialized slicing software to discretize a three-dimensional digital model into two-dimensional planar geometry. Through layer-by-layer powder spreading and sintering, the process is repeated until the part is formed. As the size of the formed parts increases, the forming size of 3D printing equipment also increases. However, with the increase in forming size, traditional airflow designs, due to airflow turbulence, cause smoke and splatter generated during the forming process to drift near the lens of the optical system. In severe cases, this can contaminate the lens, causing a decrease in the effective laser power and further affecting the forming quality of the product. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an additive manufacturing forming chamber for adjusting the airflow inside the forming chamber during the additive manufacturing process, protecting the lens of the optical system from contamination, and thereby improving the forming quality of the product.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0005] An additive manufacturing molding chamber, comprising:

[0006] The forming chamber body has a first side wall and a second side wall that are arranged opposite to each other. The first side wall is provided with a through hole and an air inlet, and the second side wall is provided with an air outlet.

[0007] The airflow regulating component is located inside the forming chamber body and is fixed to the first side wall. The airflow regulating component has a cavity communicating with the through hole and a first air supply hole communicating with the cavity. The opening direction of the first air supply hole is away from the bottom plate of the forming chamber body.

[0008] Optionally, in the above-mentioned additive manufacturing molding chamber, the end of the air field adjustment component away from the bottom plate has a first inclined surface, the first air supply hole is opened on the first inclined surface, and the opening direction of the first air supply hole is away from the bottom plate and the first side wall.

[0009] Optionally, in the above-mentioned additive manufacturing molding chamber, the angle between the first inclined surface and the first sidewall is 30°-60°.

[0010] Optionally, in the above-mentioned additive manufacturing forming chamber, there are multiple first air supply holes, which are evenly arranged in a rectangular array on the first inclined surface.

[0011] Optionally, in the above-described additive manufacturing chamber, the porosity of the first air inlet is greater than or equal to 50%.

[0012] Optionally, in the above-mentioned additive manufacturing molding chamber, the airflow adjustment component is located above the air inlet, and the airflow adjustment component is also provided with a second air supply hole communicating with the cavity, with the opening direction of the second air supply hole facing the bottom plate.

[0013] Optionally, in the above-mentioned additive manufacturing molding chamber, the end of the air field adjustment component near the bottom plate has a second inclined surface, and a second air supply hole is opened on the second inclined surface, with the opening direction of the second air supply hole facing the bottom plate and the first side wall.

[0014] Optionally, in the above-mentioned additive manufacturing molding chamber, the angle between the second inclined surface and the first sidewall is 30°-60°.

[0015] Optionally, in the above-mentioned additive manufacturing forming chamber, there are multiple second air supply holes, which are evenly arranged in a rectangular array on the second inclined surface.

[0016] Optionally, in the above-described additive manufacturing chamber, the porosity of the second air inlet is greater than or equal to 50%.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, the additive manufacturing forming chamber provided by this invention has an airflow adjustment component located within the forming chamber body and connected to the first side wall. The airflow adjustment component has a first air supply hole, and a through-hole communicates with the first air supply hole through a cavity. During operation, external airflow is introduced into the cavity of the airflow adjustment component through the through-hole, and then the external airflow is blown upwards from the first air supply hole in a direction away from the base plate. The blown airflow is guided by the airflow adjustment component to form a flowing airflow below the optical lens, which can disperse the smoke and dust generated during the forming process, causing these impurities to move away from the optical lens above the forming chamber. This airflow, in conjunction with the airflow entering through the air inlet, forms a stable airflow within the forming chamber body, carrying impurities to the air outlet, thus leaving the forming chamber. This prevents these impurities from accumulating near the lens and causing lens contamination, thereby avoiding laser power attenuation due to lens contamination and ensuring the forming quality of the product. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of an additive manufacturing molding chamber provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2A schematic diagram of the overall structure of an airflow regulation component for an additive manufacturing molding chamber provided in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first side wall of an additive manufacturing molding chamber provided for an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure label:

[0023] 1 is the forming chamber body, 110 is the first side wall, 111 is the through hole, 112 is the air inlet, 120 is the second side wall, 121 is the air outlet, 2 is the air field adjustment component, 210 is the cavity, 220 is the first air supply hole, 230 is the first inclined surface, 240 is the second air supply hole, and 250 is the second inclined surface. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0025] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. "Several" means one or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 3 The additive manufacturing forming chamber provided in this embodiment of the present invention includes: a forming chamber body 1 and an airflow regulating component 2. The forming chamber body 1 has a first side wall 110 and a second side wall 120 arranged opposite to each other. The first side wall 110 is provided with a through hole 111 and an air inlet 112, and the second side wall 120 is provided with an air outlet 121. The airflow regulating component 2 is located inside the forming chamber body 1 and is fixed on the first side wall 110. The airflow regulating component 2 has a cavity 210 communicating with the through hole 111. The airflow regulating component 2 has a first air supply hole 220 communicating with the cavity 210. The opening direction of the first air supply hole 220 is away from the bottom plate of the forming chamber body 1.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, in the additive manufacturing forming chamber provided by this utility model, the airflow adjustment component 2 is located inside the forming chamber body 1 and connected to the first side wall 110. The airflow adjustment component 2 has a first air supply hole 220, and the through hole 111 communicates with the first air supply hole 220 through the cavity 210. During operation, external airflow is introduced into the cavity 210 of the airflow adjustment component 2 through the through hole 111, and then the external airflow is blown upward from the first air supply hole in the direction away from the bottom plate. The blown airflow is guided by the airflow adjustment component 2 to form a flowing airflow below the optical lens, which can disperse the smoke and dust and splashes generated during the forming process, causing these impurities to move away from the optical lens above the forming chamber. This airflow, in conjunction with the airflow entering through the air inlet 112, forms a stable airflow within the forming chamber body 1, carrying the impurities to the air outlet 121, thereby leaving the forming chamber. This prevents these impurities from accumulating near the lens and causing contamination of the lens, thus avoiding the attenuation of the effective laser power due to lens contamination and ensuring the forming quality of the product.

[0031] As one possible implementation, such as Figure 1As shown, the end of the airflow regulating component 2 away from the base plate has a first inclined surface 230, and a first air outlet 220 is opened on the first inclined surface 230. The opening direction of the first air outlet 220 is away from the base plate and the first side wall 110. That is, the top of the airflow regulating component 2 is inclined, rather than parallel to the base plate or perpendicular to the first side wall 110. Therefore, the first air outlet 220 is not opened on a plane or perpendicular to a side wall, but is opened on this first inclined surface 230 with a specific angle. Compared with setting the first air outlet 220 in the horizontal and vertical directions, the setting of the first inclined surface 230 can generate an inclined airflow. This inclined airflow can allow the airflow to reach the top of the forming chamber while also generating a horizontal airflow effect. This better guides the smoke and splashes generated during the forming process to move away from the optical lens and then be discharged from the air outlet 121, avoiding the accumulation of these impurities near the lens and thus avoiding the attenuation of the effective laser power due to lens contamination.

[0032] With this configuration, when the airflow is blown out from the first air outlet 220, the airflow will blow out in an upward direction, which helps to guide the airflow to a specific area of ​​the forming chamber body 1, so that the airflow can effectively cover and protect the area where the lens is located.

[0033] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, the angle between the first inclined surface 230 and the first sidewall 110 is 30°-60°. In some embodiments, the angle between the first inclined surface 230 and the first sidewall 110 can be any angle value between 30° and 60°, such as 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, or 60°. It should be noted that different angles mean the steepness of the upward angle of the airflow blown out of the first air outlet 220. When the angle is small, the upward angle of the airflow is gentler, the horizontal component of the airflow is relatively large, and the vertical component is small. In the additive manufacturing process, such airflow may push impurities such as dust and splashes generated during the forming process upward at a relatively gentle angle, so that the impurities are blown a farther distance in the horizontal direction, but the height of the upward movement is relatively limited. When the angle is large, the upward angle of the airflow becomes steeper. At this time, the vertical component of the force is dominant, and the airflow will be more inclined to push the impurities upward, making it easier for the impurities to be carried to a higher position, away from the forming area and the optical lens.

[0034] As one possible implementation, such as Figure 2As shown, there are multiple first air supply holes 220, which are evenly arranged in a rectangular array on the first inclined surface 230. The evenly distributed rectangular array of first air supply holes 220 ensures that the airflow blown from the cavity 210 of the air field adjustment component 2 achieves uniform coverage of the area above the forming chamber. Each first air supply hole 220 serves as an independent airflow outlet, and its uniform arrangement ensures that the airflow is evenly distributed in both the horizontal and vertical directions. For the area where the optical lens needs protection, the uniform air field can avoid the problem of uneven impurity dispersion caused by excessively strong or weak local airflow, ensuring that there is a stable airflow under the entire lens to steadily push the smoke and splashes generated during the forming process away from the lens, effectively preventing impurities from accumulating near the lens.

[0035] Furthermore, the porosity of the first air supply hole 220 is greater than or equal to 50%.

[0036] This configuration means that a larger porosity translates to a larger area occupied by the first air outlet 220 on the first inclined surface 230. When external airflow enters the cavity 210 of the airflow regulating component 2, there is more space for the airflow to exit through these first air outlets 220. When the porosity is greater than or equal to 50%, compared to a lower porosity configuration, a greater volume of air can be output under the same air source pressure. This allows for greater pressure to push impurities away from the area where the optical lens is located, effectively preventing lens contamination and ensuring normal laser transmission and product forming quality.

[0037] As one possible implementation, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the wind field regulating component 2 is located above the air inlet 112. The wind field regulating component 2 also has a second air supply hole 240 that communicates with the cavity 210. The opening direction of the second air supply hole 240 is towards the bottom plate.

[0038] The airflow regulating component 2 is located above the air inlet 112, with the second air outlet 240 opening towards the bottom plate. The airflow from this component merges with the airflow from the air inlet 112, effectively enhancing the airflow intensity of the air inlet 112. In this way, a stronger airflow can be formed in areas requiring special attention, making the airflow distribution more targeted and effective. The enhanced airflow from the air inlet 112 can more effectively remove dust particles and other impurities generated during the forming process, discharging them through the air outlet 121 into the forming chamber. This reduces the residue of dust within the forming chamber, minimizing its impact on the quality of the formed product and contributing to improved forming accuracy and surface quality.

[0039] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the wind field regulating component 2 has a second inclined surface 250 at one end near the bottom plate, and a second air supply hole 240 is opened on the second inclined surface 250. The opening direction of the second air supply hole 240 is towards the bottom plate and the first side wall 110.

[0040] The second inclined surface 250 is configured such that the opening direction of the second air outlet 240 faces the bottom plate and the first side wall 110. This allows the airflow from the second air outlet 240 to merge with the airflow from the air inlet 112 at a specific angle. This angle design allows the two airflows to interact more effectively when they meet, avoiding mutual cancellation or turbulence. Furthermore, due to the special opening direction of the second air outlet 240, the airflow blown out faces both the bottom plate and the first side wall 110, which helps to form a more comprehensive airflow coverage in the area near the first side wall 110 at the bottom of the forming chamber body 1. Good and comprehensive airflow coverage can promptly remove impurities accumulated in the area of ​​the first side wall 110, which is beneficial to improving the quality of the formed product.

[0041] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the angle between the second inclined surface 250 and the first sidewall 110 is 30°-60°. In some embodiments, the angle between the first inclined surface 230 and the first sidewall 110 can be any angle value between 30° and 60°, such as 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, or 60°. When the angle between the second inclined surface 250 and the first sidewall 110 is small, the horizontal component of the airflow blown out by the second air outlet 240 is relatively large, while the vertical component is relatively small. This is beneficial for laterally blowing away impurities or dispersing smoke and dust in the area near the first sidewall 110 at the bottom of the forming chamber body 1. When the angle between the second inclined surface 250 and the first sidewall 110 is large, the vertical component of the airflow increases, which can better integrate the airflow entering the air inlet 112 and improve the local enhancement effect of the airflow.

[0042] As one possible implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, there are multiple second air supply holes 240, which are evenly arranged in a rectangular array on the second inclined surface 250.

[0043] The uniformly distributed rectangular array of second air outlets 240 ensures that each outlet functions as an independent airflow outlet, resulting in a relatively even distribution of airflow in both the horizontal and vertical directions. This creates a stable local airflow environment. In the bottom region near the first sidewall 110, the airflow generated by the uniformly distributed second air outlets 240 reduces airflow fluctuations and turbulence when it merges into the airflow field formed by the air supply section. Compared to non-uniform or randomly distributed second air outlets 240, the regularity of the rectangular array makes the airflow velocity, pressure, and other parameters more stable within the forming chamber, ensuring a stable airflow environment during the forming process and reducing the generation of forming defects.

[0044] Furthermore, the porosity of the second air outlet 240 is greater than or equal to 50%.

[0045] This configuration, with its higher porosity, means that the second air outlet 240 occupies a larger area on the second inclined surface 250. When external airflow enters the cavity 210 of the airflow regulating component 2, there is more space for the airflow to flow out through these second air outlets 240. When the porosity is greater than or equal to 50%, compared to the case of lower porosity, more air can be output under the same air source pressure, thereby pushing impurities to the airflow field generated by the air inlet 112 with greater pressure. This effectively removes impurities from the first sidewall 110 and the bottom, improving the forming quality of the product.

[0046] In one embodiment provided by this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, the wind field regulating component 2 has a rectangular cavity structure with a first inclined surface 230 and a second inclined surface 250 at its upper and lower ends, respectively. A first air supply hole 220 is opened on the first inclined surface 230, and a second air supply hole 240 is opened on the second inclined surface 250. The wind field regulating component 2 cooperates with the forming chamber body 1, located at the through hole above the air inlet 112 of the forming chamber body 1 and fixedly connected to the first side wall 110. This layout lays the structural foundation for guiding external airflow and creating a stable and effective wind field. Through the design of the cavity 210 of the wind field regulating component 2 and the first air supply hole 220 and the second air supply hole 240 in a specific direction, precise control of the airflow is achieved. The angle between the first inclined surface 230 and the first side wall 110 is 30°-60°. This suitable angle design generates a suitable wind field, which helps the airflow move to the area below the optical lens. The opening direction of the first air supply hole 220 is away from the bottom plate and the first side wall 110. When the airflow... When the air is blown out from the first air outlet 220, which is uniformly opened in a matrix array on the first inclined surface 230, a uniform air field can be formed above the forming chamber body 1. The large porosity (greater than or equal to 50%) ensures a sufficient air volume supply, which can effectively disperse the smoke, dust and splashes generated during the forming process and keep them away from the optical lens, avoiding the attenuation of laser effective power caused by lens contamination and ensuring the forming quality of the product. The second air outlet 240 is opened on the second inclined surface 250 and faces the bottom plate and the first side wall 110. The second inclined surface 250 and the first side wall 110 have a specific included angle (30°-60°). The multiple second air outlets 240 are uniformly distributed in a rectangular array. The uniformly distributed second air outlets 240 help to strengthen the airflow coordination with the air inlet 112, thereby enhancing the airflow intensity of the air inlet 112, improving the dust removal efficiency, promoting the stability of the air field in the forming chamber body 1, and effectively improving the utilization efficiency of the dust removal airflow.

[0047] In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0048] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An additive manufacturing build chamber characterized by, The application relates to a forming chamber, which comprises: a forming chamber body with oppositely arranged first and second side walls, the first side wall being provided with a through hole and an air inlet part, and the second side wall being provided with an air outlet part; an air field adjusting part located in the forming chamber body, the air field adjusting part being fixed to the first side wall, the air field adjusting part having a cavity in communication with the through hole, and the air field adjusting part being provided with first air supply holes in communication with the cavity, the first air supply holes being arranged in a direction away from the bottom plate of the forming chamber body.

2. The additive manufacturing cell of claim 1, wherein, An end of the air field adjusting part away from the bottom plate is provided with a first inclined surface, and the first air supply holes are arranged on the first inclined surface in a direction away from the bottom plate and the first side wall.

3. The additive manufacturing cell of claim 2, wherein, The first inclined surface forms an angle of 30-60 degrees with the first side wall.

4. The additive manufacturing cell of claim 2, wherein, The first air supply holes are arranged in a rectangular array on the first inclined surface.

5. The additive manufacturing cell of claim 4, wherein, The porosity of the first air supply holes is greater than or equal to 50%.

6. The additive manufacturing cell of claim 1, wherein, The air field adjusting part is located above the air inlet part, and the air field adjusting part is further provided with second air supply holes in communication with the cavity, the second air supply holes being arranged in a direction towards the bottom plate.

7. The additive manufacturing cell of claim 6, wherein, An end of the air field adjusting part close to the bottom plate is provided with a second inclined surface, and the second air supply holes are arranged on the second inclined surface in a direction towards the bottom plate and the first side wall.

8. The additive manufacturing cell of claim 7, wherein, The second inclined surface forms an angle of 30-60 degrees with the first side wall.

9. The additive manufacturing cell of claim 7, wherein, The second air supply holes are arranged in a rectangular array on the second inclined surface.

10. The additive manufacturing cell of claim 9, wherein, The porosity of the second air supply holes is greater than or equal to 50%.

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