3D printing supporting structure

Abstract

The utility model provides a 3D printing supporting structure and relates to the technical field of 3D printing, the 3D printing supporting structure comprises an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, a hollow structure layer is arranged between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder, the outer side of the hollow structure layer is connected with the inner wall of the outer cylinder, the inner side of the hollow structure layer is connected with the inner cylinder, and contact parts making contact with the inner wall of a product printing hole are symmetrically arranged on the outer side of the outer cylinder; the support is applied to the 3D metal printing process, the hollow-out structure layer can disperse stress and reduce the situation of local stress concentration, and compared with a support automatically generated by traditional 3D printing software, the support is more stable, not prone to deformation, not prone to deformation and high in reliability. Due to the protruding design of the contact part, the contact area between the supporting structure and the product is relatively small, adhesion between the supporting structure and the product is reduced, the removing process of the supporting structure is more convenient, when the supporting structure is removed, a tool can be inserted into the inner cylinder to pull out the whole supporting structure, and the supporting structure is easy and convenient to use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and more specifically, to a 3D printed support structure. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing support structures are auxiliary structures added during the 3D printing process to ensure that certain suspended parts, complex structural parts, or highly inclined parts of the printed model can be successfully printed. These structures usually need to be removed after printing is completed.

[0003] In the 3D metal printing process, there are two main existing support methods within the printed metal holes. One is the support automatically generated by the 3D printing software; however, this type of support is prone to deformation, negatively impacting product quality. The other is manually added gear supports, but these are difficult to remove, thus affecting production efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a 3D printing support structure that ensures the 3D printed product is not easily deformed and can be easily removed after printing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a 3D printing support structure that can solve the technical problems raised in the background art.

[0005] This application provides a 3D printing support structure, including an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder. A hollow structure layer is provided between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. The outer side of the hollow structure layer is connected to the inner wall of the outer cylinder, and the inner side of the hollow structure layer is connected to the inner cylinder. The outer side of the outer cylinder is symmetrically provided with contact portions that contact the inner wall of the printing hole of the product. The contact portions are composed of protrusions of uniform height.

[0006] Furthermore, the area of ​​the contact portion accounts for one-quarter to one-half of the outer surface area of ​​the outer cylinder.

[0007] Furthermore, the hollow structure layer has multiple layers.

[0008] Furthermore, the inner cylinder has a polygonal cross-section, and the outer cylinder has a circular cross-section.

[0009] Furthermore, the hollow structure layer has a porous structure.

[0010] Furthermore, the distance between two adjacent hollow structure layers is 1.5mm-2.5mm.

[0011] Furthermore, the thickness of the hollow structure layer is 0.1mm-0.6mm.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0013] The support structure provided by this utility model consists of an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, and a hollow structure layer between them. During the 3D metal printing process, the hollow structure layer can disperse stress and reduce local stress concentration. Compared with the supports automatically generated by traditional 3D printing software, this structure is more stable and less prone to deformation. The symmetrically arranged contact parts on the outer side of the outer cylinder are composed of protrusions of uniform height. When in contact with the inner wall of the printing hole of the product, they can provide uniform support force, preventing local deformation or twisting of the product during the printing process, and further ensuring the quality of the product. Compared with manually added gear supports, the protrusion design of the contact parts makes the contact area between the support structure and the product relatively small, reducing the adhesion between the support structure and the product, and making the removal of the support structure more convenient. When removing the support structure, a tool can be inserted into the inner cylinder to pry out the entire support structure, which is simple and convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 These are schematic diagrams of structures in some embodiments of this application;

[0016] Figure 2 These are cross-sectional views of some embodiments of this application;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the state structure during use in some embodiments of this application;

[0018] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0019] 1. Outer cylinder; 2. Inner cylinder; 3. Hollowed-out structural layer; 4. Contact part; 41. Protrusion; 5. Product. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0021] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0023] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this application is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0024] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Specific implementation examples:

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, this application provides a 3D printed support structure, including an outer cylinder 1 and an inner cylinder 2. A perforated structural layer 3 is provided between the outer cylinder 1 and the inner cylinder 2. The outer side of the perforated structural layer 3 is connected to the inner wall of the outer cylinder 1, and the inner side of the perforated structural layer 3 is connected to the inner cylinder 2. The outer side of the outer cylinder 1 is symmetrically provided with contact portions 4 that contact the inner wall of the printing hole of the product 5. The contact portions 4 are composed of protrusions 41 of uniform height. The support structure consists of the outer cylinder 1, the inner cylinder 2, and the perforated structural layer 3 between them. During the 3D metal printing process, the perforated structural layer 3 can disperse stress and reduce local stress concentration. Compared with the supports automatically generated by traditional 3D printing software, this provides a more efficient and effective support structure. This structure is more stable and less prone to deformation. The symmetrically arranged contact parts 4 on the outer side of the outer cylinder 1 are composed of protrusions 41 of uniform height. When they come into contact with the inner wall of the printing hole of the product 5, they can provide uniform support force, preventing the product 5 from being deformed or twisted during the printing process, and further ensuring the quality of the product 5. Compared with manually added gear supports, the protrusions 41 design of the contact parts 4 make the contact area between the support structure and the product 5 relatively small, reducing the adhesion between the support structure and the product 5, and making the support structure easier to remove. When removing the support structure, a tool can be inserted into the inner cylinder 2 to pry out the entire support structure, which is simple and convenient.

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the area of ​​the contact portion 4 occupies one-quarter to one-half of the outer surface area of ​​the outer cylinder 1. Compared to a contact area that is too small, this range of contact area can better distribute the stress during the printing process, avoiding localized stress concentration that could lead to defects in the product 5. Taking the printing of a metal part with a complex internal structure as an example, a suitable contact area can ensure uniform support at each critical part, allowing the internal structure of the product 5 to be formed completely and accurately. If the area of ​​the contact portion 4 is too large, it may leave too many support marks on the surface of the product 5, increasing the difficulty of post-processing and potentially affecting the appearance quality of the product 5. By controlling the area of ​​the contact portion 4 within the range of one-quarter to one-half, the support effect can be guaranteed while reducing the impact on the appearance of the product 5. In this embodiment, the area of ​​the contact portion 4 occupies one-half of the outer surface area of ​​the outer cylinder 1.

[0029] like Figure 2As shown, the perforated structure layer 3 has multiple layers. These multiple layers provide more channels for material flow during the printing process. In 3D metal printing, molten metal needs to be uniformly deposited on each layer. The multiple layers of perforated structure layer 3 promote material flow, allowing the material to better fill complex shapes and reduce voids and defects. For example, when printing a product 5 with internal cavities or complex curved surfaces, the material can smoothly reach various parts through different layers of perforated structure layer 3, ensuring printing quality. Simultaneously, the multiple layers of perforated structure layer 3 also aid in heat dissipation; the heat generated during printing can be dissipated through these layers. The perforated structure layer 3 dissipates heat quickly, preventing localized overheating from affecting material performance and print quality. This is crucial for continuous printing over long periods or printing large parts, as it improves printing speed and efficiency and reduces the risk of printing failures and equipment damage due to overheating. The multi-layered perforated structure layer 3 also disperses stress generated during the printing process into different layers. For example, when printing 3D metal, the molten metal material generates shrinkage stress during cooling and solidification. The multi-layered perforated structure layer 3 can effectively absorb and disperse this stress, preventing stress concentration in a specific area from causing product deformation or cracking.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the inner cylinder 2 has a polygonal cross-section, while the outer cylinder 1 has a circular cross-section. The corners and sides of the polygonal inner cylinder 2 can increase the structure's torsional resistance. When the product 5 is subjected to torque, the polygonal inner cylinder 2 can better resist torsional deformation and maintain the stability of the support structure. For example, when printing some metal parts with complex shapes, they may be subjected to torque in different directions. This structure can ensure that the support structure will not easily deform under torque, thereby ensuring the printing quality of the product 5. The circular outer cylinder 1 can provide additional constraints from the outside, further enhancing the torsional resistance of the support structure. The circular cross-section of the outer cylinder 1 can distribute the torque evenly on the entire circumference, reducing local stress concentration and improving the overall torsional resistance of the support structure. In addition, the polygonal cross-section of the inner cylinder 2 makes it easy to insert tools into the inner cylinder 2 to pry out the support structure. In this embodiment, the cross-section of the inner cylinder 2 is hexagonal. By inserting an Allen wrench into the hexagonal inner cylinder 2 and then forcefully rotating the Allen wrench, the adhesion between the support structure and the product 5 can be misaligned and separated, making it easy to pry out the support structure.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the hollow structure layer 3 is a porous structure. The porous structure can be designed according to the shape and stress of product 5 to achieve optimized distribution of support force. Pores of different sizes and shapes can provide different levels of support force at different locations to meet the specific needs of product 5.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the distance between two adjacent hollow structure layers 3 is 1.5mm-2.5mm. Within this range, the hollow structure layers 3 can provide moderate support strength for the 3D metal printed product 5. If the distance is too small, the support structure may be too tight, hindering the flow of material during printing and affecting the molding quality of the product 5. If the distance is too large, the support strength may be insufficient, failing to effectively prevent deformation of the product 5. For example, when printing some metal parts with complex shapes, a spacing of 1.5mm-2.5mm can ensure that the support structure provides sufficient support without causing too much interference to the printing process. In this embodiment, the distance between two adjacent hollow structure layers 3 is 2mm.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the thickness of the hollow structure layer 3 is 0.1mm-0.6mm. Within this thickness range, the hollow structure layer 3 can provide suitable support strength for the 3D metal printed product 5. If the thickness is too small, it may not be able to withstand the pressure and stress during the printing process, causing the product 5 to deform or collapse. If the thickness is too large, it may increase the weight of the support structure and material consumption, and may also affect the accuracy and surface quality of the product 5. In this embodiment, the thickness of the hollow structure layer 3 is 0.3mm.

[0034] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A 3D printed support structure, characterized in that: It includes an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, with a perforated structural layer between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. The outer side of the perforated structural layer is connected to the inner wall of the outer cylinder, and the inner side of the perforated structural layer is connected to the inner cylinder. The outer side of the outer cylinder is symmetrically provided with contact portions that contact the inner wall of the product printing hole. The contact portions are composed of protrusions of uniform height.

2. The 3D printing support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The area of ​​the contact portion accounts for one-quarter to one-half of the outer surface area of ​​the outer cylinder.

3. The 3D printing support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow structure layer has multiple layers.

4. The 3D printing support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner cylinder has a polygonal cross-section, and the outer cylinder has a circular cross-section.

5. A 3D printed support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow structure layer has a porous structure.

6. A 3D printed support structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The distance between two adjacent hollow structure layers is 1.5mm-2.5mm.

7. A 3D printed support structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The thickness of the hollow structure layer is 0.1mm-0.6mm.

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