3D printing breathable steel food forming mold and food processing equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides a 3D printing breathable steel food forming die and food processing equipment, and belongs to the technical field of food processing, the 3D printing breathable steel food forming die comprises a die frame, a strip insert and a breathable insert, the die frame is provided with an air inlet hole, and the air inlet hole is used for being connected with a gas pressurizing device; at least one strip insert is detachably arranged on the mold frame; at least one breathable insert is detachably arranged on the strip insert, a mold cavity is formed in the breathable insert, breathable micropores are formed in the bottom of the mold cavity, and the breathable micropores are communicated with the air inlet hole. The breathable insert, the long-strip insert and the mold frame are assembled, and after a product is formed in the mold cavity, breathable ejection is achieved through the breathable micropores in the bottom of the mold cavity; the independent breathable insert can shorten the processing period, the problem that the whole strip insert is scrapped due to damage of a single mold cavity is avoided, and the processing cost is reduced. According to the 3D printing breathable steel food forming mold, the problems that a multi-cavity long-strip insert of an existing mold is long in machining period and high in cost are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food processing technology, specifically to a 3D printed breathable steel food forming mold and food processing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of society and the economy and the improvement of people's living standards, the food industry is also developing rapidly. Currently, many food products on the market come in various shapes and sizes. Some chain catering companies, due to centralized supply, have relatively large outputs and high production requirements. To reduce costs and increase efficiency, many companies have shifted from small-scale workshop production to large-scale mechanized factory production. Many uniquely shaped food products are made by processing ingredients into a paste, freezing it, shaping it, and then using molds to set it. Many of these molds are similar to cutting molds; the mold creates the shape, and the product is ejected through planar pressing. Some are also produced using cylindrical molds with roller pressing. This mold structure has high production efficiency, but due to limitations in mold technology, the yield rate is low, and the product is difficult to eject and tends to stick to the mold cavity.

[0003] In existing technology, the main material for cylindrical mold parts is food-grade stainless steel SUS316. A long strip insert is made according to the shape, and each insert has a row of multiple cavities of different shapes. Based on the shape and size of the product and the size of the equipment, a set of molds is designed to make several inserts. Each insert is fixed on the mold and surrounds to form a circular mold. After assembly, the whole is machined and ground into a circular roller pressing mold. Each cavity has an exhaust structure on its bottom surface. After rolling, the product is ejected by high-pressure gas in the middle of the mold, so that the product is laid flat on the production line for conveying. Currently, the mold uses small holes of about 0.2mm machined for air pressure ejection.

[0004] However, each insert has multiple cavity forming positions in a row, which makes the micro-hole processing time long, costly, and the parts processing cycle long. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the problems of long processing cycle and high cost of multi-cavity long strip inserts in the prior art, thereby providing a 3D printed breathable steel food forming mold and food processing equipment.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides a 3D-printed breathable steel food molding die, comprising: a mold frame, a long strip insert, and a breathable insert. The mold frame is provided with an air inlet for connecting a gas pressurization device. At least one long strip insert is detachably disposed on the mold frame. At least one breathable insert is detachably disposed on the long strip insert, and the breathable insert is provided with a mold cavity. The bottom of the mold cavity is provided with breathable micropores, which communicate with the air inlet.

[0007] In use, the ventilated insert and the long strip insert are assembled, and then the long strip insert and the mold frame are assembled so that the ventilated micropores at the bottom of the mold cavity on the ventilated insert are connected to the air inlet on the mold frame. After the product is formed in the mold cavity, the gas pressurization device delivers high-pressure gas to the ventilated micropores at the bottom of the mold cavity through the air inlet, thereby causing the formed product to automatically detach, meeting production requirements. Each mold cavity is disassembled into an independent ventilated insert, which facilitates simultaneous processing and rework by multiple machines, improves processing efficiency, shortens the processing cycle, and facilitates maintenance, avoiding the problem of the entire long strip insert being scrapped due to damage to a single mold cavity, thereby reducing processing costs. The 3D printed ventilated steel food forming mold provided by this utility model solves the problems of long processing cycles and high costs of existing multi-cavity long strip inserts.

[0008] Optionally, the ventilated insert is made of ventilated steel using 3D printing. With the above configuration, the ventilated steel is 3D printed using food-grade stainless steel powder. Compared to traditional machining, which requires multiple processes such as material preparation, rough machining, and fine machining, and typically takes more than 20 days, 3D printing allows for immediate printing after design completion, reducing the processing time to just 5 days. This significantly shortens the mold development cycle and solves the problems of excessive venting holes, long processing times, and high costs associated with traditional machining. It also avoids the design difficulties caused by limitations in traditional machining, achieving the goal of simplifying the manufacturing process with a good design concept and process. Furthermore, the food-grade stainless steel 3D-printed ventilated insert is corrosion-resistant, wear-resistant, and durable, making it more suitable for production and use in humid environments.

[0009] Optionally, the pore size of the breathable micropores is set to 0.05–0.10 mm. This 0.05–0.10 mm pore size prevents product seepage and blockage of the breathable micropores, improving their breathability and making the product easier to demold after molding. Adjusting the pore size of the breathable micropores on the breathable insert using 3D printing technology, with uniformly distributed micropores, allows for adjustment of the air pressure on the back of the breathable insert during mold production. This results in more uniform back ejection air pressure during product production, making the product easier to eject evenly, improving production efficiency and product quality.

[0010] Optionally, the thickness of the bottom of the mold cavity is set to 3-5 mm. With this setting, the 3-5 mm thick permeable steel has better air permeability, enabling uniform airflow and ejection from the bottom of the product. This is more suitable for applications requiring overall airflow and ejection during molding, resulting in higher production efficiency and improved industry competitiveness.

[0011] Optionally, the mold frame is provided with a first mounting groove, and the elongated insert is detachably disposed in the first mounting groove. The bottom of the elongated insert is spaced apart from the bottom of the first mounting groove, and the gap between the elongated insert and the first mounting groove forms an air intake channel, which communicates with the air intake hole. Through the above arrangement, the first mounting groove serves to limit the elongated insert, preventing it from shifting during use. Furthermore, by using the gap between the bottom of the elongated insert and the bottom of the first mounting groove as an air intake channel, high-pressure gas is evenly distributed at the bottom of the elongated insert, which is beneficial for uniform ejection of the product after molding.

[0012] Optionally, the elongated insert has first fixing holes at both ends, and a second fixing hole that mates with the first fixing holes is provided on the inner sidewall of the first mounting groove. The first fixing holes and the second fixing holes are used to install fasteners to fix the elongated insert to the mold frame. With the above arrangement, the fasteners connect the first fixing holes and the second fixing holes, fixing the elongated insert in the first mounting groove of the mold frame and preventing the elongated insert from shifting or falling off during use.

[0013] Optionally, the elongated insert is provided with a second mounting groove, and the breathable insert is detachably disposed in the second mounting groove. A clearance hole is provided at the bottom of the second mounting groove, connecting the breathable micropores and the air inlet channel. Through this arrangement, the second mounting groove limits the position of the breathable insert, preventing displacement during use. The clearance hole at the bottom of the second mounting groove avoids the breathable micropores at the bottom of the breathable insert, allowing the micropores to connect with the air inlet channel, thereby achieving breathable ejection during product molding.

[0014] Optionally, the bottom of the breathable insert is provided with a third fixing hole, and the bottom of the second mounting groove is provided with a fourth fixing hole that mates with the third fixing hole. The third and fourth fixing holes are used to install fasteners to securely connect the breathable insert to the elongated insert. Through this arrangement, the fasteners connect the third and fourth fixing holes to securely connect the breathable insert to the elongated insert, preventing the breathable insert from shifting or falling off during use.

[0015] Optionally, the mating positions between the venting insert and the elongated insert are welded and sealed, and the mating positions between the elongated insert and the mold frame are also welded and sealed. Through this arrangement, the welded seal can prevent air leakage during production and use, resulting in a better sealing effect on the assembly of the venting insert and the elongated insert. The venting position of the venting insert can only be located on the bottom surface, leading to better venting and ejection, and improving production efficiency.

[0016] This utility model provides a food production equipment, including a main body and a 3D-printed breathable steel food forming mold as described in any of the above-mentioned solutions. The 3D-printed breathable steel food forming mold is rotatably mounted on the main body of the equipment. Due to the use of the above-mentioned 3D-printed breathable steel food forming mold, it possesses any of the aforementioned advantages. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the 3D printed breathable steel food molding die provided in this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the intermediate mold frame;

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the front of the medium-length strip inlay;

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the reverse side of the medium-length strip inlay;

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the front of the breathable insert;

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the reverse side of the breathable insert.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0027] 1. Mold frame; 2. Air inlet; 3. Long strip insert; 4. Ventilation insert; 5. Mold cavity; 6. First mounting groove; 7. Air inlet channel; 8. Strip protrusion; 9. First fixing hole; 10. Second fixing hole; 11. Second mounting groove; 12. Clearance hole; 13. Third fixing hole; 14. Fourth fixing hole. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] 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; 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 utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0032] This embodiment provides a structure for a 3D-printed breathable steel food forming mold that can shorten the processing cycle, used for food processing and forming.

[0033] like Figure 1-8As shown, this embodiment provides a specific implementation of a 3D printed breathable steel food molding die, comprising: a mold frame 1, a long strip insert 3, and a breathable insert 4. The mold frame 1 is provided with an air inlet 2, which is used to connect a gas pressurization device. At least one long strip insert 3 is detachably provided on the mold frame 1. At least one breathable insert 4 is detachably provided on the long strip insert 3. The breathable insert 4 is provided with a mold cavity 5, and the bottom of the mold cavity 5 is provided with a breathable micropore, which communicates with the air inlet 2.

[0034] In use, the breathable insert 4 and the elongated insert 3 are assembled, and then the elongated insert 3 and the mold frame 1 are assembled so that the breathable micropores at the bottom of the cavity 5 on the breathable insert 4 are connected to the air inlet 2 on the mold frame 1. After the product is formed in the cavity 5, the gas pressurization device delivers high-pressure gas to the breathable micropores at the bottom of the cavity 5 through the air inlet 2, thereby causing the formed product to automatically detach and meet production requirements. Each cavity 5 is disassembled into an independent breathable insert 4, which facilitates simultaneous processing and rework by multiple machines, improves processing efficiency, shortens the processing cycle, and facilitates maintenance. It avoids the problem of scrapping the entire elongated insert 3 due to damage to a single cavity 5, thereby reducing processing costs. The 3D printed breathable steel food forming mold provided in this embodiment solves the problems of long processing cycles and high costs of existing multi-cavity elongated inserts 3.

[0035] In the 3D-printed permeable steel food molding die provided in this embodiment, the permeable insert 4 is 3D printed from permeable steel. The permeable steel is 3D printed using food-grade stainless steel powder. Compared to traditional machining, which requires multiple processes such as material preparation, rough machining, and fine machining, and typically takes more than 20 days, 3D printing allows for immediate printing after design completion, reducing the processing time to only 5 days. This significantly shortens the mold development cycle and solves the problems of excessive venting holes, long processing time, and high costs associated with traditional machining. It avoids the difficulty of designing due to limitations in traditional machining methods, achieving the goal of simplifying the manufacturing process with a good design concept and process. Furthermore, the food-grade stainless steel 3D-printed permeable insert 4 has excellent corrosion resistance and wear resistance, making it durable and more suitable for production in humid environments. Alternatively, as an alternative implementation, the permeable insert 4 can also be machined from traditional stainless steel according to design requirements.

[0036] like Figure 1As shown, in the 3D printed breathable steel food forming mold provided in this embodiment, the mold frame 1 of the 3D printed breathable steel food forming mold is set as a cylindrical structure, and multiple long strip inserts 3 of the 3D printed breathable steel food forming mold are arranged around the circumference of the mold frame 1. Multiple breathable inserts 4 are arranged on the long strip inserts 3, and the shape of the mold cavity 5 is designed according to the product requirements.

[0037] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, in the 3D printed permeable steel food molding die provided in this embodiment, the thickness of the bottom of the mold cavity 5 is set to 3-5 mm. A thickness of 3-5 mm for the permeable steel provides better air permeability, enabling uniform airflow and ejection from the bottom of the product. This is more suitable for applications requiring overall airflow and ejection during molding, resulting in higher production efficiency and improved industry competitiveness. Alternatively, as an alternative implementation, the thickness of the bottom of the mold cavity 5 can be set to 1-3 mm or greater than 5 mm, depending on design requirements.

[0038] like Figure 2-4 As shown, in the 3D printed breathable steel food molding die provided in this embodiment, the mold frame 1 is provided with a first mounting groove 6, and the elongated insert 3 is detachably disposed in the first mounting groove 6. The bottom of the elongated insert 3 is spaced apart from the bottom of the first mounting groove 6, and the gap between the elongated insert 3 and the first mounting groove 6 forms an air intake channel 7, which communicates with the air intake hole 2. The first mounting groove 6 serves to limit the elongated insert 3, preventing it from shifting during use. Furthermore, the gap between the bottom of the elongated insert 3 and the bottom of the first mounting groove 6, acting as the air intake channel 7, allows high-pressure gas to be evenly distributed at the bottom of the elongated insert 3, which is beneficial for the uniform ejection of the product after molding. Alternatively, as an alternative embodiment, the first mounting groove 6 can be omitted, and a limiting protrusion is provided on the surface of the mold frame 1, while a limiting groove is provided at the bottom of the elongated insert 3. The limiting protrusion and the limiting groove engage in a snap-fit ​​configuration.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, in the 3D printed breathable steel food forming mold provided in this embodiment, the mold frame 1 includes an installation part and a connecting part. The installation part is a cylindrical structure, and a plurality of strip-shaped protrusions 8 are arranged at intervals and parallel on the outer surface of the cylindrical structure. The first installation groove 6 is formed between two adjacent strip-shaped protrusions 8. The connecting part is arranged at both ends of the installation part, and at least one of the connecting parts is provided with the air inlet 2.

[0040] like Figure 1 , Figure 4As shown, in the 3D printed breathable steel food molding die provided in this embodiment, the end of the air inlet 2 away from the air inlet channel 7 is set as a circular structure, which facilitates the connection of a gas pressurization device. The end of the air inlet 2 near the air inlet channel 7 is set as a long strip structure, which is consistent with the cross-section of the air inlet channel 7. The interior of the air inlet 2 forms a gradient structure, which can reduce airflow resistance and disturbance, thereby making the pressure in the air inlet channel 7 evenly distributed, which is conducive to the uniform ejection of the product after molding.

[0041] like Figure 1-6 As shown, in the 3D printed breathable steel food forming mold provided in this embodiment, the two ends of the elongated insert 3 are provided with first fixing holes 9, and the inner sidewall of the first mounting groove 6 is provided with a second fixing hole 10 that mates with the first fixing holes 9. The first fixing holes 9 and the second fixing holes 10 are used to install fasteners so that the elongated insert 3 is fixedly connected to the mold frame 1. The fasteners connect the first fixing holes 9 and the second fixing holes 10, so that the elongated insert 3 is fixed in the first mounting groove 6 of the mold frame 1, preventing the elongated insert 3 from shifting or falling off during use. In addition, as an alternative embodiment, the first fixing holes 9 and the second fixing holes 10 can be omitted, and the elongated insert 3 and the mold frame 1 can be detachably connected by snap-fit ​​connection or other means.

[0042] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, in the 3D printed breathable steel food molding die provided in this embodiment, the elongated insert 3 is provided with a second mounting groove 11, and the breathable insert 4 is detachably disposed in the second mounting groove 11. A clearance hole 12 is provided at the bottom of the second mounting groove 11, and the clearance hole 12 connects the breathable micropores and the air inlet channel 7. The second mounting groove 11 limits the breathable insert 4, preventing displacement during use. The clearance hole 12 at the bottom of the second mounting groove 11 avoids the breathable micropores at the bottom of the breathable insert 4, allowing the breathable micropores to connect with the air inlet channel 7, thereby achieving breathable ejection of the product during molding. Alternatively, as an alternative embodiment, the second mounting groove 11 can be omitted, and a mounting hole is provided on the elongated insert 3, which connects to the air inlet channel 7. A flange is provided circumferentially on the breathable insert 4, which is embedded in the mounting hole, and the flange engages with the upper surface of the elongated insert 3.

[0043] like Figure 6-8As shown, in the 3D printed breathable steel food molding die provided in this embodiment, the bottom of the breathable insert 4 is provided with a third fixing hole 13, and the bottom of the second mounting groove 11 is provided with a fourth fixing hole 14 that mates with the third fixing hole 13. The third fixing hole 13 and the fourth fixing hole 14 are used to install fasteners to fix the breathable insert 4 to the elongated insert 3. The fasteners connect the third fixing hole 13 and the fourth fixing hole 14 to fix the breathable insert 4 to the elongated insert 3, preventing the breathable insert 4 from shifting or falling off during use. In addition, as an alternative embodiment, the outer surface of the elongated insert 3 is provided with fixing holes, and the breathable insert 4 is provided with fixing plates extending towards both sides. The fixing plates are connected to the fixing holes by fasteners.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, in the 3D printed breathable steel food molding die provided in this embodiment, the mating positions between the breathable insert 4 and the elongated insert 3 are welded and sealed, and the mating positions between the elongated insert 3 and the mold frame 1 are also welded and sealed. Through this arrangement, the welded seal can prevent air leakage during production and use, resulting in a better sealing effect on the assembly of the breathable insert 4 and the elongated insert 3. The breathable position of the breathable insert 4 can only be located on the bottom surface, leading to better air permeability and ejection, and improving production efficiency. Alternatively, as an alternative implementation, a sealing gasket can be provided at the mating positions between the breathable insert 4 and the elongated insert 3, and at the mating positions between the elongated insert 3 and the mold frame 1.

[0045] How to use:

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the 3D printed breathable steel food forming mold provided in this embodiment is used by assembling the breathable insert 4 and the long strip insert 3, and then assembling the long strip insert 3 and the mold frame 1, so that the breathable micropores at the bottom of the mold cavity 5 on the breathable insert 4 are connected to the air inlet 2 on the mold frame 1. After the product is formed in the mold cavity 5, the gas pressurization device delivers high-pressure gas to the breathable micropores at the bottom of the mold cavity 5 through the air inlet 2, so that the formed product automatically falls off to meet production requirements.

[0047] In addition, this embodiment also provides a food processing equipment, including a main body and the 3D-printed breathable steel food forming mold described in the above embodiments. The 3D-printed breathable steel food forming mold is rotatably mounted on the main body of the equipment. This achieves a short mold processing cycle, lower cost, and better air permeability and ejection effect during food forming and processing, thereby improving production efficiency and yield.

[0048] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A 3D-printed breathable steel food forming mold, characterized in that, include: The mold frame (1) is provided with an air inlet (2), which is used to connect a gas pressurization device; At least one long strip insert (3) is detachably provided on the mold frame (1); At least one breathable insert (4) is detachably provided on the long strip insert (3). The breathable insert (4) is provided with a mold cavity (5). The bottom of the mold cavity (5) is provided with a breathable micropore, which is connected to the air inlet (2).

2. The 3D printed breathable steel food forming mold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The breathable insert (4) is made of breathable steel by 3D printing.

3. The 3D printed breathable steel food forming mold according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pore size of the breathable micropores is set to 0.05–0.10 mm.

4. The 3D printed breathable steel food forming mold according to claim 3, characterized in that, The thickness of the bottom of the cavity (5) is set to 3-5 mm.

5. The 3D-printed breathable steel food forming mold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mold frame (1) is provided with a first mounting groove (6), and the long strip insert (3) is detachably disposed in the first mounting groove (6). The bottom of the long strip insert (3) is spaced apart from the bottom of the first mounting groove (6). The gap between the long strip insert (3) and the first mounting groove (6) forms an air intake channel (7), and the air intake channel (7) is connected to the air intake hole (2).

6. The 3D-printed breathable steel food molding die according to claim 5, characterized in that, The long strip insert (3) has a first fixing hole (9) at both ends, and a second fixing hole (10) that cooperates with the first fixing hole (9) is provided on the inner side wall of the first mounting groove (6). The first fixing hole (9) and the second fixing hole (10) are used to set fasteners so that the long strip insert (3) is fixedly connected to the mold frame (1).

7. The 3D printed breathable steel food forming mold according to claim 5, characterized in that, The long strip insert (3) is provided with a second mounting groove (11), and the breathable insert (4) is detachably disposed in the second mounting groove (11). The bottom of the second mounting groove (11) is provided with a clearance hole (12), and the clearance hole (12) connects the breathable micropore and the air inlet channel (7).

8. The 3D printed breathable steel food forming mold according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bottom of the breathable insert (4) is provided with a third fixing hole (13), and the bottom of the second mounting groove (11) is provided with a fourth fixing hole (14) that cooperates with the third fixing hole (13). The third fixing hole (13) and the fourth fixing hole (14) are used to set fasteners so that the breathable insert (4) is fixedly connected to the strip insert (3).

9. The 3D-printed breathable steel food molding die according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The mating positions between the breathable insert (4) and the long strip insert (3) are welded and sealed, and the mating positions between the long strip insert (3) and the mold frame (1) are welded and sealed.

10. A food processing equipment, characterized in that, The device includes a main body and a 3D-printed breathable steel food forming mold as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the 3D-printed breathable steel food forming mold is rotatably mounted on the main body of the device.

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