Scraper device and selective laser melting additive manufacturing equipment
By introducing flexible components and defect recognition components into the scraper device, automatic identification and alarm for warping and "bulging" defects can be achieved, solving the problems of high identification difficulty and high cost in the existing technology, and improving printing quality and equipment safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-13
AI Technical Summary
In existing selective laser melting additive manufacturing technology, warping and "bulging" defects are difficult to identify, leading to damage to the scraper, which in turn affects printing quality and equipment safety. Moreover, existing identification methods consume a lot of manpower and resources and have low accuracy.
Design a scraper device comprising a support column, a flexible component, and a defect detection component. When the flexible component comes into contact with a defect, it deforms and squeezes the defect detection component to generate an alarm signal. The industrial control computer then stops driving the mechanism to avoid printing failures caused by defects.
It effectively identifies and prevents warping and "bulging" defects, improves print quality and security, saves manpower and resources, and simplifies the operation process.
Smart Images
Figure CN223989077U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of selective laser melting additive manufacturing technology, and in particular to a scraper device and selective laser melting additive manufacturing equipment. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, selective laser melting additive manufacturing technology has been widely applied in many industries due to its unique advantages. For example, it can directly produce end metal products through model-driven manufacturing without other intermediate steps, saving mold-making costs and development and manufacturing cycles. However, selective laser melting additive manufacturing technology has a high threshold. Its forming mechanism is complex, and the forming process is affected by many factors. Therefore, controlling the forming quality is often difficult, especially in the process of new material development and preparation, where defects are unavoidable, with warping and "bulging" defects being the most common. After defects occur, they can damage the squeegee during the re-powder placement process. Damaged squeegees exacerbate powder placement defects, creating a vicious cycle in the printing process, ultimately leading to printing failure. In severe cases, it can even damage the squeegee system, causing equipment malfunction. In existing technologies, warping deformation is identified by on-site operators or through remote video monitoring, which often consumes a lot of manpower and resources. If vision-based defect identification is used, it is difficult, has low accuracy, and is costly.
[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a device that is simple in structure, easy to use, and effectively saves manpower and resources to solve the problem that existing technologies cannot adequately identify defects such as warping and bulging. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a scraper device and a selective laser melting additive manufacturing equipment to solve the problems existing in the prior art. It has a simple structure, is easy to use, and effectively saves manpower and resources.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following solution:
[0006] This utility model provides a scraper device, including: a support column, a flexible component, and a defect identification component. The support column is used for transmission connection with the drive mechanism of a selective laser melting additive manufacturing equipment so that it can move horizontally along the powder spreading plane under the drive of the drive mechanism. The flexible component is sleeved and fixed on the outside of the support column and forms a working end below the support column. The working end can scrape the powder onto the forming surface and form a uniform powder bed under the drive of the support column. The defect identification component is fixedly disposed between the flexible component and the support column. The defect identification component is signal-connected to the industrial control computer of the selective laser melting additive manufacturing equipment. When the working end of the flexible component comes into contact with a defect on the powder bed and is squeezed during the movement of the support column, the defect identification component generates an alarm signal and transmits it to the industrial control computer to stop the operation of the drive mechanism.
[0007] Preferably, the flexible component is a rubber sleeve.
[0008] Preferably, the defect identification element includes at least one strip strain gauge, which is arranged along the axial direction of the support column.
[0009] Preferably, the number of the strip strain gauges is four, and the four strip strain gauges are evenly arranged around the circumference of the support column.
[0010] Preferably, it further includes a support column rotation drive unit, the fixed end of which is used for transmission connection with the drive mechanism, and the output end of which is transmitted connection with the support column to drive the support column to rotate around its axis to a preset position and maintain the rotated position.
[0011] Preferably, the rotation drive unit of the support column includes a micro motor and a transmission shaft. The micro motor is fixedly connected to the drive mechanism, and the output shaft of the micro motor is fixedly connected to the transmission shaft. The support column has a mounting hole in the middle, and the transmission shaft extends into the mounting hole and is detachably fixedly connected to the support column.
[0012] Preferably, the drive shaft is coaxial with the support column.
[0013] Preferably, a mounting groove is provided on the inner sidewall of the mounting hole, and a mounting block is provided on the outer sidewall of the drive shaft, the mounting block being used to fit and fix the drive shaft in the mounting groove.
[0014] This utility model also provides a selective laser melting additive manufacturing device, including a system frame, a forming platform, and a scraper device as described in any of the above, wherein the forming platform is disposed on the top of the system frame, and the scraper device is mounted on the forming platform.
[0015] Preferably, the system further includes a first overflow bottle, a first overflow trough, a forming cylinder, a powder supply cylinder, a second overflow trough, a second overflow bottle, a powder supply cylinder push plate, a powder supply cylinder push rod, a forming cylinder push plate, and a forming cylinder push rod. The forming cylinder and the powder supply cylinder are connected to the forming platform. The scraper device is located on the side of the powder supply cylinder away from the forming cylinder. The first overflow bottle is disposed within the system frame and communicates with the forming cylinder through the first overflow trough. The second overflow bottle is disposed within the system frame and communicates with the powder supply cylinder through the second overflow trough. The powder supply cylinder push plate is disposed within the powder supply cylinder. The output end of the powder supply cylinder push rod is used to connect with the bottom of the powder supply cylinder push plate. The forming cylinder push plate is disposed within the forming cylinder, and the output end of the forming cylinder push rod is used to connect with the bottom of the forming cylinder push plate.
[0016] The present invention achieves the following technical advantages over the prior art:
[0017] This invention provides a scraper device and a selective laser melting additive manufacturing equipment. By incorporating a flexible component, it ensures the effective distribution and spreading of powder on the bed, which helps improve the quality and accuracy of printed parts. When the working end of the flexible component comes into contact with defects such as warping and "bulging," it deforms and squeezes the defect identification component. After the defect identification component is squeezed, it generates an alarm signal and transmits the alarm signal to the industrial control computer of the selective laser melting additive manufacturing equipment. After receiving the alarm signal, the industrial control computer stops the operation of the drive mechanism, thereby preventing printing failures or quality degradation that may be caused by defects, and effectively improving the safety and reliability of the printing process. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 A front view of the scraper device provided by this utility model;
[0019] Figure 2 A side sectional view of the scraper device provided by this utility model;
[0020] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the selective laser melting additive manufacturing equipment provided by this utility model;
[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the selective laser melting additive manufacturing equipment provided by this utility model when encountering defects during use.
[0022] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:
[0023] 1. System frame; 2. First overflow bottle; 3. First overflow trough; 4. Forming platform; 5. Forming cylinder; 6. Part; 7. Powder supply cylinder; 8. Scraper device; 9. Second overflow trough; 10. Second overflow bottle; 11. Powder supply cylinder push plate; 12. Powder supply cylinder push rod; 13. Forming cylinder push plate; 14. Forming cylinder push rod; 15. Support column; 16. Strip strain gauge; 17. Rubber sleeve; 18. Mounting groove; 19. Drive shaft; 20. Defect; 21. First position; 22. Second position. Detailed Implementation
[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0025] The purpose of this invention is to provide a scraper device and a selective laser melting additive manufacturing equipment to solve the problems existing in the prior art. It has a simple structure, is easy to use, and effectively saves manpower and resources.
[0026] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0027] Example 1
[0028] This embodiment provides a scraper device 8, such as Figures 1-2As shown, the system includes: a support column 15, a flexible component, and a defect identification component. The support column 15 is connected to the drive mechanism of the selective laser melting additive manufacturing equipment so that it can move under the drive of the drive mechanism. The flexible component is sleeved and fixed to the outside of the support column 15 and forms a working end below the support column 15. The working end can scrape the powder onto the forming surface and form a uniform powder bed under the drive of the support column 15. The defect identification component is fixedly disposed between the flexible component and the support column 15. The defect identification component is connected to the industrial control computer of the selective laser melting additive manufacturing equipment. After the working end of the flexible component comes into contact with the defect 20 on the powder bed, the flexible component will squeeze the defect identification component. The defect identification component generates an alarm signal. Upon receiving the alarm signal, the industrial control computer stops the operation of the drive mechanism. The flexible component ensures the effective distribution and spreading of powder on the bed, which helps to improve the quality and accuracy of the printed parts. When the working end of the flexible component comes into contact with defects 20 such as warping and "bulging", it deforms and squeezes the defect identification component. After the defect identification component is squeezed, it generates an alarm signal and transmits the alarm signal to the industrial control computer of the selective laser melting additive manufacturing equipment. Upon receiving the alarm signal, the industrial control computer stops the operation of the drive mechanism, thereby preventing printing failure or quality degradation that may be caused by defect 20, and effectively improving the safety and reliability of the printing process.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible component is a rubber sleeve 17. Because the rubber sleeve 17 is elastic, the connection between the rubber sleeve 17 and the support column 15 is an interference fit. Using the elastic rubber sleeve 17 as a flexible component can better fit the powder bed, ensuring the uniformity and flatness of the powder distribution. The interference fit ensures the stability and durability of the rubber sleeve 17.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the defect identification component includes at least one strip strain gauge 16, which is arranged along the axial direction of the support column 15. The strip strain gauge 16 is readily available and has high sensitivity, enabling it to accurately detect any minute defects 20 in the powder bed, thus enhancing the detection capability.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the number of strip strain gauges 16 is four, and the four strip strain gauges 16 are evenly arranged around the support column 15.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the scraper device 8 further includes a support column rotation drive unit. The fixed end of the support column rotation drive unit is used to be fixedly connected to the drive mechanism, and the output end of the support column rotation drive unit is connected to the support column 15 to drive the support column 15 to rotate around its axis and maintain the position after rotation. The addition of the support column rotation drive unit allows the support column 15 to rotate freely, which increases the operational flexibility of the scraper device 8 and its ability to adapt to different working conditions.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the support column rotation drive unit includes a micro motor and a transmission shaft 19. The micro motor is fixedly connected to the drive mechanism, and the output shaft of the micro motor is fixedly connected to the transmission shaft 19. The support column 15 has a mounting hole in the middle, and the transmission shaft 19 extends into the mounting hole and is detachably fixedly connected to the support column 15. The transmission shaft 19 can be rotated by the micro motor to drive the transmission shaft 19 and the rubber sleeve 17 to rotate. When the working end (bottom end) of the rubber sleeve 17 is worn, the working end can be automatically replaced by rotating the micro motor 90°. The design of the micro motor and the transmission shaft 19, as well as the design of the four strip strain gauges 16, allows the worn end of the scraper device 8 to be quickly replaced, simplifying maintenance and improving production efficiency and scraper service life.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the drive shaft 19 and the support column 15 are coaxially arranged. An installation groove 18 is provided on the inner side wall of the mounting hole, and an installation block is provided on the outer side wall of the drive shaft 19. The installation block is used to fit and fix in the installation groove 18. The coaxial arrangement and fitting arrangement ensure the precise positioning and stable operation of the scraper device 8, and improve the reliability and ease of maintenance of the device.
[0035] Example 2
[0036] This utility model also provides a selective laser melting additive manufacturing device, including a scraper device 8 as in Embodiment 1.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the selective laser melting additive manufacturing equipment further includes a system frame 1 and a forming platform 4 to support the entire equipment system. The forming platform 4 has a first powder overflow trough 3 and a second powder overflow trough 9, which are connected to a first powder overflow bottle 2 and a second powder overflow bottle 10, respectively, for temporarily storing and collecting excess powder during powder bed placement. The forming platform 4 also has a forming cylinder 5 and a powder supply cylinder 7, which are used for forming the part 6 and supplying powder, respectively. The bottom of the forming cylinder 5 and the powder supply cylinder 7 has a forming cylinder push plate 13 and a powder supply cylinder push plate 11, respectively, and the forming cylinder 5 and the powder supply cylinder 7 are raised and lowered by a forming cylinder push rod 14 and a powder supply cylinder push rod 12. The powder supply cylinder 7 is raised to a fixed height by a scraper device 8. Figure 4 The first position 21 can be moved to the second position 22 to scrape the powder in the powder supply cylinder 7 to the forming cylinder 5 to achieve stable powder placement; when... Figure 4 When defects such as warping exist on the intermediate part 6, the bottom of the rubber sleeve 17 of the scraper device 8 will be squeezed when the powder spreading process passes through the warping defect 20, causing the strip strain gauge 16 to deform and generate a current signal. At this time, the industrial control computer will recognize the information and generate an alarm signal, and at the same time stop the equipment from working. Through the effective application of the scraper device 8, the stability and uniformity of powder spreading can be ensured, and the work can be stopped in time when defect 20 is detected, so as to ensure product quality and improve production efficiency and safety.
[0038] This utility model uses specific examples to illustrate its principles and implementation methods. The above description of the embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core idea of this utility model. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the idea of this utility model. In summary, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
Claims
1. A doctor blade arrangement connectable to a selective laser melting additive manufacturing apparatus, characterised in that: The device comprises: a support column (15) which can be in transmission connection with a driving mechanism of a selective laser melting additive manufacturing equipment to be able to move horizontally along a powder laying plane under the driving of the driving mechanism; a flexible member (17) which is fixed to the outside of the support column (15) and forms a working end at a position below the support column, the working end being able to scrape the powder to a forming surface and form a uniform powder bed under the driving of the support column; a defect identification member which is fixedly arranged between the flexible member and the support column (15), the defect identification member being in signal connection with an industrial computer of the selective laser melting additive manufacturing equipment, when the working end of the flexible member is pressed after contacting a defect (20) on the powder bed during the movement of the support column (15), the defect identification member generates an alarm signal to the industrial computer to stop the work of the driving mechanism.
2. The doctoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The flexible member (17) is a rubber sleeve.
3. The doctoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The defect identification member is a strip strain gauge (16) which is arranged along the axial direction of the support column (15).
4. The doctoring apparatus of claim 3, wherein: The number of the strip strain gauges (16) is multiple, and the multiple strip strain gauges (16) are uniformly arranged in the circumferential direction of the support column (15).
5. The doctoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The device further comprises a support column rotation driving part, a fixed end of the support column rotation driving part being in transmission connection with an output end of the driving mechanism, and an output end of the support column rotation driving part being in transmission connection with the support column (15) to drive the support column (15) to rotate around its axis to a preset position.
6. The doctoring apparatus of claim 5, wherein: The support column rotation driving part comprises a micro motor and a transmission shaft (19), a housing of the micro motor being fixedly connected with the output end of the driving mechanism, an output shaft of the micro motor being fixedly connected with the transmission shaft (19), and a center axis of the support column (15) being provided with a mounting hole, the transmission shaft (19) being detachably inserted into the mounting hole and being in interference fit with the support column (15).
7. The doctoring apparatus of claim 6, wherein: An installation groove (18) is arranged on the inner side wall of the mounting hole, and an installation block is arranged on the outer side wall of the transmission shaft (19), the installation block being used for embedded fixed connection in the installation groove (18).
8. A selective laser melting additive manufacturing apparatus, characterized by: The device comprises a system frame (1), a forming platform (4) and the scraper device (8) according to any one of claims 1-7, the forming platform (4) being arranged on the top of the system frame (1), and the scraper device (8) being installed on the forming platform (4).
9. The selective laser melting additive manufacturing apparatus of claim 8, wherein: Also include the first overflow bottle (2), the first overflow tank (3), the forming cylinder (5), the powder cylinder (7), the second overflow tank (9), the second overflow bottle (10), the powder cylinder push plate (11), the powder cylinder push rod (12), the forming cylinder push plate (13) and the forming cylinder push rod (14), the forming cylinder (5) and the powder cylinder (7) are connected with the forming platform (4), the scraper device (8) is located on the side of the powder cylinder (7) away from the forming cylinder (5), the first overflow bottle (2) is arranged in the system frame (1), and the first overflow bottle (2) is communicated with the forming cylinder (5) through the first overflow tank (3), the second overflow bottle (10) is arranged in the system frame (1), and the second overflow bottle (10) is communicated with the powder cylinder (7) through the second overflow tank (9), the powder cylinder push plate (11) is arranged in the powder cylinder (7), the output end of the powder cylinder push rod (12) is used for connecting with the bottom of the powder cylinder push plate (11), the forming cylinder push plate (13) is arranged in the forming cylinder (5), and the output end of the forming cylinder push rod (14) is used for connecting with the bottom of the forming cylinder push plate (13).