Trough structure and 3D printer applying same
By combining the design of projection masks and LCD screen masks, and integrating heating and continuous printing structures, the problem of insufficient surface accuracy in the XYZ direction in existing 3D printing technologies is solved, and efficient continuous printing in the XYZ direction is achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-24
AI Technical Summary
In existing 3D printing technologies, projection masks with light sources are costly and have low surface accuracy in the XY directions, while LCD screen masks with light sources have poor surface accuracy in the Z direction, making it difficult to achieve the desired surface effect in all three XYZ directions.
By combining a projection mask with a light source and an LCD screen mask with a light source, and integrating heating and continuous printing structures, the surface effects in the XYZ directions are achieved through the design of the LCD screen mask and release film at the bottom of the material tank, combined with heating components and temperature control probes.
It improved the printing success rate, reduced interlayer errors, improved printing efficiency and accuracy, reduced maintenance costs, and enabled continuous printing in the XYZ directions.
Smart Images
Figure CN224028402U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and more specifically, to a material tank structure and a 3D printer using the same. Background Technology
[0002] 3D printing (3DP), also known as additive manufacturing technology (AM), is a technology that manufactures solid parts by adding materials layer by layer based on three-dimensional CAD data.
[0003] Existing stereolithography printing uses either a projection mask with a light source or an LCD screen mask with a light source. The former is costly and has lower projection resolution, but it can achieve continuous single-pass printing using a continuous air-changing printing structure, resulting in faster speeds, although surface accuracy in the XY directions is poor. The latter can only use ordinary release films, separating and stacking layers for printing, achieving good surface accuracy in the XY directions, but poor surface accuracy in the Z direction. Therefore, this invention proposes a material tank structure and a 3D printer using it, to at least partially solve the problems that may exist in the prior art. Utility Model Content
[0004] To overcome or at least partially solve the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a material tank structure and a 3D printer using the same. It combines the advantages of projection mask with light source and LCD screen mask with light source technologies, while integrating heating and continuous printing structures, taking into account surface effects in the XYZ directions. The heating module increases the printing success rate.
[0005] The embodiments of this utility model are implemented as follows:
[0006] This application provides a material tank structure and a 3D printer using the same, including:
[0007] The material tank has a bottom plate at the bottom, and LCD screen masks and release films are arranged at preset intervals from bottom to top on the bottom of the tank.
[0008] The base plate has a central portion for exposing the LCD screen mask, and its bottom portion has two air holes leading to the gas space at the bottom of the release film, as well as a cable port for the data cable to pass through it.
[0009] The side of the material trough is provided with heating holes for installing heating components.
[0010] In some embodiments of this utility model, a temperature control probe is also provided in the material tank.
[0011] In some embodiments of this utility model, the release film is fixed in the material trough by clips;
[0012] The release film and the LCD screen mask are mentioned above.
[0013] In some embodiments of this invention, the release film is an amorphous fluoropolymer film.
[0014] In some embodiments of this utility model, the heating hole extends through the side of the material trough and a heating resistor is provided therein.
[0015] A 3D printer includes: a printing platform and a surface light source located below the printing platform, and the material hopper;
[0016] The material trough is located between the printing platform and the surface light source.
[0017] In some embodiments of this utility model, a lifting platform is also included, and the printing platform is movably disposed on the lifting platform;
[0018] The printing platform is equipped with a clamp at its lower end.
[0019] In some embodiments of this utility model, the surface light source includes a point light source array and a homogenizing lens covering the point light source array.
[0020] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of this utility model have at least the following advantages or beneficial effects:
[0021] The material tank has a bottom plate, and an LCD screen mask and a release film are arranged at preset intervals from bottom to top on the bottom of the tank. The bottom plate has an opening in the middle for exposing the LCD screen mask, and two air holes leading to the release film in the middle part. The side of the material tank has heating holes for installing heating components. By improving the mask curing and release structure in LCD screen mask photolithography, the bottom plate of the material tank has air inlets. The bottom of the LCD screen mask is attached to the glass and then installed on the bottom plate. The upper part of the material tank has a heating device. The breathable release film is clamped inside by clips and stretched on the upper material tank. After the upper and lower material tanks are fixed, a very thin air cavity is formed between the release film and the LCD screen mask. The air is blocked from entering by controlling a certain pressure through the air inlet and outlet. During printing, the control system activates a parallel UV light source to irradiate the bottom of the material tank, while simultaneously sending a mask image signal to the LCD screen. This controls some of the light to pass through the mask and then through the continuous printing structure inside the material tank. The interior is filled with a curing-blocking gas, which carries away the curing heat. At the same time, a special film allows curing-blocking gas molecules to selectively pass through, forming an uncurable area between the photosensitive resin and the film. This prevents the photosensitive material from contacting the film, ensuring that the curing process does not occur. After printing is complete, the process moves directly to the next stage to continue curing. Attached Figure Description
[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a material trough structure provided in one embodiment of the present utility model;
[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembly structure of a 3D printer with a material trough structure provided in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Exploded view. Detailed Implementation
[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0027] Example 1
[0028] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the various embodiments and features described below can be combined with each other.
[0029] Please refer to Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment of the utility model provides a material tank structure, including: a material tank 100, the bottom of which is provided with a bottom plate 101, and an LCD screen mask 104 and a release film 105 are provided at preset intervals from bottom to top on the bottom of the tank; the bottom plate 101 has a central part for exposing the LCD screen mask 104, and its bottom is also provided with two air holes 102 leading to the gas space at the bottom of the release film 105, and a cable port 107 for the data cable to pass through it; the side of the material tank 100 is provided with heating holes 103 for installing heating components. Since the principle of the LCD screen mask 104 is similar to the working principle of the liquid crystal display screen, the cable is led out through the cable port 107 and connected to the corresponding driving circuit.
[0030] In this application, by improving the mask curing release structure in LCD mask lithography, an air hole 102 is provided on the bottom plate 101 of the material tank 100, one of which serves as an air inlet and the other as an air outlet. The bottom of the LCD screen mask 104 can be attached to the glass and then installed on the bottom plate 101. The upper part of the material tank 100 is equipped with a heating device. For example, a heating device can be placed in the heating hole 103 to heat the UV resin in the material tank 100. The release film 105 is clamped inside the material tank 100 by a clip 106, so that it is stretched inside the material tank 100. After the material tank 100 is fixed, a very thin air cavity is formed between the release film 105 and the LCD screen mask 104. The air is blocked from entering by controlling a certain pressure through the air inlet and the air outlet. During printing, the control system activates a parallel UV light source to irradiate the bottom of the material tank 100, while simultaneously providing an image signal to the LCD screen mask 104. This controls some light to pass through the mask and then through the continuous printing structure within the material tank 100. An anti-curing gas is introduced inside, carrying away the curing heat. A special release film 105 selectively allows the anti-curing gas molecules to pass through, creating an uncurable region between the photosensitive resin and the film. This prevents the cured photosensitive material from contacting the film. After printing, the material immediately moves to the next stage to continue curing. This application combines the advantages of projection masks with a light source and LCD screen masks with a light source, integrating heating and a continuous printing structure. It also considers surface effects in the XYZ directions, and the heating module increases the printing success rate.
[0031] It should be noted that the gas molecules that pass through the above-mentioned breathable release film 105 are equivalent to forming a thin gas layer between the release film and the photosensitive resin. Since the amount of gas is relatively small and the tension of the photosensitive resin is relatively large, the gas will not form bubbles and thus affect the printing.
[0032] Example 2
[0033] This utility model embodiment provides a material tank structure, in which a temperature control probe (not shown in the figure) is also provided. The temperature control probe can monitor the temperature inside the material tank in real time, providing accurate feedback data for the operation of the heating component. By comparing the temperature with a preset temperature value, the power of the heating component can be adjusted in a timely manner to ensure that the temperature inside the material tank remains within the set range, thereby improving the accuracy of temperature control. Precise temperature control allows the printing material to be printed under optimal temperature conditions, maintaining the material's flowability, viscosity, and other properties in an ideal state. This facilitates better filling of the model space during printing, reduces the generation of defects such as bubbles and voids, and improves printing accuracy and surface quality.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the release film 105 is fixed in the material tank 100 by a clip 106; wherein, the release film 105 and the LCD screen mask 104 are connected.
[0035] In this application, the LCD screen mask 104 controls a portion of the light to pass through the mask. Its principle is similar to that of a special LCD screen. When there is no image (such as a completely black signal), UV light can pass through the screen. When the image is activated, the part with the image (white and gray) blocks the UV light, forming a mask (blocking the image).
[0036] Furthermore, the release film 105 is an amorphous fluoropolymer film. This amorphous fluoropolymer film has advantages such as temperature resistance, good optical transparency, low refractive index, and good gas permeability. Through the air inlet 102, gas is injected into the air cavity between the release film 105 and the LCD screen mask 104. The gas permeates the film and essentially adheres to its surface. These gas molecules prevent the photosensitive resin from being cured by UV light on the film surface. Therefore, the cured photosensitive resin will not contact the film surface, thus preventing adhesion and generating a strong direct adhesive force. This solves the problem of current conventional printing methods where the workpiece directly adheres to the film, requiring the printing platform and film to be moved 3mm or more by a motor to separate the workpiece from the film after each layer (e.g., a layer thickness gap of 0.025mm) before returning to the next 0.025mm layer thickness gap to continue printing. This application integrates this special film, eliminating the suction between the release film 105 and the workpiece. After printing a 0.025mm layer, the motor only needs to move upwards by 0.025mm to continue printing. Alternatively, when printing a 0.025mm data layer, the motor can be controlled to rise continuously and at a uniform speed, achieving a more natural and seamless layer transition. This reduces repetition, minimizing quality degradation caused by release errors in each layer, and also saves time, shortening the entire printing process. By integrating the mask structure into a sealed, continuous printing material tank, continuous printing of LCD mask photolithography is achieved, improving printing efficiency.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the heating hole 103 penetrates the side of the material tank 100, and a heating resistor is disposed therein. By directly placing the heating resistor in the heating hole 103 penetrating the side of the material tank, heat can be transferred into the material tank at close range and efficiently. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, two or more heating holes 103 can be symmetrically arranged, depending on the size of the material tank 100. Compared with traditional external heating methods, the heat transfer path is shorter, reducing heat loss during the transfer process and greatly improving heating efficiency. Moreover, the heating resistor (i.e., resistance heater) has simple connection and low cost, making maintenance more convenient when a fault occurs or replacement is needed. There is no need for large-scale disassembly of the entire device; only the heating resistor within the heating hole needs repair or replacement, reducing maintenance time and costs and improving the availability and reliability of the equipment.
[0038] Example 3
[0039] This utility model embodiment provides a 3D printer that applies the above-described material trough structure, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the printing platform 201 and the surface light source 203 located below the printing platform 201, as well as the aforementioned material tank 100, are located between the printing platform 201 and the surface light source 203.
[0040] It should be noted that the surface light source 203 mentioned above is a UV light source, that is, an ultraviolet light source. 3D printing uses photocurable resin through ultraviolet light, and its principle is to cure the resin by irradiating it with ultraviolet light.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment, a lifting platform 202 is also included, and the printing platform 201 is movably disposed on the lifting platform 202. The lower end of the printing platform 201 is provided with a clamp for clamping the printing target 300. A linear motor or lead screw can be provided in the lifting platform 202 so that it can control the printing platform 201 to move up and down.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the surface light source 203 includes a point light source array and a light-diffusing lens covering the point light source array. For example, the point light source array can be composed of ultraviolet LEDs, which not only has the advantage of low cost but also ensures the intensity of the emitted ultraviolet light; the light-diffusing lens makes the ultraviolet light more uniformly irradiate the LCD screen mask 104, ensuring the printing effect.
[0043] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. Although optional embodiments of this utility model have been described, those skilled in the art, once they understand the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including optional embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this utility model.
[0044] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or terminal device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such an article or terminal device. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the article or terminal device that includes that element.
[0045] The technical solution provided by this utility model has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principle and implementation of this utility model. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation and application scope based on the principle and implementation of this utility model. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
Claims
1. A material trough structure, characterized in that, include: The material tank (100) has a bottom plate (101) at its bottom, and an LCD screen mask (104) and a release film (105) are provided at preset intervals from bottom to top on the bottom of the tank. The base plate (101) has a central portion for exposing the LCD screen mask (104), and its bottom is provided with two air holes (102) leading to the gas space at the bottom of the release film (105), as well as a cable port (107) for the data cable to pass through it. The side of the feed trough (100) is provided with heating holes (103) for installing heating components.
2. The material trough structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material tank (100) is also equipped with a temperature control probe.
3. The material trough structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The release film (105) is fixed in the material tank (100) by clips (106); The release film (105) and the LCD screen mask (104) are mentioned.
4. The material trough structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The release film (105) is an amorphous fluoropolymer film.
5. The material trough structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating hole (103) penetrates the side of the material tank (100) and is provided with a heating resistor.
6. A 3D printer, characterized in that, include: The printing platform (201) and the surface light source (203) located below the printing platform (201), and the feed trough (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 5. The feed trough (100) is located between the printing platform (201) and the surface light source (203).
7. The 3D printer according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a lifting platform (202), and the printing platform (201) is movably disposed on the lifting platform (202). The printing platform (201) is equipped with a clamp at its lower end.
8. The 3D printer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The surface light source (203) includes a point light source array and a homogenizing lens covering the point light source array.