Bidirectional powder spreading device based on LPBF technology
By using a Y-shaped powder chamber and guide plate in the bidirectional powder spreading device to control powder flow, the problem of center accumulation is solved, resulting in more uniform powder distribution and more efficient leveling effect, thereby improving the part forming quality and production efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ANHUI MINGGU LASER INTELLIGENT EQUIP TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
AI Technical Summary
In existing bidirectional powder spreading devices with a centrally fixed powder chamber structure, powder tends to accumulate near the center line, requiring the scraper to repeatedly remove excess powder, increasing mechanical load and causing layer thickness fluctuations.
It adopts a Y-shaped powder chamber structure and powder guiding component. The powder flow direction is controlled by the rotation of the guide plate to form a uniform powder spreading path, which, together with the scraper, achieves a better leveling effect.
This achieves uniform powder distribution and consistent layer thickness, reduces mechanical load, and improves production efficiency and part forming quality.
Smart Images
Figure CN224128610U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of laser powder bed melting technology, specifically to a bidirectional powder spreading device based on LPBF process. Background Technology
[0002] Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology is a core process in metal additive manufacturing. The uniformity of powder distribution and the consistency of layer thickness in its powder spreading device directly determine the part forming quality and production efficiency. Currently, mainstream equipment generally adopts bidirectional powder spreading technology, which completes powder spreading through the alternating reciprocating motion of two symmetrical scrapers.
[0003] However, most existing bidirectional powder spreading devices adopt a centrally fixed powder lowering chamber structure. During the powder spreading process, the powder falls vertically from the center of the chamber, causing the powder lowering area to overlap with the movement path of the scraper. This easily leads to local accumulation near the center line of the powder bed, requiring the scraper to repeatedly scrape off excess powder during bidirectional powder spreading. This not only increases the mechanical load but also causes layer thickness fluctuations due to secondary powder disturbance. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a bidirectional powder spreading device based on LPBF process to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0006] The bidirectional powder spreading device based on LPBF process includes a worktable and two drive units. The two drive units are fixedly installed on the top of the worktable. A powder feeding box is fixedly installed between the moving ends of the two drive units. Two scrapers are provided at the bottom of the powder feeding box. A powder storage chamber is opened inside the powder feeding box. Two powder feeding cavities are opened inside the powder feeding box. The two powder feeding cavities are distributed in a Y-shape inside the powder feeding box and communicate with the powder storage chamber. Two powder guiding components are provided inside the powder feeding box. A drive component for driving the two powder guiding components to rotate is provided on the rear side of the powder feeding box. The two powder guiding components are respectively located inside the two powder feeding cavities.
[0007] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows.
[0008] Furthermore, all of the powder guiding assemblies include a rotating rod and a guide plate. The front side of the rotating rod is rotatably mounted inside the lower powder box, and the rear side extends to the rear side of the lower powder box. The guide plate is fixedly connected to the outer side of the rotating rod.
[0009] Furthermore, the drive assembly includes a motor, a drive wheel, a first driven wheel, and a second driven wheel. The motor is located on the rear side of the powder box, and its output shaft is rotatably connected to the rear side of the powder box. The drive wheel is fixedly connected to the outside of the motor's output shaft. The first driven wheel is fixedly connected to the outside of the right rotating rod, and the second driven wheel is fixedly connected to the outside of the left rotating rod. The drive wheel is connected to the first driven wheel and the second driven wheel via two transmission belts, respectively.
[0010] Furthermore, an L-shaped connecting plate is fixedly installed at the bottom of the powder box, a buffer plate is fixedly installed at the top of the horizontal section of the L-shaped connecting plate, and the motor is fixedly installed on the top of the buffer plate.
[0011] Furthermore, two connecting plates are fixedly installed on the top of the buffer plate, and the two rotating rods are rotatably connected to the front side of the two connecting plates respectively.
[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: the powder is diverted under the action of the Y-shaped lower powder cavity, and the rotation of the guide plate makes the powder flow in one direction as much as possible, forming an angled accumulation. The powder flow path can be switched according to the powder spreading direction, making the working effect of the scraper better. Attached Figure Description
[0013] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the bidirectional powder spreading device based on LPBF process of this utility model from one perspective.
[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the powder dispenser and the drive assembly of this utility model;
[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the powder dispenser of this utility model;
[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the drive component structure of this utility model.
[0017] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:
[0018] 1. Workbench; 2. Drive unit; 3. Powder box; 4. Scraper; 5. Powder storage chamber; 6. Powder discharge chamber; 7. Powder guiding assembly; 701. Rotating rod; 702. Guide plate; 8. Drive assembly; 801. Motor; 802. Drive wheel; 803. First driven wheel; 804. Second driven wheel; 9. L-shaped connecting plate; 10. Buffer plate; 11. Connecting plate. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The principles and features of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only for explaining this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.
[0020] Example 1, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the bidirectional powder spreading device based on LPBF process includes a worktable 1 and two drive units 2. The two drive units 2 are fixedly installed on the top of the worktable 1. A powder feeding box 3 is fixedly installed between the moving ends of the two drive units 2. Two scrapers 4 are provided at the bottom of the powder feeding box 3. A powder storage chamber 5 is opened inside the powder feeding box 3. Two powder feeding cavities 6 are opened inside the powder feeding box 3. The two powder feeding cavities 6 are distributed in a Y shape inside the powder feeding box 3 and are connected to the inside of the powder storage chamber 5. Two powder guiding components 7 are provided inside the powder feeding box 3. A drive component 8 is provided on the rear side of the powder feeding box 3 to drive the two powder guiding components 7 to rotate. The two powder guiding components 7 are respectively located inside the two powder feeding cavities 6.
[0021] The two powder-feeding chambers 6 cause the powder flow path to be divided into a Y-shape, thus enabling bidirectional powder spreading. The two scrapers 4 at the front and rear further ensure more uniform powder spreading.
[0022] Example 2 is a further improvement based on Example 1, and it is as follows: All powder guiding components 7 include a rotating rod 701 and a guide plate 702. The front side of the rotating rod 701 is rotatably installed inside the lower powder box 3, and the rear side extends to the rear side of the lower powder box 3. The guide plate 702 is fixedly connected to the outside of the rotating rod 701.
[0023] With this configuration, rotating the rotating rod 701 will drive the guide plate 702 to rotate, thereby controlling the flow direction of the powder, allowing the auxiliary scraper 4 to better scrape the powder and prevent powder accumulation.
[0024] Example 3 is a further improvement based on Example 2, and its specific details are as follows: The drive assembly 8 includes a motor 801, a drive wheel 802, a first driven wheel 803, and a second driven wheel 804. The motor 801 is located on the rear side of the powder box 3, and its output shaft is rotatably connected to the rear side of the powder box 3. The drive wheel 802 is fixedly connected to the outside of the output shaft of the motor 801. The first driven wheel 803 is fixedly connected to the outside of the right rotating rod 701, and the second driven wheel 804 is fixedly connected to the outside of the left rotating rod 701. The drive wheel 802 is connected to the first driven wheel 803 and the second driven wheel 804 respectively via two transmission belts.
[0025] With this configuration, when motor 801 starts, the drive wheel 802, under the action of the transmission belt, drives the first driven wheel 803 and the second driven wheel 804 on the left and right sides to rotate, causing the two rotating rods 701 to rotate and controlling the tilt angle of the guide plate 702. This can be linked with the drive unit 2. When the drive unit 2 moves to the right, the motor 801 rotates forward, thereby guiding the powder flow to the right area for powder spreading. Conversely, when the drive unit 2 moves to the left, the motor 801 rotates in reverse, thereby guiding the powder flow to the left area (this is a well-known technique in the art, so it will not be described in detail).
[0026] Example 4 is a further improvement based on Example 3. Specifically, an L-shaped connecting plate 9 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the powder box 3, and a buffer plate 10 is fixedly installed at the top of the horizontal section of the L-shaped connecting plate 9. The motor 801 is fixedly installed at the top of the buffer plate 10.
[0027] This design not only provides support for motor 801, but also reduces the impact of its own vibration on other connected parts during use, enabling it to be used for a long time.
[0028] Example 5 is a further improvement based on Example 4, and it is as follows: Two connecting plates 11 are fixedly installed on the top of the buffer plate 10, and two rotating rods 701 are rotatably connected to the front side of the two connecting plates 11 respectively.
[0029] This configuration enhances the stability of the rotating rod 701 during use through the two connecting plates 11.
[0030] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. Bidirectional powder spreading device based on LPBF process, comprising a worktable (1) and two drive units (2), characterized in that: Two drive units (2) are fixedly installed on the top of the workbench (1). A powder box (3) is fixedly installed between the moving ends of the two drive units (2). Two scrapers (4) are provided at the bottom of the powder box (3). A powder storage cavity (5) is opened inside the powder box (3). Two powder dispensing cavities (6) are opened inside the powder box (3). The two powder dispensing cavities (6) are distributed in a Y shape inside the powder box (3) and are connected to the powder storage cavity (5). Two powder guiding components (7) are provided inside the powder box (3). A drive component (8) for driving the two powder guiding components (7) to rotate is provided on the rear side of the powder box (3). The two powder guiding components (7) are respectively located inside the two powder dispensing cavities (6).
2. The bidirectional powder spreading device based on LPBF process according to claim 1, characterized in that: All of the powder guiding components (7) include a rotating rod (701) and a guide plate (702). The front side of the rotating rod (701) is rotatably mounted inside the lower powder box (3), and the rear side extends to the rear side of the lower powder box (3). The guide plate (702) is fixedly connected to the outside of the rotating rod (701).
3. The LPBF process based dual-direction powder spreading device of claim 2, wherein: The drive assembly (8) includes a motor (801), a drive wheel (802), a first driven wheel (803), and a second driven wheel (804). The motor (801) is located on the rear side of the powder box (3), and its output shaft is rotatably connected to the rear side of the powder box (3). The drive wheel (802) is fixedly connected to the outside of the output shaft of the motor (801). The first driven wheel (803) is fixedly connected to the outside of the right rotating rod (701). The second driven wheel (804) is fixedly connected to the outside of the left rotating rod (701). The drive wheel (802) is connected to the first driven wheel (803) and the second driven wheel (804) via two transmission belts.
4. The LPBF process based dual-direction powder spreading device of claim 3, wherein: An L-shaped connecting plate (9) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the powder box (3), and a buffer plate (10) is fixedly installed at the top of the horizontal section of the L-shaped connecting plate (9). The motor (801) is fixedly installed at the top of the buffer plate (10).
5. The LPBF process based dual-direction powder spreading device of claim 4, wherein: Two connecting plates (11) are fixedly installed on the top of the buffer plate (10), and the two rotating rods (701) are rotatably connected to the front side of the two connecting plates (11) respectively.