Metal LPBF equipment forming high-precision Z-axis lifting device

Abstract

The utility model provides a high-precision Z-axis lifting device for metal LPBF equipment forming. The high-precision Z-axis lifting device comprises a main body frame provided with a vertical guide mechanism. The forming cabin connecting unit is connected with the top of the main body frame and communicates with the forming cabin; the liftable forming table is in sliding fit with the forming cabin connecting unit; the driving module is mounted in the main body frame and drives the forming table to vertically move; the guide assembly is fixedly connected with the forming table through a direct connecting piece and is in sliding fit with the guide mechanism; the position detection system is arranged on the side of a motion path of the guide assembly and comprises a non-contact displacement sensing device and a signal processing module, the system adjusts a driving module in real time through a feedback control loop, the driving module is composed of a power source, a transmission part and a guide positioning structure, and the guide assembly comprises guide parts which are symmetrically distributed in the circumferential direction. The device realizes high-precision guiding, accurate driving control and real-time position detection feedback, and has the advantages of stable connection, good connectivity and structural reliability.

Description

A high-precision Z-axis lifting device for forming metal LPBF equipment Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of metal additive manufacturing technology, and more specifically, to a high-precision Z-axis lifting device for forming metal LPBF equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In the cutting-edge exploration of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology, two distinct trends are emerging: the pursuit of high-efficiency printing and a focus on high-precision forming. The core of the high-efficiency printing strategy lies in technological innovation, achieved by introducing multi-laser configurations and increasing the single-layer printing thickness of standard equipment. Specifically, in this approach, the laser spot size is maintained within the range of 85 to 100 micrometers, while the single-layer printing thickness significantly increases from the traditional 30 to 40 micrometers to 60 to 100 micrometers, greatly accelerating the printing process.

[0003] On the other hand, high-precision forming technology strives to find a fine balance between efficiency and accuracy. To achieve this goal, the technology employs a finer laser spot (typically between 25 and 50 micrometers) and a significantly reduced single-layer printing thickness (reduced to 10 to 20 micrometers), thereby ensuring accurate replication and superior performance of the printed parts at the microscopic level. To compensate for the potential decrease in efficiency due to the reduced layer thickness, the technology also cleverly incorporates multi-laser stitching technology to improve overall printing efficiency through parallel operation.

[0004] It is worth noting that the implementation of high-precision forming technology places more stringent requirements on the forming cylinder components in laser powder bed melting systems, especially in terms of lifting accuracy and operational stability. This requirement not only tests the technical capabilities of equipment manufacturers but also places higher demands on the entire industry in areas such as precision mechanical design and control algorithms.

[0005] Some traditional Z-axis lifting devices have simple structural designs and insufficient guiding accuracy. For example, some devices use ordinary sliding guide rails, which, during long-term use, can easily cause the forming table to shift during the lifting process due to wear and uneven stress on the guide rails. This results in uneven thickness of each layer of metal powder, which in turn affects the dimensional accuracy and surface quality of the final part.

[0006] Meanwhile, the drive systems of traditional lifting devices are not precise enough. Some devices use power source and transmission component combinations that cannot achieve precise control over the displacement of the forming table. For example, using ordinary motors and belt drives is prone to slippage during transmission, causing a deviation between the actual displacement of the forming table and the preset displacement, making it difficult to meet the requirements of high-precision metal parts manufacturing.

[0007] Furthermore, existing lifting devices often lack effective position detection and feedback mechanisms. During the lifting process of the forming table, it is impossible to obtain accurate position information in real time, making it impossible to adjust the drive module in a timely manner. Once a displacement deviation occurs, it can only be detected in subsequent inspections, by which time it may have already caused irreparable damage to the parts, increasing the scrap rate and raising production costs.

[0008] Furthermore, traditional lifting devices have shortcomings in their connection and coordination with the forming chamber. The connection structure is not robust enough, which may cause vibration during lifting and affect the forming accuracy; moreover, the unreasonable design of the connection with the forming chamber may lead to problems such as powder leakage, affecting the working environment and equipment lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Based on the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model proposes a high-precision Z-axis lifting device for forming metal LPBF equipment.

[0010] A high-precision Z-axis lifting device for forming metal LPBF equipment includes:

[0011] The main frame contains a guide mechanism arranged vertically.

[0012] The molding chamber connection unit is connected to the top of the main frame and communicates with the molding chamber.

[0013] A height-adjustable molding platform that slides in conjunction with the molding chamber connection unit;

[0014] The drive module, which is installed inside the main frame, can drive the molding table to move vertically;

[0015] A guide assembly is fixedly connected to the forming table via a direct connector and slides in cooperation with the guide mechanism;

[0016] The position detection system is located on the side of the movement path of the guide component. It includes a non-contact displacement sensing device and a matching signal processing module. The displacement sensing device continuously collects the displacement of the forming table and adjusts the operating status of the drive module in real time through a feedback control loop.

[0017] Preferably, the guiding mechanism is a linear guide rail assembly arranged symmetrically.

[0018] Preferably, the drive module consists of a power source and a transmission component, wherein the power source may be a motor or a hydraulic cylinder, and the transmission component includes a ball screw, a gear rack or a linkage mechanism.

[0019] Preferably, the transmission component is linked with the guide assembly, and the movement of the transmission component can be converted into the vertical displacement of the guide assembly.

[0020] Preferably, the guiding assembly includes at least two guide members symmetrically distributed along the circumference of the forming stage, and each guide member is slidably engaged with the guiding mechanism.

[0021] Preferably, the direct connector is two circumferentially symmetrically distributed spline shafts.

[0022] Preferably, the displacement sensing device is an optical grating ruler and a matching reader, laser displacement sensor or magnetic grating sensor, and the system forms a closed-loop control with the control system.

[0023] Beneficial effects:

[0024] 1. High-precision guidance: The linear guide rail assembly arranged symmetrically is used as the guiding mechanism, and the guide components distributed circumferentially cooperate with the guiding mechanism to provide high-precision guidance for the forming table, effectively avoiding the deviation of the forming table during the lifting process, ensuring that each layer of metal powder is laid evenly, and greatly improving the forming accuracy of metal parts.

[0025] 2. Precise drive control: The drive module is composed of a variety of power sources and transmission components, which can be selected according to different working requirements. Through the guide and positioning structure and the linkage with the guide components, it realizes precise control of the displacement of the forming table, which meets the strict requirements of high-precision metal parts manufacturing for displacement accuracy.

[0026] 3. Real-time position detection and feedback: The position detection system collects the displacement of the forming table in real time through a non-contact displacement sensor and forms a closed-loop control with the control system. It can detect and correct the displacement deviation of the forming table in a timely manner, ensuring that the forming table always rises according to the predetermined trajectory and displacement, effectively reducing the scrap rate and improving production efficiency and product quality.

[0027] 4. Stable connection and good connectivity: The forming chamber connection unit achieves a stable connection and good connectivity between the lifting device and the forming chamber, which not only ensures the stability during the lifting process, but also prevents problems such as powder leakage, providing a good working environment for metal additive manufacturing and extending the service life of the equipment.

[0028] 5. Structural reliability: The guide assembly is fixedly connected to the forming table by direct connecting parts such as spline shafts, and the reasonable layout and cooperation between various components enhance the structural reliability of the entire device, ensuring stable operation during long-term use and reducing the probability of equipment failure. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the internal structure of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the drive module of this utility model;

[0032] In the attached drawings, 1 is the main frame, 2 is the guiding mechanism, 3 is the molding chamber connection unit, 4 is the molding chamber, 5 is the molding table, 6 is the power source, 7 is the transmission component, 8 is the guiding assembly, 9 is the guiding component, 10 is the direct connection component, 11 is the grating ruler, and 12 is the reader. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a high-precision Z-axis lifting device for forming metal LPBF equipment is mainly composed of six parts: main frame 1, forming chamber connection unit 3, lifting forming table 5, drive module, guide component 8, and position detection system.

[0035] The main frame 1 serves as the supporting structure for the entire device and can adopt a box-type structure to seal its internal components. Inside, there is a vertically arranged guide mechanism 2. The guide mechanism 2 provides precise guidance for the vertical movement of the forming table 5, ensuring that the forming table 5 can maintain a stable and accurate movement trajectory during the lifting process, avoiding deviation, thereby ensuring the uniformity of each layer of metal powder and laying the foundation for high-precision forming.

[0036] The molding chamber connection unit 3 is connected to the top of the main frame 1 and communicates with the molding chamber 4. This structure not only achieves a stable connection between the main frame 1 and the molding chamber 4, ensuring that no vibration will occur during the lifting process and interfere with the molding accuracy, but also ensures the connectivity between the molding platform 5 and the molding chamber 4 during the lifting process, effectively preventing problems such as powder leakage, and maintaining a good working environment and normal operation of the equipment.

[0037] The liftable forming platform 5 slides in conjunction with the forming chamber connecting unit 3. It is a carrier for placing the metal parts to be formed and the metal powder. During the additive manufacturing process, the forming platform 5 gradually rises in the Z-axis direction as each layer of metal powder melts and solidifies to complete the forming of the entire part. Its sliding fit design with the forming chamber connecting unit 3 allows the forming platform 5 to move smoothly up and down while ensuring the accuracy of its position.

[0038] The drive module is installed inside the main frame 1 and is the power source for driving the forming table 5 to move vertically. It consists of a power source 6 and a transmission component 7. In this embodiment, the power source 6 is a motor to provide power to the device. The transmission component 7 is a ball screw. The ball screw and the guide mechanism 2 are vertically arranged in the same way. Its upper and lower ends are rotatably mounted to the main frame. The ball screw and the guide component 8 are threaded together, so that the rotation of the ball screw can be accurately converted into the vertical displacement of the guide component 8, thereby driving the forming table 5 to move vertically accurately.

[0039] The guide assembly 8 is fixedly connected to the forming table 5 via a straight connector 10 and slides with the guide mechanism 2. The guide assembly 8 includes at least two guide members 9, which are symmetrically distributed around the circumference of the forming table 5. Each guide member 9 slides with the guide mechanism 2. This design further enhances the stability and accuracy of the forming table 5 during vertical movement. Through the cooperation of multiple guide members 9 with the guide mechanism 2, it can better resist forces from different directions, ensuring that the forming table 5 always moves along a precise trajectory. The straight connector 10 consists of two circumferentially symmetrically distributed spline shafts. The design of the spline shafts ensures a stable connection between the guide assembly 8 and the forming table 5, while also providing high precision and reliability in transmitting power and displacement.

[0040] The position detection system is located on the side of the movement path of the guide component 8. It includes a non-contact displacement sensing device and a matching signal processing module. The displacement sensing device continuously collects the displacement of the forming table 5. In this embodiment, a grating ruler 11 and a matching reader 12 are used. The reader 12 is located on the side of the guide component 8. The grating ruler 11 is parallel to the guide mechanism 2. The reader 12 and the control system form a closed-loop control. The collected displacement information is transmitted to the drive module in real time through the feedback control loop. The drive module adjusts the operating state in real time according to the feedback information, thereby achieving precise control of the displacement of the forming table 5. Once the actual displacement of the forming table 5 deviates from the preset displacement, the position detection system can quickly detect it and adjust the drive module through the feedback control loop to ensure that the forming table 5 is always lifted according to the predetermined trajectory and displacement, effectively improving the forming accuracy.

[0041] The working principle of this device is as follows:

[0042] The model data of the metal part to be formed is input into the control system. The control system calculates the lifting path and displacement of the forming platform 5 in the Z-axis direction based on the model data. Metal powder is laid on the forming platform 5, and the equipment is started. The drive module drives the guide component 8 and the forming platform 5 to move vertically according to the instructions of the control system through the transmission component 7. During the movement, the guide mechanism 2 provides precise guidance for the forming platform 5 to ensure the accuracy of its movement trajectory. The displacement sensor of the position detection system collects the displacement of the forming platform 5 in real time and transmits the signal to the signal processing module. After processing the signal, the signal processing module transmits the information to the drive module through the feedback control loop. The drive module adjusts the running status in real time according to the feedback information to ensure that the actual displacement of the forming platform 5 is consistent with the preset displacement. After each layer of metal powder melts and solidifies, the forming platform 5 is lifted according to the preset displacement. The above process is repeated until the forming of the entire metal part is completed.

[0043] Through the above specific embodiments, the high-precision Z-axis lifting device for metal LPBF equipment of this utility model can efficiently and accurately lift the forming table 5 in the Z-axis direction in the metal LPBF equipment, providing a reliable guarantee for the additive manufacturing of high-precision metal parts.

[0044] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A high-precision Z-axis lifting device for forming metal LPBF equipment, characterized in that, include: The main frame (1) has a guide mechanism (2) inside it, which is arranged vertically; the molding chamber connection unit (3) is connected to the top of the main frame (1) and communicates with the molding chamber (4); the lifting molding platform (5) is slidably engaged with the molding chamber connection unit (3); the drive module is installed in the main frame (1) and can drive the molding platform (5) to move vertically; the guide component (8) is fixedly connected to the molding platform (5) through a direct connector (10) and is slidably engaged with the guide mechanism (2); the position detection system is set on the side of the movement path of the guide component (8), and includes a non-contact displacement sensing device and a matching signal processing module. The displacement sensing device continuously collects the displacement of the molding platform (5) and adjusts the running state of the drive module in real time through a feedback control loop.

2. The high-precision Z-axis lifting device for forming metal LPBF equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guiding mechanism (2) is a linear guide rail assembly arranged symmetrically.

3. The high-precision Z-axis lifting device for forming metal LPBF equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive module consists of a power source (6) and a transmission component (7). The power source (6) can be a motor or a hydraulic cylinder, and the transmission component (7) includes a ball screw, a gear rack or a linkage mechanism.

4. The high-precision Z-axis lifting device for forming metal LPBF equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission component (7) is linked with the guide component (8), and the movement of the transmission component (7) can be converted into the vertical displacement of the guide component (8).

5. The high-precision Z-axis lifting device for forming metal LPBF equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide assembly (8) includes at least two guide members (9) which are symmetrically distributed around the circumference of the forming table (5), and each guide member (9) is slidably engaged with the guide mechanism (2).

6. The high-precision Z-axis lifting device for forming metal LPBF equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The direct connector (10) consists of two circumferentially symmetrically distributed spline shafts.

7. The high-precision Z-axis lifting device for forming metal LPBF equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The displacement sensing device is a grating ruler (11) and a matching reader (12), a laser displacement sensor or a magnetic grating sensor, and the system forms a closed-loop control with the control system.

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