Aluminum alloy selective laser melting (SLM) forming directional heating device

Abstract

The utility model discloses an aluminum alloy selective laser melting SLM (selective laser melting) forming directional heating device, which relates to the technical field of selective laser melting and comprises an operation bin, a main controller is arranged on the outer side face of the operation bin, and a thermal imaging structure and a sintering forming laser mechanism are arranged on the upper end face of the operation bin. An operation table is arranged on the bottom face in the operation bin, and a dust removal mechanism is further arranged on the back face of the operation bin. A detachable dust collection bin is arranged on the side face of the dust removal mechanism. The utility model has the beneficial effects that the operating platform is divided into a plurality of areas, the directional heating mechanisms with the corresponding number are arranged according to the number of the areas, the directional heating mechanisms cover the operating platform to heat a printed piece, and a plurality of heating resistor strips which are fine enough are arranged on each directional heating mechanism; the heating degree of each heating resistor strip is integrally controlled through a main controller and a potentiometer, so that a plurality of printed pieces are directionally heated; and meanwhile, dust in the operation bin is absorbed through a suction opening, so that laser printing is prevented from being affected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of selective laser melting technology, and in particular to a selective laser melting (SLM) forming directional heating device for aluminum alloys. Background Technology

[0002] SLM (Surface Mount Metal) forming technology utilizes a high-energy-density laser beam, controlled by a computer program, to selectively melt pre-laid layers of metal powder and metallurgically bond them to a substrate. This process is repeated layer by layer, scanning continuously to ultimately complete the manufacturing of three-dimensional metal parts. This equipment can produce metal parts with complex shapes, resulting in parts with excellent mechanical properties and high precision. It has important applications in fields such as medical, aerospace, and product development, including the manufacture of medical implants, special components for aero-engines, and molds with cooling channels. Particularly in the aerospace field, through specialized structural designs, it can achieve lightweight and other special requirements.

[0003] During SLM forming, due to the varying dimensions of the formed parts, larger or thicker sections cool more slowly, while smaller or thinner sections cool more quickly. This uneven temperature distribution within the formed parts easily leads to warping and deformation, reducing product performance and even resulting in scrap. This is especially true when forming thin-walled complex parts, where uneven temperature distribution can easily cause warping and deformation, reducing yield.

[0004] Patent CN205888083U discloses a selective laser melting (SLM) forming directional heating device, belonging to the field of SLM forming technology. It provides a simple, easy-to-use device that ensures uniform temperature distribution and prevents warping deformation of the formed part due to uneven temperature distribution during the forming process. The technical solution adopted involves a far-infrared thermal imager, a sintering laser system, and a directional heating laser installed at the top of the forming cavity, and a main control system installed on the side of the forming cavity. The far-infrared thermal imager, sintering laser system, and directional heating laser are all connected to the main control system. This invention is widely used for directional heating in SLM forming.

[0005] The aforementioned patent has the following defects: the directional heating laser in the aforementioned device cannot simultaneously handle the directional heating function of multiple printed parts, or when handling the directional heating of multiple printed parts, some printed parts may still experience uneven heating and cooling, resulting in warping and deformation.

[0006] Secondly, during the long printing process, the dust raised by the doctor blade when spreading powder will affect the laser under the influence of the airflow, weakening the energy when it reaches the sintering layer and causing printing failure. Utility Model Content

[0007] In this section, as well as in the abstract and title of this application, some simplifications or omissions may be made to avoid obscuring the purpose of this section, the abstract, and the title of this application. Such simplifications or omissions shall not be used to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0008] In view of the problems existing in the above or prior art, this utility model is proposed.

[0009] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide an aluminum alloy selective laser melting (SLM) forming directional heating device, which solves the problem of directional heating of multiple printed parts and the problem of handling dust generated during the printing process.

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a selective laser melting (SLM) forming directional heating device for aluminum alloy, comprising an operating chamber, a main controller on the outer side of the operating chamber, a thermal imaging structure and a sintering laser mechanism on the upper surface; an operating table on the inner bottom surface of the operating chamber, and an opening on the inner wall of the back of the operating chamber near the bottom surface; a dust removal mechanism is also provided on the back of the operating chamber; and a detachable side panel is provided on the side of the dust removal mechanism.

[0011] The dust removal mechanism is further equipped with a directional heating mechanism. The lower end of the directional heating mechanism is equipped with a negative pressure suction device. One side of the negative pressure suction device is equipped with a dust collection bin, and the other side is equipped with a main collection head. One side of the main collection head is equipped with a main power supply, which provides power to the negative pressure suction device and the directional heating mechanism. The side of the main collection head is connected to one end of the suction tube, and the other end of the suction tube is connected to the directional heating mechanism.

[0012] The directional heating mechanism includes a cover plate, the rear end of which is movably connected to a lead screw via a movable joint, one end of which is connected to the output end of a motor; the upper surface of the cover plate is provided with several suction ports, and the bottom surface is provided with several heating resistance strips; the side of the cover plate is provided with an integrated potentiometer.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the aluminum alloy selective laser melting (SLM) forming directional heating device of this utility model, the cover plate moves along the lead screw, and when the cover plate is in a retracted state, the front end of the cover plate is placed inside the opening.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the aluminum alloy selective laser melting (SLM) forming directional heating device of this utility model, after all the cover plates extend along the lead screw, the bottom surface of the cover plates can completely cover the operating table.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the aluminum alloy selective laser melting (SLM) forming directional heating device of this utility model, wherein: a plurality of heating resistance strips on the bottom surface of the cover plate are connected in parallel with the main power supply, a plurality of potentiometers are provided in the potentiometer integration, the number of potentiometers being the same as the number of heating resistance strips, and a potentiometer is provided in the series circuit between each heated resistance strip and the main power supply.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the aluminum alloy selective laser melting (SLM) forming directional heating device of this utility model, wherein: the cover plate is provided with a channel connecting the suction port and the suction tube.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The operating table is divided into multiple areas, and a corresponding number of directional heating mechanisms are set according to the number of areas. The directional heating mechanisms cover the operating table to heat the printed parts. Each directional heating mechanism is equipped with several sufficiently fine heating resistor strips. The heating degree of each heating resistor strip is controlled by the main controller and potentiometer, thereby achieving directional heating of multiple printed parts. At the same time, the dust in the operating chamber is absorbed through the suction port to avoid affecting laser printing. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Wherein:

[0019] Fig. 1 A schematic diagram of the overall heating device for selective laser melting (SLM) forming of aluminum alloys;

[0020] Fig. 2 Schematic diagram of the dust removal mechanism of the selective laser melting (SLM) forming directional heating device for aluminum alloys;

[0021] Fig. 3 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the dust removal mechanism in a selective laser melting (SLM) forming directional heating device for aluminum alloys.

[0022] Fig. 4 A schematic diagram of the directional heating mechanism of a selective laser melting (SLM) forming directional heating device for aluminum alloys.

[0023] Marked in the image:

[0024] 100. Operating chamber; 200. Sintering and forming laser mechanism; 300. Dust removal mechanism; 400. Main controller; 500. Thermal imaging structure; 600. Directional heating mechanism; 101. Operating table; 102. Opening; 301. Side opening plate; 302. Dust collection chamber; 303. Negative pressure suction device; 304. Main power supply; 305. Main collection head; 306. Suction tube; 601. Cover plate; 602. Motor; 603. Movable joint; 604. Suction port; 605. Heating resistance strip; 606. Potentiometer integration; 607. Lead screw. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Reference Figs. 1-4 This is the first embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment provides an aluminum alloy selective laser melting (SLM) forming directional heating device, which includes an operating chamber 100. The outer side of the operating chamber 100 is provided with a main controller 400, the upper end is provided with a thermal imaging structure 500 and a sintering forming laser mechanism 200; the inner bottom surface of the operating chamber 100 is provided with an operating table 101, and the inner wall of the back of the operating chamber 100 near the bottom surface is provided with an opening 102; the operating chamber 100 is also provided with a dust removal mechanism 300 from the back; the dust removal mechanism 300 is provided with a detachable side opening plate 301 on its side;

[0027] The dust removal mechanism 300 is also equipped with a directional heating mechanism 600. The lower end of the directional heating mechanism 600 is equipped with a negative pressure suction device 303. One side of the negative pressure suction device 303 is equipped with a dust collection bin 302 and the other side is equipped with a main collection head 305. One side of the main collection head 305 is equipped with a main power supply 304, which provides power to the negative pressure suction device 303 and the directional heating mechanism 600. The side of the main collection head 305 is connected to one end of the suction pipe 306, and the other end of the suction pipe 306 is connected to the directional heating mechanism 600.

[0028] The directional heating mechanism 600 includes a cover plate 601. The rear end of the cover plate 601 is movably connected to a lead screw 607 via a movable joint 603. One end of the lead screw 607 is connected to the output end of a motor 602. The upper surface of the cover plate 601 is provided with several suction ports 604, and the bottom surface is provided with several heating resistance strips 605. The side of the cover plate 601 is provided with a potentiometer integrated 606.

[0029] Preferably, there are four directional heating mechanisms 600, and the four directional heating mechanisms 600 are of the same specification;

[0030] Preferably, four suction ports 604 are provided and are linearly arranged on the upper surface of the cover plate 601.

[0031] The cover plate 601 moves along the lead screw 607. When the cover plate 601 is in the retracted state, the front end of the cover plate 601 is placed inside the opening 102.

[0032] After all the cover plates 601 extend along the lead screw 607, the bottom surface of the multiple cover plates 601 can completely cover the operating table 101.

[0033] Several heating resistors 605 on the bottom surface of the cover plate 601 are connected in parallel with the main power supply 304. Several potentiometers are provided in the potentiometer integration 606. The number of potentiometers is the same as the number of heating resistors 605. A potentiometer is provided in the series circuit between each heating resistor 605 and the main power supply 304.

[0034] Preferably, the driving structure of the potentiometers in the potentiometer integrated 606 is not shown in the figure, but the driving structure of each potentiometer is also controlled by the main controller 400.

[0035] Preferably, the heating resistance strip 605 on the bottom surface of the cover plate 601 can cover the entire operating table 101.

[0036] The cover plate 601 has a channel connecting the suction port 604 and the suction tube 306.

[0037] Preferably, one end of the lead screw 607 is connected to the output end of the motor 602, and the other end is movably connected to the outer wall of the operating chamber 100.

[0038] Preferably, when the front end of the cover plate 601 just covers the operating table 101, the inner side of the movable joint 603 fits against the outer side of the operating chamber 100.

[0039] A preferred thermal imaging structure is the existing technology CN205888083U, which is a far-infrared thermal imager and related structures.

[0040] Preferably, the thermal imaging structure 500, the sintering laser mechanism 200, the directional heating mechanism 600 and the dust removal mechanism 300 are all connected to the main controller 400, which can automatically adjust the heating status of the heating resistance strip 605 according to the cross-sectional shape and temperature distribution of the formed part, and change the heating temperature of the heating resistance strip 605 in the corresponding area.

[0041] Preferably, during the forming process, the thermal imaging structure 500 measures the temperature of each forming section and feeds the section temperature back to the main controller 400. The main controller 400 adjusts the heating resistance strip 605 according to the temperature distribution law of the forming part section, and heats the parts of the forming product at different temperatures to a certain extent, so that the internal temperature distribution of the forming product tends to be uniform, thereby avoiding warping deformation caused by uneven internal temperature distribution of the forming part during the forming process.

[0042] In use, after each layer of laser printing is performed by the sintering laser mechanism 200, the directional heating mechanisms 600 of different zones are laid on the operating table 101 according to the printing sequence of the sintering laser mechanism 200. Then, data is fed back through the thermal imaging structure 500, and the heating status of the heating resistance strip 605 is controlled by the main controller 400. When the directional heating mechanism 600 completely covers the operating table 101, the negative pressure suction device 303 is activated to absorb the dust in the operating chamber 100. After cooling is completed, the directional heating mechanism 600 is retracted, and the above operation is repeated until the sample printing is completed.

[0043] In summary, the device divides the operating table 101 into multiple areas, and sets a corresponding number of directional heating mechanisms 600 according to the number of areas. The directional heating mechanisms 600 cover the operating table 101 to heat the printed parts. Each directional heating mechanism 600 is equipped with several sufficiently fine heating resistor strips 605. The heating degree of each heating resistor strip 605 is controlled by the main controller 400 and the potentiometer integrated 606, thereby achieving directional heating of multiple printed parts. At the same time, the suction port 604 absorbs the dust in the operating chamber to prevent the laser printing from being affected.

[0044] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A selective laser melting (SLM) forming directional heating device for aluminum alloy, comprising an operating chamber (100), wherein a main controller (400) is provided on the outer side of the operating chamber (100), a thermal imaging structure (500) and a sintering forming laser mechanism (200) are provided on the upper end surface; an operating table (101) is provided on the inner bottom surface of the operating chamber (100), and an opening (102) is provided on the inner wall of the back side of the operating chamber (100) near the bottom surface, characterized in that: The operating chamber (100) is also provided with a dust removal mechanism (300) from the rear; the dust removal mechanism (300) is provided with a detachable side opening plate (301) on the side; The dust removal mechanism (300) is further equipped with a directional heating mechanism (600). The lower end of the directional heating mechanism (600) is equipped with a negative pressure suction device (303). One side of the negative pressure suction device (303) is equipped with a dust collection chamber (302), and the other side is equipped with a main collection head (305). One side of the main collection head (305) is equipped with a main power supply (304), which provides power to the negative pressure suction device (303) and the directional heating mechanism (600). The side of the main collection head (305) is connected to one end of a suction pipe (306), and the other end of the suction pipe (306) is connected to the directional heating mechanism (600). The directional heating mechanism (600) includes a cover plate (601), the rear end of which is movably connected to a lead screw (607) via a movable joint (603), one end of which is connected to the output end of a motor (602); the upper surface of the cover plate (601) is provided with several suction ports (604), and the bottom surface is provided with several heating resistance strips (605); the side of the cover plate (601) is provided with a potentiometer integrated (606).

2. The aluminum alloy selective laser melting (SLM) forming directional heating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cover plate (601) moves along the lead screw (607), and when the cover plate (601) is in a retracted state, the front end of the cover plate (601) is placed inside the opening (102).

3. The aluminum alloy selective laser melting (SLM) forming directional heating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: After all the cover plates (601) extend along the lead screw (607), the bottom surfaces of the cover plates (601) can completely cover the operating table (101).

4. The selective laser melting (SLM) forming directional heating device for aluminum alloys as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the cover plate (601) has several heating resistance strips (605) connected in parallel with the main power supply (304). The potentiometer integration (606) contains several potentiometers, the number of which is the same as the number of heating resistance strips (605). Each series circuit between the heating resistance strip (605) and the main power supply (304) contains a potentiometer.

5. The selective laser melting (SLM) forming and directional heating device for aluminum alloys as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cover plate (601) has a channel connecting the suction port (604) and the suction tube (306).

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