Uniform powder drying equipment for metal 3D printing

Abstract

The utility model relates to 3D printing technical field, concretely for a kind of even powder drying equipment for metal 3D printing, include: drying group and stirring group, stirring group is evenly spaced distribution on mixing shaft, stirring group includes the stirring rod fixed on mixing shaft, the mounting piece and the mixing piece fixed in the free end part of stirring rod, the two ends of mounting piece are bent and form two inclined surfaces of V type, two mixing pieces are bolted on inclined surface, so that two mixing pieces form V shape, and there is powder leakage gap between the end of two mixing pieces close to each other. The stirring rod in the stirring group of the utility model, mounting piece and mixing piece work cooperatively, can continuously stir and turn over the metal powder in drying barrel, at the same time, through dynamic stirring and dredging, metal powder can flow more smoothly in drying barrel, effectively avoid the occurrence of powder blocking phenomenon, ensure the continuity and efficiency of drying process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, specifically to a uniform powder baking device for metal 3D printing. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing is a technology that creates three-dimensional objects by stacking materials layer by layer. After printing, powder spraying is often required. Before this, the metal powder needs to be dried. Existing powder drying equipment mostly puts the metal powder directly into the equipment for drying, and the internal moisture is difficult to dissipate. Therefore, it takes a long time to complete the drying process and is prone to consuming too much energy.

[0003] Based on the above problems, the existing patent publication number CN219900255U discloses a uniform powder drying device for metal 3D printing. The device can add metal powder into the drying tank and, through the cooperation of a motor, a rotating rod connecting plate, a brush and a screen, can move the metal powder to various positions on the screen, so that the metal powder can be dispersed and fall, which can effectively avoid the accumulation of metal powder and make the drying work uniform and effective.

[0004] However, when implementing the above-mentioned uniform powder drying equipment for metal 3D printing, at least the following problems were found: First, after the powder is dispersed and falls, it is impossible to disperse and fall the metal powder again, and the powder accumulated at the bottom is still difficult to dry quickly. Second, when the screen is filled with metal powder, it is easy for the metal powder to accumulate in the screen and not be able to fall, resulting in powder blockage. Utility Model Content

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a uniform powder baking device for metal 3D printing, which solves the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] (II) Technical Solution

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a uniform powder baking device for metal 3D printing, comprising:

[0009] The drying unit includes a drying rack placed on the ground for support, a drying drum fixed on the drying rack, an electric dryer that blows hot air into the drying drum, a mixing shaft rotatably connected to the drying drum, and a motor mounted on the drying rack to drive the mixing shaft to rotate. The top of the drying drum is open and is covered by a cover.

[0010] The stirring assembly is evenly spaced on the mixing shaft. The stirring assembly includes a stirring rod fixed on the mixing shaft, a mounting plate fixed to the free end of the stirring rod, and a mixing plate. The mounting plate is bent at both ends to form two V-shaped inclined surfaces. Both mixing plates are bolted to the inclined surfaces to form a V-shape. A powder leakage gap is left between the adjacent ends of the two mixing plates.

[0011] Optionally, the portion of the mixing shaft located in the drying drum is a regular quadrilateral prism. The mixing shaft is provided with an installation structure, which includes a U-shaped clamp and bolts. The stirring assembly is fixed to the clamp, and the bolts are bolted to the opening of the clamp, so that the stirring assembly can be fixed on the mixing shaft and rotate with the mixing shaft.

[0012] Optionally, the mixing group consists of four groups, with the interval between the two middle mixing groups being smaller than the interval between the two outer mixing groups.

[0013] Optionally, the four sets of stirring groups are fixed on the four surfaces of the mixing shaft, and the stirring groups are mixed one after another along the rotation direction.

[0014] Optionally, the bottom of the drying drum is provided with a powder discharge port, and a powder discharge plate is connected to the powder discharge port. The drying rack is rotatably connected with an opening and closing rod. One end of the opening and closing rod protrudes from the drying rack and is fixed to a pressure rod. A connecting plate is fixed at intervals on the opening and closing rod. The free end of the connecting plate is fixed to the opening and closing rod. After the pressure rod drives the opening and closing rod to rotate, it can drive the powder discharge plate to open and close the powder discharge port.

[0015] Optionally, both one end of the pressure rod and the drying rack are provided with insertion ports, and an insertion rod is inserted into the insertion port to restrict the swing of the pressure rod.

[0016] Optionally, the cover is hinged to the opening at the top of the drying drum.

[0017] Optionally, the drying rack has two mounting brackets on both sides, and the electric heating dryer can be installed between the mounting brackets.

[0018] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0019] Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides a uniform powder baking device for metal 3D printing, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] 1. This utility model utilizes the coordinated operation of the stirring rod, mounting plate, and mixing plate in the stirring assembly to continuously stir and agitate the metal powder within the drying drum. During the stirring process, the metal powder that was originally accumulated at the bottom and difficult to dry quickly is lifted up and undergoes a re-dispersion and falling process, allowing the metal powder to come into more thorough contact with the hot air blown in by the electric dryer. This greatly improves the heating uniformity and drying efficiency of the powder at the bottom, avoiding the situation where the powder at the bottom is not thoroughly dried due to long-term accumulation.

[0021] 2. This invention utilizes a mixing assembly with two V-shaped inclined surfaces formed by bending the ends of the mounting plates. Two mixing plates are bolted to these inclined surfaces, forming a V-shape, with a powder-leaking notch between the closest ends of the two mixing plates. During mixing, the metal powder, propelled by the mixing plates, naturally falls along the inclined surfaces and the powder-leaking notch. Due to the continuous mixing and guiding action of the mixing plates, the metal powder does not accumulate or clog. Compared to traditional sieves, this structure, through dynamic mixing and guidance, allows the metal powder to flow more smoothly within the drying drum, effectively preventing powder blockage and ensuring the continuity and efficiency of the drying process.

[0022] 3. This utility model features an installation structure composed of U-shaped clamps and bolts, making operation simple and intuitive. During routine equipment maintenance or when the mixing assembly needs replacement due to wear, workers can easily disassemble the clamps and mixing assembly by simply unscrewing the bolts for inspection, cleaning, or component replacement. Compared to traditional, complex fixing methods, this significantly reduces maintenance steps and time, lowers maintenance difficulty, minimizes downtime due to equipment maintenance, and improves the overall operating efficiency and utilization rate of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure after removing the masking;

[0025] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure viewed from below;

[0026] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure on the hybrid axis is shown.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Drying rack; 2. Drying drum; 3. Electric dryer; 4. Mixing shaft; 5. Motor; 6. Cover; 7. Stirring rod; 8. Mounting plate; 9. Mixing plate; 10. Powder leakage notch; 11. Clamping plate; 12. Bolt; 13. Powder discharge port; 14. Powder discharge plate; 15. Opening and closing rod; 16. Pressure rod; 17. Connecting plate; 18. Insertion port; 19. Insertion rod; 20. Mounting frame. Detailed Implementation

[0028] 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.

[0029] Example: Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a technical solution is provided: a uniform powder drying device for metal 3D printing, comprising: a drying group, which includes a drying rack 1 placed on the ground for support, a drying barrel 2 fixed on the drying rack 1, an electric heating dryer 3 that can blow hot air into the drying barrel 2, a mixing shaft 4 rotatably connected in the drying barrel 2, and a motor 5 installed on the drying rack 1 to drive the mixing shaft 4 to rotate. The top of the drying barrel 2 is open and covered by a cover 6; a stirring group, which is evenly distributed on the mixing shaft 4. The stirring group includes a stirring rod 7 fixed on the mixing shaft 4, a mounting plate 8 fixed to the free end of the stirring rod 7, and a mixing plate 9. The two ends of the mounting plate 8 are bent to form two V-shaped inclined surfaces. The two mixing plates 9 are bolted to the inclined surfaces, so that the two mixing plates 9 form a V shape. A powder leakage gap 10 is left between the close ends of the two mixing plates 9.

[0030] Powder drying equipment with the above structure:

[0031] First, the equipment is equipped with a mixing shaft 4 rotatably connected inside the drying barrel 2, and a motor 5 installed on the drying rack 1 to drive the mixing shaft 4 to rotate. When the mixing shaft 4 rotates, it drives the stirring groups that are evenly spaced on it to rotate together.

[0032] The stirring rod 7, mounting plate 8, and mixing plate 9 in the stirring assembly work together to continuously stir and agitate the metal powder in the drying drum 2. During the stirring process, the metal powder that was originally piled up at the bottom and difficult to dry quickly is brought up and undergoes a process of dispersion and falling again, allowing the metal powder to come into more thorough contact with the hot air blown in by the electric dryer 3. This greatly improves the heating uniformity and drying efficiency of the powder at the bottom, and avoids the situation where the powder at the bottom is not completely dried due to long-term accumulation.

[0033] Secondly, the mounting plate 8 in the mixing assembly is bent at both ends to form two V-shaped inclined surfaces. Two mixing plates 9 are bolted to the inclined surfaces to form a V-shape, and a powder leakage gap 10 is left between the near ends of the two mixing plates 9. During the mixing process, the metal powder falls naturally along the inclined surfaces and the powder leakage gap 10 under the agitation of the mixing plates 9. Due to the continuous stirring and guiding effect of the mixing plates 9, the metal powder will not accumulate or clog. Compared with traditional screens, this structure allows the metal powder to flow more smoothly in the drying drum 2 through dynamic stirring and guiding, effectively avoiding powder blockage and ensuring the continuity and efficiency of the drying process.

[0034] In this embodiment, the part of the mixing shaft 4 located in the drying barrel 2 is a regular quadrilateral prism. The mixing shaft 4 is provided with an installation structure, which includes a U-shaped clamping plate 11 and bolts 12. The stirring group is fixed on the clamping plate 11, and the bolts 12 are bolted to the opening of the clamping plate 11, so that the stirring group can be fixed on the mixing shaft 4 and rotate with the mixing shaft 4.

[0035] Because the mixing shaft 4, being a regular quadrilateral prism, has multiple planes, it can achieve a larger area and tighter fit with the U-shaped clamping plate 11 compared to a common circular shaft. When the bolts 12 are fastened at the opening of the clamping plate 11, a stable clamping force can be applied to the mixing assembly from multiple directions. During the high-speed rotation of the mixing shaft 4, it effectively resists centrifugal force and the resistance of the metal powder, preventing the mixing assembly from loosening, shifting, or rotating out of position. This ensures that the mixing assembly always rotates stably with the mixing shaft 4, continuously and efficiently completing the mixing and tumbling of the metal powder, further guaranteeing the uniformity and efficiency of the bottom powder drying.

[0036] Secondly, the installation structure consisting of the U-shaped clamp 11 and bolts 12 is simple and intuitive to operate. During routine equipment maintenance or when the mixing assembly needs replacement due to wear, workers only need to unscrew bolts 12 to easily disassemble the clamp 11 and the mixing assembly for inspection, cleaning, or component replacement. Compared to traditional, complex fixing methods, this significantly reduces maintenance steps and time, lowers maintenance difficulty, reduces downtime caused by equipment maintenance, and improves the overall operating efficiency and utilization rate of the equipment.

[0037] The mixing system consists of four groups. The two middle groups are spaced smaller than the outer two groups, creating a denser mixing zone as the mixing shaft 4 rotates. Within this zone, the metal powder experiences more frequent and finer agitation, promoting rapid dispersion and tumbling, preventing localized accumulation. The outer two groups, with their larger spacing, cover a wider area, effectively drawing powder from the edges and corners of the drying drum 2 towards the center, creating a convective circulation with the powder in the central area. This combination of dense and sparse mixing ensures an efficient three-dimensional movement path for the metal powder within the drying drum 2, comprehensively improving the mixing uniformity and ensuring that every particle of powder is fully exposed to hot air for uniform drying.

[0038] Four mixing groups are fixed on the four surfaces of the mixing shaft 4. The mixing groups work sequentially along the rotation direction, mixing the metal powder in turn as the mixing shaft 4 rotates, forming a continuous mixing chain. Powder stirred by one mixing group is immediately processed by the next, preventing "blank mixing areas" from appearing during the mixing process. This continuous and uninterrupted mixing mode continuously disperses and agitates the powder, preventing it from accumulating in the drying drum 2 and ensuring that each portion of powder undergoes a thorough and uniform mixing process, further improving the powder's mixing uniformity.

[0039] The drying drum 2 has a powder discharge port 13 at its bottom, and a powder discharge plate 14 is connected to the powder discharge port 13. The drying rack 1 is rotatably connected to an opening and closing rod 15. One end of the opening and closing rod 15 protrudes from the drying rack 1 and is fixed to a pressure rod 16. A connecting plate 17 is fixed at intervals on the opening and closing rod 15, and the free end of the connecting plate 17 is fixed to the opening and closing rod 15. After the pressure rod 16 drives the opening and closing rod 15 to rotate, it can drive the powder discharge plate 14 to open and close the powder discharge port 13. After the metal powder is dried, the operator only needs to press the pressure rod 16 protruding from the drying rack 1. The pressure rod 16 drives the opening and closing rod 15 to rotate, and through the transmission of the connecting plate 17, it drives the powder discharge plate 14 to open the powder discharge port 13. This design simplifies the originally complicated powder discharge operation to a single pressing action, greatly improving the powder discharge efficiency and avoiding problems such as powder spillage and inconvenience that may occur if the powder discharge plate 14 is manually operated. Meanwhile, the opening and closing degree of the powder discharge plate 14 can be flexibly controlled according to actual needs, and the powder discharge speed can be precisely adjusted to facilitate connection with subsequent powder collection and transportation equipment.

[0040] Both the pressure rod 16 and the drying rack 1 have insertion ports 18. An insertion rod 19 is inserted into the insertion port 18 to restrict the swing of the pressure rod 16. During the drying process, if the pressure rod 16 swings accidentally due to external impact or other factors, the powder discharge plate 14 may open, causing hot air leakage, powder spillage, or even safety hazards. The insertion rod 19, inserted into the insertion port 18 of the pressure rod 16 and the drying rack 1, can firmly fix the pressure rod 16, restrict its swing, ensure that the powder discharge plate 14 is always closed, maintain a stable working environment inside the drying barrel 2, ensure that the metal powder drying process is not disturbed, and also avoid safety accidents caused by the accidental opening of the powder discharge port 13.

[0041] The drying rack 1 has two mounting brackets 20 on both sides, and the electric dryer 3 can be installed between the mounting brackets 20. The mounting brackets 20 provide a standardized installation position for the electric dryer 3. The operator only needs to align the electric dryer 3 with the interface of the mounting bracket 20 and quickly complete the installation using bolts 12 or other fixing methods, without the need for complicated positioning and calibration processes. At the same time, this modular design facilitates equipment assembly and disassembly. Whether it is the initial installation of the equipment or subsequent replacement and maintenance of the electric dryer 3, it can significantly shorten the operation time, reduce the difficulty of installation and commissioning, and improve the efficiency of equipment use.

[0042] It should be noted that the cover 6 or the drying drum 2 has an outlet for air intake or exhaust of the electric heating dryer 3, which is not described in the prior art. This air intake or exhaust outlet is visible. Figure 1 .

[0043] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A uniform powder baking device for metal 3D printing, characterized in that, include: The drying assembly includes a drying rack (1) placed on the ground for support, a drying drum (2) fixed on the drying rack (1), an electric heating dryer (3) that can blow hot air into the drying drum (2), a mixing shaft (4) rotatably connected to the drying drum (2), and a motor (5) mounted on the drying rack (1) to drive the mixing shaft (4) to rotate. The top of the drying drum (2) is open and is covered by a cover (6). The stirring assembly is evenly spaced on the mixing shaft (4). The stirring assembly includes a stirring rod (7) fixed on the mixing shaft (4), a mounting plate (8) fixed to the free end of the stirring rod (7), and a mixing plate (9). The mounting plate (8) is bent at both ends to form two V-shaped inclined surfaces. The two mixing plates (9) are bolted to the inclined surfaces to form a V-shape. A powder leakage gap (10) is left between the close ends of the two mixing plates (9).

2. The uniform powder baking device for metal 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mixing shaft (4) located in the drying barrel (2) is a regular quadrilateral prism. The mixing shaft (4) is provided with an installation structure, which includes a U-shaped clamp (11) and bolts (12). The stirring group is fixed on the clamp (11), and the bolts (12) are bolted to the opening of the clamp (11), so that the stirring group can be fixed on the mixing shaft (4) and rotate with the mixing shaft (4).

3. The uniform powder baking device for metal 3D printing according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mixing group consists of four groups, with the interval between the two middle mixing groups being smaller than the interval between the two outer mixing groups.

4. The uniform powder baking device for metal 3D printing according to claim 3, characterized in that: The four stirring groups are fixed on the four surfaces of the mixing shaft (4), and the stirring groups are mixed one after another along the rotation direction.

5. The uniform powder baking device for metal 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drying drum (2) is provided with a powder discharge port (13) at the bottom. A powder discharge plate (14) is connected to the powder discharge port (13). The drying rack (1) is rotatably connected with an opening and closing rod (15). One end of the opening and closing rod (15) protrudes from the drying rack (1) and is fixed to a pressure rod (16). A connecting plate (17) is fixed at intervals on the opening and closing rod (15). The free end of the connecting plate (17) is fixed to the opening and closing rod (15). After the pressure rod (16) drives the opening and closing rod (15) to rotate, it can drive the powder discharge plate (14) to open and close the powder discharge port (13).

6. The uniform powder baking device for metal 3D printing according to claim 5, characterized in that: Both the pressure rod (16) and the drying rack (1) have insertion ports (18). An insertion rod (19) is inserted into the insertion port (18) to restrict the swing of the pressure rod (16).

7. The uniform powder baking device for metal 3D printing according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cover (6) is hinged to the top opening of the drying drum (2).

8. The uniform powder baking device for metal 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drying rack (1) has two mounting brackets (20) on both sides, and the electric dryer (3) can be installed between the mounting brackets (20).

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