A post-processing device for additive manufacturing

Abstract

This utility model provides a post-processing device for additive manufacturing, relating to the field of additive manufacturing post-processing technology. The post-processing device includes a frame, a cleaning tank, a storage tank, a filter, a spraying device, and a steam generator. The cleaning tank is equipped with a heating device and an ultrasonic generator. The storage tank is located below the cleaning tank, and the filter is mounted on top of the storage tank. The cleaning tank and the filter are connected via a first pipeline with a first valve. The spraying device is mounted on the inner wall of the cleaning tank and is connected to the storage tank via a second pipeline with a water pump. The water pump's inlet is connected to the filter, and its outlet is connected to the spraying device. The steam generator is connected to the cleaning tank via a third pipeline with a second valve. This post-processing device achieves cleaning and steaming of nylon products using the same device, simplifying the process, reducing energy consumption, and shortening the preparation cycle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of additive manufacturing post-processing technology, and specifically to a post-processing device for additive manufacturing. Background Technology

[0002] Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is an additive manufacturing technology (3D printing technology) based on powder materials. Its core principle is to selectively sinter powder layers using a high-energy laser beam, building up a three-dimensional solid layer by layer. Nylon-based products (such as PA12 and PA11) formed using SLS technology are widely used in industry due to their complex structures and lightweight characteristics. However, the production process of SLS-formed nylon products faces several pressing technical challenges. Firstly, a large amount of unsintered powder adheres to the surface of the formed nylon product. Manual sandblasting is typically used for cleaning, which is inefficient and fails to meet the demands of large-scale production for high-efficiency cleaning processes. Furthermore, the cleaning process can easily damage the product, causing breakage or uneven surface color, severely affecting product quality and appearance. Secondly, to improve the toughness of nylon products, subsequent steaming treatment is usually required. Under current technology, cleaning and steaming operations must be performed in separate steps. This not only complicates the entire post-processing process but also significantly increases energy consumption, presenting significant shortcomings from both economic and environmental perspectives. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a post-processing device for additive manufacturing to improve the problem of cumbersome post-processing of nylon products.

[0004] To achieve the above and other related objectives, this utility model provides a post-processing device for additive manufacturing. The post-processing device includes a frame, a cleaning tank, a storage tank, a filter, a spraying device, and a steam generator. The cleaning tank is fixedly mounted on the frame and is equipped with a heating device and an ultrasonic generator. The storage tank is located below the cleaning tank. The filter is mounted on the storage tank. The cleaning tank and the filter are connected via a first pipe, one end of which is connected to the bottom wall of the cleaning tank, and the other end of which extends into the filter. Inside, a first valve is installed on the first pipeline; the spray device is installed on the inner wall of the cleaning tank, and the spray device is connected to the liquid storage tank through a second pipeline, one end of which is connected to the spray device, and the other end of which extends below the liquid surface of the liquid storage tank; a water pump is installed on the second pipeline, the inlet of which is connected to the filter device, and the outlet of which is connected to the spray device; a steam generator is installed on one side of the cleaning tank, and the steam generator is connected to the cleaning tank through a third pipeline, on which a second valve is installed.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heating device includes a thermostat and a resistance wire electrically connected to the thermostat, the resistance wire being arranged around the outer wall of the cleaning tank.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the filtration device includes a support and a filter screen, the filter screen being detachably mounted on the support, and the support being slidably mounted on the liquid storage tank.

[0007] In one embodiment of this utility model, the filter screen and the bracket are connected by a snap fastener.

[0008] In one embodiment of this utility model, the post-processing device further includes a controller, the first valve and the second valve are both solenoid valves, and the first valve, the second valve, the water pump and the steam generator are respectively electrically connected to the controller.

[0009] In one embodiment of this utility model, the cleaning tank is equipped with a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cleaning fluid, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the controller.

[0010] In one embodiment of this utility model, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure inside the cleaning tank is provided inside the cleaning tank, and the pressure sensor is electrically connected to the controller.

[0011] In one embodiment of this utility model, the cleaning tank is made of stainless steel, and the inner wall of the cleaning tank is coated with a polytetrafluoroethylene anti-stick layer.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic generating device includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, which are evenly distributed on the bottom wall of the cleaning tank.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the spraying device includes a fourth pipeline and a plurality of nozzles disposed on the fourth pipeline. The fourth pipeline is arranged circumferentially along the side wall of the cleaning tank, and the plurality of nozzles are evenly distributed on the fourth pipeline.

[0014] The post-processing apparatus of this application includes a cleaning tank equipped with a heating device and an ultrasonic generator. The cavitation effect is used to detach the adhering powder from the workpiece surface. The heating device heats the water in the cleaning tank, accelerating the removal of nylon powder. The cleaning solution after ultrasonic cleaning is filtered and flows into a storage tank, where it is used by a spray device to spray clean the products, achieving water recycling. After cleaning, a steam generator supplies high-temperature steam into the cleaning tank to cook the nylon products. This post-processing apparatus achieves cleaning and cooking of nylon products through a single device, which not only simplifies the process and reduces energy consumption but also shortens the preparation cycle. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art 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 embodiments can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the post-processing device for additive manufacturing according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the spray device on the cleaning tank in one embodiment of the post-processing device for additive manufacturing according to this utility model.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation of the ultrasonic generator on a cleaning tank in one embodiment of the post-processing device for additive manufacturing according to this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the filtration device in the liquid storage tank in one embodiment of the post-processing device for additive manufacturing according to this utility model.

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Sectional view along direction AA;

[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 5A magnified view of a portion of region A in the middle.

[0022] Component designation explanation:

[0023] 100. Frame; 200. Cleaning tank; 210. Heating device; 211. Resistance wire; 220. Ultrasonic generator; 221. Ultrasonic transducer; 230. Top cover; 231. Flanged edge; 240. Bottom wall; 250. Side wall; 300. Liquid storage tank; 310. Guide rail; 320. Fixing plate; 400. Filter device; 410. First pipeline; 420. First valve; 430. Support; 431. Slide rail; 440. Filter screen; 500. Spraying device; 510. Second pipeline; 520. Water pump; 530. Fourth pipeline; 540. Nozzle; 600. Steam generator; 610. Third pipeline; 620. Second valve. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. It should also be understood that the terminology used in the embodiments of this utility model is for describing specific implementation schemes and not for limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. Test methods in the following embodiments that do not specify specific conditions are generally performed under conventional conditions or according to the conditions recommended by the respective manufacturers.

[0025] When numerical ranges are given in the embodiments, it should be understood that, unless otherwise specified in this invention, both endpoints of each numerical range and any value between the two endpoints may be selected. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention, as well as the prior art known to those skilled in the art and the description of this invention, may be implemented using any prior art methods, equipment, and materials similar to or equivalent to those in the embodiments of this invention.

[0026] It should be noted that the terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "middle" and "one" used in this specification are only for clarity of description and are not intended to limit the scope of implementation of this utility model. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered as within the scope of implementation of this utility model.

[0027] Please see Figure 1This utility model provides a post-processing device for additive manufacturing, which includes a frame 100, a cleaning tank 200, a liquid storage tank 300, a filter device 400, a spraying device 500, and a steam generator 600. This post-processing device can continue to steam-cook nylon products after cleaning, achieving both cleaning and steam-cooking of nylon products through the same device. This not only simplifies the process and reduces energy consumption but also shortens the preparation cycle.

[0028] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment, the cleaning tank 200 is fixedly mounted on the frame 100. The cleaning tank 200 is equipped with a heating device 210 and an ultrasonic generator 220 for heating and vibrating nylon products during cleaning, thereby accelerating the shedding of nylon powder and improving cleaning efficiency. The cleaning tank 200 includes a top cover 230, a bottom wall 240, and side walls 250 arranged circumferentially along the bottom wall 240. The top cover 230 is rotatably connected to the side walls 250. The top cover 230 can be installed on any plane of the side walls 250, as long as it does not interfere with the connection of pipelines. For example, the top cover 230 and the side walls 250 are rotatably connected by hinges and snap-fits. In this embodiment, the top cover 230, except for the side connected to the side walls 250, is provided with flanges 231. Sealing gaskets are provided on the inner walls of the flanges 231, ensuring good sealing of the cleaning tank 200 when the top cover 230 is closed onto the side walls 250.

[0029] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment, the end of the first pipe 410 that connects to the bottom wall 240 of the cleaning tank 200 is lower than the bottom wall 240 of the cleaning tank 200. In this embodiment, the height of the connection between the bottom wall 240 of the cleaning tank 200 and the first pipe 410 is lower than the surrounding area, facilitating the smooth flow of water out of the cleaning tank 200. In this application, the cleaning tank 200 is made of stainless steel. Stainless steel has strong corrosion resistance, can adapt to various cleaning fluid environments, and extends its service life. At the same time, stainless steel has high strength and can withstand the pressure and impact generated by ultrasonic vibration, ensuring structural stability and making it suitable for high-pressure ultrasonic equipment. To improve the durability of the cleaning tank 200, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) anti-stick layer is coated on the inner wall of the cleaning tank 200.

[0030] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 3In one embodiment, the heating device 210 includes a temperature controller (not shown) and a resistance wire 211 electrically connected to the temperature controller, the resistance wire 211 being arranged around the outer wall of the cleaning tank 200. For example, a spiral resistance wire 211 may be used. The type of temperature controller is not limited here, as long as it enables the resistance wire 211 to heat the cleaning fluid. For example, a PID (Proportion Integration Differentiation) controller may be used as the temperature controller. It should be noted that PID controllers are widely used in the industry, their structure and working principle are well known in the industry, and they can be obtained through general commercial means, so they will not be described in detail here. The heating device 210 can heat the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank 200 to 40–90°C.

[0031] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 3 In one embodiment, the ultrasonic generator 220 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 221, which are evenly distributed on the bottom wall 240 of the cleaning tank 200. For example, the coverage of the ultrasonic transducers 221 on the bottom wall 240 is greater than 80%, and the frequency and power of the ultrasonic transducers 221 are adjusted according to actual needs. For example, the frequency of the ultrasonic transducers 221 is 20–40 kHz.

[0032] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment, a storage tank 300 is located below a cleaning tank 200 and is used to provide cleaning water to the cleaning tank 200. A filter device 400 is mounted on the storage tank 300. The cleaning tank 200 and the filter device 400 are connected by a first pipe 410. One end of the first pipe 410 is connected to the bottom wall 240 of the cleaning tank 200, and the other end of the first pipe 410 extends into the filter device 400. A first valve 420 is provided on the first pipe 410 to control the connection and disconnection between the cleaning tank 200 and the storage tank 300.

[0033] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6In one embodiment, the filtration device 400 includes a bracket 430 and a filter screen 440. The filter screen 440 is detachably mounted on the bracket 430, and the bracket 430 is slidably mounted on the liquid storage tank 300 for easy cleaning of the filter screen 440. For example, a slide rail 431 is provided on the bracket 430, and a guide rail 310 adapted to the slide rail 431 is provided on the liquid storage tank 300. In this embodiment, a fixing plate 320 for fixing the guide rail 310 is provided on the liquid storage tank 300. Along the sliding direction of the bracket 430, both ends of the fixing plate 320 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the liquid storage tank 300. The guide rail 310 is fixedly connected to the fixing plate 320 by screws, and the slide rail 431 is fixedly connected to the bracket 430 by screws. The filter screen 440 and the bracket 430 are connected by snap-fit ​​connections. In this embodiment, the bracket 430 is made of aluminum alloy, which has good corrosion resistance, helping to extend the service life of the filtration device 400. In this embodiment, two layers of filters 440 are provided on the support 430. For example, the upper filter 440 is made of stainless steel woven mesh with a pore size of 200μm to intercept large powder particles, while the lower filter 440 is made of nylon mesh with a pore size of 50μm to intercept fine particles. Using two layers of filters 440 with different pore sizes effectively prevents filter pore clogging. If only one layer of filter 440 with a smaller pore size is used, impurities easily accumulate on the surface of the filter 440, leading to clogging. However, by using two layers of filters 440, the upper filter 440 intercepts most of the large impurities first, reducing the number of small impurities reaching the lower filter 440, thereby reducing the risk of clogging the lower filter 440, extending its service life, and reducing the frequency of filter replacement. In this embodiment, a baffle is provided on the support 430 along the circumference of the filter screen 440 to prevent the cleaning fluid from flowing into the storage tank 300 from the periphery of the support 430, so as to ensure that the cleaning fluid flows into the storage tank 300 after being filtered by the filter screen 440, and to prevent impurity particles from entering the storage tank 300 and affecting subsequent cleaning.

[0034] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2In one embodiment, a spraying device 500 is installed on the inner wall of the cleaning tank 200. The spraying device 500 is connected to the storage tank 300 via a second pipe 510. One end of the second pipe 510 is connected to the spraying device 500, and the other end of the first pipe 410 extends below the liquid surface of the storage tank 300. A water pump 520 is installed on the second pipe 510. The inlet of the water pump 520 is connected to the filter device 400, and the outlet of the water pump 520 is connected to the spraying device 500. The flow rate of the water pump 520 can be adjusted according to actual needs. For example, the flow rate of the water pump 520 is 3 to 10 L / min. In this embodiment, the spraying device 500 includes a fourth pipe 530 and a plurality of nozzles 540 installed on the fourth pipe 530. The fourth pipe 530 is arranged circumferentially along the side wall 250, and the plurality of nozzles 540 are evenly distributed on the fourth pipe 530. There is no limit to the number of 540 nozzles here; adjustments can be made based on actual needs.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment, a steam generator 600 is located on one side of the cleaning tank 200 and is connected to the cleaning tank 200 via a third pipe 610. The steam generator 600 supplies steam to the cleaning tank 200 through the third pipe 610 to steam the cleaned nylon products. In this embodiment, a second valve 620 is provided on the third pipe 610 to control the connection and disconnection between the steam generator 600 and the cleaning tank 200. For example, when steaming the nylon products, the temperature inside the cleaning tank 200 is 100-120°C, and the pressure inside the cleaning tank 200 is controlled at 0.1-0.3 MPa.

[0036] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment, the post-processing device further includes a controller. The first valve 420 and the second valve 620 are both solenoid valves. The first valve 420, the second valve 620, the water pump 520, the steam generator 600, and the temperature controller are all electrically connected to the controller. A first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cleaning liquid and a second temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the steam are installed inside the cleaning tank 200. The first temperature sensor is positioned below the surface of the cleaning liquid, and both the first and second temperature sensors are electrically connected to the controller. A pressure sensor for detecting the pressure inside the cleaning tank 200 is also installed inside the cleaning tank 200, and the pressure sensor is electrically connected to the controller. The specific control process of the controller in this application can be found in existing control methods and will not be described in detail here.

[0037] Please see Figure 1In one embodiment, the controller is installed inside an electrical control cabinet (not shown in the figure) and is electrically connected to the cabinet. The electrical control cabinet has a human-machine interface (HMI) that can display the temperature of the cleaning solution in the cleaning tank 200, the steam temperature in the cleaning tank 200 during cooking, and the steam pressure in the cleaning tank 200 during cooking. The HMI also allows setting the cleaning time, the power of the ultrasonic generator 220, the cooking time, the cooking temperature, and the cooking pressure, and can trigger the controller to operate. The connection between the electrical control cabinet and the controller, as well as the triggering method of the controller, can refer to existing methods and will not be described further here.

[0038] Please see Figures 1 to 4 The workflow of the additive manufacturing post-processing device of this application is as follows: The nylon product to be cleaned is placed in the cleaning tank 200, and the top cover 230 is closed. The controller is triggered to run through the human-machine interface. The controller controls the water pump 520 to deliver cleaning fluid from the storage tank 300 to the cleaning tank 200. After the liquid level of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank 200 reaches the set value, the controller controls the water pump 520 to turn off. Then, the controller controls the temperature controller to turn on to heat the water in the cleaning tank 200. When the temperature of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank 200 rises to the set temperature, the controller controls the ultrasonic generator 220 to start to perform vibration cleaning on the nylon product. After cleaning, the controller opens the first valve 420, allowing the cleaning solution in the cleaning tank 200 to flow through the first pipeline 410 to the filter device 400. After filtration by the filter device 400, the solution flows into the storage tank 300. Once the cleaning solution in the cleaning tank 200 is completely drained, the controller starts the water pump 520 and uses the spray device 500 to rinse the nylon products. The rinsed cleaning solution is then collected in the storage tank 300 after filtration by the filter device 400. After rinsing, the controller shuts off the water pump 520 and closes the first valve 420. This cleaning process is repeated twice to complete the cleaning of the nylon products. The controller then starts the steam generator 600 and opens the second valve 620. The third pipeline 610 delivers the steam generated by the steam generator 600 to the cleaning tank 200 to steam the nylon products. After steaming for the set time, the controller shuts off the steam generator 600 and closes the second valve 620, completing the post-processing of the nylon products.

[0039] The post-processing device of this application is equipped with an ultrasonic generator on the cleaning tank. Utilizing the cavitation effect, the adhering powder detaches from the workpiece surface. A heating device heats the water in the cleaning tank, accelerating the removal of nylon powder. The cleaning liquid after ultrasonic cleaning is filtered by a filtration device and flows into a storage tank, where it is used by a spray device to spray and clean the products, achieving water recycling. After cleaning, a steam generator supplies high-temperature steam into the cleaning tank to steam the nylon products. This post-processing device achieves cleaning and steaming of nylon products through the same device, simplifying the process, reducing energy consumption, and shortening the preparation cycle. Therefore, this utility model effectively overcomes some practical problems in the prior art, thus having high utilization value and practical significance.

[0040] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this utility model should still be covered by the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A post-processing device for additive manufacturing, characterized in that The post-processing device includes: Frame; A cleaning box is fixedly mounted on the frame, and the cleaning box is equipped with a heating device and an ultrasonic generator. A liquid storage tank, located below the cleaning tank; A filtration device is installed on the liquid storage tank. The cleaning tank and the filtration device are connected through a first pipeline. One end of the first pipeline is connected to the bottom wall of the cleaning tank, and the other end of the first pipeline extends into the filtration device. A first valve is installed on the first pipeline. A spraying device is installed on the inner wall of the cleaning tank. The spraying device is connected to the liquid storage tank through a second pipeline. One end of the second pipeline is connected to the spraying device, and the other end of the second pipeline extends below the liquid surface of the liquid storage tank. A water pump is installed on the second pipeline. The inlet of the water pump is connected to the filter device, and the outlet of the water pump is connected to the spraying device. A steam generator is located on one side of the cleaning tank. The steam generator is connected to the cleaning tank through a third pipeline, and a second valve is installed on the third pipeline.

2. The aftertreatment device of claim 1, wherein, The heating device includes a thermostat and a resistance wire electrically connected to the thermostat, the resistance wire being arranged around the outer wall of the cleaning tank.

3. The aftertreatment device of claim 1, wherein, The filtration device includes a support and a filter screen, the filter screen being detachably mounted on the support, and the support being slidably mounted on the liquid storage tank.

4. The aftertreatment device of claim 3, wherein, The filter screen is connected to the bracket by a snap-fit.

5. The aftertreatment device of claim 1, wherein, The post-treatment device also includes a controller, and the first valve and the second valve are both solenoid valves. The first valve, the second valve, the water pump and the steam generator are respectively electrically connected to the controller.

6. The aftertreatment device of claim 5, wherein, The cleaning tank is equipped with a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cleaning fluid, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the controller.

7. The aftertreatment device of claim 5, wherein, The cleaning tank is equipped with a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure inside the cleaning tank, and the pressure sensor is electrically connected to the controller.

8. The aftertreatment device of claim 1, wherein, The cleaning tank is made of stainless steel, and the inner wall of the cleaning tank is coated with a polytetrafluoroethylene anti-stick layer.

9. The aftertreatment device of claim 1, wherein, The ultrasonic generating device includes multiple ultrasonic transducers, which are evenly distributed on the bottom wall of the cleaning tank.

10. The aftertreatment device of claim 1, wherein, The spraying device includes a fourth pipeline and a plurality of nozzles disposed on the fourth pipeline. The fourth pipeline is arranged circumferentially along the side wall of the cleaning tank, and the plurality of nozzles are evenly distributed on the fourth pipeline.

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