Additive manufacturing vacuum self-pouring electric arc smelting furnace

Abstract

This utility model discloses an additive manufacturing vacuum self-casting electric arc melting furnace, relating to the field of self-casting electric arc melting furnace technology. It includes a base plate, a filter structure, a lifting and fixing structure, a casting structure, a cooling structure, and a furnace body. In use, a turbomolecular pump evacuates the furnace body and casting chamber to a vacuum state through an air inlet pipe. Raw materials enter the furnace body through a feed pipe under the control of a second solenoid valve. Metal electrodes within the electrode tube generate a high-temperature electric arc under the action of an arc emitter, rapidly melting the raw materials into liquid metal. The molten liquid metal is first filtered through a filter plate to remove impurities, and then flows through the outlet into the casting mold inside the casting chamber. The fixing plate is rotated to precisely position itself in close contact with the connecting plate, forming initial contact. A second electric push rod then applies continuous and stable pressure to the sealing door, significantly improving the fit between the sealing door and the surrounding structure, thereby significantly enhancing the overall sealing performance of the casting chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of self-casting electric arc melting furnace technology, specifically an additive manufacturing vacuum self-casting electric arc melting furnace. Background Technology

[0002] Additive manufacturing vacuum self-casting arc melting is an advanced manufacturing process that melts metal raw materials at high temperatures using an electric arc in a vacuum environment and then casts them into shape. It plays a crucial role in multiple fields. First, in the aerospace industry, this process can produce high-strength, high-temperature-resistant titanium alloy and nickel-based alloy components, such as aircraft engine blades and spacecraft frames, ensuring the reliable operation of aircraft in extreme environments. Second, in energy equipment manufacturing, special alloy components manufactured using this process can significantly improve the performance and lifespan of key parts in nuclear power plant reactors and wind turbines. In summary, additive manufacturing vacuum self-casting arc melting technology not only promotes the development of high-end manufacturing but also provides solutions to the challenges of forming complex materials. While effective methods have been developed, traditional additive manufacturing vacuum self-casting electric arc melting equipment suffers from several drawbacks. Firstly, its vacuum system performance is limited, relying on a single mechanical pump to achieve high vacuum levels, leading to oxidation of the metal during melting and affecting material properties. Secondly, its impurity filtration structure is poorly designed, often using fixed screens that are difficult to replace and have low filtration accuracy, resulting in frequent defects such as porosity and slag inclusions in the castings, reducing product yield. Furthermore, the equipment's sealing structure has poor reliability; traditional static sealing methods are prone to aging at high temperatures, posing a high risk of vacuum leakage. Therefore, those skilled in the art have developed an additive manufacturing vacuum self-casting electric arc melting furnace to address the problems mentioned in the background section. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an additive manufacturing vacuum self-casting electric arc melting furnace to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0005] An additive manufacturing vacuum self-casting electric arc melting furnace includes a base plate, a filter structure, a lifting and fixing structure, a casting structure, a cooling structure, and a melting furnace body. The lifting and fixing structures are symmetrically fixedly connected to both sides of the top of the base plate. The filter structure is detachably connected to the bottom of the melting furnace body. The casting structure is fixedly connected to the middle of the top of the base plate. The cooling structure is provided on the casting structure.

[0006] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the filter structure includes a first connecting ring, connecting holes, a filter plate, a fixing rod, a groove, a first mounting plate, a discharge port, and a third solenoid valve. The first connecting ring is fixedly connected to the top outer wall of the discharge port. Four first mounting plates are fixedly connected to the first connecting ring at equal intervals. A groove is opened on one side of the first connecting ring. Four connecting holes are opened at equal intervals on the top of the discharge port. A fixing rod is slidably connected in each connecting hole. The top of the fixing rod is fixedly connected through the filter plate. A third solenoid valve is fixedly connected to the lower part of the discharge port.

[0007] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the lifting and fixing structure includes a fixing frame, a first electric push rod and a fixing clamp. Two first electric push rods are fixedly connected to the top of the fixing frame. The side of the first electric push rod away from the fixing frame is fixedly connected by the fixing clamp, and the two fixing clamps are fixedly connected to the melting furnace body.

[0008] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the casting structure includes a casting chamber, a sealing door, a handle, a connecting plate, a fixing plate, a second electric push rod, and a fixing block. The sealing door is hinged to one edge of the casting chamber, the connecting plate is fixedly connected to one side of the sealing door, the handle is fixedly connected to one side of the connecting plate, the fixing block is fixedly connected to one edge of the casting chamber near the sealing door, a round shaft is rotatably connected to one side of the fixing block, the second electric push rod is fixedly connected to the other side of the round shaft, and the fixing plate is fixedly connected to the side of the second electric push rod away from the round shaft.

[0009] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the cooling structure includes a water outlet pipe, a first solenoid valve, a casting mold, a base, connecting branch pipes, a connecting main pipe, and a water inlet pipe. A water inlet pipe is fixedly connected to the upper part of one side of the connecting main pipe, and a water outlet pipe is fixedly connected to the lower part of one side of the connecting main pipe. A first solenoid valve is fixedly connected to both the water outlet pipe and the water inlet pipe. Three connecting branch pipes are fixedly connected to the middle of the connecting main pipe arm, and the connecting branch pipes are connected to the base on the side away from the connecting main pipe. A casting mold is fixedly connected to the top of the base.

[0010] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the main connecting pipe and the branch connecting pipe on the cooling structure are respectively embedded in the inner wall and bottom wall of the casting chamber on the casting structure, and the base is fixedly connected to the bottom wall of the casting chamber. The bottom of the discharge port on the filter structure penetrates the interior of the casting chamber. A turbomolecular pump is fixedly installed on one side of the top of the base plate. One side of the turbomolecular pump is connected to the smelting furnace body and the casting chamber through the air inlet pipe. An exhaust pipe is fixedly connected to the lower part of the other side of the turbomolecular pump.

[0011] As a further embodiment of this utility model: an electrode tube is fixedly connected to the top center of the smelting furnace body, a connecting rod passes through the top of the electrode tube, a connector is provided at the top of the connecting rod, a metal electrode is connected to the bottom of the connecting rod, and an arc emitter is connected to the bottom of the metal electrode.

[0012] As a further embodiment of this utility model: a feed pipe is fixedly connected to the upper part of one side of the smelting furnace body, a second solenoid valve is fixedly connected to the feed pipe, a second connecting ring is fixedly connected to the bottom of the smelting furnace body, four second mounting plates corresponding to the first mounting plate are fixedly connected at equal intervals on the second connecting ring, and each second mounting plate is connected to the first mounting plate by screws, and a sealing ring adapted to the groove is fixedly connected to the bottom of the second connecting ring.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0014] 1. During use, the turbomolecular pump draws the furnace body and casting chamber to a vacuum state through the air inlet pipe, providing an oxygen-free environment for metal smelting and casting. The raw material enters the furnace body through the feed pipe under the control of the second solenoid valve. The metal electrodes in the electrode tube generate a high-temperature electric arc under the action of the arc emitter, which quickly melts the raw material into liquid metal. The molten liquid metal is purified through the filter structure. The liquid metal first passes through the filter plate to remove impurities, and the third solenoid valve controls the liquid metal to flow into the casting mold in the casting chamber through the discharge port.

[0015] 2. The rotating fixed plate rotates around its axis to precisely position itself in close contact with the connecting plate, forming an initial abutment. At this point, the second electric push rod starts working, extending or shortening to apply continuous and stable pressure to the connecting plate, which is then evenly transmitted to the sealing door. This significantly improves the fit between the sealing door and the surrounding structure, greatly enhancing the overall sealing performance of the pouring chamber and ensuring stable operation of the equipment under harsh conditions such as high pressure, high temperature, or vacuum, avoiding performance degradation or safety risks due to leakage.

[0016] 3. The inlet pipe serves as the cooling water inlet, connecting to external water cooling equipment to introduce low-temperature cooling water into the main pipe. The main pipe then distributes the water to the base at the bottom of the casting mold through three branch pipes. The base has spiral or mesh cooling channels inside, where the cooling water undergoes efficient heat exchange with the mold, quickly removing the large amount of heat released during the solidification of the liquid metal. The first solenoid valve is installed on the inlet and outlet pipes to control and adjust the cooling water flow rate in real time.

[0017] 4. The second connecting ring at the bottom of the smelting furnace body is fastened to the first connecting ring of the filter structure by four screws evenly distributed around the circumference. This symmetrical layout ensures uniform force distribution and avoids local stress concentration. The sealing ring between the two connecting rings is made of high-temperature resistant fluororubber or graphite composite material. During installation, it is embedded in the groove of the first connecting ring. During the tightening of the screws, the sealing ring is compressed and deformed, tightly filling the connection gap and effectively preventing the leakage of high-temperature metal vapor or the infiltration of outside air during the smelting process. When maintenance is required, the operator only needs to unscrew the screws, start the first electric push rod in the lifting and fixing structure, and drive the fixing clamp to smoothly lift the smelting furnace body, which can separate the two structures and quickly disassemble the filter plate to clean impurities or repair internal components. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an additive manufacturing vacuum self-casting electric arc melting furnace.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a filter structure in an additive manufacturing vacuum self-casting electric arc melting furnace.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a lifting and fixing structure in an additive manufacturing vacuum self-casting electric arc melting furnace.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the furnace body structure in an additive manufacturing vacuum self-casting electric arc melting furnace.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a casting structure in an additive manufacturing vacuum self-casting electric arc melting furnace.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling structure in an additive manufacturing vacuum self-casting electric arc melting furnace.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Base plate; 2. Exhaust pipe; 3. Turbomolecular pump; 4. Intake pipe; 5. Filter structure; 51. First connecting ring; 52. Connecting hole; 53. Filter plate; 54. Fixing rod; 55. Groove; 56. First mounting plate; 57. Discharge port; 58. Third solenoid valve; 6. Lifting and fixing structure; 61. Fixing frame; 62. First electric push rod; 63. Fixing clamp; 7. Casting structure; 71. Casting chamber; 72. Sealing door; 73. Handle; 74. 75. Connecting plate; 76. Fixing plate; 77. Second electric push rod; 78. Fixing block; 700. Cooling structure; 701. Water outlet pipe; 702. First solenoid valve; 703. Casting mold; 704. Base; 705. Connecting branch pipe; 706. Connecting main pipe; 707. Water inlet pipe; 8. Second solenoid valve; 9. Feed pipe; 10. Electrode tube; 11. Melting furnace body; 12. Screw; 13. Second mounting plate; 14. Sealing ring; 15. Second connecting ring. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6This embodiment provides an additive manufacturing vacuum self-casting electric arc melting furnace, including a base plate 1, a filter structure 5, a lifting and fixing structure 6, a casting structure 7, a cooling structure 700, and a furnace body 11. The lifting and fixing structures 6 are symmetrically fixed to both sides of the top of the base plate 1. The filter structure 5 is detachably connected to the bottom of the furnace body 11. The casting structure 7 is fixedly connected to the middle of the top of the base plate 1, and the cooling structure 700 is provided on the casting structure 7. The main connecting pipe 706 and the branch connecting pipe 705 on the cooling structure 700 are respectively embedded in the casting structure 7. The inner and bottom walls of the casting chamber 71 are fixedly connected, and the base 704 is fixedly connected to the bottom wall of the casting chamber 71. The bottom of the discharge port 57 on the filter structure 5 penetrates the interior of the casting chamber 71. A turbomolecular pump 3 is fixedly installed on one side of the top of the base plate 1. One side of the turbomolecular pump 3 is connected to the smelting furnace body 11 and the casting chamber 71 through the air inlet pipe 4. An exhaust pipe 2 is fixedly connected to the lower part of the other side of the turbomolecular pump 3. The turbomolecular pump 3 draws the smelting furnace body 11 and the casting chamber 71 to a vacuum state through the air inlet pipe 4, providing an oxygen-free environment for metal smelting and casting. The smelting furnace body 11 An electrode tube 10 is fixedly connected to the top center of the furnace body 11. A connecting rod passes through the top of the electrode tube 10, and a connector is provided at the top of the connecting rod. A metal electrode is connected to the bottom of the connecting rod, and an arc emitter is connected to the bottom of the metal electrode. A feed pipe 9 is fixedly connected to the upper part of one side of the furnace body 11. A second solenoid valve 8 is fixedly connected to the feed pipe 9. A second connecting ring 15 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the furnace body 11. Four second mounting plates 13 corresponding to the first mounting plate 56 are fixedly connected at equal intervals on the second connecting ring 15. Each second mounting plate 13 and the first mounting plate 56 are fixedly connected at equal intervals. The mounting plates 56 are connected by screws 12. The bottom of the second connecting ring 15 is fixedly connected with a sealing ring 14 that matches the groove 55. The raw material enters the melting furnace body 11 through the feed pipe 9 under the control of the second solenoid valve 8. The metal electrode in the electrode tube 10 generates a high-temperature arc under the action of the arc emitter, which quickly melts the raw material into liquid metal. The molten liquid metal is purified through the filter structure 5. The liquid metal first passes through the filter plate 53 to remove impurities. The third solenoid valve 58 controls the liquid metal to flow into the casting mold 703 in the casting chamber 71 through the discharge port 57.

[0028] Example 2

[0029] Reference Figure 1-6This embodiment is based on the previous embodiment, but differs in that the filter structure 5 includes a first connecting ring 51, connecting holes 52, a filter plate 53, a fixing rod 54, a groove 55, a first mounting plate 56, a discharge port 57, and a third solenoid valve 58. The first connecting ring 51 is fixedly connected to the top outer wall of the discharge port 57. Four first mounting plates 56 are fixedly connected at equal intervals on the first connecting ring 51. A groove 55 is provided on one side of the first connecting ring 51. Four connecting holes 52 are provided at equal intervals on the top of the discharge port 57. A fixing rod 54 is slidably connected in each connecting hole 52. The top of the fixing rod 54 is fixedly connected through the filter plate 53. A third solenoid valve 58 is fixedly connected to the lower part of the discharge port 57. The second solenoid valve 58 is located at the bottom of the smelting furnace body 11. The connecting ring 15 is fastened to the first connecting ring 51 of the filter structure 5 by four screws 12 evenly distributed around the circumference. This symmetrical layout ensures uniform force distribution and avoids local stress concentration. The sealing ring 14 between the two connecting rings is made of high-temperature resistant fluororubber or graphite composite material and is embedded in the groove 55 of the first connecting ring 51 during installation. During the tightening of the screws 12, the sealing ring 14 is compressed and deformed, tightly filling the connection gap and effectively preventing the leakage of high-temperature metal vapor or the infiltration of outside air during the smelting process. The lifting and fixing structure 6 includes a fixing frame 61, a first electric push rod 62 and a fixing clamp 63. Two first electric push rods 62 are fixedly connected to the top of the fixing frame 61. The side of the first electric push rod 62 away from the fixing frame 61 is fixedly connected by the fixing clamp 63. The two fixed clamping plates 63 are fixedly connected to the furnace body 11. When maintenance is required, the operator only needs to unscrew the screws 12, start the first electric push rod 62 in the lifting and fixing structure 6, and drive the fixed clamping plates 63 to lift the furnace body 11 smoothly, so that the two structures can be separated and the filter plate 53 can be quickly disassembled to clean impurities or repair internal components. The casting structure 7 includes a casting chamber 71, a sealing door 72, a handle 73, a connecting plate 74, a fixing plate 75, a second electric push rod 76, and a fixing block 77. The sealing door 72 is hinged to one edge of the casting chamber 71, the connecting plate 74 is fixedly connected to one side of the sealing door 72, the handle 73 is fixedly connected to one side of the connecting plate 74, and a fixing block 77 is fixedly connected to the edge of the casting chamber 71 near the sealing door 72. Block 77 is fixed with a circular shaft rotatably connected to one side, and a second electric push rod 76 is fixedly connected to the other side of the circular shaft. A fixed plate 75 is fixedly connected to the side of the second electric push rod 76 away from the circular shaft. The fixed plate 75 rotates around its axis to precisely position itself in close contact with the connecting plate 74, forming an initial abutment. At this time, the second electric push rod 76 starts to work, extending or shortening to apply continuous and stable pressure to the connecting plate 74, which is then evenly transmitted to the sealing door 72. This greatly improves the fit between the sealing door 72 and the surrounding structure, significantly enhancing the overall sealing performance of the pouring chamber 71. This ensures stable operation of the equipment under harsh conditions such as high pressure, high temperature, or vacuum, and avoids performance degradation or safety risks due to leakage.The cooling structure 700 includes an outlet pipe 701, a first solenoid valve 702, a casting mold 703, a base 704, connecting branch pipes 705, a connecting main pipe 706, and an inlet pipe 707. The inlet pipe 707 is fixedly connected to the upper part of one side of the connecting main pipe 706, and the outlet pipe 701 is fixedly connected to the lower part of one side of the connecting main pipe 706. The first solenoid valve 702 is fixedly connected to both the outlet pipe 701 and the inlet pipe 707. Three connecting branch pipes 705 are fixedly connected to the middle of the connecting main pipe 706, and the side of the connecting branch pipes 705 furthest from the connecting main pipe 706 is connected to the base 704. A casting mold 703 is fixedly connected to the top of the base 704. The inlet pipe 707 serves as the cooling water inlet, connecting to external water-cooling equipment to introduce low-temperature cooling water into the connecting main pipe 706. The connecting main pipe 706, through three connecting branch pipes 705, distributes the water to the base 704 at the bottom of the casting mold 703. The base 704 has spiral or mesh-like cooling channels inside, where the cooling water undergoes efficient heat exchange with the mold, quickly removing the large amount of heat released during the solidification of the liquid metal. A first solenoid valve 702 is installed on the inlet pipe 707 and the outlet pipe 701, controlling the real-time adjustment of the cooling water flow rate.

[0030] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0031] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An additive manufacturing vacuum self-casting electric arc melting furnace, comprising a base plate (1), a filter structure (5), a lifting and fixing structure (6), a casting structure (7), a cooling structure (700), and a melting furnace body (11), characterized in that, The bottom plate (1) is symmetrically fixed to the two sides of the top with lifting and fixing structures (6), the bottom of the smelting furnace body (11) is detachably connected to a filter structure (5), the top middle of the bottom plate (1) is fixedly connected to a casting structure (7), and a cooling structure (700) is provided on the casting structure (7). The filter structure (5) includes a first connecting ring (51), a connecting hole (52), a filter plate (53), a fixing rod (54), a groove (55), a first mounting plate (56), a discharge port (57), and a third solenoid valve (58). The first connecting ring (51) is fixedly connected to the top outer wall of the discharge port (57). Four first mounting plates (56) are fixedly connected at equal intervals on the first connecting ring (51). A groove (55) is opened on one side of the first connecting ring (51). Four connecting holes (52) are opened at equal intervals on the top of the discharge port (57). A fixing rod (54) is slidably connected in each connecting hole (52). The top of the fixing rod (54) is fixedly connected through the filter plate (53). A third solenoid valve (58) is fixedly connected to the lower part of the discharge port (57). The lifting and fixing structure (6) includes a fixing frame (61), a first electric push rod (62) and a fixing plate (63). The top of the fixing frame (61) is fixedly connected to two first electric push rods (62). The side of the first electric push rod (62) away from the fixing frame (61) is fixedly connected by the fixing plate (63), and the two fixing plates (63) are fixedly connected to the furnace body (11). The casting structure (7) includes a casting chamber (71), a sealing door (72), a handle (73), a connecting plate (74), a fixing plate (75), a second electric push rod (76), and a fixing block (77). The sealing door (72) is hinged to one edge of the casting chamber (71). The connecting plate (74) is fixedly connected to one side of the sealing door (72). The handle (73) is fixedly connected to one side of the connecting plate (74). The fixing block (77) is fixedly connected to the edge of the casting chamber (71) near the sealing door (72). A round shaft is rotatably connected to one side of the fixing block (77). The second electric push rod (76) is fixedly connected to the other side of the round shaft. The fixing plate (75) is fixedly connected to the side of the second electric push rod (76) away from the round shaft. The cooling structure (700) includes an outlet pipe (701), a first solenoid valve (702), a casting mold (703), a base (704), connecting branch pipes (705), a connecting main pipe (706), and an inlet pipe (707). The inlet pipe (707) is fixedly connected to the upper part of one side of the connecting main pipe (706), and the outlet pipe (701) is fixedly connected to the lower part of one side of the connecting main pipe (706). The first solenoid valve (702) is fixedly connected to both the outlet pipe (701) and the inlet pipe (707). Three connecting branch pipes (705) are fixedly connected to the middle of the pipe arm of the connecting main pipe (706), and the side of the connecting branch pipes (705) away from the connecting main pipe (706) is connected to the base (704). The casting mold (703) is fixedly connected to the top of the base (704). The connecting main pipe (706) and connecting branch pipe (705) on the cooling structure (700) are respectively embedded in the inner wall and bottom wall of the casting chamber (71) on the casting structure (7), and the base (704) is fixedly connected to the bottom wall of the casting chamber (71). The bottom of the discharge port (57) on the filter structure (5) penetrates into the interior of the casting chamber (71). A turbomolecular pump (3) is fixedly installed on one side of the top of the base plate (1). One side of the turbomolecular pump (3) is connected to the furnace body (11) and the casting chamber (71) through the air inlet pipe (4). An exhaust pipe (2) is fixedly connected to the lower part of the other side of the turbomolecular pump (3).

2. The additive manufacturing vacuum self-casting electric arc melting furnace according to claim 1, characterized in that, An electrode tube (10) is fixedly connected to the top center of the smelting furnace body (11). A connecting rod passes through the top of the electrode tube (10), and a connector is provided at the top of the connecting rod. A metal electrode is connected to the bottom of the connecting rod, and an arc emitter is connected to the bottom of the metal electrode.

3. The additive manufacturing vacuum self-casting electric arc melting furnace according to claim 1, characterized in that, A feed pipe (9) is fixedly connected to the upper part of one side of the smelting furnace body (11). A second solenoid valve (8) is fixedly connected to the feed pipe (9). A second connecting ring (15) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the smelting furnace body (11). Four second mounting plates (13) corresponding to the first mounting plate (56) are fixedly connected at equal intervals on the second connecting ring (15). Each second mounting plate (13) and the first mounting plate (56) are connected by screws (12). A sealing ring (14) that matches the groove (55) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the second connecting ring (15).

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