Cover plate structure for metal laser 3D printing to manufacture metal parts

Abstract

The application relates to a cover plate structure for metal laser 3D printing of metal parts. The whole is a self-forming component; the cover plate structure comprises a bearing plate and a side plate; the bearing plate is arranged at the top; the side plate is connected with the side edge of the bearing plate and is arranged at a preset angle with the bottom edge of the bearing plate; the side plate is arranged perpendicularly to the base plate; a cavity is formed between the side plate and the bearing plate; the cavity is used for placing a first part; the bearing plate is used for bearing a second part, and another cover plate structure is arranged above the cover plate structure; the first part and the second part are the same in structure and are metal parts to be 3D printed. The technical problem to be solved is to provide a cover plate structure for metal laser 3D printing of metal parts, so that the parts can be produced in layers along the Z axis, the number of parts printed at a time is increased, and the production efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of metal laser 3D printing, and more particularly to a cover plate structure for manufacturing metal parts by metal laser 3D printing. Background Technology

[0002] Metal laser 3D printing technology, as the most cutting-edge and promising branch of additive manufacturing, is leading advanced manufacturing technology into a new stage of development. Among them, Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology, based on the principle of automatic powder spreading, stands out due to its superior printing accuracy, extremely short manufacturing cycle, significantly reduced need for subsequent machining, and ability to form parts with precise and complex structures.

[0003] In mass production scenarios, each metal laser 3D printing machine has specific forming dimensions. After the parts are placed in the optimal layout, they are usually batch-replicated according to the XOY plane. However, this arrangement is limited by the substrate size, resulting in a limited number of parts printed per batch. The small number of parts printed each time undoubtedly increases production costs and reduces production efficiency. In addition, if the parts are stacked along the Z-axis, although it can increase space utilization to some extent, this will significantly increase the volume of the support structure, thereby increasing printing costs. More importantly, the support structure of the upper part will directly rest on the upper surface of the lower part, adversely affecting the surface quality of the lower part. Furthermore, subsequent processes such as support removal and polishing will become more complex, and costs will rise accordingly. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, this application proposes a cover plate structure for manufacturing metal parts by metal laser 3D printing. The technical problem to be solved is how to provide a cover plate structure for manufacturing metal parts by metal laser 3D printing, which enables the parts to be produced in layers along the Z-axis, increasing the number of parts printed each time, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0005] The objective of this application and the technical problem it solves are achieved by the following technical solution. A cover plate structure for manufacturing metal parts using metal laser 3D printing, as proposed in this application, is an integral self-forming component; it includes a support plate and side plates; The receiving plate is located at the top; The side plate is connected to the side of the receiving plate and is set at a preset angle to the bottom edge of the receiving plate; a cavity is formed between the side plate and the receiving plate; the cavity is used to place the first part; the receiving plate is used to support the second part, and the top of the cover plate structure is suitable for supporting another cover plate structure; The first part and the second part have the same structure and are metal parts to be 3D printed.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the other cover structure is supported above the cover structure by a support member; the support member has a mesh structure in cross-section.

[0007] In one possible implementation, when the first part is 3D printed using a metal laser, the first part is connected to the upper surface of the substrate via the support member.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the cover structure is connected to the substrate via the support member.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the second part is connected to the receiving plate via the support member.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the side plate is disposed perpendicular to the substrate.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the side plate is provided with a powder outlet trough, which can discharge metal powder from the cavity.

[0012] In one possible implementation, a plurality of powder outlet grooves are uniformly arranged on the side plate; the powder outlet grooves are strip-shaped holes that penetrate the side plate.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first part does not contact the cover structure.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the thickness of the side plate and the supporting plate is 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: The cover plate disclosed in this utility model is a self-forming structure design. This design can achieve forming without the need for additional support structures, thereby effectively reducing the number of supports and the workload of subsequent processing, and greatly improving production efficiency.

[0016] During metal laser 3D printing, the support portion of the first part rests on the cover plate, ensuring that the support portion does not affect the surface quality of the second part, thus guaranteeing the precision and quality of the parts. Simultaneously, the side plate of the cover plate is equipped with a powder discharge trough, facilitating easy powder removal after printing, simplifying the processing flow, and thereby improving production efficiency.

[0017] In the metal laser 3D printing process, each layer is connected by support components. Combined with the advanced production method of stacking and adding cover plates, efficient mass production of parts is achieved. This layout allows parts to be placed at full height across the entire surface area, thereby multiplying the number of parts that can be printed per batch, significantly improving production efficiency, and significantly reducing manufacturing costs.

[0018] Other features and aspects of this application will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of this application together with the specification and serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0020] Figure 1 This diagram shows the main structural features of the cover plate structure according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cover plate structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cover plate structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 4 This diagram illustrates a stacked printing method according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the second component according to an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the structure of the second component according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the structure of the first component and the substrate according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the preset angle; Figure 9 This invention relates to a schematic side view showing the connection between the first part and the second part according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 10 A top view of the connector according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0021] Among them, 1. Cover plate structure, 11. Another cover plate structure, 2. Side plate, 21. Preset angle, 22. Powder outlet trough, 3. Receiving plate, 4. Cavity, 5. First part, 6. Second part, 61. Main body, 7. Base plate, 8. Supporting component. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote elements that have the same or similar functions. Although various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, they are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0023] It should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model or simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0024] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0025] The term “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example, embodiment, or illustration.” Any embodiment illustrated herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other embodiments.

[0026] Furthermore, to better illustrate this application, numerous specific details are provided in the following detailed embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application can be implemented without certain specific details. In some instances, methods, means, components, and circuits well-known to those skilled in the art have not been described in detail in order to highlight the main points of this application.

[0027] Specific references Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the cover structure 1, which is used for manufacturing metal parts by metal laser 3D printing according to this application, is a self-forming component as a whole; it includes a support plate 3 and a side plate 2. The receiving plate 3 is set at the top; The side plate 2 is connected to the side of the receiving plate 3 and is set at a preset angle 21 to the bottom edge of the receiving plate 3; a cavity 4 is formed between the side plate 2 and the receiving plate 3; the cavity 4 is used to place the first part 5; the receiving plate 3 is used to support the second part 6, and the top of the cover plate structure 1 is suitable for supporting another cover plate structure 1. The first part 5 and the second part 6 have the same structure and are metal parts to be 3D printed.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the cover plate structure 1 disclosed in this utility model consists of a receiving plate 3 and two side plates 2, assembled at a preset angle 21. This structure has good symmetry and stability, and can be uniformly stressed during metal laser 3D printing, reducing deformation caused by uneven stress and improving printing accuracy and quality. Simultaneously, this structure facilitates assembly and positioning with other parts, providing convenience for subsequent mass production. The cover plate structure disclosed in this utility model can be of any shape, as long as the side plates are perpendicular to the substrate and the internal cavity can accommodate the first part. Furthermore, the shape of the cover plate structure disclosed in this utility model can be selected according to the shape of the first part.

[0029] The parts produced by metal laser 3D printing in this invention have grooves on their upper surfaces, and the quality of the upper surface of the parts is subject to high requirements. Therefore, this invention discloses a receiving plate 3, which is used to support the second part 6 and another cover plate structure 1, ensuring the stability of the second part 6 during the printing process. The side plate 2 is combined with the receiving plate 1 to form a cavity 4, which can hold the second part 6.

[0030] It is worth noting that both the first part 5 and the second part 6 described in this utility model are placed within the cavity 4, differing only in the order of 3D printing. The first and second parts disclosed in this utility model are the desired products. This utility model does not limit the size of the cavity, as long as it can accommodate the first part and the structure formed by the side plate and the supporting plate can support the upper part without collapsing.

[0031] like Figure 8 As shown, the preset angle 21 mentioned in this invention refers to the angle between the side plate 2 and the receiving plate 3. This angle can be any angle, as long as it can achieve self-forming. The self-forming aspect of this invention means that the printed part maintains its shape stability solely through its own structure without the need for additional support materials. The two side plates 2 and the receiving plate 3 have the same angle, enabling the side plates 2 and the receiving plate 3 to form a relatively stable support structure frame. When subjected to external forces, this structure can effectively disperse stress, reduce local stress concentration, thereby enhancing the rigidity and stability of the entire device and making it less prone to deformation or damage.

[0032] During the metal laser 3D printing process, the support part of the second part 6 will fall on the receiving plate 3 of the cover structure 1, thereby ensuring that the support part will not affect the surface quality of the first part, thus guaranteeing the precision and quality of the part.

[0033] In one possible implementation, another cover structure 11 is supported above the cover structure 1 by a support member 8; the support member 8 has a mesh structure in cross-section.

[0034] In one possible implementation, when the first part 5 is 3D printed by metal laser, the first part 5 is connected to the upper surface of the substrate 7 via a support member 8.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the cover plate structure 1 is connected to the base plate 7 via a support member 8.

[0036] It is worth noting that the connection between the cover plate structure 1 and the substrate described herein refers to the connection between the cover plate structure accommodating the first part and the substrate. The first part is disposed on the substrate. Further, as... Figure 9 As shown, the side of the cover plate structure is connected to the substrate via connectors.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the second part 6 is connected to the receiving plate 3 via the support member 8.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the side plate 2 is arranged perpendicularly to the substrate 7.

[0039] like Figure 9 As shown, the first part 5 disclosed in this utility model is connected to the base plate 7 via a support member 8; the cover plate structure 1 accommodating the first part 5 is connected to the base plate 7 via the support member 8; the second part 6 is connected to the receiving plate 3 of the cover plate structure 1 accommodating the first part 5 via the support member 8; the cover plate structure 1 accommodating the second part 6 is connected to the cover plate structure 1 accommodating the first part 5 via the support member 8. Furthermore, the side plate of the cover plate structure 1 accommodating the second part 6 is connected to the side plate and / or side plate of the cover plate structure 1 accommodating the first part 5 via the support member 8.

[0040] In one possible implementation, each side plate 2 is provided with a powder outlet trough 22, which can discharge metal powder from the cavity 4.

[0041] This invention features a powder outlet trough 22 on the side plate 2. This design allows for more efficient discharge of metal powder from the cavity 4, resulting in smoother powder discharge, reduced manual cleaning workload, and improved production efficiency. Preferably, the powder outlet troughs 22 on the side plates 2 of the receiving plate 3 are arranged opposite each other, forming a convection channel within the cavity 4, allowing the metal powder to be discharged faster and more smoothly, significantly improving powder discharge efficiency.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the side plate 2 is provided with a plurality of powder outlet grooves 22; the powder outlet grooves 22 are strip-shaped holes that penetrate the side plate 2.

[0043] The powder dispensing groove disclosed in this utility model can be strip-shaped or other shapes. Preferably, the powder dispensing groove is a strip-shaped hole.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the first part 5 does not contact the cover structure 1.

[0045] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first part 5 and the second part 6 disclosed in this utility model have the same structure, the only difference being that the first part 5 is located below the second part 6. This is because the first part 5 and the second part 6 disclosed in this utility model are made using metal laser 3D printing. During the metal laser 3D printing process, the parts are stacked along the z-axis, resulting in the first part 5 being located below the second part 6.

[0046] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in the metal laser 3D printing process, the fact that the first part 5 does not contact the cover structure 1 avoids the first part 5 from being affected by heat conduction or other physical influences from the cover structure 1 during printing. This ensures that the printing environment of the first part 5 is relatively independent, reduces quality fluctuations caused by external factors, and improves the printing quality of the first part 5. At the same time, the non-contact design also facilitates the separation of the first part 5 from the cover structure 1, saving post-processing costs such as support removal and grinding. Furthermore, the number of parts printed per batch can be increased, significantly improving production efficiency.

[0047] It is worth noting that the first and second parts of this invention are respectively disposed in cavities within two identical cover plate structures, differing only in the order of printing. Therefore, the second part does not contact the cover plate structure.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the thickness of the side plate 2 and the supporting plate 3 is 0.5mm to 3mm.

[0049] This utility model discloses a cover plate structure 1 with a thickness of 0.5mm to 3mm, which minimizes material usage and reduces manufacturing costs while ensuring a certain level of strength. The thickness of the cover plate structure can be set according to the size of the first part.

[0050] The various embodiments of this application have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or improvement of the technology in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A cover plate structure for manufacturing metal parts by metal laser 3D printing, characterized in that, Its overall structure is a self-forming component; it includes a support plate and side plates; The receiving plate is located at the top; The side plate is connected to the side of the receiving plate and is set at a preset angle to the bottom edge of the receiving plate; a cavity is formed between the side plate and the receiving plate; the cavity is used to place the first part; The receiving plate is used to receive the second part, and the top of the cover plate structure is suitable for receiving another cover plate structure; The first part and the second part have the same structure and are metal parts to be 3D printed.

2. The cover plate structure for manufacturing metal parts by metal laser 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The other cover plate structure is supported above the cover plate structure by a support member; the support member has a mesh structure in cross-section.

3. The cover plate structure for manufacturing metal parts by metal laser 3D printing according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the first part is 3D printed using metal laser, the first part is connected to the upper surface of the substrate through the support member.

4. The cover plate structure for manufacturing metal parts by metal laser 3D printing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cover plate structure is connected to the base plate via the support member.

5. The cover plate structure for manufacturing metal parts by metal laser 3D printing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second part is connected to the receiving plate via the support member.

6. The cover plate structure for manufacturing metal parts by metal laser 3D printing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The side plate is arranged perpendicularly to the substrate.

7. The cover plate structure for manufacturing metal parts by metal laser 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side plate is provided with a powder outlet groove, which can discharge the metal powder in the cavity.

8. The cover plate structure for manufacturing metal parts by metal laser 3D printing according to claim 7, characterized in that, The side plate is evenly provided with a plurality of powder outlet grooves; the powder outlet grooves are strip-shaped holes that penetrate the side plate.

9. The cover plate structure for manufacturing metal parts by metal laser 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first part does not contact the cover plate structure.

10. The cover plate structure for manufacturing metal parts by metal laser 3D printing according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The thickness of the side plate and the supporting plate is 0.5mm to 3mm.

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