A laser cladding powder feeding device for metal additive manufacturing

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of laser cladding powder feeding devices of metal additive processing, including powder feeding device ontology, the upper portion of powder feeding device ontology is provided with the powder bin of storage metal powder, the middle part of the powder bin is provided with the anti-caking component of preventing metal powder caking, the anti-caking component includes filter plate installed in the inside of powder bin, electric push rod is installed in the sidewall of the powder bin corresponding filter plate, the output end of electric push rod is located in the inside of powder bin and is installed with scraper, the output end of the scraper is tightly attached to the upper surface of filter plate. Through electric push rod drive scraper reciprocating motion along filter plate upper surface, can effectively break the powder agglomerate formed in powder bin, prevent medium-high intensity caking to block powder feeding channel, ensure the continuity and stability of powder feeding process;Meanwhile, after filtering and breaking, powder particle is even and delicate, can be fully melted and fused after entering molten pool, to improve the density and tensile strength of cladding layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of powder feeding device technology, specifically a laser cladding powder feeding device for metal additive manufacturing. Background Technology

[0002] Laser cladding technology, as a core branch of metal additive manufacturing, uses a high-energy laser beam to rapidly fuse metal powder with the surface of a substrate to form a high-performance cladding layer. It is widely used in aerospace, high-end equipment, energy and power industries.

[0003] Metal powder is prone to agglomeration during transportation, and existing powder feeding devices have poor ability to handle agglomerates. Medium and high strength agglomerates are easily stuck in the gaps between the tube walls, causing powder feeding to be interrupted. At the same time, unbroken agglomerates will form unfused defects after entering the molten pool, which will reduce the tensile strength of the cladding layer. Therefore, there is a need for a laser cladding powder feeding device for metal additive manufacturing. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a laser cladding powder feeding device for metal additive manufacturing, which prevents metal powder from clumping during transportation by setting an anti-caking component inside the powder hopper, thereby solving the technical problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A laser cladding powder feeding device for metal additive manufacturing includes a powder feeding device body, a powder hopper for storing metal powder is provided at the upper part of the powder feeding device body, and an anti-caking component for preventing metal powder from agglomerating is provided in the middle part of the powder hopper.

[0007] The anti-caking component includes a filter plate installed inside the powder hopper. An electric push rod is installed on the side wall of the powder hopper corresponding to the filter plate. A scraper is installed inside the powder hopper at the output end of the electric push rod, and the output end of the scraper is in close contact with the upper surface of the filter plate.

[0008] Preferably, the powder hopper is equipped with an outer frame for fixing the filter plate, and the outer wall of the outer frame is in close contact with the inner wall of the powder hopper.

[0009] Preferably, the top of the powder hopper is fitted with a cover, and the cover has a feed inlet in the middle.

[0010] Preferably, an annular pipe is provided between the powder hopper and the feed inlet, and a plurality of nozzles for jetting airflow are arranged in a ring at the output end of the annular pipe, with the output ends of the plurality of nozzles all facing the upper surface of the filter plate.

[0011] Preferably, the input end of the annular pipe is connected to an external gas supply device via a pipeline, and the gas supply device can freely adjust the flow rate of the airflow.

[0012] Preferably, a guide block is provided at the bottom of the powder hopper, and the bottom of the guide block is connected to the input end of the powder feeding device body through a connecting pipe.

[0013] Preferably, a valve is provided in the middle of the connecting pipe, and the valve can be adjusted by an external control module to control the conveying flow rate of metal powder.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0015] The electric push rod drives the scraper to reciprocate along the upper surface of the filter plate, which can effectively break up the powder agglomerates formed in the powder hopper, prevent medium and high strength lumps from clogging the powder feeding channel, and ensure the continuity and stability of the powder feeding process. At the same time, the powder particles after filtration and crushing are uniform and fine, and can be fully melted and fused after entering the molten pool, which significantly reduces the generation of incomplete fusion defects, thereby improving the density and tensile strength of the cladding layer and ensuring the quality of additive manufacturing workpieces. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the powder hopper of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-caking component structure of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the annular tube of this utility model.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Powder feeding device body; 2. Powder hopper; 3. Anti-caking component; 31. Filter plate; 32. Outer frame; 33. Electric push rod; 34. Scraper; 4. Cover; 5. Feed inlet; 6. Circular pipe; 7. Nozzle; 8. Guide block; 9. Connecting pipe; 10. Valve. Detailed Implementation

[0021] 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.

[0022] This utility model provides: a laser cladding powder feeding device for metal additive manufacturing, such as... Figures 1-4As shown, the device includes a powder feeding device body 1, with a powder hopper 2 for storing metal powder on its upper part. An anti-caking component 3 to prevent metal powder from caking is located in the middle of the powder hopper 2. The powder feeding device body 1 provides a stable mounting base for the powder hopper 2, anti-caking component 3, and other components. The powder hopper 2, located on top of the powder feeding device body 1, stores metal powder, providing a continuous material supply for the laser cladding process. The anti-caking component 3 inside the powder hopper 2 ensures that the powder is processed during the storage stage, preventing metal powder from caking.

[0023] The anti-caking component 3 includes a filter plate 31 installed inside the powder hopper 2. An electric push rod 33 is installed on the side wall of the powder hopper 2 corresponding to the filter plate 31. A scraper 34 is installed inside the powder hopper 2 at the output end of the electric push rod 33, with the output end of the scraper 34 in close contact with the upper surface of the filter plate 31. The filter plate 31 is arranged laterally inside the powder hopper 2 to intercept large-diameter agglomerates in the metal powder, allowing only properly dispersed powder to pass through. The electric push rod 33 is installed on the side wall of the powder hopper 2, corresponding to the position of the filter plate 31, and is used to drive the scraper 34 to perform linear reciprocating motion. The scraper 34 can slide along the surface of the filter plate 31 under the drive of the electric push rod 33. When metal powder is stored in powder hopper 2, if medium- to high-strength agglomerates form during transportation, they will be intercepted by the filter plate 31 inside powder hopper 2. Subsequently, the electric push rod 33 will drive the scraper 34 to reciprocate along the upper surface of the filter plate 31. Through friction and compression with the filter plate 31, the scraper 34 breaks the agglomerates into powder particles that meet the particle size requirements. The broken powder can pass smoothly through the pores of the filter plate 31, while large lumps or impurities that are not broken are intercepted by the filter plate 31 to prevent them from entering the subsequent conveying channel. This process not only prevents the interruption of powder delivery caused by medium- to high-strength agglomerates getting stuck in the gaps in the pipe wall, but also ensures that the powder particles entering the molten pool are uniform and fine, can be fully melted and fused, significantly reduce incomplete fusion defects, and ensure the quality of additive manufacturing workpieces.

[0024] The electric push rod 33 can be a model with a thrust of 500N and a reciprocating speed of 10mm / s. The thrust of 500N can ensure that the scraper 34 applies sufficient shearing and compressing force to the medium and high strength metal powder agglomerates on the filter plate 31 to achieve effective crushing. At the same time, it avoids excessive thrust causing the scraper 34 to over-compress the filter plate 31, resulting in deformation of the filter plate 31 or excessive crushing of the powder to form secondary agglomerates. The reciprocating speed of 10mm / s takes into account both crushing efficiency and powder stability. Too fast a speed will easily cause the powder to be carried away by the scraper 34, while too slow a speed will reduce the agglomerate treatment efficiency, ensuring smooth powder feeding and cladding quality.

[0025] Preferably, the powder hopper 2 has an outer frame 32 installed inside to fix the filter plate 31, with the outer wall of the outer frame 32 tightly attached to the inner wall of the powder hopper 2. The outer frame 32 is used to fix the filter plate 31, preventing the filter plate 31 from shifting, tilting, or shaking under the mechanical force of the reciprocating motion of the scraper 34, ensuring that the filter plate 31 always maintains a horizontal and stable working state. The tight fit between the outer wall of the outer frame 32 and the inner wall of the powder hopper 2 not only enables the positioning and installation of the outer frame 32 itself, but also fills the gap between the filter plate 31 and the inner wall of the powder hopper 2, preventing metal powder from leaking into the lower part of the powder hopper 2 through the gap without being processed by the filter plate 31, ensuring that all powder entering the powder hopper 2 is filtered by the filter plate 31 and crushed by the scraper 34.

[0026] Furthermore, a cover 4 is installed on the top of the powder hopper 2, with a feed inlet 5 in the middle of the cover 4. The cover 4 is used to seal the powder hopper 2, preventing dust and moisture from the outside air from entering the powder hopper 2, avoiding the metal powder from agglomerating due to moisture absorption, and reducing powder contamination during storage, thus ensuring powder purity. The feed inlet 5 is a dedicated channel for replenishing metal powder into the powder hopper 2. Its opening size must be adapted to the output end of the powder conveying equipment to facilitate feeding by operators or automated equipment into the powder hopper 2, while preventing powder from flying during the feeding process.

[0027] Furthermore, an annular pipe 6 is installed between the powder hopper 2 and the feed inlet 5. Several sets of jet nozzles 7 are arranged in a ring at the output end of the annular pipe 6, with the output ends of all sets of nozzles 7 facing the upper surface of the filter plate 31. The annular pipe 6, located between the powder hopper 2 and the feed inlet 5, is used to transport airflow provided by an external air supply device, and its annular structure design ensures that the airflow is evenly distributed in the upper space of the powder hopper 2. The nozzles 7 are arranged in a ring at the output end of the annular pipe 6, with all output ends facing the upper surface of the filter plate 31. Their function is to convert the airflow transported by the annular pipe 6 into a directional jet of airflow, precisely targeting the metal powder on the upper surface of the filter plate 31, assisting in breaking up slightly agglomerated powder, and ensuring that the powder is evenly distributed on the filter plate 31, preventing localized powder accumulation from affecting the crushing efficiency of the scraper 34.

[0028] It is worth noting that the input end of the annular pipe 6 is connected to an external air supply device via a pipeline, and the air supply device can freely adjust the airflow velocity. The external air supply device connected to the input end of the annular pipe 6 is used to provide an airflow with adjustable velocity. Its adjustable velocity function can flexibly adjust the airflow intensity according to the characteristics of the metal powder, adapting to the anti-caking requirements of different types of powders, and avoiding the problems of powder flying due to excessive airflow and insufficient airflow to assist in crushing. When processing different metal powders, the operator adjusts the airflow velocity through the control interface of the air supply device; the adjusted airflow enters the annular pipe 6 through the pipeline, and then acts on the powder on the filter plate 31 through the nozzle 7. It works in conjunction with the mechanical crushing of the scraper 34 to ensure the anti-caking effect for different powders, while avoiding energy waste or powder loss, thus improving the practicality of the device.

[0029] Specifically, a guide block 8 is installed at the bottom of the powder hopper 2, and the bottom of the guide block 8 is connected to the input end of the powder feeding device body 1 via a connecting pipe 9. The guide block 8, located at the bottom of the powder hopper 2, guides the qualified powder, after being crushed and filtered by the filter plate 31, to converge towards the center below the powder hopper 2, preventing powder from accumulating in the corners of the bottom of the powder hopper 2 and forming dead zones, thus avoiding interruptions in the conveying process due to powder accumulation, maintaining the continuity of laser cladding powder feeding, and ensuring that the powder can be concentrated and enter the subsequent conveying channel. The output end of the connecting pipe 9 is connected to the input end of the powder feeding device body 1, used to stably convey the powder gathered by the guide block 8 into the interior of the powder feeding device body 1.

[0030] More specifically, a valve 10 is installed in the middle of the connecting pipe 9. The valve 10 can be adjusted by an external control module to control the flow rate of the metal powder. The valve 10 is used to control the flow rate of the powder in the connecting pipe 9. By adjusting the opening of the valve 10 by the external control module, the powder quantity requirement during the laser cladding process can be precisely matched to ensure the stability of the powder feeding.

[0031] Valve 10 can be an electromagnetic control valve with a nominal diameter of DN25, an adjustment accuracy of ±1%, and a working pressure of 0.1-0.6MPa. The nominal diameter of DN25 is compatible with the connecting pipe 9 (inner diameter usually 20-30mm) of most laser cladding powder feeding devices, which can avoid powder blockage caused by the pipe diameter being too small; the adjustment accuracy of ±1% can realize fine adjustment of powder flow rate, adapt to different cladding process requirements, effectively avoid defects such as uneven cladding layer thickness and incomplete fusion caused by flow fluctuations, and ensure the stability of tensile strength of cladding layer; the working pressure of 0.1-0.6MPa is suitable for the normal working pressure range of the powder feeding device body 1 (usually 0.05-0.5MPa), which will not cause valve 10 to be difficult to open and close due to excessive pressure, nor will it cause valve 10 to fail to seal due to excessive pressure, ensuring that the powder flow rate is highly consistent with the cladding requirements.

[0032] 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 laser cladding powder feeding device for metal additive manufacturing, characterized in that: It includes a powder feeding device body (1), the upper part of which is provided with a powder hopper (2) for storing metal powder, and the middle part of the powder hopper (2) is provided with an anti-caking component (3) to prevent metal powder from caking. The anti-caking component (3) includes a filter plate (31) installed inside the powder hopper (2). An electric push rod (33) is installed on the side wall of the powder hopper (2) corresponding to the filter plate (31). The output end of the electric push rod (33) is located inside the powder hopper (2) and a scraper (34) is installed thereon. The output end of the scraper (34) is in close contact with the upper surface of the filter plate (31).

2. The laser cladding powder feeding device for metal additive manufacturing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder hopper (2) is equipped with an outer frame (32) for fixing the filter plate (31), and the outer wall of the outer frame (32) is in close contact with the inner wall of the powder hopper (2).

3. The laser cladding powder feeding device for metal additive manufacturing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the powder hopper (2) is fitted with a cover (4), and the cover (4) has a feed inlet (5) in the middle.

4. The laser cladding powder feeding device for metal additive manufacturing according to claim 3, characterized in that: An annular pipe (6) is provided between the powder hopper (2) and the feed inlet (5). Several sets of jet nozzles (7) are arranged in a ring at the output end of the annular pipe (6). The output ends of the several sets of nozzles (7) are all facing the upper surface of the filter plate (31).

5. The laser cladding powder feeding device for metal additive manufacturing according to claim 4, characterized in that: The input end of the annular pipe (6) is connected to an external gas supply device through a pipeline, and the gas supply device can freely adjust the flow rate of the airflow.

6. The laser cladding powder feeding device for metal additive manufacturing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the powder hopper (2) is provided with a guide block (8), and the bottom of the guide block (8) is connected to the input end of the powder feeding device body (1) through a connecting pipe (9).

7. The laser cladding powder feeding device for metal additive manufacturing according to claim 6, characterized in that: A valve (10) is provided in the middle of the connecting pipe (9), and the valve (10) can be adjusted by an external control module to control the conveying flow rate of metal powder.

Images