An ultrasonic device for 3D printing metal powder manufacturing

Abstract

The utility model belongs to 3D printing metal powder preparation technical field, a kind of ultrasonic device for 3D printing metal powder manufacturing, including main frame, metal bath and atomization cavity, after starting device, the metal melt in metal bath flows out through bottom Y-shaped branch pipe main passage, viscosity sensor on the outside of branch pipe real-time acquisition melt viscosity data, control unit drives stepper motor, drives fine adjustment sliding table and L-shaped frame linkage, adjusts the position of melt pool probe in branch pipe side passage, preliminary disperses liquid stream to reduce coarse particle, subsequently liquid stream falls into lower atomization cavity along central axis, and flow velocity sensor on the inner wall of atomization cavity detects liquid stream flow velocity, and control unit synchronous instruction telescopic cylinder drives atomization probe to move, cooperate with inert gas that gas injection ring sprays, atomization probe secondary emits ultrasonic wave to liquid stream, further refine liquid drop and reduce satellite powder, and finally refined liquid drop is cooled to metal powder in atomization cavity, and the preparation process of 3D printing metal powder is completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of 3D printing metal powder preparation technology, specifically an ultrasonic device for manufacturing 3D printing metal powder. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasonic devices used in 3D printing of metal powders are key equipment in auxiliary atomization processes (such as gas atomization and water atomization) in the field of metal powder preparation. Their core function is to optimize the particle size distribution, sphericity, and purity of the powder by applying ultrasonic energy to the molten metal or droplets. These devices are widely used in aerospace, medical implants, and high-end molds, providing 3D printing technology with metal powders that meet the requirements of high density and low defects (such as titanium alloys and high-temperature alloy powders). This supports the near-net-shape manufacturing of complex structural parts and drives technological progress in the high-end manufacturing field.

[0003] In existing technologies, ultrasonic devices used for manufacturing metal powder in 3D printing mostly employ a single ultrasonic probe structure, with fixed probe positions or limited adjustment precision. In some devices, the ultrasonic probe is directly installed outside the molten pool outlet or inside the atomization chamber, making it difficult to adjust the position and angle of action based on the real-time conditions of the molten metal, such as viscosity and flow rate. Furthermore, the structural design between the molten pool and the atomization chamber lacks precise guidance for the liquid flow path, resulting in a limited range of ultrasonic energy application and issues such as uneven droplet refinement and residual satellite powder, affecting the stability of powder quality. In addition, insufficient coordinated control between the sensor and the ultrasonic probe makes dynamic parameter adaptation difficult and reduces adaptability to different types of metal powder. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the problems mentioned in the background art, this utility model provides an ultrasonic device for manufacturing 3D printed metal powder, thereby solving the problems of unstable metal powder quality and weak adaptability.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an ultrasonic device for manufacturing 3D printed metal powder, characterized in that it includes a main frame, a molten metal pool, and an atomizing chamber. The main frame is composed of a base, a metal support, and a metal frame. The base is located at the bottom of the main frame. The metal support and the metal frame are both welded to the top surface of the base and are both cubic in shape. The height of the metal support is higher than that of the metal frame. The molten metal pool is fixed above the metal frame. A Y-shaped branch pipe is welded to the bottom outlet of the molten metal pool. The main passage of the branch pipe is interconnected with the molten metal pool. The atomizing chamber is connected to the middle of the metal frame through a connecting seat. The central axis of the molten metal pool and the atomizing chamber are aligned and there is a gap between them. Optionally, a molten pool probe is slidably connected within the branch pipe side passage. The top of the molten pool probe faces the main passage of the branch pipe, and the bottom is connected to an L-shaped frame. The portion of the top of the metal support that protrudes above the metal frame is recessed inward. A fine-tuning slide is installed in this recess. The fine-tuning slide moves up and down along the height direction of the metal support. A stepper motor is installed at the top of the metal support. The stepper motor is electrically connected to the fine-tuning slide. The fine-tuning slide is connected to the other end of the L-shaped frame and drives the molten pool probe to slide. The axis of the molten pool probe forms an angle of 15-30° with the central axis of the molten metal pool.

[0006] Optionally, the atomizing chamber is cylindrical and hollow inside. An annular gas injection ring is embedded in the upper part of the inner wall of the atomizing chamber, and small air holes are evenly distributed on the gas injection ring. A telescopic cylinder is connected to the side of the connecting seat. The telescopic rod in the telescopic cylinder passes through the connecting seat and the atomizing chamber. The tail of the telescopic rod in the telescopic cylinder is connected to a ramp. An atomizing probe is fixed on the ramp. The telescopic cylinder drives the atomizing probe to move in the horizontal direction. The axis of the atomizing probe forms an angle of 15-30° with the central axis of the atomizing chamber.

[0007] Optionally, a viscosity sensor is provided on the outer surface of the branch pipe. The viscosity sensor is still suspended by a thin metal rod directly below the outlet of the molten metal pool and directly above the inlet of the atomization chamber. The top end of the thin metal rod is fixed to the outside of the outlet of the molten metal pool, and a flow rate sensor is embedded in the lower part of the inner wall of the atomization chamber.

[0008] Optionally, both the atomizing probe and the molten pool probe are controlled by the ultrasonic sound generating unit and the control unit.

[0009] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The Y-shaped branch pipe design at the bottom outlet of the molten metal pool in this invention allows the molten pool probe to slide along the side passage. Combined with the fine-tuning slide on the metal support and the stepper motor drive, the position of the molten pool probe and the angle with the liquid flow can be precisely adjusted. It can be flexibly adapted according to the viscosity differences of the molten metal, such as the different viscosity of titanium alloy and aluminum alloy, to enhance the dispersing effect of ultrasonic waves on the initial liquid flow and reduce the generation of coarse particles.

[0010] In this invention, the annular gas jet ring on the inner wall of the atomizing chamber works synergistically with the movable atomizing probe. The gas jet ring sprays inert gas through tiny vents to initially refine the droplets, while the atomizing probe moves horizontally under the drive of a telescopic cylinder. Combined with a 15-30° angle design, it can apply ultrasonic energy to the droplets from multiple directions, further optimizing the particle size distribution, while reducing the formation of satellite powder and improving the sphericity of the powder.

[0011] The viscosity sensor on the outer side of the branch pipe and the flow velocity sensor on the inner wall of the atomization chamber in this invention can collect the viscosity and flow velocity data of the liquid flow in real time. Through the linkage of the control unit with the molten pool probe, the atomization probe and the ultrasonic sound generation unit, the ultrasonic parameters can be dynamically adjusted. The molten pool probe performs preliminary processing on the initial liquid flow, and the atomization probe performs secondary optimization on the droplets entering the atomization chamber, forming a step-like refinement effect. This enhances the adaptability of the device to metal melts of different materials and in different states, and helps to improve the consistency of powder quality. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a rear view schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the overall structure of the atomizing chamber in this utility model; In the picture: 1. Molten metal pool; 2. Atomizing chamber; 3. Base; 4. Metal support; 5. Metal frame; 6. Branch pipe; 7. Molten pool probe; 8. L-shaped frame; 9. Fine-tuning slide; 10. Stepper motor; 11. Gas injection ring; 12. Air hole; 13. Connecting seat; 14. Telescopic cylinder; 15. Inclined platform; 16. Atomizing probe; 17. Viscosity sensor; 18. Flow rate sensor; 19. Thin metal rod. Detailed Implementation

[0013] 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.

[0014] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this utility model provides an ultrasonic device for manufacturing 3D printed metal powder, characterized in that it includes a main frame, a molten metal pool 1, and an atomizing chamber 2. The main frame is composed of a base 3, a metal support 4, and a metal frame 5. The base 3 is located at the bottom of the main frame. The metal support 4 and the metal frame 5 are both welded to the top surface of the base 3 and are both cubic in shape. The height of the metal support 4 is higher than that of the metal frame 5. The molten metal pool 1 is fixed above the metal frame 5. A Y-shaped branch pipe 6 is welded to the bottom outlet of the molten metal pool 1. The main passage of the branch pipe 6 is interconnected with the molten metal pool 1. The atomizing chamber 2 is connected to the middle of the metal frame 5 through a connecting seat 13. The central axis of the molten metal pool 1 and the atomizing chamber 2 are aligned and there is a gap between them.

[0015] Specifically, through the modular design of the main frame (base 3, metal support 4, metal frame 5), this device ensures that the central axis of the molten metal pool 1 and the atomization chamber 2 are aligned and maintain a fixed distance, which not only provides a stable path for the liquid flow but also reserves installation space for components such as the viscosity sensor 17 and the thin metal rod 19, thereby improving the stability and layout rationality of the overall structure of the device.

[0016] A molten pool probe 7 is slidably connected within the side passage of the branch pipe 6. The top of the molten pool probe 7 faces the main passage of the branch pipe 6, and the bottom is connected to an L-shaped frame 8. The part of the top of the metal support 4 that protrudes above the metal frame 5 is recessed inward. A fine-tuning slide 9 is installed in this recess. The fine-tuning slide 9 moves up and down along the height direction of the metal support 4. A stepper motor 10 is installed at the top of the metal support 4. The stepper motor 10 is electrically connected to the fine-tuning slide 9. The fine-tuning slide 9 is connected to the other end of the L-shaped frame 8 and drives the molten pool probe 7 to slide. The axis of the molten pool probe 7 forms an angle of 15-30° with the central axis of the molten metal pool 1.

[0017] Specifically, the Y-shaped branch pipe 6 at the bottom outlet of the molten metal pool 1 allows the molten pool probe 7 to slide along the side passage. With the help of the fine-tuning slide 9 on the metal bracket 4 and the stepper motor 10, the position of the molten pool probe 7 and the angle (15-30°) with the liquid flow can be precisely adjusted. It can be flexibly adapted according to the viscosity difference of the molten metal, such as the different viscosity of titanium alloy and aluminum alloy, to enhance the dispersing effect of ultrasonic waves on the initial liquid flow and reduce the generation of coarse particles.

[0018] The atomizing chamber 2 is cylindrical and hollow inside. An annular gas injection ring 11 is embedded in the upper part of the inner wall of the atomizing chamber 2. Small air holes 12 are evenly distributed on the gas injection ring 11. A telescopic cylinder 14 is connected to the side of the connecting seat 13. The telescopic rod in the telescopic cylinder 14 passes through the connecting seat 13 and the atomizing chamber 2. The tail of the telescopic rod in the telescopic cylinder 14 is connected to a ramp 15. An atomizing probe 16 is fixed on the ramp 15. The telescopic cylinder 14 drives the atomizing probe 16 to move in the horizontal direction. The axis of the atomizing probe 16 forms an angle of 15-30° with the central axis of the atomizing chamber 2.

[0019] Specifically, the annular gas jet ring 11 on the inner wall of the atomizing chamber 2 works synergistically with the movable atomizing probe 16: the gas jet ring 11 sprays inert gas through the fine air holes 12 to initially refine the droplets, while the atomizing probe 16 moves horizontally under the drive of the telescopic cylinder 14. Combined with the 15-30° angle design, it can apply ultrasonic energy to the droplets from multiple directions, further optimize the particle size distribution, reduce the formation of satellite powder, and improve the sphericity of the powder.

[0020] A viscosity sensor 17 is provided on the outer side of the branch pipe 6. The viscosity sensor 17 is suspended by a thin metal rod 19 directly below the outlet of the molten metal pool 1 and directly above the inlet of the atomizing chamber 2. The top end of the thin metal rod 19 is fixed to the outside of the outlet of the molten metal pool 1. A flow rate sensor 18 is embedded in the lower part of the inner wall of the atomizing chamber 2.

[0021] Specifically, the viscosity sensor 17 on the outer side of the branch pipe 6 and the flow rate sensor 18 on the inner wall of the atomization chamber 2 can collect the viscosity and flow rate data of the liquid flow in real time. The molten pool probe 7 performs preliminary processing on the initial liquid flow, and the atomization probe 16 performs secondary optimization on the droplets entering the atomization chamber 2 to form a stepped refinement effect. Through the linkage of the control unit with the molten pool probe 7, the atomization probe 16 and the ultrasonic sound generation unit, the ultrasonic parameters can be dynamically adjusted, which enhances the adaptability of the device to metal melts of different materials and states, and is conducive to improving the consistency of powder quality.

[0022] Both the atomizing probe 16 and the molten pool probe 7 are controlled by the ultrasonic sound generating unit and the control unit.

[0023] The working principle and usage process of this utility model are as follows: After the device is started, the molten metal in the molten metal pool 1 flows out through the main passage of the bottom Y-shaped branch pipe 6. The viscosity sensor 17 on the outer side of the branch pipe 6 collects the viscosity data of the molten metal in real time. After receiving the data, the control unit drives the stepper motor 10 on the metal support 4, which drives the fine-tuning slide 9 and the L-shaped frame 8 to adjust the position of the molten pool probe 7 in the side passage of the branch pipe 6, so that the molten pool probe 7 emits ultrasonic waves at an angle of 15-30° towards the molten metal, initially dispersing the liquid flow to reduce coarse particles. Then the liquid flow falls into the lower atomizing chamber 2 along the central axis. The flow rate sensor 18 on the inner wall of the atomizing chamber 2 detects the flow rate of the liquid flow. The control unit synchronously commands the telescopic cylinder 14 to drive the atomizing probe 16 to move horizontally. With the help of the inert gas sprayed by the gas injection ring 11 in the atomizing chamber 2, the atomizing probe 16 emits ultrasonic waves at an angle of 15-30° towards the liquid flow for a second time, further refining the droplets and reducing satellite powder. Finally, the refined droplets are cooled into metal powder in the atomizing chamber, completing the preparation process of 3D printing metal powder.

[0024] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0025] 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. An ultrasonic device for manufacturing 3D printed metal powder, characterized in that, The device includes a main frame, a molten metal pool (1), and an atomizing chamber (2). The main frame consists of a base (3), a metal support (4), and a metal frame (5). The base (3) is located at the bottom of the main frame. The metal support (4) and the metal frame (5) are both welded to the top surface of the base (3) and are both cubic in shape. The metal support (4) is higher than the metal frame (5). The molten metal pool (1) is fixed above the metal frame (5). A Y-shaped branch pipe (6) is welded to the bottom outlet of the molten metal pool (1). The main passage of the branch pipe (6) is connected to the molten metal pool (1). The atomizing chamber (2) is connected to the middle of the metal frame (5) through a connecting seat (13). The central axis of the molten metal pool (1) and the atomizing chamber (2) are aligned and there is a gap between them.

2. The ultrasonic device for manufacturing 3D printed metal powder according to claim 1, characterized in that, A molten pool probe (7) is slidably connected inside the side passage of the branch pipe (6). The top of the molten pool probe (7) faces the main passage of the branch pipe (6), and the bottom is connected to an L-shaped frame (8). The part of the top of the metal bracket (4) that is higher than the metal frame (5) is recessed inward. A fine adjustment slide (9) is installed in the recess. The fine adjustment slide (9) moves up and down along the height direction of the metal bracket (4). A stepper motor (10) is installed at the top of the metal bracket (4). The stepper motor (10) is electrically connected to the fine adjustment slide (9). The fine adjustment slide (9) is connected to the other end of the L-shaped frame (8) and drives the molten pool probe (7) to slide. The axis of the molten pool probe (7) forms an angle of 15-30° with the central axis of the molten pool (1).

3. The ultrasonic device for manufacturing 3D printed metal powder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The atomizing chamber (2) is cylindrical and hollow inside. An annular gas injection ring (11) is embedded on the upper part of the inner wall of the atomizing chamber (2). Small air holes (12) are evenly distributed on the gas injection ring (11). A telescopic cylinder (14) is connected to the side of the connecting seat (13). The telescopic rod in the telescopic cylinder (14) passes through the connecting seat (13) and the atomizing chamber (2). A ramp (15) is connected to the tail of the telescopic rod in the telescopic cylinder (14). An atomizing probe (16) is fixed on the ramp (15). The telescopic cylinder (14) drives the atomizing probe (16) to move in the horizontal direction. The axis of the atomizing probe (16) forms an angle of 15-30° with the central axis of the atomizing chamber (2).

4. The ultrasonic device for manufacturing 3D printed metal powder according to claim 1, characterized in that, A viscosity sensor (17) is provided on the outer side of the branch pipe (6). The viscosity sensor (17) is still suspended by a thin metal rod (19) directly below the outlet of the molten metal pool (1) and directly above the inlet of the atomizing chamber (2). The top end of the thin metal rod (19) is fixed to the outside of the outlet of the molten metal pool (1). A flow rate sensor (18) is embedded in the lower part of the inner wall of the atomizing chamber (2).

5. An ultrasonic device for manufacturing 3D printed metal powder according to claim 2, characterized in that, The molten pool probe (7) is controlled by the ultrasonic sound generation unit and the control unit.

6. An ultrasonic device for manufacturing 3D printed metal powder according to claim 3, characterized in that, The atomizing probe (16) is controlled by the ultrasonic sound generating unit and the control unit.

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