An SLM machining device

Abstract

The utility model belongs to SLM technical field discloses a kind of helical powder feeder and SLM processing device.Including forming bin, lifting assembly is passed in the bottom of forming bin, and first powder falling guide groove is installed on the bottom surface of forming bin, and first powder falling guide groove is communicated with forming bin inside, and recycling tank is connected with the lower end of first powder falling guide groove by powder falling adapter, second powder falling guide groove is installed in the lower end of forming bin, and second powder falling guide groove is connected with powder falling adapter by helical powder feeder, screw rod is installed in helical powder feeder, and screw rod promotes metal powder to move;Solve the problem that multiple recycling tanks need to be replaced simultaneously under prior art, resulting in higher labor cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of SLM technology, and in particular to a spiral powder feeding component and an SLM processing device. Background Technology

[0002] Modern SLM (Surface Mount Laser) processing technology typically uses metal powder as raw material. A high-power, high-energy laser is used as a heat source to heat the metal powder, causing it to melt and eventually solidify. During processing, a lifting mechanism is installed below the forming chamber, and a powder-spreading mechanism is set inside the forming chamber to spread the powder. A scraper is also installed on the powder-spreading mechanism to scrape the powder evenly while spreading it, and to scrape excess powder into powder guide grooves on both sides for recycling. The powder-spreading mechanism and the scraper work in tandem during operation, scraping away excess metal powder during the forming process. In addition, after molding, the powder in areas not covered by the scraper is manually swept into the powder guide trough. The metal powder melts and forms in the molding chamber. After molding, the metal powder on the surface of the lifting mechanism is swept to the bottom of the molding chamber. A recycling tank is installed at the bottom of the molding chamber. Finally, the powder is swept into the recycling tank. The recycling tanks are installed on both sides of the lifting mechanism, and the external components of the lifting mechanism are installed between the recycling tanks. If the volume of the molding chamber is too large, multiple recycling tanks will be installed at the bottom of the molding chamber. Multiple recycling tanks need to be manually recycled at the same time, which is a large workload and increases labor costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a spiral powder feeding component and an SLM processing device to solve the problem of high labor costs caused by the need to replace multiple recycling tanks at the same time under the existing technology.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: The present invention provides a spiral powder feeding component, including a conveying pipe, a screw rotatably installed inside the conveying pipe, a spiral conveying groove formed on the screw, metal powder being disposed in the spiral conveying groove, and the screw pushing the metal powder to move along the axis of the conveying pipe.

[0005] This utility model also provides an SLM processing device, including the aforementioned spiral powder feeding component and a forming chamber. A lifting component is provided at the bottom of the forming chamber, and a first powder dropping guide groove is installed on the bottom surface of the forming chamber. The first powder dropping guide groove is connected to the interior of the forming chamber and is connected to a recycling tank through a powder dropping adapter. A second powder dropping guide groove is installed at the lower end of the forming chamber and is connected to the powder dropping adapter through the spiral powder feeding component.

[0006] Preferably, a motor is mounted on the outside of the spiral powder feeding component, a drive gear is mounted on the motor, a driven gear is mounted on the end of the screw, and the drive gear and the driven gear are connected by a synchronous belt drive.

[0007] Preferably, a driver is installed on the outside of the spiral powder feeding component, a first gear is installed on the driver, and a second gear is installed at the end of the screw, with the first gear and the second gear meshing.

[0008] Preferably, the spiral powder feeding component, the first powder drop guide groove, and the second powder drop guide groove are made of stainless steel.

[0009] Preferably, the spiral powder feeder has a first opening at its bottom and a second opening at its top. The first powder discharge guide groove communicates with the spiral powder feeder through the first opening, and the second powder discharge guide groove communicates with the spiral powder feeder through the second opening.

[0010] Preferably, a corrugated pipe is inserted into the recycling tank, and the threaded adapter is inserted into the corrugated pipe.

[0011] Beneficial effects: Installing a first powder drop guide trough and a second powder drop guide trough at the bottom of the molding chamber, and using a screw conveyor to guide the metal powder entering the second powder drop guide trough into the first powder drop guide trough, allows all the metal powder to enter the recycling tank through the powder drop adapter. This reduces the number of recycling tanks at the bottom of the molding chamber to one set, increasing the space at the bottom of the SLM. Reducing the number of recycling tanks further reduces labor costs and makes recycling more labor-saving. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the SLM processing device of this utility model;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a main drawing of the spiral powder feeding component of this utility model.

[0014] In the diagram: 1. Forming chamber; 2. Lifting assembly; 3. First powder drop guide chute; 4. Second powder drop guide chute; 5. Spiral powder conveyor; 6. Recycling tank; 7. Screw; 8. Powder drop adapter; 9. Motor; 10. Roller; 11. Corrugated pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0016] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0017] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0018] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0019] In the current technology, multiple sets of recycling tanks are usually installed at the bottom of the molding chamber. The recycling tanks are large in size, which will occupy the space of the lifting components. At the same time, the large number of recycling tanks will also increase the design cost. Multiple recycling tanks need to be recycled at the same time, which will result in high time and labor costs for recycling personnel.

[0020] To solve the above problems, such as Figures 1 to 2As shown, this utility model provides an SLM processing device, including a forming chamber 1. A lifting component 2 is installed at the bottom of the forming chamber 1. A first powder drop guide 3 is installed on the bottom surface of the forming chamber 1 and is connected to the interior of the forming chamber 1. A recycling tank 6 is installed at the lower end of the first powder drop guide 3 through a powder drop adapter 8. A second powder drop guide 4 is installed at the lower end of the forming chamber 1 and is connected to the powder drop adapter 8 through a spiral powder feeding component 5. The spiral powder feeding component 5 provided by this utility model includes a conveying pipe. A screw 7 is rotatably installed inside the conveying pipe. The screw 7 can rotate inside the conveying pipe under external power intervention. A spiral conveying groove is formed in the screw 7. Metal powder is placed in the spiral conveying groove. The screw pushes the metal powder to move along the axis of the conveying pipe.

[0021] The SLM processing device of this utility model has only one set of recycling tanks 6 installed on the lower side. The first powder guide trough 3 directly connects the recycling tank 6 and the forming chamber 1. The remaining second powder guide troughs 4 are connected to the powder transfer adapter 8 through the spiral powder feeding component 5, so that all metal powders will be collected in the powder transfer adapter 8 and finally enter the recycling tank 6. This can reduce the number of recycling tanks 6 to one set, thereby reducing the procurement cost of recycling tanks 6.

[0022] The screw 7 pushes the metal powder along the spiral powder feeding part 5, eventually causing the metal powder to enter the powder drop adapter 8 and finally collect in the recycling tank 6. This reduces the number of recycling tanks 6 to one set, reducing the number of recycling tanks that recycling personnel need to handle to one set, thus reducing the workload of recycling personnel.

[0023] The spiral powder conveyor 5 of this invention has a motor 9 mounted on its outer side. A drive gear is mounted on the motor 9, and a driven gear is mounted at the end of the screw 7. The drive gear and the driven gear are connected by a synchronous belt. Synchronous belts are wound around the drive gear and the driven gear respectively. When the drive gear rotates, it drives the driven gear to rotate, achieving synchronous movement between the drive gear and the driven gear. It should be noted that the driver can drive the first gear to rotate, and the first gear meshes with the second gear, which in turn drives the screw 7 to rotate. This invention is not limited to the above-described transmission method.

[0024] This invention uses a motor 9 and gear transmission to drive the screw 7 to rotate. The SLM processing device of this invention is also equipped with a controller, which is electrically connected to a capacitive material switch. When the capacitive material switch detects that the metal powder in the recycling tank 6 is full, it sends an electrical signal to the controller, causing the motor 9 to stop rotating. This prevents the screw conveyor 5 from continuing to transport powder, enabling automatic control of the screw conveyor 5. Simultaneously, when the capacitive material switch detects that the metal powder has reached the target height, it sends a signal to an alarm, which sounds a buzzer to remind staff to replace the recycling tank 6 in time.

[0025] A new spiral powder feeding component 5 can be externally connected to the second powder dropping guide 4 of this utility model. The spiral powder feeding component 5 is equipped with a screw 7. Since the lifting component 2 is installed in the middle of the forming chamber 1, the second powder dropping guide 4 at other positions cannot be directly connected to the powder dropping adapter 8. The second powder dropping guide 4 can be connected to the surrounding second powder dropping guide 4 in sequence through the spiral powder feeding component 5, so that the metal powder is transferred step by step in the second powder dropping guide 4 and finally enters the powder dropping adapter 8. The connected second powder dropping guide 4 bypasses the lifting component 2 to avoid the limitation.

[0026] The recycling tank 6 of this utility model is equipped with a capacitive material switch, which is electrically connected to an alarm. The capacitive material switch can detect whether the metal powder has reached the target height. If the metal powder reaches the target height, it will send a signal to the alarm, which will emit an audible and visual signal to notify the operator to replace the empty recycling tank 6 in time.

[0027] The spiral powder conveyor 5, the first powder drop guide 3, and the second powder drop guide 4 of this utility model are made of stainless steel to avoid oxidation and corrosion. In addition, to prevent blockage in the first powder drop guide 3 and the second powder drop guide 4, a capacitive material switch is also installed in the first powder drop guide 3 and the second powder drop guide 4. When blockage occurs in the first powder drop guide 3 and the second powder drop guide 4, the capacitive material switch will send an alarm signal to the buzzer to remind the staff to clean the first powder drop guide 3 and the second powder drop guide 4.

[0028] The spiral powder conveyor 5 of this invention has a first opening at its bottom and a second opening at its top. A first powder drop guide trough 3 communicates with the spiral powder conveyor 5 through the first opening, and a second powder drop guide trough 4 communicates with the spiral powder conveyor 5 through the second opening. The second opening is on the upper side, allowing the metal powder to slide directly into the spiral powder conveyor 5 under its own weight. The first opening is on the bottom, allowing the metal powder to fall directly into the first powder drop guide trough 3 after being conveyed to the end. The metal powder, aided by the screw and propelled by the screw 7, will eventually collect in the recovery tank 6.

[0029] The bottom of the recycling tank 6 of this utility model is equipped with rollers 10, and maintenance personnel can replace empty recycling tanks 6 in a timely manner.

[0030] A corrugated pipe 11 is inserted into the receiving pipe of the recycling tank 6, and the powder-feeding adapter 8 is also inserted into the corrugated pipe 11. Pulling the corrugated pipe 11 upwards allows the recycling tank 6 to be removed directly. Then, pulling the corrugated pipe 11 downwards separates it from the powder-feeding adapter 8, achieving rapid separation between the recycling tank 6 and the adapter 8. The corrugated pipe 11 is then fitted onto the powder-feeding adapter 8. The empty recycling tank 6 is then placed directly below the adapter 8. The corrugated pipe 11 is then moved downwards, fitting onto the receiving pipe of the recycling tank 6, achieving rapid connection between the recycling tank 6 and the adapter 8. Finally, the corrugated pipe 11 enables rapid connection between the recycling tank 6 and the adapter 8. It should be noted that the corrugated pipe 11 in this invention is made of polyurethane.

[0031] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. An SLM processing apparatus, characterized in that, include: The spiral powder feeding component (5) includes a conveying pipe, in which a screw (7) is rotatably installed. Along the axial direction of the screw (7), a spiral conveying groove is milled on the surface of the screw (7). Metal powder is swept into the spiral conveying groove, and the screw (7) pushes the metal powder to move along the axial direction of the conveying pipe. A forming chamber (1) is provided with a lifting component (2) at the bottom. A first powder drop guide trough (3) is installed on the bottom surface of the forming chamber (1). The first powder drop guide trough (3) is connected to the interior of the forming chamber (1). The lower end of the first powder drop guide trough (3) is connected to a recycling tank (6) through a powder drop adapter (8). A second powder drop guide trough (4) is installed at the lower end of the forming chamber (1). The second powder drop guide trough (4) is connected to the powder drop adapter (8) through a spiral powder feeding component (5).

2. The SLM processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, A motor (9) is installed on the outside of the spiral powder feeding component (5). A drive gear is installed on the motor (9). A driven gear is installed at the end of the screw (7). The drive gear and the driven gear are connected by a synchronous belt drive.

3. The SLM processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, A driver is installed on the outside of the spiral powder feeding component (5), a first gear is installed on the driver, and a second gear is installed at the end of the screw (7), and the first gear and the second gear mesh.

4. The SLM processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spiral powder feeding component (5), the first powder drop guide groove (3), and the second powder drop guide groove (4) are made of stainless steel.

5. The SLM processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the spiral powder feeding component (5) has a first opening, and the top of the spiral powder feeding component (5) has a second opening. The first powder drop guide groove (3) is connected to the spiral powder feeding component (5) through the first opening, and the second powder drop guide groove (4) is connected to the spiral powder feeding component (5) through the second opening.

6. The SLM processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, A corrugated pipe (11) is inserted into the recycling tank (6), and the powder drop adapter (8) is inserted into the corrugated pipe (11).

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