Three-dimensional metal body internal reinforcement material and three-dimensional metal body comprising it

Abstract

A three-dimensional metal body internal reinforcing material is disclosed, which simultaneously possesses the function of an internal reinforcing material for reinforcing the interior of a three-dimensional metal body and the function of removing powder remaining inside the three-dimensional metal body. The disclosed three-dimensional metal body internal reinforcement includes a reinforcing support, an air passage, and a discharge port. The reinforcing support is formed on the inner wall of the three-dimensional metal body forming the internal cavity. The air passage is formed within the reinforcing support, through which depowdering air flows to remove powder remaining in the internal cavity. The discharge port is formed penetrating from the air passage to the outer surface of the reinforcing support, so that the depowdering air is discharged into the internal cavity.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a three-dimensional metal body internal reinforcing material having the function of reinforcing the interior of a three-dimensional metal body and the function of removing powder remaining inside a three-dimensional metal body, and a three-dimensional metal body including the same. Background Technology

[0003] A 3D printer is a device that prints three-dimensional objects by printing and layering specific materials like a two-dimensional printer, and it has the advantage of being very easy to produce objects with complex shapes compared to woodworking methods, CNC milling, etc.

[0004] 3D printers are being actively used in various fields such as medicine, industry, and daily life because they can easily process objects to be manufactured based on digitized drawing information.

[0005] With the introduction of 3D printers, the manufacturing industry has been able to drastically reduce time and costs by eliminating mold making for prototype development, enable multi-variety, small-batch production without limiting order quantities, control product launch times, significantly reduce the risk of failure upon market launch, and make it possible to produce products with complex shapes without special skills.

[0006] These 3D printers are classified into material extrusion, photopolymerization, powder layer melting, and high-energy direct irradiation methods depending on the product molding method, and the technology, equipment, and materials applied vary depending on each method.

[0007] Recently, as 3D printer-related technologies have advanced rapidly, it has become possible to print objects made of metal or ceramic materials rather than conventional plastic objects. Among the related technologies, the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) method is attracting attention.

[0008] The selective laser melting method prints a 3D object to be printed by applying a powder-form material, selectively irradiating the material with a laser to melt the metal powder, and repeating the process of applying another layer of powder material and irradiating with a laser. Prior art literature

[0010] Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2080758 The problem to be solved

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a three-dimensional metal body internal reinforcing material having the function of reinforcing the interior of a three-dimensional metal body and the function of removing powder remaining inside a three-dimensional metal body, and a three-dimensional metal body including the same. means of solving the problem

[0013] A three-dimensional metal body internal reinforcement according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a reinforcing support, an air passage, and a discharge port. The reinforcing support is formed on the inner wall of the three-dimensional metal body forming the internal cavity. The air passage is formed within the reinforcing support, through which depowdering air flows to remove powder remaining in the internal cavity. The discharge port is formed penetrating from the air passage to the outer surface of the reinforcing support, so that the depowdering air is discharged into the internal cavity.

[0014] In a three-dimensional metal body internal reinforcing material according to an embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing support may include a first reinforcing support formed in a first direction and a second reinforcing support formed in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0015] In a three-dimensional metal body internal reinforcing material according to an embodiment of the present invention, an air passage and a discharge port may be formed in the first reinforcing support, and a depowdering hole may be formed in the second reinforcing support.

[0016] In the internal reinforcing material of a three-dimensional metal body according to an embodiment of the present invention, the discharge port may be formed in a horizontal direction and may have a constant cross-sectional area.

[0017] In a three-dimensional metal internal reinforcing material according to an embodiment of the present invention, the discharge port may have a constant cross-sectional area and be formed inclined toward the bottom of the internal cavity.

[0018] In a three-dimensional metal internal reinforcing member according to an embodiment of the present invention, the discharge port may be formed in a horizontal direction, and the cross-sectional area may become smaller as it moves outward from the center of the first reinforcing support.

[0019] In a three-dimensional metal body internal reinforcing material according to an embodiment of the present invention, the discharge port may be formed inclined toward the bottom of the internal cavity, and the cross-sectional area may become smaller as it extends outward from the center of the first reinforcing support.

[0021] A three-dimensional metal body according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an inner cavity, an inlet formed on one side of the inner cavity through which depowdering air is introduced, an outlet formed on the other side of the inner cavity through which powder scattered by the depowdering air introduced through the inlet is discharged, and an internal reinforcing material provided in the inner cavity. The internal reinforcing material includes a reinforcing support, an air passage, and a discharge port. The reinforcing support is formed on the inner wall of the three-dimensional metal body forming the inner cavity. The air passage is formed within the reinforcing support, through which depowdering air flows to remove powder remaining in the inner cavity. The discharge port is formed penetrating from the air passage to the outer surface of the reinforcing support, so that the depowdering air is discharged into the inner cavity.

[0022] In a three-dimensional metal body according to an embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing support may include a first reinforcing support formed in a first direction and a second reinforcing support formed in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0023] In a three-dimensional metal body according to an embodiment of the present invention, an air passage and a discharge port may be formed in the first reinforcing support, and a depowdering hole may be formed in the second reinforcing support.

[0024] In a three-dimensional metal body according to an embodiment of the present invention, the discharge port may be formed in a horizontal direction and may have a constant cross-sectional area.

[0025] In a three-dimensional metal body according to an embodiment of the present invention, the discharge port may have a constant cross-sectional area and be formed inclined toward the bottom of the internal cavity.

[0026] In a three-dimensional metal body according to an embodiment of the present invention, the discharge port may be formed in a horizontal direction, and the cross-sectional area may become smaller as it moves outward from the center of the first reinforcing support.

[0027] In a three-dimensional metal body according to an embodiment of the present invention, the discharge port may be formed inclined toward the bottom of the internal cavity, and the cross-sectional area may become smaller as it extends outward from the center of the first reinforcing support.

[0029] Specific details of embodiments according to various aspects of the present invention are included in the following detailed description. Effects of the invention

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a three-dimensional metal body internal reinforcing material can be provided that simultaneously has an internal reinforcing material function for reinforcing the interior of a three-dimensional metal body and a function for removing powder remaining inside the three-dimensional metal body. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0033] Figures 1 and 2 are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation process of a metal 3D printer. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a conventional three-dimensional metal internal reinforcement. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the problems that occur during the process of removing powder remaining inside a conventional three-dimensional metal body. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a three-dimensional metal internal reinforcement according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional metal body according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a drawing for explaining the process of removing powder remaining inside the three-dimensional metal body using an internal reinforcing material of the three-dimensional metal body. FIGS. 7 to 10 are cross-sectional views showing a three-dimensional metal body internal reinforcement according to the first to fourth embodiments, viewed from the L-L' line of FIG. 5. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0034] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0035] The terms used in this invention are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this invention, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0037] Figures 1 and 2 are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation process of a metal 3D printer.

[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the metal 3D printer (100) includes a main chamber (110), a powder chamber (120), a build chamber (130), an overflow chamber (140), a recoater (150), and a laser device (160).

[0039] The main chamber (110) is formed in a predetermined shape, for example, a rectangular shape, and various parts (120 to 160) are installed inside. A transparent window (not shown) can be formed in at least a part of the main chamber (110) to monitor the progress of the work inside.

[0040] The powder chamber (120) supplies powder to the build chamber (130). Inside the powder chamber (120), a powder supply plate (121) is installed so as to be raised and lowered by a first lifting rod (122). Powder is stacked on the upper part of the powder supply plate (121), and when the first lifting rod (122) raises the powder supply plate (121), the powder is supplied to the build chamber (130) by the horizontal movement of the recoater (150).

[0041] In the build chamber (130), one layer of a three-dimensional metal body is manufactured by sintering or melting, and a plurality of layers are manufactured by stacking them in the same manner to produce a three-dimensional metal body. Inside the build chamber (130), a build plate (131) is installed so that it can be raised and lowered by a second lifting rod (132). At least a portion of the powder supplied to the upper surface of the build plate (131) by the recoater (150) is sintered or melted by the laser device (160) to form one layer of the three-dimensional metal body.

[0042] The overflow chamber (140) receives the remaining powder that was not sintered or melted in the build chamber (130).

[0043] The recoater (150) is configured to be movable toward the build plate (131) and performs the function of conveying powder to the build plate (131) and distributing it evenly. The lower part of the recoater (150) may be equipped with a blade (151) installed at a certain distance from the build plate (131) to smooth the surface of the powder. As the blade (151) moves toward the build plate (131), it supplies powder through a space separated from the upper surface of the build plate (131) and simultaneously smooths the surface of the powder with a sharp blade at the bottom.

[0044] A laser device (160) is installed in the upper region of the main chamber (110) and, under the control of a control unit (not shown), irradiates a laser onto powder placed on the upper surface of a build plate (131) to sinter or melt at least a portion of the powder to form a layer of a three-dimensional metal body.

[0045] During the process of manufacturing a single layer of a three-dimensional metal body, this metal 3D printer manufactures the individual layer by: i) raising the powder supply plate (121) with the first lifting rod (122) to raise the powder to be supplied; ii) supplying the powder to the build plate (131) through the horizontal movement of the recoater (150); and iii) irradiating a laser onto the output area of ​​the individual layer being manufactured with the laser device (160) to sinter or melt the powder. Afterward, to manufacture another individual layer to be stacked on top of the individual layer, the build plate (131) is lowered by a preset value using the second lifting rod (132), and then the other individual layer to be stacked is manufactured in the same order as described above.

[0046] This process is repeated to manufacture a three-dimensional metal body (M) as shown in FIG. 2. At this time, the three-dimensional metal body (M) may have an internal cavity (C), and an internal reinforcing material (R) may be formed on the inner wall of the three-dimensional metal body (M) forming the internal cavity (C).

[0047] The internal reinforcement (R) is an internal structural element designed to improve the structural stability of the three-dimensional metal body (M) and to strengthen resistance to external loads. The internal reinforcement (R) can be manufactured simultaneously with the three-dimensional metal body (M) and can be manufactured in various shapes such as a lattice structure, a honeycomb structure, or a skeletal structure.

[0048] After the completion of manufacturing a three-dimensional metal body (M) equipped with an internal reinforcing material (R), the build chamber (130) is separated and moved to a suction chamber (not shown) via a moving rail, and the powder (P) filled inside the build chamber (130) is removed through a suction device inside the suction chamber.

[0049] Meanwhile, powder (P) may remain in the internal cavity (C) of the three-dimensional metal body (M), and the remaining powder can be removed through a separate de-powdering process.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an internal reinforcement of a conventional three-dimensional metal body, and FIG. 4 is a drawing to explain the problems that occur during the process of removing powder remaining inside a conventional three-dimensional metal body.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 3, a conventional three-dimensional metal internal reinforcing material (20) comprises a reinforcing support (21) of a predetermined shape and a de-powdering hole (22). FIG. 3 illustrates a reinforcing support (21) having a grid structure. The de-powdering hole (22) is formed by penetrating a predetermined area of ​​the reinforcing support (21).

[0053] Referring to FIG. 4, a three-dimensional metal body (M) manufactured by a metal 3D printer has at least one inlet (23) formed therein for introducing depowdering air (A) and at least one outlet (24) formed therein for discharging depowdering air (A) and powder together.

[0054] The depowdering air (A) introduced through the inlet (23) flows through the lattice structure cavity (C) via the depowdering hole (22), scattering the powder remaining in the cavity (C), and the scattered powder flows through the adjacent depowdering hole (22) together with the depowdering air (A), passing through multiple cavities (C), and the depowdering air (A) and powder are discharged and removed through the outlet (24).

[0055] At this time, the powder remaining in the dead zone (25) formed in the cavity (C) at a distance from the depowdering hole (22) is not affected by or is not affected insufficiently by the depowdering air (A), so it does not scatter and remains in the dead zone (25), causing a problem of powder accumulation.

[0056] Accordingly, the present invention provides a three-dimensional metal body internal reinforcing material that effectively removes powder remaining inside the three-dimensional metal body while also serving as an internal reinforcing material.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an internal reinforcing material of a three-dimensional metal body according to embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the process of removing powder remaining inside a three-dimensional metal body using an internal reinforcing material of a three-dimensional metal body as a three-dimensional metal body according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a three-dimensional metal internal reinforcing member (200, hereinafter also referred to as "internal reinforcing member") according to embodiments of the present invention includes a reinforcing support (210), an air passage (220), a discharge port (230), and a depowdering hole (240).

[0060] And, the three-dimensional metal body (M) includes an inner cavity (C), an inlet (23) formed on one side of the inner cavity through which depowdering air is introduced, an outlet (24) formed on the other side of the inner cavity through which powder scattered by the depowdering air introduced through the inlet is discharged, and an inner reinforcing material (200) provided in the inner cavity.

[0061] The reinforcing support (210) is formed on the inner wall of a three-dimensional metal body (M) that forms an internal cavity (C). The reinforcing support (210) forms the skeleton of the internal reinforcing material (200) and can be manufactured in various shapes such as a lattice structure, a honeycomb structure, or a skeletal structure. The reinforcing support (210) in FIG. 5 is exemplified as having a lattice structure.

[0062] The reinforcing support (210) may include a first reinforcing support (211) formed in a first direction and a second reinforcing support (212) formed in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0063] An air passage (220) and a discharge port (230) may be formed in the first reinforcing support (211), and a depowdering hole (240) may be formed in the second reinforcing support (212). The depowdering hole (240) is formed by penetrating a predetermined area of ​​the second reinforcing support (212).

[0064] An air passage (220) is formed within a reinforcing support (210), specifically a first reinforcing support (211). The air passage (220) is a passage through which depowdering air flows to remove powder remaining in an internal cavity (C). The air passage (220) is formed by extending in a first direction along the first reinforcing support (211). The air passage (220) is a flow space formed inside the first reinforcing support (211). The air passage (220) is formed in connection with at least one inlet (23) through which depowdering air (A) is introduced.

[0065] The discharge port (230) is formed penetrating from the air passage (220) to the outer surface of the first reinforcing support (211). Depowdering air (A) is discharged into the internal cavity (C) through the discharge port (230). The discharged depowdering air (A) flows within the cavity (C) and disperses the powder remaining within the cavity (C).

[0066] Unlike conventional methods where depowdering air (A) flows through a depowdering hole (12), in this method, the depowdering air (A) flows into the cavity (C) through an air passage (220) formed within the first reinforcing support (211) and then flows through a discharge port (230), thereby allowing the depowdering air (A) to spread evenly throughout the space within the cavity (C).

[0067] As a result, most of the powder remaining in the cavity (C) is affected by the depowdering air (A) and scattered, and the scattered powder passes through the multiple cavities (C) through the depowdering hole (240) formed in the second reinforcing support (212) and is discharged through the outlet (24) together with the depowdering air (A) to be removed, thereby effectively eliminating the dead zone area.

[0069] FIGS. 7 to 10 are cross-sectional views showing three-dimensional metal body internal reinforcements according to the first to fourth embodiments, viewed from the L-L' line of FIG. 5. The three-dimensional metal body internal reinforcements (200_1 to 200_4) shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 differ only in the shape of the discharge port (230), but the reinforcing support (210), air passage (220), depowdering hole (240), etc. are substantially the same.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 7, in the internal reinforcing member (200_1) of the three-dimensional metal body of the first embodiment, the discharge port (230) is formed in a horizontal direction and is formed to have a constant cross-sectional area.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 8, in the internal reinforcing member (200_2) of the three-dimensional metal body of the second embodiment, the discharge port (230_2) has a constant cross-sectional area and is formed inclined toward the bottom of the cavity (C). Powder may accumulate and remain at the bottom of the cavity (C). In the embodiment of FIG. 8, depowdering air (A) is directed toward the bottom of the cavity (C) by the discharge port (230_2) to effectively scatter the remaining powder.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 9, in the three-dimensional metal body internal reinforcement (200_3) of the third embodiment, the discharge port (230_3) is formed in a horizontal direction, and the cross-sectional area becomes smaller as it moves outward from the center of the first reinforcement support (211).

[0073] In this case, the depowdering air (A) is accelerated by the decreasing cross-sectional area and discharged from the discharge port (230_3). The depowdering air (A) can more effectively scatter the powder by colliding with the powder while in an accelerated state.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 10, in the internal reinforcing member (200_4) of the 3D metal body of the 4th embodiment, the discharge port (230_4) is formed to be inclined toward the bottom direction of the cavity (C), and is formed such that the cross-sectional area becomes smaller as it goes outward from the center of the first reinforcing support (211).

[0075] In this case, the depowdering air (A) is accelerated by the decreasing cross-sectional area and directed toward the bottom of the cavity (C), so that the remaining powder can be dispersed more effectively.

[0077] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, those skilled in the art may modify and change the present invention in various ways by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention as described in the claims, and such modifications and changes are also to be included within the scope of the rights of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0079] 100 : Metal 3D printer 110: Main chamber 120: Powder chamber 130: Build Chamber 140: Overflow chamber 150 : Recoater 160 : Laser device 200 : 3D metal internal reinforcement 210 : Reinforcement support 220 : Air Euro 230 : Discharge port 240 : Depowdering hole

Claims

Claim 1 A three-dimensional metal body internal reinforcing material having an internal cavity, comprising: a reinforcing support formed on the inner wall of the three-dimensional metal body forming the internal cavity; an air passage formed within the reinforcing support through which depowdering air flows to remove powder remaining within the internal cavity; and a discharge port formed penetrating from the air passage to the outer surface of the reinforcing support through which the depowdering air is discharged. Claim 2 A three-dimensional metal internal reinforcing member according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing support comprises a first reinforcing support formed in a first direction and a second reinforcing support formed in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Claim 3 A three-dimensional metal internal reinforcing material according to claim 2, wherein the air passage and the discharge port are formed in the first reinforcing support and the depowdering hole is formed in the second reinforcing support. Claim 4 A three-dimensional metal internal reinforcing member according to claim 3, wherein the discharge port is formed in a horizontal direction and has a constant cross-sectional area. Claim 5 A three-dimensional metal internal reinforcing member according to claim 3, wherein the discharge port has a constant cross-sectional area and is formed inclined toward the bottom direction of the internal cavity. Claim 6 A three-dimensional metal internal reinforcing member according to claim 3, wherein the discharge port is formed in a horizontal direction and the cross-sectional area decreases as it extends outward from the center of the first reinforcing support. Claim 7 A three-dimensional metal internal reinforcing member according to claim 3, wherein the discharge port is formed inclined toward the bottom direction of the internal cavity, and the cross-sectional area becomes smaller as it extends outward from the center of the first reinforcing support. Claim 8 A three-dimensional metal body comprising: an inner cavity; an inlet formed on one side of the inner cavity through which depowdering air is introduced; an outlet formed on the other side of the inner cavity through which powder scattered by the depowdering air introduced through the inlet is discharged; and an inner reinforcing material provided in the inner cavity, wherein the inner reinforcing material comprises: a reinforcing support formed on the inner wall of the three-dimensional metal body forming the inner cavity; an air passage formed connected to the inlet within the reinforcing support through which the depowdering air flows; and a discharge port formed penetrating from the air passage to the outer surface of the reinforcing support through which the depowdering air is discharged. Claim 9 A three-dimensional metal body according to claim 8, wherein the reinforcing support comprises a first reinforcing support formed in a first direction and a second reinforcing support formed in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Claim 10 A three-dimensional metal body according to claim 9, wherein the first reinforcing support has the air passage and the discharge port formed therein, and the second reinforcing support has a depowdering hole formed therein. Claim 11 A three-dimensional metal body according to claim 10, wherein the discharge port is formed in a horizontal direction and has a constant cross-sectional area. Claim 12 A three-dimensional metal body according to claim 10, wherein the discharge port has a constant cross-sectional area and is formed inclined toward the bottom of the inner cavity. Claim 13 A three-dimensional metal body according to claim 10, wherein the discharge port is formed in a horizontal direction and the cross-sectional area becomes smaller as it extends outward from the center of the first reinforcing support. Claim 14 A three-dimensional metal body according to claim 10, wherein the discharge port is formed inclined toward the bottom direction of the inner cavity, and the cross-sectional area becomes smaller as it extends outward from the center of the first reinforcing support.

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