Powder Fines Removal Device for 3D Printers

Abstract

A fine powder removal device for a powder supplied to a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a powder storage unit in which a layered powder is stored; and a fine powder removal unit into which the layered powder is introduced from the powder storage unit, which separates and removes fine powder from the introduced layered powder, and which supplies the layered powder from which fine powder has been removed to the 3D printer. According to an embodiment of the present invention, by separating aggregated additive powder, removing fine particles, and removing moisture, the flowability of the additive powder is improved, and it is possible to manufacture a 3D printer product of excellent quality with a uniform additive.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for removing fine powder supplied to a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] The basic principle of 3D printers, which are being utilized in various fields recently, is to create 3D objects by stacking thin 2D layers. 3D printers can form 3D printed objects using photocurable resins or metals, and among these, metal 3D printers are broadly divided into the Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) method and the Directed Energy Deposition (DED) method.

[0003] DED 3D printers irradiate a high-power laser beam from the center of the DED head onto a metal surface to instantaneously create a molten pool, while simultaneously supplying metal powder. As the printer head moves, 2D layers are deposited in real time to form a 3D printed object. Additionally, a carrier gas such as nitrogen or argon is used to flow the metal powder, thereby supplying it into the 3D printer.

[0004] The market for such 3D printers is growing every year and is being applied in various industrial fields such as medical, automotive, and aviation. Its ability to easily produce complex shapes is increasing its competitiveness in the industry.

[0005] In particular, Direct Energy Deposition (DED) and Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) methods require smooth flow of the metal powder used during printing. Smooth flow means not only a smooth supply of metal powder but also even distribution during layering. In other words, spherical metal powder is required to achieve smooth flow.

[0006] At this time, conventional metal powders can be sphericalized using a gas atomizer. In addition, the spherical metal powder is fine, consisting of a size of tens of micrometers, so that when a laser is irradiated to layer the printed object, it must be evenly distributed throughout. In other words, in order to achieve an even distribution throughout the layer, the flowability of the metal powder must be smooth.

[0007] If the metal powder is formed in an angular shape rather than a spherical shape, its flowability is poor, which affects the quality of the laminate.

[0008] Furthermore, the metal powder becomes angular because fine particles adhere to the spherical metal powder. Such angular metal powder has poor flowability, which can not only cause the powder supply pipes to clog, but also results in a non-uniform layer shape and the formation of pores within the layer, leading to the formation of low-quality output.

[0009] In addition, if the manufactured metal powder is exposed to temperature and humidity for a long time, aggregation occurs between the metal powder particles, which affects flowability. Prior art literature

[0010] Republic of Korea Published Patent 10-2023-0015234 The problem to be solved

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a fine powder removal device for powder supplied to a 3D printer, which improves the flowability of the additive powder and enables the production of high-quality 3D printer results with a uniform additive product by separating aggregated additive powder, removing fine powder, and even removing moisture.

[0012] Meanwhile, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0013] A fine powder removal device for a powder supplied to a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a powder storage unit in which a layered powder is stored; and a fine powder removal unit into which the layered powder is introduced from the powder storage unit, which separates and removes fine powder from the introduced layered powder, and which supplies the layered powder from which fine powder has been removed to the 3D printer.

[0014] Additionally, the fine powder removal unit comprises a main body into which laminated powder is introduced from the powder storage unit, a classifier provided inside the main body for separating laminated powder and fine powder, and a fine powder collection unit for collecting fine powder separated from the classifier.

[0015] In addition, the fine powder removal unit further includes a vibration generating unit provided in the main body and applying vibration to the classifier to separate the laminate and the fine powder.

[0016] Additionally, the fine powder removal unit further includes a transfer pipe through which the laminated powder from which fine powder has been removed in the classifier is transferred, a storage unit in which the laminated powder moving through the transfer pipe is stored, and a vibration generating unit that applies vibration to the bottom surface of the storage unit to separate fine powder from the laminated powder.

[0017] In addition, the fine powder removal unit further includes an air intake unit that removes fine powder by sucking in fine powder separated from the laminated powder and aerosolized by the vibration of the vibration generating unit.

[0018] In addition, it further includes a heating unit comprising a first heater capable of removing moisture by applying a high-temperature atmosphere to the interior of the fine powder removal unit.

[0019] In addition, it further includes a powder supply unit that conveys the additive powder from which the fine powder has been removed and supplies the conveyed additive powder to the supply pipe of a 3D printer.

[0020] The heating unit further includes a second heater capable of applying a high-temperature atmosphere to the interior of the powder supply unit. Effects of the invention

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by separating aggregated additive powder, removing fine particles, and removing moisture, the flowability of the additive powder is improved, and it is possible to manufacture a 3D printer product of excellent quality with a uniform additive.

[0022] Meanwhile, the effects obtainable from the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing an overall 3D printer using a fine powder removal device supplied to a 3D printer according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a fine powder removal device for a 3D printer supplied with powder according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views showing a fine powder removal section of a fine powder removal device supplied to a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a heating section of a fine powder removal device supplied to a 3D printer according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the present invention may be modified in various forms, and the scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments below. These embodiments are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those with average knowledge in the art. Accordingly, the shapes of the elements in the drawings have been exaggerated to emphasize clearer explanations.

[0025] The configuration of the invention to clarify the solution to the problem to be solved by the present invention is described in detail with reference to the attached drawings based on preferred embodiments of the present invention. In assigning reference numbers to the components of the drawings, the same reference number is assigned to identical components even if they are located in different drawings, and it is noted in advance that components of other drawings may be cited if necessary when describing the drawings.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a fine powder removal device (100) supplied to a 3D printer according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a powder storage unit (110) and a fine powder removal unit (120).

[0027] First, referring to FIG. 1, the fine powder removal device (100) supplied to the 3D printer provides the additive powder (121) to the 3D printer (200), and the 3D printer (200) can form an additive product (310) by using the provided additive powder (121) to deposit it on an additive plate (300).

[0028] The powder storage unit (110) can store additive powder (121) supplied to the 3D printer (200).

[0029] At this time, the layered powder (121) stored in the powder storage unit (110) can be sprayed into the head of the 3D printer (200) to form a layered product (310).

[0030] For example, a 3D printer (200) can form a layered structure (310) using a DED method that uses metal powder. At this time, the metal powder used in the DED method, i.e., the layered powder (121), can be formed in a spherical shape. Here, if fine powder (122) is attached to the layered powder (121), the flowability of the layered powder (121) is hindered, and the powder nozzle of the printer head may become clogged.

[0031] Accordingly, removing as much fine powder (122) as possible that is attached to or contained in the laminated powder (121) improves the flowability of the laminated powder (121), prevents clogging of the powder nozzle, and allows for obtaining a consistent or uniform laminated product (310) quality with a constant amount of powder sprayed.

[0032] As described above, the fine powder removal unit (120) can remove fine powder (122) that is attached to or contained in the laminated powder (121).

[0033] That is, the fine powder removal unit (120) can receive the stacked powder (121) from the powder storage unit (110) and separate and remove the fine powder (122) from the received stacked powder (121).

[0034] And, the fine powder removal unit (120) can supply the layered powder (121) from which fine powder (122) has been removed to the 3D printer (200).

[0035] Here, before the additive powder (121) is supplied to the 3D printer (200), it passes through the powder supply unit (140), and the powder supply unit (140) will be described later.

[0036] The differential removal unit (120) is described in detail.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the fine powder removal unit (120) may include a main body (123), a classifier (124), a transfer pipe (125), a storage unit (126), a vibration generating unit (127), and an air intake unit (128).

[0038] First, the main body (123) receives the laminated powder (121) from the powder storage unit (110). At this time, the laminated powder (121) receiving the powder may contain fine powder (122). For example, fine powder (122) generated during the production and distribution process of the laminated powder (121) may be included. Additionally, fine powder (122) may be generated during the process of separating the aggregated laminated powder (121) due to the aggregation phenomenon caused by long-term storage of the laminated powder (121), or as the laminated powder (121) rubs against each other. Thus, the fine powder (122) is stored in the powder storage unit (110), and the fine powder (122) is generated during the distribution process before storage, and the generated fine powder (122) may be introduced into the main body (123) together with the laminated powder (121).

[0039] The classifier (124) is provided inside the main body (123) and can separate the laminated powder (121) and the fine powder (122).

[0040] At this time, the classifier (124) can be formed into a mesh capable of separating the layered powder (121) and the fine powder (122). That is, it can be formed into a fine mesh capable of separating only the fine powder (122).

[0041] The fine powder (122) collection section can collect the fine powder (122) separated from the classifier (124).

[0042] For example, the main body (123) may be divided into an inlet section into which the stacked powder (121) is introduced, a fine powder (122) collection section, and a storage section (126), respectively, in the upper, middle, and lower sections. The inlet section and the fine powder (122) collection section may be divided into a classifier (124).

[0043] Accordingly, the fine powder (122) introduced into the inlet passes through the classifier (124) and descends to the fine powder (122) collection section and is collected, and the stacked powder (121) from which the fine powder (122) has been separated remains in the classifier (124).

[0044] The transfer pipe (125) allows the stacked powder (121), from which fine powder (122) has been removed in the classifier (124), to be transferred. That is, the transfer pipe (125) is a pipe connecting the inlet section and the storage section (126), and can transfer the stacked powder (121), from which fine powder (122) has been removed by the classifier (124), to the lower part of the main body (123), i.e., the storage section (126).

[0045] The process of transferring to the storage unit (126) through the transfer pipe (125) is, for example, transferred by the flowability of the laminated powder (121), and the transfer may be achieved by vibration by the vibration generating unit (127) to be described later or by the flowability generated by the suction force of the air suction unit (128), but is not limited thereto.

[0046] The storage section (126) stores the stacked powder (121) that is moved through the transfer pipe (125) and may be formed at the bottom of the main body (123), that is, at the bottom of the fine powder (122) collection section, but is not limited thereto.

[0047] At this time, the storage unit (126) can be removed by the air intake unit (128) described later, as the fine powder (122) is additionally separated by the vibration generating unit (127) described later.

[0048] The laminated powder (121) from which the fine powder (122) has been removed in this way can be stored before being transferred to the powder supply unit (140) to be described later.

[0049] Here, the storage unit (126) is provided with an opening and closing device on its bottom surface, and the stacked powder (121) stored in the storage unit (126) can be transferred to the powder supply unit (140) when the opening and closing device is opened. In addition to the opening and closing device, the stacked powder (121) can be transferred to the powder supply unit (140) by various methods, such as transfer using gravity or the inclination of the bottom surface of the storage unit (126), so it is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0050] The vibration generating unit (127) applies vibration to the bottom surface of the storage unit (126) to separate fine powder (122) from the stacked powder (121).

[0051] At this time, the vibration generating unit (127) can directly apply vibration to the bottom surface of the storage unit (126). The fine powder (122) transported to the storage unit (126) can be separated from the stacked powder (121) and aerosolized by the vibration of the vibration generating unit (127).

[0052] Additionally, the vibration generating unit (127) can apply vibration to the classifier (124) by applying vibration to the bottom surface of the storage unit (126). At this time, due to the vibration applied to the classifier (124), the fine powder (122) can be smoothly separated and collected by the fine powder (122) collection unit.

[0053] In addition, vibration may be ultrasonic vibration, but is not limited thereto.

[0054] The air intake unit (128) can remove fine powder (122) by sucking in fine powder (122) that has been separated from the laminated powder (121) and aerosolized by the vibration of the vibration generating unit (127).

[0055] That is, the fine powder (122) is aerosolized by vibration and floats into the internal space of the storage unit (126). The air intake unit (128) can suck in the aerosolized fine powder (122) to remove the fine powder (122). Then, the stacked powder (121), from which the fine powder (122) has been separated from the classifier (124) by the suction force of the air intake unit (128), can be transported to the storage unit (126) through the transfer pipe (125).

[0056] Meanwhile, the fine powder removal device (100) supplied to the 3D printer according to the present invention may further include a heating unit (130) and a powder supply unit (140).

[0057] Referring to FIG. 5, the heating unit (130) may include a first heater (131) capable of removing moisture by applying a high-temperature atmosphere inside the fine powder removal unit (120).

[0058] At this time, the first heater (131) may be made of a heating wire that surrounds the main body (123), but is not limited thereto.

[0059] Additionally, the first heater (131) may be provided on the outside of the main body (123) to heat the outside of the main body (123) or provided on the inside to heat the internal space of the main body (123), and may, for example, use infrared rays, but is not limited thereto.

[0060] In addition, the first heater (131) can heat the internal air of the main body (123) to raise the internal temperature of the main body, and can heat water molecules using microwaves.

[0061] That is, the first heater (131) can remove moisture from the laminated powder (121) by creating a high-temperature atmosphere inside the main body (123) of the fine powder removal unit (120) in various ways.

[0062] The powder supply unit (140) can transport the layered powder (121) from which fine powder (122) has been removed, and can supply the transported layered powder (121) to the supply pipe (141) of the 3D printer (200).

[0063] The supply pipe (141) is connected to the powder nozzle of the 3D printer (200) and can supply the layer powder (121) to the powder nozzle.

[0064] At this time, the powder supply unit (140) stores the laminated powder (121) after the fine powder (122) is removed in the fine powder removal unit (120). The stored laminated powder (121) can be supplied to the powder nozzle along with a carrier gas in a certain amount while the disk plate provided in the powder supply unit (140) rotates at a constant rate.

[0065] Here, the heating unit (130) may further include a second heater (132) capable of applying a high-temperature atmosphere to the inside of the powder supply unit (140).

[0066] The second heater (132) may be composed of a heating wire that surrounds the powder supply unit (140), similar to the first heater (131) described above, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the second heater (132) may heat the powder supply unit (140) using infrared rays or microwaves to create a high-temperature atmosphere inside the powder supply unit (140).

[0067] Accordingly, the layer powder (121) can improve the flowability of the layer powder (121) by separating the aggregated layer powder (121), removing fine powder (122), and removing moisture, and can form a uniform layer (310) and a 3D printer (200) product of excellent quality.

[0068] The above detailed description is illustrative of the present invention. Furthermore, the foregoing describes preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention may be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments. That is, modifications or alterations are possible within the scope of the concept of the invention disclosed herein, the scope equivalent to the disclosed content, and / or the scope of the art or knowledge. The described embodiments describe the best state for implementing the technical concept of the present invention, and various modifications required for specific fields of application and uses of the present invention are possible. Accordingly, the above detailed description of the invention is not intended to limit the present invention to the disclosed embodiments. Additionally, the appended claims should be interpreted as including other embodiments. Explanation of the symbols

[0069] 100: Fine powder removal device for powder supplied to a 3D printer 110: Powder storage unit 120: Fine powder removal unit 121 : Layered powder 122 : Fine powder 123 : Main body 124 : Classifier 125 : Transfer pipe 126 : Storage section 127: Vibration generating part 128: Air intake part 130 : Heating unit 131 : First heater 132 : Second heater 140 : Powder supply unit 200 : 3D printer 300 : Laminate plate 310 : Laminate

Claims

Claim 1 A powder removal device for powder supplied to a 3D printer, comprising: a powder storage unit in which additive powder is stored; a fine powder removal unit into which additive powder is introduced from the powder storage unit, which separates and removes fine powder from the introduced additive powder, and which supplies the additive powder from which fine powder has been removed to a 3D printer; a heating unit for removing moisture from the additive powder; and a powder supply unit into which the additive powder from which fine powder has been removed is conveyed and which supplies the conveyed additive powder to a supply pipe of the 3D printer, wherein the fine powder removal unit comprises a main body into which additive powder is introduced from the powder storage unit, and the heating unit comprises: a first heater provided to surround the main body and which removes moisture by applying a high-temperature atmosphere inside the fine powder removal unit by heating the air inside the main body; and a second heater provided to surround the powder supply unit and which removes moisture by applying a high-temperature atmosphere inside the powder supply unit by heating the powder supply unit. Claim 2 A powder removal device for a 3D printer supplied with powder according to claim 1, wherein the fine powder removal unit further comprises a classifier provided inside the main body for separating the layered powder and the fine powder, and a fine powder collection unit for collecting the fine powder separated from the classifier. Claim 3 A fine powder removal device for a 3D printer supplied with powder, wherein the fine powder removal unit comprises a vibration generating unit provided in the main body and applying vibration to the classifier to separate the layered powder and the fine powder. Claim 4 A fine powder removal device for a powder supplied to a 3D printer, wherein the fine powder removal unit further comprises a transfer pipe through which the laminated powder from which fine powder has been removed in the classifier is transferred, a storage unit in which the laminated powder moving through the transfer pipe is stored, and a vibration generating unit that applies vibration to the bottom surface of the storage unit to separate fine powder from the laminated powder. Claim 5 In claim 4, the fine powder removal unit further comprises an air intake unit that removes fine powder by sucking in fine powder separated from the layered powder and aerosolized by the vibration of the vibration generating unit, thereby forming a fine powder removal device for powder supplied to a 3D printer. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete

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