Thermal curing type ceramic-metal composite 3D printer

Abstract

A thermal curing type ceramic-metal composite 3D printer, comprising a base (1) and a working table (3). Load-bearing columns (2) are provided between the base (1) and the working table (3); a printing device (4) is provided on the working table (3); a heat source assembly (7) is provided above the printing device (4); a scrape-coating module (6) and an extrusion module (5) are respectively provided on two sides of the printing device (4), and the printing device (4) carries out a reciprocating motion between the scrape-coating module (6) and the extrusion module (5); and the printing device (4) comprise an X-axis translation module (41), a Y-axis translation module (42), a Z-axis raising / lowering module (43), and a print bed (44). By means of the reciprocating motion of the printing device (4) between the scrape-coating module (6) and the extrusion module (5), the composite printing and manufacturing of ceramic-metal composite materials stacked layer by layer is implemented, such that novel ceramic-metal composite devices can be rapidly developed, and the development cycle of ceramic-metal composite devices is shortened.

Description

A thermosetting ceramic-metal composite 3D printer Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of composite material processing, and in particular relates to a thermosetting ceramic-metal composite 3D printer. Background Art

[0002] Ceramic-metal composites are composite materials that combine the advantages of ceramics and metals and are widely used in various passive devices, such as electronic components like capacitors, resistors, and inductors. Existing ceramic-metal composites are typically formed using a tape casting-laminate molding method, but this method is limited by the technical characteristics of the electronic components themselves, resulting in long development cycles for new products. For example, when developing new MLCC (chip multilayer ceramic capacitor) products, it is necessary to design a printing screen. However, printing screens are consumables and have a long design cycle. Furthermore, during the development of new MLCC products, the printing screens must be repeatedly optimized, resulting in long development cycles and low development efficiency for MLCCs.

[0003] Prior art, such as patent publication number CN113161149A, discloses a method for producing crack-resistant MLCC chip capacitors, including ball milling, batching, slurry mixing, tape casting, electrode printing, lamination, cutting, binder removal, end burnout, nickel plating, tin plating, testing, and packaging. However, printing electrodes in this method requires designing a printing screen, which is a consumable item and has a long design cycle, leading to a long MLCC development cycle.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a thermosetting ceramic-metal composite 3D printer to solve the above shortcomings. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In response to the problems in the existing technology, the present invention proposes a thermosetting ceramic-metal composite 3D printer. Ceramic slurry is coated on the printing table through a scraping module, and metal slurry is coated on the printing table through an extrusion module. Ceramic and metal are stacked layer by layer for composite printing and manufacturing. This can quickly develop new ceramic-metal composite devices and shorten the development cycle of new ceramic-metal composite devices.

[0006] The present invention is implemented as follows: a thermosetting ceramic-metal composite 3D printer includes a base and a workbench, wherein a plurality of load-bearing columns are provided between the base and the workbench, and the load-bearing columns simultaneously connect the base and the workbench.

[0007] A printing device is provided on the workbench, the printing device is connected to the workbench, a heat source assembly is provided above the printing device, and the heat source assembly is fixed to the workbench; a scraping module and an extrusion module are respectively provided on both sides of the printing device, the scraping module is used to supply the first raw material, and the extrusion module is used to supply the second raw material; the printing device reciprocates between the scraping module and the extrusion module;

[0008] The printing device includes an X-axis translation module, a Y-axis translation module, a Z-axis lifting module and a printing table; the X-axis translation module includes a plurality of X-axis rails, an X-axis drive unit and an X-axis slider, the X-axis rails extend along the X-axis direction and are fixedly connected to the workbench, the X-axis drive unit is mounted and fixed on the X-axis rails and is in transmission connection with the X-axis slider; the Y-axis translation module includes a plurality of Y-axis rails, a Y-axis drive unit and a Y-axis slider, the Y-axis rails extend along the Y-axis direction and are fixedly connected to the X-axis slider, the Y-axis drive unit is mounted and fixed on the Y-axis rails and is in transmission connection with the Y-axis slider; the Z-axis lifting module includes a fixed seat and a Z-axis drive unit, the fixed seat is fixedly connected to the Y-axis slider, the Z-axis drive unit is mounted and fixed on the fixed seat and is in transmission connection with the printing table;

[0009] During printing, the printing table first moves to the bottom of the scraping module or the extrusion module, and the scraping module or the extrusion module performs the first printing on the printing table. Then the printing table moves to the bottom of the heat source component, and the heat source component thermally cures the raw material on the printing table. Then the printing table moves to the extrusion module or the scraping module, and the extrusion module or the scraping module performs the second printing on the printing table. Then the printing table moves to the bottom of the heat source component, and the heat source component thermally cures the raw material on the printing table again. This process is repeated until the number of printed layers reaches the set value, and printing is completed.

[0010] Preferably, the scraping module includes a plurality of scraping rails, a scraping drive unit, and a scraping slider. The scraping rails extend along the X-axis and are fixed to the workbench. The scraping drive unit is mounted and fixed on the scraping rails, and is in transmission connection with the scraping slider. The scraper is also connected to the scraping slider. The scraper is also provided with a pre-scraping table, which is arranged below the scraper. The scraping module is used to apply the ceramic slurry on the printing table and evenly scrape it with the scraper so that the ceramic slurry is evenly distributed on the printing table. The pre-scraping table is used to pre-scrape the ceramic slurry to form a relatively uniform ceramic slurry on the pre-scraping table, and then scrape the relatively uniform ceramic slurry onto the printing table to further ensure the uniformity of the ceramic slurry on the printing table, thereby improving the reliability of the 3D printer.

[0011] Specifically, the pre-scraping table is provided with multiple parallel feed holes, each connected to an external first raw material bin. The multiple feed holes can reduce the height of the ceramic slurry while maintaining the total amount of ceramic slurry, making it easier for the scraper to apply the ceramic slurry and ensuring a good scraping effect.

[0012] Specifically, the feed hole has a first feed opening at its lower end and a first discharge opening at its upper end, the first discharge opening being flush with the pre-scraping table. The feed hole utilizes a bottom-up feeding method, which allows for more precise control of the height of the ceramic slurry on the pre-scraping table, thereby ensuring the feeding accuracy of the ceramic slurry. However, since ceramic slurry is in a slurry-like state, a top-down feeding method would subject the ceramic slurry to the influence of gravity during feeding, resulting in errors. Furthermore, with multiple feed holes, these errors would accumulate, making it difficult to ensure the feeding accuracy of the ceramic slurry.

[0013] Preferably, the extrusion module includes a mounting bracket fixed to the workbench and a plurality of feeders arranged in parallel, each mounted on the mounting bracket and connected to an external second raw material bin. The parallel arrangement of multiple feeders allows for the metal slurry to be fed in a dispersed manner, facilitating uniform distribution of the metal slurry on the printing table or forming a specific pattern.

[0014] Specifically, the feeder has a second feed opening at its upper end and a second discharge opening at its lower end. The second discharge opening gradually decreases in size from top to bottom, forming an inverted cone. The inverted cone shape of the second discharge opening improves feeding accuracy. Because the second discharge opening has a small diameter, any feeding error is positively correlated with the diameter of the second discharge opening. The smaller the diameter of the second discharge opening, the smaller the error.

[0015] Preferably, the heat source assembly includes a plurality of heat source rails, a heat source drive unit, and a heat source slider. The heat source rails extend along the Y-axis and are fixedly connected to the workbench. The heat source drive unit is mounted and fixed on the heat source rails and is in transmission connection with the heat source slider. The heat source assembly also includes a heating unit, which is connected to the heat source slider. The heat source assembly is used to thermally cure the ceramic raw material and / or metal raw material on the printing table. The heating unit reciprocates under the drive of the heat source drive unit, expanding the heating area of ​​the heating unit, ensuring that the heating unit can heat and cure the entire printing table, and ensuring the reliability of the heat source assembly.

[0016] Specifically, the heating unit includes a resistance heating device and an infrared heating device.

[0017] Preferably, a clearance hole is provided in the middle of the workbench, the size of which is adapted to the range of motion of the printing device. The clearance hole is used to avoid the printing device during operation, making the structure of the 3D printer more compact and helping to reduce the volume of the 3D printer.

[0018] Preferably, it further comprises a control module, wherein the control module is electrically connected to the X-axis drive unit, the Y-axis drive unit and the Z-axis drive unit;

[0019] The control module includes several synchronization controllers, and the drive units of the same module are connected to the same synchronization controller. The synchronization controller is used to ensure the synchronization of the drive units in the same module, improving the synchronization of the drive units within the same module, further improving the smoothness of the movement of the printing device, and preventing the printing device from being stuck due to asynchrony between the drive units. Beneficial effects

[0020] The present invention realizes the composite printing manufacturing of stacked layers of ceramic-metal composite materials by reciprocating the printing device between the coating module and the extrusion module, which can quickly develop new ceramic-metal composite devices and shorten the development cycle of ceramic-metal composite devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG1 is an overall schematic diagram of a 3D printer of the present invention;

[0022] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a printing device of a 3D printer of the present invention;

[0023] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a scraping module of a 3D printer of the present invention;

[0024] FIG4 is another schematic diagram of the scraping module of the 3D printer of the present invention;

[0025] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of an extrusion module of a 3D printer of the present invention;

[0026] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a heat source assembly of a 3D printer of the present invention.

[0027] Reference numerals:

[0028] 1. Base; 2. Load-bearing column; 3. Workbench; 4. Printing device; 5. Extrusion module; 6. Scraping module; 7. Heat source assembly; 8. Control module; 41. X-axis translation module; 42. Y-axis translation module; 43. Z-axis lifting module; 44. Printing table; 51. Mounting bracket; 52. Feeder; 61. Scraping track; 62. Scraping drive unit; 63. Scraping slider; 64. Scraper; 65. Pre-scraping table; 71. Heat source track; 72. Heat source drive unit; 73. Heat source slider; 74. Heating unit; 411. X-axis track; 412. X-axis drive unit; 421. Y-axis track; 422. Y-axis drive unit; 431. Fixed seat; 432. Z-axis drive unit; 521. Second feed port; 522. Second discharge port; 651. Feed hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, a thermosetting ceramic-metal composite 3D printer includes a base 1 and a workbench 3. A plurality of load-bearing columns 2 are provided between the base 1 and the workbench 3. The load-bearing columns 2 connect the base 1 and the workbench 3 at the same time.

[0031] A printing device 4 is provided on the workbench 3, and the printing device 4 is connected to the workbench 3. A heat source component 7 is provided above the printing device 4, and the heat source component 7 is installed and fixed on the workbench 3;

[0032] In this embodiment, the heat source assembly 7 includes a plurality of heat source rails 71, a heat source drive unit 72, and a heat source slider 73. The heat source rails 71 extend along the Y-axis direction and are fixed to the workbench 3. The heat source drive unit 72 is mounted and fixed on the heat source rails 71 and is in transmission connection with the heat source slider 73. The heat source assembly 7 also includes a heating unit 74, which is connected to the heat source slider 73. The heat source assembly 7 is used to thermally cure the ceramic raw material and / or metal raw material on the printing table 44. The heating unit 74 reciprocates under the drive of the heat source drive unit 72. Since the heating unit 74 continuously releases heat, in order to prevent the heating unit 74 from affecting the slurry in the feed, when curing of the raw material is not required, the heating unit 74 is driven away from the printing table 44 by the heat source drive unit 72.

[0033] Specifically, the heat source driving unit 72 is a motor; the heating unit 74 is a resistance heating device.

[0034] A scraping module 6 and an extrusion module 5 are respectively provided on both sides of the printing device 4. The scraping module 6 is used to supply the first raw material, and the extrusion module 5 is used to supply the second raw material. The printing device 4 reciprocates between the scraping module 6 and the extrusion module 5.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first raw material is ceramic slurry; the second raw material is metal slurry.

[0036] In this embodiment, the scraping module 6 includes a plurality of scraping rails 61, a scraping drive unit 62, and a scraping slider 63. The scraping rails 61 extend along the X-axis and are fixedly connected to the workbench 3. The scraping drive unit 62 is mounted and fixed on the scraping rails 61 and is in transmission connection with the scraping slider 63. The scraping module 6 also includes a scraper 64 connected to the scraping slider 63. The scraper 64 also includes a pre-scraping table 65, which is arranged below the scraper 64. The scraping module 6 is used to apply ceramic slurry to the printing table 44 and evenly scrape the ceramic slurry with the scraper 64, so that the ceramic slurry is evenly distributed on the printing table 44. The pre-scraping table 65 is used to pre-scrape the ceramic slurry to form a relatively uniform ceramic slurry on the pre-scraping table 65, and then scrape the relatively uniform ceramic slurry onto the printing table 44, further ensuring the uniformity of the ceramic slurry on the printing table 44, thereby improving the reliability of the 3D printer.

[0037] In this embodiment, the scraping drive unit 62 is a motor.

[0038] Specifically, the pre-scraping platform 65 is provided with a plurality of parallel feed holes 651, which are connected to an external first raw material bin via a pipe. These multiple feed holes 651 can reduce the height of the ceramic slurry while maintaining the total amount of ceramic slurry, making it easier for the scraper 64 to scrape the ceramic slurry, ensuring a good scraping effect.

[0039] Specifically, the feed hole 651 has a first feed port at its lower end and a first discharge port at its upper end, the first discharge port being flush with the pre-scraping table 65. The feed hole 651 adopts a bottom-up feeding method, which can more accurately control the height of the ceramic slurry on the pre-scraping table 65, thereby ensuring the feeding accuracy of the ceramic slurry. Since ceramic slurry is in a paste-like state, the top-down feeding method will cause the ceramic slurry to be affected by gravity during feeding, resulting in errors. Moreover, if there are multiple feed holes 651, the errors will accumulate, making it difficult to ensure the feeding accuracy of the ceramic slurry.

[0040] In this embodiment, the extrusion module 5 includes a mounting bracket 51 fixed to the workbench 3 and a plurality of feeders 52 arranged in parallel. Each feeder 52 is fixed to the mounting bracket 51 and connected to an external second raw material bin. The parallel arrangement of the multiple feeders 52 allows for the metal slurry to be fed in a dispersed manner, facilitating uniform distribution of the metal slurry on the printing table 44 or forming a specific pattern.

[0041] Specifically, the feeder 52 has a second feed opening 521 at its upper end and a second discharge opening 522 at its lower end. The second discharge opening 522 tapers downward from top to bottom, forming an inverted cone. The inverted cone shape of the second discharge opening 522 improves feeding accuracy. Due to the small diameter of the second discharge opening 522, any feeding error is positively correlated with the diameter of the second discharge opening 522. The smaller the diameter of the second discharge opening 522, the smaller the error.

[0042] The printing device 4 includes an X-axis translation module 41, a Y-axis translation module 42, a Z-axis lifting module 43 and a printing table 44; the X-axis translation module 41 includes a plurality of X-axis rails 411, an X-axis driving unit 412 and an X-axis slider, the X-axis rail 411 extends along the X-axis direction and is fixed to the workbench 3, the X-axis driving unit 412 is installed and fixed on the X-axis rail 411 and is in transmission connection with the X-axis slider; the Y-axis translation module 42 includes a plurality of Y-axis rails 421, The Y-axis drive unit 422 and the Y-axis slider, the Y-axis track 421 extends along the Y-axis direction and is fixedly connected to the X-axis slider, the Y-axis drive unit 422 is installed and fixed on the Y-axis track 421, and is transmission-connected to the Y-axis slider; the Z-axis lifting module 43 includes a fixed seat 431 and a Z-axis drive unit 432, the fixed seat 431 is fixedly connected to the Y-axis slider, the Z-axis drive unit 432 is installed and fixed on the fixed seat 431, and is transmission-connected to the printing table 44.

[0043] In this embodiment, the X-axis driving unit 412 , the Y-axis driving unit 422 , and the Z-axis driving unit 432 are all motors.

[0044] The system further includes a control module 8 , which is electrically connected to the X-axis driving unit 412 , the Y-axis driving unit 422 , and the Z-axis driving unit 432 .

[0045] In this embodiment, the control module 8 includes multiple synchronization controllers, and the drive units of the same module are simultaneously connected to the same synchronization controller. The synchronization controller is used to ensure the synchronization of the drive units of the same module, thereby improving the synchronization of the drive units within the same module, further improving the smoothness of the movement of the printing device 4, and preventing the printing device 4 from being stuck due to asynchrony between the drive units.

[0046] In this embodiment, the synchronous controller is a multi-motor synchronous controller.

[0047] In this embodiment, a clearance hole is provided in the middle of the workbench 3. The size of the clearance hole is adapted to the range of motion of the printing device 4. The clearance hole is used to avoid the printing device 4 during operation, making the structure of the 3D printer more compact and helping to reduce the size of the 3D printer.

[0048] In this embodiment, the working principle of the 3D printer is as follows: the printing table 44 first moves to the bottom of the scraping module 6, the ceramic slurry starts to be fed from the feed hole 651, the scraper 64 pre-scrapes the ceramic slurry on the pre-scraping table 65, and then scrapes the pre-scraped ceramic slurry onto the printing table 44, then the printing table 44 moves to the bottom of the heat source component 7, the heating unit 74 moves to the top of the printing table 44, and thermally cures the ceramic slurry on the printing table 44 to form a ceramic coating, and then the heating unit 74 moves again, away from the printing table 44, because the heating unit 74 will continue to release heat, in order to avoid the heating unit 74 on the feed The slurry is affected, and when the slurry does not need to be cured, the heating unit 74 is moved away from the printing table 44; then, the printing table 44 moves to the bottom of the extrusion module 5, and the metal slurry starts to be fed from the feeder 52. Multiple feeders 52 print the metal slurry on the ceramic coating to form a specific pattern, and then the printing table 44 moves to the bottom of the heat source component 7 again, and the heating unit 74 moves to the top of the printing table 44 to thermally cure the metal slurry on the printing table 44 to form a metal coating, and then the heating unit 74 moves again and moves away from the printing table 44; repeat the above steps, and when the number of printing layers reaches the set value, printing is completed.

[0049] Based on the disclosure and teachings of the above description, those skilled in the art may also make changes and modifications to the above embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and described above, and any modifications and variations of the invention should also fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention. In addition, although certain specific terms are used in this description, these terms are for convenience of description only and do not constitute any limitation to the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermosetting ceramic-metal composite 3D printer, comprising a base and a workbench, wherein a plurality of load-bearing columns are arranged between the base and the workbench, and the load-bearing columns simultaneously connect the base and the workbench, characterized in that: A printing device is provided on the workbench, the printing device is connected to the workbench, a heat source component is provided above the printing device, and the heat source component is installed on the workbench; a scraping module and an extrusion module are provided on both sides of the printing device, the scraping module is used to supply the first raw material, and the extrusion module is used to supply the second raw material; the printing device reciprocates between the scraping module and the extrusion module; The printing device includes an X-axis translation module, a Y-axis translation module, a Z-axis lifting module and a printing table; the X-axis translation module includes a plurality of X-axis rails, an X-axis driving unit and an X-axis slider, the X-axis rails extend along the X-axis direction and are fixedly connected to the workbench, the X-axis driving unit is installed and fixed on the X-axis rails and is in transmission connection with the X-axis slider; the Y-axis translation module includes a plurality of Y-axis rails, a Y-axis driving unit and a Y-axis slider, the Y-axis rails extend along the Y-axis direction and are fixedly connected to the X-axis slider, the Y-axis driving unit is installed and fixed on the Y-axis rails and is in transmission connection with the Y-axis slider; the Z-axis lifting module includes a fixed seat and a Z-axis driving unit, the fixed seat is fixedly connected to the Y-axis slider, the Z-axis driving unit is installed and fixed on the fixed seat and is in transmission connection with the printing table; During printing, the printing table first moves to the bottom of the scraping module or the extrusion module, and the scraping module or the extrusion module performs the first printing on the printing table. Then the printing table moves to the bottom of the heat source component, and the heat source component thermally cures the raw material on the printing table. Then the printing table moves to the extrusion module or the scraping module, and the extrusion module or the scraping module performs the second printing on the printing table. Then the printing table moves to the bottom of the heat source component, and the heat source component thermally cures the raw material on the printing table again. This process is repeated until the number of printed layers reaches the set value, and printing is completed.

2. A thermosetting ceramic-metal composite 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The scraping module includes a plurality of scraping rails, a scraping drive unit and a scraping slider. The scraping rails extend along the X-axis direction and are fixedly connected to the workbench. The scraping drive unit is installed and fixed on the scraping rails, and the scraping drive unit is transmission-connected to the scraping slider. It also includes a scraper, which is connected to the scraping slider. It also includes a pre-scraping table, which is arranged below the scraper.

3. A thermosetting ceramic-metal composite 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pre-scraping table is provided with a plurality of feed holes arranged in parallel, and the feed holes are connected to an external first raw material bin.

4. A thermosetting ceramic-metal composite 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lower end of the feed hole is provided with a first feed port, and the upper end is provided with a first discharge port, and the first discharge port is flush with the pre-scraping table.

5. A thermosetting ceramic-metal composite 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The extrusion module includes a mounting bracket, which is fixed to the workbench; and also includes a plurality of feeders arranged in parallel, which are fixedly mounted on the mounting bracket and connected to an external second raw material bin.

6. A thermosetting ceramic-metal composite 3D printer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The upper end of the feeder is provided with a second feed port, and the lower end is provided with a second discharge port, and the second discharge port gradually decreases from top to bottom and is in an inverted cone shape.

7. A thermosetting ceramic-metal composite 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat source assembly includes a plurality of heat source rails, a heat source driving unit and a heat source slider. The heat source rails extend along the Y-axis direction and are fixedly connected to the workbench. The heat source driving unit is installed and fixed on the heat source rails, and the heat source driving unit is transmission-connected to the heat source slider. The heat source assembly also includes a heating unit, which is connected to the heat source slider.

8. A thermosetting ceramic-metal composite 3D printer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The heating unit includes a resistance heating device and an infrared heating device.

9. A thermosetting ceramic-metal composite 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: A avoidance hole is arranged in the middle of the workbench, and the size of the avoidance hole is adapted to the activity range of the printing device.

10. The thermosetting ceramic-metal composite 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a control module, which is electrically connected to the X-axis drive unit, the Y-axis drive unit and the Z-axis drive unit; the control module includes a plurality of synchronous controllers, and the drive units of the same module are simultaneously connected to the same synchronous controller.

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