Automatic impregnation device for 3D printing

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic impregnation device for 3D printing, which automates steps of impregnating 3D printed articles with phenolic resin and curing, comprising as main components a main desiccator, an auxiliary desiccator, a connecting tube, a valve, a motor, a belt, and a vacuum pump. To improve the quality and performance of printed articles of a 3D printer, an impregnation process using phenolic resin is performed utilizing a vacuum desiccator, whereby the phenolic resin is not exposed to air and the impregnation process is automated, thereby achieving the effects of improving product quality consistency and working environment stability.

Description

Automatic impregnation device for 3D printing

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic impregnation device for 3D printing, which automates the impregnation process using a vacuum desiccator to improve the quality and performance of the results of a 3D printer, without exposing the phenol resin to the air, thereby reducing errors caused by manual work.

[0002] In modern industry, 3D printing technology is revolutionizing a wide range of fields. In particular, this technology, capable of quickly and accurately producing complex products, allows for efficient customization according to user needs.

[0003] Among these, binder jet 3D printing technology sprays liquid adhesive on powdered materials to combine and layer the powders. Unlike conventional 3D printers, it can produce metallic results, and is therefore being utilized in various industries, including automobiles, electrical and electronics, heavy industry, and energy.

[0004] Typically, structures printed using 3D printers are manufactured by layering materials, which often results in less structural durability than parts produced using conventional methods. Therefore, the printed product undergoes a post-processing process, where the printed product is impregnated with phenolic resin to enhance the mechanical strength and durability of the part.

[0005] In particular, phenolic resin is a thermosetting plastic with high heat resistance and mechanical strength. Impregnation is achieved by immersing 3D-printed parts in phenolic resin or pouring the resin into the part. This process ensures that the resin is evenly distributed across all surfaces and internal spaces of the part. The impregnated parts are then heat-treated to harden them. During this process, the phenolic resin hardens, increasing the part's strength. The cured parts undergo additional post-processing, including machining, surface finishing, and painting, as needed, to complete the final product.

[0006] However, manually performing the impregnation process presents several challenges. It's time-consuming, resulting in low productivity. It relies heavily on the skill and experience of the worker, leading to inconsistencies. Furthermore, the use of chemicals like phenolic resin can pose a threat to worker health and safety. Furthermore, the difficulty of accurately measuring the amount of material can lead to waste of phenolic resin.

[0007] Meanwhile, in relation to the above, Korean Patent No. 10-1968566 discloses a multi-angle composite 3D printer nozzle, but fails to resolve the problems of the phenol resin described above.

[0008] Accordingly, an invention to solve the above problem became necessary.

[0009] Meanwhile, the background technology described above is technical information that the inventor possessed for the purpose of deriving the present invention or acquired in the process of deriving the present invention, and cannot necessarily be said to be publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the application for the present invention.

[0010] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic impregnation device for 3D printing.

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention includes a vacuum desiccator, a vacuum pump, an automatic opening / closing device between the desiccator, and a heating device, and through this configuration, an automatic impregnation device for 3D printing can be provided.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the consistency of product quality can be improved by minimizing human errors that may occur during the phenol resin impregnation process and ensuring a uniform impregnation level for each part.

[0013] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, by automating manual work, work time is shortened and the complexity of the work process is reduced, thereby increasing overall production efficiency and reducing production costs in the long term.

[0014] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, phenol resin can be stored without yellowing, thereby extending the aesthetic quality and life of the material and making the physical properties of the material the same.

[0015] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the automatic impregnation device for 3D printing can reduce negative impacts on the environment by reducing material waste and enabling efficient use of resources.

[0016] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the automatic impregnation device for 3D printing can improve the safety of the work environment by reducing risks that may occur when a worker directly handles chemicals.

[0017] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, it can be applied to parts of various sizes and shapes and can be easily adapted to diverse production requirements. This allows users to quickly respond to market changes and produce products tailored to diverse customer needs.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a drawing specifically illustrating an automatic impregnation device for 3D printing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the upper part of an automatic impregnation device for 3D printing according to an embodiment of the present invention removed.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a front view of an automatic impregnation device for 3D printing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a drawing of an automatic impregnation device for 3D printing according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the right side.

[0022] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, irrelevant parts have been omitted for clarity of description, and similar reference numerals have been used throughout the specification to indicate similar elements.

[0023] Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only the cases where the parts are "directly connected" but also the cases where the parts are "electrically connected" with other elements intervening. Furthermore, when a part is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather includes other components, unless otherwise stated.

[0024] The present invention is a device for automating a process of impregnating and curing a 3D printed article with a phenol resin, and is an automatic impregnation device for 3D printing, comprising: a main desiccator (100) having a grid-shaped heating wire (110) inside to increase the efficiency of the impregnation and curing process and provide consistency; an auxiliary desiccator (210, 220) disposed below the main desiccator but having a vacuum pump (700) attached to the side; an auxiliary desiccator cap (230, 240); a connecting pipe (400) connecting the main desiccator (100) and the auxiliary desiccator (210, 220) but including a valve (300); and the valve (300) is interlocked with a motor (600) and a belt (500) installed in the desiccator.

[0025] The main desiccator (100), which is a component of the present invention, includes a grid-shaped heating wire (110) inside, and the grid-shaped structure can form a space in which a phenol resin can move for impregnation of a 3D printed material, and the printed material can be placed on the heating wire (110), and effective heat distribution is possible, so that uniform curing can be performed on all parts of the printed material.

[0026] Specifically, the main desiccator (100) can have printed matter placed on top of the grid-shaped heating wire (110) inside. However, the printed matter has a low hardness before impregnation and can be damaged even by a small impact. Therefore, it is necessary to simultaneously impregnate and heat the printed matter to prevent contact with human hands or external impact. In the present invention, impregnation and heating can be performed simultaneously, thereby minimizing the possibility of external impact.

[0027] In addition, the material of the main desiccator (100) is made of a material that is resistant to heat and does not cause a chemical reaction with the resin, and the internal heating wire (110) is capable of precise temperature control, so that a specific temperature can be maintained during the impregnation and curing process.

[0028] The main desiccator (100) is connected to the auxiliary desiccators (210, 220) by a connection pipe (400), so that the resin stored in the auxiliary desiccators (210, 220) can be transferred to perform impregnation work on the entire printed material placed on the heating wire (110).

[0029] The configuration of the main desiccator (100) of one embodiment of the present invention provides an automated device to ensure that phenol resin is evenly impregnated into the printed matter, thereby ensuring consistency of impregnation and minimizing errors or unevenness that may occur during manual work. Furthermore, the heating wire (110) within the main desiccator (100) directly transfers heat to the printed matter, accelerating the curing process and enabling more efficient operation.

[0030] An auxiliary desiccator (210, 220) of one embodiment of the present invention is configured to be detachably attached to a desiccator cap (230, 240) positioned on the upper portion of the auxiliary desiccator (210, 220), and is an automatic impregnation device for 3D printing in which the internal pressure is controlled by a vacuum pump (700).

[0031] In addition, it is composed of a first auxiliary desiccator (210) and a second auxiliary desiccator (220), is connected to the main desiccator (100) by a connecting pipe (400), is placed on the lower left and right sides of the main desiccator (100), and is sealed by an auxiliary desiccator cap (230, 240).

[0032] An automatic impregnation device for 3D printing, comprising a first auxiliary desiccator (210) for storing phenol to be introduced into a main desiccator (100) and a second auxiliary desiccator (220) for receiving phenol from the main desiccator (100), wherein a vacuum pump (700) is mounted on the outer side of each auxiliary desiccator (210, 220), through which the inside of the desiccator is maintained in a vacuum state, and by controlling the internal pressure during impregnation, the phenol resin can be moved to the main desiccator (100) through a connecting pipe (400).

[0033] A vacuum pump (700) of one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the outer side of an auxiliary desiccator (210, 220) and has a function of maintaining the interior of the auxiliary desiccator (210, 220) in a vacuum state. This prevents the phenol resin being stored from reacting with nitrogen or oxygen and causing yellowing, and maintains the viscosity of the phenol resin at a level suitable for operation.

[0034] Additionally, the internal pressure difference during the phenol resin impregnation process can be utilized to move the phenol resin to different desiccators. By varying the pressures of the three desiccators, the phenol resin can be filled only in a specific desiccator, enabling uniform impregnation across the entire printed material, unlike manual impregnation.

[0035] Specifically, the pressure of three desiccators can be controlled by the connecting pipe and valve described later to move the phenol resin present in each desiccator. In the present invention, the first auxiliary desiccator (210) is defined as a desiccator that stores the phenol resin at the beginning of the operation, and the second auxiliary desiccator (220) is defined as a desiccator that stores the phenol resin after the operation is completed. When the phenol resin stored in the first auxiliary desiccator (210) is connected to the first auxiliary desiccator (210) and the main desiccator (100), the phenol resin inside can move toward the main desiccator (100) that is controlled to a relatively low pressure.

[0036] In addition, when the work is finished, the pressure of the second auxiliary desiccator (220) connected to the main desiccator (100) is reduced to the maximum so that the phenol resin of the main desiccator (100) moves to the second auxiliary desiccator (220), and through this, the phenol resin moved to the second auxiliary desiccator (220) can be recycled in subsequent work.

[0037] To be more specific, the main desiccator (100) is maintained in a low-pressure state (a state where the pressure is lowered as much as possible to be as close to 0 atm), and when the first auxiliary desiccator (210) with a pressure of 1 atm is combined, the phenol resin preserved in the first auxiliary desiccator (210) can move to the main desiccator (100). In the main desiccator (100), impregnation of a printed material can proceed on the heating wire (110), and the main desiccator can also be at a pressure of 1 atm.

[0038] Afterwards, a second auxiliary desiccator (220) maintained at a low pressure (close to 0 atm) is connected to the main desiccator (100) so that the phenol resin preserved in the main desiccator (100) can be moved to the second auxiliary desiccator (220).

[0039] Meanwhile, the configuration of the connecting pipe (400) and the valve (300), and the power transmission method of the motor (600) and belt (500) for operating the valve (300) are described below.

[0040] The connecting pipe (400) is located between the main desiccator (100) and the auxiliary desiccator (210, 220), and serves as a passage that allows phenol resin to flow between the two components. It is an automatic impregnation device for 3D printing that is connected to a motor (600) installed on the top of the auxiliary desiccator (210, 220) and a belt (500) to open and close a valve (300).

[0041] Additionally, the connecting pipe (400) can be opened and closed by the valve (300) to change the pressure conditions inside the desiccator, and is a path used when storing the phenol resin under suitable conditions and moving it to another desiccator.

[0042] In addition, the connecting pipe (400) may have a smooth inner surface so that the phenol resin can easily move inside in order to optimize the smooth flow of materials as well as precise control of internal pressure, and the material must not be corroded or damaged by the phenol resin, must have sufficient strength and durability, and must be able to maintain stable performance without deformation or damage even after long-term use.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the opening and closing of the connecting pipe (400) is controlled by a valve (300). This valve (300) is driven by a motor (600) and belt (500) system and can be automatically opened and closed according to a user-defined program. This automation increases the efficiency of the impregnation process, minimizes human intervention, and reduces the possibility of errors during the production process, thereby maintaining consistent quality of the resulting product.

[0044] Additionally, the connecting tube (400) can also function to maintain a vacuum state of the phenol resin in conjunction with the vacuum pump (700). The resin in a vacuum state can be stably stored and its quality maintained by minimizing contact with air during the impregnation process. This prevents yellowing of the resin and maintains an appropriate viscosity, facilitating a smoother impregnation process.

[0045] The primary function of the motor (600) of one embodiment of the present invention is to control the opening and closing of the valve (300) via the belt (500). This movement allows the phenol resin to move between the main desiccator (100) and the auxiliary desiccators (210, 220) via the connecting pipe (400). Therefore, the motor (600) must be able to precisely control the timing of opening and closing the valve, provide sufficient torque to overcome the resistance generated when opening and closing the valve, and have high precision and repeatability. Depending on the performance of the motor (600), the precision of the impregnation process can be significantly improved.

[0046] The motor (600) may vary depending on the requirements of the impregnation device. The motor's power, speed, precision, response time, and durability can directly impact the overall performance of the impregnation device. Therefore, the motor must be selected as a model suitable for the operating environment of the device and capable of providing stable performance over a long period of time.

[0047] Additionally, the control system of the motor (600) can be programmed by the user to adjust to various impregnation requirements. This ensures that the resin reaches only the specific areas requiring impregnation, thereby preventing resin waste and maintaining consistent print quality.

[0048] The motor (600) can also monitor the status of the valve (300) in conjunction with various sensors and automatically make any necessary adjustments. This increases the degree of automation of the entire impregnation system and minimizes operator intervention, thereby improving overall productivity and safety.

[0049] Maintenance of the motor (600) is also important. The motor (600) installed on the upper part of the auxiliary desiccator (210, 220) is located outside the device and is easy to replace, so that the user can easily respond in case of a breakdown.

[0050] The belt (500) of one embodiment of the present invention performs the function of transmitting mechanical power generated from the motor (600) to the valve (300). This process enables automation of the impregnation device and can improve the accuracy and efficiency of the movement of the phenol resin and the impregnation process for the printed material.

[0051] The belt (500) is typically made of a material that is flexible yet possesses strong tensile strength, allowing it to withstand repeated use over long periods of time. The belt (500) is typically made of rubber, polyurethane, silicone, or a composite thereof, and may sometimes be reinforced with metal or fiber-reinforced plastic. The belt (500) manufactured using such materials can maintain flexibility and durability even under high-speed rotation and tension. Furthermore, like the motor (600), it is located outside the device, making it easy to replace.

[0052] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential features thereof. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

[0053] 100: Main desiccator

[0054] 110: Hot wire

[0055] 210: First auxiliary desiccator

[0056] 220: Second auxiliary desiccator

[0057] 230: First auxiliary desiccator cap

[0058] 240: Second auxiliary desiccator cap

[0059] 300: Valve

[0060] 400: Connector

[0061] 500: Belt

[0062] 600: Motor

[0063] 700: Vacuum pump

Claims

1. A device for automating the process of impregnating and curing phenol resin into a 3D printed material. Main desiccator containing grid-type heating elements inside An auxiliary desiccator placed below the main desiccator and having a vacuum pump attached to the side; A connecting pipe connecting the main desiccator and the auxiliary desiccator and including a valve; The above valve is an automatic impregnation device for 3D printing that is connected to a motor and belt installed in a desiccator.

2. In paragraph 1, The above auxiliary desiccator, An automatic impregnation device for 3D printing, configured to be detachably attached to a desiccator cap disposed on the upper portion of the auxiliary desiccator, and having an internal pressure controlled by the vacuum pump.

3. In paragraph 1, The above connector is, An automatic impregnation device for 3D printing that opens and closes the valve and is connected to the motor installed on the top of the auxiliary desiccator by a belt.

4. In paragraph 3, The above auxiliary desiccator, A first auxiliary desiccator for storing phenol to be introduced into the main desiccator. An automatic impregnation device for 3D printing comprising a second auxiliary desiccator that receives phenol from the main desiccator.

Images