Printing method for post-processing 3D printed part, machine and 3D printer

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of 3D printing. Provided are a printing method for post-processing a 3D printed part, a machine and a 3D printer. The printing method comprises: generating a base structure at the bottom of a three-dimensional model to be printed, wherein the base structure is attached to the bottom of the three-dimensional model by means of Boolean operations; performing a slicing treatment on the three-dimensional model with the base structure, and then sending three-dimensional model data after the slicing treatment to a 3D printer for printing; and after the printing is completed, removing a printed part together with the attached base structure, and then mounting the printed part and the attached base structure in a post-processing machine for post-processing. According to the present invention, the base structure at the bottom of the three-dimensional model to be printed is first generated, and is then printed together with the 3D printed part. The 3D printed part can be secured onto a rotary platform by means of the base structure, thereby preventing the model from tipping over due to being excessively lightweight, and also facilitating the post-processing. In addition, a fixture can be used to grip the base structure, so as to perform all-around post-processing on the 3D printed part.

Description

Printing method, machine and 3D printer for post-processing of 3D printed parts Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a printing method, a machine and a 3D printer for post-processing of 3D printed parts. Background Art

[0002] Workpieces printed by FDM printers often lack a smooth surface and texture, requiring post-processing. Post-processing refers to all work performed on a part after it is removed from the 3D printer, including but not limited to cleaning, surface treatment, annealing, and even coloring. However, current post-processing of printed parts is mostly performed manually or with glue. This makes comprehensive post-processing difficult for complex, small, or lightweight parts, and the required quality standards cannot be achieved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0004] The present invention provides a printing method for post-processing a 3D printed part, the printing method comprising:

[0005] Generate a base structure at the bottom of the 3D model to be printed, and attach the base structure to the bottom of the 3D model through Boolean operations;

[0006] The three-dimensional model with the base structure is sliced ​​and then sent to the 3D printer for printing;

[0007] After printing is completed, it is removed together with the attached base structure and installed in a post-processing machine for post-processing.

[0008] Furthermore, the base structure includes a first part and a second part, the first part contacts the model body of the printed part, and the second part contacts the first part, and the density of the first part is lower than that of the second part, so as to facilitate disassembly;

[0009] The interval between the first and second printing layers and the interval between the first and 3D printed parts should be at least 40% of the nozzle diameter.

[0010] The first part will be the new print surface, which will include all bottom areas and the area of ​​the support parts that extend down to the print plane.

[0011] Furthermore, the base structure also includes a third part, the area of ​​the third part is larger than the second part, and is used for better platform adhesion.

[0012] Furthermore, the post-processing includes grinding the surface of the 3D model using a grinding medium and spray-coating the surface of the 3D model using a filling medium.

[0013] Furthermore, the post-processing includes selecting a suitable post-processing process according to the content of the 3D model, and the post-processing process includes processing medium and / or processing time and / or processing thickness, etc.

[0014] The present invention provides a machine for post-processing 3D printed parts, comprising: a drive assembly, a first spray assembly, and a fixture; the size of the fixture matches the second portion of the additional base, so that the 3D printed part can be directly installed in the fixture; the drive assembly is configured to spray the printed part evenly;

[0015] The driving assembly drives the fixture to rotate, and the driving assembly drives the injection assembly to move along the X and / or Y axis and / or Z axis and / or two additional rotation axes A and B, and the injection path is generated based on the CAD model;

[0016] The first spraying assembly may be a sandblasting air gun connected to an air pump for pressurized solid spraying, or a device for pressurized atomization of a medium and then spraying a liquid, wherein the medium may be putty paint;

[0017] The post-processing machine further includes a second spraying assembly, which may be a sandblasting air gun connected to an air pump for pressurized solid spraying, or a device for pressurized atomization of a medium and then spraying a liquid, wherein the medium may be putty paint or quick-drying paint;

[0018] The first spray assembly and the second spray assembly are linked together and can work together or in succession.

[0019] Furthermore, the first jetting assembly jets PVA glue, and the second jetting assembly jets texture spray or texture paint, which can form a special texture on the surface of the 3D printed part;

[0020] or,

[0021] The first jetting component sprays PVA glue, and the second jetting component sprays interior velvet powder, which can create a plush texture on the surface of the 3D printed part;

[0022] or,

[0023] The first jetting component jets light-curing resin, and the second jetting component jets one or more of talcum powder and / or corn starch and / or wollastonite, which can fill and remove layer lines on the surface of the 3D printed part;

[0024] or,

[0025] The first spraying assembly sprays a mixed material of light-curing resin and one or more solid particles of stone powder and / or corn starch and / or wollastonite, and the feed ratio (weight ratio) of the solid particles to the light-curing resin is 1:10-1:100.

[0026] Furthermore, it also includes a polishing component, which can be a polishing medium that wraps the 3D printed workpiece, such as stone particles, or an elastic member with sandpaper coated on the surface. The elastic member contacts the surface of the 3D printed workpiece and applies pressure for polishing. The elastic member can be configured with multiple, corresponding to sandpaper of different coarseness, or the elastic member can be a component driven by a follower drive assembly, following the movement of the 3D printer surface.

[0027] Furthermore, it also includes an atomizing device to atomize one or more of acetone, dichloromethane or isopropyl alcohol to evenly process the model with the base structure in the cavity. The base structure fixes the 3D printed part on the rotating platform to prevent the model from tipping over due to being too light.

[0028] Furthermore, it also includes an ion generator to ionize the air to facilitate medium coating.

[0029] Furthermore, a dust collecting device is included to collect and discharge the grinding medium.

[0030] Furthermore, it also includes an immersion cavity, in which there is an electrolyte. After the conductive medium is sprayed on the surface of the model through the spraying component, the model can be electroplated.

[0031] Furthermore, it also includes a humidity control component to control the humidity of the 3D printer to better perform coating or change its mechanical properties.

[0032] Furthermore, the system further includes a visual sensor configured to capture a 3D model of the device; optimize the spray trajectory based on the captured 3D model, or recommend the type of spray medium for the spray component based on the captured 3D model, or plan the motion trajectory of the polishing component based on the captured 3D model;

[0033] The visual sensor is configured to read the post-processing status, classify the post-processing area into a completed process area and an uncompleted process area, and further perform a spraying process on the uncompleted process area;

[0034] The visual sensor is configured to read the installation status of the model and to prompt when the model is taken out and / or not installed in place and / or does not meet the post-processing task;

[0035] The visual sensor is configured to read the model status, compare it with the CAD model, and process the identified dimensional deviations using a filler and / or polishing component;

[0036] The visual sensor may be one or more of an RGB sensor, a depth camera, a temporal camera, or a spectral camera.

[0037] Furthermore, the post-processing machine is electrically connected to the 3D printer, and the model file is transmitted from the 3D printer to the post-processing machine. The electrical connection can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0038] The present invention provides a 3D printer, comprising a printing base plate, a driving assembly and a nozzle assembly. Printing is performed on the printing base plate under the drive of the nozzle assembly and / or the driving assembly. The 3D printer also includes a post-processing machine.

[0039] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0040] The present invention first generates a base structure at the bottom of the three-dimensional model to be printed, and prints it together with the 3D printed part. Since the base structure can fix the 3D printed part on the rotating platform, it can prevent the model from tipping over due to being too light, and it can also facilitate post-processing. At the same time, the base structure can be clamped by a fixture to perform comprehensive post-processing on the 3D printed part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a 3D printed part with a base structure printed using the printing method of the present invention.

[0042] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a conventional 3D printed part.

[0043] FIG3 is a diagram showing the working state of the post-processing machine in the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be pointed out that the embodiments are only specific explanations of the invention and should not be regarded as limitations of the invention. The purpose of the embodiments is to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and reproduce the technical solutions of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention shall still be based on the scope defined by the claims.

[0045] The present invention provides a printing method for post-processing a 3D printed part, the printing method comprising:

[0046] Generate a base structure at the bottom of the 3D model to be printed, and attach the base structure to the bottom of the 3D model through Boolean operations;

[0047] The three-dimensional model with the base structure (as shown in FIG1 ) is sliced ​​and then sent to a 3D printer for printing;

[0048] After printing is completed, it is removed together with the attached base structure and installed in a post-processing machine for post-processing.

[0049] In some preferred embodiments, the base structure 1 includes a first portion 11 and a second portion 12, wherein the first portion contacts the model body of the printed part, and the second portion 12 contacts the first portion 11, and the density of the first portion 11 is lower than that of the second portion 12, which facilitates disassembly;

[0050] The interval between the printing layers of the first part 11 and the second part 12 and the interval between the layers of the first part 11 and the 3D printed part are more than 40% of the nozzle diameter;

[0051] The first part 11 serves as a new printing bottom surface, and includes all bottom areas and the area of ​​the support portion extending down to the printing plane.

[0052] In some preferred embodiments, the base structure further includes a third portion, the area of ​​the third portion being larger than that of the second portion, for better platform adhesion.

[0053] In some preferred embodiments, the post-processing includes polishing the surface of the 3D model using a polishing medium, spray coating or surface painting the surface of the 3D model using a filling medium. Furthermore, the post-processing includes selecting an appropriate post-processing process based on the content of the 3D model, and the post-processing process includes processing medium, processing time, and / or processing thickness.

[0054] As shown in FIG2 , the present invention provides a machine for post-processing 3D printed parts, comprising: a drive assembly 2, a first spray assembly 3, and a fixture 4; the dimensions of the fixture 4 match the second portion 12 of the additional base, so that the 3D printed part 5 can be directly mounted in the fixture; and the drive assembly is configured to spray the printed part evenly.

[0055] The driving assembly 2 drives the fixture to rotate, and the driving assembly drives the injection assembly to move along the X and / or Y axis and / or Z axis and / or two additional rotation axes A and B. The injection path is generated based on the CAD model;

[0056] The first spraying assembly may be a sandblasting air gun connected to an air pump for pressurized solid spraying, or a device for pressurized atomization of a medium and then spraying a liquid, wherein the medium may be putty paint;

[0057] The post-processing machine further includes a second spraying assembly, which may be a sandblasting air gun connected to an air pump for pressurized solid spraying, or a device for pressurized atomization of a medium and then spraying a liquid, wherein the medium may be putty paint or quick-drying paint;

[0058] The first spray assembly and the second spray assembly are linked together and can work together or in succession.

[0059] In some preferred embodiments, the first jetting assembly jets PVA glue, and the second jetting assembly jets texture spray or texture paint, which can form a special texture on the surface of the 3D printed part;

[0060] or,

[0061] The first jetting component sprays PVA glue, and the second jetting component sprays interior velvet powder, which can create a plush texture on the surface of the 3D printed part;

[0062] or,

[0063] The first jetting component jets light-curing resin, and the second jetting component jets one or more of talcum powder and / or corn starch and / or wollastonite, which can fill and remove layer lines on the surface of the 3D printed part;

[0064] or,

[0065] The first spraying assembly sprays a mixed material of light-curing resin and one or more solid particles of stone powder and / or corn starch and / or wollastonite, and the feed ratio (weight ratio) of the solid particles to the light-curing resin is 1:10-1:100.

[0066] In some preferred embodiments, a grinding component is further included. The grinding component can be a grinding medium that wraps the 3D printed workpiece, such as stone particles, or an elastic member with sandpaper coated on the surface. The elastic member contacts the surface of the 3D printed workpiece and applies pressure for grinding. The elastic member can be configured with multiple pieces of sandpaper corresponding to different coarsenesses, or the elastic member can be a component driven by a follower drive assembly, following the movement of the 3D printer surface.

[0067] In some preferred embodiments, an atomizing device is further included to atomize one or more of acetone, dichloromethane, or isopropyl alcohol to evenly treat the model with the base structure in the cavity. The base structure fixes the 3D printed part on the rotating platform to prevent the model from tipping over due to being too light.

[0068] In some preferred embodiments, an ion generator is further included to ionize the air to facilitate medium coating.

[0069] In some preferred embodiments, a dust collecting device is further included to collect and discharge the grinding media.

[0070] In some preferred embodiments, an immersion cavity is further included, in which an electrolyte is contained. After the conductive medium is sprayed onto the surface of the model through the spray assembly, the model can be electroplated.

[0071] In some preferred embodiments, a humidity control component is further included to control the humidity of the 3D printer to better perform coating or change its mechanical properties.

[0072] In some preferred embodiments, the system further includes a visual sensor configured to capture a 3D model of the device; optimize the spray trajectory based on the captured 3D model, or recommend the type of spray medium for the spray assembly based on the captured 3D model, or plan the motion trajectory of the polishing assembly based on the captured 3D model;

[0073] The visual sensor is configured to read the post-processing status, classify the post-processing area into a completed process area and an uncompleted process area, and further perform a spraying process on the uncompleted process area;

[0074] The visual sensor is configured to read the installation status of the model and to prompt when the model is taken out and / or not installed in place and / or does not meet the post-processing task;

[0075] The visual sensor may be one or more of an RGB sensor, a depth camera, a temporal camera, or a spectral camera.

[0076] In some preferred embodiments, the post-processing machine and the 3D printer are electrically connected, and the model file is transmitted from the 3D printer to the post-processing machine. The electrical connection can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0077] The present invention provides a 3D printer, comprising a printing base plate, a driving assembly and a nozzle assembly. Printing is performed on the printing base plate under the drive of the nozzle assembly and / or the driving assembly. The 3D printer also includes a post-processing machine.

[0078] Although the preferred embodiments of the present application have been described, those skilled in the art may make additional changes and modifications to these embodiments once they have learned the basic creative concept. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the present application.

[0079] It should be noted that the technical features not described in detail in the present invention can be implemented by any existing technology.

Claims

1. A printing method for post-processing of 3D printed parts, characterized in that: The printing method comprises: Generate a base structure at the bottom of the 3D model to be printed, and attach the base structure to the bottom of the 3D model through Boolean operations; The three-dimensional model with the base structure is sliced ​​and then sent to the 3D printer for printing; After printing is completed, it is removed together with the attached base structure and installed in a post-processing machine for post-processing.

2. A printing method for post-processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base structure includes a first part and a second part, the first part contacts the model body of the printed part, and the second part contacts the first part. The density of the first part is lower than that of the second part, which is convenient for disassembly; The interval between the first and second printing layers and the interval between the first and 3D printed parts should be at least 40% of the nozzle diameter. The first part will be the new print surface, which will include all bottom areas and the area of ​​the support parts that extend down to the print plane.

3. A printing method for post-processing according to claim 2, characterized in that: The base structure further includes a third portion, the area of ​​the third portion being larger than the second portion for better platform adhesion.

4. A printing method for post-processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The post-processing includes grinding the surface of the 3D model using a grinding medium and spray-coating the surface of the 3D model using a filling medium.

5. A machine for post-processing 3D printed parts, characterized in that: include: A drive assembly, a first spray assembly, and a fixture; the size of the fixture matches the second portion of the additional base, so that the 3D printed part can be directly installed in the fixture, and the drive assembly is configured to spray the printed part evenly; The driving assembly drives the fixture to rotate, and the driving assembly drives the injection assembly to move along the X and / or Y axis and / or Z axis and / or two additional rotation axes A and B, and the injection path is generated based on the CAD model; The first spraying assembly may be a sandblasting air gun connected to an air pump for pressurized solid spraying, or a device for pressurized atomization of a medium and then spraying a liquid, wherein the medium may be putty paint; The post-processing machine further includes a second spraying assembly, which may be a sandblasting air gun connected to an air pump for pressurized solid spraying, or a device for pressurized atomization of a medium and then spraying a liquid, wherein the medium may be putty paint or quick-drying paint; The first spray assembly and the second spray assembly are linked together and can work together or in succession.

6. The machine for post-processing 3D printed parts according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first jetting component sprays PVA glue, and the second jetting component sprays texture spray or texture paint, which can form a special texture on the surface of the 3D printed part; or, The first jetting component sprays PVA glue, and the second jetting component sprays interior velvet powder, which can create a plush texture on the surface of the 3D printed part; or, The first jetting component jets light-curing resin, and the second jetting component jets one or more of talcum powder and / or corn starch and / or wollastonite, which can fill and remove layer lines on the surface of the 3D printed part; or, The first spraying assembly sprays a mixed material of light-curing resin and one or more solid particles of stone powder and / or corn starch and / or wollastonite, and the feed ratio (weight ratio) of the solid particles to the light-curing resin is 1:10-1:

100.

7. The machine for post-processing 3D printed parts according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a grinding component, which can be a grinding medium that wraps the 3D printed workpiece, such as stone particles, or an elastic member with sandpaper coated on the surface. The elastic member contacts the surface of the 3D printed workpiece and applies pressure for grinding. The elastic member can be configured with multiple, corresponding to sandpaper of different coarseness, or the elastic member can be a component driven by a follower drive assembly, following the movement of the 3D printer surface.

8. The machine for post-processing 3D printed parts according to claim 5, characterized in that: The system also includes an atomizing device for atomizing one or more of acetone, dichloromethane, or isopropyl alcohol to evenly treat the model with the base structure in the cavity. The base structure fixes the 3D printed part on the rotating platform to prevent the model from tipping over due to being too light.

9. The machine for post-processing 3D printed parts according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes an ionizer to ionize the air to facilitate media coating.

10. The machine for post-processing 3D printed parts according to claim 5, characterized in that: A dust collection device is also included to collect and discharge the grinding media.

11. The machine for post-processing 3D printed parts according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes an immersion cavity, which contains electrolyte. After the conductive medium is sprayed on the surface of the model through the spraying component, the model can be electroplated.

12. The machine for post-processing 3D printed parts according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a humidity control component that allows the 3D printer to be humidity controlled to better perform overcoating or change its mechanical properties.

13. The machine for post-processing 3D printed parts according to claim 5, characterized in that: The system further includes a visual sensor configured to capture a 3D model of the loading device; optimize the spray trajectory based on the captured 3D model, or recommend the type of spray medium for the spray component based on the captured 3D model, or plan the motion trajectory of the polishing component based on the captured 3D model; The visual sensor is configured to read the post-processing status, classify the post-processing area into a completed process area and an uncompleted process area, and further perform a spraying process on the uncompleted process area; The visual sensor is configured to read the installation status of the model and to prompt when the model is taken out and / or not installed in place and / or does not meet the post-processing task; The visual sensor may be one or more of an RGB sensor, a depth camera, a temporal camera, or a spectral camera.

14. The machine for post-processing 3D printed parts according to claim 5, characterized in that: The post-processing machine is electrically connected to the 3D printer, and the model file is transmitted from the 3D printer to the post-processing machine. The electrical connection can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

15. A 3D printer comprising a printing base, a drive assembly and a nozzle assembly, wherein printing is performed on the printing base driven by the nozzle assembly and / or the drive assembly, wherein: The 3D printer further comprises a post-processing machine as described in any one of claims 5-14.

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