Integrated Powder Dispensing Head for Fast Powder Shut-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 3D powder spray printing, the remote location of the powder distributor relative to the print head results in a significant response time for powder flow, leading to substantial powder loss during part manufacturing due to the lengthy powder supply conduit.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a powder dispensing member within the 3D print head, allowing for relative movement between the body and dispensing member to quickly cut off powder supply when the laser is switched off, and incorporating multiple powder distribution chambers and recycling circuits to manage powder flow efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the powder distributor is located far from the print head (outside the machine enclosure), then space for maintenance is improved, but powder loss increases due to significant response time in the lengthy feed tube
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the print head assembly containing the distribution element, the powder source located remotely, and the carrier gas system. This segmentation allows the distribution element to be positioned at the print head for rapid response while maintaining remote access to the powder source for ease of maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
A carrier gas stream acts as an intermediary to transport powder from the remote distributor through the feed tube to the print head. The carrier gas enables rapid powder delivery despite the physical distance, reducing response time while maintaining the benefits of remote powder storage and maintenance access.
2Loss of substance
If the powder supply conduit length is reduced by integrating the distribution element into the print head, then powder loss is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The powder distribution element is merged with the print head, integrating the powder delivery function directly into the printing component. This combination eliminates the need for long separate feed tubes, reducing powder loss while consolidating functions into a single integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The print head is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the printing mechanism and as the powder distribution system. The distribution element within the print head handles powder delivery, and the same structure facilitates carrier gas flow and laser beam passage, reducing overall system complexity despite the integrated design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple powder distribution chambers are incorporated for multi-material parts, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution unit is segmented into multiple independent powder distribution chambers, each capable of holding and delivering a different powder material. This segmentation enables multi-material printing capability while keeping each chamber as a separate, maintainable module.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution element is designed to be movable relative to the print head body, allowing dynamic switching between different powder sources and distribution chambers. This mobility enables rapid changeover between materials and facilitates cleaning or replacement of individual chambers without affecting the entire system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration significantly reduces powder loss by minimizing the powder supply conduit length and enabling quick shut-off of powder flow, while also allowing for multi-material parts and efficient recycling of powders, ensuring a constant carrier gas flow to prevent residue deposition.
Implementation Method 1
The powder is carried in a carrier gas stream, for example argon, and moved to a melting point
Implementation Method 2
This technique involves melting one or more powders using a high-energy beam, such as a laser beam
Implementation Method 3
melting one or more powders using a high-energy beam, such as a laser beam, to generate a deposit
Implementation Method 4
a cooling circuit configured to circulate a cooling fluid, for example a liquid, between an inlet and an outlet of said fluid
Implementation Method 5
the body and the distribution organ have at least one position in which the first powder outlet or the second powder outlet is fluidly connected to the powder supply conduit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a powder-dispensing head (1) for an additive manufacturing machine, the head (1) comprising: - a through-opening arranged to allow a high-energy beam to pass through it towards the melt point, - a body (2) comprising N powder feed ducts distributed at regular intervals around the through-opening and converging towards the melt point, the dispensing head (1) further comprising a dispensing member (3) comprising a powder-dispensing chamber having a powder inlet and N powder outlets distributed at regular intervals around the through-opening, the body (2) and the dispensing member (3) being configured to be able to move relative to each other, in order to fluidically connect or disconnect the powder outlets to the respective powder feed ducts depending on the relative position of the dispensing member (3) with respect to the body (2).