Processing Head Cooling for Localized Metal Lamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In lamination molding of metal, the existing temperature adjustment methods for solidified layers are inefficient, particularly for larger objects, as they require longer molding times due to the need to adjust the temperature of the entire solidified body, and the fixed position of cold gas blowing during cooling does not efficiently match the shape and position of the solidified body.
Innovation Solution
A lamination molding apparatus with a movable cooling device that includes a cold gas discharger on a processing head, allowing for targeted cooling of specific parts of the solidified body to a predetermined cooling temperature, using inert gas to efficiently cool the solidified layers based on their position and shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the temperature of the entire solidified body is adjusted using a temperature adjusting mechanism arranged in a molding table, then the temperature of the solidified layer can be adjusted, but the molding time becomes excessively long especially when the solidified body has a large number of layers and significant thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the solidified body into multiple layers and selectively cools only the upper surface layer rather than the entire solidified body. This segmentation approach reduces the thermal mass that needs to be cooled, thereby significantly decreasing the cooling time while still achieving the desired martensitic transformation in the critical upper layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local cooling specifically to the upper surface layer of the solidified body using a blower positioned above it. This localized cooling approach concentrates the cooling effect where it is most needed for martensitic transformation, avoiding the time-consuming process of cooling the entire solidified body uniformly.
2Temperature
If a blower arranged in a chamber is used to cool the solidified layer by blowing cold gas, then the cooling can be performed, but the fixed position of the blower does not efficiently match the position and shape of the solidified body
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the blower movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned above the solidified body. This dynamic positioning capability enables the blower to adapt to different shapes and positions of the solidified body, optimizing the cold gas flow direction and cooling efficiency for each specific configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable blower design provides universal cooling capability that can effectively cool solidified bodies of various shapes and positions. By being able to move to different locations, the single blower can adapt to multiple cooling scenarios, making the system versatile rather than limited to a fixed geometry.
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 approach significantly reduces molding time by allowing for localized and efficient cooling of the solidified layers, particularly the upper surface layer, which is essential for controlling martensitic transformation and stress in the final product, without the need to cool the entire solidified body.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling device arranged in the processing head and configured to cool at least a part of the solidified body formed by laminating the solidified layers to a predetermined cooling temperature. The cooling device includes a cold gas discharger having a cold gas discharge port for discharging a cold gas being an inert gas having a temperature equal to or lower than the cooling temperature, and discharging the cold gas toward the at least the part of the solidified body
Implementation Method 2
an irradiator for forming a solidified layer by irradiating a laser beam or an electron beam to a material layer formed for each of a plurality of divided layers obtained by dividing a desired three-dimensional molded object at a predetermined height
Implementation Method 3
an irradiator for forming a solidified layer by irradiating a laser beam or an electron beam to a material layer formed for each of a plurality of divided layers
Implementation Method 4
an inert gas supply source for supplying the inert gas to the cold gas discharger
Data Source
AI summary
The lamination molding apparatus includes an irradiator, a processing device, a cooling device, and an inert gas supply source. The irradiator irradiates a laser beam or an electron beam to a material layer to form a solidified layer. The processing device includes a processing head for holding a tool, and a processing head driver for moving the processing head in at least a horizontal direction. The cooling device is arranged in the processing head and cools a solidified body formed by laminating the solidified layers to a cooling temperature. The cooling device includes a cold gas discharger having a cold gas discharge port for discharging a cold gas being an inert gas having a temperature equal to or lower than the cooling temperature, and discharging the cold gas toward the solidified body. The inert gas supply source supplies the inert gas to the cold gas discharger.