Method for preparing metal powder for 3D printing through rotating electrode with assist of plasmas

Abstract

Provided is a method for preparing metal powder for 3D printing through a rotating electrode with the assist of plasmas. In a sealed container protected by an inert atmosphere, a low-voltage strong current is used for generating a plasma arc in a narrow and small space between a plasma assist electrode and the rotating cylindrical consumable electrode made from high-temperature metal. By means of the high temperature generated by the plasma arc, the section, close to the plasma arc, of the high-temperature metal electrode is made to enter a molten state, and small liquid drops of the high-temperature metal are formed. Centrifugal force generated by rotating the rotationally fed electrode made from the high-temperature metal at a high speed is used for throwing out the small liquid drops of the high-temperature metal. The small liquid drops of the high-temperature metal are air-cooled and solidified into balls in the sealed environment protected by the inert atmosphere, and the high-temperature small metal balls for 3D printing are collected from the bottom of the container.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to the technical field of 3D printing raw materials, in particular to a metal ball powder for 3D printers and a preparation method thereof. The metal powder pellets have a diameter of 20-60um. Background technique [0002] 3D printing technology has become one of the most concerned emerging technologies in the world. This new mode of production, together with other digital production modes, will promote the realization of the third industrial revolution. One of the major bottlenecks restricting the rapid development of 3D printing technology is printing materials, especially metal printing materials, which have better R&D and production performance and are more versatile. More durable metal materials are the key to improving 3D printing technology. In terms of direct manufacturing of high-performance metal components using 3D printing technology, various metal powders with fine particle size, uniform particle size, high spherici...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Due to the limitation of domestic powder-making technology, the preparation of fine-grained powder is difficult, the powder yield is low, and the content of oxygen and other impurities is high. During the 3D printing process, the powder melting state is prone to unevenness, resulting in high oxide inclusion content in the product. Problems such as poor compactness, low strength, uneven structure, etc., domestic powders mainly focus on product quality and batch stability, including: ① Stability of powder components (inclusion quantity, oxygen content, composition uniformity); ② Stability of powder physical properties (particle size distribution, powder morphology, fluidity, bulk ratio, etc.); ③ Yield problem (low yield of narrow particle size powder), etc.

At present, most of the materials used in my country's 3D printing rapid prototyping technology need to be imported from abroad, or equipment manufacturers invest a lot of energy and funds in research and development, which is expensive and leads to increased production costs. Low, localization of 3D printing materials is imperative