3D metal printer dust filter structural optimal design and key performance research

Highlights: • Applied parametric modeling was used to design a guide groove for a 3D printer. • Mold flow simulation was used to optimize the structure design. • Guide groove performance was evaluated by measurement of the contact angles of different materials. -- Abstract: To improve the quality of metal 3D printing parts, it is necessary to optimize the structure of the dust collector (guide groove) of the 3D printer. To do this, we applied parametric modeling to design the guide groove, used mold flow simulation to optimize the design of guide groove structure, and finally evaluated guide groove performance by measurement of the contact angles of different materials. The results showed higher modeling efficiency and better guide groove design using parametric modeling combined with mold flow simulation. The turbulence intensity and distribution field were somewhat reduced, the velocity at the outlet was reduced by 3.18%, and the pressure at the inlet was reduced by 38.14% after optimal design. Guide grooves made using PLA or 316L material showed little difference in performance. The outlet of the guide groove was closely fitted with the outlet of the air duct of the 3D printer by tightly attaching the side of the guide groove outlet to the bottom of the printer. This positioning prevented the entry of "solid smoke" and splashed particles, and is an important step towards the improved 3D printing of metal components with high performance.