JP6384826B2 - Three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus, three-dimensional additive manufacturing method, and three-dimensional additive manufacturing program - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments referred to in this specification relate to a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus, a three-dimensional additive manufacturing method, and a three-dimensional additive manufacturing program.

  In recent years, a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus using a stereolithography apparatus (SLA) method, a FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) method, a selective laser sintering (SLS) method, an inkjet method, or the like ( A so-called 3D printer) has attracted attention.

  Specifically, the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus to which the optical modeling method is applied is, for example, computer-controlled light (e.g., a liquid pattern of a liquid photocurable resin placed in a modeling bath) to obtain a desired pattern. UV light) is selectively irradiated to cure the photocurable resin. Furthermore, supplying a photocurable resin for one layer on the photocured layer, irradiating light again to cure the photocurable resin, and repeating the same treatment, the target model (model) Form.

  The three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus to which the FDM method is applied, for example, melts a thread-like thermoplastic resin with a heater in the modeling head, controls the injection of the melted thermoplastic resin, and stacks by raising and lowering the modeling table. It is to be shaped.

  Furthermore, a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus to which a powder forming method is applied, for example, powder sintering and powder melting, or a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus by powder ink jet (Powder Bed and Inkjet Head 3D Printing), for example, by a recoater unit A layer of powder is coated on the modeling table, and then a binder (binder) is applied to the coated powder surface by a print head unit (inkjet head unit) to form a layer of the modeled object.

  Then, the modeling table is lowered by one layer of powder, and after coating the powder again by the recoater unit, the binder is applied by the print head unit to form the next layer of the modeled object. Then, a desired model is formed by repeating the same process.

  In the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus to which the powder modeling method is applied, various powders such as sand, metal powder, gypsum, starch, artificial bone, and plastic powder are included. There are various types of shaped objects, for example, sand can be used as a powder, and a mold can be formed as a shaped object. Further, as the powder, a thermoplastic resin (plastic powder) may be applied, or a sand particle coated with a thermoplastic resin may be applied.

  Further, as the powder, a thermoplastic resin (plastic powder) may be applied, or a sand particle coated with a thermoplastic resin may be applied. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a metal powder as the powder and apply a binder to form a shaped object, and then sinter the shaped object to obtain a metal shaped object.

  By the way, conventionally, various types of three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatuses have been proposed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-218712

  Conventionally, various three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatuses have been proposed. For example, even for the control of the head for forming each layer of a modeled object such as an ink jet head, higher speed and higher efficiency are desired. It is rare.

  An object of the present embodiment is to provide a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus, a three-dimensional additive manufacturing method, and a three-dimensional additive manufacturing program capable of further increasing the speed and efficiency.

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the print head that can move on the XY axis plane, the modeling table that can move in the Z-axis direction, and the modeling table each time the modeling table moves in the Z-axis direction, A control unit that controls the layers of the modeled object to be formed in order by the print head, wherein the control unit is configured such that the modeled object is the print head on the modeling table. There is provided a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus for controlling the print head so as to be formed in the vicinity of the standby position.

  Moreover, according to 2nd Embodiment which concerns on this invention, whenever the printing head which can move an XY axis plane, the modeling table which can move to a Z-axis direction, and the said modeling table move to a Z-axis direction A control unit that controls each layer of the modeled object to be formed in order by the print head, wherein the control unit controls each layer of the modeled object on the modeling table. The three-dimensional additive manufacturing that controls the print head to move at a first speed in a region to be formed and to move at a second speed that is faster than the first speed in a region that does not form each layer of the modeled object. An apparatus is provided.

  Furthermore, according to 3rd Embodiment which concerns on this invention, it controls so that each layer of a modeling thing is formed in order, whenever a modeling table which can move to a Z-axis direction, and the said modeling table moves to a Z-axis direction. A three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus having a control unit that performs control so that a wall surrounding the modeled object is formed together with the modeled object on the modeling table. An original additive manufacturing apparatus is provided.

  And according to 4th Embodiment concerning this invention, the recoater unit which coats the powder for one layer on the said modeling table, and forms a powder layer, The powder coated by the said recoater unit An inkjet head that forms and forms a model by discharging and applying a liquid (for example, a binder) to the layer, and each layer of the model is sequentially formed by the inkjet head each time the modeling table moves in the Z-axis direction. A control unit that controls the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus, wherein the control unit is discharged by the inkjet head and the thickness of the powder of one layer coated by the recoater unit A three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus for controlling the mutual relationship between the amounts of the liquid is provided.

  In addition, the technical thought regarding the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus of the first to fourth embodiments described above can be further applied as a three-dimensional additive manufacturing method and a three-dimensional additive manufacturing program.

  The disclosed three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus, the three-dimensional additive manufacturing method, and the three-dimensional additive manufacturing program have an effect of further increasing the speed and efficiency.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus using an optical modeling method. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how three-dimensional data is converted into slice data. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus using a hot melt lamination method. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus using a powder modeling method. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus using an inkjet method. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus using an inkjet method. FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus. FIG. 8 is a view for explaining an ink jet head in the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view (No. 1) for describing the modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  First, before detailed description of embodiments of the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus, the three-dimensional additive manufacturing method, and the three-dimensional additive manufacturing program, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, an optical forming method to which each embodiment can be applied, The hot melt lamination method, powder shaping method, and ink jet method will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus using an optical modeling (SLA) method. As shown in FIG. 1, a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus 200 based on the SLA method includes a control computer (control unit) 201, an ultraviolet (UV) laser generator 211, a mechanical shutter 212, an optical modulator 213, A beam expander 214, an optical lens 215, scanner mirrors 221 and 222, and a resin tank (modeling bath) 204 are included.

  The ultraviolet laser from the ultraviolet laser generator 211 is input to the optical modulator 213 via the mechanical shutter 212 and optically modulated. Further, the output (ultraviolet laser) of the optical modulator 213 is spread by the beam expander 214 and input to the optical lens 215.

  The output (ultraviolet laser) of the optical lens 215 is scanned by, for example, scanner mirrors 221 and 222 that perform control in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and is irradiated on the surface of the photosensitive resin 242 filled in the resin tank 204. .

  The resin tank 204 is provided with a modeling table 241 that can move in the Z-axis direction (vertical direction), for example, and is focused on the photosensitive resin 242 on the surface of the resin tank 204 by the optical lens 215 and the scanner mirrors 221 and 222. Further, the ultraviolet laser beam 216 is irradiated so as to scan.

  That is, by irradiating the surface of the liquid photosensitive resin (photocurable resin composition) filled in the resin tank 204 with the ultraviolet laser beam 216, the photosensitive resin is based on the data by the light energy of the ultraviolet laser beam. Then, it is cured selectively, and the modeling process for one layer of the surface is completed.

  Further, a layer of photocurable resin is supplied onto the photocured layer, that is, the modeling table 241 is moved in the Z direction by a distance corresponding to one layer, and the photosensitive resin of the next layer is moved. Selectively cure based on data. Then, by repeating this process, a modeled object (3D model) 220 having a desired three-dimensional shape is modeled.

  Here, each component (for example, the light modulator 213, the scanner mirrors 221, 222, the modeling table 241 and the like) of the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus 200 is controlled by the control computer 201. The control computer 201 may be provided integrally with the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus 200, but may be provided separately.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which three-dimensional data is converted into slice data. FIG. 2A illustrates three-dimensional data, and FIG. 2B illustrates slice data.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, for example, a three-dimensional shape of a model 220 to be modeled is prepared as CAD data 20a by a three-dimensional design system called three-dimensional CAD (Computer Aided Design). The CAD data 20a is slice data in a format that can be processed by the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus 200 as shown in FIG. 2B by a dedicated computer provided outside or the control computer 201, for example. 20b.

  Here, the slice data 20b is data of a ring slice sliced at a height formed by the layered modeling. At this time, the CAD data may be converted into STL (Standard Triangulated Language) data intermediately before creating slice data.

  Then, the control computer 201 controls each component of the three-dimensional layered manufacturing apparatus 200 in accordance with the slice data 20b to model the modeled object 220 having a desired shape. In addition, even in a three-dimensional layered modeling apparatus using a modeling method other than the SLA method described below, for example, each component of the three-dimensional layered modeling apparatus is controlled according to slice data to model a modeled object having a desired shape.

  Here, the data format used by the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus is not limited to slice data, and additive manufacturing is possible even if the slice data is imported into three-dimensional data such as CAD data or STL data. Needless to say.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus using a hot melt lamination (FDM) method. As shown in FIG. 3, the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus 300 using the FDM method includes a control computer 301, a nozzle (print head) 302, and a modeling table 341.

  The nozzle 302 is formed by, for example, melting a material 340 such as thermoplastic wax or resin with a heater (not shown) provided in the nozzle 302, and thinning the melted thermoplastic material 340a. The molding object 320 is modeled by controlling the injection of the modeling table 341 in the Z-axis direction.

  That is, the fine wire-like material 340a is ejected from the tip of the nozzle 302 and solidified, and the nozzle 302 is scanned using, for example, an XY plotter mechanism (not shown) on the XY axis plane. Laminated modeling of the object 320 is performed.

  Here, each component (for example, the temperature of the nozzle 302, the injection amount of the material, the XY plotter mechanism, the modeling table 341, etc.) of the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus 300 is controlled by the control computer 301. .

  Note that as the material 340, thermoplastic ABS resin, polyolefin resin, polycarbonate resin, wax, or the like can be used.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus using a powder modeling (SLS) method. As shown in FIG. 4, the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus 400 using the SLS method includes a control computer 401, a high-power laser generator 411, an optical lens 415, scanner mirrors 421 and 422, a coater 403, and a modeling tank 404.

  The high-power laser generator 411 generates a high-power laser such as a carbon dioxide gas laser. The laser from the high-power laser generator 411 is input to the optical lens 415 and then, for example, in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Are scanned by the scanner mirrors 421 and 422 for controlling the above, and the surface of the powder 442 in the modeling tank 404 is irradiated.

  In the modeling tank 404, for example, a modeling table 441 movable in the Z-axis direction is provided, and the powder 442 on the surface of the modeling tank 404 is focused and scanned by the optical lens 215 and the scanner mirrors 221 and 222. Laser light 416 is irradiated.

  The coater 403 is for supplying powder (powder material) 442 onto the modeling table 441. For example, the powder material 442 is moved horizontally with a roller, a blade, or the like to form a thin layer. . The powder layer formed by the coater 403 is irradiated with a laser beam 416 to melt the surface of the powder 442 and join the powders together to form a sintered powder thin layer. At this time, the bonding with the lower thin layer already sintered in the previous treatment is also performed at the same time.

  Next, the modeling table 441 is moved in the Z direction by a distance corresponding to one layer, the sintered layer of the modeled article 420 is lowered, a thin layer of the powder 442 is supplied by the coater 403, and the same processing is performed. repeat. Thereby, the modeling object 420 which has a desired three-dimensional shape is modeled.

  Here, each component (for example, scanner mirrors 421, 422, coater 403, modeling table 441, etc.) of the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus 400 is controlled by a control computer 401.

  In addition, as a material of the powder 442, for example, resin powder such as precision casting wax, nylon, and polycarbonate, metal coated with resin, ceramic powder, and the like can be applied.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus using an inkjet method. As shown in FIG. 5, a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus 500 using an inkjet method includes a control computer 501, an inkjet head 502, a UV lamp 503, and a modeling tank 504.

  The inkjet head 502 applies, for example, a liquid photocurable resin on the modeling table 541 and further cures it by the UV lamp 503 to perform one layer of modeling. Next, the modeling table 541 is moved in the Z direction by one layer, and the modeled object 520 is lowered.

  Further, a photocurable resin is applied on the previously formed layer from the inkjet head 502 and then cured by the UV lamp 503. By repeating such a process, a modeled object 520 having a desired three-dimensional shape is modeled.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus using an inkjet method. As shown in FIG. 6, a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus 600 using an inkjet method includes a control computer 601, an inkjet head 602, a coater (recoater) 603, and a modeling tank 604.

  For example, the inkjet head 602 applies a liquid binder (binder) to the surface of the powder 642 on the modeling table 641 to perform one layer of modeling, and further moves the modeling table 641 by one layer in the Z direction. Then, the model 620 is lowered.

  Next, the coater 603 coats the powder 642 for one layer, and then the binder is applied to the coated powder surface by the inkjet head unit 602. By repeating such processing, a modeled object 620 having a desired three-dimensional shape is modeled.

  Examples of the powder 642 include various materials such as sand, metal powder, gypsum, starch, artificial bone, and plastic powder. There are various types of shaped objects, for example, sand can be used as a powder, and a mold can be formed as a shaped object. Further, as the powder, a thermoplastic resin (plastic powder) may be applied, or a sand particle coated with a thermoplastic resin may be applied.

  Further, as the powder, a thermoplastic resin (plastic powder) may be applied, or a sand particle coated with a thermoplastic resin may be applied. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a metal powder as the powder and apply a binder to form a shaped object, and then sinter the shaped object to obtain a metal shaped object.

  The three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described one, and can be applied to various three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatuses. In the following, each embodiment will be described mainly based on the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus, and shows an example of the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus based on the ink jet method described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a view for explaining an ink jet head in the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 7.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a control computer (control unit) 101, a print head unit 102, a recoater unit (coater) 103, a modeling tank 104, a lifting device 105, and a powder supply hopper unit. 106, a cleaning unit 107, and a chemical unit 108. Here, the modeling tank 104 is provided with a modeling table 141 in which the elevation device 105 controls the height direction (Z-axis direction).

  The control computer 101 receives the three-dimensional data (modeling data: for example, STL data), performs slice processing, offset processing, bitmap conversion processing, and the like, and controls the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus 100.

  For example, the print head unit 102 applies (discharges) a binder (binder: liquid) to the powder surface on the modeling table 141 based on the bitmapped modeling data, and performs modeling for one layer. Note that the print head unit 102 includes, for example, a plurality of inkjet heads provided with a plurality of discharge nozzles.

  Here, for example, the print head unit 102 applies the binder to the powder surface on the modeling table 141 while moving the inkjet head 121 in the X-axis direction (left and right direction when viewed from the front of the apparatus).

  Further, after the application operation in the X-axis direction for one row is completed, the inkjet head 121 is moved in the Y-axis direction (front-rear direction when viewed from the front of the apparatus), and the inkjet head 121 is moved again in the X-axis direction to remove the binder. Apply. By repeating such processing, one layer of modeling processing is performed.

  When the modeling process for one layer on the entire powder on the modeling table 141 is completed, for example, the modeling table 141 is lowered in the Z-axis direction (height direction) by the lifting device 105, and the recoater unit 103 is further moved to the Y-axis. While moving in the direction, coat one layer of powder.

  The inkjet head 121 can be controlled to move independently in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, for example, and the moving speed can be controlled independently. The movement control of the ink jet head (print head) according to each embodiment will be described in detail later.

  The recoater unit 103 includes, for example, a recoater hopper 131 and a blade 132. The recoater hopper 131 stores the powder supplied from the powder supply hopper unit 106.

  The blade 132 operates when the recoater unit 103 is moving in the Y-axis direction. During the movement of the recoater unit 103, the powder is densely placed on the modeling table 141 and horizontally (X-Y axis plane). Supply to become.

  The blade 132 may be configured to smoothly coat (deposit) the powder 130 with a predetermined thickness by active or passive vibration or with rotation. A certain amount of powder 130 may be deposited without being operated.

  Here, the amount (height) by which the modeling table 141 is lowered by the lifting device 105 and the thickness of the powder 130 to be coated by the recoater unit 103 (lamination pitch of the powder 130 at the uppermost part of the powder layer 142) coincide. To be controlled.

  By repeating the above processing, a final modeled object is completed in the modeling tank 104. That is, in the modeling tank 104, for example, a target modeled object, a support, and powder remaining without being applied with a binder are included.

  For example, the modeling tank 104 is moved to the outside of the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus 100 by a modeling tank transfer unit, and unnecessary support and powder are removed automatically or manually, and a target modeled object is taken out. .

  The cleaning unit 107 is for removing excess binder or powder from the inkjet head 121. The chemical unit 108 stores chemicals (binders and cleaning agents) used for the modeling process.

  Note that the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus 100 is also provided with a waste liquid tank (not shown) for collecting waste liquid by the cleaning unit 107, an air pressure control unit for controlling pressure necessary for the inkjet head, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the inkjet head (print head) 121 is, for example, in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction with respect to the powder layer 142 coated on the modeling table (141) by the recoater unit (103). And the binder 122 is applied. That is, the inkjet head 121 shown in FIG. 8 moves in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction on the powder layer 142 to perform one layer of modeling processing.

  Here, the inkjet head 121 shown in FIG. 8 is configured to apply one type of binder 122, but may apply a plurality of different types of binders. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show only an example of a three-dimensional layered modeling apparatus to which the powder modeling method is applied, and each embodiment (the present invention) described in detail below is shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. The present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatuses. That is, each embodiment can be applied as various three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatuses, three-dimensional additive manufacturing methods, and three-dimensional additive manufacturing programs.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus, a three-dimensional additive manufacturing method, and a three-dimensional additive manufacturing program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 9A and 9B are plan views of the modeling tank as viewed from above. 9A and 9B, reference numeral 104 indicates a modeling tank, 120a and 120b indicate modeling objects, 121 indicates an inkjet head, and 121a and 121b indicate standby positions of the inkjet head.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, according to the first embodiment, the shaped objects 120 a and 120 b are controlled to be formed in the vicinity of the standby position 121 a of the inkjet head (print head) 121.

  That is, when the modeled objects 120a and 120b are smaller than the size of the modeled tank 104 (modeling table 141), for example, if the modeled objects 120a and 120b are formed (modeled) at a position far from the standby position 121a, the inkjet head 121 is formed. As a result, the time required for modeling the objects 120a and 120b also increases.

  In particular, in the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus described with reference to FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 to 8 described above, the print head 121 is moved and controlled on the XY axis plane by, for example, an XY plotter. In addition, the distance (the number of stacked layers) by which the print head is moved increases as the accuracy of modeling is set higher. Therefore, the effect of shortening the time by forming the modeled objects 120a and 120b in the vicinity of the standby position 121a is great.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, according to the first embodiment, as the standby position of the inkjet head 121, a plurality of standby positions 121a and 121b at different positions (two in FIG. 9B) are provided. Is set.

  For example, when the inkjet head 121 is made to stand by after the application of the binder for one layer is completed, a standby position where the distance from the position of the inkjet head 121 immediately before standby from the plurality of standby positions 121a and 121b is the shortest ( In FIG. 9 (b), the standby position 121b) is selected, and the inkjet head 121 is moved to the selected standby position 121b for standby.

  In addition, the position of the inkjet head 121 in FIG.9 (b) shows the position where application | coating of the binder for one layer was completed, for example, and this position respond | corresponds to the position of the inkjet head 121 just before standby. At this time, the inkjet head 121 moves to the standby position 121b with a short distance instead of the standby position 121a with a long distance and stands by. Thereby, the time required for modeling the modeled objects 120a and 120b can be shortened, and further speedup and efficiency can be achieved.

  10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 (a-1), FIG. 10 (b-1), FIG. 11 (a-1), 11 (b-1) is a perspective view of the modeling tank 104, and FIGS. 10 (a-2), 10 (b-2), 11 (a-2), and 11 (b-2) are modeling. A side view of the tank 104 is shown.

  Further, FIG. 10 (a-1), FIG. 10 (a-2) → FIG. 10 (b-1), FIG. 10 (b-2) → FIG. 11 (a-1), FIG. 11 (a-2) → FIG. 11 (b-1) and FIG. 11 (b-2) show how the modeling objects 120b, 120c, and 120d are modeled according to the flow of time.

  Here, regarding the modeled objects 120c, 120d, and 120e, the modeled object 120c has the highest height, the modeled object 120e has the lowest height, and the modeled object 120d has a height between the modeled object 120c and the modeled object 120e. Yes.

  At this time, the modeled object 120c is formed closest to the standby position 121a of the ink jet head 121, and then the modeled object 120d and the modeled object 120e are formed away from the standby position 121a.

  That is, the modeling object 120e having the lowest height is completed by, for example, the processes shown in FIGS. 10A-1 and 10A-2. Therefore, in the subsequent modeling process, the inkjet head 121 is There is no need to move to the area of the shaped object 120e.

  That is, in the process shown in FIG. 10B-1 and FIG. 10B-2, the inkjet head 121 only needs to be moved to the area where the modeled objects 120c and 120d are modeled. Can be shortened.

  Furthermore, since the modeling object 120d of intermediate height completes modeling by the process of FIG.10 (b-1) and FIG.10 (b-2), for example in the modeling process after that, the inkjet head 121 is It is only necessary to move the area of the modeled object 120c, and the moving distance is further shortened. Thereby, it is possible to shorten the time required for modeling the modeled objects 120c, 120d, and 120e, and to further increase the speed and efficiency.

  Note that the first embodiment described above can be automatically controlled by, for example, the control computers (control units) 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 and the like, and as a program executed by the control computer. Needless to say, it can also be implemented. What can be implemented as a program executed by such a control computer is the same as in the second to fourth embodiments described in detail below.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 12A to 12H show plan views of the modeling tank 104 as viewed from above, and show the inkjet head 121. FIG. It shows a state in which a modeling process for one layer is performed by moving in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. FIG. 12A corresponds to FIG. 9A described above. Moreover, 2nd Embodiment of this invention can be applied with respect to the three-dimensional layered modeling apparatus demonstrated with reference to FIG.3, FIG.5 and FIGS. 6-8 mentioned above, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 12 (a), first, the inkjet head 121 stands by at a standby position 121a, and from there it moves from the right to the left (traveling direction: X-axis direction) in the figure to 1 Scan the line and apply the binder.

  At this time, as shown in FIGS. 12 (b) and 12 (d), the inkjet head 121 simply moves in a region where the shaped objects 120a and 120b do not exist on the traveling line. Move at (high speed movement: movement at the second speed).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12 (c), in the region where the modeled object 120a exists on the proceeding line, the inkjet head 121 is applied to the powder layer 142 coated on the modeled table (141). On the other hand, in order to apply the binder (122), movement at a normal speed (normal movement: movement at the first speed) is performed.

  FIG. 12E shows that the inkjet head 121 has finished processing one line in the X-axis direction (the lowermost line in the figure) and moves the inkjet head 121 one step in the Y-axis direction (upward in the figure). It shows how it is moved by minutes.

  After that, as shown in FIG. 12 (f), the inkjet head 121 moves from the left to the right in the drawing, scans for the next one line, and applies the binder. That is, the ink jet head 121 reciprocates so as to apply the binder.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 12 (f) and FIG. 12 (h), the inkjet head 121 moves at high speed in a region where the shaped objects 120a and 120b do not exist on the proceeding line.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12 (g), in the region where the shaped objects 120b and 120a exist on the proceeding line, the inkjet head 121 performs normal movement in order to apply the binder.

  That is, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the inkjet head 121 is moved (normally moved) at the first speed in the area where the layers of the modeled objects 120a and 120b are formed, and is first in the area where the layers of the modeled object are not formed. It moves at a second speed faster than the speed (high speed movement). As a result, it is possible to shorten the time for forming the modeled object without lowering the modeling accuracy, and to further increase the speed and efficiency.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 13 (a) to 13 (h) are shown in FIGS. 12 (a) to 12 (h). Equivalent to.

  That is, in the second embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 12A to 12H, a scan moving mechanism in which the inkjet head 121 scans in the X-axis direction to form one line, and After the modeling for one line by the scanning movement mechanism, the scanning movement mechanism includes a step movement mechanism that moves the inkjet head 121 by a predetermined step in the Y-axis direction, and based on the area in which each layer of the shaped objects 120a and 120b is formed. The moving speed of the inkjet head 121 is controlled in FIG.

  On the other hand, in the modified example of the second embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 13A to 13H, an X-axis movement control mechanism that independently controls the movement of the inkjet head 121 in the X-axis direction. And an Y-axis movement control mechanism that independently controls the movement of the inkjet head 121 in the Y-axis direction, and an X-axis movement control mechanism and a Y-axis movement control based on a region in which each layer of the shaped objects 120a and 120b is formed. The moving speed of the inkjet head 121 is controlled in both mechanisms.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, the inkjet head 121 stands by at a standby position 121a, and first moves from the right to the left (traveling direction: X-axis direction) in the drawing. At this time, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), the inkjet head 121 simply moves in a region where the shaped objects 120a and 120b do not exist on the traveling line. )I do.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13 (c), in the region where the modeled object 120a exists on the proceeding line, the inkjet head 121 applies the binder to the powder layer 142 coated on the modeled table. Therefore, movement at normal speed (normal movement) is performed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13 (d), the X-axis movement control mechanism and the Y-axis movement control mechanism are then moved to the shortest position where the inkjet head 121 moves in the X-axis direction to apply the binder. The inkjet head 121 is moved at high speed by both. That is, as indicated by the diagonally upper left arrow in FIG. 13D, the inkjet head 121 is controlled to move at the shortest distance at high speed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13 (e), in the region where the shaped objects 120b and 120a are present on the proceeding line, the inkjet head 121 is bonded to the powder layer 142 coated on the shaping table. The normal movement is performed to apply.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13 (f), and similarly to FIG. 13 (d), next, the inkjet head 121 moves in the X-axis direction to the shortest position where the binder is applied. The inkjet head 121 is moved at high speed by both the axis movement control mechanism and the Y axis movement control mechanism.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13 (g), the inkjet head 121 applies a binder to the powder layer 142 coated on the modeling table in the region where the modeled object 120b exists on the proceeding line. To move normally.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13 (h), when the modeling process for all the modeled objects 120a and 120b is completed, the inkjet head 121 moves at high speed at the shortest distance from the position where the modeling process is completed to the standby position 121a. Do. As a result, it is possible to further shorten the time for forming a modeled object and further increase the speed and efficiency without reducing the modeling accuracy.

  FIG. 14 is a view for explaining the third embodiment of the present invention, and shows a plan view of the modeling tank 104 as viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 14, in the third embodiment of the present invention, on the modeling table 141 (powder layer 142), a wall 150 surrounding the modeled objects 120a and 120b is formed together with the modeled objects 120a and 120b. It is like that.

  Note that the third embodiment of the present invention can be applied to, for example, the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 6 to 8 described above. is there. That is, the third embodiment can also be applied to a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus that does not use the inkjet head 121 or the XY plotter.

  By applying the third embodiment, for example, it is possible to expect an effect of reducing resin or powder as a material or reducing contamination of the resin or powder outside the wall 150 with a binder or the like. Further, since it is not necessary to recoat the powder on the outside of the wall 150, the coating process can be reduced, and the modeling time can be further shortened.

  Further, by applying the third embodiment, for example, without providing the modeling tank 104, the binder (122) is applied to the powder layer 142 coated on the modeling table 141 by the inkjet head 121. It is also possible to model the modeling objects 120a and 120b.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In addition, 4th Embodiment of this invention can be applied suitably with respect to the three-dimensional layered modeling apparatus demonstrated with reference to FIGS. 6-8, for example.

  Here, FIG. 15A shows a case where the thickness of the powder layer coated by the recoater unit 103 and the amount of the binder discharged (applied) from the inkjet head 121 are standard. (b) shows the case where the thickness of the powder layer is standard and the amount of the binder is large, and FIG. 15 (c) shows the case where the thickness of the powder layer is thick and the amount of the binder is also large.

  As shown in FIG. 15 (a), when the thickness of the powder layer coated by the recoater unit is the standard thickness L1, and the amount of the binder discharged from the inkjet head 121 is the standard amount B1. The binder B1a applied on the powder layer 142 in the modeling tank 104 enters a layer slightly lower than the thickness of one surface layer.

  On the other hand, by applying the fourth embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 15 (b), the amount of the binder discharged from the inkjet head 121 is increased from B1 to B2, thereby reducing the powder. Multiple layers of the layer 142 (in FIG. 15 (b), entering the third layer from the surface slightly) are simultaneously treated with the binder B2a.

  That is, for example, by applying the binder by one inkjet head 121 to the two powder layers, it is possible to shorten the time for modeling the modeled object. In addition,

  Such a process can be selectively performed, for example, on a portion where the shape of the modeled object is a simple shape. In the case of FIG. 15 (b), the thickness of the powder layer coated by the recoater unit may be the standard thickness L1, so that it is not necessary to control the amount of powder coated by the recoater unit. become.

  Further, by applying the fourth embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 15 (c), the thickness of the powder layer coated by the recoater unit is increased from L1 to L2, and from the inkjet head 121. By increasing the amount of the discharged binder from B1 to B2, it is possible to shorten the modeling time and further increase the speed and efficiency.

  Also in this case, for example, the above-described processing can be selectively performed on a portion where the shape of the modeled object is a simple shape. In the case of FIG. 15C, since the coating process can be reduced by the recoater unit as compared with FIG. 15B, the modeling time can be further shortened.

  The above-described contents may be performed by the ink jet head 121 alone. However, when it is difficult to control the amount of the binder by the ink jet head 121 alone, for example, a binder for large capacity and small capacity may be used. It is also possible to provide a plurality of inkjet heads with different discharge amounts and use them according to the purpose.

  In addition, each embodiment which concerns on this invention mentioned above is applied to the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus of various forms, without being limited to the three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus demonstrated with reference to FIGS. 1-8, for example. be able to. Furthermore, the technical idea of each embodiment can be applied not only as a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus but also as a three-dimensional additive manufacturing method and a three-dimensional additive manufacturing program.

  Although the embodiment has been described above, all examples and conditions described herein are described for the purpose of helping understanding of the concept of the invention applied to the invention and the technology. It is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Nor does such a description of the specification indicate an advantage or disadvantage of the invention. Although embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 Three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 Control computer 102 Print head unit 103 Recoater unit 104 Modeling tank 105 Lifting apparatus 106 Powder supply hopper unit 107 Cleaning unit 108 Chemical unit 121 Inkjet head 131 Recoater hopper 132 Blade 141 Modeling table 142 Powder layer

Claims (6)

A print head capable of moving in an XY plane;
A modeling table movable in the Z-axis direction;
Each time the modeling table moves in the Z-axis direction, a control unit that controls the print head so that each layer of the model is sequentially formed, and a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus,
The controller is
On the modeling table, the print head is controlled so that the modeled object is formed in the vicinity of the standby position of the print head,
The standby position of the print head is
Including multiple standby positions set at different positions,
The controller is
When waiting the print head, from the plurality of standby positions, select a standby position that has the shortest distance from the position of the print head immediately before standby, and move the print head to the selected standby position.
A three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus characterized by that. The model is
A first shaped object whose Z-axis direction is the first height;
The Z-axis direction includes a second shaped object having a second height higher than the first height,
The controller is
Controlling the print head so that the second modeled object is formed closer to a standby position of the printhead than the first modeled object;
The three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1. A print head that can move in the XY plane and a modeling table that can move in the Z-axis direction each time the modeling table moves in the Z-axis direction, A three-dimensional additive manufacturing method for controlling to be formed,
On the modeling table, there is a model position control step for controlling the print head so that the model is formed in the vicinity of the standby position of the print head,
The standby position of the print head is
Including multiple standby positions set at different positions,
When waiting the print head, from the plurality of standby positions, select a standby position that has the shortest distance from the position of the print head immediately before standby, and move the print head to the selected standby position.
A three-dimensional additive manufacturing method characterized by that. The model is
A first shaped object whose Z-axis direction is the first height;
The Z-axis direction includes a second shaped object having a second height higher than the first height,
The modeled object position control step forms the second modeled object in the vicinity of the standby position of the print head, rather than the first modeled object.
The three-dimensional layered manufacturing method according to claim 3 . A print head that can move in the XY plane, a modeling table that can move in the Z-axis direction, and each time the modeling table moves in the Z-axis direction, each layer of the modeled object is formed in order by the print head. A control program for a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus having a control unit including a computer for controlling,
In the computer,
On the modeling table, the step of controlling the print head is executed so that the modeled object is formed in the vicinity of the standby position of the print head,
The standby position of the print head is
Including multiple standby positions set at different positions,
In the computer,
When waiting for the print head, a step of selecting a standby position having the shortest distance from the position of the print head immediately before standby from the plurality of standby positions, and moving the print head to the selected standby position To execute,
A control program for a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus. The model is
A first shaped object whose Z-axis direction is the first height;
The Z-axis direction includes a second shaped object having a second height higher than the first height,
In the computer,
A step of forming the second modeled object in the vicinity of the standby position of the print head, rather than the first modeled object,
A control program for a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5 .

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