JP2019038138A - Laminate molding apparatus and laminate molding method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a laminate molding apparatus which enables molding hardly causing warpage or deformation by efficiently cooling a three-dimensional molded product formed by laminating a cured layer.SOLUTION: There is provided a laminate molding apparatus which has a molding part having a molding surface for molding a three-dimensional molded product by laminating a cured layer, a supply part for supplying a predetermined material to the molding surface, a curing part for curing a predetermined region of the supplied material to form the cured layer, a projecting part projecting from the molding surface, a temperature monitoring part for measuring the temperature of the cured layer at the projecting part and a temperature control part for controlling the temperature of the molding surface based on the temperature measured by the temperature monitoring part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an additive manufacturing technique for forming a three-dimensional structure by stacking layers.

  A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional structure by dividing a layer of three-dimensional CAD (Computer Aided Design) data and adding a material so that the divided layers are stacked on each layer is defined as an additive manufacturing in the international standard. Has been. This manufacturing method invented in the 1980's is generally called a 3D printer (3D printer). In recent years, 3D printers are attracting attention as a new manufacturing method because they can easily manufacture complex shapes without using a mold if there is 3D CAD data.

  In 3D printers, shapes that were once difficult to manufacture, such as mesh shapes and porous shapes, can be easily and accurately manufactured, unlike removal processing by cutting and molding processing in which a material is poured into a mold and hardened. Furthermore, it is also expected to enable a structure in which a plurality of types of materials are freely arranged in a model. This is because a structure using a plurality of materials can realize a shaped article having a new function utilizing the characteristics of each material.

  In the “powder sintering lamination method” in which a powder material is cured and laminated to form a three-dimensional structure, the powder material is spread on the modeling stage, and a predetermined portion of the spread powder material is sintered or irradiated by laser irradiation. Melt and cure. By repeating this, a hardened layer is laminated to form a shaped article. At this time, the heat of the modeling object irradiated with the laser is radiated to the modeling stage. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for efficiently cooling a modeled object by cooling a modeling stage by a cooling unit. According to Patent Literature 1, the finishing process is performed after the thermal contraction of the modeled object is stabilized, whereby the contraction after the finishing process is suppressed, and the processing accuracy of the modeled object is improved.

  Further, in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3, the modeling surface of the modeling stage is divided into a plurality of small regions, the small regions are projected on the modeling surface to form a predetermined protruding shape, and on the modeling surface including the protruding shape Discloses a method of forming a shaped object. According to patent document 2 and patent document 3, it is said that modeling of a three-dimensional structure can be performed efficiently and easily.

  Patent Document 4 discloses a method of preheating a metal powder while measuring the temperature when forming a shaped object by heating and solidifying the metal powder and stacking them. According to Patent Document 4, it is possible to facilitate modeling using metal powder.

JP 2008-307895 A JP 2000-280355 A JP-A-5-318607 JP2015-183245A

  However, in the methods of Patent Documents 1 to 4, the heat of the modeled object is radiated to the modeling stage through the modeled surface with which the modeled object comes into contact. For this reason, when the number of layers of the hardened layer forming the modeled object increases, the heat of the hardened layer is less likely to be dissipated as the upper layer, and the modeled object is warped and deformed due to thermal shrinkage after processing, and the processing accuracy decreases. There is a problem to be solved.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to efficiently cool a three-dimensional structure formed by laminating a hardened layer, thereby enabling modeling that is unlikely to be warped or deformed. An object of the present invention is to provide an additive manufacturing apparatus.

  The layered manufacturing apparatus of the present invention includes a modeling unit having a modeling surface for stacking a hardened layer to model a three-dimensional modeled object, a supply unit that supplies a predetermined material to the modeling surface, and a predetermined of the supplied material A hardened portion that hardens the region to form the hardened layer, a protruding portion that protrudes from the modeling surface, and a temperature monitoring portion that measures the temperature of the hardened layer at the protruding portion, and the temperature monitoring portion measures And a temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of the modeling surface based on the temperature.

  In the additive manufacturing method of the present invention, a predetermined material is supplied to a modeling surface for forming a three-dimensional structure by stacking a hardened layer, and a predetermined region of the supplied material is cured to form the hardened layer. The temperature of the said hardened layer is measured with the protrusion part protruded from the modeling surface, and the temperature of the said modeling surface is controlled based on the measured temperature.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the additive manufacturing apparatus which enables modeling which does not produce a curvature and a deformation | transformation efficiently by cooling the three-dimensional structure formed by laminating | stacking a hardened layer efficiently can be provided.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the additive manufacturing apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the additive manufacturing apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the temperature monitoring pillar of the additive manufacturing apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the modeling stage and temperature monitoring pillar of the additive manufacturing apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the modeling method by the additive manufacturing apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the modeling method by the layered manufacturing apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating another modeling method by the additive manufacturing apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating another modeling method by the additive manufacturing apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of operation | movement of the additive manufacturing apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the additive manufacturing apparatus of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the temperature monitoring pillar of the additive manufacturing apparatus of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the modeling stage and temperature monitoring pillar of the additive manufacturing apparatus of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the modeling method by the additive manufacturing apparatus of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the preferred embodiments described below are technically preferable for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the invention is not limited to the following.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an additive manufacturing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The additive manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a modeling unit 11 having a modeling surface 11a that models a three-dimensional model by stacking a hardened layer, a supply unit 12 that supplies a predetermined material to the modeling surface 11a, and a supply And a cured portion 14 that cures a predetermined region of the material that has been cured to form the cured layer. Furthermore, it has the protrusion part 15a which protrudes from the said modeling surface 11a, The temperature monitoring part 15 which measures the temperature of the said hardening layer with the said protrusion part 15a, Based on the said temperature which the said temperature monitoring part 15 measured, And a temperature control unit 11b that controls the temperature of the modeling surface 11a.

  According to the additive manufacturing apparatus 1, the temperature of the hardened layer can be accurately measured by the protruding portion 15 a of the temperature monitoring unit 15. Thereby, even if the number of layers of the hardened layer forming the three-dimensional structure increases and the heat of the upper layer is difficult to be dissipated, the temperature control unit 11b performs modeling of the modeling unit 11 based on the temperature measured by the protruding portion 15a. By controlling the temperature of the surface 11a, heat dissipation to the modeling part 11 is promoted. For this reason, the three-dimensional structure is efficiently cooled, and warpage and deformation due to heat are suppressed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a layered manufacturing apparatus that enables modeling that is less likely to be warped or deformed by efficiently cooling a three-dimensional structure formed by laminating a hardened layer. Can do.
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The additive manufacturing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment includes a modeling stage 21, a material supply mechanism 22, a squeegee 23, a laser irradiation mechanism 24, a temperature monitoring column 25, a collection box 26, and a controller 27.

  The modeling stage 21 includes a modeling surface 21a that stacks the materials supplied from the material supply mechanism 22 to model a three-dimensional modeled object. Furthermore, the modeling stage 21 has a lifting mechanism by hydraulic pressure or pneumatic pressure, and can lift the modeling surface 21a in accordance with the lamination of materials. A predetermined material is supplied to the modeling surface 21 a by the material supply mechanism 22, and the supplied material becomes a material layer flattened by the squeegee 23, and a predetermined region of the flattened material is cured by the laser irradiation mechanism 24. And become a hardened layer. This hardened layer is laminated to form a three-dimensional structure.

  The modeling stage 21 is also provided with a temperature control mechanism 21b that can control the temperature of the modeling surface 21a based on the temperature of the hardened layer measured by the temperature monitoring column 25 described later. As a cooling mechanism of the temperature control mechanism 21 b, for example, a flow path through which a coolant such as water whose temperature is controlled can be provided in the modeling stage 21. Further, as the heating mechanism of the temperature control mechanism 21b, for example, a flow path or a heater through which a heat medium such as oil whose temperature is controlled can be provided in the modeling stage 21.

  The material supply mechanism 22 has a chamber 22a and a supply cylinder 22b. The chamber 22a stores the material. The supply cylinder 22 b supplies a predetermined amount of the material stored in the chamber 22 a to a predetermined position on the modeling surface 21 a of the modeling stage 21. Here, the predetermined amount is an amount necessary for spreading a material as a material layer having a predetermined thickness on the modeling surface 21a.

  The material can be powder (powder material), and the shape of the powder can be spherical. An atomizing method can be used as a method for generating a spherical shape, but is not limited thereto. The particle size of the powder may be 5 μm to 50 μm, but is not limited thereto. The shape of the powder can also be a scale-like flat plate shape (disc shape). The flat plate shape can be obtained by further flattening a spherical powder produced by an atomizing method or the like into a scaly shape by a method such as stamping, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the shape of the material is not limited to a spherical shape or a flat plate, and may be any polyhedron or ellipsoid.

  The material of the material can be a plastic material, for example, nylon, polylactic acid, polyethylene, polystyrene, or polyetheretherketone. Further, a predetermined amount of glass, carbon or the like may be added to these materials. Moreover, it can also be set as a metal material, for example, can be set as copper, stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium. It can also be ceramic or carbon.

  The squeegee 23 is a material layer in which the material supplied on the modeling surface 21a is stretched flat on the modeling surface 21a and spread to a uniform thickness. The squeegee 23 can have a shape suitable for the purpose, such as a flat squeegee, a square squeegee, or a sword squeegee. Alternatively, the squeegee 23 may be used as a roller, and the material may be flattened by rolling the roller and spread to a uniform thickness. The material of the squeegee 23 can be selected according to the purpose from rubber, plastic, metal and the like.

  The laser irradiation mechanism 24 irradiates and heats a predetermined region of the material layer flattened by the squeegee 23 and spreads to a uniform thickness, that is, a region where a model is formed, to sinter or sinter the material. Melt cure to form a cured layer. As a method for forming the hardened layer, a powder bed fusion method (ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)) classified as an additive manufacturing method can be used. As the laser, a fiber laser or the like used in Additive Manufacturing can be used.

  Note that the method for heating the material layer to form a hardened layer by sintering or melt-curing is not limited to laser irradiation. As a method of forming a cured layer by heating or sintering the material layer to form a cured layer, the material layer may be irradiated with an electron beam.

  The temperature monitoring column 25 has a protruding portion that protrudes from the modeling surface 21 a of the modeling stage 21. This protrusion can move up and down in the modeling surface 21a according to the material layer (cured layer), and can contact the side surface of the material layer (cured layer) on the side surface to measure the temperature of the material layer (cured layer). For example, the protruding portion moves up and down in accordance with the uppermost cured layer, and the temperature of the uppermost cured layer can be measured. The protrusion can also be in contact with the cured layer formed on the upper surface, and measure the temperature of the cured layer on the upper surface.

  The squeegee 23 can flatten the material by aligning the upper surface of the protruding portion of the temperature monitoring column 25 with the surface of the material layer. The temperature monitoring column 25 can measure the temperature of the flattened material layer on the side surface of the protrusion. Furthermore, the temperature monitoring column 25 can measure the temperature of the hardened layer cured by the laser irradiation on the side surface of the protrusion. The protrusion can also be in contact with the cured layer formed on the upper surface, and measure the temperature of the cured layer on the upper surface.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the temperature monitoring column 25. The temperature monitoring column 25 includes a temperature measurement unit 25a and an elevating unit 25c.

  The temperature measuring unit 25a has an upper surface and side surfaces. The temperature measuring unit 25a can protrude from the modeling surface 21a of the modeling stage 21, and measures the temperature of the material layer or the cured layer by contacting the material layer or the cured layer on the side surface or the upper surface of the portion protruding from the modeling surface 21a. can do. For this purpose, the temperature measuring unit 25a includes a temperature sensor 25b. A thermocouple or an infrared sensor can be used for the temperature sensor 25b. The temperature sensor 25b can measure the temperature of the uppermost cured layer. The temperature measuring unit 25a can be made of a material such as copper, aluminum, stainless steel, or the like with good thermal conductivity.

  The elevating unit 25c can elevate and lower the temperature measuring unit 25a according to the stack of materials by hydraulic pressure or pneumatic pressure. Moreover, the raising / lowering part 25c can rotate the temperature measurement part 25a. The position of the temperature measuring unit 25a can be adjusted to the position of the hardened layer for which the temperature is to be measured by the lifting unit 25c. Thereby, the temperature of a hardened layer can be measured accurately. Further, the position of the temperature measuring unit 25a can be matched with the position of the uppermost cured layer. Thereby, the temperature of the uppermost cured layer can be accurately measured. Moreover, the position of the temperature measurement part 25a can be matched with the position of the hardened layer below the uppermost layer. Thereby, the temperature of the hardened layer below the uppermost layer can be accurately measured.

  4A is a top view and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the modeling stage 21 of the additive manufacturing apparatus 2 of the present embodiment and the temperature measurement unit 25a of the temperature monitoring column 25. FIG. The temperature measuring unit 25 a can arrange an arbitrary number at arbitrary positions in the modeling surface 21 a of the modeling stage 21. For example, it can arrange | position to the position close | similar to a molded article so that the temperature of a molded article can be measured effectively according to the shape of a molded article. Moreover, the temperature measurement part 25a can be rotated so that the temperature of a molded article can be measured effectively according to the shape of a molded article.

  In addition, when a part of temperature measurement part 25a previously provided on the modeling stage 21 becomes unnecessary for convenience, such as the shape of a molded article, the temperature measurement part 25a can be removed. And the hole which arose on the modeling stage 21 by removing the temperature measurement part 25a can be closed with the cap etc. which fill a hole. A cap that fills the hole may be fixed by a magnetic force using a magnetic material.

  Note that the shape of the upper surface of the temperature measurement unit 25a is not limited to a circle. The shape of the upper surface of the temperature measuring unit 25a can be a polygon, or a shape arbitrarily combining curves and straight lines.

  The collection box 26 collects uncured material excluding the cured layer of the material layer. The recovered material can be reused. The collection box 26 can be provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the modeling stage 21. In order to recover the uncured material, for example, the uncured material on the modeling surface 21a of the modeling stage 21 can be recovered by sweeping it into the recovery box 26 with a brush or brush, or blowing it off with air. it can.

  The controller 27 is connected to the modeling stage 21, the material supply mechanism 22, the squeegee 23, the laser irradiation mechanism 24, the temperature monitoring column 25, the temperature control mechanism 21b, and the recovery box 26. Then, control related to the layered modeling of the modeled object is performed by controlling and cooperating these operations. That is, the amount of raising / lowering of the modeling stage 21, the supply amount and supply position and supply timing of the material, the operation of the squeegee 23, and the output, position and time of laser light irradiation are controlled. Furthermore, the projection of the temperature monitoring column 25 from the modeling surface 21a, the control of the temperature control mechanism 21b based on the temperature measured by the temperature monitoring column 25, and the recovery of uncured material are performed.

  The controller 27 can be realized by operating an information processing apparatus such as a server by a program. Among the operations by this program, the operations related to additive manufacturing are set based on the three-dimensional CAD data of the modeled object. That is, the controller 27 can control the modeling of the three-dimensional structure based on the three-dimensional CAD data.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a modeling method by the additive manufacturing apparatus 2 of the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 5A, the temperature measuring unit 25 a of the temperature monitoring column 25 is protruded by one material layer from the modeling surface 21 a of the modeling stage 21. In (b), the material supplied by the material supply mechanism 22 onto the modeling surface 21a is extended by the squeegee 23 to form a material layer. At this time, the squeegee 23 flattens the material by aligning the upper surface of the portion where the temperature measuring unit 25a protrudes from the modeling surface 21a and the surface of the material layer. The thickness of one material layer can be, for example, 50 μm, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of one material layer can be arbitrarily set for each model based on the three-dimensional CAD data.

  In (c), the laser irradiation mechanism 24 irradiates a predetermined position of the material layer with a laser beam having a predetermined output for a predetermined time to make the material layer a hardened layer. At this time, the heat generated in the hardened layer by laser light irradiation is radiated to the modeling stage 21 and the hardened layer is cooled.

  At this time, based on the temperature of the cured layer measured by the temperature measuring unit 25a, the temperature of the modeling surface 21a is controlled by the temperature control mechanism 21b built in the modeling stage 21, and the cured layer is appropriately cooled. . For example, the temperature control mechanism 21b can lower the temperature of the modeling surface 21a when the temperature of the cured layer measured by the temperature measurement unit 25a is higher than a predetermined temperature, and can increase the temperature of the modeling surface 21a when it is lower. Moreover, the temperature control mechanism 21b can lower the temperature of the modeling surface 21a when the temperature of the hardened layer measured by the temperature measuring unit 25a is higher than the predetermined temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  The temperature control of the temperature control mechanism 21b based on the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 25a is not limited to the above. The temperature control of the temperature control mechanism 21b can be arbitrarily performed in order to effectively cool the cured layer and to optimize the temperature of the cured layer.

  In (c), the cured layer may be in direct contact with the temperature measuring unit 25a or indirectly through an uncured material layer. Since the cured layer is in direct contact with the temperature measuring unit 25a, the temperature of the cured layer can be directly measured. Moreover, the temperature of a hardened layer can be measured indirectly and converted into the temperature of a hardened layer because a hardened layer contacts indirectly through an uncured material layer. When converting into the temperature of a hardened layer, the experimental data and calculation data which are prepared beforehand and converted into the temperature of the hardened layer through the uncured material can be used.

  In (d), the temperature measuring unit 25a is further protruded by one layer of the next material layer. In (e), the next material layer is formed by planarizing the supplied material. At this time, the surface of the next material layer is aligned with the upper surface of the temperature measuring unit 25a.

  In (f), a next hardened layer is formed by irradiating a predetermined position of the next material layer with a laser beam having a predetermined output for a predetermined time. At this time, the temperature of the modeling surface 21a is controlled by the temperature control mechanism 21b built in the modeling stage 21 based on the temperature of the cured layer measured by the temperature measuring unit 25a, and the cured layer is appropriately cooled. . The temperature of the cured layer measured by the temperature measurement unit 25a may be the temperature of the uppermost cured layer.

  By repeating the above, in (g), a modeled object in which a predetermined number of layers are laminated is completed. In (h), the uncured material is collected and the completed model is taken out.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the modeling method shown in FIG. For example, as shown in the temperature measuring unit 25a in the center of FIG. 6, the upper surface of the temperature measuring unit 25a is brought into contact with the cured layer, and the temperature of the cured layer in contact with the upper surface is measured on the upper surface of the temperature measuring unit 25a. May be.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining another modeling method by the additive manufacturing apparatus 2 of the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 7A, the upper surface of the temperature measuring unit 25 a of the temperature monitoring column 25 is aligned with the modeling surface 21 a of the modeling stage 21. In (b), the material supplied by the material supply mechanism 22 onto the modeling surface 21a is extended by the squeegee 23 to form a material layer. In (c), the laser irradiation mechanism 24 irradiates a predetermined position of the material layer with a laser beam for a predetermined time to make the material layer a hardened layer.

  In (d), the temperature measuring unit 25a is protruded by one material layer. At this time, the temperature of the modeling surface 21a is controlled by the temperature control mechanism 21b built in the modeling stage 21 based on the temperature of the cured layer measured by the temperature measuring unit 25a, and the cured layer is appropriately cooled. .

  In (e), the uncured material remaining on the upper surface of the temperature measuring unit 25a and the material supplied to the modeling surface 21a by the material supply mechanism 22 are extended by the squeegee 23 to be the next material layer.

  In (f), the laser irradiation mechanism 24 irradiates a predetermined position of the next material layer with a laser beam for a predetermined time to form a next hardened layer. Further, the temperature measuring unit 25a is protruded by one material layer, and at this time, based on the temperature of the hardened layer measured by the temperature measuring unit 25a, the temperature control mechanism 21b built in the modeling stage 21 performs modeling. The temperature of the surface 21a is controlled, and the hardened layer is appropriately cooled.

  By repeating the above, in (g), a modeled object in which a predetermined number of layers are laminated is completed. In (h), the uncured material is collected and the completed model is taken out.

  FIG. 8 is a view for explaining still another modeling method by the additive manufacturing apparatus 2 of the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 8A, the upper surface of the temperature measuring unit 25 a of the temperature monitoring column 25 is aligned with the modeling surface 21 a of the modeling stage 21. In (b), the material supplied by the material supply mechanism 22 onto the modeling surface 21a is extended by the squeegee 23 to be the first material layer. In (c), the temperature measuring unit 25a is protruded from the modeling surface 21a by the thickness of the first material layer and the next material layer, and the material on the upper surface of the temperature measuring unit 25a and the material supply mechanism 22 are placed on the modeling surface 21a. The supplied material is extended by the squeegee 23 to form the next material layer. At this time, the surface of the next material layer is aligned with the upper surface of the temperature measuring unit 25a.

  In (d), the laser irradiation mechanism 24 irradiates a predetermined position of the material layer with laser light for a predetermined time, and the next material layer is set as a hardened layer. By controlling the laser light irradiation time and irradiation power, the next cured layer can be cured without curing the first material layer. Also, by making the first material layer a material that requires more heat for curing, the next cured layer can be cured without curing the first material layer.

  At this time, the temperature of the modeling surface 21a is controlled by the temperature control mechanism 21b built in the modeling stage 21 based on the temperature of the cured layer measured by the temperature measuring unit 25a, and the cured layer is appropriately cooled. .

  In (e), the temperature measuring unit 25a is further protruded by one layer of the next material. Further, the next material layer is further formed by planarizing the supplied material. At this time, the squeegee 23 can flatten the material by aligning the upper surface of the portion where the temperature measuring unit 25a protrudes from the modeling surface 21a and the surface of the material layer.

  In (f), the next cured layer is formed by irradiating a predetermined position of the next material layer with laser light for a predetermined time. At this time, the temperature of the modeling surface 21a is controlled by the temperature control mechanism 21b built in the modeling stage 21 based on the temperature of the cured layer measured by the temperature measuring unit 25a, and the cured layer is appropriately cooled. .

  By repeating the above, in (g), a modeled object in which a predetermined number of layers are laminated is completed. At this time, the uncured material is in contact with the modeling surface 21a. For this reason, taking out of a model becomes easier. In (h), the uncured material is collected and the completed model is taken out.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the modeling object can be formed on the modeling surface 21 a provided with one uncured material layer because the heat generated in the cured layer by laser light irradiation is temperature controlled. This is because heat is efficiently radiated to the stage 21 and the hardened layer is efficiently cooled. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 8D, the material layer on the uncured material layer can be cured and laminated to form a modeled object.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the additive manufacturing apparatus 2 of the present embodiment.

  In step S <b> 1, the temperature measuring unit 25 a of the temperature monitoring column 25 protrudes from the modeling surface 21 a of the modeling stage 21 by one material layer. As another operation, the upper surface of the temperature measuring unit 25a of the temperature monitoring column 25 can be aligned with the modeling surface 21a of the modeling stage 21.

  In step S2, the material supply mechanism 22 supplies a predetermined material onto the modeling surface 21a.

  In step S3, the material supplied by the material supply mechanism 22 is flattened by the squeegee 23 being stretched to form a material layer. At this time, the squeegee 23 flattens the material by aligning the upper surface of the portion where the temperature measuring unit 25a protrudes from the modeling surface 21a and the surface of the material layer. As another operation, when the upper surface of the temperature measuring unit 25a of the temperature monitoring column 25 is aligned with the modeling surface 21a in step S1, the material is simply flattened.

  In step S4, the laser irradiation mechanism 24 irradiates a predetermined position of the material layer with a laser beam for a predetermined time to make the material layer a hardened layer. As another operation, in the case where the upper surface of the temperature measuring unit 25a of the temperature monitoring column 25 is aligned with the modeling surface 21a in step S1, the temperature monitoring column 25 is further arranged with respect to the modeling surface 21a in step S4. The temperature measuring unit 25a is protruded by one material layer.

  Furthermore, in step S4, based on the temperature of the hardened layer measured by the temperature measuring unit 25a, the temperature of the modeling surface 21a is controlled by the temperature control mechanism 21b built in the modeling stage 21, so that the hardened layer is appropriately formed. To be cooled.

  In step S <b> 5, it is confirmed whether or not a predetermined number of layers are stacked on the modeling stage 21. That is, it is confirmed whether or not the modeling is completed. If step S5 is NO, the position is set by lowering the modeling stage 21 by a predetermined amount, for example, the thickness of the next material layer in order to stack the next layer (step S6).

  After setting the position of the modeling stage 21, step S1 and subsequent steps are repeated. At this time, when step S <b> 1 is repeated, the temperature measuring unit 25 a is protruded by one material layer from the uppermost surface of the material layer. Further, as another operation, the upper surface of the temperature measurement unit 25a is aligned with the uppermost surface of the material layer. When step S2 is repeated, a predetermined material is supplied on the uppermost surface of the material layer.

  On the other hand, when a predetermined number of layers are laminated and a shaped object is completed (YES in step S5), the process ends.

  As described above, according to the additive manufacturing apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, the temperature of the cured layer can be accurately measured by the temperature measuring unit 25a of the temperature monitoring column 25. Thereby, even if the number of layers of the hardened layer forming the three-dimensional structure is increased and the heat of the upper layer is difficult to be dissipated, the temperature control mechanism 21b is formed on the modeling surface 21a based on the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 25a. By controlling the temperature, heat dissipation to the modeling stage 21 is promoted. For this reason, the three-dimensional structure is efficiently cooled, and warpage and deformation due to heat are suppressed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a layered manufacturing apparatus that enables modeling that is less likely to be warped or deformed by efficiently cooling a three-dimensional structure formed by laminating a hardened layer. Can do.
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The additive manufacturing apparatus 3 of the present embodiment includes a modeling stage 30 having a plurality of individual modeling stages 31 divided into small regions, a material supply mechanism 32 having a chamber 32a and a supply cylinder 32b, a squeegee 33, and a laser irradiation mechanism. 34. Furthermore, it has a temperature monitoring column 35 arranged in the modeling stage 30, a recovery box 36, and a controller 37.

  The material supply mechanism 32, the squeegee 33, the laser irradiation mechanism 34, and the recovery box 36 of the additive manufacturing apparatus 3 are respectively the material supply mechanism 22, the squeegee 23, the laser irradiation mechanism 24, and the recovery of the additive manufacturing apparatus 2 of the second embodiment. Similar to box 26.

  The modeling stage 30 has a plurality of individual modeling stages 31 divided into small areas. The individual modeling stage 31 includes an individual modeling surface 31a that stacks the materials supplied from the material supply mechanism 32 to model a three-dimensional model. Furthermore, the individual modeling stage 31 has a lifting mechanism by hydraulic pressure or pneumatic pressure, and can individually lift and lower the individual modeling surface 31a in accordance with the lamination of materials.

  A predetermined material is supplied to the modeling surface 30a having a plurality of individual modeling surfaces 31a by the material supply mechanism 32, and the supplied material becomes a material layer flattened by the squeegee 33, and a predetermined material of the flattened material is obtained. The region is cured by the laser irradiation mechanism 34 to become a cured layer. This hardened layer is laminated to form a three-dimensional structure.

  The individual modeling stage 31 also includes a temperature control mechanism 31b that can control the temperature of the individual modeling surface 31a for each individual modeling stage 31 based on the temperature of the hardened layer measured by the temperature monitoring column 35 described later. Yes. As a cooling mechanism of the temperature control mechanism 31 b, for example, a flow path for flowing a coolant such as water can be provided in the individual modeling stage 31. Moreover, as a heating mechanism of the temperature control mechanism 31b, for example, a flow path or a heater for flowing a heat medium such as oil can be provided in the individual modeling stage 31.

  The temperature monitoring column 35 is provided in the modeling surface 30a of the modeling stage 30 so that the upper surface constitutes a part of the modeling surface 30a. Furthermore, the temperature monitoring column 35 can protrude from the modeling surface 30a and move up and down. The temperature monitoring column 35 moves up and down in the modeling surface 30a according to the material layer (cured layer), and measures the temperature of the material layer (cured layer) in contact with the bottom surface and the side surface of the material layer (cured layer) on the top surface and the side surface. can do.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the temperature monitoring column 35. The temperature monitoring column 35 includes a temperature measurement unit 35a and an elevating unit 35c.

  The temperature measurement unit 35a has an upper surface and side surfaces. The upper surface can constitute a part of the modeling surface 30 a of the modeling stage 30. Further, the temperature measuring unit 35 a can protrude from the modeling surface 30 a of the modeling stage 30. Furthermore, the temperature measuring unit 35a can measure the temperature of the material layer (cured layer) in contact with the bottom surface or side surface of the material layer (cured layer) on the top surface or side surface. For this purpose, the temperature measuring unit 35a includes a temperature sensor 35b. A thermocouple or an infrared sensor can be used for the temperature sensor 35b. The temperature sensor 35b can measure the temperature of the uppermost cured layer. The temperature measurement unit 35a can be made of a material such as copper, aluminum, stainless steel, or the like with high thermal conductivity.

  The raising / lowering part 35c can raise / lower the temperature measurement part 35a according to lamination | stacking of material by hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure, etc. The position of the temperature measuring unit 35a can be adjusted to the position of the cured layer for which the temperature is to be measured by the elevating unit 35c. Thereby, the temperature of a hardened layer can be measured accurately.

  12A is a top view and FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the modeling stage 30 of the additive manufacturing apparatus 3 of the present embodiment and the temperature measuring unit 35a of the temperature monitoring column 35. FIG. The modeling surface 30a of the modeling stage 30 includes the individual modeling surfaces 31a of the plurality of individual modeling stages 31 and the upper surface of the temperature measurement unit 35a. An arbitrary number of the temperature measuring units 35a can be arranged at arbitrary positions in the modeling surface 30a. For example, it can arrange | position to the position close | similar to a molded article so that the temperature of a molded article can be measured effectively according to the shape of a molded article.

  In addition, the shape of the upper surface of the temperature measurement unit 35a is not limited to a quadrangle. The shape of the upper surface of the temperature measuring unit 35a can be a polygon, or a shape arbitrarily combining curves and straight lines. The shape of the individual modeling surface 31a of the individual modeling stage 31 can be changed in accordance with the shape of the upper surface of the temperature measuring unit 35a.

  Similarly to the controller 27 of the second embodiment, the controller 37 is connected to the individual modeling stage 31, the material supply mechanism 32, the squeegee 33, the laser irradiation mechanism 34, the temperature monitoring column 35, the temperature control mechanism 31b, and the recovery box 36. . Then, control related to the layered modeling of the modeled object is performed by controlling and cooperating these operations.

  Further, the controller 37 is different from the controller 27 in that individual individual modeling stages based on the control of the individual lifting / lowering amounts of the individual modeling stage 31 and the temperature monitoring column 35 and the temperature measured by the temperature monitoring column 35. It is a point which controls the temperature of the 31 temperature control mechanism 21b.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a modeling method by the additive manufacturing apparatus 3 of the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 13A, the individual modeling surface 31a of at least one individual modeling stage 31 is lowered by one material layer with respect to the modeling surface 30a of the modeling stage 30 forming one plane. At this time, at least one of the temperature measuring units 35a is adjacent to the individual modeling stage 31 lowered by one material layer.

  In (b), the material supplied by the material supply mechanism 32 is stretched by the squeegee 33 onto the individual modeling surface 31a of the individual modeling stage 31 lowered by one material layer to form a material layer. At this time, the squeegee 33 flattens the material by aligning the modeling surface 30a excluding the individual modeling stage 31 lowered by one material layer and the surface of the material layer.

  In (c), the laser irradiation mechanism 34 irradiates a predetermined position of the material layer with a laser beam having a predetermined output for a predetermined time to make the material layer a hardened layer. At this time, the heat generated in the cured layer by laser light irradiation is radiated to the individual modeling stage 31 lowered by one material layer, and the cured layer is cooled.

  At this time, based on the temperature of the cured layer measured by the temperature measuring unit 35a, the temperature of the individual modeling surface 31a is controlled by the temperature control mechanism 31b built in the individual modeling stage 31 in contact with the cured layer, The cured layer is properly cooled. For example, the temperature control mechanism 31b can lower the temperature of the individual modeling surface 31a when the temperature of the cured layer measured by the temperature measurement unit 35a is higher than a predetermined temperature, and can increase the temperature of the individual modeling surface 31a when it is lower. . Moreover, the temperature control mechanism 31b can lower the temperature of the individual modeling surface 31a when the temperature of the hardened layer measured by the temperature measuring unit 35a is higher than the predetermined temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  The temperature control of the temperature control mechanism 31b based on the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 35a is not limited to the above. The temperature control of the temperature control mechanism 31b can be arbitrarily performed in order to effectively cool the cured layer and to optimize the temperature of the cured layer.

  In (c), the cured layer may be in direct contact with the temperature measuring unit 35a or indirectly through an uncured material layer. Since the cured layer is in direct contact with the temperature measuring unit 35a, the temperature of the cured layer can be directly measured. Moreover, the temperature of a hardened layer can be measured indirectly and converted into the temperature of a hardened layer because a hardened layer contacts indirectly through an uncured material layer. When converting into the temperature of a hardened layer, the experimental data and calculation data which are prepared beforehand and converted into the temperature of the hardened layer through the uncured material can be used.

  In (d), in order to form the next material layer, the individual modeling surface 31a and the temperature measuring unit 35a of the individual modeling stage 31 constituting the modeling surface 30a forming the next material layer are further provided for one material layer. Just lower.

  In (e), the squeegee 33 extends the material supplied by the material supply mechanism 32 to the individual modeling surface 31a of the individual modeling stage 31 and the upper surface of the temperature measuring unit 35a lowered by one material layer in (d). The material layer. At this time, the squeegee 33 flattens the material by aligning the modeling surface 30a excluding the individual modeling surface 31a lowered by one material layer and the upper surface of the temperature measurement unit 35a with the surface of the material layer.

  In (f), the next hardened layer is formed by irradiating a predetermined position of the material layer formed in (e) with a laser beam having a predetermined output for a predetermined time. At this time, based on the temperature of the hardened layer measured by the temperature measuring unit 35a in contact with the hardened layer, the individual modeling surface 31a in contact with the hardened layer by the temperature control mechanism 31b built in the individual modeling stage 31 in contact with the hardened layer. Is controlled, and the cured layer is appropriately cooled.

  By repeating the above, in (g), a modeled object in which a predetermined number of layers are laminated is completed. In (h), if there is an uncured material, this is recovered and the completed shaped object is taken out.

  As described above, according to the additive manufacturing apparatus 3 of the present embodiment, the temperature of the cured layer can be accurately measured by the temperature measuring unit 35 a of the temperature monitoring column 35. Thereby, even if the number of layers of the hardened layer forming the three-dimensional structure is increased and the heat of the upper layer is not easily dissipated, the temperature control mechanism 31b is based on the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 35a, and the individual modeling surface 31a By controlling the temperature, heat dissipation to the individual modeling stage 31 is promoted. For this reason, the three-dimensional structure is efficiently cooled, and warpage and deformation due to heat are suppressed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a layered manufacturing apparatus that enables modeling that is less likely to be warped or deformed by efficiently cooling a three-dimensional structure formed by laminating a hardened layer. Can do.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Moreover, although a part or all of said embodiment may be described also as the following additional remarks, it is not restricted to the following.
(Appendix 1)
A modeling part having a modeling surface for modeling a three-dimensional model by laminating a hardened layer;
A supply unit for supplying a predetermined material to the modeling surface;
A curing portion that cures a predetermined region of the supplied material to form the cured layer;
A temperature monitoring unit having a protruding part protruding from the modeling surface, and measuring the temperature of the hardened layer at the protruding part;
An additive manufacturing apparatus having a temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the modeling surface based on the temperature measured by the temperature monitoring unit.
(Appendix 2)
The additive manufacturing apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the temperature control unit lowers the temperature of the modeling surface when the temperature measured by the temperature monitoring unit is higher than a predetermined temperature, and increases the temperature of the modeling surface when the temperature is low.
(Appendix 3)
The additive manufacturing apparatus according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein the temperature monitoring unit measures the temperature on a side surface or an upper surface of the protrusion.
(Appendix 4)
A flattening portion for flattening the material supplied to the modeling surface, and the flattening portion flattens the material by aligning the surface of the protruding portion of the temperature monitoring portion with the surface of the material. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein
(Appendix 5)
The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply unit supplies a powder material.
(Appendix 6)
6. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the curing unit heat cures the material.
(Appendix 7)
7. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the curing unit irradiates the material with a laser or an electron beam.
(Appendix 8)
8. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the modeling unit models the three-dimensional structure on the modeling surface via the uncured material.
(Appendix 9)
A predetermined material is supplied to a modeling surface on which a hardened layer is stacked to form a three-dimensional structure,
A predetermined region of the supplied material is cured to form the cured layer;
Measure the temperature of the hardened layer at the protruding part protruding from the modeling surface,
An additive manufacturing method for controlling the temperature of the modeling surface based on the measured temperature.
(Appendix 10)
The additive manufacturing method according to appendix 9, wherein when the measured temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature, the temperature of the modeling surface is lowered, and when the temperature is lower, the temperature of the modeling surface is increased.
(Appendix 11)
The additive manufacturing method according to appendix 9 or 10, wherein the temperature is measured on a side surface or an upper surface of the protruding portion.
(Appendix 12)
12. The additive manufacturing method according to one of appendices 9 to 11, wherein the surface of the protruding portion and the surface of the material are aligned to planarize the material.
(Appendix 13)
13. The additive manufacturing method according to one of appendices 9 to 12, wherein the material includes a powder material.
(Appendix 14)
14. The additive manufacturing method according to one of appendices 9 to 13, wherein the material is heated to form the hardened layer.
(Appendix 15)
15. The additive manufacturing method according to one of appendices 9 to 14, wherein the material is irradiated with a laser or an electron beam to be cured by heating.
(Appendix 16)
16. The additive manufacturing method according to one of appendices 9 to 15, wherein the three-dimensional structure is formed on the modeling surface through the uncured material.

1, 2 and 3 additive manufacturing apparatus 11 modeling unit 11a modeling surface 11b temperature control unit 12 supply unit 14 curing unit 15 temperature monitoring unit 15a protrusion 21 modeling stage 21a modeling surface 21b, 31b temperature control mechanism 22, 32 material supply mechanism 22a , 32a Chamber 22b, 32b Supply cylinder 23, 33 Squeegee 24, 34 Laser irradiation mechanism 25, 35 Temperature monitoring column 25a, 35a Temperature measuring unit 25b, 35b Temperature sensor 25c, 35c Lifting unit 26, 36 Recovery box 27, 37 Controller 30 Modeling Stage 30a Modeling Surface 31 Individual Modeling Stage 31a Individual Modeling Surface

Claims (10)

A modeling part having a modeling surface for modeling a three-dimensional model by laminating a hardened layer;
A supply unit for supplying a predetermined material to the modeling surface;
A curing portion that cures a predetermined region of the supplied material to form the cured layer;
A temperature monitoring unit having a protruding part protruding from the modeling surface, and measuring the temperature of the hardened layer at the protruding part;
An additive manufacturing apparatus having a temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the modeling surface based on the temperature measured by the temperature monitoring unit.   The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temperature control unit lowers the temperature of the modeling surface when the temperature measured by the temperature monitoring unit is higher than a predetermined temperature, and increases the temperature of the modeling surface when the temperature is low. .   The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temperature monitoring unit measures the temperature on a side surface or an upper surface of the protrusion.   A flattening portion for flattening the material supplied to the modeling surface, and the flattening portion flattens the material by aligning the surface of the protruding portion of the temperature monitoring portion with the surface of the material. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply unit supplies a powder material.   The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the curing unit heat cures the material.   The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the curing unit irradiates the material with a laser or an electron beam.   The layered modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the modeling unit models the three-dimensional modeled object on the modeling surface via the uncured material. A predetermined material is supplied to a modeling surface on which a hardened layer is stacked to form a three-dimensional structure,
A predetermined region of the supplied material is cured to form the cured layer;
Measure the temperature of the hardened layer at the protruding part protruding from the modeling surface,
An additive manufacturing method for controlling the temperature of the modeling surface based on the measured temperature.   The additive manufacturing method according to claim 9, wherein when the measured temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature, the temperature of the modeling surface is lowered, and when the measured temperature is lower, the temperature of the modeling surface is increased.

Images