JP6894598B2 - Data generation program for 3D modeling - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a data generation program for three-dimensional modeling used when modeling a three-dimensional object with a three-dimensional modeling device such as a 3D printer and a method for manufacturing the three-dimensional model, and in particular, the three-dimensional object is modeled using rubber as a material by a material extrusion method. The present invention relates to a data generation program for three-dimensional modeling and a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional modeling object.

In recent years, additive manufacturing technology has been attracting attention. Of the multiple additional manufacturing methods, the material extrusion method is also called the Fused Deposition Modeling method, and as can be seen, the thermoplastic material is extruded from a nozzle in a state where it is heated, melted, and fluidized, and then laminated. Since it is a modeling method, has a simple structure, and is inexpensive in materials and mechanical parts, it is widely used including equipment for general consumers. Although the molding by the material extrusion method uses a resin as a material, the practical application is particularly advanced, and various solutions have already been disclosed for the problems generated in the molding process using the resin as a material (for example, patent documents). See 1 and 2.).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-192710 International Publication No. 2017/130685

Against this background, attempts have been made to create a three-dimensional object by the material extrusion method using a material containing rubber as the main component, but the problems that arise in the modeling process naturally differ depending on the properties of the material used. .. The above solutions disclosed about the problems in the molding process by the material extrusion method are all based on the premise that resin is used as the material, but since the properties of resin and rubber are different, in the case of resin. Just because it works well in the case of rubber does not mean that it works in the same way. Therefore, in order to satisfactorily form a three-dimensional object by the material extrusion method using rubber as a material, it is necessary to find a method capable of solving the problems caused by the properties peculiar to rubber.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for satisfactorily modeling a three-dimensional object using rubber as a material by a material extrusion method.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following data generation program for three-dimensional modeling. The wording in parentheses below is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

That is, the three-dimensional modeling data generation program of the present invention is a three-dimensional modeling data generation program that generates data used by a three-dimensional modeling device that forms a three-dimensional object by laminating a material containing a rubber-like elastic body as a main component in layers. Therefore, the computer has a route determination step of determining a parallel path group consisting of a plurality of parallel paths for each layer constituting the solid when the solid to be modeled is divided into a plurality of layers, and modeling of each layer. After modeling the first path group, which is a plurality of paths that are not adjacent to each other among the parallel path groups, the position of the parallel path group in the height direction in which the material is supplied is higher than that at the time of modeling the first path group. Of these, the instruction generation step of generating instruction data for modeling the second route group, which is a route that has not been modeled yet, is executed.

The rubber-like elastic body has elasticity, is deformed when an external force is applied, and is restored to its original state when released from the external force. In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus, the material is discharged from the material supply part (discharge nozzle), but when a material containing a rubber-like elastic body as a main component (for example, synthetic rubber to which a vulcanizing agent is added) is used. The material is compressed inside the supply part until just before it is discharged, but when it is discharged to the outside, it expands greatly immediately after being released from the pressure, and then gradually expands. Restore to the original state.

By the way, in a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, it is general that the tip portion of a material supply portion has a very gentle tapered shape, and the tip portion has a certain width. Therefore, if a material is discharged into a certain path to form a model, and in the same state as this case, a material is discharged into an adjacent path to form a model, the material supply portion is formed first and the adjacent path is expanded. There is a risk of interfering with and deteriorating the modeling state of the adjacent path.

On the other hand, the instruction data generated by the three-dimensional modeling data generation program of the above aspect is a plurality of parallel paths that are not adjacent to each other among a plurality of parallel paths that are parallel to the three-dimensional modeling device. Since the first path is first modeled, it is possible to prevent the material supply portion from interfering with the modeled path when the first path is modeled. In addition, after the first path is modeled, the position in the height direction for supplying the material is higher than that at the time of modeling the first path, and the second path, which is a parallel path that has not been modeled yet, is modeled. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the material supply portion from interfering with the previously formed first path during the modeling of the second path. Therefore, according to the three-dimensional modeling data generation program of the above aspect, it is possible to satisfactorily model a plurality of adjacent paths.

Preferably, in the three-dimensional modeling data generation program, the route determination step determines the parallel path group consisting of a plurality of parallel paths including corners, and the instruction generation step is the modeling of each path forming the second path group. In order to generate the instruction data, the corner is formed by two straight lines having the apex of the corner as either the start end or the end without continuously forming the corner.

In the above aspect, when the second path is modeled, the position in the height direction in which the material is supplied is higher than that when the first path is modeled, so that the discharged material is pushed to the landing destination by the tip of the supply site. The area that is not hit and comes into contact with the landing destination is smaller than that at the time of modeling the first path. Further, since the material containing a rubber-like elastic body as a main component has a high viscosity, it is difficult to immediately adhere to the landing destination even after landing. Therefore, when trying to continuously shape the corners included in the second path, the material is not yet completely adhered to the position and the contact area immediately after the supply part exceeds the position of the apex of the corner. Since there are few, it will be in a state of being temporarily fixed at the position of the apex of the corner. As a result, sharpness may be less likely to appear at the vertices of the corners included in the second path.

On the other hand, the instruction data generated by the three-dimensional modeling data generation program of this aspect has two vertices of the corners as either the start end or the end without continuously modeling the corners included in the second path. Since the corner is formed by the straight line of, the apex of the corner can be made into a sharp shape. Therefore, according to the three-dimensional modeling data generation program of this aspect, the path including the corner can be satisfactorily modeled.

More preferably, in the three-dimensional modeling data generation program, the instruction generation step corresponds to the modeling of each route forming the first route group and the second route group, and as it goes from the start end in each route to a predetermined point in each route. Generate instruction data that gradually increases the modeling speed.

As described above, the material containing a rubber-like elastic body as a main component is difficult to adhere to the landing destination immediately after being discharged. Then, when the discharged material is moved at high speed in a state where the discharged material is not surely adhered, the discharged material is peeled off from the landing destination, and the string-shaped line made of the material is the material supply part. You may fall into a situation where you are being dragged by. If this happens, modeling will have to be interrupted.

On the other hand, when the instruction data generated by the three-dimensional modeling data generation program of this aspect starts to move from the start end in each path (that is, when the material discharge starts or restarts), the modeling speed is stepwise. The material can be slowly landed on the landing destination, and at least the material forming the starting end in the path can be reliably adhered to the landing destination. Therefore, according to the three-dimensional modeling data generation program of this aspect, each path can be satisfactorily modeled without falling into a situation where a string-shaped line made of a material is dragged to a material supply site. .. It should be noted that the molding speed may be gradually decreased as the end of each path is approached (that is, the position where the material discharge is terminated or interrupted) is approached. As a result, the material forming the end portion in addition to the start end portion in the path can be reliably adhered to the landing destination.

More preferably, in the three-dimensional modeling data generation program, the instruction generation step corresponds to the modeling of each route forming the first route group and the second route group, and is performed at each point other than the start end portion and the end portion in each route. While a fixed amount of material is supplied, instruction data is generated in which more material is supplied than a predetermined amount at the start end portion and less than a predetermined amount is supplied at the end portion.

In the material ejection method, material ejection is started or restarted at the beginning of the path, material ejection is continued while moving the modeling table (or material supply site), and material ejection is terminated at the end of the path. Or interrupt. Here, when the discharge of the material is started or restarted, or when the discharge is terminated or interrupted, the pressure on the material is controlled inside the supply portion, but the elasticity peculiar to the material containing a rubber-like elastic body as a main component is obtained. Because it works, it has poor responsiveness. Therefore, between the timing when the movement is started or restarted and the timing when the material discharge is actually started or restarted, and the timing when the movement is finished or interrupted and the timing when the material discharge is actually finished or interrupted. There is a gap between the and. As a result, the amount of material actually discharged is slightly lower than expected at the beginning, but is less than expected at the end, and the shape of the shaped end tends to be uneven. ..

On the other hand, the instruction data generated by the three-dimensional modeling data generation program of this embodiment increases the discharge amount at the start portion and supplies it at the end portion as compared with the normal supply amount of the material in the path. In order to reduce the amount, the amount of material supplied at the edges can be adjusted appropriately. Therefore, according to the three-dimensional modeling data generation program of this aspect, each path can be satisfactorily modeled without causing spots in the shape of the edge to be modeled.

According to the present invention, a three-dimensional object can be satisfactorily formed using rubber as a material by a material extrusion method.

It is a block diagram of the environment in which a three-dimensional modeling apparatus operates. It is a block diagram of the environment in which the data generation program for three-dimensional modeling operates. It is an external view of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus. It is a functional block diagram of the data generation program for three-dimensional modeling. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the data generation processing for three-dimensional modeling. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the data generation process for layer formation. It is a top view which shows the formation mode of each layer in 1st Embodiment. It is a vertical cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along the VIII-VIII cutting line in FIG. 7) which shows the formation mode of each layer in 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the formation mode of each layer in the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the 3rd modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a front view which shows the 4th modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a top view (1/2) which shows the formation mode of each layer in 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view (2/2) which shows the formation mode of each layer in 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are preferable examples, and the present invention is not limited to this example.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an environment in which a three-dimensional modeling device 10 for modeling a three-dimensional object using the three-dimensional modeling data generated by the three-dimensional modeling data generation program in one embodiment operates.

The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 is connected to the printer server 20 via a USB port, a parallel port, or the like, and can send and receive data to and from the printer server 20. The printer server 20 is a computer that manages and controls print jobs for the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 like a general printer server, and is connected to the network 30. The network 30 is a wired or wireless communication network. The terminal 40 is a computer that uses the three-dimensional modeling device 10, and a data generation program for three-dimensional modeling is mounted inside the terminal 40. When modeling a three-dimensional object, the terminal 40 transmits a print request (modeling request) and three-dimensional modeling data used for modeling the three-dimensional object to the printer server 20 via the network 30.

When the printer server 20 receives the print request from the terminal 40, the printer server 20 inserts the print request into the queue as one print job, and also receives the three-dimensional modeling data transmitted in accordance with the print request. When the print job is started by the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10, the printer server 20 dispenses the three-dimensional modeling data and transmits it to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10. At this time, the amount of data transmitted to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 is adjusted to an appropriate amount by the control program mounted inside the printer server 20. When all the three-dimensional modeling data for one print job is sent to the three-dimensional modeling device 10 and the three-dimensional modeling device 10 finishes the operation based on these data, the three-dimensional modeling device 10 finishes printing (modeling).

In this figure, the configuration in which the terminal 40 uses the three-dimensional modeling device 10 via the printer server 20 has been described as an example, but the three-dimensional modeling device 10 is attached to the terminal 40 without going through the printer server 20. The three-dimensional modeling device 10 can be used independently (in a state of being disconnected from the terminal 40) by directly connecting and using it, or by setting a storage medium such as a USB memory or an SD card in which data for three-dimensional modeling is stored. It is also possible to do.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an environment in which the three-dimensional modeling data generation program in one embodiment operates. The three-dimensional modeling data generation program is implemented inside the terminal 40 as described above.

The terminal 40 is a computer equipped with general computer functions, and the hardware includes a CPU 41, a RAM 42, a network interface (I / F) 43, an HDD 44, and an input device 45 such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel. It also includes a display device 46 such as a liquid crystal display. Further, as software, the terminal 40 has polygon data output from 3D modeling software 47 and 3D modeling software 17 that outputs polygon data (for example, STL format data) composed of a collection of polygons representing a three-dimensional shape. A three-dimensional modeling data generation software 100 that generates three-dimensional modeling data based on the three-dimensional modeling data, a printer driver 48 that is required for the terminal 40 to use the three-dimensional modeling device 10, and the like are installed. Here, the three-dimensional modeling data generation software 100 is a so-called "slicer", and is implemented by the three-dimensional modeling data generation program of one embodiment.

When the polygon data output by the 3D modeling software 17 is input to the three-dimensional modeling data generation software 100, the three-dimensional modeling data generation software 100 slices the three-dimensional shape formed by the polygon data into a flat plate (cuts horizontally). This process is repeated in the stacking direction (height direction), the path for forming each layer generated by this is determined, and the instruction data for discharging the material along the determined path is generated one after another. I will go. Then, when the instruction data for forming all the layers constituting the three-dimensional shape is generated, the three-dimensional modeling data generation software 100 uses the aggregate of these instruction data as the three-dimensional modeling data (for example, G-Code). Output as format data). When modeling a three-dimensional object, the terminal 40 transmits a print request and three-dimensional modeling data to the printer server 20 through the network interface 43 via the printer driver 48.

In this figure, the configuration when the 3D modeling software 47 is installed in the terminal 40 using the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 has been described as an example, but the 3D modeling software 47 does not necessarily have to be installed. Instead, it suffices if the polygon data for forming the three-dimensional object to be modeled can be input to the three-dimensional modeling data generation software 100. Further, the terminal 40 may be equipped with other software, an external device, or the like, if necessary.

Further, as described above, since the substance of the three-dimensional modeling data generation software 100 is the three-dimensional modeling data generation program of one embodiment, in the following description, the three-dimensional modeling data generation software 100 is used to generate three-dimensional modeling data. It will be referred to as program 100.

FIG. 3 is an external view of the three-dimensional modeling device 10, showing a state in which the three-dimensional modeling device 10 is viewed from above on the front side.

The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 has a configuration necessary for modeling a three-dimensional object with a material RU containing rubber as a main component. First, an extruder 12 that extrudes the material RU is fixed to the upper part of the housing 11. The extruder 12 has a uniaxial screw type structure and a heater inside. The material RU is in a solid state before being supplied to the extruder 12, but when it is supplied to the extruder 12, it is heated to a temperature not vulcanized by an internal heater and melted. The filament of the molten material RU is discharged downward in a fluidized state from the discharge hole 14 of the discharge nozzle 13 forming the tip of the extruder 12 as the screw rotates in the forward direction.

The material RU is made of a reinforcing material, a filler, a softening agent, a vulcanizing agent, etc. after kneading natural rubber or synthetic rubber as a raw material in advance to give sufficient plasticity to facilitate mixing of a compounding agent. It is produced by adding a compounding agent, kneading it, rolling it into a sheet, and cutting it into a ribbon shape (strip shape). A ribbon-shaped material RU is supplied to the extruder 12.

Further, a modeling table 16 and a moving body 17 are provided inside the housing 11. The moving body 17 includes an X-axis stage 17x that can move in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the three-dimensional modeling device 10, a Y-axis stage 17y that can move in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) of the three-dimensional modeling device 10. It includes a Z-axis stage 17z that can move in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the modeling device 10, and also has a built-in motor that moves each of these stages in a predetermined direction. The modeling table 16 is arranged at the uppermost part of the moving body 17, and can move in three directions of the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction in conjunction with the movement of each stage forming the moving body 17. .. By moving the modeling table 16 in a desired direction, the positional relationship between the modeling table 16 and the discharge nozzle 13 and the discharge position of the material RU with respect to the modeling table 16 (relative position of the discharge nozzle 13) can be changed. it can. In this way, by moving the modeling table 16 while discharging the material RU from the discharge nozzle 13, a plurality of layers constituting the three-dimensional object OB are formed one after another, and the three-dimensional object OB is formed. .. The modeled three-dimensional object OB is further subjected to vulcanization treatment by performing high-temperature heating under normal pressure, and finally the three-dimensional object OB is completed.

A heater is provided under the modeling table 16, and the modeling table 16 is heated to a temperature at which the discharged material RU is not vulcanized. By heating the modeling table 16, it is possible to prevent the discharged material RU from rapidly cooling and solidifying, and ensuring adhesiveness between the modeling table 16 and the bottom layer and between adjacent layers. It is possible to do (prevent peeling during modeling).

The position in the space extending above the modeling table 16 inside the housing 11 is managed by three-dimensional coordinates (X coordinate, Y coordinate, Z coordinate). The three-dimensional modeling data used when modeling a three-dimensional object OB is a command (for example, the coordinates of the destination and the moving speed) required for drawing a line forming (filling) each layer by discharging the material RU. It is composed of a huge amount of data in which commands for instructing, commands for instructing the discharge width of the material RU, etc.) are listed. That is, the movement of the modeling table 16 is finely controlled according to these command data, and the shape of the line (straight line, curved line, circle, etc.) with respect to the modeling table 16 and how to draw the line (material RU from the discharge hole 14). The discharge mode) is also controlled by the generated instruction data.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the three-dimensional modeling data generation program 100. As shown in this figure, the three-dimensional modeling data generation program 100 includes a three-dimensional shape input unit 110, various setting units 120, a three-dimensional cutting unit 130, a cross-section analysis unit 140, a ridge prediction unit 150, a path determination unit 160, and generated data. It has an output unit 170.

The three-dimensional shape input unit 110 inputs polygon data for forming the three-dimensional shape. More specifically, the three-dimensional shape input unit 110 reads polygon data output by 3D modeling software such as 3D-CAD. The polygon data is stored in a storage area accessible from the terminal 40 (for example, HDD 44, a separately connected external storage medium, or the like).

The various setting units 120 determine the range of various threshold values and parameter values (for example, the stacking pitch of the material RU (height of the layer to be formed) and the material RU) required for the three-dimensional modeling data generation program 100 to function. The temperature of the heater to be heated, etc.), the pattern of the shape to be drawn, etc. are set in advance. The various setting units 120 also provide a setting screen for the user of the terminal 40 (three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10), and the setting contents made by the user via the setting screen can be stored in the internal storage area (HDD 44) of the terminal 40. Store in.

The three-dimensional cutting unit 130 cuts a three-dimensional shape formed by polygon data input to the three-dimensional shape input unit 110 into a plurality of flat plate shapes (horizontally at a plurality of positions having different heights), and in a stacking direction (height direction). Divide into multiple layers stacked on top of each other.

The cross-section analysis unit 140 analyzes characteristics such as the shape of each cross section cut by the three-dimensional cutting unit 130, that is, each divided layer, and the properties set in the various setting units 120.

The uplift prediction unit 150 predicts that an uplift will occur when each layer is formed of the material RU (filled with a line) based on the result of analysis by the cross-section analysis unit 140 and the position of each layer in the height direction. The position to be calculated is calculated. The term "raised" as used herein is a phenomenon in which the discharged material RU rises locally above the originally intended height (stacking pitch).

The path determination unit 160 determines the path for discharging the material RU for forming each layer, the order, direction and speed in following the path, and the material RU, based on the position of the ridge predicted by the ridge prediction unit 150. Detailed items related to the route such as the discharge width and the discharge amount (hereinafter, these are collectively abbreviated as "path") are determined, and instruction data indicating this path is generated.

The generation data output unit 170 outputs a set of instruction data generated by the path determination unit 160, that is, data for three-dimensional modeling.

When modeling a three-dimensional object OB using the material RU, various phenomena can occur due to the characteristics of rubber, which is the main component. More specifically, the material RU expands after ejection, a time lag occurs during ejection, or high viscosity (low fluidity) or momentary weakness of adhesive force acts. It can affect the modeling. Therefore, based on these phenomena, it is necessary to determine a path in which the three-dimensional object OB is formed in the shape finally assumed. In the present embodiment, in particular, the uplift prediction unit 150 and the path determination unit 160 play a role in satisfactorily modeling a three-dimensional object based on the above phenomenon.

The phenomenon that may occur due to the characteristics of rubber and the countermeasures against the phenomenon will be described in detail later with reference to another drawing.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for data generation processing for three-dimensional modeling. The three-dimensional modeling data generation process is a process for generating three-dimensional modeling data required when modeling a three-dimensional object using the three-dimensional modeling device 10.

It is the three-dimensional modeling data generation program 100 that executes each step shown in this flowchart, but the main body that operates the three-dimensional modeling data generation program 100 is the CPU 41 of the terminal 40, and strictly speaking, the CPU 41 performs each step. Each functional unit 110-170 of the three-dimensional modeling data generation program 100 is executed. Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

Step S200: The CPU 41 causes the three-dimensional shape input unit 110 to execute the three-dimensional shape input process. In this process, the three-dimensional shape input unit 110 reads polygon data that forms the shape of the three-dimensional object to be modeled.

Step S210: The CPU 41 causes the three-dimensional cutting unit 130 to execute the three-dimensional cutting process. In this process, the three-dimensional cutting unit 130 repeats the process of cutting the three-dimensional shape formed by the polygon data read in the previous step S200 into a flat plate shape (horizontal) in the stacking direction (height direction).

Step S220: The CPU 41 causes the cross-section analysis unit 140 to update the layer to be processed. More specifically, the cross-section analysis unit 140 sets a plurality of layers generated by cutting the three-dimensional shape in the previous step S210 one by one in order from the bottom as a target for the subsequent processing (step S230). Therefore, when step S220 is first executed, the lowest layer is set as the target of subsequent processing.

Step S230: The CPU 41 causes the cross-section analysis unit 140, the uplift prediction unit 150, and the path determination unit 160 to execute the layer formation data generation process. In this process, each functional unit 140 to 160 pays attention to the layer set as the target (hereinafter, referred to as “target layer”), and the characteristics (shape and properties) of the layer and the ridges in the layers below it. After analyzing the position where the occurrence is predicted, the instruction data optimized for forming the target layer is generated. The specific contents of the processing will be described later with reference to the following drawings.

Step S240: The CPU 41 causes the cross-section analysis unit 140 to confirm whether or not an unprocessed layer, that is, a layer that has not yet been targeted for layer formation data generation processing remains. When the unprocessed layer remains (step S240: Yes), the CPU 41 returns to step S220 and repeatedly executes the subsequent steps. On the other hand, when the unprocessed layer does not remain (step S240: No), the CPU 41 proceeds to step S250.

Step S250: The CPU 41 causes the generated data output unit 170 to execute the generated data output process. In this process, the generated data output unit 170 outputs a set of instruction data generated by executing step S230 for all the layers constituting the three-dimensional shape as data for three-dimensional modeling.

When the above procedure is completed, the CPU 41 ends the generation of three-dimensional modeling data for one three-dimensional object.

Before executing the generated data output process, the instruction data for each layer may be reviewed as a whole, and a process of correcting the generated data may be executed as necessary.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the layer formation data generation process. The layer forming data generation process is a process for generating instruction data required when forming (modeling) each layer constituting a three-dimensional object to be modeled by using the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10. The execution subject of each step is the same as in FIG. Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

Step S300: The CPU 41 causes the cross-section analysis unit 140 to analyze the cross-section. More specifically, the cross-section analysis unit 140 analyzes the characteristics (shape and properties) of the target layer.

Step S310: The CPU 41 causes the uplift prediction unit 150 to predict the position where the uplift occurs. More specifically, the uplift prediction unit 150 predicts the position where the uplift is considered to occur when the layers below the target layer are formed along the determined path based on the calculation.

Step S320: The CPU 41 causes the path determination unit 160 to determine a route for drawing a line. More specifically, the path determination unit 160 first forms the target layer along what path based on the analysis result of the target layer in step S300 and the prediction result of the uplift generation position in step S310. (The path for discharging the material RU) is determined.

Step S330: The CPU 41 causes the path determination unit 160 to determine the mode of drawing a line. More specifically, the path determination unit 160 forms the target layer along the path to the target layer, that is, the path determined in step S320, based on the prediction result of the uplift generation position in step S310. (Aspect for discharging the material RU) is determined. Examples of the mode of drawing a line include the order, direction and speed of drawing a line, the discharge width and discharge amount of the material RU, the distance between the landing destination of the material RU and the tip of the discharge nozzle 13 (nozzle tip 15) in each path, and the like. Determined in detail. Since the drawing mode is determined according to the situation of each route, the same mode may be determined for the entire route, or one route is subdivided into a plurality of sites and divided into individual sites. On the other hand, different aspects may be determined.

Step S340: The CPU 41 causes the path determination unit 160 to generate instruction data. More specifically, the path determination unit 160 generates instruction data indicating a path to the target layer, that is, instruction data for drawing the route determined in step S320 in the mode determined in step S330.

When the above procedure is completed, the CPU 41 ends the generation of instruction data for one layer (target layer).

[Form of formation of each layer: first embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a formation mode of each layer constituting the three-dimensional object OB in the first embodiment. The first embodiment is an embodiment in which the layer is filled by drawing a line with a gap. Here, as an example, the formation procedure when the shape of the target layer is square will be described.

In the following figures, the unfilled area is shown in white, the already filled area is shown in light gray, and the area filled by the procedure described is shown in dark gray. Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

In FIG. 7 (A): A path for drawing a plurality of concentric squares having different sizes is determined with respect to the target layer S1. In the illustrated example, a path corresponding to five lines for drawing five concentric squares of different sizes is determined for the target layer S1.

In FIG. 7 (B): A drawing line (filling with the material RU) for the target layer S1 is started along the determined path. First, the outermost line L1 is drawn.

In FIG. 7 (C): Next, an adjacent line L3 is drawn inside the line L1 with a space for one line, and an adjacent line L5 is drawn inside the line L3 with a space for one line. Is drawn.

In FIG. 7 (D): Then, the lines L2 and L4 are drawn so as to fill the space sandwiched between the lines L1, L3 and L5 drawn so far. Through the above procedure, the formation of the target layer S1 is completed.

FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along the VIII-VIII cutting line in FIG. 7) for explaining the formation mode of each layer constituting the three-dimensional object OB in the first embodiment. While FIG. 7 describes the layer formation mode in a plan view, FIG. 8 describes the layer formation mode in a front view, and FIGS. 8A to 8D are in FIG. 7, respectively. It generally corresponds to each procedure of (A) to (D).

In FIG. 8 (A): A path for drawing a plurality of concentric squares having different sizes is determined with respect to the target layer S1. In the determined path, the stacking pitch h is set for any of the lines.

In FIG. 8 (B): Drawing (filling with the material RU) on the target layer is started along the determined path. First, the outermost line L1 is drawn. At this time, the distance H (distance in the height direction) between the nozzle tip 15 and the modeling table 16 (landing destination of the material RU) is set to h1 which is equal to or slightly smaller than the stacking pitch h.

In FIG. 8 (C): Next, a line L3 adjacent to the line L1 with a space of one line is drawn, and a line L5 adjacent to the line L3 with a space of one line is drawn. Also at this time, the interval H is set to h1 in the same manner as when the line L1 is drawn. Further, as time elapses after the lines L1, L3, and L5 are drawn, the material RU forming these lines gradually expands, and the upper part of each line becomes slightly bulged from immediately after being drawn.

In FIG. 8 (D): Then, the lines L2 and L4 are drawn so as to fill the space sandwiched between the lines L1, L3 and L5 drawn so far. At this time, the interval H is set to h2, which is larger than when the lines L1, L3, and L5 are drawn, and further larger than the stacking pitch h. Through the above procedure, the formation of the target layer S1 is completed.

For convenience of explanation, in the illustrated example, the target layer S1 is formed on the modeling table 16 (the landing destination of the material RU is the modeling table 16), but the target layer S1 is other than the bottom layer. In the case of a layer, the target layer S1 is formed on the layer directly below (the landing destination of the material RU is the layer directly below).

The material RU that draws a line expands after being discharged due to the characteristics of rubber, which is the main component. More specifically, the material RU is compressed inside the discharge nozzle 13 until it is discharged, but when it is discharged to the outside, it is released from the pressure and tries to restore to the original state. First, it expands greatly immediately after being discharged, and then gradually expands. Therefore, even if the line drawn by the material RU is drawn with the interval H slightly smaller than the stacking pitch h, it will eventually expand. It may expand to the same level as or larger than the stacking pitch h.

Here, the discharge hole 14 from which the material RU is discharged is located at the center of the tip portion of the discharge nozzle 13, but the tip portion of the discharge nozzle 13 has a very gentle taper shape and the nozzle. The tip 15 has a certain width. Therefore, when drawing a new line adjacent to the previously drawn line, the discharge nozzle 13 tends to interfere with the adjacent line. If the distance H between the nozzle tip 15 and the landing destination of the material RU is set to be equal to or less than the stacking pitch h, the discharge nozzle 13 interferes with the adjacent line, so that the nozzle is moved as the modeling table 16 moves. The tip 15 rubs the upper surface of the adjacent line, and the material RU forming the uppermost part of the adjacent line is gradually moved in a direction opposite to the movement of the modeling table 16. As a result, it has been confirmed that the material RU gathered at the end of the adjacent line is accumulated and a raised portion is formed.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, by determining the path for drawing a line with a gap, the adjacent line is not drawn immediately after the line, and when the lines are drawn adjacent to each other (the line is filled in the gap). The interval H is set to h2, which is larger than the stacking pitch h of adjacent lines. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the discharge nozzle 13 from interfering with the adjacent lines, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a phenomenon in which the ends of the adjacent lines are raised.

Depending on the ratio of the diameters of the discharge hole 14 and the nozzle tip 15 and the setting of the line width and the interval for drawing the line, the discharge nozzle 13 is not limited to the adjacent line (one adjacent line). It can also interfere with the line adjacent to the line (two adjacent lines). In such a case, a plurality of adjacent lines are drawn first with a space of two lines separated, and then the line 2 is in a state where the interval H is larger than the stacking pitch h of the lines drawn earlier. You can draw a line so as to fill the space of the book. Even when the discharge nozzle 13 can interfere with the third and subsequent adjacent lines, it is possible to deal with the case by the same method as described above.

Further, the setting of the interval H may be changed to h2 before starting to draw an adjacent line (a line drawn so as to fill the gap) depending on the situation of the previously drawn line, or the interval H may be set to be adjacent. The change may be made step by step while drawing a line, and the value may be gradually increased from h so that the final value becomes h2. For example, if the length of the previously drawn line is short and it has not expanded significantly at the time of starting to draw a line adjacent to that line, by gradually increasing the interval H while drawing the line. However, the interference of the discharge nozzle 13 can be avoided in advance.

[First Modified Example of First Embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a first modification of the first embodiment, and shows an example of forming a square target layer shown in FIG. 7 by applying the first modification.

As described above, in the first embodiment, after a line (for example, L1, L3, L5) is drawn with a gap, a new line (for example, L2, L4) is drawn so as to fill the gap. It is drawn adjacent to the line drawn earlier, but in the first modification, when the new line to be adjacent contains a corner, the new line is segmented into multiple pieces with the apex of the corner as the boundary ( For example, L2 is segmented into L2a to L2d, L4 is segmented into L4a to L4d), and one corner is drawn by two segmented lines.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a formation mode of each layer in the first modification of the first embodiment, and shows a specific formation procedure of the target layer shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

In FIG. 10 (A): The outermost line L1 with respect to the target layer S1, the line L3 adjacent to the innermost line L1 with a space for one line, and the space for one line inside the line L3. The adjacent line L5 is drawn first. After that, the line L2a is first drawn from the back side to the front side so as to fill the space sandwiched between the lines L1 and L3. At this time, the discharge of the material RU ends at the end (front side) of the line L2a, but the relative position of the discharge nozzle 13 is changed thereafter. Specifically, by moving the modeling table 16, the discharge nozzle 13 relatively moves to a position on the extension of the line L2a, and further moves to a position on the extension of the line L2b to be drawn next. To do.

In FIG. 10 (B): Next, the line L2b is drawn from the left side to the right side. At this time, the discharge nozzle 13 starts moving relatively from a position on the extension of the line L2b, starts discharging the material RU at the start end (left side) of the line L2b, and ends the discharge at the end (right side). Further, after the material RU has been discharged, the relative position of the discharge nozzle 13 is changed again, and the movement of the modeling table 16 causes the discharge nozzle 13 to relatively move to a position on the extension of the line L2b. Further, it moves to a position on the extension of the line L2c to be drawn next.

In FIG. 10 (C): Next, the line L2c is drawn from the front side to the back side. At this time, the discharge nozzle 13 relatively starts moving from a position on the extension of the line L2c, starts discharging the material RU at the start end (front side) of the line L2c, and ends the discharge at the end (back side). Further, after the material RU has been discharged, the relative position of the discharge nozzle 13 is changed again, and the movement of the modeling table 16 causes the discharge nozzle 13 to relatively move to a position on the extension of the line L2c. Further, it moves to a position on the extension of the line L2d to be drawn next.

In FIG. 10 (D): Then, the line L2d is drawn from the right side to the left side. At this time, the discharge nozzle 13 relatively starts moving from a position on the extension of the line L2d, starts discharging the material RU at the start end (right side) of the line L2c, and ends the discharge at the end (left side). Through the above procedure, the lines L2a to L2d are drawn, and the entire space between the lines L1 and L3 is filled. After that, when the lines L4a to L4d are drawn and the space between the lines L3 and L5 is completely filled by the same procedure as above, the formation of the target layer S1 is completed.

As described above, in the first modification, the line drawn adjacent to the line including the corner drawn earlier is not drawn continuously in one direction, and the line is segmented into a plurality of lines with the apex of the corner as a boundary. (L2a-L2d and L4a-L4d in the illustrated example), each segmented line is drawn individually with relative repositioning of the discharge nozzle 13 at its beginning and end.

In the first embodiment, the adjacent lines are drawn in a state where the distance H between the nozzle tip 15 and the landing destination of the material RU is h2, which is larger than the stacking pitch h. Compared with the line drawn earlier in the state where h1 is slightly smaller than that, the area in contact with the landing destination is small, and the degree of adhesion to the landing destination is low. Further, since the material RU has a high viscosity, it is difficult to immediately adhere to the landing destination even after landing. Therefore, when drawing the corners included in the adjacent lines with one stroke (drawing continuously in one direction along the path), the corners included in the previously drawn lines are compared with the case of drawing with one stroke. It is difficult for sharpness to appear at the apex of the surface, and it tends to be formed into a slightly rounded shape.

By applying the first modification to such a problem, if a line adjacent to the previously drawn line contains a corner, the corner is drawn individually without being drawn with a single stroke. Since it is formed by two straight lines, it is possible to form the apex of the corner into a sharp shape as expected. The first modification may be applied to the lines drawn earlier (lines L1, L3, L5 in the above example).

[Second variant of the first embodiment]
The second modification is an embodiment in which the discharge amount of the material RU near the end point in the path is adjusted.

In the material ejection method, when drawing a line of uniform thickness, first, the material is ejected at one end (starting end) of the line, and the material is moved while moving the modeling table (or ejection nozzle) along the path. Continue to discharge and end the material discharge at the other end (end) of the wire. At this time, the discharge amount of the material is generally constant. Also, when drawing a line that forms a shape that includes corners, the material is discharged while moving the modeling table (or discharge nozzle) along the path determined according to the shape. When it reaches the position of the apex, the movement of the modeling table (or discharge nozzle) and the discharge of the material are interrupted momentarily to switch the moving direction of the modeling table (or discharge nozzle), and then the modeling table (or discharge nozzle) And restart the material discharge. That is, in a line having a shape including a corner, the apex is also the end and the start. Then, theoretically, it is assumed that the material RU is discharged evenly at any point and the line is drawn with a uniform thickness.

However, when modeling using the material RU, the elasticity of the rubber as the main component acts, so it is necessary to lower the pressure below a certain level in order to end or interrupt the discharge of the material RU from the discharge nozzle 13. In addition, it is necessary to apply a predetermined pressure to start or restart the discharge of the material RU. Here, regarding the end or interruption of discharge, it is relatively easy to reduce the pressure to a certain level or less by rotating the screw in the reverse direction inside the extruder 12, but the discharge nozzle 13 is before the pressure drops. The material RU that has come out of the outside will be discharged to that position. Further, regarding the start or restart of discharge, even if the screw is rotated in the forward direction, the pressure cannot be immediately increased to a predetermined pressure. In addition to the poor responsiveness of the material RU with respect to discharge, inertia acts on the modeling table 16 when the movement of the modeling table 16 is interrupted or restarted.

Due to these reasons, the movement of the modeling table 16 is terminated or interrupted between the timing when the movement of the modeling table 16 is started or restarted and the timing when the discharge of the material RU is actually started or restarted. There is a discrepancy between the timing at which the material is discharged and the timing at which the discharge of the material RU is actually terminated or interrupted. Due to these time lags, the amount of material RU actually discharged is smaller (insufficient) than expected at the beginning, but larger than expected (remainder) at the end, resulting in a line shape near the end point. It has been confirmed by the inventor's verification that there is a tendency for spots to occur. Further, when the distance H between the nozzle tip 15 and the landing destination of the material RU is made larger than usual in order to avoid the interference of the discharge nozzle 13, the line is easily affected by the above time lag.

Therefore, in order to deal with such a problem, in the second modification, a path is set so that only discharge is performed without moving at the start end in the path. This makes it possible to solve the problem that the amount of material RU actually discharged at the starting end is insufficient. Instead of the setting in which only the discharge is performed without moving at the start end, the discharge amount of the material RU may be increased in a very short section (for example, about 1.0 mm) from the start end.

Further, in the second modification, a path in which the discharge amount of the material RU is reduced is set in a very short section (for example, about 1.0 mm) immediately before the end in the path. As a result, it is possible to solve the problem that the amount of material RU actually discharged at the end is excessive. Instead of setting to reduce the discharge amount of the material RU in a very short section immediately before the end, a setting may be made in which the material RU is not discharged in this section.

As described above, according to the second modification, the material RU can be discharged evenly even in the vicinity of the end point and a line can be drawn with a uniform thickness, which causes a problem caused by poor responsiveness regarding the discharge of the material RU. It can be resolved.

[Third variant of the first embodiment]
FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a third modification of the first embodiment, and shows an example in which a layer forming a square is formed by applying the third modification.

The third modification is a mode in which a line is drawn while finely changing the drawing speed according to a portion in the path. In FIG. 11, the magnitude of the drawing speed at each point in the route is shown by shading, and the points where the line is drawn at a higher speed are shaded darker and the points where the line is drawn at a lower speed are drawn at a lower speed. It has a thinner shading. It should be noted that the magnitude of the drawn line speed (shaded shade) shown in the figure is an example until it gets tired, and is not limited to this.

Since the material RU has a high viscosity (low fluidity) due to the characteristics of rubber as a main component, it is difficult to immediately adhere to the landing destination even if it is discharged. Here, in the case of a resin that has already been put into practical use in the material discharge method, since it has high fluidity and easily adapts to the landing destination, even if a line is drawn at a high speed (for example, 80 mm / sec), modeling is generally good. It can be carried out. However, when drawing a line at high speed when modeling using the material RU, if the landed material RU is not sufficiently adhered to the landing destination, it will be peeled off from the landing destination with high-speed movement. Then, a string-shaped wire made of the material RU falls into a situation where it is dragged by the discharge nozzle 13, and the modeling has to be interrupted.

On the other hand, by slowing down the speed of drawing a line (more accurately, the moving speed of the modeling table 16) and slowly landing the discharged material RU, the effect of improving the adhesiveness to the landing destination is obtained. It has been confirmed by the inventor's verification.

Therefore, the third modification adopts an embodiment in which the drawing speed is finely changed according to the portion in the path. For example, at the position where the discharge of the material RU is started or restarted in each path (hereinafter, referred to as "starting point in the path"), the speed is set to a low speed (for example, 5 mm / sec), and the speed is gradually increased. After reaching a predetermined speed (for example, 30 mm / sec), if the path is monotonous (for example, a straight line or a gentle curve), the speed is maintained for a while. Then, when approaching a position in each path where the discharge of the material RU is terminated or interrupted (hereinafter, referred to as "end in the path"), the speed is gradually reduced to a low speed (for example, 5 mm / sec). Finishes the discharge of the material RU with. By adjusting the drawing speed in this way, the material RU can be slowly landed at least at the start and end portions in the path, so that the material RU can be reliably adhered to the landing destination immediately after being discharged.

In the third modification, since the start end portion is drawn at a low speed, the material RU forming the start end portion can be reliably adhered to the landing destination, and the line that has begun to be drawn does not peel off from the landing destination. Also, since the end part is also drawn at low speed, the material RU that forms the end part can be reliably adhered to the landing destination, and when moving to a different path after finishing drawing the line, it was finished just before. The line does not come off from the landing destination. Therefore, according to the third modification, it is possible to prevent the string-shaped wire made of the material RU from being dragged by the discharge nozzle 13 and falling into a situation where the modeling has to be interrupted.

Further, in the third modification, the speed is also changed depending on the shape of the section (hereinafter, referred to as "intermediate section") forming between the start end portion and the end portion. For example, when the intermediate section has a monotonous shape such as a straight line or a very gentle curve, the drawing line is started at a low speed according to the above-described manner, and when the speed reaches a predetermined speed, the speed is maintained and the speed is low. Finish the drawing line with. On the other hand, when the intermediate section has a shape forming a corner, the velocity is changed before and after the apex of the corner. Gradually increase the speed again.

The speed before and after the apex of the corner is appropriately adjusted according to the angle of the drawn corner, the length of the straight line, and the like. For example, when the angle of the angle is small (the change angle at the time of drawing is large), the speed is set to be lower than when the angle of the angle is large (the change angle at the time of drawing is small). The "change angle" is a size that changes the angle at the apex of the corner with respect to the traveling direction up to that point when drawing a shape forming a corner. For example, an angle of 180 ° with the point P as the apex. In other words, the shape forming the shape is a straight line passing through the point P, but when drawing this straight line, the angle is not changed at the point P, so the change angle is 0 °. When the angle of the angle is very large, for example, when the angle of the angle is 120 ° or more (change angle is 60 ° or less), a certain degree of adhesiveness can be secured, so that the speed is not changed before and after the apex. There can also be. In any case, by adjusting the drawing speed in this way, the material RU forming near the apex of the corner can be reliably adhered to the landing destination.

In addition, the third modification can simultaneously deal with the problem caused by the poor responsiveness regarding the discharge of the material RU described above. That is, in the third modification, since the moving speed near the apex of the corner is set to be low, the time lag of the discharge near the apex caused by the interruption and resumption of the discharge at the apex can be alleviated, and the apex can be relaxed. It is possible to discharge the material RU evenly in the vicinity and draw a line with a uniform thickness.

[Fourth Modified Example of First Embodiment]
FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a fourth modification of the first embodiment.

The fourth modification is a mode in which a line is drawn by making the distance H between the nozzle tip 15 and the landing destination of the material RU smaller than the stacking pitch h at least at the start end portion in the path. FIG. 12 (A) shows a discharge mode of the material RU containing rubber as a main component, and FIG. 12 (B) shows a discharge mode of the material RE containing resin as a main component as a comparative example. There is.

FIG. 12 (A): Discharge mode of the material RU containing rubber as a main component is shown. In the fourth modification, the Z coordinate is set so that the distance H between the nozzle tip 15 and the landing destination of the material RU is smaller than the stacking pitch h, at least at the start end portion in the path. Here, the "starting portion in the path" is a portion in the path where the discharge of the material RU starts or is restarted, and a section having a predetermined distance (for example, about several mm) from the starting end in the path is defined. Applicable.

Due to the characteristics of rubber as a main component, the material RU has a property that the instantaneous adhesive force between the materials is weak, but the adhesive force is strengthened when both are familiar with each other. At the beginning of the route, if the interval H is approximately equal to or larger than the stacking pitch h, no pressure is applied to the material RU, so that the material RU is placed at the landing destination and a line is started to be drawn. Therefore, the discharged material RU is difficult to adhere to the landing destination. As a result, the drawn line is likely to be peeled off from the landing destination, which may interfere with the subsequent drawing line.

On the other hand, when the interval H is made smaller than the stacking pitch h, the material RU is pressed against the landing destination by the nozzle tip 15 to start drawing a line. Can be used to strengthen the adhesive force between the two. Therefore, according to the fourth modification, the material RU forming the starting end portion can be reliably adhered to the landing destination, and subsequent drawing lines can be stably performed.

By the way, the material RU expands greatly immediately after being discharged, and then gradually expands and returns to the original state. Therefore, even when the line is drawn with the interval H smaller than the stacking pitch h, the height of the drawn line is restored to substantially the same as the stacking pitch h due to the restoring force of the material RU. Therefore, the stacking pitch h can be finally secured even in the portion drawn with the interval H smaller than the stacking pitch h.

The specific value of the interval H is determined based on the presence or absence of interference with the previously drawn line in the target layer from which the material RU is discharged, the prediction result of the ridge generation position in the layers below the target layer, and the like. Set properly. Further, the interval H may be returned to a normal height which is substantially the same as the stacking pitch h after exceeding the start end portion in the path, or when adjacent lines have not yet been drawn (interference of the discharge nozzle 13). If this does not occur), the stacking pitch may be kept smaller than h.

FIG. 12 (B): As a comparative example, a discharge mode of the material RE containing a resin as a main component is shown. In the case of modeling using the material RE, in general, even at the starting end in the path, Z so that the distance H'between the nozzle tip 15 and the landing destination of the material RE is substantially equal to the stacking pitch h. Coordinates are set.

Since the molten material RE has high fluidity and high adhesiveness to the landing destination, unlike the case of the material RU described above, the material RE is drawn by pressing the material RE against the landing destination with the nozzle tip 15. The material RE can be satisfactorily adhered to the landing destination without any problem.

For the problem of adhesiveness, the third modification (a mode in which the drawing speed is finely changed according to the site) and the fourth modification (the interval H at the start end portion in the path is made smaller than the stacking pitch h). In addition to (aspect), the effect of improvement can also be achieved by pushing each end downward with the nozzle tip 15 by ascending and descending only the Z coordinate while fixing the X and Y coordinates at each end in the path. Has been confirmed by the inventor's verification. Therefore, it is possible to improve the adhesiveness of the material RU to the landing destination by appropriately applying any of the methods depending on the situation.

In addition, each of the 1st modification to the 4th modification described above may be applied individually to the first embodiment, or a plurality of modifications may be combined and applied in combination.

The first embodiment described so far is a form for preventing the occurrence of ridges due to the interference of the discharge nozzle 13 (not causing ridges), but it is assumed that the occurrence of ridges is unavoidable to some extent. It is also possible to solve this problem from different aspects. Therefore, from this point onward, an embodiment for satisfactorily modeling the three-dimensional object OB as a whole will be described on the premise that a ridge is generated due to the interference of the discharge nozzle 13.

[Form of formation of each layer: second embodiment]
13 and 14 are plan views showing a formation mode of each layer constituting the three-dimensional object OB in the second embodiment. The second embodiment is an embodiment in which adjacent layers are formed in different modes so that the positions of the raised portions due to the interference of the discharge nozzles 13 are dispersed so as not to overlap between the adjacent layers.

FIG. 13 shows an example of forming adjacent layers along different paths as an example of the second embodiment.

In FIG. 13 (A): The square target layer S1 is formed along, for example, 10 paths parallel to the depth direction. In this case, for the target layer S1, the leftmost line L1 is first drawn from the front side to the back side, and then the adjacent line L2 is drawn from the back side to the front side. Next, the adjacent line L3 is drawn from the front side to the back side, and so on, the adjacent lines are drawn one after another so as to reciprocate between the front side and the back side, and finally. The rightmost line L10 is drawn from the back side to the front side. Here, the discharge hole 14 and the nozzle tip 15 have a substantially circular shape at the lower end in a plan view. For example, when drawing the end portion of the line L10, the discharge hole 14 and the nozzle tip 15 reach the positions indicated by the alternate long and short dash lines in the drawing. The line L10 is drawn by moving the modeling table 16 while discharging the material RU from the discharge hole 14, and at this time, the nozzle tip 15 interferes with the adjacent L9 drawn earlier from beginning to end. Therefore, when the target layer S1 is formed in this way, a portion where the material RU is raised is likely to occur at a position shown by shading in the drawing. In addition, in order to facilitate the understanding of the invention, the positions where the raised portions are likely to occur are exaggerated (the same applies to the following figures).

In FIG. 13 (B): The next layer S2 overlaid on the target layer S1 is formed, for example, along ten paths parallel to each other in the width direction. In this case, for the next layer S2, the foremost line L11 is first drawn from the right side to the left side, then the adjacent line L12 is drawn from the left side to the right side, and then. , The adjacent line L13 is drawn from the right side to the left side, and so on, the adjacent lines are drawn one after another so as to move back and forth between the right side and the left side, and finally the innermost line L20. Is drawn from the left side to the right side. When the next layer S2 is formed in this way, a portion where the material RU is raised is likely to occur at a position shown by shading in the figure.

As described above, the path is determined based on the analysis result of the target layer and the prediction result of the uplift generation position (the position where the uplift is considered to occur after the formation of the layer) in the layer below it. In other words, the position where the ridge occurs can be predicted in advance by calculation by the ridge prediction unit 150 of the three-dimensional modeling data generation program 100. Therefore, in this example, paths by different routes are determined so as not to overlap the positions where the ridges occur in the adjacent layers.

As shown in FIG. 13, the position where the ridge is generated is different between the target layer S1 and the next layer S2. If the next layer S2 and the symmetrical layer S1 are formed in exactly the same manner, the material RU is generated in the next layer S2 at substantially the same position as in the target layer S1. Therefore, when a plurality of layers are formed in the same manner, even if the ridges in the individual layers are small enough to be inconspicuous, the ridges are piled up at the same position as the multiple layers are formed, and finally. A large ridge is generated in the three-dimensional object OB that is specifically shaped.

On the other hand, if adjacent layers are formed along different paths as in the above-mentioned example, the positions where the ridges occur can be dispersed among the plurality of layers. Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to prevent a large ridge from being generated in the three-dimensional object OB that is finally formed, and to form the three-dimensional object OB in a generally good manner as a whole.

For each layer stacked above the next layer S2, two types of formation modes for the target layer S1 and the next layer S2 may be alternately and repeatedly applied, or three or more types of formation modes may be provided. The formation modes may be applied cyclically, or the formation modes may be applied in any order.

FIG. 14 shows an example in which adjacent layers are formed along the same path but in different drawing directions as a different example of the second embodiment.

In FIG. 14 (A): The square target layer S1 is formed along, for example, five paths forming concentric squares of different sizes. In this case, for the target layer S1, first, the outermost line L1 is drawn clockwise, then the line L2 adjacent to the inside thereof is drawn clockwise, and then the innermost line L2 is drawn clockwise. The adjacent line L3 is drawn clockwise, then the adjacent line L4 inside it is drawn clockwise, and finally the adjacent (central) line L5 inside it is drawn clockwise. .. Here, the discharge hole 14 and the nozzle tip 15 have a substantially circular shape at the lower end in a plan view. For example, when the line L2 is drawn, the nozzle tip 15 interferes with the adjacent L1 drawn earlier from beginning to end. doing. Therefore, when the target layer S1 is formed in this way, a portion where the material RU is raised is likely to occur in the target layer S1 at a position shown by shading in the drawing.

In FIG. 14 (B): The next layer S2 superposed on the target layer S1 is formed along, for example, five paths forming concentric squares of different sizes. In this case, the path determined for the next layer S2 is the same as that in the target layer S1, but the direction in which the line is drawn is set to be opposite. That is, for the next layer S2, first, the outermost line L6 is drawn counterclockwise, then the line L7 adjacent to the inside thereof is drawn counterclockwise, and then the line L7 adjacent to the inside thereof is drawn counterclockwise. The line L8 to be drawn counterclockwise, then the line L9 adjacent to the inside is drawn counterclockwise, and finally the line L10 adjacent to the inside (to form the center) is drawn counterclockwise. be painted. When the next layer S2 is formed in this way, a portion where the material RU is raised is likely to occur in the next layer S2 at a position shown by shading in the figure.

As described above, the position where the raised portion is likely to occur is different between the target layer S1 and the next layer S2. Further, when the next layer S2 is formed, each line is drawn while tracing the ridge generated at the position shaded in FIG. 13 (A) with the nozzle tip 15 in the opposite direction, so that the layer S1 is formed. The raised area can be leveled. Similarly, the raised portion formed in the next layer S2 can be leveled with the formation of the next layer. The order of drawing the lines L6 to L10 may be reversed, and the innermost line L10 may be drawn counterclockwise first, and the outermost line L6 may be drawn counterclockwise at the end.

In this way, by forming the adjacent layers along the same path with different drawing directions, the positions where the ridges are generated can be easily different in each layer, and the ridges are generated in the target layer S1. The site can be leveled with the formation of the next layer S2. Therefore, even with this aspect, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a large ridge in the three-dimensional object OB that is finally formed, and to form the three-dimensional object OB satisfactorily as a whole.

[Form of formation of each layer: Third embodiment]
The third embodiment is an embodiment in which a line is drawn while adjusting the stacking pitch in consideration of the expansion of the material RU.

As described above, due to the characteristics of the rubber as the main component, the material RU expands greatly immediately after being discharged and then gradually expands, so that the height of each layer formed is a certain amount of time. After a lapse of time, the height tends to be higher than immediately after the formation, and as a result, the height of the three-dimensional object OB finally formed by accumulating the expansions of each layer tends to be higher than expected. However, it is possible to determine to what extent the material RU used for modeling expands by repeating verification. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the stacking pitch in each layer is adjusted or the stacking height as a whole is corrected based on the degree of expansion of the material RU, and then the path for each layer is determined.

By modeling along the path determined in this way, the three-dimensional object OB finally formed can be finished to an expected height. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to satisfactorily model the three-dimensional object OB as a whole.

The above-mentioned first to fourth modified examples have been described as modified examples of the first embodiment for convenience of explanation, but these modified examples are replaced with the first embodiment or the second embodiment or It can also be applied to the third embodiment. In that case, each modified example may be applied individually, or a plurality of modified examples may be combined and applied in combination.

The present invention can be variously modified and implemented without being restricted by the above-described embodiment. In addition, the various numerical values given in the process of explaining the embodiment are merely examples, and are not limited to the above-mentioned contents.

In the above-described embodiment, as the material RU, a material obtained by adding a compounding agent such as a vulcanizing agent to rubber is used, but instead of this, a rubber-like synthetic resin such as urethane resin or silicon resin is used. It can also be used. Further, when the vulcanizing agent is not added to the material RU, the vulcanization treatment for the modeled three-dimensional object OB becomes unnecessary.

In the above-described embodiment, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 in which the extruder 12 is fixed and the modeling table 16 is movable is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the modeling table is fixed and the extruder is movable. A three-dimensional modeling device may be used. Further, such a three-dimensional modeling device is a type in which a discharge nozzle is supported by two movable parts of a pair of shafts arranged in a delta shape (so-called "delta type 3D printer"). It may be a type (so-called “lathe type 3D printer”) that has a structure in which the discharged material is wound around a rotating shaft and is particularly suitable for forming a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, it is also possible to use a robot arm that supports the discharge nozzle as a three-dimensional modeling device.

10 Three-dimensional modeling device 13 Discharge nozzle 15 Nozzle tip 16 Modeling table 20 Printer server 30 Network 40 Terminal 41 CPU
100 Data generation program for 3D modeling OB 3D object RU Rubber-based material

Claims (8)

It is a data generation program for three-dimensional modeling that generates data used by a three-dimensional modeling device that forms a three-dimensional object by laminating materials containing a rubber-like elastic body as a main component in layers by a material extrusion method.
On the computer
A route determination step of determining a parallel path group consisting of a plurality of parallel paths for each layer constituting the solid when the solid to be formed is divided into a plurality of layers.
In modeling each layer, after modeling the first path group, which is a plurality of paths that are not adjacent to each other among the parallel path groups, the position in the height direction in which the material is supplied is determined at the time of modeling the first path group. An instruction to generate instruction data for forming a second path group, which is a path that has not yet been formed in the parallel path group, at a height that is higher and does not interfere with the material that has expanded after being supplied to the first path group. A data generation program for three-dimensional modeling that executes generation steps. In the data generation program for three-dimensional modeling according to claim 1.
The routing step
The parallel path group consisting of a plurality of parallel paths including a corner is determined, and the parallel path group is determined.
The instruction generation step
In modeling each path forming the second path group, instruction data for modeling the angle by two straight lines having the apex of the angle as either the start end or the end is generated without continuously modeling the angle. A data generation program for three-dimensional modeling, which is characterized by In the data generation program for three-dimensional modeling according to claim 1 or 2.
The instruction generation step
In modeling the first route group and each route forming the second route group, instruction data is generated in which the modeling speed is gradually increased from the start end in each route toward a predetermined point in each route. A data generation program for three-dimensional modeling. In the data generation program for three-dimensional modeling according to claim 3.
The instruction generation step
In modeling each of the routes forming the first route group and the second route group, a predetermined amount of the material is supplied at each point other than the start end portion and the end portion in each route, whereas the start end portion is provided. A data generation program for three-dimensional modeling, wherein the material is supplied in a larger amount than the predetermined amount, and command data is generated in the terminal portion so that the material is supplied in a smaller amount than the predetermined amount. It is a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model using a device for forming a three-dimensional object by laminating a material containing a rubber-like elastic body as a main component in layers by a material extrusion method.
A route determination step of determining a parallel path group consisting of a plurality of parallel paths for each layer constituting the solid when the solid to be formed is divided into a plurality of layers.
In modeling each layer, after modeling the first path group, which is a plurality of paths that are not adjacent to each other among the parallel path groups, the position in the height direction in which the material is supplied is determined at the time of modeling the first path group. A command to generate command data for modeling a second path group, which is a path that has not yet been modeled among the parallel path groups, at a height that is higher and does not interfere with the material that has expanded after being supplied to the first path group. A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model including a generation step. In the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model according to claim 5.
In the route determination step,
The parallel path group consisting of a plurality of parallel paths including a corner is determined, and the parallel path group is determined.
In the instruction generation process,
In modeling each path forming the second path group, instruction data for modeling the angle by two straight lines having the apex of the angle as either the start end or the end is generated without continuously modeling the angle. A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model, which is characterized in that it is used. In the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model according to claim 5 or 6.
In the instruction generation process,
In modeling the first route group and each route forming the second route group, instruction data is generated in which the modeling speed is gradually increased from the start end in each route toward a predetermined point in each route. A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model, which is characterized in that. In the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model according to claim 7.
In the instruction generation process,
In modeling each of the routes forming the first route group and the second route group, a predetermined amount of the material is supplied at each point other than the start end portion and the end portion in each route, whereas the start end portion is provided. A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model, wherein the material is supplied in a larger amount than the predetermined amount, and command data is generated in the terminal portion so that the material is supplied in a smaller amount than the predetermined amount.

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