KR20150049736A - Three dimensional printer improving printing velocity - Google Patents

Abstract

The present specification discloses a three-dimensional printer for improving printing velocity. The three-dimensional printer comprises: a plate; a first nozzle of the first size for printing the boundary area of a three-dimensional object by discharging a second material on the plate; and a second nozzle of the second size, different from the first size, for printing an interior area of the three-dimensional object by discharging the second material on the plate.

Description

Three dimensional printer improving printing velocity < RTI ID = 0.0 >

The present invention relates to a three-dimensional printer.

A three-dimensional printing or additive process forms a three-dimensional object (3D object) from three-dimensional data (e.g., a computer-aided design (CAD) model). 3D printing differs from a subtractive process such as cutting or drilling in that it forms an object article while continuously stacking the material layers.

Three-dimensional printing can be performed by various methods such as FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), EBF ³ (Direct Metal Laser Sintering), DMLS (Selective Laser Sintering), LOM (Laminated Object Manufacturing), SLA have. Such 3D printing can be used in a great many fields such as prototyping, architecture, industrial design, automobile, aviation, engineering, education, jewelry, and fashion.

On the other hand, three-dimensional printing has been disclosed in U.S. Published Patent Application No. US2012 / 0219698 (published on Aug. 30, 2012).

A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional printer with improved printing speed.

The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other matters not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a three-dimensional printer comprising: a plate; A first nozzle of a first size for ejecting a first material on the plate to print a boundary region of the three-dimensional object; And a second nozzle of a second size different from the first size for ejecting a second material onto the plate and printing an interior region of the three-dimensional object article.

The second size of the second nozzle may be larger than the first size of the first nozzle.

The method of claim 1, wherein the first material and the second material may be different.

And a third nozzle of a third size for ejecting a third substance on the plate and printing a supporter for supporting the three-dimensional object.

Dimensional data by dividing the three-dimensional data into a plurality of two-dimensional data, separating the two-dimensional data into boundary area data and inner area data, controlling the first nozzle using the boundary area data, And a controller for controlling the second nozzle by using the second nozzle.

Wherein the boundary region of the 3D object is represented by a first grid of an interval and the inner region of the 3D object is represented by a second grid of a second spacing different from the first spacing .

The second spacing may be larger than the first spacing.

Further comprising: a first filament holder for supplying a first filament to the first nozzle; and a second filament holder for supplying a second filament to the second nozzle, wherein the second filament holder is disposed between the first nozzle and the second nozzle, And a common melting unit for melting the first filament and the second filament.

The first nozzle and the second nozzle may be installed in one nozzle body.

A plurality of driving units disposed on the periphery of the nozzle body and respectively disposed on the plurality of shafts and capable of moving individually along the extending direction of the shaft; And may include a plurality of connecting bars to connect.

Other specific details of the invention are included in the detailed description and drawings.

1 is a flowchart illustrating a three-dimensional printing method according to some embodiments of the present invention.
2A to 2D are intermediate diagrams for explaining the flow chart of FIG.
FIGS. 3 to 5 are cross-sectional views illustrating a three-dimensional object article manufactured using a three-dimensional printing method according to some embodiments of the present invention.
6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a three-dimensional printer according to some embodiments of the present invention.
7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a three-dimensional printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figs. 8A and 8B are exemplary views for explaining the nozzle structure shown in Fig. 7. Fig.
9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a three-dimensional printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a three-dimensional printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
11 and 12 are a perspective view and a side view for explaining a three-dimensional printer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The advantages and features of the present invention and the manner of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Is provided to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

One element is referred to as being "connected to " or" coupled to "another element, either directly connected or coupled to another element, One case. On the other hand, when one element is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to " another element, it does not intervene another element in the middle. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. "And / or" include each and every combination of one or more of the mentioned items.

Although the first, second, etc. are used to describe various elements, components and / or sections, it is needless to say that these elements, components and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, element or section from another element, element or section. Therefore, it goes without saying that the first element, the first element or the first section mentioned below may be the second element, the second element or the second section within the technical spirit of the present invention.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of illustrating embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. In the present specification, the singular form includes plural forms unless otherwise specified in the specification. It is noted that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" used in the specification are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the components, steps, operations, and / Or additions.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used in a sense commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Also, commonly used predefined terms are not ideally or excessively interpreted unless explicitly defined otherwise.

1 is a flowchart illustrating a three-dimensional printing method according to some embodiments of the present invention. 2A to 2D are intermediate diagrams for explaining the flow chart of FIG. FIGS. 3 to 5 are cross-sectional views illustrating a three-dimensional object article manufactured using a three-dimensional printing method according to some embodiments of the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 1, a first material is discharged onto a plate at a first speed to print a boundary region of a three-dimensional object (S10). Subsequently, the second material is discharged onto the plate at a second speed different from the first speed, and the inner area of the three-dimensional object is printed (S20).

For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, first, a partial boundary area B1 of the object article is formed. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 2B, a partial internal region I1 of the object article is formed. Here, the height H1 of the partial boundary area B1 is a height enough to easily fill the inside area I1. If the height H1 of the boundary region B1 is too high, it may be difficult to fill the inner region I1 according to the shape / position / driving method of the nozzle or the like. Subsequently, as shown in Fig. 2C, a partial boundary region B2 of the object article is formed on the result of Fig. 2B. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 2D, a partial internal region I2 of the object article is formed. Here, the height H2 of some of the boundary regions B2 is a height enough to easily fill the inside region I2.

Although FIGS. 2A to 2D illustrate that some of the boundary regions B1 and B2 are formed and some of the inner regions I1 and I2 are formed alternately, the present invention is not limited thereto. If it is not difficult to fill the inner regions I1 and I2, the inner regions I1 and I2 may be formed after completing the boundary regions B1 and B2.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the second speed may be faster than the first speed. That is, the boundary area of the three-dimensional target article is printed relatively slowly, whereas the inner area can be relatively quickly printed. Since the boundary region is the appearance of the three-dimensional object article, the printing precision may be more important than the printing speed. On the other hand, the inner region does not appear to the outside and serves to support the boundary region of the target article. That is, the boundary region and the inner region have different roles and necessary characteristics. Therefore, the inner area of the object article can be printed at a higher speed.

For example, the first material for printing the border area and the second material for printing the inner area may be different. The first material may be a material having relatively high rigidity and the second material may be a material having a relatively high discharge speed.

Also, the first material and the second material may differ depending on the three-dimensional printing technique used. For example, when using FDM technology, it may be a polymer material, a metal material. Also, materials having amorphous properties can be used, for example, thermoplastic materials, amorphous metallic materials, or combinations thereof. For example, it is possible to use an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, polysulfones, polyethersulfones, polyphenylsulfones, polyetherimides, amorphous polyamides ), Polystyrene, and combinations thereof.

It may be powder (powder) when using SLS technology, or liquid plastic when using SLA technology.

The first size (e.g., diameter) of the first nozzle for printing the first material and the second size of the second nozzle for printing the second material may be different. The second size may be larger than the first size. For example, if the first size is 0.2 and the second size is 0.6, the material can be ejected about three times faster than the second nozzle. This will be described later in detail with reference to Figs. 7 to 8B.

Alternatively, the first material and the second material may be discharged through the same nozzle, the first material may be discharged during the first section, and the second material may be discharged during the second section different from the first section. That is, one nozzle can be used for two purposes by dividing the time. This will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

On the other hand, in order to print a three-dimensional target article, source data is required. The three-dimensional data is sliced into a plurality of two-dimensional data, and the two-dimensional data is separated into the boundary area data and the inner area data. The boundary area data and the inner area data are source data. The discharging of the first material discharges the first material in accordance with the boundary area data, and discharging the second material discharges the second material in accordance with the inside area data.

In addition, the printed three-dimensional object article can be represented by a grid. In particular, in a three-dimensional printing method according to some embodiments of the present invention, the boundary region may be represented by a first grid of a first spacing and the inner region may be represented by a second grid of a second spacing. The second spacing may be greater than the first spacing. Because the border area is narrow for a first distance for robustness / accuracy and the second area may be wide for an inner area to increase printing speed.

3 to 5, the inner regions IR1, IR2, and IR3 may have various shapes. As shown in Fig. 3, the inner region IR1 may be formed so as to completely fill the boundary region BR1. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 4, the inner region IR2 may be formed so as to fill only a part (bottom portion) of the boundary region BR2. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 5, the inner region IR3 may be formed conformally along the sidewall and bottom surface of the boundary region BR3. The shapes of the inner regions IR1, IR2 and IR3 shown in Figs. 3 to 5 are merely illustrative.

3 to 5, the inner regions IR1, IR2, and IR3 and the boundary regions BR1, BR2, and BR3 are shown in a grid shape, but are not limited thereto. For example, the inner regions IR1, IR2, and IR3 may have a shape selected from the group consisting of a rectilinear shape, a concentric shape, a honeycomb shape, a Hilbert curve shape, an Archimedean Chord shape, or a combination thereof.

3 to 5, the grid shape filled in each of the inner regions IR1, IR2, and IR3 is constant and the grid shape filled in each of the boundary regions BR1, BR2, and BR3 is constant. However, It does not. For example, several different sized grids may be filled in the inner areas IR1, IR2 and IR3, and several different sized grids may be filled in the border areas BR1, BR2 and BR3.

6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a three-dimensional printer according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, a three-dimensional printer according to some embodiments of the present invention may include a controller 110, a plate 140, a nozzle structure 130, a source providing unit 120, and the like.

The plate 140 is a space for forming the three-dimensional object 190. The plate 140 may be fixed or moved or rotated under the control of the controller 110. Further, the plate 140 can lightly adhere the three-dimensional object 190 to the plate 140 in order to stably fix the three-dimensional object 190. Alternatively, the plate 140 may be subjected to heat (i.e., serves as a heat bed).

The source supply 120 may provide a source material to the nozzle structure 130. For example, the source material may be filamentous. The nozzle structure 130 dissolves the source material and can discharge the molten material to the plate 130 through the nozzle. Alternatively, the source material may be in the form of a powder (powder) or a liquid plastic, and is not limited to a specific form.

The controller 110 may control the plate 140, the source providing unit 120, the nozzle structure 130, and the like.

Further, the controller 110 can slice the three-dimensional data into a plurality of two-dimensional data, and can separate the two-dimensional data into the boundary area data and the inner area data. Here, the three-dimensional data includes (x, y, z) coordinate values, and the two-dimensional data refers to (x, y) coordinate values having no z value. Here, since the z value is fixed to a constant value, the two-dimensional data does not include the z value.

Various methods can be adopted for separating into boundary area data and internal area data. For example, an area corresponding to a predetermined thickness from the outermost boundary surface may be set as the boundary area data, and an area located inside the predetermined thickness may be set as the inside area data. In addition, the predetermined thickness may be adjusted as needed. In addition, boundary region data and internal region data can be generated through, for example, octree modeling. In addition, since the internal area data can be implemented in various forms as described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the internal area data may be changed according to the type of the internal area to be implemented.

Particularly, in a three-dimensional printer according to some embodiments of the present invention, the nozzle structure 130 discharges the first material at a first speed to print the boundary region of the three-dimensional object 190, 1 < / RTI > speed and at a second speed different from the first speed, so that the inner area of the three-dimensional object 190 can be printed.

Here, the manner in which the nozzle structure 130 operates is not limited to a specific method. For example, when the nozzle structure 130 moves from point A to point B, the nozzle structure 130 moves linearly along the x-axis, or moves linearly along the y-axis according to a linear operating method Can move. Alternatively, it can be driven according to a delta operating method. In the delta driving method, the nozzle structure 130 is connected to three axes through three connecting bars, as described later with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, respectively. The nozzle structure 130 can freely move in the x-axis, the y-axis, the diagonal direction, etc. according to the movement of the three connecting bars.

Assuming that the distance between the point A and the point B is d in the x-axis direction, in the linear driving method, the nozzle structure 130 moves in the x-axis direction by d for 3 hours. However, in the delta driving scheme, the nozzle structure 130 may move by d for, for example, t hours. This is because even if the three connection bars are moved a little, the nozzle structure 130 can move a lot.

7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a three-dimensional printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 8A and 8B are exemplary views for explaining the nozzle structure shown in Fig. 7. Fig. The three-dimensional printer of Figs. 7 to 8B is a more specific embodiment of the three-dimensional printer of Fig. For the sake of convenience of explanation, a description will be given mainly of a part not described with reference to Fig.

7 to 8B, the source providing unit 120 may include two filament holders 121 and 122, for example. The first filament holder 121 supplies the first filament to the first nozzle 131 through the first tube 171 and the second filament holder 122 supplies the second filament to the second nozzle 132 through the second tube 172 To supply the second filament.

8A, the nozzle structure 130 includes a first nozzle 131, a second nozzle 132, a first meltting unit 135, a second meltting unit 136 ). The first melting unit 135 is installed adjacent to the first nozzle 131 and melts the first filament to produce the first material. The second melting unit 136 is installed adjacent to the second nozzle 132 and can melt the second filament to produce the second material. That is, the first and second filaments are melted by using separate melting units 135 and 136. A temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the first nozzle 131, the second nozzle 132, the first melting unit 135, or the second melting unit 136 is further included in the nozzle body 138 .

As described above, the first size of the first nozzle 131 and the second size of the second nozzle 132 may be different from each other. Accordingly, the rate at which the first material is discharged through the first nozzle 131 may be different from the rate at which the second material is discharged through the second nozzle 132. When the first nozzle 131 prints the boundary area and the second nozzle 132 prints the inner area, the second size of the second nozzle 132 may be larger than the first size of the first nozzle 131 have.

A common melt-melting unit 139a may be disposed between the first nozzle 131 and the second nozzle 132, as shown in FIG. 8B. The common melting unit 139a can be used both for melting the first filament and melting the second filament. Further, the temperature sensor 139b senses the temperature of the common melting unit 139a, the first nozzle 131, or the second nozzle 132. The size of the nozzle structure 130 can be reduced by using the common melting unit 139a.

The controller slices the three-dimensional data into a plurality of two-dimensional data, separates the two-dimensional data into the boundary area data and the inner area data, controls the first nozzle 131 using the boundary area data, So that the second nozzle 132 can be controlled.

9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a three-dimensional printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, the source providing unit 120 may include three filament holders 121, 122 and 123, for example. The nozzle structure 130 may include a first nozzle 131, a second nozzle 132, and a third nozzle 133. The first filament holder 121 supplies the first filament to the first nozzle 131 through the first tube 171 and the second filament holder 122 supplies the second filament to the second nozzle 132 through the second tube 172 And the third filament holder 123 supplies the third filament to the third nozzle 133 through the third tube 173. The third filament is supplied through the third tube 173 to the third nozzle 133,

As described above, the first nozzle 131 prints the border area, and the second nozzle 132 prints the inner area. The third nozzle 123 can print a supporter for supporting the three-dimensional object. For example, if the three-dimensional target article is a stalactite shape, a support may be required to prevent the three-dimensional article from falling over during printing. The support is mainly formed on the outer portion of the boundary portion of the three-dimensional target article, and when the three-dimensional target article is completed, the support is removed. The third nozzle 123 forms such a support. For example, the third nozzle 123 may also form a support by discharging the material at a different speed than the first nozzle 131 or the second nozzle 132.

10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a three-dimensional printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, one nozzle may be used instead of two nozzles in order to form the boundary region and the inner region of the three-dimensional object article.

As shown, printing the border area for t1 time (e.g., see B1 in Fig. 2a), printing the inside area for t2 hours (e.g., see I1 in Fig. 2b) The region may be printed (e.g., see B2 in Figure 2c) and the border region printed for t4 hours (see, for example, I2 in Figure 2d). This process can be repeated to complete the 3D object.

The times t1 and t3 for printing the border area may be longer than the times t2 and t4 for printing the inner area. That is, when printing the inner area, the nozzles can eject the material at a higher rate than when printing the boundary area.

11 and 12 are a perspective view and a side view for explaining a three-dimensional printer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

11 and 12, a 3D printer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a source providing unit 220, a plurality of tubes 271 and 272, a plurality of shafts 260, 265, a plurality of drive units 261, a nozzle structure 230, a controller 210, and the like.

The nozzle structure 230 is driven by a delta operating method. For example, three axes 260 are disposed around the nozzle structure 230. The three drive units 261 can be moved individually along the extending direction of the three axes 260 (for example, up and down). Specifically, a rail 267 is formed on the inner surface of the three shafts 260, and the drive unit 261 can move along the rail 267. Further, for example, the drive unit 261 can be moved by a belt provided inside the shaft 260. [ The belt may be driven by a motor such as, for example, a stepper motor. The driving unit 261 and the nozzle structure 230 are connected through a connecting bar 265. Therefore, by moving the three drive units 261, the nozzle structure 230 can be moved to a desired position.

Two filament holders are disposed in the source supplying part 220 and two tubes 271 and 272 corresponding to the two filament holders are provided on one surface of the source supplying part 220 (E.g., an upper surface).

As described above, the nozzle structure 230 includes a first nozzle of a first size for ejecting a first substance on a plate and printing a boundary region of the three-dimensional object, a second nozzle for ejecting a second substance on the plate, And a second nozzle of a second size different from the first size for printing the interior area of the three-dimensional object article.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, You will understand. It is therefore to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive.

110: controller 120: source provided
130: nozzle structure 140: plate
121: first filament holder 122: second filament holder
131: first nozzle 132: second nozzle
171: first tube 172: second tube

Claims (10)

plate;
A first nozzle of a first size for ejecting a first material on the plate to print a boundary region of the three-dimensional object; And
And a second nozzle of a second size different from the first size for ejecting a second material onto the plate and printing an inner area of the three-dimensional object. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the second size of the second nozzle is larger than the first size of the first nozzle. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 1, wherein the first material and the second material are different from each other. The method according to claim 1,
And a third nozzle of a third size for ejecting a third material on the plate and printing a supporter for supporting the three-dimensional object. The method according to claim 1,
Slicing the three-dimensional data into a plurality of two-dimensional data,
Separating the two-dimensional data into boundary area data and inner area data,
And a controller for controlling the first nozzle using the boundary area data and controlling the second nozzle using the inside area data. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the boundary region of the 3D object is represented by a first grid of a first interval,
Dimensional object, and the inner area of the three-dimensional object article is represented by a second grid having a second gap different from the first gap. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the second gap is larger than the first gap. The method according to claim 1,
A first filament holder for supplying a first filament to the first nozzle,
And a second filament holder for supplying a second filament to the second nozzle,
And a common melting unit disposed between the first nozzle and the second nozzle for melting the first filament and the second filament. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first nozzle and the second nozzle are installed in one nozzle body. 10. The method of claim 9,
A plurality of shafts disposed around the nozzle body,
A plurality of drive units mounted on the plurality of shafts and capable of moving individually along the extending direction of the shafts,
And a plurality of connecting bars connecting the nozzle body and the plurality of driving units, respectively.

Images