JP2001150557A - Method for manufacturing three-dimensionally shaped object - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To settle the intrisic points at issue of technology and promote the operating efficiency and further, shorten the shaping time, in a method for manufacturing a three-dimensionally shaped object by laminating laser-cured layers. SOLUTION: This method for manufacturing a three-dimensionally shaped object comprises a process (a) to arrange a transfer member 30 which is movable from the outside of a shaping region 20 to a space above, at a supply initiating position outside of the shaping region 20, a process (b) to supply a powdery material P onto the transfer path of the transfer member 30 outside of the shaping region 20, a process (c) to move the transfer member 30 and transfer the powdery material P to the shaping region 20 from the outside of the shaping region 20 to accumulate the powdery material P in layers and a process (d) to irradiate the powdery material P transferred to the shaping region 20 and accumulated in layers with a light beam L and thereby form a cured layer M. In addition, the processes (a) and (b) are performed during the process (d).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a three-dimensionally shaped object, and more particularly, to a three-dimensionally shaped object manufactured by continuously curing an inorganic or organic powder in a layer using a light beam. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a product.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An inorganic powder (metal) or an organic powder (resin) is irradiated with a light beam (directional energy beam, laser) to be cured, and a cured layer is laminated to produce a three-dimensional molded article. Prior art relating to the method is disclosed in US Pat.
No. 20,353.

[0003] Usually, the design of a part manufactured by the above method is performed by three-dimensional CAD. Based on the cross-sectional shape data of each layer generated by slicing the designed three-dimensional CAD model to a desired layer thickness, the laser path of each layer is determined, and one layer of powder is sintered (hardened). At the same time, the previous layer is sintered (joined),
This is a method of manufacturing a component shape by continuously stacking.

According to this method, a shape designed by three-dimensional CAD can be manufactured without a CAM device conventionally used for manufacturing such a three-dimensionally shaped object.
In addition, there is a great advantage in that a desired part can be manufactured quickly as compared with a conventional method such as cutting.

[0005]

However, in the three-dimensionally shaped object manufactured by the above-described method, the movement of the material supply mechanism when distributing the powder material to be hardened to the laser beam directing surface is only a reciprocating movement. Since the material supply mechanism passes through the upper part of the modeling area, the material supply mechanism is kept on standby during the light beam irradiation, and after the irradiation is completed, the material supply mechanism temporarily returns to the original position, and then performs the powder supply operation. For this reason, there is a problem that the material supply process time becomes longer, and accordingly, the molding time becomes longer.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a three-dimensionally shaped object by laminating a cured layer by laser light, which solves the problems of the prior art and improves work efficiency. To shorten the molding time.

[0007]

A method of manufacturing a three-dimensionally shaped object according to the present invention comprises forming a hardened layer by depositing an inorganic or organic powder material in a layered form and irradiating it with a light beam in a forming area. In the method of manufacturing a three-dimensionally shaped object by repeating the process, a step (a) of disposing a transfer member moving upward from outside the modeling region at a supply start position outside the modeling region, and outside the modeling region. (B) supplying the powder material on the movement path of the transfer member, and (c) moving the transfer member to transfer the powder material from outside the modeling region to the modeling region and deposit it in a layered manner. Forming a hardened layer by irradiating a light beam to the powder material transferred to the modeling region and deposited in a layered manner,
(a) and step (b) are performed during the step (d).

[Other Inventions] The powder material of each layer can be transferred to the modeling area by using a plurality of transfer members in sequence. The step (a) is the step of transferring the transfer member to the step (b).
After having been used for the above, it is possible to return to the supply start position without passing through the irradiation area of the light beam in the step (c).

The transfer member can be turned in a loop on the same plane as the movement surface in the step (c). The transfer member can pass below the modeling area. The supply start position of the transfer member, the supply position of the powder material, and the modeling region are arranged on the same circumference, and the transfer member is swirled along the circumference,
In the step (a), the transfer member can be swung in the same direction as the movement of the transfer member in the step (c) to return to the supply start position.

[0010] A modeling region can be arranged at a plurality of positions on the circumference. A plurality of transfer members can be sequentially moved on the same movement path at intervals. A plurality of transfer members can be arranged at equal intervals. Together with the transfer member and a drive mechanism for linearly moving the transfer member in the step (c), the transfer member retreats from the modeling region to the side of the modeling region and moves along the modeling region to the side of the supply start position. It can be moved so as to return to the supply start position.

The transfer member is folded at the end of the shaping area so as to be parallel to the moving direction of the transfer member in the step (c), and is moved along the side of the shaping area to the side of the supply start position. Then, it can be returned from the folded state to the original state and arranged at the supply start position. The process
(b) can supply one layer of the powder material to the supply surface between the transfer member disposed at the supply start position and the modeling region.

A plurality of containers accommodating the one layer of the powder material can be circulated and moved above the supply surface, and the powder material can be sequentially supplied from each container to the supply surface. The step (b) supplies the powder material for a plurality of layers to a supply surface between the transfer member disposed at the supply start position and the modeling region, and the step (c) includes changing the transfer member to the modeling region. To the mounting surface provided outside the modeling region, and only one layer of powder material is deposited in a layer on the modeling region, and the remaining powder material is transferred to the mounting surface. The transfer member is placed outside the powder material by passing above the powder material transferred to the mounting surface, and in the next step (c), the transfer member is moved in the original direction and transferred to the mounting surface. The transferred powder material can be transferred to the modeling area by the transfer member and deposited in a layered manner.

[0013] In the step (a), as the transfer member, a transfer sheet having a large number of openings having the same shape as that of the modeling region is arranged at intervals along the moving direction, and one opening of the transfer sheet is closed. Placed outside the modeling area, said step (b),
Supplying the powder material into the opening of the transfer sheet outside the modeling region, and in the step (c), moving the transfer sheet and transferring the powder material in the opening from the outside of the modeling region to the modeling region; They can be deposited in layers.

In the steps (a) and (b), a transfer container containing the powder material and having a supply port having the same shape as the modeling region is used as a transfer member, and the transfer container is disposed outside the modeling region. Placed on the placed standby surface, the step (c)
Moves the transfer container over the modeling region, drops the powder material from the supply port of the transfer container to the modeling region, and then moves the transfer container to the outside of the modeling region, thereby layering the powder material on the modeling region. Can be deposited.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Basic Process] FIGS. 1 (a) to 1 (d)
1 shows a step-by-step method of manufacturing a three-dimensionally shaped object according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 (a), a tank-shaped supply unit 10 containing a powder material P used for modeling is provided.
A shaping section 20 having a similar tank shape and forming a shaping area adjacent to the supply section 10; The supply unit 10 and the modeling unit 20 have the same planar shape.

The bottom surface 12 of the supply unit 10 is movable up and down.
The bottom surface 24 of the modeling part 20 is also movable up and down. On the bottom surface 24 of the modeling unit 20, a plate-shaped modeling table 22 is arranged,
Cured layers M obtained by photo-curing the powder material P are sequentially stacked on the molding table 22 to produce a molded article. The transfer blade 30 has a narrow plate shape longer than the inner widths of the supply unit 10 and the modeling unit 20, and is provided from the outside of the supply unit 10 to the supply unit 1.
0, and horizontally moves to the outside of the modeling portion 20 through the upper portion of the modeling portion 20.

At the start of the operation, the transfer blade 30
It is arranged outside the supply unit 10. This position is the standby position or the movement start position. In the modeling part 20, the upper surface of the hardened layer M formed and stacked first is slightly lower than the upper end of the modeling part 20. In the supply unit 10, the powder material P is disposed to a position slightly higher than the upper end of the supply unit 10.

In this state, the transfer blade 30 is connected to the supply unit 1.
It is moved horizontally from 0 to the modeling part 20. As shown in FIG. 1B, a portion of the powder material P higher than the upper end of the supply unit 10 is pushed and moved by the transfer blade 30, and
0. Since the powder material P is leveled at the lower end of the transfer blade 30, the powder material P supplied to the modeling unit 20 is deposited in a thin layer. The transfer blade 30 that has finished supplying the powder material P to the modeling unit 20 moves to the outside of the modeling unit 20.

As shown in FIG. 1 (c), the powder material P is cured by irradiating the upper surface of the modeling portion 20 with a light beam L in a predetermined pattern, and a new cured layer M is formed. During this light irradiation step, the transfer blade 3 used for the next operation is
0 is prepared at a standby position outside the supply unit 10. The transfer blade 30 prepared here may be the one that has returned the previously used transfer blade 30 or another transfer blade 30 may be newly prepared. When returning the previously used transfer blade 30, the transfer blade 30
The light beam L is moved to the original position without entering the irradiation area.

In the supply unit 10, the bottom surface 12 is raised,
The powder material P to be supplied to the modeling unit 20 next time is prepared. As shown in FIG. 1D, after the irradiation of the light beam L is completed, the bottom surface 24 of the modeling unit 20 is lowered to provide a space for supplying the powder material P next time. By repeating the above steps, a plurality of hardened layers M are stacked on the molding table 22 of the modeling section 20, and a molded article having a desired three-dimensional shape is obtained.

In the above method, the powder material P is
For example, spherical iron powder having an average particle size of about 20 μm can be used. As the light beam L, for example, a YAG laser can be used. The thickness of one layer of the hardened layer M is, for example, 0.1 mm. For the transfer blade 30, a flat plate made of iron is used.
In the above embodiment, during the light irradiation step, the transfer blade 3
Since the placement of the powder material P to be used next time and the placement of the powder material P to be used next time are performed, after the light irradiation step is completed,
The supply of the powder material P to the modeling part 20 by the movement of the transfer blade 30 can be started immediately.

As a result, the molding time is shortened, and the work becomes more efficient. [A Plurality of Transfer Blades] The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 has the same basic manufacturing steps as the previous embodiment, but differs in that a plurality of transfer blades are used. As shown in FIG. 2A, a rectangular parallelepiped tank-like supply section 10 and a modeling section 20 are arranged side by side. Below the supply unit 10 and the modeling unit 20,
Drive motors 16 and 26 are provided for raising and lowering the respective bottom surfaces 12 and 24 (see FIG. 2B).

A linear guide rail 40 is provided along the upper surface of the supply unit 10 and the modeling unit 20. The guide rail 40 has a number of transfer blades 3 in the form of a wide plate.
0 is attached to one end. The transfer blade 30
Along the guide rail 40, the supply unit 10 and the modeling unit 2
0 is translated in the space above. The guide rail 40 has a drive mechanism for individually operating a number of transfer blades 30.

As shown in FIG. 2B, at the start of the molding operation, all of the plurality of transfer blades 30 are kept on standby outside the supply unit 10. First, one transfer blade 30
Is moved from the supply unit 10 to the modeling unit 20, and the powder material P
To form a hardened layer M for one layer. The specific operation is the same as that of the above embodiment, and the description is omitted.

Transfer blade 3 after supply of powder material P
0 is arranged outside the modeling part 20. Since the next transfer blade 30 is waiting at the standby position outside the supply unit 10, the transfer of the powder material P by the movement of the transfer blade 30 can be started immediately.

In this method, the above steps can be repeated continuously for the number of transfer blades 30 that are kept on standby outside the supply section 10. When there is no transfer blade 30 waiting, the work may be temporarily interrupted, and all the transfer blades 30 moved outside the modeling unit 20 may be returned to the original standby position. In the operation of returning to the standby position, a large number of transfer blades 30 are collectively moved. Therefore, compared with performing the operation of returning the transfer blades 30 to the standby position one by one or every one curing step, the entire operation is performed. Work time is reduced, work efficiency is improved, and modeling time is reduced.

[Return of Transfer Blade] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, one transfer blade 30 is used repeatedly. A guide rail 40 having an oval loop shape is arranged on the side of the supply unit 10 and the modeling unit 20. One end of the transfer blade 30 is attached to the guide rail 40, and the transfer blade 30 can be swung in a horizontal plane along an oblong loop of the guide rail 40.
The guide rail 40 includes a driving motor 42.

In this embodiment, the transfer blade 30, which has finished supplying the powder material P to the modeling part 20, moves to the outside of the modeling part 20, and then moves in a loop along the path of the guide rail 40. Modeling part 20 and supply part 1
It returns to the supply start position outside the supply unit 10 through the back side on the side of 0. The return operation of the transfer blade 30 is performed by the
Since it does not pass through the space above 0, it does not hinder the light irradiation process. A return operation can be performed simultaneously with the light irradiation step.

As a result, improvement of the working efficiency or shortening of the molding time can be achieved as described above. In the above embodiment, the position of the transfer blade 30 is controlled by the guide rail 40.
Can be performed by controlling the rotational position of the motor 42 that drives the motor. Further, a sensor for detecting that the transfer blade 30 is disposed at the supply start position and that the powder material P is supplied to the modeling section 20 are provided, and based on information from the sensor, the transfer blade 30 is provided. Can also be controlled.

[Vertical Loop Motion] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the transfer blade 30 is returned to the supply start position by the vertical loop motion. The guide rail 40 is connected to the supply unit 10.
And extends along the side of the shaping portion 20, curves downward outside the shaping portion 20, extends downward in the reverse direction below the supply portion 10 and the shaping portion 20, and then curves upward to form the supply portion 10. It forms an oblong loop arranged in a vertical plane, returning to the side of the supply start position.

After the transfer blade 30 horizontally moves from the supply unit 10 above the modeling unit 20, it passes through the supply unit 10 and the lower side of the modeling unit 20 to return to the supply start position outside the supply unit 10. Become. In the above embodiment, the horizontal area required for installation of the device can be reduced as compared with the horizontal loop structure of the above embodiment.

[Rotary Movement of Transfer Blade 30] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the transfer blade 30 is swung around one center. The supply unit 10 and the modeling unit 20 are arranged on the same circumference. Specifically, the circular surface is divided into a plurality of quadrants or sectors, and one of the
0, the modeling part 20 is arranged in another adjacent one.

The transfer blade 30 is rotatably supported at the center of the supply section 10 and the modeling section 20 and is rotated by a drive motor 34. When supplying a new powder material P from the supply unit 10 to the modeling unit 20, the transfer blade 3 is provided in the circumferential direction outside the supply unit 10 (on the front side in the figure).
0 is arranged. This position is the supply start position or the standby position. By horizontally rotating the transfer blade 30 from the supply unit 10 to the modeling unit 20, the powder material P of the supply unit 10 is supplied to the modeling unit 20.

When the supply of the powder material P to the modeling section 20 is completed, the transfer blade 30 exits the modeling section 20 in the circumferential direction. If the transfer blade 30 is turned in the same direction as it is, the transfer blade 30 returns to the above-described initial supply start position or the standby position. In the above-described embodiment, since the moving operation of the transfer blade 30 only needs to be turned around one center, reliable operation is possible with a simple structure. Since there is little useless movement, quick operation is possible.

Further, when the transfer blade 30 supplies the powder material P to the shaping unit 20, the surplus powder material P is pushed and moved by the rotation of the transfer blade 30 and again supplied to the supply unit 1.
The value can be returned to 0, and the powder material P can be used effectively. The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 has the same basic structure as the above embodiment, but the supply unit 10 and the modeling unit 20 are
They are arranged symmetrically at two locations on the circumference. In this embodiment, a modeled object can be manufactured simultaneously in two modeling sections 20.

[Circulation of Plural Transfer Blades (1)] FIG.
The embodiment shown in Fig. 1 uses a plurality of transfer blades in circulation using a guide rail. The basic device configuration is shown in FIG.
This embodiment is common to the embodiments. Loop-shaped guide rail 4
At 0, a plurality of transfer blades 30 are attached at regular intervals, in this case, four transfer blades 30 are attached.

The powder material P is supplied from the supply unit 10 to the shaping unit 20 by one transfer blade 30, and when the transfer blade 30 comes outside the shaping unit 20, the next new transfer blade 30 is connected to the supply unit 10. It is located at the outside standby position or supply start position. From this state, the next powder material P supply step can be started immediately. If the arrangement interval and the moving speed of each transfer blade 30 are appropriately set, the formation process of the hardened layer M is repeated while continuously moving the transfer blade 30 without stopping at all, thereby manufacturing a molded article. Also becomes possible. In this case, the standby time of the transfer blade 30 outside the supply unit 10 can be substantially eliminated.

In the above embodiment, by using a plurality of transfer blades, the working efficiency is improved and the molding time can be further reduced as compared with the case where only one transfer blade is used. If the supply unit 10 and the modeling unit 20 are arranged at the target position on the opposite side of the loop-shaped guide rail 40,
Different shaped objects can be simultaneously manufactured at the straight portions on both sides of the guide rail 40, and the working efficiency is further improved.

[Circulation of Plural Transfer Blades (2)] FIG.
The embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is a case where the technique of circulating and using a plurality of transfer blades described in the above embodiment is applied to a vertical loop guide rail structure. A plurality of transfer blades 30 are attached to the guide rails 40 arranged in a vertical loop from above to below the supply unit 10 and the modeling unit 20 at intervals. The number of transfer blades 30 is set to six.

Also in this embodiment, one transfer blade 3
If 0 passes through the modeling section 20, the next transfer blade 30 is immediately at the supply start position of the supply section 10, so that the working efficiency can be improved and the modeling time can be reduced. [Movement of Drive Mechanism] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the drive mechanism for supporting and driving the transfer blade, that is, the guide rail is moved to perform the return operation of the transfer blade.

As shown in FIG. 9A, guide rails 40 which are arranged along the sides of the supply unit 10 and the shaping unit 20 and support the transfer blade 30 are provided with respect to the supply unit 10 and the shaping unit 20. The parallel movement is performed in the direction of approaching or moving away, that is, in the direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the transfer plate 30. The transfer blade 30 that has performed the operation [] of supplying the powder material P from the supply unit 10 to the modeling unit 20 is moved to the modeling unit 2.
When the guide rail 40 is moved to the end of
0 and the direction away from the modeling part 20 [].

As shown in FIG. 9B, the transfer blade 30
Will be arranged apart from the supply unit 10 and the modeling unit 20. In this state, the transfer blade 30 is moved in the original direction along the guide rail 40 []. Since the transfer plate 30 moves to the side of the modeling unit 20 and the supply unit 10, it does not interfere with the light irradiation process performed in the modeling unit 20.

After the transfer blade 30 has moved to a position corresponding to the supply start position outside the supply section 10, the guide rail 40 is moved in a direction approaching the supply section 10 and the modeling section 20 []. Then, the transfer blade 30
It is arranged at a supply start position outside the supply unit 10, and the supply operation of the next powder material P can be started. The above embodiment achieves the same operation and effect as the above-described structure in which the moving blade 30 is turned in a loop as shown in FIGS. However, the transfer rail 30 and the guide rail 4
The difference is that the motion of 0 is combined with the linear motion in the direction perpendicular to the direction. Any advantageous structure may be adopted according to the conditions such as the device structure and the installation space.

[Folding of Transfer Blade] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the transfer blade is folded and returned to the supply start position. As shown in FIG. 10A, a linear guide rail 40 is provided on the side of the supply unit 10 and the modeling unit 20. The transfer blade 30 is attached to the guide rail 40.

However, the transfer blade 30 moves in the direction orthogonal to the guide rail 40 and
And a state where it is folded in parallel with the guide rail 40 so as to be changeable. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 0 (a), if the transfer blade 30 is moved above the shaping unit 20 from the supply unit 10 with the transfer blade 30 extending in a direction orthogonal to the guide rail 40, the shaping unit 20
The powder material P can be supplied to the apparatus.

The transfer blade 30 that has moved to the end of the modeling section 20 is folded so as to pivot outward []. In this folded state, the transfer blade 30 is moved along the guide rail 40 toward the supply unit 10.
Transfer blade 3 folded parallel to guide rail 40
Since 0 does not pass above the modeling section 20 or the supply section 10, it does not hinder the light irradiation step.

As shown in FIG. 10B, the guide rail 4
The transport blade 30 in the folded state, which has moved 0 to the outside of the supply unit 10, is turned again so as to extend from the guide rail 40 in a direction orthogonal to the guide rail 40 []. The state where the transfer blade 30 is turned is located at the supply start position or the standby position outside the supply unit 10. In the above embodiment, the device can be configured as long as there is a space corresponding to the width of the guide rail 40 on the side of the supply unit 10 and the modeling unit 20. As compared with the above-described loop-shaped guide rails and the like, the device space is reduced.

[Nozzle Supply of Powder Material] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the powder material P is supplied using a supply nozzle instead of the supply section 10 in the above embodiment. FIG. 11 (a)
As shown in (1), a flat supply surface 50 following the upper end surface of the modeling portion 20 is disposed on the side of the modeling portion 20. The guide rail 40 to which the transfer blade 30 is attached is arranged along the side of the modeling portion 20 in common with the above-described embodiment.

The powder supply device 6 is provided above the guide rail 40.
0 is attached. The powder supply device 60 includes a vertical guide 66 extending in a vertical direction, a horizontal guide 64 that moves up and down along the vertical guide 66, and extends in the same direction as the transfer blade 30, and a supply nozzle slidably mounted along the horizontal guide 64. 62. Supply nozzle 62
The powder material P is supplied via a hose from a powder supply source provided at another position, and is discharged from the tip of the supply nozzle 62.

As shown in FIG. 11 (b), with the transfer blade 30 disposed on the supply surface 50 on one side of the shaping section 20, the supply surface 50 is transferred between the transfer blade 30 and the shaping section 20.
The supply nozzle 62 is arranged above the. The supply nozzle 62 is moved in a direction parallel to the transfer blade 30 while discharging the powder material P from the supply nozzle 62. As shown in FIG. 11A, the powder material P is deposited in a ridge shape along the edge of the modeling portion 20 and the transfer blade 30.

When the supply of the powder material P is completed, the supply nozzle 62 is retracted upward. Transfer blade 30 to modeling part 2
If the powder material P on the supply surface 50 is moved so as to cross over the zero, the powder material P on the supply surface 50 is supplied to the modeling part 20 and deposited in a layer. Thereafter, the transfer blade 30 is moved in the original direction and returned on the supply surface 50. The layered powder material P deposited on the modeling part 20 is irradiated with a light beam L to form a hardened layer M.
Is formed in the same manner as in the above embodiment. At this time, since the transfer blade 30 has moved to the outside of the modeling section 20, it does not hinder the light irradiation step.

By repeating such a process, a modeled product on which the cured layers M are stacked can be obtained. In the above-described embodiment, the transfer blade 30 may be moved to the supply surface 50 immediately adjacent to the shaping unit 20.
The moving distance and time of the transfer blade 30 can be reduced as compared with moving the transfer blade 30 to the outside.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the supply nozzle 62
Alternatively, if the powder supply device 60 is arranged outside both ends of the modeling section 20, the powder material P is supplied between the transfer blade 30 and the modeling section 20 at any stage of the reciprocating operation of the transfer blade 30. Thus, the operation of transferring the powder material P to the modeling unit 20 can be performed. Further, the above two supply nozzles 6
If 2 is a device that discharges different powder materials P, a plurality of types of powder materials P can be sent to the modeling unit 20 to produce a model in which hardened layers M of different materials are stacked. In this method, one powder supply device 60 includes:
This can also be achieved by providing a plurality of supply nozzles 62 from which the powder material P to be discharged is different.

[Container Supply of Powder Material] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, a circulation container is used instead of the supply nozzle in the above embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12A, a flat supply surface 50 that is continuous with the upper end surface of the modeling unit 20 is disposed on the side of the modeling unit 20. A guide rail 40 to which the transfer blade 30 is attached is arranged along the side of the modeling section 20. A powder supply device 70 is disposed above the guide rail 40.

A plurality of elongated container containers 72 are attached to the powder supply device 70 so as to circulate in a vertically elongated loop-like trajectory. The supply surface 50 is arranged below the circulation path of the container 72. Above the circulation path of the container 72, a powder tank 74 having a supply port at the lower end is arranged. In the powder tank 74,
The powder material P is stored.

As shown in detail in FIG. 12 (b), the powder material P is supplied from the powder tank 74 to the uppermost container container 72, and the container container 72 containing the powder material P moves downward, and moves downward. The container container 72 is turned to drop and supply the stored powder material P to the supply surface 50. FIG.
(a) As shown in FIG.
The powder material P is deposited in a state of extending in a ridge between the and the modeling part 20.

When the transfer blade 30 is moved along the guide rail 40, the powder material P deposited on the supply surface 50 is supplied to the modeling unit 20 and deposited in a layer. When the transfer blade 30 is returned to the original position, the next container container 72 is disposed above the supply surface 50, so that the supply surface 50
Is supplied with a ridge-shaped powder material P similar to that described above. When the transfer blade 30 returns, the irradiation of the light beam L on the modeling part 20 can be started.

In the above embodiment, the supply surface 50 and the powder supply device 70 are arranged only on one end side of the shaping portion 20. However, the supply surface 50 and the powder supply device 70 are arranged on the other end side of the shaping portion 20. You can keep. In this case, if the transfer blade 30 that has supplied the powder material P to the modeling unit 20 is moved to the outside of the modeling unit 20 as it is, the powder material P can be supplied from the container container 72 to the supply surface 50 on this side. When returning the transfer blade 30 to the original direction,
The supply of the powder material P to the modeling unit 20 is performed.

Further, if the powder supply device 70 is moved together with the transfer blade 30, there is no need to install the powder supply device 70 on both sides of the modeling part 20. [Powder Material for Multiple Layers] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the powder material for multiple layers is simultaneously moved by the transfer blade.

As shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b),
And a transfer blade 30 that moves from one end outside to the other end of the modeling part 20. A flat supply surface 50 and a placement surface 52 are provided on the outer sides of both ends of the modeling portion 20, respectively. Although not shown, means for supplying the powder material P is provided between the transfer blade 30 disposed outside one end of the modeling unit 20 and the modeling unit 20. Specifically, powder supply devices 60 and 70 using the supply nozzle 62 and the container 72 described above can be used. A supply unit 10 may be provided.

As shown in FIG. 13A, the transfer blade 3
Numeral 0 is attached to a guide rail 40 provided along the side of the modeling portion 20 and moves. A part of the guide rail 40 that is slightly outside the end of the modeling part 20 is a rotating part 4 that rotates in a vertical plane while supporting the transfer blade 30.
4 is provided. When the transfer blade 30 that has moved to the rotating unit 44 is supported by the rotating unit 44, the rotating unit 44 rotates 180 ° outward. As shown in FIG.
The transfer blade 30 that rotates together with the rotating unit 44 is once lifted upward, rises above the mounting surface 52, and then returns to the original height position again and is the same as the mounting surface 52. The operation of being arranged at the position is performed.

As shown in FIG. 13 (b), when supplying the powder material P to the modeling part 20, first, the transfer blade 30 is arranged on the supply surface 50 of the modeling part 20. Transfer blade 30
The powder material P is supplied between and the modeling unit 20. At this time, the amount of the supplied powder material P is twice the amount required for the step of forming one hardened layer M. Transfer blade 30
Is moved to the modeling section 20 and the powder material P is transferred to the modeling section 2.
Supply 0. One layer of the powder material P is deposited in layers on the modeling part 20, but the remaining one layer of the powder material P is transported together with the transfer blade 30 to the mounting surface 52 outside the modeling part 20 and placed. The remaining powder material P is placed on the surface 52.

The transfer blade 30 that has moved to the outside of the modeling unit 20 is lifted upward by the operation of the rotating unit 44 described above. The transfer blade 30 moves beyond the powder material P, leaving the powder material P on the supply surface 50. The light irradiation step is performed in the modeling unit 20 while the transfer blade 30 is out of the modeling unit 20 to carry the powder material P to the mounting surface 52 and is operated by the rotating unit 44.

Next, the transfer blade 30 is moved in the original direction. At this time, since the rotating unit 44 is not operated,
The transfer blade 30 performs a linear motion at the same height position. The transfer blade 30 pushes and moves one layer of the powder material P remaining on the mounting surface 52 to supply the powder material P to the modeling unit 20. The transfer blade 30 that supplies all the powder material P to the modeling part 20
Returns to the initial arrangement state again.

By repeating such a process, the labor and time required for supplying the powder material P can be reduced as compared with the method of supplying one layer of the powder material P between the transfer blade 30 and the modeling portion 20. Since the powder material P can be supplied to the modeling unit 20 even during the return operation of the transfer blade 30, the working efficiency is improved and the modeling time is shortened. [Transfer Sheet] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, a transfer sheet is used as means for transferring the powder material P.

The point that the shaping section 20 and the supply section 10 are provided is common to the embodiment shown in FIG. A flexible transfer sheet 80 made of a continuous long strip material
Are supplied from outside the supply unit 10 to the supply unit 10 and the modeling unit 20.
Is arranged so as to travel to the outside of the shaping section 20 via the upper surface of the.

In the transfer sheet 80, openings 82 having the same shape as the planar shape of the supply unit 10 and the modeling unit 20 are formed at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction. The interval between the adjacent openings 82 is adjusted to the interval between the supply unit 10 and the modeling unit 20. The thickness of the transfer sheet 80 is set in accordance with the thickness of one layer of the powder material P necessary for forming the hardened layer M in the modeling unit 20. Specifically, for example, 0.11
The thickness can be set to about 0.3 mm.

When the bottom surface 12 of the supply unit 10 is raised when the opening 82 is disposed in the supply unit 10 while the transfer sheet 80 is intermittently running, the surface of the stored powder material P is lifted. The powder material P enters the opening 82. When the transfer sheet 80 is moved in this state,
The powder material P that has entered the opening 82 moves with the opening 82 and is transferred to the modeling unit 20.

When the opening 82 is arranged in the modeling section 20,
The powder material P that has entered the opening 82 falls down and
0 is supplied. Thereafter, the hardened layer M is formed by irradiation with the light beam L described above. Since the opening 82 which is a through space is arranged in the modeling part 20, the light beam L
There is no problem at all in the irradiation. At this time, since the next opening 82 is arranged on the supply unit 10, the operation of raising the bottom surface 12 of the supply unit 10 and supplying the powder material P to the next opening 82 is performed in parallel. Progress.

In the above-described embodiment, the feeding section 10 is moved from the feeding section 10 to the
The operation of taking out the powder material P for the layer and supplying it to the modeling unit 20 can be repeated. Therefore, the molding operation can be efficiently performed with a relatively simple structure, and the molding time can be reduced and the efficiency can be improved. [Transfer Container] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, a transfer container is used instead of a transfer blade or a transfer sheet.

A flat support surface 5 is provided on both outer sides of the shaping portion 20.
4 is provided. The cylindrical transfer container 90 is supported by the guide rail 40 arranged on the side of the modeling section 20, and is supported by the support surface 5.
4 so that it can move upward from the modeling part 20. The powder material P is stored in the transfer container 90, and the lower end of the transfer container 90 is a supply port 92 that opens in the same shape as the modeling unit 20.

When the transfer container 90 is placed on the support surface 54, the supply port 92 at the lower end of the transfer container 90 is connected to the support surface 54.
, The powder material P in the transfer container 90 does not fall off. When the transfer container 90 is moved from the support surface 54 to the modeling part 20, the
Is supplied with the powder material P.

Thereafter, when the transfer container 90 is moved from the modeling portion 20 to the support surface 54, the powder material P supplied inside the upper end of the modeling portion 20 remains in the modeling portion 20 as it is, The powder material P stored above the lower end is transferred to the support surface 54 together with the transfer container 90. In other words, the lower end of the transfer container 90 performs the same function as the transfer blade 30, and supplies only one layer of the powder material P having a predetermined thickness to the modeling unit 20.

Therefore, the transfer container 90 is moved to the support surface 54.
By simply reciprocating between the molding unit 20 and the molding unit 20, the molding unit 2
A predetermined amount of the powder material P with respect to 0 can be reliably supplied. In the state where the transfer container 90 is arranged on the support surface 54, the hardened layer M by the irradiation of the light beam L
Is formed.

In the above embodiment, the supply of the powder material P can be performed only by the horizontal movement of the transfer container 90, which is an extremely simple and quick operation. Therefore, the efficiency of the supply operation of the powder material P to the modeling part 20 is improved. The molding time can be reduced.

[0076]

According to the method for producing a three-dimensionally shaped object of the present invention, the step of irradiating a light beam onto the powder material transferred to the modeling region and depositing it in a layer form to form a hardened layer in the molding region is performed. Since a preparation step of arranging the transfer member for transferring the material at a predetermined position or supplying the powder material to be transferred by the transfer member can be performed, the working process can be efficiently performed without wasting the work process.

As a result, the molding time can be shortened and the efficiency can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a basic process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view (a) and an operation explanatory view (b) showing another embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing another embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing another embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory perspective view showing another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory perspective view showing another embodiment.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view showing another embodiment, and FIG.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view (a) and an operation explanatory view (b) showing another embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view (a) and an operation explanatory view (b) showing another embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a plan view and a front view showing another embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Supply part 20 Modeling part 30 Transfer blade 40 Guide rail 44 Rotation part 50 Supply surface 52 Placement surface 54 Support surface 60 Powder supply device 62 Supply nozzle 70 Powder supply device 72 Container container 80 Transfer sheet 82 Opening 90 Transfer container L Light Beam M Hardened layer P Powder material

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Masataka Takenan 1048 Kadoma Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. Reference) 4F213 WA25 WB01 WL02 WL12 WL26 WL32 WL35 WL95 4K018 CA50 EA51 EA60 JA05

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A method of producing a three-dimensionally shaped object by repeatedly depositing a layer of an inorganic or organic powder material in a modeling region and irradiating a light beam to form a hardened layer, the method comprising the steps of: (A) disposing a transfer member that moves upward from the outside to a supply start position outside the modeling region, and (b) supplying the powder material onto a movement path of the transfer member outside the modeling region. Moving the transfer member, transferring the powder material from the outside of the modeling region to the modeling region and depositing it in a layer (c); irradiating the powder material transferred to the modeling region and deposited in a layer with a light beam (D) forming a cured layer by performing the steps (a) and (b) during the step (d). 2. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensionally shaped object according to claim 1, wherein the powder material of each layer is transferred to the forming region by using a plurality of transfer members in sequence. 3. In the step (a), after using the transfer member in the step (b), the transfer member is returned to the supply start position without passing through the light beam irradiation area in the step (c). The method for producing a three-dimensionally shaped object according to claim 1. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the transfer member is turned in a loop on the same plane as the moving surface in the step (c).
3. The method for producing a three-dimensionally shaped object according to item 1. 5. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensionally shaped object according to claim 3, wherein the transfer member is passed below the modeling region. 6. The supply start position of the transfer member, the supply position of the powder material, and the modeling region are arranged on the same circumference, and the transfer member is swirled along the circumference, and the step ( 4. The method for producing a three-dimensionally shaped object according to claim 3, wherein a) rotates the transfer member in the same direction as the movement of the transfer member in step (c) to return the transfer member to the supply start position. 7. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensionally shaped object according to claim 6, wherein modeling regions are arranged at a plurality of positions on the circumference. 8. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensionally shaped object according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of transfer members are sequentially moved on the same movement path at intervals. 9. The method according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of transfer members are arranged at equal intervals. 10. The transfer member together with a drive mechanism for linearly moving the transfer member in the step (c), the transfer member retreats from the modeling region to the side of the modeling region, and starts the supply along the modeling region. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensionally shaped object according to claim 3, wherein the three-dimensionally shaped object is moved to the side of the position and moved to return to the supply start position. 11. A transfer member is folded at an end of the modeling region so as to be parallel to the moving direction of the transfer member in the step (c), and is laterally located at the supply start position along a side of the modeling region. 4. The method of manufacturing a three-dimensionally shaped object according to claim 3, wherein the three-dimensionally shaped object is moved from the folded state to the original state and placed at the supply start position. 12. The three-dimensional method according to claim 1, wherein in the step (b), one layer of powder material is supplied to a supply surface between a transfer member disposed at the supply start position and a modeling region. Manufacturing method of shaped objects. 13. A plurality of containers accommodating said one layer of powder material are circulated and moved above said supply surface, and the powder material is sequentially supplied from each container to the supply surface.
3. The method for producing a three-dimensionally shaped object according to item 2. 14. The step (b) comprises supplying a plurality of layers of powdered material to a supply surface between a transfer member disposed at the supply start position and a modeling region, wherein the step (c) comprises: The transfer member is moved from the modeling area to the mounting surface provided outside the modeling area, only one layer of powder material is deposited in a layer on the modeling area, and the remaining powder material is transferred to the mounting surface, Thereafter, the transfer member is passed over the powder material transferred to the mounting surface, and the transfer member is disposed outside the powder material.The next step (c) is to move the transfer member in the original direction,
The method for manufacturing a three-dimensionally shaped object according to claim 1, wherein the powder material transferred to the mounting surface is transferred to a modeling region by a transfer member and deposited in a layer. 15. The method according to claim 15, wherein the step (a) comprises:
Using a transfer sheet in which a plurality of openings having the same shape as the modeling area are arranged at intervals along the movement direction, disposing one opening of the transfer sheet outside the modeling area, the step (b) includes: Supplying the powder material into the opening of the transfer sheet outside the modeling area, the step (c) moves the transfer sheet, and transfers the powder material in the opening from the outside of the modeling area to the modeling area. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensionally shaped object according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensionally shaped object is deposited in a layered manner. 16. The step (a) and the step (b) are characterized in that a transfer container containing the powder material and having a supply port on the lower surface having the same shape as the modeling region is used as the transfer member. Arranging on a standby surface arranged outside, the step (c) moving the transfer container over the modeling area,
After dropping the powder material from the supply port of the transfer container to the modeling area, by moving the transfer container outside the modeling area,
A method for manufacturing a three-dimensionally shaped object in which a powder material is deposited in a layered manner on a modeling region.