JP2012011610A - Photo molding apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photo molding apparatus which forms a stereoscopic molded article by irradiating a photocurable resin 7 with a laser beam to harden the irradiated parts and laminating and enables control of the temperature of the liquid-surface portions of the photocurable resin 7 so as to form the layers of the photocurable resin 7 well.SOLUTION: The photo molding apparatus includes a recoater 5 running along the liquid surface of the photocurable resin 7 and a temperature detector 23 arranged in the recoater 5 to detect the temperature, a heater 21 arranged in the recoater 5 to carry out heating and a cooler 22 aranged in the recoater 5 to carry out cooling. The controller controls the heating by the heater 21 and the cooling by the cooler 22 based on a predetermined temperature and the temperature detected by the temperature detector 23.

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical modeling apparatus, and more particularly, to an optical modeling apparatus that satisfactorily forms a layer of a photocurable resin by enabling temperature control of a liquid surface portion of the photocurable resin.

An optical modeling apparatus is used when modeling a three-dimensional molded object from three-dimensional CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data, and can produce a three-dimensional model in a short period of time.
The optical modeling technique is to produce a three-dimensional modeled object by repeatedly laminating a photocurable resin according to the contour data converted by cutting the shape data of the three-dimensional CAD horizontally.

  By the way, in general, a photocurable resin has a feature of high viscosity. At 25 [° C.], which is said to be suitable for modeling, the viscosity of water is 0.89 [mPa · s], whereas the viscosity of the photocurable resin is about 200 to 10,000 [mPa · s]. ], And the viscosity tends to be higher when the temperature is lower. When the viscosity of the photocurable resin is increased, it is difficult to form a uniform layer during the recoating process for forming an uncured photocurable resin layer. There is a high possibility of problems such as taking a long time.

  For this reason, in many of the stereolithography apparatuses that have been conventionally used, a temperature measuring device and a heater are often attached to a tank portion that is a container of a photocurable resin, and depending on the measurement result of the temperature measuring device. The controlled heating of the heater prevents the temperature of the photocurable resin from decreasing.

  As an example of the prior art, in an optical modeling apparatus for producing a three-dimensional model by irradiating a photocurable resin in a container with laser light and curing the irradiated portion, the photocurable resin in the container Viscosity is detected, and the detected viscosity is displayed as a numerical value, so that the viscosity can be recognized at any time, including during the production of a three-dimensional model, and further, When the detected value is equal to or higher than the set value, including during the production of the three-dimensional model, the photocurable resin in the container is stirred or filtered by circulating the photocurable resin (removing foreign matter). An optical modeling apparatus for performing the above has been studied (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-064348 A

However, the conventional stereolithography apparatus has the following problems.
In other words, if modeling is performed without spending sufficient time to heat the heater attached to the tank, even if the photocurable resin around the tank wall is at the proper temperature, the temperature of the photocurable resin in the center of the tank Since the temperature is lower than the appropriate temperature, the viscosity varies, and a molding defect occurs due to the generation of a non-uniform layer and the lack of the liquid leveling time.
In some cases, the recoater that scans the liquid surface to form a layer absorbs heat from the liquid surface of the photocurable resin, the temperature of the liquid surface decreases, and the layer formation cannot be performed satisfactorily. .

  In addition, since the temperature locally rises at the location where the liquid surface of the photocurable resin is irradiated with laser, if modeling is performed without heating the photocurable resin for a sufficient time, the vicinity of the laser irradiated The temperature difference of the other liquid surface portions becomes large, and the fact that a uniform layer cannot be formed due to the difference in fluidity due to the variation in viscosity has also contributed to the modeling failure.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional situation, and by performing temperature control of the liquid surface portion of the photocurable resin, the formation of the photocurable resin layer can be favorably performed. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical modeling apparatus capable of performing the above.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration in an optical modeling apparatus that irradiates a photocurable resin with a laser beam, cures and laminates the irradiated portion, and produces a three-dimensional modeled object.
That is, the recoater travels along the liquid surface of the photocurable resin. A temperature detecting means is provided in the recoater and detects the temperature. A heating unit is provided in the recoater and performs heating. A cooling means is provided in the recoater and performs cooling.
In such a configuration, the control unit controls the heating by the heating unit and the cooling by the cooling unit based on a preset value regarding the temperature and the temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit.

Therefore, by enabling the temperature control of the liquid surface portion of the photocurable resin, the formation of the photocurable resin layer can be performed satisfactorily.
Here, various things may be used as a whole structure of an optical modeling apparatus, or a structure of each part (each means is included).
Various values may be used as values set in advance for the temperature.

Various modes may be used for controlling the heating by the heating means and the cooling by the cooling means by the control means. For example, when heating is required, the heating means is controlled to perform heating. When cooling is necessary, it is possible to use a mode in which control is performed so as to perform cooling by a cooling means, and the degree of heating and the degree of cooling may be controlled as necessary. .
Further, the control means may have a function of performing control to change the traveling speed of the recoater in accordance with, for example, conditions relating to the temperature of the recoater.

  As described above, according to the optical modeling apparatus according to the present invention, the temperature of the liquid surface portion of the photocurable resin can be controlled, so that the formation of the photocurable resin layer can be favorably performed. .

It is a figure which shows the general structural example of an optical modeling apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the optical modeling apparatus which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a figure of the flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the process performed in the optical modeling apparatus which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the optical modeling apparatus which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention. It is a figure of the flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the process performed in the optical modeling apparatus which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, a general configuration example of an optical modeling apparatus will be described as an example of an apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 1 shows a general schematic configuration example of an optical modeling apparatus.
The stereolithography apparatus of this example includes an ultraviolet (UV) laser 1, a scanner mirror (reflection mirror for optical scanning) 2, a table 3, an elevator apparatus 4, a recoater 5, a tank 6, and photocuring. The resin 7, the control device 8, and the storage device 9 are provided.
Further, FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional structure 11.

Each part will be described.
The UV laser 1 is controlled by the control device 8 and outputs laser light.
Here, the UV laser 1 generates a laser beam having a wavelength corresponding to the curing characteristics of the photocurable resin 7 and serves as a light source for curing the photocurable resin 7. A laser other than the ultraviolet laser may be used.

The scanner mirror 2 controls the direction of the laser light from the UV laser 1 so that the laser light from the UV laser 1 scans a predetermined pattern based on the contour line data.
Here, the scanner mirror 2 has, for example, a scanning drive mechanism, and is controlled by the control device 8 to change the reflection direction of the laser light from the UV laser 1 in a two-dimensional direction, thereby making a photocurable resin. 7 is scanned two-dimensionally with a laser beam.

The table 3 is a table that is provided in the resinous tank 6 to produce the three-dimensional structure 11.
Here, for example, the table 3 is the one in which the three-dimensional object 11 is placed from the beginning of the modeling process, and the elevator tank 4 keeps the portion where the three-dimensional object 11 is placed in a horizontal state in the resin tank. 6 is moved up and down.

The elevator apparatus 4 is controlled by the control apparatus 8 to control the lifting and lowering of the table 3, and holds and moves the table 3 up and down.
The recoater 5 is controlled by the control device 8 to move the liquid surface of the photocurable resin 7 in parallel, thereby stabilizing the liquid surface and removing bubbles.
Here, the recoater 5 is held by, for example, a moving mechanism, and when scanned (moved left and right), application of the photocurable resin 7 by the dipper portion (sucking the resin by surface tension) can be performed. In addition, the surface is smoothed by a scraper (knife) part.

The photocurable resin 7 is a material of the three-dimensional structure 11 by optical modeling.
The tank 6 is a container of the photocurable resin 7, and has, for example, a bottomed cylindrical shape or a bottomed box shape.
The control device 8 controls the entire optical modeling apparatus.
Here, the control device 8 inputs, for example, three-dimensional CAD data of a three-dimensional object to be modeled (for example, from the storage device 9 or an external three-dimensional CAD system), and the three-dimensional CAD data is input. The data is converted into contour line data cut horizontally in the horizontal direction, and the liquid level of the photocurable resin 7 is two-dimensionally scanned by the laser beam from the UV laser 1 by controlling the scanner mirror 2 according to this, and the UV laser 1 and the elevator apparatus 4 are controlled so that the three-dimensional structure 11 is formed in the photocurable resin 7.

The storage device 9 stores three-dimensional data of a modeling model (three-dimensional modeled object), laminated data, and the like.
The three-dimensional model 11 is a model modeled by the optical modeling apparatus of this example.

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration example of the optical modeling apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The stereolithography apparatus of this example has a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 1, a heater 21 controlled by the control device 8, a coolant pipe 22 controlled by the control device 8, and a temperature. A temperature measurement unit 23 that measures (detects) and notifies (outputs) to the control device 8 is provided.
Here, in FIG. 2, a configuration example is shown with a degree sufficient for the description of this example, but the optical modeling apparatus of this example actually includes all the components shown in FIG. 1. Further, FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view from the perspective direction regarding the overall configuration and a partially enlarged view regarding a partial configuration of the recoater 5.

The features of the optical modeling apparatus of this example will be described.
When the recoater 5 runs on the liquid surface of the photocurable resin 7 and performs the recoating process, based on the temperature data obtained by the temperature measuring unit 23, the liquid surface temperature becomes a set value. The control device 8 determines and controls the output of the heater 21 and the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the coolant pipe 22.

Here, the heater 21 is preferably a light and easy to attach to the recoater 5, such as a hot plate or a silicon rubber heater, but the heater type, mounting position, number of uses, etc. It may be set freely as required.
Moreover, as the cooling liquid pipe | tube 22, a shape, a production position, etc. may be freely set in view of the liquid to be used, a required flow rate, etc., for example.
The temperature measurement unit 23 is preferably easy to handle, such as a K thermocouple generally used in industry, but the type, the mounting position, the number of uses, etc. May be freely set as required by the user.

  In FIG. 3, an example of the procedure of the process performed in the optical modeling apparatus of this example is shown. It shows how the recoater 5, the heater 21, the coolant pipe (cooling mechanism) 22, the temperature measuring unit 23, and the setting of the speed of the recoater 5 controlled by the control device 8 operate in conjunction with each other in the recoat process. Has been.

  When the recoating process is started (step S1), the control device 8 moves the recoater 5 (step S2), and the temperature measuring unit 23 measures the temperature of the liquid surface of the photocurable resin 7 (step S2). S3). The control device 8 determines whether or not the measured liquid surface temperature is a preset setting value (step S4), and when it is determined that the measured liquid surface temperature is a set value. Then, it is determined whether or not it is the end point position of the recoater 5 (step S5). If it is determined that it is the end point position of the recoater 5, the present process is terminated (step S6), but it is not the end point position of the recoater 5. If it is determined, the process returns to step S2.

  As a result of the determination in step S4 described above, when it is determined that the measured liquid surface temperature is not the set value, the control device 8 analyzes the difference between the measured liquid surface temperature and the set value ( Step S7) It is determined whether or not the measured liquid surface temperature is low (Step S8). If it is determined that the measured liquid surface temperature is low, the temperature of the recoater 5 is equal to or lower than a predetermined upper limit value. Is determined (step S9), and when it is determined that the temperature of the recoater 5 is equal to or lower than a predetermined upper limit value, the output (degree of heating) of the heater 21 is calculated (step S11). Accordingly, the output of the heater 21 (output for heating) is controlled (step S12), and the process proceeds to the process of step S5 (process for determining whether or not the end point position of the recoater 5).

  When it is determined that the temperature of the recoater 5 is not lower than or equal to the predetermined upper limit value (that is, exceeds the predetermined upper limit value) as a result of the determination in step S9, the control device 8 calculates the speed of the recoater 5. (Step S13), the speed of the recoater 5 is changed accordingly (Step S14), and the process proceeds to the process of Step S5 (a process of determining whether or not it is the end point position of the recoater 5).

  As a result of the determination in step S8, when it is determined that the measured liquid surface temperature is not low (high), the control device 8 determines whether or not the temperature of the recoater 5 is equal to or higher than a predetermined lower limit value. If it is determined (step S10) and it is determined that the temperature of the recoater 5 is equal to or higher than a predetermined lower limit value, the flow rate (degree of cooling) of the cooling liquid pipe 22 is calculated (step S15), Accordingly, the coolant flows into the coolant pipe 22 (step S16), and the process proceeds to the process of step S5 (a process of determining whether or not the end point position of the recoater 5).

  When it is determined that the temperature of the recoater 5 is not equal to or higher than the predetermined lower limit (that is, lower than the predetermined lower limit) as a result of the determination in step S10 described above, the control device 8 calculates the speed of the recoater 5. (Step S13), the speed (traveling speed) of the recoater 5 is changed accordingly (Step S14), and the process proceeds to the process of Step S5 (a process of determining whether or not the end point position of the recoater 5).

Here, as a process for determining whether or not the liquid surface temperature is low (the process in step S8), various determination methods may be used. For example, when the liquid surface temperature is lower than a set value. If the liquid surface temperature is higher than the set value, it can be determined that it is not low (high).
Various values may be used as the upper limit value (step S9) and the lower limit value (step S10) regarding the temperature of the recoater 5, respectively.
Moreover, the temperature measurement part 23 has the function to measure the temperature of the liquid level of the photocurable resin 7, and the function to measure the temperature of the recoater 5, for example.

  Further, a method of controlling the output of the heater 21 (steps S11 and S12), a method of controlling the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the coolant pipe 22 (steps S15 and S16), and the speed of the recoater 5 As a method for controlling the process (steps S13 and S14), various modes may be used. In this example, control is performed so that the liquid surface temperature matches (or approaches) the set value.

As described above, in this example, a modeling operation is performed in which the liquid surface of the photocurable resin 7 in the tank 6 is selectively irradiated with laser light, and the irradiated portion is cured while being laminated. In an optical modeling apparatus for producing a three-dimensional modeled object, the recoater 5 traveling along the liquid surface of the photocurable resin 7 includes a temperature measuring unit 23 and a heating / cooling unit (in this example, a heater 21 and a cooling liquid pipe 22). It was.
Further, in this example, the output of the heating / cooling unit (in this example, the output of the heater 21 and the coolant flow rate of the coolant pipe 22) is determined from the value obtained by the temperature measurement unit 23 provided in the recoater 5.
Further, in this example, the traveling speed of the recoater 5 is changed from the value obtained by the temperature measurement unit 23 provided in the recoater 5.

  As one structural example, in the optical modeling apparatus which irradiates the photocurable resin 7 with a laser beam and cures and laminates the irradiated part to produce a three-dimensional modeled object, the recoater 5 and a temperature measuring unit (in this example, temperature A measuring unit 23), a heating / cooling unit (in this example, a heater 21, a coolant pipe 22), and a control unit (in this example, the control device 8). The recoater 5 includes a temperature measuring unit and a heating / cooling unit. The control unit controls the heating / cooling unit based on the preset temperature and the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit.

  Thus, in the optical modeling apparatus of this example, the temperature measuring unit and the heating / cooling unit are provided in the portion of the recoater 5 that scans the liquid surface to form a layer, and the temperature of the liquid surface portion of the photocurable resin 7 is provided. It is possible to control the temperature of the liquid level of the photo-curable resin 7 to a specified value and adjust the viscosity, so that efficient modeling is possible. Specifically, for example, at a higher speed It is possible to execute reliable modeling and to form the layer of the photocurable resin 7 reliably and uniformly.

As described above, in the stereolithography apparatus of this example, the temperature of the liquid surface portion of the photocurable resin 7 is controlled by temperature measurement and heating / cooling by the recoater 5, and modeling is performed under a condition of a certain viscosity. Since it is possible, the layer of the uncured photocurable resin 7 can be stably generated during the recoating step. In addition, since many of the various photo-curable resins have poor heat resistance, an upper limit temperature (upper limit value for temperature) and a lower limit temperature (lower limit value for temperature) of the recoater 5 are set in advance, and the recoater temperature is When the set value is reached, it is possible to adjust the liquid surface temperature by controlling (setting, etc.) the traveling speed of the recoater 5 instead of changing the output of the heating / cooling section. Thereby, for example, modeling without damage due to heat can be performed without heating or cooling the photocurable resin 7 more than necessary.
Furthermore, when modeling a large-area model or a box-shaped model in which layer generation is difficult, for example, by setting the liquid surface temperature higher than usual, the fluidity of the photocurable resin 7 is increased, There is also an effect that generation of a layer can be performed satisfactorily.

  In the stereolithography apparatus of the present example, a temperature detecting means for detecting (measuring) the temperature is configured by the function of the temperature measuring unit 23, the heating means is configured by the function of the heater 21, and the coolant pipe 22 is configured. The cooling means is configured by the function of, and the control means is configured by the function of the control device 8.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration example of an optical modeling apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
The stereolithography apparatus of this example has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 1, and further includes a Peltier element 31 controlled by the control device 8 and a Peltier element cooling liquid pipe 32 controlled by the control device 8. And a temperature measuring unit 33 that measures (detects) the temperature and notifies (outputs) the temperature to the control device 8.
Here, in FIG. 4, a configuration example is shown with a degree sufficient for the description of this example, but the optical modeling apparatus of this example actually includes all the configuration units shown in FIG. 1. Further, FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view from the perspective direction regarding the overall configuration and a partially enlarged view regarding a partial configuration of the recoater 5.

The features of the optical modeling apparatus of this example will be described.
When the recoater 5 runs on the liquid level of the photocurable resin 7 and performs the recoating process, based on the temperature data obtained by the temperature measuring unit 33, the temperature of the liquid level becomes a set value. The control device 8 determines and controls the amount of current to the Peltier element 31.

In this example, a Peltier element 31, which is an electronic component that can be heated and cooled by supplying current, is attached to the liquid surface side of the recoater 5.
In general, the Peltier element 31 has the property that the direction of heating and cooling is reversed depending on the direction of current flow. Using this property, when the liquid surface temperature is low, the Peltier element 31 is used as a heater by supplying a current in the direction of heating on the liquid surface side. Conversely, when the liquid surface temperature is high The Peltier element 31 can be used as a cooling unit by supplying a current in a direction in which the liquid level cools.

Here, as the Peltier element 31, for example, the position, the number of uses, and the like may be freely set according to the needs of the user.
Moreover, as the temperature measurement part 33, what is easy to handle like the K thermocouple generally used for industrial use etc. is desirable, but the kind of temperature measurement part, an installation position, the number of uses, etc. May be freely set as required by the user.

  In FIG. 5, an example of the procedure of the process performed in the optical modeling apparatus of this example is shown. It shows how the recoater 5, the Peltier element 31, the temperature measuring unit 33, and the speed setting of the recoater 5 controlled by the control device 8 operate in conjunction with each other in the recoating process.

  When the recoat process is started (step S21), the control device 8 moves the recoater 5 (step S22), and the temperature measuring unit 33 measures the temperature of the liquid surface of the photocurable resin 7 (step S22). S23). The control device 8 determines whether or not the measured liquid surface temperature is a preset setting value (step S24), and when it is determined that the measured liquid surface temperature is a set value. Then, it is determined whether or not it is the end point position of the recoater 5 (step S25). If it is determined that it is the end point position of the recoater 5, this processing is terminated (step S26), but it is not the end point position of the recoater 5. If it is determined, the process returns to step S22.

  As a result of the determination in step S24 described above, if it is determined that the measured liquid surface temperature is not the set value, the control device 8 analyzes the difference between the measured liquid surface temperature and the set value ( In step S27), it is determined whether or not the measured liquid surface temperature is low (step S28). If it is determined that the measured liquid surface temperature is low, the temperature of the recoater 5 is equal to or lower than a predetermined upper limit value. Is determined (step S29), and if it is determined that the temperature of the recoater 5 is equal to or lower than a predetermined upper limit value, the amount of current (heating heating) to the Peltier element 31 for heating on the liquid surface side is determined. (Step S31), and control is performed so as to supply current to the Peltier element 31 for heating on the liquid surface side (step S32), and the process of step S25 (at the end point position of the recoater 5) Processing to determine whether or not there is To be migrated.

  If it is determined that the temperature of the recoater 5 is not less than or equal to the predetermined upper limit value (that is, exceeds the predetermined upper limit value) as a result of the determination in step S29, the control device 8 calculates the speed of the recoater 5. (Step S33), the speed (traveling speed) of the recoater 5 is changed accordingly (Step S34), and the process proceeds to the process of Step S25 (the process of determining whether or not the end point position of the recoater 5).

  As a result of the determination in step S28, when it is determined that the measured liquid surface temperature is not low (high), the control device 8 determines whether or not the temperature of the recoater 5 is equal to or higher than a predetermined lower limit value. If it is determined (step S30) and it is determined that the temperature of the recoater 5 is equal to or higher than a predetermined lower limit value, the amount of current (degree of cooling) to the Peltier element 31 for cooling on the liquid surface side is calculated. (Step S35), and control is performed so as to supply current to the Peltier element 31 for cooling on the liquid surface side accordingly (Step S36), and the process of Step S25 (determines whether or not it is the end point position of the recoater 5). Shift to processing).

  When it is determined that the temperature of the recoater 5 is not equal to or higher than the predetermined lower limit (that is, lower than the predetermined lower limit) as a result of the determination in step S30, the control device 8 calculates the speed of the recoater 5. (Step S33), the speed of the recoater 5 is changed accordingly (Step S34), and the process proceeds to the process of Step S25 (a process of determining whether or not it is the end point position of the recoater 5).

Here, as a process for determining whether or not the liquid surface temperature is low (the process in step S28), various determination methods may be used. For example, when the liquid surface temperature is lower than a set value. If the liquid surface temperature is higher than the set value, it can be determined that it is not low (high).
Various values may be used as the upper limit value (step S29) and the lower limit value (step S30) regarding the temperature of the recoater 5, respectively.
Moreover, the temperature measurement part 33 has a function which measures the temperature of the liquid level of the photocurable resin 7, and a function which measures the temperature of the recoater 5, for example.

  Also, a method for controlling the amount of current supplied to the Peltier element 31 for heating (the processing in steps S31 and S32), and a method for controlling the amount of current supplied to the Peltier element 31 for cooling. As a method for controlling the speed of the recoater 5 (steps S33 and S34) and various methods (steps S35 and S36), various methods may be used. In this example, control is performed so that the liquid surface temperature matches (or approaches) the set value.

As described above, in this example, a modeling operation is performed in which the liquid surface of the photocurable resin 7 in the tank 6 is selectively irradiated with laser light, and the irradiated portion is cured while being laminated. In an optical modeling apparatus for producing a three-dimensional model, a temperature measuring unit 33, a heating / cooling unit (in this example, a Peltier element 31, a Peltier element cooling liquid tube) are connected to the recoater 5 that travels along the liquid surface of the photocurable resin 7. 32).
In this example, the output of the heating / cooling unit (in this example, the amount of current of the Peltier element 31) is determined from the value obtained by the temperature measuring unit 33 provided in the recoater 5.
Further, in this example, the traveling speed of the recoater 5 is changed from the value obtained by the temperature measuring unit 33 provided in the recoater 5.

  As one structural example, in the optical modeling apparatus which irradiates the photocurable resin 7 with a laser beam and cures and laminates the irradiated part to produce a three-dimensional modeled object, the recoater 5 and a temperature measuring unit (in this example, temperature A measuring unit 33), a heating / cooling unit (in this example, a Peltier element 31, a Peltier element cooling liquid pipe 32), and a control unit (in this example, the control device 8). The recoater 5 includes a temperature measuring unit, A heating / cooling unit is provided, and the control unit controls the heating / cooling unit based on a preset temperature and a temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit.

  Thus, in the optical modeling apparatus of this example, the temperature measuring unit and the heating / cooling unit are provided in the portion of the recoater 5 that scans the liquid surface to form a layer, and the temperature of the liquid surface portion of the photocurable resin 7 is provided. It is possible to control the temperature of the liquid level of the photo-curable resin 7 to a specified value and adjust the viscosity, so that efficient modeling is possible. Specifically, for example, at a higher speed It is possible to execute reliable modeling and to form the layer of the photocurable resin 7 reliably and uniformly.

As described above, in the stereolithography apparatus of this example, the temperature of the liquid surface portion of the photocurable resin 7 is controlled by temperature measurement and heating / cooling by the recoater 5, and modeling is performed under a condition of a certain viscosity. Since it is possible, the layer of the uncured photocurable resin 7 can be stably generated during the recoating step. In addition, since many of the various photo-curable resins have poor heat resistance, an upper limit temperature (upper limit value for temperature) and a lower limit temperature (lower limit value for temperature) of the recoater 5 are set in advance, and the recoater temperature is When the set value is reached, it is possible to adjust the liquid surface temperature by controlling (setting, etc.) the traveling speed of the recoater 5 instead of changing the output of the heating / cooling section. Thereby, for example, modeling without damage due to heat can be performed without heating or cooling the photocurable resin 7 more than necessary.
Furthermore, when modeling a large-area model or a box-shaped model in which layer generation is difficult, for example, by setting the liquid surface temperature higher than usual, the fluidity of the photocurable resin 7 is increased, There is also an effect that generation of a layer can be performed satisfactorily.

  Note that in the stereolithography apparatus of this example, a temperature detection means for detecting (measuring) the temperature is configured by the function of the temperature measurement unit 33, and the heating means and the Peltier element cooling liquid pipe 32 are configured by the function of the temperature measurement unit 33. The cooling means is configured, and the control means is configured by the function of the control device 8.

Here, the configuration of the system and apparatus according to the present invention is not necessarily limited to the configuration described above, and various configurations may be used. The present invention can also be provided as, for example, a method or method for executing the processing according to the present invention, a program for realizing such a method or method, or a recording medium for recording the program. It is also possible to provide various systems and devices.
The application field of the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described fields, and the present invention can be applied to various fields.
In addition, as various processes performed in the system and apparatus according to the present invention, for example, the processor executes a control program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) in hardware resources including a processor and a memory. A controlled configuration may be used, and for example, each functional unit for executing the processing may be configured as an independent hardware circuit.
The present invention can also be understood as a computer-readable recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk or a CD (Compact Disc) -ROM storing the control program, and the program (itself). The processing according to the present invention can be performed by inputting the program from the recording medium to the computer and causing the processor to execute the program.

  1 .... UV laser, 2 .... scanner mirror, 3 .... table, 4 .... elevator device, 5 .... recoater, 6 .... tank, 7 .... photo-curing resin, 8 .... control device, 9 .... Storage device, 11 ... Solid object, 21 ... Heater, 22 ... Cooling liquid pipe, 23, 33 ... Temperature measuring unit, 31 ... Peltier element, 32 ... Cooling liquid pipe for Peltier element,

Claims (1)

In an optical modeling apparatus that irradiates a photocurable resin with laser light, cures and laminates the irradiated part, and creates a three-dimensional modeled object
A recoater that travels along the liquid surface of the photocurable resin;
A temperature detecting means provided in the recoater for detecting the temperature;
A heating means provided in the recoater for heating;
A cooling means provided in the recoater for cooling;
Control means for controlling heating by the heating means and cooling by the cooling means based on a preset value relating to temperature and the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means;
An optical modeling apparatus comprising: