JP2015212042A - Three-dimensional molding device and three-dimensional molding method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a three-dimensional molding device and a three-dimensional molding method capable of improving intensity of a three-dimensional molded article in a lamination direction.SOLUTION: A three-dimensional molding device 100 comprises: a molding material layer formation part (control part 110, movement mechanism 130, head unit 120, first discharge head 122, second discharge head 124 and the like) for forming corresponding molding material layers based on molding data of respective layers; and a control part 110 for controlling the molding material layer formation part so as to, form the corresponding molding material layer based on molding data of an (N)th layer (N is a natural number), and form the corresponding molding material layers sequentially, based on pieces of molding data of an (N+1)th layer to (N+M)th layer (M is a natural number) after forming an irregular step on a lamination surface of the molding material layer based on the molding data of the N-th layer.

Description

  The present invention relates to a three-dimensional modeling apparatus and a three-dimensional modeling method.

  A technique called rapid prototyping (RP) is known as a technique for modeling a three-dimensional solid object (hereinafter, “three-dimensional structure”). This technology calculates the cross-sectional shape sliced thinly in the stacking direction based on data (STL (Standard Triangulated Language) format data) that describes the surface of one three-dimensional structure as a collection of triangles. Is a technique for forming a three-dimensional structure by forming In addition, as a technique for modeling a three-dimensional structure, a melt deposition method (FDM: Fused Deposition Molding), an ink jet method, an ink jet binder method, an optical modeling method (SL: Stereo Lithography), a powder sintering method (SLS: Selective Molding) Laser Sintering) is known.

  As a three-dimensional modeling method using an inkjet method, for example, a step of selectively discharging, for example, a photocurable resin model material from an inkjet head to a modeling stage, a step of smoothing the surface, and curing the model material A technique for forming a three-dimensional structure by forming a single layer of a modeling material layer (cured layer) by a process (a light irradiation process in the case of a photocurable resin) and laminating a plurality of the modeling material layers is provided. Yes. According to such a method, a high-definition modeling material layer is formed by discharging the model material as minute droplets (droplet diameter: several tens [μm]) based on the three-dimensional shape of the modeling object. Therefore, a high-definition three-dimensional structure can be modeled by laminating them. In addition, by using an inkjet head having a length that does not require sub-scanning in which a plurality of discharge nozzles are arranged as an inkjet head (so-called line head), even a large three-dimensional structure can be produced in a relatively short time. It has been devised so that it can be shaped with.

  In Patent Document 1, after completion of the first operation of discharging the model material while scanning the inkjet head in the main scanning direction, scanning is performed in the sub-scanning direction at a nozzle pitch or less so that the discharge center positions of the model material do not overlap. There is described a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that performs two operations (that is, shifts the discharge position to the position between nozzles) and increases the resolution in the sub-scanning direction by repeating the first operation and the second operation.

  Further, Patent Document 2 discloses that a three-dimensional object is formed by stacking a plurality of modeling layers by forming a modeling layer composed of a plurality of particles by discharging droplets by a discharge means and solidifying the three-dimensional modeling powder into particles. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus for modeling is disclosed. In the technique described in Patent Document 2, a position at which droplets are discharged from one layer among a plurality of modeling layers is set to a position at which droplets are discharged from a layer adjacent to the one layer. The control unit discharges the droplets from the discharge unit so that the particles arranged in an oblique direction are in contact with each other by shifting by 1/2 of the interval at which the droplets are discharged in the scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. .

JP 2004-130817 A JP 2013-208878 A

  However, three-dimensional structures formed by a conventionally proposed three-dimensional modeling method, including those of the ink jet method as described in Patent Document 1 above, generally have a modeling material layer in the stacking direction (vertical direction). (Nth layer. Hereafter, N is a natural number) and the forming layer (N + 1th layer) to be formed next has insufficient adhesive force at the interface and tends to peel easily from the interface. is there. Therefore, there has been a problem that the strength in the stacking direction is lower than in other directions (for example, the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to each other in the horizontal plane).

  In the technique described in Patent Document 2, since the particles are not in contact with each other in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the ejection unit, the strength of the three-dimensional object in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction is reduced. was there. In addition, since it is necessary to accurately eject the upper layer particles (droplets) so as to close the gap between the four particles existing in the lower layer, there is a problem that it is difficult to control the ejection unit.

  The objective of this invention is providing the three-dimensional modeling method and three-dimensional modeling apparatus which can improve the intensity | strength in the lamination direction of a three-dimensional modeling thing.

The three-dimensional modeling method according to the present invention is:
On the modeling stage, based on the modeling data of each layer in order from the first layer, a three-dimensional modeling method for modeling a three-dimensional modeled object by forming and stacking a plurality of modeling material layers made of modeling materials,
Based on modeling data of the Nth layer (N is a natural number), a first step of forming a corresponding modeling material layer;
Based on each modeling data from the (N + 1) th layer to the (N + M) th layer (M is a natural number), a second step of forming corresponding modeling material layers in order,
Have
In the first step, an uneven step is formed on the layered surface of the modeling material layers based on the modeling data of the Nth layer.

The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present invention is
On the modeling stage, based on the modeling data of each layer in order from the first layer, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that models a three-dimensional structure by forming and stacking a plurality of modeling material layers made of modeling materials,
Based on the modeling data of each layer, a modeling material layer forming part that forms a corresponding modeling material layer,
After forming the corresponding modeling material layer based on the modeling data of the Nth layer (N is a natural number), and forming an uneven step on the lamination surface of the modeling material layer based on the modeling data of the Nth layer, Based on each modeling data from the (N + 1) th layer to the (N + M) th layer (M is a natural number), a controller that controls the modeling material layer forming unit in order to form corresponding modeling material layers,
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, when the modeling material layer based on the modeling data of the Nth layer is formed, the uneven step is formed on the stacked surface on which the (N + 1) th modeling material layer is stacked. Therefore, when forming the modeling material layer based on the modeling data of the (N + 1) th layer into the concave portion formed on the modeling material layer (Nth layer), a part of the modeling material enters, and the modeling material layer (Nth) Layer) and the modeling material layer (N + 1th layer), the anchoring effect that increases the contact area increases the adhesion between the modeling material layer (Nth layer) and the modeling material layer (N + 1th layer). be able to. Therefore, the strength in the stacking direction of the three-dimensional structure can be improved.

It is a figure which shows roughly the structure of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the principal part of the control system of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the head unit in this Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the three-dimensional modeling operation | movement of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus in this Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the three-dimensional modeling operation | movement of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus in this Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the three-dimensional modeling operation | movement of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus in a prior art. It is a figure explaining the three-dimensional modeling operation | movement of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus in this Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the three-dimensional modeling operation | movement of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the three-dimensional modeling operation | movement of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus in this Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the three-dimensional modeling operation | movement by a powder sintering system. It is a table | surface showing the result of evaluation experiment.

  Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a main part of a control system of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 supports and / or covers a model material that is a modeling material on the modeling stage 140 and the model material in contact with the model material during the modeling operation of the three-dimensional model 200. The three-dimensional structure 200 is formed by sequentially forming and stacking a plurality of modeling material layers including a modeling material layer composed of the support material. The support material is provided on the outer periphery or inner periphery of the model material, for example, when the object to be modeled has an overhanging part (overhanging part), and overhangs until the modeling of the three-dimensional model 200 is completed. Support the part (model material). The support material is removed by the user after the modeling of the three-dimensional structure 200 is completed. As the model material and the support material, an energy curable material that is cured by applying energy such as light, heat, and radiation is used. Energy curable materials such as photo-curing resin materials and thermosetting resin materials have a relatively low viscosity, and it is possible to produce highly accurate shaped objects by discharging them from an inkjet-type discharge head described later. . In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that a photocurable material is used as the model material and the support material. In FIG. 1, a portion corresponding to the support material is indicated by a broken line for easy understanding.

  The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 is modeled using a control unit 110 for controlling each unit and handling 3D data, a control program executed by the control unit 110 and a storage unit 115 for storing various information, and a model material described later. Between the head unit 120 for performing the movement, the moving mechanism 130 for moving the head unit 120, the modeling stage 140 on which the three-dimensional structure 200 is formed, the display unit 145 for displaying various information, and the external device. A data input unit 150 for transmitting and receiving various types of information such as 3D data and an operation unit 160 for receiving instructions from the user are provided. In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, data for modeling is designed based on three-dimensional information obtained by designing a modeling target or by measuring a real (modeling target) using a three-dimensional measuring machine. A computer device 155 for generating is connected.

  The data input unit 150 receives 3D data (CAD data, design data, etc.) indicating the three-dimensional shape of the modeling object from the computer device 155 and outputs it to the control unit 110. The CAD data and the design data are not limited to the three-dimensional shape of the modeling object, but may include color image information on a part or the entire surface of the modeling object and inside. The method for acquiring 3D data is not particularly limited, and may be acquired using short-range wireless communication such as wired communication, wireless communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. You may acquire using this recording medium. The 3D data may be acquired from a server that manages and stores the 3D data.

  The control unit 110 includes calculation means such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), acquires 3D data from the data input unit 150, and performs analysis processing and calculation processing of the acquired 3D data. The control unit 110 analyzes the 3D data to set a region constituting the three-dimensional structure 200 as a model material region formed using a model material. Moreover, the control part 110 sets the area | region which supports the model material which comprises the three-dimensional structure 200 to the support material area | region formed using a support material. The control unit 110 sets the support material region so that the amount of the support material is reduced as much as possible while supporting the model material.

  The control unit 110 converts the 3D data acquired from the data input unit 150 into a plurality of slice data sliced in the stacking direction. The slice data is modeling data for each modeling material layer for modeling the three-dimensional structure 200. A model material area and a support material area are set for each slice data. The thickness of the slice data, that is, the thickness of the modeling material layer coincides with the distance (lamination pitch) corresponding to the thickness of one layer of the modeling material layer. For example, when the thickness of the modeling material layer is 0.05 [mm], the control unit 110 cuts out continuous 20 [sheets] slice data necessary for stacking with a height of 1 [mm] from the 3D data. In the present embodiment, the control unit 110 is configured so that an uneven step, which will be described later, is formed on the lamination surface (the surface on which the next modeling material layer is laminated) for the model material region of a specific modeling material layer. Then, setting is performed on slice data corresponding to the modeling material layer.

  Moreover, the control part 110 controls operation | movement of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 whole during modeling operation | movement of the three-dimensional structure 200. FIG. For example, mechanism control information for discharging the model material and the support material to a desired location is output to the moving mechanism 130 and slice data is output to the head unit 120. That is, the control unit 110 controls the head unit 120 and the moving mechanism 130 in synchronization. The control unit 110 also controls the light source 126 described later.

  The display unit 145 displays various information and messages to be recognized by the user under the control of the control unit 110. The operation unit 160 includes various operation keys such as a numeric keypad, an execution key, and a start key, receives various input operations by the user, and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 110.

  The modeling stage 140 is disposed below the head unit 120. A modeling material layer is formed on the modeling stage 140 by the head unit 120, and the modeling material layer is laminated, whereby the three-dimensional model 200 including the support material region is modeled.

  The moving mechanism 130 changes the relative position between the head unit 120 and the modeling stage 140 in three dimensions. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the moving mechanism 130 includes a main scanning direction guide 132 that engages with the head unit 120, a sub scanning direction guide 134 that guides the main scanning direction guide 132 in the sub scanning direction, A vertical direction guide 136 that guides the modeling stage 140 in the vertical direction, and further includes a drive mechanism including a motor and a drive reel (not shown).

  The moving mechanism 130 drives a motor and a driving mechanism (not shown) according to the mechanism control information output from the control unit 110 and moves the head unit 120 freely in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction (see FIG. 1). The moving mechanism 130 may be configured to fix the position of the head unit 120 and move the modeling stage 140 in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, or both the head unit 120 and the modeling stage 140 may be moved. You may comprise so that it may move.

  In addition, the moving mechanism 130 drives a motor and a driving mechanism (not shown) according to the mechanism control information output from the control unit 110, and moves the modeling stage 140 downward in the vertical direction so that the head unit 120, the three-dimensional model 200, (See FIG. 1). That is, the modeling stage 140 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction by the moving mechanism 130, and after the Nth modeling material layer is formed on the modeling stage 140, where N is a natural number, Move vertically downward by the pitch. Then, after the (N + 1) th modeling material layer is formed on the modeling stage 140, it moves again downward in the vertical direction by the stacking pitch. The moving mechanism 130 may fix the vertical position of the modeling stage 140 and move the head unit 120 upward in the vertical direction, or may move both the head unit 120 and the modeling stage 140.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the head unit 120 includes an inkjet first discharge head 122 and a second discharge head 124, a smoothing device 125, and a light source 126 inside the housing 121. The first ejection head 122 and the second ejection head 124 constitute a part of a modeling material layer forming unit for forming a modeling material layer.

  The first discharge head 122 has a plurality of discharge nozzles arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction (sub-scanning direction). The first discharge head 122 selectively discharges droplets of the model material from the plurality of discharge nozzles toward the modeling stage 140 while scanning in the main scanning direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. When the modeling material layer for one layer is formed, the first ejection head 122 ejects a droplet of the model material to an area where the model material area is set with respect to slice data corresponding to the modeling material layer. . By repeating this discharge operation a plurality of times while shifting in the sub-scanning direction, a model material region of the modeling material layer is formed in a desired region on the modeling stage 140. The model material region is cured by being subjected to a curing process by irradiation with light energy. The degree of curing depends on the amount of energy applied and can be in a semi-cured state or in a substantially completely cured state. Here, the semi-curing refers to a state in which the model material is cured at a degree lower than the complete curing so that the model material has a viscosity that can maintain the shape as a layer (modeling material layer).

  The second ejection head 124 has a plurality of ejection nozzles arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction (sub-scanning direction). The second ejection head 124 selectively ejects droplets of the support material from the plurality of ejection nozzles toward the modeling stage 140 while scanning in the main scanning direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. When the modeling material layer for one layer is formed, the second ejection head 124 ejects droplets of the support material to an area where the support material area is set for slice data corresponding to the modeling material layer. . By repeating this discharge operation a plurality of times while shifting in the sub-scanning direction, a support material region of the modeling material layer is formed in a desired region on the modeling stage 140.

  As described above, the moving mechanism 130 is operated by the control signal from the control unit 110 and the model material is selectively supplied from the first ejection head 122 to the modeling stage 140 based on the slice data sent from the control unit 110. Then, modeling is performed by the support material being selectively supplied from the second ejection head 124 to the modeling stage 140. That is, the modeling material layer forming unit for forming the modeling material layer is configured by the control unit 110, the moving mechanism 130, the head unit 120, the first ejection head 122, the second ejection head 124, and the like.

  As the first ejection head 122 and the second ejection head 124, a conventionally known inkjet head for image formation is used. The plurality of discharge nozzles included in the first discharge head 122 and the second discharge head 124 may be arranged in a line, may be arranged in a straight line, or may be linear as a whole in a zigzag arrangement. You may line up like this.

  The first discharge head 122 stores the model material in a dischargeable state. In the present embodiment, as the first ejection head 122, for example, a head that can eject a model material in a range of 5 to 15 [mPa · s] can be employed. As the model material, a photocurable material that cures when irradiated with light (light energy) having a specific wavelength is used. Examples of the photocurable material include an ultraviolet curable resin, a radical polymerization type ultraviolet curable resin such as acrylic ester or vinyl ether, a monomer or oligomer such as epoxy or oxetane, and a polymerization initiator corresponding to the resin. As the (reaction initiator), a cationic polymerization ultraviolet curable resin that is used in combination with acetophenone, benzophenone, or the like can be used. The photocurable material can be stored in a dischargeable state by blocking light of a specific wavelength that can be cured by a light shielding member or a filter. As the model material, a thermosetting material that is cured by application of thermal energy may be used, or a radiation curable material that is cured by irradiation with radiation may be used.

  The second discharge head 124 stores the support material in a dischargeable state. As the support material, a photo-curing material that is cured when irradiated with light of a specific wavelength is used by changing the blending ratio with the model material. By adding polyethylene glycol, partially acrylated polyhydric alcohols / oligomers, acrylated oligomers with hydrophilic substituents, or combinations of these materials to the support material, it swells against contact with water It may have a function. As a result, the support material can be easily removed. As the support material, a thermosetting material that is cured by applying thermal energy may be used, or a radiation curable material that is cured by irradiation of radiation may be used, and these materials have water swellability. You may use the made material.

  The model material and the support material are respectively discharged onto the modeling stage 140 by the first discharge head 122 and the second discharge head 124 to form a modeling material layer (model material region and support material region). The modeling material layer is cured until it is hard enough to obtain a sufficient strength by being subjected to a curing process by irradiation with light energy.

  The smoothing device 125 includes a leveling roller 125 </ b> A, a scraping member 125 </ b> B (blade), and a recovery member 125 </ b> C inside the housing 121. The leveling roller 125 </ b> A can be rotationally driven under the control of the control unit 110, and comes into contact with the model material surface and the support material surface discharged by the first discharge head 122 and the second discharge head 124, so as to contact the model material surface and the support. Smooth the irregularities on the surface of the material. As a result, a modeling material layer (a model material region and a support material region) having a uniform layer thickness is formed. Since the surface of the modeling material layer is smoothed, the next modeling material layer can be accurately formed and stacked, so that the highly accurate three-dimensional model 200 can be modeled. The model material and the support material adhering to the surface of the leveling roller 125A are scraped off by a scraping member 125B provided in the vicinity of the leveling roller 125A. The model material and the support material scraped by the scraping member 125B are collected by the collecting member 125C. The model material and the support material scraped by the scraping member 125B may be supplied to the first discharge head 122 or the second discharge head 124 and reused, or a waste tank (not shown). It is good also as what is transported to.

  The light source 126 performs a curing process (light energy irradiation process) on the model material and the support material of the photo-curing resin discharged toward the modeling stage 140 and semi-cures them. When an ultraviolet curable material is used as the model material, a UV lamp (for example, a high-pressure mercury lamp) that emits ultraviolet light is preferably used as the light source 126. In addition to the high pressure mercury lamp, a low pressure mercury lamp, a medium pressure mercury lamp, an ultra high pressure mercury lamp, a carbon arc lamp, a metal halide lamp, a xenon lamp, an ultraviolet LED lamp, or the like can be used as the light source 126. In the light source 126, the irradiation timing and the exposure amount are controlled by a control signal from the control unit 110. The exposure amount may be controlled by adjusting the voltage or current applied to the light source 126 to change the light emission intensity of the light source 126, or an optical filter between the light source 126 and the modeling material. It is also possible to arrange so that the filter can be inserted / removed, or to be configured so that a plurality of types of filters can be switched.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4 schematically shown, an operation example in which the 3D modeling apparatus 100 forms the 3D model 200 by sequentially forming and stacking the modeling material layers will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the 3D modeling apparatus 100 sequentially forms and stacks modeling material layers on the modeling stage 140, thereby modeling E layers (E is a natural number and E> N). The case where the three-dimensional structure 200 which consists of material layers is modeled is demonstrated.

  4A shows a model material region of a specific modeling material layer (Nth modeling material layer) based on slice data of the Nth layer with respect to a predetermined region on the modeling stage 140 by the head unit 120. FIG. The state where the part was formed is shown. Although not shown in detail, the head unit 120 is configured so that the modeling material layers of the first layer to the (N-1) th layer can be formed by discharging the model material entirely. When the head unit 120 forms the modeling material layer of the Nth layer based on the slice data of the Nth layer, as shown in FIG. 4A, the model material is partially ejected and the model material is ejected. (Discharge portion) and a portion (non-discharge portion) where the model material is not discharged are formed. By supplying the Nth modeling material, an uneven step is formed on the stacked surface on which the (N + 1) th modeling material layers are stacked. That is, the head unit 120 forms a roughened N-th layer of modeling material. As shown in the partial plan view of FIG. 5, the head unit 120 discharges the model material so that the discharge portion (shaded portion) becomes a lattice shape when the N-th modeling material layer is viewed in plan.

  FIG. 4B shows a state in which a part of the model material region of the (N + 1) th modeling material layer is formed by the head unit 120 based on the slice data of the (N + 1) th layer. When the head unit 120 forms the modeling material layer of the (N + 1) th layer, the head unit 120 discharges the entire model material toward the lamination surface of the modeling material layer of the Nth layer based on the slice data of the (N + 1) th layer, Do not form the part where the model material is not discharged (non-discharge part). By supplying the (N + 1) th modeling material, part of the model material enters the concave portion (non-ejection portion) of the Nth modeling material layer, and the Nth layer is completed. In addition, an uneven step is formed on the laminated surface on which the (N + 2) th modeling material layer is laminated. Thus, the model material supplied at the Nth time comes into contact with the model material supplied at the (N + 1) th time not only on the top surface but also on the side surface.

  FIG. 4C shows a state in which a part of the model material region of the modeling material layer of the (N + 2) th layer is formed by the head unit 120 based on the slice data of the (N + 2) th layer. When the head unit 120 forms the modeling material layer of the (N + 2) th layer, the head unit 120 entirely discharges the model material toward the lamination surface of the modeling material layer of the (N + 1) th layer based on the slice data of the (N + 2) th layer. Do not form the part where the model material is not discharged (non-discharge part). By supplying the modeling material for the (N + 2) th time, a part of the model material enters the concave portion of the modeling material layer of the (N + 1) th layer, and the (N + 1) th layer is completed. At the same time, an uneven step is formed on the lamination surface on which the (N + 3) th modeling material layer is laminated. Thus, the model material supplied at the (N + 1) th time comes into contact with the model material supplied at the Nth time and the (N + 2) th time not only on the upper surface and the lower surface but also on the side surface.

  Although not shown, the head unit 120 can handle the N + 3 layer to the (E-1) th modeling material layer as well as the N + 1th layer and the (N + 2) th modeling material layer. Based on the modeling data of each layer to be performed, the model material is entirely discharged toward the lamination surface of the previous modeling material layer, and a portion where the model material is not discharged (non-ejection portion) is not formed.

  FIG. 4D shows a state in which the model material region of the modeling material layer (final layer) of the Eth layer is formed by the head unit 120. As shown in FIG. 4D, the head unit 120 applies the model material toward the layered surface of the modeling material layer of the E-1th layer so that the uneven step is not formed on the upper surface of the modeling material layer of the Eth layer. By discharging the entire surface, a modeling material layer of the Eth layer is formed. That is, the head unit 120 discharges more model material (for two layers) than the portion other than the concave portion toward the concave portion formed on the lamination surface of the modeling material layer of the (E-1) th layer. lose. After the entire discharge, the recess may be filled by discharging again. In FIG. 4, for the sake of easy understanding, the modeling material used in each supply is differently shaded, but the same modeling material is actually used. The same applies to the following FIGS.

  With reference to FIG. 6 schematically shown here, a case will be described in which a three-dimensional structure 200 composed of modeling material layers for E layers is formed in the conventional technique. The head unit 120 discharges the model material over the entire surface to form the modeling material layers of the first layer to the Eth layer.

  FIG. 6A shows a state in which the model material region of the Nth modeling material layer is formed by the head unit 120 with respect to a predetermined region on the modeling stage 140. Although not shown, the head unit 120 discharges the model material over the entire surface to form the modeling material layers of the first layer to the (N-1) th layer. When the head unit 120 forms the Nth modeling material layer, as shown in FIG. 6A, the head unit 120 discharges the model material over the entire surface so that the N + 1th modeling material layer is stacked. No step is formed. That is, the head unit 120 forms an Nth modeling material layer that is not roughened.

  FIG. 6B shows a state in which the model material region of the (N + 1) th modeling material layer is formed by the head unit 120. When the head unit 120 forms the (N + 1) th modeling material layer, the head unit 120 is a stack in which the N + 2th modeling material layer is stacked by discharging the model material entirely toward the stacking surface of the Nth modeling material layer. Do not form uneven steps on the surface. That is, the head unit 120 forms the (N + 1) th modeling material layer that is not roughened. At this time, the model material constituting the Nth modeling material layer is in contact with the model material constituting the (N + 1) th modeling material layer on the upper surface.

  FIG. 6C shows a state in which the model material region of the N + 2th modeling material layer is formed by the head unit 120. When the head unit 120 forms the (N + 2) th modeling material layer, the head unit 120 discharges the entire model material toward the stacking surface of the (N + 1) th modeling material layer to stack the (N + 3) th modeling material layer. Uneven steps are not formed on the laminated surface. At this time, the model material constituting the (N + 1) th modeling material layer is in contact with the model material constituting the Nth layer and the (N + 2) th modeling material layer on the upper surface and the lower surface.

  Although not shown, when the head unit 120 forms the modeling material layers of the (N + 3) th layer to the Eth layer, as in the case of forming the modeling material layer of the (Nth) th layer to the (N + 2) th layer, An uneven step is not formed on the lamination surface on which the modeling material layers of the (N + 4) th layer to the Eth layer are laminated by discharging the model material entirely toward the lamination surface of the modeling material layer.

  As described with reference to FIG. 6, in the modeling method in the prior art, the model material constituting a certain modeling material layer (for example, the (N + 1) th modeling material layer) is the front layer (for example, the modeling of the Nth layer). The model material constituting the (material layer) and the next layer (for example, the (N + 2) th modeling material layer) is in contact on the upper surface and the lower surface. For this reason, a boundary surface is generated between the lower layer (for example, the Nth modeling material layer) and the upper layer (for example, the (N + 2) th modeling material layer), and the adhesive force at the interface between the lower layer and the upper layer is poor. It becomes sufficient and tends to peel easily from the interface. Therefore, the strength in the stacking direction is lower than in other directions (main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction orthogonal to each other in the horizontal plane).

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 4, a certain modeling material layer (for example, the (N + 1) th modeling material layer) supplies a plurality of modeling materials (for example, the (N + 1) th modeling material layer). And N + 2th supply of modeling material) and curing. Therefore, the modeling material layer (for example, the Nth modeling material layer) configured with the modeling material supplied last time and the modeling material layer (for example, the (N + 2) th modeling material layer configured with the modeling material supplied next time). ) Are in contact not only on the upper and lower surfaces but also on the side surfaces. That is, since the contact area between a certain modeling material layer and its front layer and next layer is increased as compared with the prior art, the adhesive force between the front layer and the next layer can be improved. Therefore, the strength in the stacking direction of the three-dimensional structure 200 can be improved. Further, the modeling material layer subsequent to the modeling material layer in which the model material is intentionally partially ejected to form the portion from which the model material is ejected and the portion from which the model material is not ejected is included in the modeling material layer. Is discharged over the entire surface, and uneven steps are automatically formed on the laminated surface. Therefore, the strength in the stacking direction of the three-dimensional structure 200 can be improved with respect to the modeling material layer after the modeling material layer formed by intentionally partially discharging the model material without performing complicated control. it can.

  When forming a discharge part where the model material is partially discharged to form a discharge part where the model material is discharged and a non-discharge part where the model material is not discharged, the discharge part is formed in a lattice shape as shown in FIG. It is not necessary to do so, and it is sufficient that the model material is in contact with the surface to some extent in the plane composed of the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction. Thereby, the intensity | strength in a lamination direction can be improved, without reducing the intensity | strength in the main scanning direction and subscanning direction of the three-dimensional structure 200 very much. However, when the discharge portion is in a checkered pattern, the model material is less likely to come into contact within a plane composed of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, so that the strength in the stacking direction of the three-dimensional structure 200 is improved. On the other hand, the intensity in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction tends to decrease. Therefore, it is desirable not to make the discharge part completely checkered.

  In the present embodiment, the modeling material layer formed by partially discharging the model material may be any number of layers, but by forming the modeling material layer as a first layer (lowermost layer) for modeling, For the modeling material layers other than the lower layer and the uppermost layer (final layer), the model material may be discharged over the entire surface, and the modeling control of the three-dimensional structure 200 can be simplified. Furthermore, the contact area with at least one of the front layer and the next layer is increased over all layers constituting the three-dimensional structure 200, and the adhesive force can be improved. Therefore, the strength of the entire three-dimensional structure 200 in the stacking direction can be improved.

  Note that the number of modeling material layers constituting the three-dimensional structure 200 is large, and the level difference formed on the stacking surface of the modeling material layer due to the accuracy of the discharge position of the first ejection head 122 becomes dull and small. It can be assumed that this will happen. In such a case, when forming the next modeling material layer, the model material is partially discharged to form a discharge portion where the model material is discharged and a non-discharge portion where the model material is not discharged. By doing so, an uneven step may be newly formed on the laminated surface. Each time a certain number of modeling material layers are formed and laminated, a stepped surface having a concavo-convex shape may be newly formed on the lamination surface of the next modeling material layer.

  Further, since it is not necessary to increase the strength of the support material region made of the support material, the head unit 120 does not perform control to form uneven steps on the layered surface of the modeling material layer unlike the model material region. The modeling operation is performed. However, in order to prevent the surface of the model material region from becoming rough after the modeling of the three-dimensional structure 200 is completed and the support material region is removed, the boundary portion between the model material region and the support material region is It is preferable to perform the modeling operation so as not to form a step on the laminated surface.

  Next, a modified example of the operation of modeling the three-dimensional structure 200 by forming and layering the modeling material layers in order by the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 7 schematically shown. As shown in FIG. 7, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes a modeling material layer for the E layer by sequentially forming and stacking a modeling material layer having a model material region and a support material region on the modeling stage 140. A case where the three-dimensional structure 200 is formed will be described.

  FIG. 7A shows a state in which a model material region of a specific modeling material layer (the Nth modeling material layer) is formed by the head unit 120 with respect to a predetermined region on the modeling stage 140. Although not shown in detail, the head unit 120 is configured so that the modeling material layers of the first layer to the (N-1) th layer can be formed by discharging the model material entirely. When the head unit 120 forms the Nth modeling material layer based on the slice data of the Nth layer, as shown in FIG. 7A, the head unit 120 changes the discharge amount of the model material partially to thereby change the N + 1th layer. An uneven step is formed on the laminated surface on which the modeling material layers are laminated. That is, the head unit 120 forms a roughened N-th layer of modeling material. As shown in the partial plan view of FIG. 8, the head unit 120 includes a low floor portion with a small discharge amount of the model material and a high floor with a large discharge amount of the model material when the N-th modeling material layer is viewed in plan. The model material is discharged so that the portions are arranged in a checkered pattern. For example, when the modeling material layer (model material region) is formed by repeating the discharging operation of the model material a plurality of times in the main scanning direction, the model material is discharged on the entire surface by the first scan and the second and subsequent scans. By discharging the model material partially, the discharge amount of the model material can be partially changed. Also, the amount of discharge of the model material can be reduced by changing the number of droplets to be ejected by using a multidrop that can be ejected so that a plurality of droplets (model material) are landed in one place in one scan. It can be changed partially. Multidrop can be performed using, for example, an inkjet head KM512 or KM1024 manufactured by Konica Minolta. In this way, the N-th modeling material is supplied, and an N-th modeling material layer having irregularities formed on the laminated surface is formed.

  FIG. 7B shows a state in which the model material region of the (N + 1) th modeling material layer is formed by the head unit 120 based on the slice data of the (N + 1) th layer. When the head unit 120 forms the (N + 1) th modeling material layer, the head unit 120 discharges the model material entirely toward the layered surface of the Nth modeling material layer. By supplying the N + 1th modeling material, part of the model material enters the recess (low floor portion) of the Nth modeling material layer, and the Nth layer is completed. In addition, an uneven step is formed on the laminated surface on which the (N + 2) th modeling material layer is laminated. Thus, the model material supplied at the Nth time is in contact with the model material supplied at the (N + 1) th time not only on the top surface but also on the side surface.

  FIG. 7C shows a state where the model material region of the modeling material layer of the (N + 2) th layer is formed by the head unit 120 based on the slice data of the (N + 2) th layer. When the head unit 120 forms the (N + 2) th modeling material layer, the head unit 120 discharges the model material entirely toward the layered surface of the (N + 1) th modeling material layer. By supplying the modeling material for the (N + 2) th time, a part of the model material enters the concave portion of the modeling material layer of the (N + 1) th layer, and the (N + 1) th layer is completed. At the same time, an uneven step is formed on the lamination surface on which the (N + 3) th modeling material layer is laminated. Thus, the model material supplied at the (N + 1) th time comes into contact with the model material supplied at the Nth time and the (N + 2) th time not only on the upper surface and the lower surface but also on the side surface.

  Although not shown, the head unit 120 can handle the N + 3 layer to the (E-1) th modeling material layer as well as the N + 1th layer and the (N + 2) th modeling material layer. Based on the modeling data of each layer to be performed, the model material is entirely discharged toward the lamination surface of the previous modeling material layer.

  FIG. 7D shows a state in which the model material region of the modeling material layer (final layer) of the Eth layer is formed by the head unit 120. As shown in FIG. 7D, the head unit 120 covers the entire surface of the model material toward the layered surface of the E-1 modeling material layer so that no uneven step is formed on the upper surface of the E-th modeling material layer. To form the modeling material layer of the Eth layer. That is, the head unit 120 has more model material (corresponding to the depth of one layer + the depth of the recess) than the portion other than the recess toward the recess formed on the layered surface of the modeling material layer of the E-1th layer. To discharge the recess.

  From the above, a certain modeling material layer (for example, the (N + 1) th modeling material layer) is configured through a plurality of times of supplying the modeling material (for example, supplying the N + 1th and N + 2th modeling materials) and curing. . Therefore, the modeling material layer (for example, the Nth modeling material layer) configured with the modeling material supplied last time and the modeling material layer (for example, the (N + 2) th modeling material layer configured with the modeling material supplied next time). ) Are in contact not only on the upper and lower surfaces but also on the side surfaces. That is, since the contact area between a certain modeling material layer and its front layer and next layer is increased as compared with the prior art, the adhesive force between the front layer and the next layer can be improved. Therefore, the strength in the stacking direction of the three-dimensional structure 200 can be improved. From the viewpoint of surely improving the strength in the stacking direction of the three-dimensional structure 200, it is desirable that the discharge amount of the model material in the high floor portion is twice or more than the discharge amount of the model material in the low floor portion. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the area where the model material constituting each modeling material layer is in contact in the plane composed of the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction is larger than the example shown in FIG. The strength in the stacking direction can be improved without reducing the strength of the shaped article 200 in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.

  FIG. 9 is a control flowchart for executing the modeling operation of the three-dimensional structure 200 in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 executed by the control unit 110. The process of step S <b> 100 starts when the execution of the modeling operation of the three-dimensional structure 200 is requested by a user operation via the operation unit 160. Prior to step S100, the controller 110 forms an uneven step on the layered surface (the surface on which the next modeling material layer is stacked) of the model material region of the Nth modeling material layer. As described above, it is assumed that the slice data corresponding to the modeling material layer is set.

  First, the control unit 110 refers to the modeling data corresponding to the layer to be modeled (step S90), and the next layer (the target modeling material layer to be formed next) is the Nth modeling material layer. Whether or not (step S100). If the result of this determination is that the next layer is not the modeling material layer of the Nth layer (step S100, NO), the process transitions to step S140. On the other hand, when the next layer is an N modeling material layer (step S100, YES), as shown in FIGS. 4A and 6A, the control unit 110 controls the head unit 120 and the like to perform a predetermined process on the modeling stage 140. A model material is partially ejected to the region to form a roughened N-th layer of modeling material (step S120). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S140.

  In step S140, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the next layer is the E-th modeling material layer (final layer) (step S140). As a result of this determination, if the next layer is not the modeling material layer of the Eth layer (step S140, NO), the control unit 110 controls the head unit 120 and the like to model the predetermined material on the modeling stage 140. Is discharged over the entire surface to form a next layer (modeling material layer) (step S180). Thereafter, the process returns to before step S90.

  On the other hand, when the next layer is the modeling material layer of the E layer (step S140, YES), as shown in FIGS. 4D and 7D, the control unit 110 controls the head unit 120 and the like to model the E layer. In order not to form the uneven step on the upper surface of the material layer, the model material is entirely discharged toward the layered surface of the modeling material layer of the E-1th layer to form the modeling material layer of the Eth layer ( Step S160). When the process of step S160 is completed, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 ends the process in FIG.

  As described above in detail, in the present embodiment, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 is configured to form a corresponding modeling material layer (control unit 110, moving mechanism 130, The head unit 120, the first discharge head 122, the second discharge head 124, etc.) and the corresponding modeling material layer are formed based on the modeling data of the Nth layer (N is a natural number), and the Nth layer modeling data After forming an uneven step on the layered surface of the modeling material layers based on, the corresponding modeling material layers are formed in order based on the modeling data from the (N + 1) th layer to the (N + M) th layer (M is a natural number). The control part 110 which controls a modeling material layer formation part is provided.

  According to the present embodiment configured as described above, when the modeling material layer based on the modeling data of the Nth layer is formed, the uneven step is formed on the stacked surface on which the (N + 1) th modeling material layer is stacked. Is done. Therefore, when forming the modeling material layer based on the modeling data of the (N + 1) th layer into the concave portion formed on the modeling material layer (Nth layer), a part of the modeling material enters, and the modeling material layer (Nth) Layer) and the modeling material layer (N + 1th layer), the anchoring effect that increases the contact area increases the adhesion between the modeling material layer (Nth layer) and the modeling material layer (N + 1th layer). be able to. Therefore, the strength in the stacking direction of the three-dimensional structure 200 can be improved.

  In addition, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which models the three-dimensional structure 200 by an inkjet system, this invention is not limited to this. For example, a method of forming a three-dimensional structure by forming each layer (modeling material layer) by selectively placing and curing a modeling material (for example, a powder lamination method, an optical modeling method, or a powder sintering method) ), It is possible to improve the strength in the stacking direction of the three-dimensional structure by forming an uneven step on the stacking surface of a specific layer.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a three-dimensional modeling operation by a powder sintering method in which a modeling material is powdered and cured one layer at a time using a laser. FIG. 10A shows an Nth modeling material layer (model) such that an uneven step is formed on a laminated surface on which a (N + 1) th modeling material layer is stacked with respect to a predetermined region on the modeling stage 140. The material region) is formed. FIG. 10B shows a state where fine powder (uncured material) of the (N + 1) th layer is laid on the modeling table after the Nth modeling material layer is formed. FIG. 10C shows a state in which the portion corresponding to the concave portion of the N-th modeling material layer is sintered by irradiating the N + 1-th layer of the uncured material on the modeling table, and then sintered. FIG. 10D shows a state in which the modeling material layer (the height of two layers) of the (N + 1) th layer is formed by the curing action (laser irradiation) of FIG. 10C. FIG. 10E shows a state in which after the uncured material of the (N + 2) th layer is laid on the modeling table, the portion corresponding to the concave portion of the (N + 1) th modeling material layer is irradiated with a laser to be sintered. FIG. 10F shows a state in which the modeling material layer (the height of two layers) of the (N + 2) th layer is formed by the curing action (laser irradiation) of FIG. 10E. Thereafter, the operation of placing the uncured material of the next layer on the modeling table and irradiating the portion corresponding to the concave portion of the modeling material layer of the (next layer-1) layer with laser is repeated. FIG. 10G shows the modeling material layer of the E-1 layer so that no uneven step is formed on the top surface of the modeling material layer of the E layer after the uncured material of the E layer is laid on the modeling table. The laser beam is irradiated on the entire surface and sintered. Here, the laser irradiation amount at the site corresponding to the concave portion of the modeling material layer of the E-1th layer is larger than the laser irradiation amount at the site corresponding to other than the concave portion. FIG. 10H shows a state in which the modeling material layer of the Eth layer is formed by the curing action (laser irradiation) of FIG. 10G. As described above, the strength in the stacking direction of the three-dimensional structure can be improved.

  In addition, each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example of actualization in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist or the main features thereof.

[Experimental example]
An evaluation experiment for confirming the effect in the configuration of the above embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a table showing the results of evaluation experiments in Examples 1 and 2 and the comparative example. In this evaluation experiment, an ultraviolet curable resin “VeroWhite RDG” manufactured by Stratasys was used as a modeling material. The test piece for evaluation was mounted with an inkjet head KM512 (standard droplet amount 42 [pl], nozzle resolution 360 [dpi] ≈ nozzle pitch 70.5 [μm]) manufactured by Konica Minolta, Inc. On the other hand, it produced by modeling using the three-dimensional modeling apparatus which moves a modeling stage at 189 [mm / s]. After the modeling material is discharged from the inkjet head (more specifically, the discharge nozzle held at 80 [° C.]) of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus and smoothed by a leveling roller, light is emitted using a light source (high pressure mercury lamp). Irradiation treatment was performed. By repeating these operations, a modeling material layer made of modeling material was sequentially formed and laminated, and a test piece having a predetermined shape was modeled. In this evaluation experiment, in order to measure the impact strength (hereinafter also referred to as strength) of a test piece as a three-dimensional structure, a notch (notch) is formed at a location where stress acts intensively. A test piece (rectangular shape) was produced.
Length: 80 [mm]
Width: 4 [mm]
Height: 10 [mm]
Notch depth: 2 [mm]

  A method for producing a test piece in Example 1 will be described. First, when forming the modeling material layer of the first layer, as shown in FIG. 4A, a portion (discharge portion) where the modeling material is partially discharged and the modeling material is discharged and a portion where the modeling material is not discharged By forming (non-ejection portion), an uneven step was formed on the laminated surface on which the second modeling material layer was laminated. Then, as shown to FIG. 4B and 4C, the operation | movement which discharges a modeling material entirely toward the lamination | stacking surface of the modeling material layer of a front layer, and forms a modeling material layer was repeated. At this time, every time 100 layers of modeling material layers were formed and laminated, a stepped surface having a concave and convex shape was newly formed on the layered surface of the next modeling material layer. Finally, as shown in FIG. 4D, the modeling material is entirely directed toward the layered surface of the modeling material layer of the E-1th layer so that the uneven step is not formed on the upper surface of the modeling material layer of the Eth layer. To form a modeling material layer of the Eth layer. In addition, about the test piece for measuring the impact strength of a main scanning direction and a subscanning direction, it produced by forming and laminating a modeling material layer in order about 570 times. Moreover, about the test piece for measuring the impact strength of a lamination direction, it produced by forming a modeling material layer in order about 11450 times and laminating | stacking.

  A method for producing a test piece in Example 2 will be described. First, when forming the modeling material layer of the first layer, as shown in FIG. 7A, by partially changing the discharge amount of the modeling material, unevenness is formed on the laminated surface on which the modeling material layer of the second layer is laminated. A step was formed. At this time, the low floor portion (discharge amount 42 [pl]) with a small discharge amount of the modeling material and the high floor portion (discharge amount 126 [pl]) with a large discharge amount of the modeling material are arranged in a checkered pattern. The modeling material was discharged. After that, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, the operation of forming the modeling material layer by discharging the modeling material over the entire surface of the previous modeling material layer (discharge amount 126 [pl]) was repeated. . At this time, every time 50 layers of modeling material layers were formed and laminated, a stepped surface having a concave and convex shape was newly formed on the layered surface of the next modeling material layer. Finally, as shown in FIG. 7D, the modeling material is entirely directed toward the stacking surface of the modeling material layer of the E-1th layer so that no uneven step is formed on the upper surface of the modeling material layer of the Eth layer. To form a modeling material layer of the Eth layer. In addition, about the test piece for measuring the impact strength of a main scanning direction and a subscanning direction, it produced by forming and laminating | stacking a modeling material layer in order about 400 times. Moreover, about the test piece for measuring the impact strength of the lamination direction, it produced by forming a modeling material layer in order about 8000 times and laminating | stacking.

  A method for producing a test piece in a comparative example will be described. That is, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the operation of discharging the modeling material entirely from the first layer to the E-th layer to form the modeling material layer was repeated.

In this evaluation experiment, the test piece was fixed to a “No. 158 Izod Impact Tester” manufactured by Yasuda Seiki Co., Ltd., and was subjected to an impact with a hammer (hammer weighing 5.5 [J]). Energy was measured as impact strength [KJ / m ² ] (JIS K 7110). The impact strengths of the test pieces prepared in Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example were evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria.

(Impact strength of specimen)
○: 30 or more Δ: 10 or more and less than 30 ×: less than 10

  As shown in FIG. 11, the test pieces produced in Examples 1 and 2 were improved in strength (impact strength) in the stacking direction as compared with the test pieces produced in the comparative examples. In addition, the strength in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the test piece produced in Example 1 is modeled because the modeling material is cured with a small contact area in a plane composed of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Although the material was lower than the comparative example where the material was cured with a large contact area in the plane, the anisotropy difference in strength was improved. Further, the strength in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction in the test piece produced in Example 2 is carried out because the modeling material is cured with a large contact area in a plane composed of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. As a result of improvement as compared with Example 1, the difference in strength anisotropy was improved as compared with Example 1. From the above results, the effects in the configuration of the above embodiment could be confirmed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 3D modeling apparatus 110 Control part 120 Head unit 121 Housing | casing 122 1st discharge head 124 2nd discharge head 125 Smoothing apparatus 125A Leveling roller 125B Scraping member 125C Recovery member 126 Light source 130 Moving mechanism 132 Main scanning direction guide 134 Sub-scanning direction guide 136 Vertical direction guide 140 Modeling stage 145 Display unit 150 Data input unit 155 Computer device 160 Operation unit 200 Three-dimensional modeled object

Claims (7)

On the modeling stage, based on the modeling data of each layer in order from the first layer, a three-dimensional modeling method for modeling a three-dimensional modeled object by forming and stacking a plurality of modeling material layers made of modeling materials,
Based on modeling data of the Nth layer (N is a natural number), a first step of forming a corresponding modeling material layer;
Based on each modeling data from the (N + 1) th layer to the (N + M) th layer (M is a natural number), a second step of forming corresponding modeling material layers in order,
Have
In the first step, an uneven step is formed on the layered surface of the modeling material layers based on the modeling data of the Nth layer.   The three-dimensional modeling method according to claim 1, wherein the Nth layer is the first layer. In the first and second steps, the modeling material layer is formed by discharging the modeling material toward the modeling stage,
In the first step, the step is formed on the laminated surface by partially discharging the modeling material and forming a portion where the modeling material is discharged and a portion where the modeling material is not discharged. The three-dimensional modeling method according to claim 1 or 2. In the first and second steps, the modeling material layer is formed by discharging the modeling material toward the modeling stage,
3. The three-dimensional modeling method according to claim 1, wherein in the first step, the step is formed on the laminated surface by partially changing a discharge amount of the modeling material. On the modeling stage, based on the modeling data of each layer in order from the first layer, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that models a three-dimensional structure by forming and stacking a plurality of modeling material layers made of modeling materials,
Based on the modeling data of each layer, a modeling material layer forming part that forms a corresponding modeling material layer,
After forming the corresponding modeling material layer based on the modeling data of the Nth layer (N is a natural number), and forming an uneven step on the lamination surface of the modeling material layer based on the modeling data of the Nth layer, Based on each modeling data from the (N + 1) th layer to the (N + M) th layer (M is a natural number), a controller that controls the modeling material layer forming unit in order to form corresponding modeling material layers,
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus comprising: The modeling material layer forming unit forms the modeling material layer by discharging the modeling material toward the modeling stage,
When forming the modeling material layer based on the modeling data of the Nth layer, the control unit partially ejects the modeling material toward the modeling stage, and a portion to which the modeling material is ejected Forming a step on the laminated surface of the modeling material layer based on the modeling data of the Nth layer, and forming each level of modeling data from the (N + 1) th layer to the (N + M) th layer When forming a modeling material layer based thereon, a corresponding modeling material layer is formed by discharging the modeling material entirely based on each modeling data from the (N + 1) th layer to the (N + M) th layer. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the modeling material layer forming unit is controlled. The modeling material layer forming unit forms the modeling material layer by discharging the modeling material toward the modeling stage,
The controller, when forming a modeling material layer based on the modeling data of the Nth layer, by partially changing the discharge amount of the modeling material for discharging the modeling material toward the modeling stage, When forming the step on the layered surface of the modeling material layer based on the modeling data of the Nth layer and forming the modeling material layer based on the modeling data from the N + 1th layer to the N + M layer, Based on each modeling data from the (N + 1) th layer to the (N + M) th layer, the modeling material layer forming unit is controlled so as to form a corresponding modeling material layer by discharging the modeling material over the entire surface. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 5.