JP2016150458A - Solid molding device and solid molding method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology for preventing density decline of a solid molded article or the like caused by warpage or contraction of a layering molded object resulting from drying of molding liquid occurring by the time of powder supply of the next layer.SOLUTION: In a solid molding device including a powder post-supply part 80 arranged movably trailing a head 52 in a head moving direction when discharging molding liquid 10 from the head 52, when forming a molded layer 30 which is a layering molded object by discharging the molding liquid 10 onto powder 20 of a powder layer 31 from the head 52, the powder 20 is supplied to a region where the molding liquid 10 adheres from the powder post-supply part 80 after discharge of the molding liquid 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

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

  As a three-dimensional modeling apparatus (three-dimensional modeling apparatus) for modeling a three-dimensional modeled object (three-dimensional modeled object), for example, one that models by a layered modeling method is known. For example, a metal or non-metal powder flattened on a modeling stage is formed into a layer, and a modeling liquid is discharged onto the layered powder to form a layered structure in which the powder is bonded. Then, the step of forming a layered powder on the layered object and repeating the step of forming the layered object is repeated to form a three-dimensional object by stacking the layered object.

  Conventionally, when a powder material of a layer formed to a predetermined thickness is bonded to a predetermined shaped article cross-sectional shape with a binder, an anti-bleeding liquid that is incompatible with the binder is outside the outline of the cross-sectional shape of the target object. A method of modeling while applying along the contour is known (Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2005-007572

  By the way, while moving the liquid discharge means, the modeling liquid is discharged onto the powder (this is called “powder layer”) formed in a layer shape to form a layered structure (this is called “modeling layer”). When the powder layer is supplied onto the formed modeling layer to form the next powder layer, the time from the deposition of the modeling liquid to the supply of the next layer powder varies in the modeling layer. .

  Therefore, there exists a subject that the density of a three-dimensional molded item becomes non-uniform | heterogenous, a density falls, and the quality of a three-dimensional molded item falls.

  This invention is made | formed in view of said subject, and aims at improving the quality of a three-dimensional molded item.

In order to solve the above problems, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present invention is:
A modeling tank in which the powder is spread in layers, and the layered structure to which the powder is bonded is laminated,
Liquid ejection means for ejecting a modeling liquid to the powder in the modeling tank;
A powder post-feeding means for feeding the powder to the modeling tank,
The liquid discharge means is arranged to be movable relative to the modeling tank,
The powder post-feeding means is disposed so as to be movable relative to the modeling tank, following the liquid discharging means in a moving direction when the liquid discharging means discharges a modeling liquid,
When forming the layered object by discharging the modeling liquid onto the powder from the liquid discharging means, after discharging the modeling liquid, at least the region where the modeling liquid has adhered from the powder post-feeding means The powder was supplied.

  According to the present invention, the quality of the three-dimensional structure is improved.

It is a schematic plane explanatory drawing of the 1st example of the three-dimensional model | molding apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic side surface explanatory drawing similarly. It is a section explanatory view of a modeling part similarly. It is a principal part perspective explanatory drawing of a specific example. It is a perspective explanatory view of a modeling part similarly. It is a block diagram of the control part of the apparatus. It is typical sectional explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the flow of modeling. It is explanatory drawing with which description of generation | occurrence | production of the dispersion | variation in time from discharge of the modeling liquid in a powder layer area | region to powder supply of the next layer is provided. It is explanatory drawing with which it uses for description when the time from modeling liquid adhesion to powder supply is long similarly. It is explanatory drawing with which it uses for description similarly when the time from modeling liquid adhesion to powder supply is short. It is typical front explanatory drawing of the carriage part with which it uses for description of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing similarly used for description of the order of modeling liquid adhesion and powder supply. It is explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the flow of modeling operation | movement in the embodiment. It is typical front explanatory drawing of the carriage part with which it uses for description of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is typical front explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is typical front explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the powder back supply part in 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the powder back supply part in 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a plane explanatory view used for description of the seventh embodiment of the present invention. It is a plane explanatory view explaining the composition of a powder back supply part similarly. It is front explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the flow of modeling in 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a plane explanatory view used for description of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. It is a plane explanatory view similarly used for explanation of scanning in modeling operation. It is perspective explanatory drawing of the 2nd example of the three-dimensional model | molding apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is sectional explanatory drawing of the modeling part similarly demonstrated with the flow of modeling.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. An outline of a first example of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus, FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the same, and FIG. FIG. 3 shows a state during modeling. 4 is a perspective view of a principal part having a specific configuration, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a modeling part.

  This three-dimensional modeling apparatus is a powder modeling apparatus (also referred to as a powder modeling apparatus), and a modeling part 1 in which a modeling layer 30 that is a layered modeling object to which powder (powder) is bonded is formed, and the modeling part 1 And a modeling unit 5 for modeling the three-dimensional model by discharging the modeling liquid 10 onto the powder layer 31 spread in layers.

  The modeling unit 1 includes a powder tank 11, a flattening roller 12 as a rotating body that is a flattening member (recoater), and the like. The flattening member may be a plate member (blade), for example, instead of the rotating body.

  The powder tank 11 includes a supply tank 21 for supplying the powder 20 and a modeling tank 22 in which a modeling layer 30 is stacked to form a three-dimensional model. The bottom of the supply tank 21 can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction (height direction) as a supply stage 23. Similarly, the bottom of the modeling tank 22 can be moved up and down in the vertical direction (height direction) as the modeling stage 24. A three-dimensional object in which the modeling layer 30 is laminated on the modeling stage 24 is modeled.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the supply stage 23 is lifted and lowered in the arrow Z direction (height direction) by the motor 27, and the modeling stage 24 is similarly lifted and lowered in the arrow Z direction by the motor 28.

  The flattening roller 12 supplies the powder 20 supplied on the supply stage 23 of the supply tank 21 to the modeling tank 22, and is leveled and flattened by the flattening roller 12 that is a flattening member. Form.

  The flattening roller 12 is disposed so as to be capable of reciprocating relative to the stage surface in the arrow Y direction along the stage surface (surface on which the powder 20 is loaded) of the modeling stage 24, and the reciprocating mechanism 25. Moved by. Further, the flattening roller 12 is rotationally driven by a motor 26.

  On the other hand, the modeling unit 5 includes a liquid discharge unit 50 that discharges the modeling liquid 10 to the powder layer 31 on the modeling stage 24.

  The liquid discharge unit 50 includes a carriage 51 and two (or three or more) liquid discharge heads (hereinafter simply referred to as “heads”) 52 a and 52 b mounted on the carriage 51.

  The carriage 51 is movably held by the guide members 54 and 55. The guide members 54 and 55 are hold | maintained so that raising / lowering is possible to the side plates 70 and 70 of both sides.

  The carriage 51 is driven by an X-direction scanning motor 550, which will be described later, through a main scanning movement mechanism including pulleys and a belt, and is in an arrow X direction (hereinafter simply referred to as “X direction”). The same applies to the above).

  Two heads 52a and 52b (hereinafter referred to as “heads 52” when not distinguished from each other) are each provided with two nozzle rows in which a plurality of nozzles that eject liquid are arranged. The two nozzle rows of one head 52a discharge a cyan modeling liquid and a magenta modeling liquid. The two nozzle rows of the other head 52b discharge yellow modeling liquid and black modeling liquid, respectively. The head configuration is not limited to this.

  A plurality of tanks 60 containing each of these cyan modeling liquid, magenta modeling liquid, yellow modeling liquid, and black modeling liquid are mounted on the tank mounting section 56 and supplied to the heads 52a and 52b via supply tubes and the like.

  In addition, when forming one modeling layer 30 in the modeling tank 22 on the carriage 51, a powder after-feeding unit that is a powder after-feeding unit that supplies the powder 20 to at least a region where the modeling liquid 10 is attached. 80 is integrally provided.

  A maintenance mechanism 61 that performs maintenance and recovery of the head 52 of the liquid ejection unit 50 is disposed on one side in the X direction.

  The maintenance mechanism 61 is mainly composed of a cap 62 and a wiper 63. The cap 62 is brought into close contact with the nozzle surface of the head 52 (surface on which the nozzle is formed), and the modeling liquid is sucked from the nozzle. This is for discharging the powder clogged in the nozzle and discharging the modeling liquid having a high viscosity. Thereafter, the nozzle surface is wiped (wiped) with the wiper 63 to form a meniscus of the nozzle (the inside of the nozzle is in a negative pressure state). In addition, the maintenance mechanism 61 covers the nozzle surface of the head with the cap 62 when the modeling liquid is not discharged, and prevents the powder 20 from entering the nozzle and the modeling liquid 10 from drying.

  The modeling unit 5 has a slider portion 72 movably held by a guide member 71 disposed on the base member 7, and the entire modeling unit 5 reciprocates in the Y direction (sub-scanning direction) orthogonal to the X direction. Is possible. The entire modeling unit 5 is reciprocated in the Y direction by a scanning mechanism including a motor 552 described later.

  The liquid discharge unit 50 is arranged so as to be movable up and down in the arrow Z direction together with the guide members 54 and 55, and is moved up and down in the Z direction by a lifting mechanism including a motor 551 described later.

  Here, the detail of the modeling part 1 is demonstrated.

  The powder tank 11 has a box shape and includes a tank in which two upper surfaces of a supply tank 21 and a modeling tank 22 are opened. A supply stage 23 is arranged inside the supply tank 21 and a modeling stage 24 is arranged inside the modeling tank 22 so as to be movable up and down.

  The side surface of the supply stage 23 is disposed in contact with the inner side surface of the supply tank 21. The side surface of the modeling stage 24 is disposed so as to contact the inner surface of the modeling tank 22. The upper surfaces of the supply stage 23 and the modeling stage 24 are kept horizontal.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a powder dropping port 29 having a concave shape with an open upper surface is provided around the powder tank 11 (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3). Excess powder 20 out of the powder 20 supplied by the flattening roller 12 when the powder layer 31 is formed falls on the powder dropping port 29. The surplus powder 20 that has fallen into the powder drop opening 29 is returned to the powder supply device that supplies the powder to the supply tank 21.

  A powder supply device 554 shown in FIG. 9 is disposed on the supply tank 21. The powder in the tank constituting the powder supply device 554 is supplied to the supply tank 21 during the initial operation of modeling or when the amount of powder in the supply tank 21 decreases. Examples of the powder conveying method for supplying powder include a screw conveyor method using a screw and an air transportation method using air.

  The flattening roller 12 transports and supplies the powder 20 from the supply tank 21 to the modeling tank 22 and flattens the surface by leveling to form a powder layer 31 that is a layered powder having a predetermined thickness. .

  The flattening roller 12 is a rod-shaped member that is longer than the inner dimensions of the modeling tank 22 and the supply tank 21 (that is, the width of the portion where the powder is supplied or charged), and the stage is moved by the reciprocating mechanism 25. It is reciprocated in the Y direction (sub-scanning direction) along the surface.

  The flattening roller 12 moves horizontally from the outside of the supply tank 21 so as to pass above the supply tank 21 and the modeling tank 22 while being rotated by the motor 26. Thereby, the powder 20 is transported and supplied onto the modeling tank 22, and the powder layer 31 is formed by flattening the powder 20 while the flattening roller 12 passes over the modeling tank 22.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a powder removing plate 13 which is a powder removing member for removing the powder 20 attached to the flattening roller 12 is disposed in contact with the peripheral surface of the flattening roller 12. Has been.

  The powder removing plate 13 moves together with the flattening roller 12 while in contact with the peripheral surface of the flattening roller 12. Further, the powder removing plate 13 is arranged in a counter direction when the flattening roller 12 rotates in the rotation direction when flattening.

  In the present embodiment, the powder tank 11 of the modeling unit 1 has two tanks, a supply tank 21 and a modeling tank 22, but only the modeling tank 22 is used to supply powder from the powder supply device to the modeling tank 22. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the material is supplied and flattened by a flattening means.

  Next, the outline | summary of the control part of the said three-dimensional modeling apparatus is demonstrated with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the control unit.

  The control unit 500 includes a CPU 501 that controls the entire three-dimensional modeling apparatus, a program that includes a program for causing the CPU 501 to execute a three-dimensional modeling operation including control according to the present invention, and a ROM 502 that stores other fixed data. A main control unit 500A including a RAM 503 for temporarily storing modeling data and the like.

  The control unit 500 includes a non-volatile memory (NVRAM) 504 for holding data even when the apparatus is powered off. Further, the control unit 500 includes an ASIC 505 that processes image processing for performing various signal processing on image data and other input / output signals for controlling the entire apparatus.

  The control unit 500 includes an I / F 506 for transmitting and receiving data and signals used when receiving modeling data from the external modeling data creating apparatus 600. The modeling data creation device 600 is a device that creates modeling data obtained by slicing a final shaped model into each modeling layer, and is configured by an information processing device such as a personal computer.

  The control unit 500 includes an I / O 507 for taking in detection signals of various sensors.

  The control unit 500 includes a head drive control unit 508 that drives and controls each head 52 of the liquid ejection unit 50.

  The control unit 500 drives the motor constituting the X-direction scanning mechanism 550 that moves the carriage 51 of the liquid discharge unit 50 in the X direction (main scanning direction), and the modeling unit 5 in the Y direction (sub-scanning). The motor driving unit 512 that drives the motor that constitutes the Y-direction scanning mechanism 552 that is moved in the direction) is provided.

  The control unit 500 includes a motor drive unit 511 that drives a motor that constitutes a Z-direction lifting mechanism 551 that moves (lifts) the carriage 51 of the liquid discharge unit 50 in the Z direction. In addition, raising / lowering to the arrow Z direction can also be set as the structure which raises / lowers the modeling unit 5 whole.

  The control unit 500 includes a motor drive unit 513 that drives a motor 27 that raises and lowers the supply stage 23, and a motor drive unit 514 that drives a motor 28 that raises and lowers the modeling stage 24.

  The control unit 500 includes a motor drive unit 515 that drives the motor 553 of the reciprocating mechanism 25 that moves the flattening roller 12, and 516 that drives the motor 26 that rotationally drives the flattening roller 12.

  The control unit 500 includes a supply system drive unit 517 that drives a powder supply device 554 that supplies the powder 20 to the supply tank 21, and a maintenance drive unit 518 that drives the maintenance mechanism 61 of the liquid discharge unit 50.

  The control unit 500 includes a post-supply driving unit 519 that causes the powder 20 to be supplied from the post-powder supply unit 80.

  The I / O 507 of the control unit 500 receives detection signals from the temperature / humidity sensor 560 that detects temperature and humidity as environmental conditions of the apparatus, and detection signals from other sensors.

  An operation panel 522 for inputting and displaying information necessary for this apparatus is connected to the control unit 500.

  The modeling apparatus is configured by the modeling data creating apparatus 600 and the three-dimensional modeling apparatus (powder additive modeling apparatus) 601.

  Next, the flow of modeling will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of modeling.

  It demonstrates from the state in which the 1st modeling layer 30 is formed on the modeling stage 24 of the modeling tank 22. FIG.

  When forming the next modeling layer 30 on this modeling layer 30, as shown to Fig.7 (a), the supply stage 23 of the supply tank 21 is raised to Z1 direction, and the modeling stage 24 of the modeling tank 22 is made to Z2 direction. To lower.

  At this time, the descending distance of the modeling stage 24 is set so that the distance between the upper surface (powder layer surface) of the modeling tank 22 and the lower portion (downward tangent portion) of the flattening roller 12 is Δt1. This interval Δt1 corresponds to the thickness of the powder layer 31 to be formed next. The interval Δt1 is preferably about several tens to 100 μm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7B, the powder 20 positioned above the upper surface level of the supply tank 21 is moved in the Y2 direction (modeling tank 22) while the flattening roller 12 is rotated in the forward direction (arrow direction). The powder 20 is transferred and supplied to the modeling tank 22 (powder supply).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, the flattening roller 12 is moved in parallel with the stage surface of the modeling stage 24 of the modeling tank 22, and as shown in FIG. 7D, the modeling layer 30 of the modeling stage 24 is obtained. A powder layer 31 having a predetermined thickness Δt1 is formed (flattening). After forming the powder layer 31, the flattening roller 12 is moved in the Y1 direction and returned to the initial position as shown in FIG.

  Here, the flattening roller 12 can move while maintaining a constant distance from the upper surface level of the modeling tank 22 and the supply tank 21. Since the powder 20 is transported onto the modeling tank 22 by the flattening roller 12 while being kept constant, the powder having a uniform thickness Δt1 is formed on the modeling tank 22 or on the already formed modeling layer 30. Layer 31 can be formed.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7E, the modeling liquid 10 is ejected from the head 52 of the liquid ejection unit 50 to form the modeling layer 30 on the next powder layer 31 (modeling).

  The modeling layer 30 is formed by, for example, mixing the modeling liquid 10 discharged from the head 50 with the powder 20 so that the adhesive contained in the powder 20 is dissolved and the dissolved adhesives are bonded to each other. It is formed by combining the powder 20.

  Next, a new modeling layer 30 is formed by repeating the above-described process of forming the powder layer 31 by powder supply and flattening and the modeling liquid discharging process by the head 52. At this time, the new modeling layer 30 and the lower modeling layer 30 are integrated to form a part of the three-dimensional modeled object.

  Thereafter, the step of forming the powder layer 31 by supplying and flattening the powder and the step of discharging the modeling liquid by the head 52 are repeated as many times as necessary to complete the three-dimensional modeled object (three-dimensional modeled object).

  Next, an example of the three-dimensional modeling powder material (powder) and the modeling liquid used in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus will be described. In addition, it is not limited to the powder and modeling liquid demonstrated below.

  The powder material for three-dimensional modeling has a base material, and a water-soluble organic material that covers the base material with an average thickness of 5 nm to 500 nm and can be dissolved and cross-linked by the action of a crosslinking agent-containing water as a modeling liquid. .

  In this three-dimensional modeling powder material, since the water-soluble organic material covering the base material can be dissolved and cross-linked by the action of the cross-linking agent-containing water, when the cross-linking agent-containing water is given to the water-soluble organic material, The water-soluble organic material dissolves and is crosslinked by the action of the crosslinking agent contained in the crosslinking agent-containing water.

  Thus, a thin layer (powder layer) is formed using the powder material for three-dimensional modeling, and a water-soluble solution is dissolved in the powder layer by discharging the crosslinking agent-containing water as the modeling liquid 10 to the powder layer. As a result of the crosslinking of the conductive organic material, the powder layer is bonded and cured, and the modeling layer 30 is formed.

  At this time, since the coating amount of the water-soluble organic material covering the substrate is 5 nm to 500 nm in average thickness, when the water-soluble organic material is dissolved, it exists in the necessary minimum amount around the substrate, and this is crosslinked. In order to form a three-dimensional network, the powder layer is cured with good dimensional accuracy and good strength.

  By repeating this operation, it is possible to easily and efficiently form a complicated three-dimensional object with high dimensional accuracy without causing deformation before sintering or the like.

-Base material-
The substrate is not particularly limited as long as it has a powder or particle form, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples of the material include metals, ceramics, carbon, polymers, wood, biocompatible materials, etc., but from the viewpoint of obtaining a high-strength three-dimensional modeled object, a metal that can be finally sintered, Ceramics and the like are preferable.

  As a metal, stainless steel (SUS) steel, iron, copper, titanium, silver etc. are mentioned suitably, for example, As this stainless steel (SUS) steel, SUS316L etc. are mentioned, for example.

Examples of ceramics include metal oxides, and specific examples include silica (SiO ₂ ), alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ), zirconia (ZrO ₂ ), titania (TiO ₂ ), and the like.

  Examples of carbon include graphite, graphene, carbon nanotube, carbon nanohorn, and fullerene.

  Examples of the polymer include known resins that are insoluble in water.

  Examples of the wood include wood chips and cellulose.

  Examples of the biocompatible material include polylactic acid and calcium phosphate.

  These materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

As the substrate, commercially available particles or powders formed from these materials can be used. As a commercial item, for example, SUS316L (manufactured by Sanyo Special Steel, PSS316L), SiO ₂ (manufactured by Tokuyama, Excelica SE-15), AlO ₂ (manufactured by Daimei Chemical Co., Ltd., Tymicron TM-5D), ZrO ₂ (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation, TZ-B53).

  The substrate may be subjected to a known surface (modification) treatment for the purpose of increasing the affinity with the water-soluble organic material.

-Water-soluble organic materials-
The water-soluble organic material is not particularly limited as long as it is soluble in water and has a property capable of being crosslinked by the action of a crosslinking agent, in other words, as long as it is water-soluble and can be crosslinked by a crosslinking agent. Can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

  Here, the water-solubility of the water-soluble organic material means that 90% by mass or more of the water-soluble organic material dissolves when 1 g of the water-soluble organic material is mixed with 100 g of water at 30 ° C. and stirred.

  Moreover, as a water-soluble organic material, the thing in which the viscosity in 20 degreeC of the 4 mass% (w / w%) aqueous solution is 40 mPa * s or less is preferable, and what is 1-35 Pa * s is more preferable, 5 Those having a viscosity of ˜30 mPa · s are particularly preferable.

  When the viscosity of the water-soluble organic material exceeds 40 mPa · s, a cured product (three-dimensional model, The strength of the cured product for sintering) may not be sufficient, and problems such as deformation of the shape may occur during subsequent processing such as sintering or handling. In addition, the dimensional accuracy of the cured product (stereolithic product, cured product for sintering) by the powder material (powder layer) for the three-dimensional model formed by adding the crosslinking agent-containing water to the three-dimensional model powder material is not sufficient. There is.

  The viscosity of the water-soluble organic material can be measured according to, for example, JISK7117.

-Crosslinker-containing water-
The crosslinking agent-containing water that is a modeling liquid is not particularly limited as long as it contains a crosslinking agent in an aqueous medium, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. In addition, the crosslinking agent-containing water may contain other components appropriately selected as necessary in addition to the aqueous medium and the crosslinking agent.

  The other components can be appropriately selected in consideration of various conditions such as the type of means for applying the crosslinking agent-containing water, the usage frequency, and the amount. For example, when the crosslinking agent-containing water is applied by the liquid discharge method, the selection can be made in consideration of the influence of clogging on the nozzle of the liquid discharge head.

  Examples of the aqueous medium include water, alcohol such as ethanol, ether, ketone, and the like, and water is preferable. The aqueous medium may contain a small amount of components other than water such as alcohol.

  Compared with the configuration in which the binder for adhering the powder (base material) is discharged from the liquid discharge head by using the above-described powder material for a three-dimensional structure and water containing a crosslinking agent as a modeling liquid, the nozzle eye There is less clogging and the durability of the head is improved.

  Next, occurrence of time variation from the discharge of the modeling liquid in the powder layer region to the powder supply of the next layer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the same.

  When a head 52 that discharges the modeling liquid 10 is mounted on the carriage 51 and the carriage 51 is moved in the main scanning direction (X direction) and the modeling liquid 10 is discharged onto the powder layer 31, The timing at which the modeling liquid 10 is discharged and landed varies depending on the position in the scanning direction.

  To simplify the description, as shown in FIG. 8A, the entire region of the powder layer 31 is divided into two in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction to be regions A1 to A4.

  At this time, when the modeling liquid 10 is discharged by one-way movement of the carriage 51 to form the modeling layer 30, first, the modeling liquid 10 is discharged by moving the carriage 51 in the main scanning direction (X direction). As a result, the modeling liquid 10 adheres in the order of the areas A1 and A2 on the powder layer 31, and the powder 20 in the area to which the modeling liquid 10 has adhered is bonded (modeled) by the liquid crosslinking force.

  Next, the carriage 51 is returned to the initial position, moved in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction), the carriage 51 is moved in the X direction, and the modeling liquid 10 is discharged. As a result, the modeling liquid 10 adheres in the order of the areas A3 and A4 on the powder layer 31, and the powder 20 in the area to which the modeling liquid 10 has adhered is bonded (modeled) by the liquid crosslinking force.

  Then, after the modeling of the modeling layer 30 for one powder layer 31 is completed, for example, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the powder supply / planarization is performed by moving the planarizing roller 12 in the direction of the arrow. The powder 20 is supplied to both the regions A1 and A2, and the powder 20 is supplied to both the regions A3 and A4 after the powder supply to the regions A1 and A2 is completed.

  If it does so, between area | region A1, A2, A3, and A4, after the modeling liquid 10 adheres, it is time until powder 20 is supplied to a modeling liquid adhesion area | region (this is "time from modeling liquid adhesion to powder supply. ”) Will be different. For example, the time from the modeling liquid adhesion to the area A1 to the powder supply becomes longer than the time from the modeling liquid discharge to the area A4 to the powder supply.

  Next, the effect of time variation from the modeling liquid adhesion to the powder supply in the powder layer region on the quality of the three-dimensional model will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are explanatory views for explaining the same.

  First, with reference to FIG. 9, the case where the time from modeling liquid adhesion to powder supply is long is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, when the modeling liquid 10 is discharged and attached to the powder layer 31, the modeling liquid 10 starts to penetrate into the powder layer 31. As a result, the powder 20 is bonded by the liquid crosslinking force of the modeling liquid 10 that has penetrated into the powder layer 31 to form the modeling layer 30.

  And as time passes, as shown in FIG. 9B, the modeling liquid 10 penetrates into the powder layer 31, and finally, as shown in FIG. 9C, all the modeling liquid 10 is powdered. It penetrates into the body layer 31.

  However, when the modeling liquid 10 is dried in this state, as shown in FIG. 9D, warping or shrinkage occurs at the end of the modeling layer 30, or the powder 20 in the modeling layer 30 Bonding becomes stronger. Therefore, the bond with the powder 20 of the next layer supplied on the modeling layer 30 becomes weak, an interlayer gap is generated between the continuous modeling layers 30, and the density of the three-dimensional molded object becomes non-uniform, and the density is descend.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the case where the time from modeling liquid adhesion to powder supply is short is demonstrated.

  Regarding the region where the time from when the modeling liquid 10 is discharged and adhered to the powder layer 31 to when the powder is supplied is short, before the modeling liquid 10 completely penetrates into the powder layer 31 as shown in FIG. In addition, the powder 20 may be supplied by the flattening roller 12.

  In this case, as shown in FIG.10 (b), the modeling liquid 10 is pushed in and it remove | deviates from the target modeling area | region, and the shape precision of a three-dimensional molded item falls. Or since the amount of penetration of the modeling liquid 10 is insufficient, an interlayer gap is generated and the density of the three-dimensional molded article is lowered.

  Furthermore, the modeling liquid adheres to the flattening member (flattening roller or flattening blade), the flattening accuracy is deteriorated, and voids are generated, so that the density of the three-dimensional molded article may be lowered.

  Therefore, in the present invention, by supplying the powder following the ejection of the modeling liquid, variation in time from the modeling liquid adhesion to the powder supply is reduced.

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a schematic front explanatory view of a carriage portion used for explaining the embodiment, and FIG. 12 is an explanatory view used for explaining the order of modeling liquid adhesion and powder supply.

  In the present embodiment, a post-powder supply unit 80 is provided as a post-powder supply unit that supplies the powder 20 onto the modeling layer 30 of the modeling tank 22 formed by the modeling liquid 10 discharged by the head 52. Yes.

  Here, the post-powder supply unit 80 is mounted on, for example, the carriage 51 as described above, and the head 52 that is a liquid discharge unit and the post-powder supply unit 80 that is a post-powder supply unit are provided in the modeling tank 22. On the other hand, they are relatively movable in the same direction.

  In this case, the powder after-feeding unit 80 is arranged on the upstream side of the head 52 in the moving direction of the carriage 51 when forming the modeling layer 30. That is, the after-powder supply unit 80 is disposed so as to move relative to the modeling tank 22 following the head 52 in the moving direction when the head 52 discharges the modeling liquid 10.

  The amount of the powder 20 supplied from the powder post-feed unit 80 is smaller than the amount of powder that can form the powder layer 31 for one layer.

  Further, the gap (gap) G2 between the powder supply surface of the powder post-feed unit 80 and the powder layer 31 (the upper surface of the powder tank 22) is equal to the modeling liquid discharge surface of the head 52 and the powder layer 31 (powder). The distance (gap) G1 from the upper surface of the tank 22 is smaller (G2 <G1).

  Next, the operation of this embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  Here, as described in FIG. 8 described above, as shown in FIG. 12, the entire region of the powder layer 31 is divided into two in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction to form regions A1 to A4.

  Then, the modeling layer 10 is formed by discharging the modeling liquid 10 by one-way movement of the carriage 51.

  In this case, similarly to FIG. 8 described above, the modeling liquid 10 is discharged in the order of the areas A1 and A2 on the powder layer 31 by moving the carriage 51 in the main scanning direction (X direction) and discharging the modeling liquid 10. Adhere to. Next, the carriage 51 is returned to the initial position, moved in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction), the carriage 51 is moved in the X direction, and the modeling liquid 10 is discharged, whereby the areas A3 and A4 on the powder layer 31 are discharged. The modeling liquid 10 adheres in order.

  Therefore, the modeling liquid 10 adheres in the order of the areas A1, A2, A3, and A4, and the modeling layer 30 is formed.

  When the carriage 51 is thus moved in the main scanning direction and the modeling liquid 10 is discharged from the head 52 to form one modeling layer 30, as shown in FIG. 11, the movement of the head 50 is followed ( The powder 20 is supplied to the area where the modeling liquid 10 is attached from the powder after-feeding unit 80 that moves subsequently. That is, the supply of the powder 20 is started before the formation of one modeling layer 30 is completed.

  At this time, the supply of the powder 20 from the powder post-feed unit 80 is performed in the order of the areas A1, A2, A3, and A4. Therefore, in the areas A1, A2, A3, and A4, the powder 20 adheres to the powder. Variation in time until the supply of 20 is reduced.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the warping of the end portion of the modeling layer 30 described above in the region where the time until the powder 20 is supplied after the modeling liquid 10 is adhered, and the generation of the interlayer gap between the continuous modeling layers 30, The density reduction of a three-dimensional molded item can be prevented.

  Further, the modeling liquid 10 is pushed in before the modeling liquid 10 soaks in the region where the time from the modeling liquid 10 adhering to the supply of the powder 20 is short, and the modeling liquid 10 adheres to the flattening roller 12. Can be prevented, and a decrease in flattening accuracy and a partial decrease in density of the three-dimensional structure can be prevented.

  This point will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the modeling operation in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, when the modeling liquid 10 is discharged and attached to the powder layer 31, the modeling liquid 10 starts to penetrate into the powder layer 31. As a result, the powder 20 is bonded by the liquid crosslinking force of the modeling liquid 10 that has penetrated into the powder layer 31 to form the modeling layer 30.

  And after the modeling liquid 10 adheres to the powder layer 31, as shown in FIG.13 (b), the powder 20 is sprinkled, for example, is supplied from the powder back supply part 80 so that the modeling layer 30 may be covered. . The powder after supply unit 80 is in a state in which the powder 20 is supplied when facing the region where the modeling liquid 10 discharged from the head 52 is attached.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 13C, the powder supplied by the liquid crosslinking force of the modeling liquid 10 in which the adhesion region of the modeling liquid 10 is covered with the powder 20 and does not completely penetrate the powder layer 31. 20 is combined with the modeling layer 30 in the powder layer 31.

  That is, here, the powder supply from the powder post-supply means is performed by bonding the powder 20 supplied later by the liquid cross-linking force of the modeling liquid 10 that has previously adhered and has not penetrated into the powder layer 30. Thus, it is performed within the time united with the modeling layer 30 in the powder layer 31.

  And after modeling of one modeling layer 30, as shown in FIG.13 (d), the powder 20 is supplied from the supply tank 21 by the flattening roller 12, is planarized by the modeling tank 22, and the next powder A body layer 31 is formed.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 13E, when the modeling liquid 10 is discharged to form the modeling layer 30 on the powder layer 31, the surface of the lower modeling layer 30 is formed as shown in FIG. Since the powder 20 is supplied and the liquid crosslinking proceeds, an interlayer gap does not occur between the upper modeling layer 30.

  Thus, when the modeling liquid 10 is discharged onto the powder layer 31 to form the modeling layer 30 that is a layered model, while moving the head 52 that is a liquid ejection unit relative to the modeling tank 22. After the modeling liquid 10 is discharged, the powder 20 is supplied from the after-powder supply unit 80 to at least the region where the modeling liquid 10 is adhered.

  That is, when forming the modeling layer 30 which is one layered modeling thing by discharging the modeling liquid 10 which couple | bonds the powder 20 with respect to the powder 20 (powder layer 31) spread | laid in layered form, A step of discharging the liquid 10 and a step of sprinkling and supplying the powder 20 to at least a region where the modeling liquid 10 adheres are performed following the discharge of the modeling liquid 10.

  Accordingly, the order in which the modeling liquid 10 adheres in the modeling tank 22 (modeling order) and the order in which the powder 20 is supplied are the same, and the time from the modeling liquid adhesion to the powder supply is within the modeling tank 22. Almost uniform.

  Therefore, the variation in time from the discharge of the modeling liquid 10 (attachment to the powder layer 31) to the supply of the powder 20 is reduced, and the decrease in the density and the variation of the three-dimensional modeled object are reduced. Moreover, the partial precision fall and density fall of a three-dimensional molded item by adhesion of the powder to the planarization roller can be prevented. Thereby, the quality of a three-dimensional molded item can be improved.

  In this case, by mounting the post-powder supply unit 80 on the carriage 51, the time from the modeling liquid ejection (attachment of the modeling liquid to the powder) of the head 52 to the powder supply by the post-powder supply unit 80 can be managed. It becomes easy and the subsequent movement with respect to the head 52 of the powder supply part 80 can be performed easily.

  Further, the gap G2 between the powder supply surface of the powder after-feed unit 80 and the upper surface of the powder tank 22 is smaller than the gap G1 between the modeling liquid discharge surface of the head 52 and the upper surface of the powder tank 22 (G2 < By performing G1), when the powder 20 is supplied, the wraparound of the powder 20 to the nozzle side of the head 52 can be reduced, and clogging of the nozzle of the head 52 can be prevented.

  The gap G1 between the upper surface of the modeling tank 22 and the nozzle surface from which the modeling liquid 10 is discharged is preferably 1 to 2 mm. However, the temperature / humidity of the storage environment of the apparatus, the viscosity of the modeling liquid, and the modeling liquid are discharged. It can be changed according to the driving waveform. In this case, as described above, the carriage 51 is moved up and down in the Z direction.

  In addition, when the carriage 51 performs a line feed in the sub-scanning direction as described above, in the modeling region that is a joint between the nth row and the (n + 1) th row, the modeling fluid is overlapped and the modeling liquid is discharged. Then, the dry modeling area in the nth row and the modeling area in the (n + 1) th row are combined. In this case, the area of the modeling liquid overlapping region is set according to the characteristics of the powder, the characteristics of the modeling liquid, the powder storage status, the ejection amount of the modeling liquid, and the like, but is preferably as small as possible.

  In the present embodiment, the amount of the powder 20 supplied from the powder after-feeding unit 80 may be an amount that can form the powder layer 31 for one layer. In this case, after the modeling of the modeling layer 30 is completed, the planarization roller 12 may be moved to perform the planarization process.

  Moreover, the area | region which supplies the powder 20 can also be made into the area | region part to which the modeling liquid 10 was discharged (landed). Even if it does in this way, what is necessary is just to supply the powder of the quantity which can form the powder layer 31 for one layer after the modeling of the modeling layer 30 is completed. However, the supply control from the post-powder supply unit 80 becomes easier if the area for the nozzle row length of the head 50 is set.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a schematic front view of a carriage portion for explaining the embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the post-powder supply unit 80 is mounted on the carriage 51, and the post-powder supply unit 80 is arranged to be movable in the arrow direction so that the position in the main scanning direction can be adjusted. Here, in the powder after-feeding unit 80, the support portion 51b is movably fitted in a guide groove 51a provided in the carriage 51 along the X direction. The support portion 51 b also serves as a means for fixing the powder after-feeding portion 80 to the carriage 51.

  Thereby, the space | interval of the main scanning direction of the head 52 and the powder back supply part 80 can be adjusted. For example, when the contact angle between the modeling liquid 10 and the powder 20 is high, that is, when it takes time for the modeling liquid 10 to permeate, the distance in the main scanning direction between the head 52 and the powder after-feeding unit 80. The time from the deposition of the modeling liquid to the supply of the powder can be lengthened.

  In this way, by adjusting (variable) the interval in the main scanning direction between the head 52 and the powder back supply unit 80, according to the characteristics of the modeling liquid, the characteristics of the powder, the environment of the apparatus, etc. By adjusting the interval, the time from the deposition of the modeling liquid to the powder supply can be changed.

  That is, when the head 52 and the powder after-feed unit 80 are moved by the same main scanning drive mechanism, the movement start timing is the same, so the time from the modeling liquid discharge to the powder supply by the powder after-feed unit 80 is The distance in the main scanning direction between the head 52 and the powder back supply unit 80 and the main scanning speed are determined.

  Therefore, by allowing the distance (distance) in the main scanning direction between the head 52 and the powder after-feeding unit 80 to be mechanically adjusted, the time from the modeling liquid adhesion to the powder feeding by the powder after-feeding unit 80 Adjustment becomes possible, and powder supply can be performed at an appropriate timing.

  Note that the movement start timing is shifted if the moving mechanism of the powder after-feeding unit 80 serving as the means after powder supply and the moving mechanism of the carriage 51 can be moved independently. Thus, it is possible to adjust the time from the modeling liquid adhesion to the powder supply by the powder post-supply unit 80.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a schematic front view for explaining the embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, a partition plate 81 is disposed between the powder after-feed unit 80 and the nearest head 52.

  Thereby, since the powder 20 supplied from the powder post-feed unit 80 can be prevented from going around to the head 52 side, it is possible to prevent the formation density from being reduced and the formation accuracy from being reduced due to nozzle clogging of the head 52.

  The partition plate 81 can be unitized with the carriage 51, or can be unitized with the powder after-feed unit 80.

  The partition plate 81 is preferably formed of a charge-removing material or provided with a charge-removing means so that the supplied powder 20 and the mist of the discharged modeling liquid 10 do not adhere.

  The gap G3 between the front end of the partition plate 81 and the upper surface of the modeling tank 22 is preferably smaller than the gap G2 between the powder supply surface of the powder rear supply unit 80 and the upper surface of the modeling tank 22 (G3 <G2). .

  Thereby, the wraparound of the powder can be prevented more reliably.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a schematic front view for explaining the embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, in the main scanning direction, after-powder supply units 80 and 80 as the after-powder supply means are arranged on both sides of the carriage 51 (two heads 52).

  As a result, the modeling liquid 10 can be discharged in both the forward movement (X1 direction) and the backward movement (X2 direction) of the carriage 51, and the powder 20 can be supplied to the modeling liquid adhesion region after discharging the modeling liquid. .

  In this case, the partition plates 81 of the third embodiment can be arranged on both sides.

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the powder supply unit in the embodiment.

  The after-powder supply unit 80 includes a powder storage unit 82 that stores the powder 20. The powder storage unit 82 is provided with a powder supply port 83 that supplies the powder 20. A mesh member 84 is disposed on the upstream side immediately before the.

  In addition, a vibrator 85 is provided outside the powder container 82 as vibration applying means for applying vibration to the powder 20 near the powder supply port 83.

  Since it comprised in this way, the powder 20 can be supplied in the state which reduced the powder aggregation by the use environment etc. of an apparatus by supplying the powder 20 through the mesh member 84. FIG.

  In particular, when powder is supplied by providing the vibrator 85, the powder 20 can be sieved by the mesh member 84 by vibrating the vicinity of the powder supply port 83, and aggregation can be reduced more reliably. it can.

  By providing a shutter member that opens and closes the powder supply port 83, the powder supply port 83 can be closed when powder supply is unnecessary.

  Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the powder supply unit in the embodiment.

  The after-powder supply unit 80 includes a powder storage unit 82 that stores the powder 20. The powder storage unit 82 is provided with a powder supply port 83 that supplies the powder 20. A mesh member 84 is disposed on the upstream side immediately before the.

  A stirring member 86 that stirs the powder 20 is disposed in the powder container 82 so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow.

  Since it comprised in this way, by supplying the powder 20 through the mesh member 84, the powder 20 can be supplied in the state which reduced the powder aggregation by the use environment etc. to an apparatus. Then, by stirring with the stirring member 86, the aggregation of the powder can be more reliably reduced.

  Here again, by providing a shutter member that opens and closes the powder supply port 83, the powder supply port 83 can be closed when powder supply is unnecessary.

  Further, the fifth embodiment and the sixth embodiment can be combined.

  Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 is an explanatory plan view for explaining the embodiment, and FIG. 20 is an explanatory plan view for explaining the configuration of the powder supply unit.

  In the present embodiment, as the liquid discharge means, a line-type liquid discharge head (hereinafter referred to as “head”) capable of discharging a modeling liquid into a region corresponding to the width of the modeling tank 22 in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the liquid discharging means. ) 152 is used. The head 152 can be configured by a single long head, or can be configured by arranging a plurality of heads side by side.

  In addition, as the after-powder supply means, the after-powder supply unit 180 having a supply area corresponding to the width of the modeling tank 22 is used in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the liquid discharge means. In addition, here, a plurality of vibrators 85 are attached to the powder after-feeding unit 180 as in the fifth embodiment.

  Further, the moving direction of the flattening roller 12, the head 152, and the powder after-feeding unit 180 is the same direction.

  By using the line-type liquid discharge head in this way, line breaks are not necessary, leading to improved productivity. In addition, since the modeling liquid overlap region at the line feed portion (joint portion) becomes unnecessary, it is possible to improve the accuracy and density of the molded product.

  In addition, since the plurality of vibrators 85 are provided in the powder post-feeding unit 180, the powder 20 is applied only to the modeling layer 30 to which the modeling liquid 10 is discharged and the vicinity thereof by selecting the vibrator 85 to be driven. Can also be selectively supplied.

  Even when the stirring member 86 is provided as in the sixth embodiment, efficient stirring can be performed by providing a plurality of stirring members.

  Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is an explanatory front view for explaining the flow of modeling in the embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the supply tanks 21 and 21 are arranged on both sides of the modeling tank 22 in the moving direction of the head 152 which is a liquid discharge means, and the flattening rollers 12 and 12 are outside the supply tanks 21 and 21. Each is arranged.

  Similarly to the fourth embodiment, in the moving direction of the head 152, the powder after-feeding units 180 and 180 are arranged on both sides of the head 152.

  Since it comprised in this way, as shown to Fig.21 (a), the head 152 and the powder back supply part 180 are moved to a Y1 direction, and modeling is carried out to the modeling tank 22 while discharging a modeling liquid and supplying powder. Layer 30 is formed. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 21 (b), one of the flattening rollers 12 is moved in the Y1 direction to supply the powder 20 from the supply tank 21 to the modeling tank 22, thereby flattening and forming the next powder layer. .

  Next, as shown in FIG. 21C, the modeling layer 30 is formed in the modeling tank 22 while moving the head 152 and the post-powder supply unit 180 in the Y1 direction to discharge the modeling liquid and supply the powder. . Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 21 (d), the other flattening roller 12 is moved in the Y2 direction to supply the powder 20 from the supply tank 21 to the modeling tank 22 to flatten and form the next powder layer. .

  In this way, by supplying and flattening the powder from both sides of the modeling tank 22, modeling efficiency and productivity can be improved.

  Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 22 is an explanatory plan view for explaining the embodiment, and FIG. 23 is an explanatory plan view for explaining scanning in the modeling operation. In order to simplify the illustration, the entire region shown in the Y direction is the head 52 as a modeling liquid dischargeable region (the length of the nozzle row in the Y direction), and the powder supply unit 80 has a powder supply port (supply). Mouth opening area).

  In the present embodiment, in the Y direction, the powder rear supply unit 80 (supply port opening region) is shifted to the upstream side with respect to the head 52 (modeling liquid dischargeable region).

  Thereby, when the modeling liquid is discharged by scanning the head 52 in the X direction, it is possible to reduce that the powder 20 supplied from the powder after-feed unit 80 enters and falls to the next scan region. Therefore, the thickness in the next scanning region of the powder layer 31 does not change, and a decrease in dimensional accuracy in the stacking direction can be suppressed.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 23, for example, when the modeling area 240 is finished in the nth scan, the powder 20 is detected in the nth scan in the shift area Sa between the head 52 and the powder post-feed unit 80. Is not supplied, a scan for supplying powder ((n + 1) th scan) is performed.

  Next, a second example of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 24 is an explanatory plan view of the apparatus, and FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of a modeling part which is also described together with the modeling flow.

  This three-dimensional modeling apparatus is a powder layered modeling apparatus, and similarly to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of the first example described above, a modeling unit in which a modeling layer 30 that is a layered model in which powder (powder) is combined is formed. 1 and a modeling unit 5 that models the three-dimensional model by discharging the modeling liquid 10 to the powder layer 31 spread in layers of the modeling unit 1.

  The modeling unit 1 includes only the modeling tank 22 and is configured to supply powder from the powder supply device to the modeling tank 22.

  The modeling unit 5 is supported so that the liquid discharge unit 50 can reciprocate in the X direction (main scanning direction) by guide members 54 and 55.

  Other configurations are the same as those of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of the first example.

  In this three-dimensional modeling apparatus, as shown in FIG. 25A, droplets of the modeling liquid 10 are ejected from the head 52 of the liquid ejection unit 50 onto the powder 20 supplied onto the modeling stage 24 of the modeling tank 22. The modeling layer 30 is formed.

  At this time, the liquid discharge unit 50 is moved in the X direction and the powder 20 is supplied to at least the area where the modeling liquid 10 is adhered from the powder rear supply unit 80 while performing modeling for one scan (one scan area). .

  Thereafter, the modeling unit 5 is moved by one scan in the sub-scanning direction (Y1 direction), and modeling for the next one scanning region is repeated to model the modeling layer 30 for one layer. In addition, after modeling the modeling layer 30 for one layer, the modeling unit 5 is returned to the upstream side in the sub-scanning direction as shown in FIG.

  Then, in order to form the next modeling layer 30 on this modeling layer 30, the modeling stage 24 of the modeling tank 22 is moved down in the arrow Z2 direction by the thickness of one layer.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 25B, the powder 20 is supplied from the powder supply device to the modeling tank 22. Then, while rotating the flattening roller 12, it is moved in the Y2 direction along the stage surface of the modeling stage 24 of the modeling tank 22 to form a powder layer 31 having a predetermined thickness on the modeling layer 30 of the modeling stage 24. (Flattening).

  Then, the droplet of the modeling liquid 10 is discharged from the head 52 of the liquid discharge unit 50 to form the next modeling layer 30.

  As described above, the formation of the powder layer 31 and the solidification of the powder 20 by the discharge of the modeling liquid 10 are repeated to sequentially stack the modeling layers 30 to model a three-dimensional modeled object.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Modeling part 5 Modeling unit 10 Modeling liquid 12 Flattening roller (flattening means, rotating body)
20 Powder 21 Supply tank 22 Modeling tank 23 Supply stage 24 Modeling stage 30 Modeling layer (layered model)
31 Powder layer (layered powder)
50 Liquid discharge unit 51 Carriage 52, 152 Liquid discharge head 80, 180 After powder supply unit

Claims (14)

A modeling tank in which the powder is spread in layers, and the layered structure to which the powder is bonded is laminated,
Liquid ejection means for ejecting a modeling liquid to the powder in the modeling tank;
A powder post-feeding means for feeding the powder to the modeling tank,
The liquid discharge means is arranged to be movable relative to the modeling tank,
The powder post-feeding means is disposed so as to be movable relative to the modeling tank, following the liquid discharging means in a moving direction when the liquid discharging means discharges a modeling liquid,
When forming the layered object by discharging the modeling liquid onto the powder from the liquid discharging means, after discharging the modeling liquid, at least the region where the modeling liquid has adhered from the powder post-feeding means A three-dimensional modeling apparatus characterized by supplying the powder. The powder post-feeding means supplies the powder in an amount smaller than an amount capable of forming the layered structure,
The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for supplying the powder into the modeling tank and flattening it after the formation of the one-layered layered object is completed. The distance between the powder supply surface of the powder after-feeding means and the upper surface of the modeling tank is smaller than the distance between the modeling liquid discharge surface of the liquid discharging means and the upper surface of the modeling tank. 3D modeling apparatus of 1 or 2. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a distance between the liquid discharging unit and the powder after-feeding unit is changeable. 5. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a partition member is disposed between the powder post-feeding unit and the liquid discharge unit. The distance between the tip of the partition member and the upper surface of the modeling tank is smaller than the distance between the powder supply surface of the powder post-feeding means and the upper surface of the modeling tank. Solid modeling device. The after-powder supply means has a powder storage part for storing the powder, and a powder supply port for supplying the powder in the powder storage part is provided with a mesh member. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the powder post-feeding unit includes a vibration applying unit that applies vibration to the powder in the powder container. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the powder post-feeding unit includes a stirring unit that stirs the powder in the powder container. The liquid ejecting means is reciprocally movable in the main scanning direction,
The liquid ejection means and the modeling tank are relatively movable in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction,
The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the powder post-feeding means is capable of reciprocating in the main scanning direction together with the liquid discharging means. 11. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the after-powder supply unit is disposed on both sides of the liquid discharge unit in the moving direction of the liquid discharge unit. A flattening member for flattening the surface of the powder in the modeling tank;
12. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the planarizing member is disposed on both sides of the liquid ejecting unit in the moving direction of the liquid ejecting unit. 2. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejecting unit is capable of ejecting the modeling liquid into a region corresponding to the width of the modeling tank in a direction orthogonal to a moving direction of the liquid ejecting unit. . When forming a one-layer layered object by discharging a modeling liquid that binds the powder to the layered powder,
A step of discharging the modeling liquid;
The method of three-dimensional modeling characterized in that, following the ejection of the modeling liquid, a step of at least sprinkling and supplying the powder to a region where the modeling liquid is attached.

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