JP2017043030A - Three-dimensional molding apparatus and three-dimensional molding method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a three-dimensional molding apparatus and a three-dimensional molding method by which a plurality of molded objects can be efficiently manufactured.SOLUTION: The three-dimensional molding apparatus includes: a head part 20; an XY-direction driving part 31 for driving the head part 20 in an XY direction by reciprocally moving the head part in a main scanning direction and also moving in a sub scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction; a first division plate 41 defining a first molding area where a three-dimensional molded object is formed by the head part 20; a second division plate 42 defining a second molding area where a three-dimensional molded object is formed by the head part 20, arranged next to the first division plate 41 in the sub scanning direction; a Z-direction driving part 32, 32' for independently driving the first division plate 41 and the second division plate 42 in a Z-direction orthogonal to the XY direction; and controlling means for controlling the head part 20, the XY-direction driving part 31 and the Z-direction driving part 32, 32' to carry out molding on the first division plate 41 and the second division plate 42.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a three-dimensional modeling apparatus and a three-dimensional modeling method that enable efficient additive manufacturing by providing divided plates that are independently driven without being divided in the main scanning direction of an ink jet head unit.

  Conventionally, 3D data, which is basic data of a modeled object, is set to an arbitrary posture on the computer screen, and each cross section cut by a plurality of planes parallel to the height direction based on the set posture. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known an apparatus that generates data and performs three-dimensional modeling by sequentially laminating resins on the basis of two-dimensional data related to each layer to generate a three-dimensional model of a three-dimensional model.

  In the field of rapid prototyping (RP) used for trial production and the like in product development, an additive manufacturing method capable of three-dimensional modeling is used. The additive manufacturing method creates slice data obtained by slicing 3D CAD data of a product into a plurality of thin cross-sectional bodies as original data for modeling, and laminates materials such as powder, resin, steel plate, paper, etc. Create a prototype. As such a layered modeling method, an ink jet method, a powder method, an optical modeling method, a sheet lamination method, a heat melting lamination method, and the like are known. Among these, the inkjet method forms a modeled object by injecting a liquefied resin and then curing the layer by irradiating with ultraviolet light (UV) or cooling.

  In such a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, since modeling time is required, in order to shorten modeling time, it is possible to provide a plurality of modeling plates and perform modeling individually on each modeling plate. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an optical modeling apparatus in which a head unit and a modeling plate are individually provided as shown in a cross-sectional view of FIG.

  However, simply placing a modeled object on each modeling plate is the same as preparing two three-dimensional modeling machines, and an efficient modeling cannot be obtained.

JP 2000-263650 A

  The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional modeling apparatus and a three-dimensional modeling method that can efficiently model a plurality of modeling objects.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, by repeating the operation of ejecting the modeling material while scanning it in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction on the modeling area and curing it. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus for forming a slice by generating a slice having a predetermined thickness in the height direction and laminating the slice in the height direction, wherein a plurality of discharge nozzles are arranged in one direction The head portion and the head portion are reciprocated relative to the modeling area in the main scanning direction, which is a direction intersecting with the arrangement direction of the discharge nozzles, and in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. , An XY direction driving unit for driving in the XY direction, a first divided plate that defines a first modeling area for modeling a modeled object by the head unit, the first divided plate, A second divided plate, which is arranged in the sub-scanning direction that is the arrangement direction of the exit nozzles, defines a second modeling area for modeling a modeled object by the head unit, and the first divided plate and the second divided plate are arranged in the XY direction. The first divided plate and the second divided plate by controlling the Z direction driving unit for independently driving in the Z direction orthogonal to the head direction, the head unit, the XY direction driving unit, and the Z direction driving unit. Control means for performing modeling can be provided on the top. With the above configuration, the two divided plates can be controlled independently, so that one modeling can be started before one modeling is completed, enabling efficient use of the entire modeling plate Become.

  Further, by arranging the divided plates in the sub-scanning direction instead of the main scanning direction by the above configuration, the divided plates are provided without being divided in the main scanning direction, and modeling is performed using only one of the divided plates. When performing, since the main scanning direction can be secured long, many shaped objects or large shaped objects can be arranged along the main scanning direction. As a result, the number of times that the head portion makes a return movement in the middle of the main scanning direction and the number of times that the head portion moves in the sub-scanning direction are reduced, and the modeling time is greatly reduced as a whole. Furthermore, when it is desired to change the modeling conditions for each divided plate, the modeling conditions can be changed for each divided plate without changing the modeling conditions during scanning in the main scanning direction.

  Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, an ink jet method is adopted, and one head unit drives in common both a plurality of divided plates and a single modeling plate in which a plurality of divided plates are combined. For this reason, it is possible to model a model that straddles a plurality of divided plates, and it is not affected by individual differences between the plurality of head portions.

  Further, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, when modeling is performed using the first divided plate or the second divided plate, the first divided plate and the second divided plate are used. Setting for performing either operation setting of asynchronous driving that performs driving independently in the Z direction and synchronous driving that performs modeling by operating the first divided plate and the second divided plate integrally Means may be provided. With the above configuration, since it is possible to perform synchronous drive operation setting that causes the first divided plate and the second divided plate to operate integrally, a large three-dimensional modeling apparatus having a large modeling area spans two divided plates. A model can be modeled. On the other hand, since the operation setting of asynchronous driving can also be performed, each divided plate can be controlled individually.

  Still further, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the setting means is either an asynchronous drive mode for performing the asynchronous drive or a synchronous drive mode for performing the synchronous drive. Drive mode selection means for selecting the operation mode, and when the synchronous drive mode is selected by the drive mode selection means, the operation setting for driving the first divided plate and the second divided plate asynchronously is performed. Can be banned. With the above-described configuration, either the synchronous drive mode in which the two divided plates are driven integrally or the asynchronous drive mode in which the two divided plates are individually driven can be selected by the user or automatically.

  In addition, when the synchronous drive mode is selected by the above configuration, the operation setting to the asynchronous drive is prohibited, and the two divided plates are driven in the synchronous drive mode until all modeling is completed. During the modeling of the modeled object straddling, the divided plates can be individually driven so that the modeling defect does not occur.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first modeling further defined by the first divided plate or the second divided plate displayed on the setting screen, respectively. In the area or the second modeling area, an object arrangement unit that arranges an object indicating a modeling object to be modeled is provided, and when the synchronous driving mode is selected by the driving mode selection unit, the setting unit When the object can be arranged across the two divided plates and the asynchronous drive mode is selected, the object cannot be arranged across the two divided plates. With the above configuration, when the asynchronous drive mode is selected, the object itself that straddles the two divided plates cannot be arranged on the setting screen, so that it is not mistakenly arranged by the user.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the synchronous drive mode is selected by the drive mode selection unit, the setting unit displays the setting screen on the setting screen. When the two divided plates are displayed side by side in close proximity or in contact with each other and the asynchronous drive mode is selected, the two divided plates can be displayed separately from the case where the synchronous drive mode is selected. With the above configuration, the user can sensibly recognize the currently selected drive mode on the setting screen.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the modeling time calculating means for calculating the time required to complete modeling of the object arranged by the object arranging means, the modeling time When the driving mode selection unit selects the synchronous driving mode, the calculating unit calculates one modeling time for completing modeling of all the arranged objects, and the asynchronous driving mode is selected. The modeling time for completing the modeling of the object arranged for each of the divided plates can be calculated individually. With the above-described configuration, the modeling time until the modeling is completed can be calculated for each of the divided plates and the entire modeling plate in association with the drive mode.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the synchronous drive mode is selected by the drive mode selection means, the setting means applies to all the arranged objects. On the other hand, it is possible to set a common modeling quality, and when the asynchronous driving mode is selected, it is possible to set a different modeling quality for each divided plate with respect to an object arranged for each divided plate. is there. With the above-described configuration, the modeling quality can be set in common or individually in the plurality of divided plates.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the setting means determines whether there is an object arranged across the first divided plate and the second divided plate. If it is determined by the above-described rack determination means that there is an object disposed across the two divided plates, all of the racks are arranged on the two divided plates. It can be set to operate in the synchronous drive until the modeling of the object is completed. With the above configuration, when an object is arranged across a plurality of divided plates, it can be set to be driven synchronously until the last layer is formed regardless of the drive mode.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the setting means determines that there is an object arranged across the two divided plates by the rack determination means described above. In this case, the drive mode selection means can be set so that the synchronous drive mode is selected. With the above configuration, when an object is arranged across a plurality of divided plates, the synchronous drive mode can be automatically selected.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the control means is a case where the first divided plate and the second divided plate are operated by the synchronous drive. Thus, when there is an operation request by the asynchronous driving by the setting means, the request can be rejected and the synchronous driving can be continued. With the above-described configuration, it is possible to prevent the formation of defective molding by driving the divided plates individually by control during the modeling of the model straddling the plurality of divided plates.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the setting means is a modeling area corresponding to either the first divided plate or the second divided plate by the asynchronous driving. It is possible to perform setting in which the object is placed only on the object and modeling is performed, and the object is placed on both the modeling areas of the first divided plate and the second divided plate to perform modeling individually. With the above configuration, when operating a plurality of divided plates in either asynchronous drive or asynchronous drive, when operating in asynchronous drive, a single use using a plurality of divided plates alone In addition, it is possible to set in two modes of multi-use using a plurality of divided plates in combination, and a plurality of divided plates can be used effectively.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, when the setting unit performs modeling using the first divided plate and the second divided plate, the modeling is scheduled to be completed in advance. Until modeling with one divided plate is completed, modeling with the first divided plate and the second divided plate is performed, and when modeling of the one divided plate is completed, modeling with only the other divided plate is performed. Can be set to continue. With the above configuration, when modeling on one divided plate is completed, modeling on another divided plate can be continued, and it becomes possible to concentrate the operation of the head part on the other divided plate, and it can be modeled at high speed, so total The molding time can be shortened.

  Still further, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the setting further comprises plate information acquisition means for acquiring information indicating whether or not modeling can be started for each of the divided plates, The means is in a state in which the information of the other divided plate acquired by the plate information acquiring means can be started in the middle of modeling with one of the first divided plate and the second divided plate. If so, it can be set to start modeling with the other divided plate. With the above-described configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a divided plate that can start modeling among the plurality of divided plates. Therefore, modeling can be started with the divided plate that can be modeled by interrupting the modeling of the divided plate.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, when the setting unit starts modeling with the other divided plate in the middle of modeling with the one divided plate, It can be set so that modeling of the one divided plate is interrupted, and priority is given to completion of modeling with the other divided plate. Compared to the case where modeling is performed using two divided plates at the same time, modeling with one divided plate can be completed earlier, and modeling with the other divided plate is automatically performed after completion of modeling with one divided plate. Can start.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, when the setting means performs modeling using the first divided plate and the second divided plate, the first divided plate and the It can be set to complete layered modeling simultaneously with the second divided plate, and the control means is set by the setting means to complete modeling with the first divided plate and the second divided plate, The head unit, the XY direction driving unit, and the Z direction driving unit so that the modeling end scheduled time of one divided plate that is scheduled to be completed in advance coincides substantially with the modeling completion scheduled time of the other divided plate. And can be controlled. With the above-described configuration, modeling with a plurality of divided plates operating in multi-drive can be completed at the same time by the time when the support material process for removing the support material, which is the next step, can be started. Therefore, without leaving the modeling after the modeling is completed in the 3D modeling apparatus, for example, the support material processing is started before returning home, and the support material processing is completed when going to work the next morning. Can be shifted after the start of the support material processing, so that the total modeling time including the support material processing can be shortened.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the setting means performs a plurality of slices on the other divided plate while forming one slice on the one divided plate. By forming a layer, it is possible to set the modeling completion scheduled time on the one divided plate to be substantially coincident with the modeling completion scheduled time on the other divided plate. With the above-described configuration, the modeling time can be adjusted without changing the Z pitch, so that it is possible to simultaneously complete the modeling with the divided plate operating by the multi-drive without affecting the modeling quality.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, when the setting means performs modeling using the first divided plate and the second divided plate, modeling with one divided plate Can be set to continue modeling with only the one divided plate, and when modeling with the one divided plate is completed, modeling with only the other divided plate can be continued. Compared to the case where modeling is performed using two divided plates at the same time, it is possible to complete modeling with one divided plate earlier, and after the completion of modeling with one divided plate, Modeling can be started automatically.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, when the setting unit has a modeling request on the other divided plate during modeling on the one divided plate, While rejecting the request for modeling with the other divided plate and completing the modeling with the one divided plate, it is possible to set to continue the modeling with only the other divided plate. According to the above-described configuration, it is possible to make settings that cannot be interrupted and modeling, and it is possible to wait for modeling of a modeled object that has been requested for interrupt modeling.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the molding conditions for each of the divided plates that perform modeling with the first divided plate or the second divided plate are set to other divided plates. The modeling condition adjusting means for changing according to the modeling conditions can be provided. With the above configuration, since it is not necessary to have all the modeling data of each divided plate at the time of starting modeling, an efficient operation is possible.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, among the first divided plate and the second divided plate, the divided plate for which modeling is given priority is the drive position of the XY direction drive unit. It can be configured to be arranged on the origin side of the XY coordinates that define. With the above-described configuration, the divided plate that is preferentially modeled in multi-use is arranged on the origin side, and the stroke until the head portion returns to the origin is shortened, which contributes to shortening of the modeling time.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the first divided plate can be configured such that the main scanning direction is longer than the sub-scanning direction.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the first divided plate and the second divided plate can be configured to have substantially the same size.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the XY direction drive unit can be configured such that the moving speed in the main scanning direction is higher than the moving speed in the sub-scanning direction. . With the above configuration, the ratio of movement of the head portion in the main scanning direction is increased by arranging the divided plates in the sub-scanning direction, and the moving speed in the main scanning direction is higher than the moving speed in the sub-scanning direction. Faster modeling is possible.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling method according to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the operation of causing the modeling material to be ejected on the modeling area while scanning in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction and curing the modeling material is performed. By repeating, a slice having a predetermined thickness in the height direction is generated in a layer shape, and the slice is stacked in the height direction to perform modeling. The head portions arranged in the direction are reciprocated in the main scanning direction, which is a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the discharge nozzles, relative to the modeling area, and moved in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. This is the arrangement direction of the first divided plate, the first divided plate, and the discharge nozzles that are driven in the XY directions and demarcate the first modeling area for modeling the modeled object by the head unit. The first divided plate and the second divided plate, which are arranged in the scanning direction, are driven independently in the Z direction orthogonal to the XY direction, and the second divided plate that defines the second modeling area for modeling the modeled object by the head unit. Can be shaped on the second divided plate.

1 is a block diagram in Y direction showing a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an X direction view showing a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a top view which shows a mode that a head part is moved to XY direction. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a head part. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removes the surplus part of modeling material with a roller part. It is a perspective view which shows the division | segmentation plate of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the division | segmentation plate of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of FIG. FIG. 8A is an example in which objects are not arranged, FIG. 8B is an example in which the head unit is scanned once in the main scanning forward direction, and FIG. 8B is a diagram for explaining the modeling efficiency when the divided plates are arranged in the main scanning direction. 8C is an example in which the head portion is scanned once in the main scanning backward direction, FIG. 8D is an example in which the head portion is scanned in one pitch in the sub scanning direction, and FIG. 8E is a main head after scanning in the sub scanning direction in one pitch. FIG. 8F shows an example in which the head portion is scanned once in the main scanning backward direction after being scanned one pitch in the sub-scanning direction. FIG. 9A is an example in which the object is not arranged, and FIG. 9B is an example in which the same object as that in FIG. 8E is arranged so that the longitudinal direction is along the main scanning direction. FIG. 9C shows an example in which the head unit is scanned once in the main scanning backward direction with respect to the object in FIG. 9B. It is a schematic plan view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the molded article so that the division | segmentation plate of FIG. 8 may be straddled. It is a schematic plan view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the molded article on one division | segmentation plate. It is a schematic plan view which shows the state which arranged the two division | segmentation plates in the subscanning direction. It is a model vertical sectional view which shows a mode that modeling is performed by changing a modeling parameter with two division | segmentation plates. It is a schematic plan view which shows the state which arranged the three division plates in the subscanning direction. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which three divided plates are arranged in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. It is a schematic plan view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the 2nd division | segmentation plate so that the vertical and horizontal of a division | segmentation plate may be enclosed. It is a schematic plan view which shows the example which has a coordinate axis separately. It is a schematic diagram which shows the detail of a drive mode. It is a perspective view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned several modeling object on the 1st division | segmentation plate and the 2nd division | segmentation plate. FIG. 20A is a timing chart showing the operation in the synchronous drive mode, and FIGS. 20B to 20D are schematic plan views showing how the modeling operations on the first divided plate and the second divided plate change in time series. It is a perspective view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned several modeling object on the 1st division | segmentation plate and the 2nd division | segmentation plate. FIG. 22A is a timing chart showing the operation in the synchronous drive mode, and FIGS. 22B to 22D are schematic plan views showing how the modeling operations on the first divided plate and the second divided plate change in time series. FIG. 23A is a timing chart showing the operation of normal modeling for modeling with one modeling plate, and FIGS. 23B to 23D show how the modeling operation on the first divided plate and the second divided plate changes in time series. It is a schematic plan view. It is a perspective view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned several modeling object to the 1st division | segmentation plate. FIG. 25A is a timing chart showing a single use operation, and FIG. 25B to FIG. 25D to FIG. 25D are schematic plan views showing how a modeling operation on the first divided plate changes in time series. It is a perspective view which shows the some molded article each arrange | positioned on the 1st division | segmentation plate and the 2nd division | segmentation plate. FIG. 27A is a timing chart showing a multi-use operation that starts simultaneously, and FIGS. 27B to 27E are schematic plan views showing how modeling operations on the first divided plate and the second divided plate change in time series. . It is a perspective view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned several modeling object on the 1st division | segmentation plate and the 2nd division | segmentation plate. FIG. 29A is a timing chart showing a multi-use operation that starts after the end, and FIGS. 29B to 29E are schematic plan views showing how the modeling operation on the first divided plate and the second divided plate changes in time series. is there. FIG. 30A is a timing chart showing a multi-use operation of interrupt start, and FIGS. 30B to 30E are schematic plan views showing how modeling operations on the first divided plate and the second divided plate change in time series. . FIG. 31A is a timing chart showing a multi-use operation in which interrupted modeling is interrupted, and FIGS. 31B to 31E are schematic diagrams showing how modeling operations on the first and second divided plates change in time series. It is a top view. FIG. 32A is a timing chart showing a multi-use operation that ends at the same time, and FIGS. 32B to 32E are schematic plan views showing how modeling operations on the first and second divided plates change in time series. . It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which adjusts modeling conditions so that modeling condition adjustment means may make completion | finish timing of modeling match. It is an image figure which shows the screen of the setting data creation program which displayed the division | segmentation plate in synchronous drive mode. It is an image figure which shows the screen of the setting data creation program which displayed the molded article arrange | positioned ranging over between division plates in synchronous drive mode. It is an image figure which shows the screen of the setting data creation program which displayed the division | segmentation plate in asynchronous drive mode. It is an image figure which shows the screen of the setting data creation program which displayed the molded article arrange | positioned on both the split plates spaced apart in asynchronous drive mode. It is a block diagram which shows the setting data creation apparatus for 3D modeling apparatuses. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the model material switching means for switching a model material for every division | segmentation plate. It is the schematic of the three-dimensional modeling system which concerns on Example 1 for demonstrating interrupt modeling. It is a flowchart which shows the whole procedure of interrupt modeling. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which sets an interruption start. It is an image figure which shows the screen of the setting data creation program for responding to the request | requirement of an interrupt start. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which sets a start after completion | finish. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the interrupt modeling by a three-dimensional modeling apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the setting at the time of modeling completion. It is an image figure which shows the screen of the setting data creation program for responding to the request | requirement of the interruption of modeling at the time of taking out a modeling thing. It is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that a molded article is arrange | positioned to a modeling plate according to arrangement | positioning reference | standard. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which extracts an object automatically according to arrangement | positioning criteria. It is an image figure which shows the screen of the setting data creation program which has arrange | positioned the object and displayed modeling time. It is an image figure which shows the screen of a setting data creation program. It is an image figure which shows the screen of a setting data creation program. It is an image figure which shows the screen of a setting data creation program. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which designates an arrangement | positioning reference | standard and a priority and automatically extracts an object. It is an image figure which shows the screen of a setting data creation program. It is an image figure which shows the screen of a setting data creation program. It is an image figure which shows the screen of a setting data creation program. It is a model perspective view which shows a mode that a molded article is taken out from a three-dimensional modeling apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that division | segmentation plate allocation is performed manually based on modeling time. It is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that a modeling time is set as an arrangement | positioning reference | standard and division | segmentation plate assignment is performed automatically. It is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that division | segmentation plate assignment is performed automatically by setting modeling time and priority as an arrangement | positioning reference | standard. It is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that a priority order is set as an arrangement | positioning reference | standard and division | segmentation plate assignment is performed automatically. It is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that division | segmentation plate allocation is performed manually based on a priority. It is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that division | segmentation plate assignment is performed manually based on modeling separation. It is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that shaping | molding separation is set as an arrangement | positioning reference | standard and division | segmentation plate assignment is performed automatically. It is an image figure which shows the screen of a setting data creation program. It is an image figure which shows the "open file" dialog screen. FIG. 67 is an image diagram showing an example in which an object is displayed in the display field of FIG. 66. FIG. 69 is an image diagram showing an example of moving the object in FIG. 68; It is an image figure which shows a print data creation dialog. It is an image figure which shows the other example of a parameter setting means. It is a schematic cross section which shows the conventional optical modeling apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below exemplifies a three-dimensional modeling apparatus and a three-dimensional modeling method for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus and a three-dimensional modeling method. Is not specified as below. Further, the present specification by no means specifies the members shown in the claims to the members of the embodiments. In particular, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the component parts described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified, and are merely explanations. It's just an example. Note that the size, positional relationship, and the like of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. Furthermore, in the following description, the same name and symbol indicate the same or the same members, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, each element constituting the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of elements are constituted by the same member and the plurality of elements are shared by one member, and conversely, the function of one member is constituted by a plurality of members. It can also be realized by sharing.
Example 1

  1 and 2 are block diagrams of a three-dimensional modeling system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Here, an example applied to an inkjet three-dimensional modeling apparatus will be described as an example of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus. This three-dimensional modeling system 100 manufactures an arbitrary modeled object by ejecting and curing a modeling material in a fluidized state by an ink jet method, and laminating them. As the modeling material, a model material MA constituting a final modeled object and a support material SA that is modeled and finally removed to support the projecting portion from which the model material MA projects are used.

  In the inkjet method, after jetting a liquefied material, at least the material of the model material MA reacts and cures light including a specific wavelength, such as ultraviolet light (UV light), or the layer is cured by cooling. Form. According to this method, since the principle of the ink jet printer can be applied, there is an advantage that high definition can be easily achieved.

  In addition, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of the resin lamination method has two types of modeling: a model material MA that is a final modeled object, and a support material SA that is finally removed to support the overhanging portion of the model material MA. The material is ejected onto the modeling plate while scanning in the XY directions, and modeling is performed by stacking in the height direction. The model material MA and the support material SA, which are modeling materials, are made of a resin having a property of being cured by irradiation with ultraviolet light. As the curing means 24 for curing the modeling material, an ultraviolet lamp for irradiating ultraviolet light is scanned in the XY direction together with the nozzle for discharging the model material MA and the support material SA, and the model material MA and the support material discharged from the nozzle. The SA is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet light.

  A three-dimensional modeling system 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a setting data creation device 1 (computer PC in FIG. 1) that sends modeling data indicating a modeling object and setting data that is a modeling condition to the three-dimensional modeling device 2. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 is used. Here, FIG. 1 is viewing the 3D modeling apparatus 2 from the Y direction (sub-scanning direction), and FIG. 2 is viewing the 3D modeling apparatus 2 from the X direction (main scanning direction). The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 includes a control unit 10, a head unit 20, and a divided plate 41 and a divided plate 42 in a mode in which a modeling plate is divided in the Y direction (sub-scanning direction) and arranged in parallel. The head unit 20 includes a model material discharge nozzle 21 that discharges the model material MA and a support material discharge nozzle 22 that discharges the support material SA as modeling material discharge means. Further, by scraping off the excess from the discharged modeling material, the thickness of the uppermost layer of the modeling object at the time is optimized, and the roller portion 25 for smoothing the surface of the modeling material, and modeling The head unit 20 is also provided with a curing means 24 for curing the material. Further, in the horizontal direction, the head unit 20 performs reciprocal scanning in order to discharge the modeling material from the model material discharge nozzle 21 and the support material discharge nozzle 22 in a liquid state to an appropriate position on the divided plates 41 and 42 by the ink jet method. The horizontal driving means for scanning in the X direction (main scanning direction) and the Y direction (sub scanning direction) orthogonal to the X direction, and the relative position in the height direction between the head unit 20 and the divided plates 41 and 42 are shown. As vertical driving means for moving, an XY direction driving unit 31 and a Z direction driving unit 32 are provided. Here, the Y direction is an arrangement direction in which a plurality of orifices of the model material discharge nozzle 21 and the support material discharge nozzle 22 are arranged, and the X direction is a direction orthogonal to the Y direction in a horizontal plane.

When the computer PC receives the input of the basic data of a three-dimensional shaped object, for example, model data designed by three-dimensional CAD, etc., it first converts this CAD data into, for example, STL (Stereo Lithography Data) data. Further, setting data for generating cross-sectional data obtained by slicing the STL data into a plurality of thin cross-sectional bodies, and transmitting the slice data to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 in a batch or in units of each slice layer It functions as the creation device 1. At this time, it corresponds to the determination of the posture on the divided plates 41 and 42 that are modeling plates of model data (actually, STL data after conversion) designed by three-dimensional CAD, etc., and is formed with the model material MA in this posture. A position where the support material SA is provided is set for a space or a place where it is necessary to support the model, and slice data corresponding to each layer is formed based on these data. The control unit 10 includes a roller rotation speed control unit 12 and a discharge control unit 13. When the roller body 26 individually collects the model material MA or the support material SA, the roller rotation speed control means 12 determines whether the roller rotation speed control means 12 is a roller according to the physical characteristics of the model material MA or the support material SA discharged from each discharge nozzle. The rotational speed of the main body 26 can be changed. The control means 10 takes in the cross-sectional data from the computer PC and controls the head unit 20, the XY direction driving unit 31, and the Z direction driving unit 32 according to the data. Under the control of the control means 10, the XY direction drive unit 31 is operated, and the model material MA and the support material SA as modeling materials are formed as droplets from the model material discharge nozzle 21 and the support material discharge nozzle 22 of the head unit 20. By discharging to appropriate positions on the divided plates 41 and 42, a cross-sectional shape based on the cross-sectional data given from the computer PC is formed. The model material MA, which is one of the modeling materials discharged onto the divided plates 41 and 42, is at least cured to be changed from a liquid or fluid state to a solid and cured. This action creates a cross section or slice. Note that the slice data may be generated on the 3D modeling apparatus 2 side, but the modeling parameters that define the modeling conditions that the user must determine such as the thickness of each slice layer are also used in this case. It must be transmitted from the side to the 3D modeling apparatus 2.
(slice)

  Here, the “slice” is a stacking unit in the Z direction of the modeled object, and the number of slices is a value obtained by dividing the height by the stacking thickness. Actually, as a requirement for determining the thickness of each slice, the minimum unit discharge amount that can be discharged from each discharge nozzle, the variation due to the eccentricity of the roller of the roller unit 25 in the vertical direction, and the like can be set. The thickness is determined. The value set based on such a viewpoint is set as the minimum value of the slice, and thereafter, the user obtains the modeling object, for example, each slice amount can be finally determined from the viewpoint of modeling accuracy and modeling speed. . In other words, if the user chooses to give priority to modeling accuracy, each slice amount is determined by the above-described minimum slice value or a value in the vicinity thereof, while if the modeling speed is given priority, the minimum modeling accuracy is maintained. Each slice amount can be determined. Or, as another method, a method of letting the user select the ratio of modeling accuracy and modeling speed sensuously, or by letting the user input the maximum allowable modeling time, some combinations of modeling time and modeling accuracy Can be displayed as candidates, and the conditions that the user prefers can be selected.

  In addition, the modeling action for one slice data is at least the model material discharge nozzle 21 and the support material discharge nozzle 22 in the forward path or the return path when the head section 20 reciprocates in the X direction (the main scanning direction of the head section 20). The molding material is discharged in a liquid state by an ink jet method, and the molded object discharged on the divided plates 41 and 42 is uncured, and at least in the forward path or the return path, the excess material is scraped off from the uncured modeling object. In order to further smooth the surface, the roller unit 25 is operated, and the modeled object is cured by irradiating light of a specific wavelength from the curing unit 24 to the smoothed modeled surface. This step is performed at least once, but this number is automatically determined by the thickness of the slice data and the required modeling accuracy. It goes without saying and is subject to change. If the modeling material used for modeling is cured at a predetermined temperature, in the present invention, the curing means 24 can be a cooling or heating means, and if it can be naturally cured, the curing means is omitted. You can also.

On the other hand, the maximum thickness formed once on the divided plates 41 and 42 which are discharged from the model material discharge nozzle 21 and the support material discharge nozzle 22 at least in the forward path or the return path is determined by the discharged liquid. The cross-sectional shape after landing of the droplet is determined by the unit discharge amount capable of retaining a substantially circular shape.
(Modeling plate)

  The modeling plate includes a first divided plate 41 and a second divided plate 42 in order from the front to the rear in a manner in which the modeling plate is divided in the Y direction (sub-scanning direction) and arranged in parallel. The first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 can be moved up and down integrally or individually by the Z-direction drive unit 32 (details will be described later). Here, the structure common as a modeling plate is demonstrated. When one slice is formed, the Z direction driving unit 32 is controlled by the control means 10, and the divided plates 41 and 42 are lowered by a distance corresponding to the thickness of one slice. Then, by repeating the same operation as described above, a new slice is stacked on the upper side (upper surface) of the first slice. A thin object is formed by laminating several thin slices produced in this way.

  In addition, when the modeled object has a so-called overhang shape that protrudes in the XY plane from a modeled part positioned below in the Z direction (that is, the height direction), when the modeled object is converted into data on the computer PC If necessary, an overhang support part shape is added. In other words, a modeled object having an overhang shape is a modeled object having a part (overhang part) in which a slice of a new model material is molded on an upper surface of a part where a slice of the model material already formed does not exist. is there. And the control means 10 models overhang support part SB based on the shape of the overhang support part simultaneously with modeling of model material MA which comprises the last molded article. Specifically, the overhang support portion SB is formed by discharging a support material SA different from the model material MA from the support material discharge nozzle 22 as a droplet. After the modeling, the target three-dimensional modeling object can be obtained by removing the support material SA constituting the overhang support part SB.

  As shown in the plan view of FIG. 3, the head unit 20 is moved in the horizontal direction, that is, the XY direction by the head moving means 30. The head unit 20 is supported by X-direction moving rails 46 which are a pair of X-direction (main scanning direction) guide mechanisms respectively arranged in the vertical direction in the drawing. On the base side that supports the head unit 20, a drive unit (not shown) in the X direction is provided along one X-direction moving rail 46. In addition, a Y-direction moving rail 47 for moving the head portion 20 in the Y direction (sub-scanning direction) is provided on a portal frame on which the head portion 20 is placed on the X-direction moving rail 46. Also, driving means (not shown) for driving the head unit 20 along the Y-direction moving rail 47 is placed. With these driving units, the head unit 20 can move in the X and Y directions.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the divided plates 41 and 42 are moved in the height direction, that is, the Z direction by the plate lifting / lowering means (Z direction driving unit 32). Thereby, the relative height of the head part 20 and the division | segmentation plates 41 and 42 can be changed, and three-dimensional modeling is attained. More specifically, the head unit 20 first discharges the model material MA and the support material SA as modeling materials from the model material discharge nozzle 21 and the support material discharge nozzle 22 to appropriate locations based on the slice data by the head moving unit 30. Therefore, the model material MA and the support material SA are discharged from a plurality of orifices that are reciprocated in the X direction and are provided in the discharge nozzles 21 and 22, respectively, and extend in the Y direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the Y direction width of each discharge nozzle 21 and 22 is smaller than the Y direction width that can be formed on the divided plates 41 and 42, and the Y direction of the model data for modeling Is larger than the total length of the orifice extending in the Y direction, after each reciprocating operation in the X direction at a predetermined position of each discharge nozzle 21, 22, each discharge nozzle 21, 22 is shifted by a predetermined amount in the Y direction, Along with reciprocal scanning in the X direction at that position, the model material MA and the support material SA are repeatedly ejected to appropriate locations based on the slice data, thereby generating a modeled object corresponding to all set modeling data I do.

  In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the plate elevating means for elevating and lowering the divided plates 41 and 42 is used as the Z-direction drive unit 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the divided plates 41 and 42 side in the height direction. It is also possible to employ a Z-direction drive unit that is fixed and moves the head unit side in the Z direction. Further, the movement in the XY direction may be performed by fixing the head portion side and moving the modeling plate side. Further, in the above example, the movement in the XY direction is integrated, but this may be separated, for example, the movement in the X direction on the head side and the movement in the Y direction on the modeling plate side Good. Thus, it is sufficient that the movement in the XYZ direction is relatively realized between the head unit and the modeling plate, and it is arbitrary whether the side to be moved in each direction is the head unit side or the modeling plate side. Can be allocated.

Further, as described above, the shift of the head portion 20 in the Y direction is not necessary if the width of each nozzle is substantially the same as the width of the modeling plate in the Y direction. Even in this case, for example, for the purpose of increasing the resolution in the Y direction of the modeled object determined by the interval between the orifices provided in the nozzles, each of the orifices is different from the orifice in the previous modeling by shifting the head part 20 in the Y direction. You may shift so that it may be located between orifices.
(Control means 10)

  The control means 10 controls the discharge pattern of the modeling material. That is, the model member MA and the support member SA are reciprocated in the X direction while discharging the model material MA and the support material SA onto the divided plates 41 and 42 by the modeling material discharging means in at least one of the reciprocal scanning in the X direction. After the modeling material is ejected onto the divided plates 41 and 42 by the modeling material ejection means 13 and at least one of the outward path and the return path, the curing means 24 is applied to the model material MA and the support material SA. In this case, the slice is generated, the relative positions of the divided plates 41 and 42 and the head unit 20 are moved in the height direction, and the modeling is performed by repeating the stacking of the slices. Although details will be described later, the removal or smoothing of the surplus surface of the modeling material by the roller unit 25 is performed after the modeling material is discharged onto the divided plates 41 and 42 by the modeling material discharging unit and to the curing unit 24. Before the surface of the modeling material is cured, at least one of the outward path and the return path is performed.

  The control means 10 discharges either the modeling material MA or the support material SA in one reciprocating scan in the X direction, and removes excess modeling material by the roller unit 25 and smoothes the surface. Then, after further curing by the curing means 24, the other modeling material that has not been ejected is ejected in the next and subsequent reciprocating scans, and the surface of the modeling material is removed and smoothed for curing. By performing these series of steps at least once, one slice is generated. Needless to say, the series of steps corresponding to one slice of data includes repeating a plurality of times depending on, for example, the final surface accuracy and modeling time required by the user. As a result, any one of the model material MA and the support material SA can be individually cured by discharging the other after removing or smoothing the surplus on the surface in an uncured state. There is an advantage that mixing at the interface between the material MA and the support material SA can be effectively avoided.

In this example, the model material MA is discharged first and then the support material SA is discharged. However, the support material may be discharged first, and then the model material may be discharged. Also, in this example, one of the modeling materials is discharged first, and after this is cured, the other modeling material is discharged and cured, and the model material and the support material are separately discharged and cured. Explained how to do. However, the present invention is not limited to this method, and the model material and the support material can be discharged simultaneously.
(Modeling material)

As described above, as the modeling material, the model material MA that is a final modeled object and the support material SA that supports the projecting portion from which the model material MA projects and is finally removed are used.
(Curing means 24)

As the model material MA, a light curable resin, for example, an ultraviolet curable resin can be used. In this case, the curing unit 24 is a light irradiation unit that emits light including a specific wavelength at which the material of the model material MA reacts and cures, and is an ultraviolet irradiation unit such as an ultraviolet lamp. As the ultraviolet lamp, a halogen lamp, a mercury lamp, an LED or the like can be used. In this example, the support material SA is also an ultraviolet curable resin. In the case of using an ultraviolet curable resin that is cured with ultraviolet rays having the same wavelength, the same ultraviolet irradiation means can be used, and an advantage that a light source can be shared is obtained.
(Model material MA)

  A thermoplastic resin can also be used as the model material MA. In this case, the curing unit 24 serves as a cooling unit. When using a thermoplastic resin for both the model material and the support material, by adopting a model material whose melting point is higher than the melting point of the support material, the molded object is higher than the melting point of the support material after the completion of lamination, The support material can be melted and removed by heating and keeping the temperature lower than the melting point of the model material. Furthermore, one of the model material and the support material can be a photo-curing resin, and the other can be a thermoplastic resin.

Alternatively, a material that can be cured by a chemical reaction with the curing material can be used as the model material. Further, the model material may be mixed with a liquid modifier as necessary in order to adjust the jetting characteristics such as viscosity and surface tension. Also, the injection characteristics can be changed by adjusting the temperature. Other examples of the model material include an ultraviolet photopolymer, an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, and urethane.
(Support material SA)

As the support material SA, basically, the same material as the model material described above can be used. However, it is desirable to add a removable material to a material similar to the model material from the viewpoint that the support material is finally a material that can be easily removed. Therefore, specifically, water swelling gel, wax, thermoplastic resin, water-soluble material, soluble material and the like can be used. For the removal of the support material SA, a method such as separation using a thermal expansion difference, which is dissolved by power washing such as aqueous solution, heating, chemical reaction, water pressure washing, or electromagnetic wave irradiation, depending on the properties of the support material, can be used as appropriate. . In particular, a water-soluble support material is preferable because the support material can be easily removed by immersing the obtained shaped article in water.
(Head 20)

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the head unit 20 of the inkjet three-dimensional modeling apparatus. The head unit 20 shown in this figure is provided with a dedicated discharge nozzle that individually discharges the model material MA and the support material SA as a modeling material discharge means. Specifically, a model material discharge nozzle 21 for discharging the model material MA and a support material discharge nozzle 22 for discharging the support material SA are provided in parallel with each other.

  In the head unit 20, a support material discharge nozzle 22, a model material discharge nozzle 21, a roller unit 25, and a curing unit 24 are provided from the left. Each discharge nozzle discharges an ink-shaped modeling material in the manner of a piezoelectric element type ink jet print head. The modeling material is adjusted to a viscosity that can be discharged from the discharge nozzle.

  In the example of FIG. 4, after the head portion 20 discharges the model material MA first, the support material SA is discharged. In addition, the head unit 20 discharges the modeling material on the outward path (left to right in the figure), and on the return path (right to left in the figure), scrapes excess resin from the outermost surface of the modeling material by the roller unit 25 to achieve smoothing. Thereafter, the smoothed resin is cured by the curing means 24.

Further, the head unit 20 shown in the example of FIG. 4 is divided into an ejection head unit 20A provided with an ejection nozzle and a recovery / curing head unit 20B provided with a roller unit and a curing means. Between the discharge head unit 20A and the recovery / curing head unit 20B, there is provided a rail guide 45 through which a Y-direction moving rail 47 for moving the head unit 20 is passed. As shown in the plan view of FIG. 3, the head unit 20 reciprocates in the Y direction along the Y direction moving rail 47. Further, both ends of the Y-direction moving rail 47 are supported by the head moving means 30. The head moving means 30 reciprocates in the X direction along a pair of X direction moving rails 46 provided in parallel along the top and bottom of the divided plates 41 and 42 so as to straddle the divided plates 41 and 42 in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the head unit 20 can be moved to an arbitrary position on the XY plane on the divided plates 41 and 42.
(Surplus resin recovery mechanism)

The head unit 20 further includes a surplus resin recovery mechanism for recovering the excessively discharged resin. That is, in the inkjet type three-dimensional modeling apparatus, in order to perform accurate modeling, extra modeling materials such as model materials and support materials are discharged, and surplus resin discharged on the modeling plate Modeling is performed while collecting by the resin recovery mechanism. Such a surplus resin recovery mechanism is shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. The surplus resin recovery mechanism shown in this figure presses the surface of the discharged model material MA and support material SA in an uncured state, removes surplus portions of the modeling material, and smoothes the surface of the modeling material The roller unit 25 is used. The example of FIG. 5 shows a state in which the surface of the discharged model material MA is leveled by the roller body 26 in an uncured state.
(Roller part 25)

  The roller part 25 is a member for scraping off excess from the discharged modeling material. By scraping off the surplus by the roller portion 25, it is possible to optimize the thickness of the uppermost layer of the modeled object at that time. That is, the thickness of the slice layer can be kept constant and the accuracy can be maintained. The roller portion 25 can also serve to smooth the surface of the modeling material.

  The roller unit 25 shown in FIG. 6 includes a roller main body 26 that is a rotating body, a blade 27 that is disposed so as to protrude from the surface of the roller main body 26, and a bus 28 that stores the modeling material scraped off by the blade 27. And a suction pipe 29 for discharging the modeling material accumulated in the bus 28. The roller body 26 is rotatably supported, and the uncured resin is pressed while rotating, so that the surplus portion is scraped and collected while leveling the surface of the resin. The roller body 26 is rotated counterclockwise (clockwise in FIG. 5) with respect to the traveling direction of the head portion 20, and scrapes off the uncured modeling material. The modeling material thus scraped up adheres to the roller body 26 and is carried to the blade 27, and then scraped off by the blade 27 and guided to the bus 28. For this reason, the blade 27 is disposed at a position behind the roller body 26 with respect to the traveling direction when the roller body 26 abuts on the resin surface, and is fixed in a downward gradient toward the bus 28. Similarly, the bath (bath) 28 is also disposed on the same side as the blade 27 with respect to the roller body 26 and is disposed below the blade 27. The suction pipe 29 is connected to a pump, and sucks and discharges the modeling material accumulated in the bus 28.

  The roller portion 25 scrapes off when the head portion 20 advances from the right to the left in the drawing. In other words, when the model material MA and the support material SA are discharged from the model material discharge nozzle 21 and the support material discharge nozzle 22 to the appropriate positions based on the slice data while the head portion 20 advances from the left to the right, respectively. The roller portion 25 does not contact the modeling material, and similarly, illumination from the light source of the curing means 24 is not performed. In the example of the main scanning direction from the left to the right of the head unit 20 in the figure, the main scanning direction as a return path from the right to the left after at least the modeling material is discharged from the nozzles 21 and 22 in the forward path. Then, the above-described scraping operation of the roller unit 25 is performed, and at least the curing means 24 as a light source for irradiating light for curing the model material MA is also operated.

  The light source of the curing unit 24 is disposed forward of the model material discharge nozzle 21 and the support material discharge nozzle 22 in the traveling direction. The flowable resin is not irradiated before it is removed and smoothed. On the other hand, it is of course possible to turn off the light source of the curing means 24 except when it is actively required. On the other hand, a plurality of curing means may be provided. For example, a first curing unit and a second curing unit are provided as the curing unit, and the resin after discharge is preliminarily cured by the first curing unit, and then the resin is further cured by the second curing unit. Thus, by making a hardening means multistage structure, the hardening ability of resin can fully be exhibited. In such a case, if the first curing means remains in preliminary curing and sufficient fluidity still remains in the resin after passing through the first curing means, the roller after the preliminary curing by the first curing means The excess resin may be scraped off at the portion, and then cured by the second curing means. That is, it is not always necessary that all the curing means be disposed on the next stage side of the roller portion.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the roller portion 25 is disposed in front of the curing means 24, on the left side in the figure, with respect to the traveling direction of the head portion 20. As a result, after the uncured modeling material is scraped off by the roller unit 25 first, the curing means 24 cures the modeling material. With such an arrangement, the modeling material can be scraped and cured in the same pass, and the advantage of being able to be processed efficiently is obtained.

  The basic concept of the arrangement of the support material discharge nozzle 22, the model material discharge nozzle 21, the roller unit 25, and the curing means 24 along the X-axis direction is as follows. Considering the forward direction of the head unit 20 in the main scanning direction as a base, one of the support material discharge nozzle 22 and the model material discharge nozzle 21 may be positioned in front of the other. With respect to such a nozzle layout, the roller unit 25 and the curing means 24, when it is desired to perform the action of the roller in the forward path, in the forward travel direction, behind the support material discharge nozzle 22 and the model material discharge nozzle 21 When the roller unit 25 and the curing means 24 are arranged in this order and the action of the rollers is to be performed in the return path, the roller unit 25 and the support material discharge nozzle 22 and the model material discharge nozzle 21 are moved backward in the direction of travel of the return path. What is necessary is just to arrange | position in order of the hardening means 24.

  Moreover, in the said Example, after discharging resin for becoming a new uppermost layer from the head part 20, with respect to the resin layer of the uncured uppermost layer in the middle of modeling, the excess resin by the roller part 25 of After scraping, a method of irradiating UV light for curing at least the uppermost resin layer by the curing means 24 was adopted.

  However, in addition to this configuration, the curing means can be configured in multiple stages as described above. For example, after a resin for forming a new uppermost layer is discharged from the head unit 20, the uppermost layer including the surplus resin layer is once irradiated with light by the curing unit 24, and then the uncured state of the uppermost layer in the middle of modeling is irradiated. There is also a method in which the upper resin layer is scraped off by the roller portion 25 and then irradiated with UV light for curing at least the uppermost resin layer by the curing means 24 again. In this case, the curing means 24 is provided with a pair of curing means in the head portion 20 in the front-rear direction sandwiching the support material discharge nozzle 22 and the model material discharge nozzle 21 in the X direction, that is, the main scanning direction of the head portion 20. Thus, the above-described irradiation can be performed twice.

In this case, the first irradiation and the second irradiation are combined to finally achieve the desired degree of curing of the resin, so the resin after the first irradiation is not in a cured state, For the subsequent scraping operation by the roller portion 25, the semi-cured state is flowable. For this reason, also in this case, the state of the uppermost layer before scraping off the resin by the roller portion 25 is expressed as an uncured state or a flowable state.
(Division plate 41, 42)

  The first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 can be moved up and down integrally or individually by the Z-direction drive unit 32. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 shown with the divided plates 41 and 42 visible, and FIG. 7 is a first divided plate inside the casing 3 constituting the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2. 41 is a perspective view of 41 and a second divided plate 42. FIG. As shown in these drawings, the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are supported by the Z-direction drive unit 32 so as to be movable up and down inside the casing unit 3 constituting the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2. . With the Z direction drive part 32, the 1st division | segmentation plate 41 and the 2nd division | segmentation plate 42 are raised / lowered separately, respectively. Specifically, the back surfaces of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are each supported by the support shaft 33, and the operation of the support shaft 33 is controlled by the Z-direction drive unit 32. For the raising / lowering operation, for example, the support shaft 33 is a ball screw, and the rotation of the ball screw is individually controlled by the Z-direction drive unit 32 to control the amount of raising / lowering, that is, the height of the divided plate.

  In a conventional three-dimensional modeling apparatus, a modeled object is modeled on one modeled plate, but the size of a modelable modelable object is limited to the size of the modeled plate. If a larger model is to be modeled, the model plate may be enlarged. However, when a large model is formed, the efficiency is not good when modeling a small model. Further, since the modeling time is generally several hours to several tens of hours in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus, once modeling is started, another modeling cannot be started until the modeling work is completed. Therefore, by preparing a plurality of modeling plates and enabling them to operate independently, when modeling a large model, a large one modeling plate is operated by operating a plurality of modeling plates integrally. As a modeling possible. On the other hand, when the modeled object is small, it can operate efficiently by modeling with only one modeled plate. Moreover, it is also possible to start the modeling of another modeled object with the other modeling plate while modeling with one modeling plate. In this way, by preparing a plurality of divided plates obtained by dividing one modeling plate into a plurality of sheets, it is possible to efficiently model even a small modeled object while corresponding to modeling of a large modeled object. It becomes possible.

  Here, when the modeling plate is divided into a plurality of divided plates, the direction of division becomes a problem. As a method of arranging the divided plates, for example, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 9A, it is conceivable to arrange two divided plates 41X and 42X side by side in the main scanning direction of the head unit 20. Generally, the modeling time can be shortened by reducing the number of times of movement in the sub-scanning direction as much as possible. The reason will be described below.

  The movement of the head unit 20 is configured to repeat the operation of moving in the sub-scanning direction after reciprocating in the main scanning direction. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8B to 8D, the head unit 20 is moved in the main scanning forward direction to discharge the modeling material (corresponding to FIG. 8B), and is moved in the main scanning backward direction to cure the modeling material. Thereafter (corresponding to FIG. 8C), the operation of moving in the sub-scanning direction by the modeling width in the sub-scanning direction formed by one reciprocating operation in the main scanning direction is repeated. Before moving the head part in the sub-scanning direction, it is necessary to reciprocate in the main scanning direction, so it is better to reduce the number of movements in the sub-scanning direction as much as possible and shorten the distance to move in the sub-scanning direction. It can be said that it is preferable from the viewpoint of shortening the moving distance of the head part and consequently increasing the modeling speed. In the example shown in this figure, the modeling for one layer of the modeled object WK is completed by one reciprocation of the head unit 20 in the main scanning direction.

  Therefore, when modeling a long and narrow shaped object, the direction in which the long direction of the shaped object is arranged along the main scanning direction as shown in FIGS. It can be said that it is more preferable in terms of the efficiency of movement of the head portion than the arrangement along the scanning direction. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8E and 8F, the modeled object WK is arranged so that the longitudinal direction is along the sub-scanning direction, and the maximum size of the modeled object WK in the sub-scanning direction is set to one reciprocating operation in the main scanning direction. In order to complete the modeling of the model WK, the movement of the head unit 20 in the sub-scanning direction does not have to be performed once, but it takes two times. become. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, a model WK having the same shape and size as the model WK shown in FIGS. 8E and 8F is arranged so that the longitudinal direction is along the main scanning direction. When the maximum size in the sub-scanning direction is smaller than the modeling width in the sub-scanning direction formed by one reciprocating operation in the main scanning direction, The movement in the sub-scanning direction is only required once.

That is, the number of movements of the head unit 20 in the sub-scanning direction is N, the maximum size of the shaped article WK in the sub-scanning direction is S _MAX , and the modeling width in the sub-scanning direction formed by one reciprocating operation in the main scanning direction. Is set to L, N = [S _MAX / L] +1, and the number of movements of the head unit 20 in the sub-scanning direction is reduced by arranging the modeled object WK to be as small as possible in the sub-scanning direction. .

  This means that when the modeled object WK is arranged on the modeled plate, the modeled object WK is arranged so that the maximum size in the sub-scanning direction of the modeled object WK is minimized, and is divided from one modeled plate on that premise. When forming a plurality of divided plates of the aspect, the main scanning of the modeling plate is performed by dividing the modeling plate in the sub-scanning direction to reduce the width of the modeling plate in the sub-scanning direction so that the modeling plate is not divided in the main scanning direction. It means that taking a longer width in the direction is preferable from the viewpoint of shortening the moving distance of the head part and, consequently, increasing the modeling speed.

  In general, the moving speed of the head unit 20 in the main scanning direction is faster than the moving speed of the head unit 20 in the sub-scanning direction. As described above, in the case where the modeling object WK is arranged so that the maximum size in the sub-scanning direction is minimized, and on the premise that one modeling plate is divided so that the width in the main scanning direction becomes long, the main scanning direction Since the rate of movement to the position increases, higher-speed modeling becomes possible.

  Furthermore, when the divided plates are arranged in the main scanning direction as shown in FIGS. 8A and 9A, when the head unit 20 is moved in the main scanning direction, one divided plate 41X and the other divided plate 42X are connected. It is necessary to make various modeling parameters constant, such as the same modeling conditions, for example, resin discharge amount, roller pressing force, and UV light intensity. In other words, it is difficult to change the modeling conditions between the one divided plate 41X and the other divided plate 42X. This is because, during the movement of the head unit 20 in the same main scanning direction, the molding conditions such as the resin discharge amount, the pressing force of the roller, and the intensity of the UV light are set at a timing straddling the divided plate 41X and the divided plate 42X each time. It is because it is not easy to change.

  In addition, when the modeled object is large, if the modeled object is arranged so as to straddle the divided plates 41X and 42X as shown in FIG. 10, the modeling work can be completed in a short time, but two divided plates are used simultaneously. Therefore, the divided plates are occupied together. For this reason, it cannot utilize in the aspect of using the other divided plate for other modeling while performing modeling with one divided plate (details will be described later).

  On the other hand, when the modeled object WK is arranged vertically as shown in FIG. 11, only one of the divided plates 41X is used, so that the other divided plate 42X can be secured and assigned to other work. Although improved, the number of times of movement in the sub-scanning direction is increased, and the modeling time is increased because the modeled object WK is arranged so that the side of the sub-scanning direction where the scanning speed is slow becomes longer.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, an arrangement is adopted in which the divided plates are arranged in the sub-scanning direction instead of the main scanning direction. By adopting such an arrangement example, the modeled object WK can be arranged in a posture that becomes long in the main scanning direction with a high scanning speed, the modeling time can be shortened, and the divided plate to be used can be only one side. The advantage that the use efficiency of the plate can be increased is obtained. In this example, the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are arranged in the Y-axis direction from the origin side of the XY coordinate axes. Moreover, the 1st division | segmentation plate 41 and the 2nd division | segmentation plate 42 are made to operate | move integrally as a modeling plate, and a modeling area can be expanded and it can respond also to modeling of a large molded article.

In addition, in the arrangement as shown in FIG. 12, the same modeling conditions can be maintained during the movement of the head unit 20 in one main scanning direction, and when straddling the divided plates, that is, the head unit 20 is moved in the sub-scanning direction. Since the modeling conditions can be changed only at the timing of movement, the modeling conditions can be switched smoothly. In addition, since the number of times of switching the molding conditions is only the timing at which the head unit 20 straddles the divided plates, it is far more than the configuration of switching each time when moving in the main scanning direction as in the configurations of FIGS. 8A and 9A. The number of times of switching can be reduced, switching control can be simplified, and the burden on hardware can be reduced. For example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13, the first dividing plate 41 and the second dividing plate 42 can be controlled to change the pitch in the Z direction, that is, the thickness of the modeling material, as a modeling parameter. Become.
(Modeling conditions)

Examples of modeling conditions that can be changed for each divided plate include the following modeling parameters.
Stack thickness in the Z direction (Z resolution): First, as a modeling parameter, a discharge amount of the modeling material can be mentioned. For example, by adjusting the stacking thickness in the Z direction, the Z direction quality and modeling speed of the modeled object can be changed.
-Resolution in the X direction: The quality of the model in the X direction can be adjusted.
-Resolution in the Y direction: The quality of the shaped object in the Y direction can be adjusted.
-Scanning speed in the X direction: The quality and modeling speed in the X direction of a model can be adjusted. In particular, it is useful for adjusting the deviation of the timing at which the modeling material is discharged during modeling and the warpage of the modeled object. Since the modeling material is ejected while scanning the head portion in the X direction, the landing positions tend to vary due to the influence of vibration, air resistance, and the like. Therefore, by slowing down the scanning speed in the X direction, the landing position is stabilized, which is beneficial for improving the modeling quality.
-Scanning speed in the Y direction: The quality and modeling speed of the modeled object in the Y direction can be adjusted.
-Strength of curing means 24: For example, when an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light is used as the curing means 24, the quality of the shaped article, for example, warpage can be adjusted by adjusting the lamp intensity.
Cooling capacity: A cooling fan may be provided inside the 3D modeling apparatus, and the cooling fan may be blown against the modeling plate to cool the heat generated when the modeling material is cured. In such a case, the quality of the model can be adjusted by adjusting the strength of the cooling capacity by controlling the number of rotations of the cooling fan, which is particularly advantageous for suppressing warpage.
The pressing force of the roller unit 25: The quality of the modeled object, for example, the surface state can be controlled by adjusting how the roller unit 25 is applied.
Interlayer waiting time: Interlayer waiting time means a condition in which the number of times and timing of stacking are different between divided plates, for example, while one layer is formed with one divided plate and the other divided plate is formed with three layers. To do. That is, in the divided plate unit, it is agreed that the time until the next layer is formed after one layer is formed changes. Thereby, modeling speed can be controlled.
(Z direction drive unit 32)

  The Z direction drive part 32 raises and lowers the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 individually. For example, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 7, the Z-direction drive unit 32 rotates the ball screw using a bearing shaft 33 that individually supports the back surfaces of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 as ball screws. Can be controlled individually and the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 can be moved up and down stably. The control means 10 sends a control signal to the Z-direction drive unit 32 so as to raise and lower the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 individually. In the example of FIG. 1 and the like, the support shaft 33 that supports the modeling plate is arranged in the vicinity of the center on the back side of the modeling plate, but is not limited to this configuration, for example, arranged at a position or a corner offset from the center. May be.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which two divided plates are arranged has been described. However, three or more divided plates can be used. For example, as shown in the modification of FIG. 14, three divided plates may be arranged in the sub-scanning direction. In this example, an example in which the first divided plate 41, the second divided plate 42, and the third divided plate 43 are arranged in the Y-axis direction from the origin side of the XY coordinate axes is shown.

  Alternatively, a finely divided plate obtained by further dividing a part of the divided plate can be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the first divided plate 41 is divided in the main scanning direction, and is constituted by two sub divided plates 41a and 41b. In this case, it is preferable that the divided plate to be divided into the sub divided plates is on the side close to the origin of the coordinates. This is because the stroke for returning to the origin can be shortened and used efficiently. In the example of FIG. 15, the first divided plate 41 is divided into a first sub-divided plate 41 a and a second sub-divided plate 41 b in the X-axis direction from the origin side of the XY coordinate axes and arranged.

  Alternatively, the other divided plate can be arranged so as to surround the vertical and horizontal sides of the one divided plate. For example, as shown in the modified example of FIG. 16, the second divided plate 42 </ b> C may be arranged so as to surround the right side and the upper side with respect to the first divided plate 41 </ b> C arranged with the rectangular lower left as the origin.

As described above, the modeling plate is divided into a plurality of divided plates, and the divided plates are individually operable while increasing the modeling area by arranging the divided plates side by side on the same plane. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently model a small model while modeling a large model.
(Coordinate axes)

In addition, regarding the way of holding the coordinate axes in the XY directions when the modeling plate is divided into a plurality of divided plates, in addition to the common XY coordinate axes as described above, as shown in FIG. You may control by giving a coordinate axis. In the example of the drawing, the coordinate axes of the first divided plate 41 are (X ₁ , Y ₁ ), and the coordinate axes of the second divided plate 42 are (X ₂ , Y ₂ ), and the coordinate axes are individually provided.
(Drive mode)

As described above, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus including a plurality of divided plates includes the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42, the synchronous drive mode in which the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are integrally driven, and the first divided plate. 41 and the second divided plate 42 can be switched between asynchronous drive modes for individually driving. An outline of the drive mode is shown in FIG. Such switching of the drive mode is not limited to the case where the user selects, but includes a case where the drive is automatically driven synchronously or asynchronously as a result of the arrangement of the object of the modeled object. (See below). When the synchronous drive mode is selected, as a three-dimensional modeling apparatus having a large modeling area in which the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are integrally combined, modeling of a large model straddling two divided plates It can be performed. On the other hand, when the asynchronous drive mode is selected, each divided plate can be individually controlled. The asynchronous drive mode further includes a single use using only one of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 and a multi-use using both the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42. Hereinafter, each drive mode will be described.
(Synchronous drive mode)

  In the synchronous drive mode, the modeling conditions during modeling in the modeling area are commonly set for convenience of modeling as one large modeling plate in which the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are combined. In other words, the modeling parameters that define the modeling conditions are not changed during the modeling in the synchronous drive mode. On the other hand, in the asynchronous drive mode, the modeling parameter may be changed during the modeling. For example, modeling parameters can be made different when modeling is performed in the first modeling area on the first divided plate 41 and when modeling is performed in the second modeling area on the second modeling plate.

  A specific example of modeling in the synchronous drive mode will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 19, consider an example in which five shaped objects WK1 to WK5 respectively arranged on the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are formed. In the synchronous drive mode, the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are integrally operated to virtually use as one large modeling plate. For this reason, since a modeling area can be ensured large, modeling of a big modeling thing which cannot be modeled with one division plate is also attained. Moreover, a molded article can be arrange | positioned in arbitrary positions including the boundary part of the 1st division | segmentation plate 41 and the 2nd division | segmentation plate 42. FIG. For example, in the example of FIG. 20B, the modeled object WK3 is arranged at the boundary portion between the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42. In other words, in the asynchronous drive mode, it is impossible to set the shaped object at the boundary portion of such a divided plate, and therefore the synchronous drive mode is advantageous in this respect.

  In the synchronous drive mode, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 20A, it is performed consistently from the start of modeling to the end of modeling. 20 indicates a scanning position SP (Scanning Position) in the Z direction of the head unit 20 (the same applies to FIGS. 22, 23, 25, 27, and 29 to 32). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20B, modeling of the five modeled objects WK1 to WK5 is started from the bottom surface portion. In this case, since the modeling of the low-profile modeling objects WK3 to WK5 is completed early, after the modeling of these modeling objects WK3 to WK5 is completed, modeling of only the modeling objects WK1 to WK2 is performed as illustrated in FIG. 20C. Will continue. When the modeling further proceeds, the modeling of the modeled object WK2 is also completed, and finally, as illustrated in FIG. 20D, only the modeled object WK1 is modeled. In this example, since the modeled object WK2 is cylindrical, the area to be modeled, that is, the cross-sectional area of the modeled object WK2 does not change even after the modeling time has elapsed. On the other hand, since the modeled object WK1 has a conical shape, the area to be modeled becomes smaller as the modeling work progresses. In this synchronous drive mode, the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are lowered simultaneously. As a result, an environment similar to that of modeling with a single large modeling plate is realized, and modeling is possible even with a large modeling object that cannot be modeled with a single divided plate.

The relationship between the drive state of the divided plates 41 and 42 and the modeling speed in the synchronous drive mode will be described with reference to FIGS. Shown in the perspective view of FIG. 21, division plate 41 and divided plate 42 astride shaped object WK1, and the shaping of the shaped object WK2, as shown in FIG. 22B, at time _{t 0,} starting from the bottom part. As shown in the timing chart of FIG. 22A, the first divided plate 41 second dividing plate 42 is lowered at the same time, as shown in FIG. 22C, at time t _1, is completed molding of the shaped object WK1. As shown in the timing chart of FIG. 22A, from time t ₁ to time t ₂ , the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are lowered at a higher speed because it is possible to concentrate on modeling the modeled object WK2. . It becomes a time t _2, the for shaping of the shaped product WK1 is completed, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 22A, the first divided plate 41 and the second division plate 42 is stopped at the shaping end position of the shaped article WK2 . In addition, when shifting to the process for taking out a molded article, although the division | segmentation plates 41 and 42 are raised or lowered, this operation | movement is abbreviate | omitted (Hereafter, it abbreviate | omits similarly in the description using a timing chart.). ).
(Individual operation prevention function)

  When operating by synchronous drive, it is necessary to prevent each divided plate from being driven individually until all the shaping in which each divided plate is arranged is completed. If the divided plates that are virtually driven as a single modeling plate operate individually, there is a risk that the modeled object placed between the divided plates may be destroyed, and an excessive force is applied. This is because the drive mechanism itself may be disturbed. Here, an individual operation preventing function that is indispensable for preventing each divided plate from operating individually will be described. First, when setting the operation in the synchronous drive mode, it is necessary to provide a means for preventing the individual plates from being set to be driven individually. For example, (1) means for prohibiting operation setting for driving the first divided plate and the second divided plate asynchronously, and (2) an object arranged across the first divided plate and the second divided plate There is provided a mounting determination means for determining whether or not it exists, and when it is determined by this mounting determination means that an object arranged across the two divided plates exists, it is arranged on the two divided plates. In addition, there is a means for setting so as to operate in a synchronous manner until the additive manufacturing of all objects is completed.

In addition, when operating by synchronous drive, it is necessary to stop the modeling of each divided plate individually or to prevent the modeling conditions from being changed. For example, (3) Two divided plates are used in the mounting determination means. Means for automatically setting the synchronous drive mode to be selected by the drive mode selection means when it is determined that there is an object arranged across the area, and making it impossible to select the asynchronous drive mode; (4) Examples include means for rejecting the request and continuing the synchronous drive when there is an operation request by asynchronous driving by the setting means.
(Normal modeling using a single split plate)

  In the synchronous drive mode described above, one large modeling plate is virtually realized by driving the two divided plates in synchronization. In other words, the modeling in the synchronous drive mode in which two divided plates are combined to form a virtual modeling area and the modeling by the 3D modeling apparatus using one large modeling plate are substantially Behave the same. In addition, in a 3D modeling apparatus having only one modeling plate, there is naturally no concept of synchronizing these as long as there are no multiple modeling plates, and therefore a plurality of divided plates are driven synchronously or asynchronously. Therefore, there is no plurality of drive modes for switching between them, and there is no concept of switching between the plurality of drive modes. Here, modeling using such a single divided plate is referred to as normal modeling, and a specific operation example will be described based on FIGS. 23A to 23D. Basic modeling is basically the same operation as in the synchronous drive mode.

As shown in the timing chart of FIG. 23A, the normal modeling is performed consistently from the start of modeling to the end of modeling. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 23B, modeling of the five modeled objects WK1 to WK5 is started from the bottom surface portion. In this case, since the modeling of the low-shaped objects WK3 to WK5 is completed early, after the modeling of these objects WK3 to WK5 is completed, only the objects WK1 to WK2 are modeled as shown in FIG. 23C. Will continue. When the modeling further proceeds, the modeling of the modeled object WK2 is also finished, and finally, as illustrated in FIG. 23D, only the modeled object WK1 is modeled.
(Asynchronous drive mode)

  In the case of operating in asynchronous driving under the situation where it is possible to operate in either synchronous driving in which a plurality of divided plates are integrally driven as one plate or asynchronous driving in which they are individually driven, FIG. As shown in Figure 1, each split plate has a single use (uses only plate 1) that uses multiple split plates as a single unit, and a multi-use that uses multiple split plates together (uses 1 and 2 plates) There are two modes of use. In this specification, the state where one divided plate is driven is defined as single drive, and the state where two or more divided plates are driven is defined as multi-drive. Then, when another split plate is added to the single drive plate in single drive and driven, the drive state of the split plate becomes multi-drive, and the first single use becomes multi-use. In other words, the usage mode in which a plurality of divided plates are used as a result can be called multi-use. Therefore, in this specification, the latter is adopted, and finally, for a series of modeling, a usage mode in which the use of one divided plate is sufficient is a single usage, and a usage mode in which a plurality of divided plates are used. Multi-use.

  In addition, when operating a plurality of divided plates in multi-use, from the viewpoint of when to start each divided plate, (1) Start modeling simultaneously with the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 And (2) a driving state in which modeling is started with the second divided plate 42 simultaneously with the completion of modeling with the first divided plate 41, and (3) the second divided plate during modeling with the first divided plate 41. 42 can be classified into a driving state in which modeling is started.

  The type of (3) further includes (4) a driving state in which modeling with the second divided plate 42 is performed as soon as possible from the viewpoint of when to finish each divided plate, and (5) the first division. It can classify | categorize into the drive state which complete | finishes modeling simultaneously with the plate 41 and the 2nd division | segmentation plate 42.

  If these types are arranged in terms of which divided plate has priority for modeling, the type (1) is classified when there is no priority in modeling. The type (2) is classified when priority is given to modeling with the first divided plate 41. The type (4) is classified when priority is given to the other interrupt modeling that starts in the middle of one modeling. The type (5) gives priority to the completion of modeling simultaneously, whereby both the support material processing for the modeled object can be started simultaneously.

Next, usage modes and driving states in the asynchronous driving mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 24 to 32. First, the single drive operation using only one of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 will be described. In the asynchronous drive mode, since the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are driven independently, the arrangement of the shaped object straddling the boundary portion between the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 I can't. Accordingly, here, an example in which a plurality of shaped objects are arranged as shown in the perspective views of FIGS. 24, 26, and 28 instead of FIGS. 19 and 21 will be considered.
(Single use: Single drive)

First, the relationship between the drive state of the division | segmentation plate 41 in single use and modeling speed is demonstrated based on FIG. 24, FIG. 25A-FIG. 25D. In this single use, modeling is performed by a single drive using only one of the divided plates. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, three shaped objects WK1 to WK3 are modeled using only the first divided plate 41. Further, in the single drive, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 25A, it is performed consistently from the start of modeling to the end of modeling. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25B, at time _{t 0,} to start molding of the three dimensional object WK1~WK3 from the bottom portion. As shown in the timing chart of FIG. 25A, the first divided plate 41 is lowered by itself, as shown in FIG. 25C, at time _{t 1,} is completed molding of the shaped object WK2～WK3. As shown in the timing chart of FIG. 25A, a period from time t ₁ to time t _2, the order to be able to focus on shaped the shaped object WK2, first dividing plate 41 is lowered by itself faster. It becomes a time t _2, the for shaping of the shaped product WK1 is completed, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 25A, the first divided plate 41 is stopped at the shaping end position of the shaped article WK2.
(Multi-use)

Next, multi-use will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 26 to 32. Multi-use is a drive mode in which individual modeling (modeling 1, modeling 2) is performed with the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42. The timing at which the modeling 2 is started and the timing at which the modeling 2 is ended can be arbitrarily set.
(Multi-use: Simultaneous start)

First, the simultaneous start multi-use (corresponding to (1) simultaneous start in FIG. 18) for simultaneously starting the modeling with the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 is based on FIGS. 26 and 27A to 27D. explain. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 26, the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are used to form five shaped objects WK1 to WK5. Here, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 27A, modeling is started simultaneously with the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42, and the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are integrated by multi-drive. (FIG. 27B (time t ₀ )), but the modeling finish timing is different (FIG. 27D (time t ₂ ), FIG. 27E (time t ₃ )). Specifically, the modeling of the second divided plate 42 is completed earlier than the modeling of the first divided plate 41 (FIG. 27D (time t ₂ )), and thereafter only the modeling of the first divided plate 41 is performed. Will continue in a single drive. In addition, at the time when the modeling with the second divided plate 42 is completed, it is possible to take out the modeled objects WK4 to WK5 from the second divided plate 42 even while the modeling with the first divided plate 41 is continued. .

Such simultaneous multi-use operation is possible when there is no priority order for the modeled object, and all the modeled data of each divided plate is prepared at the time when modeling is started.
(Multi-use: Start after completion)

In the simultaneous multi-use described above, the example in which the modeling with the first divided plate 41 and the modeling with the second divided plate 42 are simultaneously performed has been described. However, multi-use is not limited to this mode, it is also possible to start with only one model of shaping with one of the divided plates, and to switch to modeling with single drive with the other divided plate after completion. it can. Such multi-use (corresponding to (2) the previous modeling priority in FIG. 18) for starting the other modeling after the completion of one modeling will be described based on FIGS. 28 and 29A to 29D. For example, as shown in FIG. 28, four shaped objects WK1 to WK4 are formed using the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate. In this example, unlike the example of FIG. 26, the modeled object WK4 has the highest height, and the modeling of all the modeled objects is completed, as shown in FIG. 29E, the second segmented plate 42 is the first segmented plate. Lower than 41. Here, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 29A, modeling with the first divided plate 41 is started first (FIG. 29B (time t ₀ )), and after that, switching to modeling of the second divided plate 42 is performed. 29C (time t ₁ ) Specifically, as shown in FIG.29B to FIG.29C, modeling of the modeled objects WK1 to WK3 is simultaneously started with a single drive on the first divided plate 41 (see FIG. 29B (time t ₀ )) Then, when the shaping on the first divided plate 41 is completed, the process proceeds to shaping on the second divided plate 42, and on the second divided plate 42 as shown in FIG. shaped in the shaped object WK4 is started in a single drive (Fig. 29D (time _t 2)). When the time becomes _{t 2,} for shaping of the shaped object WK1 is completed, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 29A The first divided plate 41 is stopped at the modeling completion position of the modeled object WK1, and when the modeling of the modeled object WK4 is completed, the modeling of all the modeled objects is completed as shown in FIG. t ₃ )) In this example as well, the modeling object WK <b> 1 to the modeling object WK <b> 1 from the first dividing plate 41 even when the modeling with the second dividing plate 42 is continued when the modeling with the first dividing plate 41 is completed. WK3 can be taken out.

In such a multi-use start after the end, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 29A, since the modeling with the first divided plate 41 that has started modeling is prioritized, in response to a request to prioritize the previous modeling. Useful.
(Multi-use: Interrupt start)

  As described above, in multi-use, unlike in the synchronous drive mode, modeling is performed individually for each divided plate, so it is not necessary to start modeling of the other divided plate at the time of starting modeling of one divided plate. . For example, during creation of modeling data of one divided plate, modeling can be started with the other divided plate based on modeling data that has already been created. Then, when modeling data can be created, the modeling can be interrupted while the modeling with the other divided plate is continued so that the modeling is started on one divided plate.

  Here, there are a plurality of split plates that can be driven in this manner, that is, the split plates that can be driven independently, and while the split plate is already in operation, the other split plates are driven and new Interrupting modeling is defined as interrupt modeling. Hereinafter, in interrupt modeling, interrupting and starting modeling is referred to as an interrupt start.

Multi-use (corresponding to (3) interrupt modeling in FIG. 18) that allows such an interrupt start will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 and 30A to 30E. In this multi-use of interrupt start, it is not always necessary to start molding with two divided plates at the same time, and it is not necessary to end them simultaneously. Of course, it is not prohibited to start simultaneously (described above) or to end simultaneously (described later). In this sense, the above-mentioned simultaneous start multi-use and the simultaneous end multi-use described later are included. However, in order to distinguish between them, here, a case where the shaping of the other divided plate is interrupted at an arbitrary timing during the shaping of the one divided plate is shown in the timing chart of FIG. 30A. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 26, the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are used to form five shaped objects WK1 to WK5. In this example, in the state where the modeling 1 with the first divided plate 41 is started by single driving (FIG. 30B (time t ₀ )), the second division is performed in the middle of the modeling 1 with the first divided plate 41. The modeling 2 on the plate 42 is started by multi-drive (FIG. 30C (time t ₁ )). Then, when the modeling 2 with the second divided plate 42 is completed, only the modeling 1 with the first divided plate 41 is continued by single driving (FIG. 30D (time t ₂ )). Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 30B to 30C, modeling 1 on the first divided plate 41, here, modeling of the modeled objects WK1 to WK3 is started (FIG. 30B (time t ₀ )), and FIG. As shown in the figure, the modeling 2 on the second divided plate 42 is interrupted and modeling of the modeled objects WK4 to WK5 is performed at the same time (FIG. 30C (time t ₁ )). Modeling further proceeds, as shown in FIG. 30D, modeling of the modeled objects WK4 to WK5 is completed on the second divided plate 42, and modeling of the modeled objects WK2 to WK3 is completed on the first modeled plate, and the remaining modeled object WK1 is shaped is continued (Fig. 30D (time _t 2)), when the molding of the shaped object WK1 ends at the first division plate 41, as shown in FIG. 30E, all of the shaped object is shaped (FIG. 30E (time t ₃ )).

  In such multi-use of interrupt start, since it is not necessary to have all the modeling data of each divided plate at the time of starting modeling, efficient operation is possible. That is, when it takes time to create modeling data, without waiting until all modeling data is created, modeling is started when modeling data of one divided plate used in multi-drive is created, When the modeling data of the other divided plate can be created, an efficient modeling operation can be performed by performing an interruption.

  Or, if you start modeling with only one split plate with single drive at the beginning and suddenly need additional modeling during the modeling work, switch from single drive to multi drive and perform additional modeling. The modeling can be interrupted so that the object is modeled with the other divided plate, and the modeling work of the modeled object can be started without waiting for the completion of the modeling work already being performed.

Here, the example in which the modeling with the second divided plate 42 is finished earlier than the modeling with the first divided plate 41 is not limited to this example. Depending on the progress of modeling on the two-divided plate 42, the modeling on the first divided plate 41 may end earlier than the modeling on the second divided plate 42.
(Multi-use: Interruption or slow speed of interrupted modeling)

In the multi-use of interrupt start described above, both the interrupted side and the interrupted side take extra modeling time for the modeling time of the opponent side. On the other hand, it is possible to prioritize the modeling on the interrupted side by interrupting or slowing down the modeling on the interrupted side. Such multi-use (corresponding to modeling priority after (4) in FIG. 18) for interrupting or slowing down the interrupted modeling will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 and 31A to 31E. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 26, the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are used to form five shaped objects WK1 to WK5. In this example, the modeling 1 with the first divided plate 41 is interrupted while the modeling 1 with the first divided plate 41 is started by single driving (FIG. 31B (time t ₀ )). Modeling 2 on the divided plate 42 is started by single driving (FIG. 31C (time t ₁ )). Then, when the modeling 2 with the second divided plate 42 is completed, only the modeling 1 with the first divided plate 41 is continued with a single drive (FIG. 31D (time t ₂ )). Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 31B to 31C, modeling 1 on the first divided plate 41, here, modeling of the modeled objects WK1 to WK3 is started (FIG. 31B (time t ₀ )), and FIG. As shown, the modeling 1 on the first divided plate 41 is interrupted in a state where the modeling has progressed to some extent, the modeling 2 on the second divided plate 42 is interrupted, and the modeling objects WK4 to WK5 are also modeled simultaneously (see FIG. 31C (time t ₁ )). Then, the modeling further proceeds, and as shown in FIG. 31D, the modeling of the modeled objects WK4 to WK5 is completed on the second divided plate 42, and at the same time, the modeling of the modeled objects WK1 to WK3 that was interrupted is resumed (FIG. 31D (time t ₂ )). As shown in FIG. 31E, when the modeling of the modeled object WK1 is completed on the first divided plate 41, all the modeled objects are modeled (FIG. 31E (time t ₃ )).

  In the multi-use that interrupts or slows down the interrupted modeling, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 31A, modeling with the second divided plate 42 that has started modeling is prioritized. Useful for requests that you want to prioritize.

Moreover, although the example which interrupts the modeling 1 in the 1st division | segmentation plate 41 was demonstrated here, it is not limited to this example, Even if it slows down the modeling speed of the modeling 1, Later modeling 2 will be prioritized. For example, as described later, after forming the second divided plate 42 for a plurality of layers, the first divided plate 41 is formed for one layer, and the layer formation on the first divided plate 41 is delayed to form 1 The modeling speed is slowed down, and the modeling with the second divided plate 42 is relatively accelerated. As a result, the subsequent modeling 2 is given priority.
(Multi-use: Simultaneous termination)

  In addition, the time required for modeling with each divided plate varies depending on the size (particularly height) and the number of the modeled objects. For this reason, in the example of FIG. 27A, the modeling of the second divided plate 42 is completed earlier than the first divided plate 41 even if the modeling is started at the same time. Thus, the end timing of modeling is determined by the size of the modeled object under normal modeling conditions.

On the other hand, when the modeling object is modeled with the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42, there is a case where it is desired to match the corner of the modeling with the timing of finishing the modeling. For example, when a water-soluble support material is used, the support material may begin to dissolve with moisture in the atmosphere over time. For this reason, when modeling is completed, the modeled object may be quickly taken out from the three-dimensional modeling apparatus and the support material may be removed. At this time, if the end time of the modeled object formed by the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 is different, the user goes to a place where the three-dimensional modeling apparatus is located at each end timing and takes out the modeled object. It is necessary to perform work, and the efficiency becomes worse. Also, for example, if both modelings are completed by a predetermined time, both support material processing can be started, whereas even if one modeling is completed early, the other modeling is completed by a predetermined time. Otherwise, the modeled object may be left in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus for a long time after the modeling is completed, and the efficiency may deteriorate from the viewpoint of the total modeling time including the support material processing. For this reason, there exists a request | requirement of taking out all the molded objects obtained with both the division plates at the same timing. Therefore, regardless of the size of the modeled object, the modeling start time, etc., the modeling condition is intentionally changed by the modeling condition adjustment means that automatically changes the modeling condition so that the modeling finish timing is almost the same time. It can also be made. The modeling condition adjusting means is provided in a setting data creating apparatus for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that sets modeling data (details will be described later).
(Modeling end timing adjustment function)

Here, with respect to an example of the modeling end timing adjustment function for adjusting the modeling end timing at the same time by the modeling condition adjusting means, that is, multi-use of simultaneous termination (corresponding to (5) neglect avoidance in FIG. 18), FIG. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 32A to 32E. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, using the first divided plate 40 and the second divided plate 42, five shaped objects WK1 to WK5 are formed. In this example, as shown in FIGS. 32B to 32C, modeling 1 on the first divided plate 41, here, modeling of the modeled objects WK1 to WK3 is started (FIG. 32B (time t ₀ )), and shown in FIG. 32C. In the state where modeling has progressed to some extent, modeling 1 on the first divided plate 41 is continued, modeling 2 on the second divided plate 42 is interrupted, and modeling of the modeled objects WK4 to WK5 is simultaneously performed (FIG. 32C). (Time t ₁ )). From time t ₁ , as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 32A, control is performed by a modeling condition adjusting unit described later so as to match the modeling end timing (FIG. 32D (time t ₂ )). Then, the modeling progresses further, and as shown in FIG. 32E, modeling of the modeled objects WK4 to WK5 on the second divided plate 42 and modeling of the modeled object WK1 on the first divided plate 41 are completed almost simultaneously. A model is modeled (FIG. 32E (time t ₃ )).
(Modeling condition adjustment means)

From this time t ₁ , modeling with the first divided plate 41 and modeling with the second divided plate 42 are not simply performed under the same modeling conditions, but with the modeling condition adjusting means so that the end times coincide with each other. Adjust the modeling conditions. Here, the procedure for adjusting the modeling conditions by the modeling condition adjusting means will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, in step ST101, the first division plate modeling completion scheduled time when the first division plate 41 is continued under the current modeling conditions, and the second division when the second division plate 42 is modeled under the expected modeling conditions. The plate modeling end scheduled time (that is, the modeling time on the second divided plate 42) is calculated. Next, in step ST102, the calculated first divided plate modeling completion scheduled time and the second divided plate modeling scheduled completion time are compared to check which modeling completion scheduled time is earlier. And the difference of modeling completion scheduled time is calculated.

  Next, in step ST103, the modeling condition adjusting unit calculates a modeling condition to be changed according to the calculated difference. In step ST104, the modeling condition is rewritten so that the modeling condition calculated by the modeling condition adjusting unit is applied as the actual modeling condition.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 32A, when it is determined that the modeling with the first divided plate 41 is finished before the modeling with the second divided plate 42 under each currently set modeling condition, the modeling end scheduled time In accordance with the difference, the first shaping condition on the first divided plate 41 side is changed so as to delay the shaping on the first divided plate 41. Specifically, the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are not formed alternately and sequentially by the head portion 20, but after the second divided plate 42 is formed by a plurality of layers, the first divided plate 41 is formed. Sculpture a further portion. In other words, the formation of the first divided plate 41 is thinned out once to a plurality of times, the layer formation on the first divided plate 41 is delayed, and the formation of the second divided plate 42 is relatively accelerated.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 32A, modeling 2 on the second divided plate 42 continues under the desired modeling conditions, while modeling 1 on the first divided plate 41 has a slower tempo than the original modeling conditions. Will continue. As apparent from comparison with FIG. 30A described above, it can be confirmed that the modeling speed in the first divided plate 41 is reduced. Further modeling proceeds, as illustrated in FIG. 32E, the modeling of the modeled objects WK4 to WK5 is completed on the second divided plate 42, and the modeling of the modeled object WK1 is completed on the first divided plate 41. In this way, the modeling of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 is completed at substantially the same timing.

  In this way, by changing the modeling conditions by the modeling condition adjusting means, it becomes possible to match the timings of modeling completion, and it is possible to simultaneously perform the work of taking out the modeled object from the plurality of divided plates. Can be improved, and deterioration of the modeled object can be avoided.

In the above example, the example in which the modeling condition is adjusted by the modeling condition adjusting unit so as to delay the modeling time so that the modeling ending time is matched with either one of the modeling times being delayed has been described. With this method, it is possible to match the modeling end times without reducing modeling accuracy. However, the present invention is not limited to this method, and it is possible to change the modeling conditions so as to accelerate the modeling so that either one of the modeling times with the earlier modeling time matches the other modeling time. For example, the discharge amount of the model material and the support material is increased, and the number of scans is reduced. If it is this method, while the modeling thing will be obtained in a short time, the precision of the modeling thing obtained with any one divided plate will fall with modeling time. In particular, when the modeling conditions are adjusted on the side of the divided plate that has started modeling, the accuracy changes from the middle of modeling. Therefore, the modeling condition adjusting means may be limited so as not to change the modeling condition that lowers the accuracy of the modeling condition of the divided plate during modeling.
(Range of changeable modeling conditions)

  In addition, other limitations can be imposed on the range of modeling conditions that can be changed by the modeling condition adjusting means. For example, when reducing the number of stacks in order to shorten the modeling time, since a decrease in the number of stacks above a certain level results in a decrease in resolution, modeling conditions that can be changed by the modeling condition adjusting means according to an acceptable resolution, In particular, it is possible to limit the number of stacks that can be reduced in order to shorten the modeling time. On the contrary, in order to lengthen the modeling time and delay the modeling end time, when thinning the layer modeling relatively compared to the other divided plate, if the number of layers to be thinned is increased too much, the modeling material may deteriorate. is there. For example, if the modeling timing of a certain layer and the modeling timing of a layer laminated thereon are opened too much in time, it is possible that the uncured modeling material melts and the accuracy decreases. Therefore, a limit is set on the length of the interval in which the molding is not performed in a range in which such quality degradation does not occur. For example, the number of layers to be thinned is limited. Further, in the case of a modeled object with a small area to be modeled, the modeling time of each layer is also shortened, and in this case, the number of layers to be thinned out can be increased. Thus, according to the time when modeling is suspended, modeling of the other divided plate can be performed.

  Alternatively, as a compromise of both, if the modeling time is late, adjust the modeling conditions so that the modeling end time is advanced, and if the modeling time is early, adjust the modeling conditions so that the modeling end time is delayed. It is possible to shorten the modeling end time while suppressing a decrease in modeling accuracy.

  In the example of FIGS. 32A to 32E, the example in which the modeling condition is changed so that the modeling end timing is matched after the modeling with the first divided plate 41 is started first. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the modeling condition is adjusted by the modeling condition adjusting means so as to approach the timing of finishing the modeling within a range in which the modeling condition can be changed. For example, even when modeling is started simultaneously with the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42, the modeling end timing may be adjusted to coincide. In this way, in multi-use, the timing of the start and end of modeling of each divided plate is originally arbitrary, but in various aspects, by changing the modeling conditions within the allowable range by the modeling condition adjusting means The finish timing of modeling can be matched.

In addition, matching the finish timing of modeling is not limited to the case of completely matching in units of seconds, and may include some deviation. For example, the modeling conditions can be set so as to allow a timing shift within a range of 1 minute, 5 minutes, or 10 minutes.
(Drive mode misidentification prevention function)

  FIG. 34 is a conceptual diagram showing a screen of the setting data creation program displaying the divided plates 41 and 42 in the synchronous drive mode. As shown in this figure, it is possible to visually grasp that the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are in contact with each other like a single modeling plate, and the synchronous drive mode is selected. It is clear at a glance. FIG. 35 is an image diagram showing a screen of a setting data creation program that displays a modeled object that is arranged across the divided plates in the synchronous drive mode. As shown in this figure, since the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 can be imaged as one modeling plate, a large model that cannot be arranged without straddling between the divided plates can be arranged without a sense of incongruity. .

On the other hand, when the asynchronous drive mode is selected, the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are displayed separately. FIG. 36 is a conceptual diagram showing a screen of the setting data creation program displaying the divided plates in the asynchronous drive mode. As shown in this figure, since both divided plates are separated from each other, it can be intuitively understood that the asynchronous drive mode is selected. FIG. 37 is an image diagram showing a screen of a setting data creation program that displays a modeled object placed on both divided plates separated in the asynchronous drive mode. As shown in this figure, since the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 can be imaged as separate modeling plates, when trying to arrange a large shaped object that cannot be arranged without straddling the two divided plates, There is a sense of incongruity, and it has been devised so that it is not arranged across the divided plates sensuously.
(Setting data creation device 1 for 3D modeling device 2)

  In each driving mode as described above, the position on which divided plate the modeled object is modeled and the modeling accuracy at that time, for example, the modeling conditions such as the resolution in the XY direction and the pitch in the Z direction are specified. The modeling parameters are set by the setting data creation device 1. The setting data creating apparatus 1 is realized by a setting data creating program executed by a general purpose or dedicated computer, in addition to being configured by dedicated hardware.

  Next, the setting data creation apparatus 1 that instructs the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 to provide data of a model will be described based on the block diagram of FIG. The setting data creation device 1 for the 3D modeling apparatus 2 shown in this figure includes an input means 61 for acquiring 3D data such as CAD data, and the acquired 3D data, for example, STL (Stereo Lithography Data). According to the display means 62 for displaying the object which shows the modeling thing prescribed | regulated by the three-dimensional data converted into data in three dimensions, the setting means 65 for performing various settings and adjustments, and the set modeling parameters Data generation 64i for generating data that can be read by the 3D modeling apparatus 2 on the basis of calculation means 64 for calculating the optimum attitude and arrangement position of the object and setting data for driving the 3D modeling apparatus according to the determined attitude and position. And output means 66 for outputting data generated in a data format that can be read by the 3D modeling apparatus 2 to the 3D modeling apparatus 2 side. .

As described above, as an example of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus, the setting data creation apparatus 1 that sends the setting data of the three-dimensional model to the inkjet three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 will be described. The setting data creation device 1 does not specify the three-dimensional modeling apparatus to be used as an ink jet method, and is an effective method as long as it is a three-dimensional modeling device using a UV curable resin or a thermoplastic resin even in other methods.
(Input means 61)

Next, each member of the setting data creation apparatus shown in FIG. 38 will be described. First, the input means 61 is a member for taking in three-dimensional data in which the shape of the modeled object is created in advance by three-dimensional CAD or the like. As the three-dimensional data, data created in accordance with a standardized general-purpose or dedicated data format can be used. For example, STL, STEP, IGES, Parasolid, ACIS, HST50, NGRAIN, OBJ, DXF, VRML, XVL, HTML, etc. Is available. In this example, an object that is three-dimensional data corresponding to a modeled object is input as an STL.
(Display means 62)

The display unit 62 is a member for displaying the calculation result of the calculation unit 64 and the setting content of the setting unit 65, and a monitor or a display can be used. For example, LCD, CRT, organic EL, etc. can be used. Moreover, the display means 62 and the setting means 65 can be used together by using a touch panel.
[Setting means 65]

  The setting means 65 includes a parameter setting means 63, a position adjusting means 65b, a drive mode selecting means 65c, an end time specifying means 65d, an arrangement reference setting means 65e, a priority plate specifying means 65g, an interrupt shaping setting means 65h, an interrupt approval means. Functions such as 65i are realized. As such setting means, a pointing device such as a mouse and various input devices such as a keyboard and a console can be used.

  The parameter setting means 63 is a member for setting modeling parameters. The position adjusting unit 65b is a member for the user to finely adjust the optimum posture and optimum position calculated by the calculating unit 64, or to manually adjust a desired position and posture.

  The drive mode selection means 65c is a member for selecting either the synchronous drive mode or the asynchronous drive mode as the drive mode when the modeling plate is composed of a plurality of divided plates. Further, the drive mode selection means 65c is also a member for selecting either single use or multi use as the usage mode of each divided plate in the asynchronous drive mode. In addition, when the modeling plate is configured by a plurality of divided plates, the priority plate designating unit 65f determines which division when the object arranging unit 64b arranges the object on the virtual modeling area corresponding to any divided plate. It is a member for designating whether or not to place it preferentially over the plate.

  Further, the end time designating means is a member for designating the time for ending the modeling with the modeling plate or the divided plates 41 and 42. The arrangement reference setting means 65e is a member for setting an arrangement reference serving as a reference for determining which of the plurality of objects corresponding to the modeled object is to be arranged in the virtual modeling area corresponding to the modeling plate. is there. The arrangement reference setting means 65e can also include the function of the priority order specifying means 65g (details of the arrangement reference setting means will be described later).

In accordance with the general optimization conditions set by the parameter setting unit 63, the calculation unit 64 calculates the optimal posture and the optimal position of the object. Further, the position adjusting means 65b allows the user to adjust the position of the object placed on each virtual modeling area by the object placing means 64b.
(Modeling parameters)

  In the three-dimensional modeling, the amount of the required model material MA is invariant regardless of the posture and position of the object, but the amount of the support material SA that supports this depends on the posture and arrangement state of the model material MA. Change. Therefore, it can be said that the smaller the amount of the support material used, the more efficient the molding can be done while suppressing the consumption of the expensive support material.

On the other hand, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus generally has a problem that a modeling time is relatively long. For example, in an inkjet three-dimensional modeling apparatus, a model material MA and a support material SA are used as modeling materials, and these modeling materials are ejected while reciprocating the head portion 20 on a modeling plate to form a slice for one layer. To do. Since the slice is sequentially laminated from the lower layer to obtain a modeled object having a desired height, the number of slices increases as the modeled object height increases, and the modeling time increases accordingly. For this reason, it is important to reduce the height of the shaped object placed on the shaping plate.
(Parameter setting means 63)

As described above, the optimum posture and position of the object change depending on which one of the minimum modeling time and the minimum usage amount of the modeling material is given priority. In other words, it can be said that these are modeling parameters that define conditions for three-dimensional modeling. Therefore, the user designates, using the parameter setting means 63, which one of the modeling parameters is given priority for the three-dimensional modeling. For this reason, the parameter setting means 63 is used to set which of the plurality of modeling parameters is to be subjected to the three-dimensional modeling that is to be prioritized and minimized.
(Modeling parameter setting means 63a)

  The modeling parameter setting unit 63a corresponds to each of the above-described synchronous drive mode, asynchronous drive mode, single use, and multi use, and individually sets the modeling conditions of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42. It is also possible to integrally set the modeling conditions in common. In addition, in the multi-use of interrupt start, it is not necessary to set the modeling conditions of other split plates at the time of starting modeling with one split plate, and set the modeling conditions of each split plate at the time of interrupt start It can be done.

  When it is desired to set the Z-direction modeling speed by changing the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42, for example, (1) the stacking thickness (pitch) of the modeling material in the Z direction is set for each divided plate. Or (2) setting each by changing the scanning frequency ratio of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 by the head unit 20.

  As an example of (1), if the first divided plate 41 is driven at a pitch of 20 μm and the second divided plate 42 is driven at a pitch of 15 μm in the Z direction, the first divided plate 41 can be formed at a higher speed. At this time, a modeled object to be modeled at a high speed may be arranged on the first divided plate 41 and a modeled object to be modeled at a high quality may be arranged on the second divided plate 42. The modeling parameter may be input as a numerical value or a selection formula for the pitch for each divided plate.

  As an example of (2), if the first divided plate 41 is scanned three times while the second divided plate 42 is scanned once, the first divided plate 41 can be shaped at high speed. For example, immediately after forming a single layer with the first divided plate 41, the operation of executing modeling with the same plate is repeated twice, and the third time is 1 with the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate as one plate. Try to make a round shape. As the modeling parameter, for example, the time for completing the modeling for three times on the first divided plate 41 may be set as a waiting time, and the modeling of the second divided plate 42 may be started again after the waiting time has elapsed.

  Alternatively, the modeling parameters may be set such that, for example, the first divided plate 41 is scanned three times and then the second divided plate 42 is scanned four times. You may make it set with a ratio. Since the number of scans on one side is set to 1, it is sufficient to set the ratio for the other divided plate. In any setting method, it is possible to perform modeling by changing the speed of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 in the Z direction without changing the pitch in the Z direction by setting the modeling parameters.

  Furthermore, when it is necessary to start interrupting with the other divided plate while modeling with one divided plate in the single modeling mode described above, if the driving of the divided plate during modeling is stopped, as described above In addition, the support material may begin to dissolve with the moisture in the atmosphere as time passes. However, with one divided plate, for example, the ratio of the number of scans of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 is 10: 1. While performing high-speed modeling, the influence of the stop can be avoided by continuing the modeling on the other plate without stopping.

  The modeling parameter setting unit 63a can set the resolution in the X direction, which is the main scanning direction, of the head unit 20 for each divided plate. For example, to increase the resolution in the X direction, the scanning speed in the X direction is set to be slow. Alternatively, the head unit 20 can be set to scan in the X direction twice and offset in the Y direction. In this case, since two layers of modeling material are stacked, the resolution in the Z direction can be increased for each divided plate by adjusting the pitch in the Z direction and the ejection amount of the modeling material from the head unit 20. Alternatively, the number of step movements in the Z direction can be reduced.

  Furthermore, the modeling parameter setting unit 63a can set the intensity of the UV light for each divided plate. The light amount of the UV light is adjusted so that the discharged modeling material is cured, but if the light amount is too strong, the modeled object is heated by the reaction heat and is cooled by the downflow by the fan provided in the head unit 20. However, it may be deformed. On the other hand, if the amount of UV light is too weak, the modeling material is difficult to cure, and the shape may collapse. For this reason, by changing the light quantity of the UV light for each divided plate and setting, for example, two shaped objects with different UV light quantity conditions can be obtained from one three-dimensional data, and the user can set the UV light quantity condition. It is possible to select a shaped object that is suitably reflected.

  Furthermore, the modeling parameter setting means 63a can set the modeling material for each divided plate. In order to avoid the influence of reaction heat generated when the modeling material is cured by UV light, by setting the modeling material for each divided plate, for example, the first divided plate 41 uses a heat-resistant model material, The second divided plate 42 can be shaped using a normal model material. Alternatively, for example, the first divided plate 41 can be modeled using the transparent model material MA1, and the second divided plate 42 can be modeled using the black model material MA2.

  FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the model material switching means 33 for switching the model material for each divided plate. In this embodiment, the head unit 20 includes one unit composed of a head that ejects the model material MA and a head that ejects the support material SA, and includes two units. One unit is connected to, for example, a tank filled with the transparent model material MA1, and the other unit is connected to a tank filled with the black model material MA2.

  When changing the modeling conditions, by switching the electromagnetic valve 33A, the transparent model material MA1 is supplied to each unit of one head unit 20 when modeling with the first divided plate 41, and the second divided When modeling with the plate 42, the black model material MA2 is supplied. Thereby, for example, the first divided plate 41 can be modeled with the transparent model material MA1, and the second divided plate 42 can be modeled with the black model material MA2. The model material switching means 33 is not limited to the above, and for example, a mechanism may be provided in which the head unit 20 is configured as one unit and the model material MA supplied to the unit is switched.

Furthermore, the modeling parameter setting means 63a can set the method of applying the roller portion 25 for each divided plate. Depending on how the roller part 25 is applied, the surface state of the modeled object changes. For example, when the roller part 25 is strongly applied to the modeling material discharged from the head part 20, the trajectory of the roller part 25 may remain on the surface and lightly apply. And glossiness may appear. By making it possible to set the method of applying the roller unit 25 for each divided plate, the user can obtain, for example, two shaped objects having different textures and different methods of applying the roller unit 25 at a time. It is possible to select a model that suitably reflects how to apply.
(Support material contact area)

In addition, the modeling parameter is not limited to the modeling time and the usage amount of the modeling material (support material SA in the ink jet method), and can include other indexes. For example, an area where the support material and the model material are in contact with each other can also be defined as a modeling parameter. In particular, in the case of the inkjet method, the surface of the model material that is in contact with the support material becomes rough and the interface between the model material and the support material in an uncured state at the time of modeling As a result of the mixing of the support material, the surface of the model material after curing becomes cloudy, and the transparency and texture are worse than the surface where the support material is not joined, resulting in a matte mat surface. On the other hand, the surface of the model material that is not in contact with the support material is a glossy surface that is glossy or glossy. As the surface finish, it is sometimes required to have a glossy surface, that is, a glossy surface as much as possible, or in other words, to reduce the matte surface, since the glossy surface looks better. Therefore, minimizing the contact area of the support material to the model material surface, that is, the mat surface, can also be used as a modeling parameter to be taken into consideration when setting the three-dimensional modeling conditions.
[Calculating means 64]

  The calculation means 64 is a member for performing various calculations according to various conditions set by the setting means. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 38, the calculation unit 64 includes functions of an object placement unit 64b, a modeling time calculation unit 64d, a modeling material amount calculation unit 64e, a plate information acquisition unit h, and a modeling condition adjustment unit 64f. Yes.

  The object placement unit 64b calculates based on the modeling parameters and priorities set by the parameter setting unit 63 so that the posture and position of the object are optimized. When there are a plurality of objects, the optimum posture and the optimum position are calculated for each object (details will be described later).

The modeling condition adjusting unit 64f is a member for automatically adjusting the modeling condition under a predetermined condition. For example, in the case where a plurality of divided plates are provided as described above, the modeling conditions are automatically changed so that the modeling end timing is almost coincident with the modeling object regardless of the size of the modeled object or the modeling start time. It is a member for. The modeling end timing adjustment function is also as described above.
(Modeling time calculation means 64d)

  The modeling time calculating means 64d is a member for calculating a modeling end scheduled time for ending modeling of all the modeling objects allocated on the dividing plate for each dividing plate. Further, the planned modeling end time calculated by the modeling time calculation means can be displayed on the display means.

Further, the modeling time calculation unit 64d uses the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 as a virtual large modeling plate in the synchronous drive mode, or uses a single modeling plate instead of the divided plate. In some cases, a modeling end scheduled time for ending modeling of all the modeling objects assigned to such a modeling plate is calculated.
(Modeling material amount calculation means 64e)

  The modeling material amount calculation means 64e is a member that calculates the amount of modeling material necessary to model all the modeling objects.

As a result, the estimated modeling completion time and the estimated amount of resin used for each divided plate, or the estimated modeling completion time and the estimated amount of resin used for a single modeling plate are presented to the user via the display means 62. can do. Based on this result, the user can confirm whether or not the desired modeling has been realized, and can perform fine adjustment with the position adjusting means 65b or the like as necessary.
(Data generation means 64i)

  The data generation means 64i is a member for generating modeling data that can be modeled by the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the modeling conditions set for each divided plate by the modeling parameter setting means 63a. Here, the modeling data includes setting data including control information for performing modeling under modeling conditions specified by the modeling parameters and object data. The data generation means 64i generates modeling data in which the modeling parameters set for each divided plate by the modeling parameter setting means 63a are reflected on the three-dimensional data of the object OB arranged for each divided plate. The object data is usually obtained as slice data in the form of XY plane coordinate data obtained by slicing the three-dimensional data of the object OB in the Z direction for each Z pitch. The data generation means 64i does not have the setting data separately instead of generating the modeling data including the setting data and the object data as separate data, but does not have the setting data separately, but under the modeling conditions specified by the modeling parameters. The modeling data may be generated in a form in which the control information for performing is reflected in the object data.

  The data generation means 64i creates modeling data from the three-dimensional data of the object OB arranged for each divided plate and the modeling parameters that define the modeling conditions set by the modeling parameter setting means 63a. And sent to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2.

  First, on the 3D modeling apparatus side, various specification data and machine body specific data are stored in the storage means. The specification data corresponds to, for example, the pitch in the Z direction and the speed and acceleration in the drive parameters XYZ direction. In the case of the pitch in the Z direction, for example, the value is stored as 15 μm in the high accuracy mode and 20 μm in the standard mode.

  In addition, the machine-specific data is stored, for example, the discharge voltage of each head unit 20 for each head or for each accuracy mode. Since the performance of each head varies from machine to machine, how much voltage is applied to each head, such as 110V in the high accuracy mode and 115V in the standard mode, is stored as a value unique to the machine. .

  Other aircraft-specific data includes the position of the home position (the origin of the XY coordinates), assembly accuracy, etc., which are set as data specific to each aircraft, and may vary depending on the semiconductor used in the aircraft. It has been adjusted.

On the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 side, all the modeling data until the modeling completion sent from the setting data creation apparatus 1 side is temporarily stored. Then, based on the temporarily stored modeling data and the specification data and machine specific data in which the machine is always stored, how to control the movement of the head unit 20 and the ejection of the molding material, and each divided plate Decide how to drive and perform the actual modeling process.
(Data generation in multi-drive: no synthesis)

  Here, the case where the modeling parameter A and the modeling parameter B are set on the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 by the modeling parameter setting unit 63a will be described.

  The data generation means 64 i creates modeling data A reflecting the modeling parameter A from the three-dimensional data in the STL data format arranged on the first divided plate 41. When the pitch in the Z direction of the modeling parameter A is, for example, 15 μm, the object data A is created by calculating so that the object OB of the three-dimensional data is virtually sliced every 15 μm. Similarly, the data generation means 64 i creates object data B reflecting the modeling parameter B from the three-dimensional data in the STL data format arranged on the second divided plate 42.

  Subsequently, the data generation means 64i determines the modeling parameter A from the modeling data A in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 based on the specification data, the machine body specific data, and the modeling parameter A that are always stored on the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 side. Setting data A including control information for performing modeling under the set modeling conditions is created. Similarly, the data generation unit 64i creates setting data B including control information for performing modeling under the modeling condition in which the modeling parameter B is set from the modeling data B.

That is, the setting data A includes control information for modeling the three-dimensional structure in the first divided plate 41 from the modeling data A in the X ₁ Y ₁ coordinate system that is a coordinate system unique to the first divided plate 41. Similarly, the setting data B includes control information for modeling a three-dimensional structure from the modeling data B in the X ₂ Y ₂ coordinate system that is a coordinate system unique to the second divided plate 42.

The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 side, when the molding in the first division plate 41 is set is sent from the data creation apparatus 1 side, temporarily stored on the basis of modeling data A, X ₁ Y ₁ the XY direction scanning Perform in the coordinate system. Further, when the molding in the second division plate 42 is sent from the set data generating apparatus 1 side, temporarily stored on the basis of modeling data B, performs the scanning in X ₂ Y ₂ coordinate system. The first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are driven independently in the Z direction based on the setting data A and the setting data B, respectively.

In addition, instead of generating the modeling data A including the setting data A and the object data A as separate data, the data generation unit 64i does not have the setting data separately but is specified by the modeling parameter A. Modeling data A may be generated in a form in which control information for modeling under modeling conditions is reflected in object data A (the same applies hereinafter).
(Data generation in single drive)

Single drive is a drive state in which any one of the divided plates is not formed. To realize this drive state, only one of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 is formed in the multi-drive. The
(Data generation in synchronous drive mode)

  As described above, in single driving, modeling is performed continuously in one coordinate system, and in multi driving, there is a home position for each divided plate, and processing is performed to change the coordinate system each time modeling is performed. ing.

  On the other hand, in the synchronous drive mode, the data generating unit 64i processes the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 in one coordinate system. In the synchronous drive mode, since the modeling is performed under the same modeling conditions on the modeling plate in which each divided plate is united, the modeling conditions set by the modeling parameter setting unit 63a are the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate. 42 and common.

  Here, the reason why the modeling data is generated so as to operate in one coordinate system in the synchronous drive mode is as follows. By making the modeling parameter A and the modeling parameter B the same by multi-driving, it is possible to model in the first split plate 41 and the second split plate 42 under the same modeling conditions. It is not assumed that a large three-dimensional structure that straddles the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 is formed.

  When thinking about independent modeling with the divided plates arranged in parallel, avoiding UV light from the currently driven divided plate and defective particles of the molding material hitting the adjacent divided plate to the already completed divided plate In order to do this, the idea that the object OB is not arranged by providing a margin at the boundary between the divided plates is born.

  The main purpose of the multi-drive is to obtain a usability such that a modeled object that does not straddle between the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 is a modeling target and the same object OB is modeled simultaneously under different modeling conditions. Therefore, as much as possible, the boundary between the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 is provided with a margin so that the object OB is not arranged and the modeling is performed so that each of them operates independently of the coordinate system. It is preferable to generate data.

  On the other hand, the synchronous drive mode is based on the premise that a modeling object straddling the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 is a modeling target, and both plates are driven under the same modeling conditions from the modeling start time. Since it is not necessary to provide a margin at the boundary between the divided plates, it is desirable to generate modeling data so that the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are processed in one coordinate system. I can say that.

  For specific processing, the data generation means 64i creates modeling data C reflecting the modeling parameters C from the three-dimensional data in the STL data format arranged on the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42, and the tertiary Based on the specification data, machine body specific data, and modeling parameters C that are always stored on the original modeling apparatus 2 side, modeling is performed under the modeling conditions in which the modeling parameters C are set from the modeling data C in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2. The setting data C including control information for creating is generated.

On the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 side, scanning is performed in one XY coordinate system on the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 by one common head unit 20. Further, in the Z direction, based on the setting data C, both plates are driven so that the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 perform the same operation.
(Data generation in multi-drive: combine)

  In the above-mentioned embodiment about data generation in multi-drive, it is generated in the form of modeling data and created for each divided plate, and each divided plate is driven based on the separately created modeling data.

  On the other hand, when the interruption start is performed under the same modeling conditions, or when modeling is started under the same modeling conditions, in the multi-drive, the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are used under the same modeling conditions. In the case of driving, it is also possible to synthesize each modeling data so that modeling can be performed with one coordinate system as in data generation in the synchronous driving mode.

  The modeling with one coordinate system is simpler than the modeling with two coordinate systems separately, and the modeling process is optimized in the 3D modeling apparatus 2 according to the simplified algorithm. Thus, higher-speed modeling becomes possible.

  In the case of an interrupt start, modeling is in progress on one split plate, and when switching from single drive to multi drive, modeling information on how far modeling has been completed on the split plate in the middle of modeling is obtained, and thereafter By synthesizing the object data part to be modeled and the object data to be interrupted, the object OB part to be modeled and the object OB to be interrupted can be modeled with one modeling data. Modeling information indicating how much modeling has been completed on the divided plate in the middle of modeling may be acquired from the setting data creation device 1 side or may be acquired from the three-dimensional modeling device 2 side.

  When one modeling is completed under multi-drive in which modeling is performed with one synthesized modeling data, a process of generating data as separate modeling data for each divided plate from the synthesized one modeling data is necessary. In other words, it is not necessary to synthesize object data when switching from multi-drive to single drive. When switching from multi-drive to single drive, obtain modeling information on how far modeling has been completed on the other divided plate that is in the middle of modeling, and then transfer the object data part to be modeled to the other divided plate Data is generated as single modeling data. The modeling information of the divided plate in the middle of modeling may be acquired from the setting data creation device 1 side or may be acquired from the three-dimensional modeling device 2 side, as in the case of interrupting. Note that the timing for switching from multi-drive to single drive can be calculated, and modeling information at that time can also be calculated, so modeling data converted from synthesis to non-synthesis may be generated when setting up interrupt modeling. .

  For specific processing, here, the first split plate 41 is driven and modeling is performed with the modeling parameter D, while the second split plate 42 is driven and modeling is performed with the same modeling parameter D. In the following description, it is assumed that the object data is synthesized.

  The interrupt modeling setting means 65h acquires modeling information indicating how much modeling has been completed on the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 by a plate information acquisition means 64h described later. Then, the interrupt modeling setting means 65h determines from the modeling information acquired by the plate information acquisition means 64h that an interrupt start is possible in the second divided plate 42, and if possible, the data generation means 64i The object OB to be interrupted on the second divided plate 42 and the object OB portion to be formed on the first divided plate 41 are combined as object data D. At the same time, the data generation means 64i generates the modeling parameter D from the modeling data D in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 based on the specification data, the machine body specific data, and the modeling parameter D that are always stored on the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 side. Setting data D including control information for performing modeling under the set modeling conditions is generated, and modeling data D including the synthesized object data D and setting data D is created for each divided plate. On the other hand, the interrupt modeling setting unit 65h does not shift to the interrupt start setting when the plate acquisition unit 64h determines that the second divided plate 42 is not ready to start modeling.

  The interrupt modeling setting unit 65h independently performs modeling on the other divided plate after completion of modeling on one of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 when setting the interrupt modeling. Modeling data D ′ necessary for continuing is generated. The modeling data D ′ includes the object data D ′ reflecting the modeling parameter D in the modeling incomplete object OB portion on the other division plate when the modeling on the one division plate is completed, the first division plate 41 and the first division plate 41. It includes setting data D ′ consisting of control information for the divided plate that is continuously driven out of the two divided plates 42.

  On the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 side, scanning is performed in one XY coordinate system on the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 by one common head unit 20. In the Z direction, both plates are driven based on the setting data D so that the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 perform the same operation.

  Next, while the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are driven and modeling is performed in one coordinate system with the modeling parameter D, the modeling with the first divided plate 41 is completed, and the second division is performed. Description will be made assuming that the modeling with the plate 42 is continued.

On the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 side, scanning in the XY directions is performed in the X ₂ Y ₂ coordinate system based on the modeling data D ′ sent from the setting data creation apparatus 1 side and temporarily stored. In the Z direction, the second divided plate 42 is driven independently based on the setting data D ′.

The above shows an example of generating data in one coordinate system by combining the objects of the first divided plate and the second divided plate at the time of interrupt start, but when the modeling parameters are different, etc. Even so, an interrupt start is possible. When the synthesis is not performed, the data generation unit 64i separates the modeling data reflecting the modeling parameters from the three-dimensional data in the STL data format of the object OB in the divided plate that performs the interrupt start separately from the divided plate in the middle of modeling ( Create without synthesis. On the other hand, the interrupt modeling setting unit 65h does not shift to the interrupt start setting when it is determined that the interrupt start is impossible.
(Plate information acquisition means 64h)

  The plate information acquisition unit 64h is in a state of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42, that is, whether or not modeling is being performed, whether or not modeling has been completed, and whether or not a modeled object has been taken out. The plate information indicating whether or not the head unit 20 of 42 is returned to the home position and the modeling information indicating how far the modeling is completed are acquired from the setting data creation device 1 or the three-dimensional modeling device 2. It is a member for doing. By acquiring the plate information, it is possible to determine whether or not the other divided plate is in a state in which modeling can be started during modeling in one of the divided plates, and if it is in a state in which modeling can be started, interrupt modeling is performed. be able to. Further, by obtaining modeling information at the time of interrupt modeling, the data generation means 64i can synthesize object data.

  The setting data creation device 1 includes storage means (not shown), and temporarily stores the plate information and modeling information described above in the storage means. The modeling information may be sequentially acquired from the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2, or may be calculated from the modeling completion scheduled time calculated by the modeling time calculation unit 64d and the time from the modeling start to the calculation time.

  When the setting data creation device 1 for sending the modeling data to the three-dimensional modeling device 2 is one, the plate information and the modeling information are acquired from the storage unit of the setting data creation device 1. On the other hand, when there are a plurality of setting data creation apparatuses 1 and a plurality of users use a single 3D modeling apparatus 2, the 3D modeling apparatus 2 is connected to the 3D modeling apparatus 2 via the Internet or an intranet by, for example, cloud computing. You may make it synchronize plate information and modeling information between the some setting data creation apparatuses 1 or between the some setting data creation apparatuses 1. FIG.

When the plate information acquisition unit 64h acquires plate information and modeling information from the 3D modeling apparatus 2, the plate information acquisition unit 64h is a plate temporarily stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the 3D modeling apparatus 2. Get information and modeling information. In this case, even if there are a plurality of setting data creation devices 1, the latest plate information and modeling information can be acquired.
(Interrupt modeling setting means 65h)

  The interrupt modeling setting means 65h mainly determines whether or not modeling can be started based on the plate information acquired by the plate information acquisition means 64h, and if any one divided plate can be modeled, It is a member for setting the modeling start with the segmentable plate. As shown in the schematic diagram of the three-dimensional modeling system 100 shown in FIG. 40, the interrupt modeling is performed using a plurality of setting data creation devices 1a, 1b, 1c,. Through the sharing of one 3D modeling apparatus 2, different users perform. In addition, the same user can also perform with one setting data creation device 1.

  Here, the start after the end of multi-use described above is an aspect in which another divided plate is driven after the completion of modeling, not during continuation of modeling, and a new modeling is started. No new modeling is done by interrupting the modeling. On the other hand, when the interrupt request is rejected by the interrupt approval means 65i, the user who made the interrupt request is prompted to move to the start procedure after the end of multi-use and approves it. Until the modeling during modeling is completed, the start of new modeling is awaited. In other words, the multi-use start after interrupt request rejection is the same as the interrupt start in terms of processing the interrupt request. It will be described as a “moulding” model.

The overall flow of modeling at the start of interruption or after completion will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. While modeling is being performed on any one of the divided plates, as shown in this flowchart, first, in step ST201, the setting data creation device 1 generates modeling data for starting modeling from now on. And transmitted to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2. In step ST202, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 executes a routine for modeling. Finally, in step ST203, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 executes a routine for taking out a modeled object when modeling is completed. After the modeled object is taken out, if there is a divided plate that is being modeled, in step ST202, modeling with the divided plate that is in the middle of modeling is continued. finish.
(Function to recalculate the estimated modeling completion time and required modeling material amount during interrupt modeling)

  When performing interrupt modeling, modeling data for interrupt modeling, interrupt method of whether it is interrupt start or after start, whether to synthesize object data, factors such as how to place object OB, etc., and the interrupting side The modeling end time and the required amount of modeling material for each divided plate change as the modeling on the side to be interrupted affects each other. At the time of interrupt modeling, by recalculating the modeling completion scheduled time for each divided plate and the amount of required modeling material, the user on the side of the interrupt modeling can determine the modeling completion scheduled time and the required modeling material amount You can decide whether to accept or reject the interrupt start by referring to the degree of change. In addition, the user on the interrupt modeling side finishes the modeling data to be interrupted and the interrupt start, referring to the estimated modeling completion time calculated in consideration of the preceding modeling and the amount of required modeling material It is possible to set an interrupt method as to whether to start later, whether or not to synthesize object data, an arrangement method of the object OB, and the like.

For this reason, at the time of interrupt modeling, the modeling completion estimated time for every division | segmentation plate and the quantity of required modeling material are recalculated. Specifically, at the time of interrupt modeling, the modeling time calculation means 64d performs modeling data for interrupt modeling, an interrupt method for whether to start interrupting or after interrupting, whether to synthesize object data, object OB In consideration of the arrangement method, the interruption time for taking out the modeled object after the modeling is completed, the modeling completion scheduled time is recalculated. In addition, it is necessary to consider the modeling data to be interrupted by the modeling material amount calculation means 64e, the interrupt method of whether the interrupt is started or after the end, the arrangement method of the object OB, etc. Recalculate the amount of modeling material.
(Generation / transmission of modeling data for interrupt start)

  Generation of modeling data for performing an interrupt start and transmission of the modeling data to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 are performed by the setting data creation apparatus 1. This flow will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. For convenience of explanation, regarding the members of the setting data creation device 1, the interrupt modeling setting means 65h, the display means 62, the modeling time calculation means 64d, and the modeling material amount calculation means 64e, the members on the side where the interrupt modeling will be set from now on The symbol “a” is added to the end of the name, and the symbol “b” is added to the end of the name of the member on which the setting during modeling is performed with any one of the divided plates.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 42, in step ST301, the user presses the interrupt request button displayed on the user interface of the display means 62a to interrupt the setting data creation device 1b. Make a request. This interrupt request may be made to the 3D modeling apparatus 2 or may be transmitted from the 3D modeling apparatus 2 to the setting data creating apparatus 1b.

  Next, in step ST302, the plate information acquisition unit 64ha of the setting data creation device 1a on the interrupt modeling side acquires plate information. The plate information includes the state of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42, that is, whether or not modeling is in progress, whether or not modeling has been completed, and whether or not a modeled object has been taken out, Plate information indicating whether or not the head unit 20 has returned to the home position, and modeling information indicating, for example, how much modeling has been completed are included.

  Next, in step ST303, the interrupt modeling setting means 65ha of the setting data creation device 1a determines whether or not the other divided plate can be interrupted based on the plate information acquired in step ST302.

  As judgment criteria, it is essential that (1) there is a divided plate that is not driven, and (2) a modeled object is already taken out from the divided plate, and if all of the judgment criteria are satisfied, Interrupt start is possible. In addition, (3) when the head unit 20 has not returned to the home position in the non-driven divided plate, an operation of returning the head unit 20 to the home position is performed during the interrupt modeling. Note that (3) does not determine whether or not the head unit 20 has returned to the home position, and as an initial operation during interrupt modeling, the head unit 20 is returned to the home position and then an interrupt start is set. Good.

  If it is determined in step ST303 that the interrupt can be started on the other divided plate, in step ST304, the interrupt modeling setting means 65ha selectively inputs the modeling data and interrupt method for interrupt modeling. The sequence is executed.

  The interrupt modeling data is modeling data to be interrupted in which modeling conditions such as posture and arrangement are determined. Further, the interrupt method (A) completes interrupt modeling at the fastest speed (corresponding to modeling priority after (4) in FIG. 18), and (B) completes both current modeling and interrupt modeling early (FIG. 18). (3) Corresponding to interrupt modeling), (C) The modeling end time can be selected simultaneously with the current modeling ((5) Corresponding to avoiding neglect in FIG. 18).

  In step ST304, the modeling time calculation unit 64da and the modeling material amount calculation unit 64ea determine the modeling completion scheduled time for each divided plate and the necessary modeling material based on the selected interrupt modeling modeling data and the interrupt method. Recalculate the quantity.

  In step ST305, the interrupt modeling setting unit 65ha displays the interrupt modeling information such as the recalculated modeling end time obtained in step ST304, and the display unit 62a of the setting data creation device 1a on the interrupt modeling side. And display an approval request as to whether or not to execute an interrupt start, and display similar interrupt modeling information on the display means 62b of the setting data creation device 1b on the interrupt modeled side. Then, request the approval of interrupt modeling for interrupt start to the user who is modeling.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 43, the interrupt modeling setting means 65ha calculates the planned modeling end time and the amount of required modeling material for each divided plate reflecting the interrupt modeling data and the interrupt method. It displays on the user interface of the display means 62a of the setting data creation device 1a on the interrupt modeling side. At the same time, a button for selecting whether to accept or reject the interrupt start is displayed on the user interface. When the approval button is pressed, the interrupt modeling setting means 65ha allocates information data relating to the planned modeling end time and the required amount of modeling material for each divided plate reflecting the interrupt modeling data and the interrupt method. The data is transmitted to the setting data creation device 1b on the side to be modeled, and an approval request for interrupt modeling is made to the user who is modeling in advance (details will be described later). The interrupt modeling setting unit 65ha executes a process for preparing the modeling data in step ST306 when the approval is obtained through the interrupt approval unit 65i of the setting data creation device 1b.

  In step ST305, the interrupt modeling setting unit 65ha sets the start after the end from step ST308 without performing the interrupt start when the approval is not obtained through the interrupt approval unit 65i of the setting data creation device 1b. Execute the sequence for In the above-described embodiment, the interrupt modeling information 1a on the interrupt modeling side presents the interrupt modeling information after the recalculation, and leaves room for selection based on the information not to start interrupting. However, the approval request | requirement with respect to interrupt modeling may be made directly with respect to the side by which interrupt modeling is carried out in step ST305, without going through the process. Further, when the approval is not obtained through the interrupt approval unit 65i of the setting data creation device 1b, the interrupt request itself may be canceled.

  When the interruption start approval is obtained in step ST305, in step ST306, the data generation means 64i obtains the object data of the unfinished part of the object OB being modeled and the object data of the object OB scheduled for interrupt modeling. In addition to synthesis, modeling data including control information is generated. In addition, you may make it produce | generate the modeling data for every division | segmentation plate by setting not to synthesize | combine.

  Next, in step ST307, the data generation means 64i turns on an interrupt flag for executing an interrupt start, and the interrupt modeling setting means 65ha sends modeling data including control information of the interrupt flag to the 3D modeling apparatus 2. Send to.

  If it is determined in step ST303 that interrupt start is not possible with the other divided plate, or if it is selected not to execute interrupt start based on the recalculated interrupt modeling information, the end from step ST308 A sequence for setting a post-start is executed.

  In step ST308, the interrupt modeling setting means 65ha of the setting data creation device 1a determines whether or not the other divided plate can be started after the end based on the plate information obtained in step ST302.

  When it is determined in step ST308 that the other divided plate can be started after the completion, in step ST309, the modeling data when the modeling time calculation means 64da and the modeling material amount calculation means 64ea are started after completion, and Based on the interruption method, the modeling completion estimated time and the required amount of modeling material for each divided plate are recalculated.

  In step ST310, the interrupt modeling setting unit 65ha displays the interrupt modeling information such as the recalculated modeling completion estimated time obtained in step ST309, and the display unit 62a of the setting data creation device 1a on the interrupt modeling side. And request to approve whether or not to start after completion.

  When the approval of the start after completion is obtained in step ST310, in step ST311, the data generation means 64i turns on the continuous modeling flag for executing the start after completion, and the interrupt modeling setting means 65ha sets the continuous modeling. The modeling data including the flag control information is transmitted to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2.

  When it is determined in step ST308 that it is impossible to start after completion with the other divided plate, or when it is selected not to perform the start after completion based on the interrupt modeling information recalculated in step ST310, In step ST312, the interrupt modeling routine is terminated.

  As described above, if the user who wants to perform interrupt modeling can obtain the approval of the user during modeling if the divided plate is ready to be modeled, it can start interrupting, and if it is in a state where interrupt starting is not possible, modeling The setting for starting modeling can be performed simultaneously with the completion of modeling inside. On the other hand, the user during modeling can approve or reject the interrupt start based on the displayed interrupt modeling information.

  In addition, since the interrupting modeling that is started after the completion is being modeled with one of the divided plates, it is a setting that starts modeling with the divided plate that was not driven after the completion of the modeling, so start after finishing Judgment criteria for whether or not interrupt modeling is possible are the same as in the case of interrupt start. For this reason, if it is determined in step 302 that an interrupt start is impossible, the interrupt modeling routine may be terminated without determining in step ST308 that the interrupt modeling itself is impossible.

  As a modification, when the 3D modeling apparatus 2 can take out a modeled object that has been modeled with the other divided plate during modeling with one of the divided plates, and can start modeling with the other divided plate again. May be positioned as an embodiment of continuous modeling, for example, interrupt modeling that starts after completion. In other words, the criteria for determining whether or not interrupt modeling can be started after completion in step ST308 is changed, and modeling is completed with any one of the divided plates even when modeling is performed with all the divided plates. After taking out, you may enable it to start modeling seamlessly with the division | segmentation plate from which the molded article was taken out.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when there is an interrupt request for interrupt start, and the interrupt request is rejected by the user who is performing the preceding modeling, the procedure proceeds to the start setting procedure after the end. However, if the priority of the modeled object that the preceding user is modeling is high, there may be a setting for rejecting the interrupt start interrupt request itself. Thereby, since the preceding modeling is always prioritized, variations in utilization of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 increase.
(Generation / transmission of modeling data to start after completion)

  Generation of modeling data for starting after completion and transmission of the modeling data to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 are performed by the setting data creation apparatus 1 as in the case of interrupt start. This flow will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, for example, modeling is continued in the first divided plate 41 based on modeling data transmitted from the setting data creation device 1b, and the modeling in the first division plate 41 is completed in the setting data creation device 1a. A case is assumed where a start after completion of driving the second divided plate 42 is set later.

  The setting of the start after the end is not necessary (1) it is not necessary to make an interrupt request to the user of the setting data creating apparatus 1b, and (2) it is not necessary to obtain an interrupt approval from the user of the setting data creating apparatus 1b. This is because the start after completion is a single drive, and the shaping on each divided plate is not affected by each other. Therefore, since the start after the end does not affect the previous modeling, the interrupt start approval is not obtained, or the negative reason such as abandoning the interrupt start because the interrupt modeling information does not appear, It is also executed for the positive reason that priority is given to the preceding modeling, and (3) the setting of the start after the completion can be performed only by the setting data creation device 1a.

  The start after the completion is different from the interrupt start in the above points (1) to (3), but is almost the same in terms of the procedure of the interrupt modeling. Therefore, steps ST351 to ST355 are substantially the same as steps ST301 to ST305 in the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step ST351, the user presses an interrupt request button displayed on the user interface of the display means 62a to make an interrupt request for start after completion.

  Next, in step ST352, the plate information acquisition unit 64ha of the setting data creation device 1a on the interrupt modeling side acquires plate information.

  Next, in step ST353, the interrupt modeling setting means 65ha of the setting data creation device 1a determines whether or not the other divided plate can be started based on the plate information acquired in step ST352. .

  If it is determined in step ST353 that the other divided plate can start after completion, in step ST354, the modeling data when the modeling time calculation unit 64da and the modeling material amount calculation unit 64ea start after completion, and Based on the interruption method, the modeling completion estimated time and the required amount of modeling material for each divided plate are recalculated.

  In step ST354, the interrupt method (A) completes interrupt modeling at the fastest speed (corresponding to modeling priority after (4) in FIG. 18), and (B) completes both current modeling and interrupt modeling early ( 18 (3) corresponding to interrupt modeling), (C) the modeling finish time is set at the same time as the current modeling (corresponding to (5) neglect avoidance in FIG. 18), and (D) the current modeling is completed at the fastest speed. Since there is an option (corresponding to (2) prior modeling priority in FIG. 18), it is possible to select a start after the end.

  In step ST355, the interrupt modeling setting unit 65ha displays the interrupt modeling information such as the recalculated modeling end time obtained in step ST354, and the display unit 62a of the setting data creation device 1a on the interrupt modeling side. And request to approve whether or not to start after completion.

  When approval of start after completion is obtained in step ST355, in step ST356, the data generation means 64i turns on the continuous modeling flag for executing the start after completion, and the interrupt modeling setting means 65ha performs continuous modeling. The modeling data including the flag control information is transmitted to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2.

When it is determined in step ST353 that starting after the end is not possible with the other divided plate, or when selection is made not to start after finishing based on the interrupt modeling information recalculated in step ST355, In step ST357, the interrupt modeling routine is terminated.
(Interrupt modeling with 3D modeling device 2)

  Subsequently, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 performs the interrupt modeling based on the modeling data of the interrupt modeling transmitted from the setting data creation apparatus 1a. This flow will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step ST401, the control means 10 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 starts modeling with the first divided plate 41 or the second divided plate 42 based on the modeling data set by the setting data creation apparatus 1b. Or resume.

  Next, in step ST402, the control unit 10 of the 3D modeling apparatus 2 performs the modeling operation corresponding to the synthesized single slice data, and the head unit 20 and the Z direction driving units 32, 32 ′ or the Z direction. One of the drive units 32 and 32 ′ is controlled, and one layer of the modeled object WK is formed on the divided plates 41 and 42 or on the divided plates 41 and 42.

  Next, in step ST403, the control means 10 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 determines whether or not modeling has been completed with any of the divided plates. If modeling with the divided plates 41 and 42 is in progress, step When ST404 is executed and modeling with any of the divided plates 41 and 42 is completed, a routine for completion of modeling is executed.

  In step ST404, the control means 10 of the 3D modeling apparatus 2 determines whether or not the interrupt flag is ON. If the interrupt flag is OFF, the process returns to step ST402 and the divided plates 41 and 42 are determined. One layer of the modeled object WK is formed on one of the above. As described above, when the interrupt flag is not turned on once but remains turned off, the routine from step ST402 to step ST404 is repeated, so that either one of the divided plates 41 and 42 is driven in a single drive. Then, one layer of the modeled object WK is stacked. That is, modeling by single drive can be performed. This single-drive modeling is a single-use modeling if the interrupt flag is not turned on in a series of modeling, and a single-driven modeling before the start of multi-use interrupt if the interrupt flag is turned on. And classified.

In step ST404, if the interrupt flag is ON, in step ST405, the control means 10 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 temporarily interrupts the modeling with the divided plate currently being modeled, and the synthesis is performed in step ST306. Based on the modeled data, in step ST406, the first split plate 41 and the second split plate 42 start the interrupt modeling by multi-drive, set the interrupt flag to OFF, return to step ST402, and split One layer of the modeled object WK is formed on the plates 41 and 42. By repeating the routine from step ST402 to step ST404 with the interrupt flag set to OFF, one layer of the modeled object WK is stacked on the divided plates 41 and 42 by multi-drive. That is, modeling by multi-use interruption start can be performed.
(Setting at the completion of modeling)

  Finally, the flow of setting when the modeling is completed by the setting data creation device 1 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step ST451, the plate information acquisition unit 64h of the setting data creation device 1 acquires plate information.

  Next, in step ST452, the interrupt modeling setting means 65h is based on the plate information obtained in step ST451. It is determined whether (2) modeling is possible, (3) modeling resumption waiting (suspended), and (1) if modeling is impossible, modeling routine is performed in step ST455. Exit.

  In step ST452, if the divided plate other than the one for which modeling has been completed is (2) modeling is possible, the interrupt modeling setting means 65h determines whether or not the continuous modeling flag is ON in step ST453, and the continuous modeling flag Is ON, the 3D modeling apparatus 2 executes a start after the end. Before the execution, in step ST454, the time for taking out the modeled object WK that has just been completed is, for example, 5 minutes. And a sequence for taking out the modeled object WK is executed.

  More specifically, a setting data creation apparatus in which a button for the user to select whether or not to allow removal of the shaped article WK that has been shaped is set for the divided plate that shaped the shaped article WK. 1 on the user interface of the display means 62. FIG. 47 shows an example of an extraction permission screen for a modeled article WK that has been modeled. As shown in the example of this figure, if you do not take out in a short time, there is a possibility that the modeled object WK being modeled may be deformed. A button for the user to select whether or not to permit removal of the article WK is displayed. When the modeling is temporarily interrupted and the button for taking out the modeled object WK is selected, the 3D modeling apparatus 2 executes the sequence for temporarily interrupting the modeling during modeling and taking out the modeled object WK. To do. After taking out the modeling object WK, the control means 10 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 executes a modeling routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. When a button that does not permit removal of the modeled object WK is selected, the modeled object WK is left as it is, and one modeling is continued, and when the modeling is completed, all models on both divided plates are completed.

  If the continuous modeling flag is OFF in step ST453, the start after completion is not executed, and the modeling routine ends in step ST455.

In step ST452, if the divided plates other than the one for which modeling is now completed are (3) waiting for modeling restart (interruption), in step ST454, the time for taking out the modeled object WK that has just been completed is, for example, 5 minutes. The sequence for providing and taking out the modeled object WK is executed. Similar to the above-described procedure, after the modeling completed WK is taken out, modeling is restarted in the modeling routine. In addition, it is also possible to restart modeling in the modeling routine without taking out the modeled object WK.
(Interrupt approval means 65i)

  The interrupt approval means 65i is a member for executing an interrupt start approval or rejection sequence with respect to the preceding modeler. As described above, in response to an interrupt request, the interrupted model makes an approval or rejection decision, and when approval is obtained, the process proceeds to the interrupt start setting procedure.

  The interrupt approval means 65i displays interrupt modeling information such as the recalculated modeling end scheduled time on the display means 62b of the setting data creation device 1b on the interrupt modeling side. In the interrupt modeling information, the modeling completion estimated time calculated by the modeling time calculation means 64d and all the modeling objects calculated by the modeling material amount calculation means 64e, which are changed by interrupt modeling, are included. The amount of modeling material necessary for modeling is included. Thereby, the user on the side to be subjected to the interrupt modeling can determine whether to approve or reject the interrupt modeling based on the estimated modeling end time or the amount of the required modeling material.

On the other hand, the user who is interrupted at the time of interrupt modeling is not always in front of the display means 62b. You may make it transfer to the setting of an interrupt start, or you may make it transfer to a start after completion | finish. Also, the response time and which sequence to execute after the response time elapses can be determined by the initial setting.
(Arrangement standard setting means)

Here, details of the arrangement reference setting means will be described. As described above, the arrangement reference setting means is a member for setting an arrangement reference serving as a reference for determining which of the plurality of objects corresponding to the modeled object is arranged in the virtual modeling area corresponding to the modeling plate. It is. Further, when the modeling plate is composed of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42, the first virtual modeling area corresponding to the first divided plate 41 or the second divided plate 42 by the arrangement reference setting means. Or the arrangement | positioning reference | standard used as the reference | standard which determines which position of a 2nd virtual modeling area | region arrange | positions is set. In the following, first, regarding the operation of the arrangement reference setting means when there is one modeling plate. explain.
(Setting of placement standard for modeling plate)

  The three-dimensional data input from the input unit 61 includes objects corresponding to a plurality of modeling objects to be modeled. It is necessary to arrange each object on a virtual modeling area corresponding to a modeling area for modeling a modeled object on the modeling plate, and further determine the posture. In determining such an arrangement position and an arrangement angle, the user manually arranges each object at a desired position and posture in the virtual modeling area using the position adjusting means 65b, and automatically calculates each object by the computing means. It can also be arranged at an optimal position or angle in the virtual modeling area. Such an automatic arrangement function of the object is a preset condition set in advance on the apparatus side, for example, an arrangement or posture that minimizes the estimated modeling end time calculated by the modeling time calculation means, and a modeling material (for example, a support material). It is possible to make the posture and arrangement that minimize the usage amount.

Further, instead of arranging all the objects, it is also possible to perform an operation such that the objects are selected under a certain condition and only the selected objects are arranged. In other words, instead of selecting all the objects unconditionally, it is possible to provide a restriction when arranging the objects in the virtual modeling area, and to perform an operation for modeling only an object that satisfies this limitation. Such a reference for restricting the placement of the object is called a placement reference here, and the placement reference is set by the placement reference setting means. Further, in accordance with the set arrangement standard, the object arrangement means determines the extraction of the object to be arranged in the virtual modeling area and the arrangement position and orientation of each extracted object in the virtual modeling area. Furthermore, it displays on a display means in the state which has arrange | positioned one or more objects in the virtual modeling area | region.
(Object placement means)

The object placement means extracts an object having a maximum of a certain item within a condition given by the placement reference from a plurality of objects, and calculates the position and orientation of the extracted object and places them in the virtual modeling area To do. As described above, an automatic extraction function for extracting an object having a maximum specific parameter within a condition given by an arrangement criterion from a plurality of objects is realized. Further, the object placement means calculates the position and orientation of the extracted object and places it in the virtual modeling area.
(Placement standard)

  Examples of the arrangement reference include any one of a limited modeling time for finishing modeling within a predetermined time, a remaining capacity of a modeling material, a priority order for modeling a modeled object, or a combination thereof. Examples of specific parameters include the number of objects and the volume of the objects. For example, the objects are extracted and arranged in the virtual modeling region so that the number of objects is maximized or the objects having the largest volume are selected in order within the given limited modeling time and the remaining amount of resin.

The reason why the limited modeling time is set as the arrangement reference is that, for example, there is a case where it is desired to finish as much modeling as possible within a certain time. In particular, when using a water-soluble support material, after the modeled object is obtained, in order to avoid the influence due to the quality change or deterioration of the support material, it is quickly removed from the 3D modeling apparatus and put into a water tank. It is desirable to remove the support material. On the contrary, after throwing into the water tank, it is only necessary to wait until the support material is melted, and there is no time restriction from the viewpoint of the quality of the molded article that the support material has to be pulled up from the water tank within a certain time. Thus, there may be a demand to finish the modeling by a certain time until it can be put into the water tank. For example, if it is known that you are going to leave 1 hour from now, the model is taken out immediately before leaving, put in the water tank, then left, and the support material is removed when sitting. Thus, the waiting time can be saved and the work can be efficiently performed. Similarly, if the remaining capacity of the modeling material is known to leave the seat in the same way, in other words, if it is known that the modeling material cannot be replenished after leaving, the modeling is interrupted halfway and the support material Such a problem can be solved by setting the modeling of only a modeled object that can be modeled without replenishing the modeling material so as to avoid the deterioration of quality due to the deterioration of the material. In addition, the priority of the model is arbitrary or specific, such as preferentially modeling the required model immediately, or setting the priority according to the authority or importance of the user who requested the model. It will be useful to meet the demands of.
(Automatic extraction function)

Next, FIG. 48, FIG. 49, FIG. 50, FIG. 51 are examples in which a plurality of objects corresponding to a modeled object are arranged in a virtual modeling area corresponding to a modeling area on a modeling plate based on the arrangement reference. This will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 48 shows a state in which a modeled object is selected from the modeled objects to be modeled based on the arrangement criteria and arranged on the modeling plate. Here, with respect to the three-dimensional data of the modeled object input from the input unit, the object arranging unit extracts objects to be arranged on the virtual modeling region corresponding to the modeling plate based on the arrangement reference, and further each object Is calculated and arranged. Here, a procedure for generating modeling data necessary for modeling when the modeling time is designated as the arrangement reference will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
(Data generation procedure using modeling time as an arrangement standard)

  First, in step ST501, three-dimensional data is acquired. For example, the user selects three-dimensional data corresponding to a model to be modeled and inputs it from the input means. When modeling a plurality of modeling objects, a plurality of three-dimensional data is selected. Moreover, it can also set beforehand so that one 3D data may include a plurality of shaped objects. Or you may comprise so that several 3D data may be acquired by grouping the three-dimensional data corresponding to a some molded object previously, and selecting a group.

  Next, in step ST502, modeling conditions are set. For example, as a modeling condition, the user designates the posture, finish, quality, and the like of a model placed on the modeling plate from a modeling condition adjusting unit. Moreover, you may make a user select from the preset modeling conditions set beforehand.

  Next, in step ST503, an object is arranged. Here, based on the modeling conditions set in step ST502, the object placement unit automatically places one or more objects in the virtual modeling area. For example, as shown in the GUI screen of FIG. 50, the state in which the object is arranged on the virtual modeling area is displayed on the display field 68 of the display means. Further, if necessary, the user can finely adjust or change the arrangement position of the object manually by the position adjusting means 65b.

  Here, the object placement means places the object on the virtual modeling area by default. As an initial setting, for example, all input objects are arranged in the virtual modeling area. If all objects cannot be placed, a message or warning is sent to the user indicating that all objects cannot be placed, or the object to be placed is selected, and the priority for placing the objects is specified. You may be prompted.

  Next, in step ST504, a modeling time is calculated. Here, an estimated modeling time (estimated time) or scheduled end time required to actually model the object arranged in step ST503 as a modeled object on the modeling plate is calculated by the modeling time calculation means. For example, as shown in the GUI screen of FIG. 50, the calculated modeling time is displayed as “estimation” of the modeling time in the operation column 70 of the display means. Further, the modeling time may be displayed in the display column 68.

  Next, in step ST505, the user is allowed to determine whether or not the presented modeling time is acceptable. Here, the modeling time is displayed on the display means to prompt the user to determine whether or not it is acceptable. If it is acceptable, for example, a button such as “OK” or “Start modeling” is pressed. As a result, the process jumps to step ST509, where the setting data creation apparatus generates modeling data necessary for modeling and sends it to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus starts modeling based on the modeling data.

  On the other hand, when the modeling time presented is not acceptable, the process proceeds to step ST506, and the user is allowed to specify an arrangement reference. Specifically, an arrangement reference acceptable by the user is designated by the arrangement reference setting means. Here, since the arrangement reference is the modeling time, the modeling time acceptable by the user is specified. As an example of the arrangement reference setting means, the user inputs a desired modeling time from the operation column 70 in the example of the GUI screen of FIG. Here, 5 hours shorter than the total modeling estimate is designated as the allowable modeling time.

  Next, in step ST507, in accordance with the arrangement criteria set in step ST506, objects that can be modeled are extracted and arranged on the virtual modeling area. Here, the object corresponding to the modeling object that can be modeled within 5 hours, which is the specified allowable modeling time, is extracted by the object arranging means, and the arrangement position and orientation are also automatically calculated, as shown in FIG. Is displayed on the virtual modeling area. It is also possible to display the expected modeling time required for modeling the modeled object with respect to the extracted object. In the example of FIG. 52, the estimated modeling time of the object arranged on the virtual modeling area in the display column is calculated, and “estimated 3 hours and 10 minutes” is displayed in the operation column.

  Note that the arrangement reference is not limited to the modeling time, and may be the remaining capacity of the modeling material, for example. In this case, an object corresponding to a modeling object that can be modeled with the current remaining capacity is extracted and arranged on the virtual modeling area.

  Furthermore, a plurality of conditions for extracting an object to be arranged on the virtual modeling area from a plurality of objects can be set as the arrangement reference. For example, the number of objects that can be modeled is extracted to be the largest within the modeling time specified as the arrangement reference, or the volume of objects that can be modeled is maximized within the modeling time as shown in FIG. It can also be extracted. In the example of FIG. 53, an object having a large volume is extracted and placed on the virtual modeling area in the display column, and the estimated modeling time of these extracted objects is “estimated 4 hours and 50 minutes” in the operation column. Is displayed.

After the objects are arranged in this way, in step ST508, the user is prompted to determine whether or not the intended object arrangement result has been obtained. The user confirms whether or not the object placement result as intended on the virtual modeling area is obtained. If there is no problem, the process proceeds to step ST509, where modeling data is generated and sent to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus. For example, a button such as “OK” or “Start modeling” is pressed on the GUI screen of FIG. 52 or 53. Note that fine adjustments such as replacement of objects automatically arranged and adjustment of arrangement position and orientation may be manually performed by the user as necessary. In this case, after performing a desired adjustment work, the process proceeds from step ST508 to step ST509 again. On the other hand, when the result of arrangement of the desired object is not obtained, the process returns to step ST506 and the arrangement reference is designated again. As described above, according to the arrangement standard, a desired object can be extracted from a plurality of objects to generate modeling data, and modeling can be performed.
(Priority setting)

  In this example, the case where priority is not set when extracting an object has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the priority order of objects can also be set. The priority order of objects can be set, for example, by priority order specifying means. Such an example will be described as a modification based on the flowchart of FIG. In this flowchart, steps ST601 to ST606 are the same as steps ST501 to ST506 of FIG. 49 described above, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In step ST607, the priority order of the objects is set. For the priority order of objects, for example, an arbitrary method can be used such as numbering objects in the order of modeling from among a plurality of objects, or setting a flag for an object (priority object) to be included in modeling. Conversely, such information may be added only to an object with a low priority (non-priority object) such as the object to be modeled last. Further, it is not necessary to attach priority information to all objects, and necessary information may be added only to specific objects.

  Specifically, the priority object to be included in the modeling can be designated by the object priority order setting means. In the example of FIG. 55, the “priority model to be placed” field is provided in the operation field as one mode of the object priority order setting means, and priority objects corresponding to the objects to be included in the modeling are listed in this field. . Here, “Wrench” is selected.

  In accordance with the setting in step ST607, in step ST608, an object is extracted according to the arrangement reference and the priority order. For example, in the example of FIG. 55, the priority object (Wrench here) set by the object priority order setting unit is extracted and added to the priority object within the modeling time (herein within 5 hours) designated as the arrangement reference. The object placement means extracts an object that can be shaped. Further, in this example, as an additional condition, the volume of the object is set to be maximum. As a result, as shown in the example of the GUI screen in FIG. 56, a plurality of objects including the priority object are extracted and displayed on the virtual modeling area in the display column, and the estimated modeling time “estimated 4 hours 50 in the operation column”. Minutes "is displayed.

  Note that if an object cannot be extracted with the specified conditions, that is, the placement criteria and the priority order, the user can be prompted to reset the conditions by displaying a warning message or the like. For example, if the object specified as the priority object cannot be modeled within the limited modeling time set by the arrangement reference setting unit, a warning message as shown in FIG. 57 is displayed on the display unit. At this time, by clearly indicating the reason why the object placement means could not automatically extract the information, it is possible to notify the user of points to be noted and to provide a guideline for resetting the conditions. For example, the message “Prior placement model only takes 6 hours and 40 minutes. Please review the settings.” Is displayed, and the modeling time of the priority placement model is longer than the limited modeling time. By explaining the above, it is possible to prompt the user to reset the limited modeling time or select a priority object with a shorter modeling time.

  When the automatic object extraction is performed in this way, in step ST609, the user is prompted to determine whether or not the intended object arrangement result has been obtained. The subsequent procedure is the same as step ST509 in FIG. 49 described above. If the user determines that there is no problem, the process proceeds to step ST610, where modeling data is generated and sent to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus. On the other hand, when the result of arrangement of the desired object is not obtained, the process returns to step ST606, and the arrangement reference is designated again. As described above, according to the arrangement standard and the priority order, a desired object can be extracted from a plurality of objects to generate modeling data, and modeling can be performed.

  In the above example, the arrangement reference for automatic object extraction and the priority order for extracting a specific object with priority are individually set by the arrangement reference setting means and the priority designation means. As described above, the setting of the arrangement reference and the setting of the priority order may be integrated. That is, it is also possible to configure so that either or both of the arrangement reference and the priority order are set on a common setting means or setting screen. In this case, the arrangement reference setting means and the priority order specifying means may be shared.

  Further, the object arrangement means may be configured to calculate only one of the objects in addition to calculating both the arrangement position and the arrangement posture of the object. For example, after the position of the object is specified by the user, the object placement means calculates the object posture so that only the posture is optimized according to the placement standard, or the object posture is fixed and only the object placement position is determined. It can also comprise so that it may calculate by.

The above is an example of automatic object extraction for modeling with a single modeling plate. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and a three-dimensional modeling apparatus including a plurality of divided plates can be applied to an aspect in which an object is automatically extracted from a plurality of objects according to desired conditions. As an example of such a plurality of divided plates, an example in a setting data creation device for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus including a first divided plate 41 and a second divided plate 42 will be described below.
(Drive mode)
(Driving mode selection means 65c)

In the case of having a plurality of divided plates, there are a synchronous drive mode in which all the divided plates are driven in synchronization as described above, and an asynchronous drive mode in which they are driven without being synchronized (see FIG. 18). In order to set the modeling conditions according to each driving mode, the setting data creation device 1 for the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 includes a driving mode selection unit 65c as shown in FIG. As described above, the drive mode selection unit 65c selects one of the synchronous drive modeling setting corresponding to the synchronous drive mode and the asynchronous drive modeling setting corresponding to the asynchronous drive mode as the modeling setting corresponding to each drive mode. In the asynchronous driving mode, a single modeling setting corresponding to single use or a multi-use modeling setting corresponding to multi-use is further selected. In accordance with the modeling setting selected by the drive mode selection means, the arrangement reference is set by the arrangement reference setting means so as to set a modeling condition suitable for modeling in each drive mode. The object placement means extracts an object satisfying the placement standard from a plurality of objects based on the placement reference set by the placement reference setting means, and also corresponds to the first modeling area on the first divided plate 41. One virtual modeling area or a second virtual modeling area corresponding to the second modeling area on the second divided plate 42 is arranged. At this time, if necessary, the position or orientation of the extracted object is calculated so as to be optimized, and is arranged in each virtual modeling region.
(Object placement means 64b)

  The object placement unit 64b determines whether the object is placed on the first divided plate 41 or the second divided plate 42 based on the placement reference. Further, the object placement means 64b also calculates the determined placement position of the object on the first divided plate 41 or the second divided plate. Further, the object placement unit 64b also executes a process of placing the object acquired by the input unit at the determined object placement position on the first divided plate 41 or the second divided plate 42. It should be noted that the candidate position determining means 64a for executing such a candidate position determining function and the object arranging means 64b for executing the arrangement can be separated from the object arranging means 64b and provided as separate members.

Note that the calculation of the optimum candidate position for placing the object on the divided plate is, for example, a position close to the origin of the XY coordinates, so that the amount of movement of the head portion can be reduced. In addition, regarding the posture of the object, it is advantageous for shaping in a short period of time by reducing the movement in the Z direction, in other words, reducing the number of slices, by making the object lay down so as to reduce the height. Become. In addition, by arranging in an attitude that is longer in the X direction, which is the main scanning direction, the scanning speed in the X direction is higher than that in the Y direction, which is the sub-scanning direction, and the moving speed of the head unit is considered. The molding time can be shortened. As described above, the determination of the object candidate position includes not only the XY coordinate position of the object on the divided plate but also the posture or rotation angle of the object.
(Arrangement warning means 64g)

When the placement warning unit 64g places the object in the first virtual modeling region or the second virtual modeling region by the object positioning unit, a part of the object protrudes from the first virtual modeling region or the second virtual modeling region, Warning that it is located in the buffer area corresponding to the buffer area. This warns that the object is in the buffer area and prompts the user to adjust the arrangement position of the object, thereby avoiding a deterioration in the quality of the shaped object obtained. Even when the placement warning means 64g receives a warning, if the size of the object exceeds the first virtual modeling area or the second virtual modeling area, a part of the object is the first virtual modeling area. It can also be configured to allow it to protrude from the second virtual modeling area and be positioned in the buffer area.
(Position adjusting means 65b)

  The arranged object is virtually displayed on the display means. The user can check each object OB arranged on the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 by the display means. If necessary, fine adjustments such as an arrangement position of each object OB and a movement across the divided plates can be performed. Such an operation is performed by the position adjusting means 65b. The position adjusting means 65b is a member for adjusting the position of the object OB arranged on the virtual modeling area corresponding to each modeling plate modeling area by the object arranging means.

In the above example, the object placement means of the computing means replaces each object with
A plate determining function for determining whether to place the first divided plate 41 or the second divided plate 42;
A candidate position determination function for calculating which position of each of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 to be arranged;
・ Although the placement function to place each object is performed based on the divided plate and the candidate position determined by the plate determination function and the candidate position determination function, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and each function is executed by an individual member. Also good. In addition to providing each function on the setting data creation apparatus side, it is also possible to have each function on the 3D modeling apparatus side.
(Priority plate designation method)

  Also, when the modeling plate is composed of a plurality of divided plates, when the object is arranged on the virtual modeling area corresponding to any of the divided plates by the object arranging means, it is given priority over any of the divided plates. You may provide the priority plate designation | designated means to designate whether to do. In this case, the object is arranged by the object arrangement means on the priority virtual modeling area corresponding to the priority division plate designated by the priority plate designation means. If it is this structure, a user can designate so that a molded article may concentrate and arrange | position and model on the desired division | segmentation plate side. For example, by designating the division plate on the side close to the surface of the housing 3 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus on which the extraction unit 4 for taking out a completed model is provided as a priority division plate, it is possible to easily take out the model. . In particular, there is an advantage that it is possible to easily take out the modeled object from the priority division plate even in a state where the modeling with the other division plate has not been finished yet. For example, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus shown in FIG. 58, the take-out unit 4 is provided on the front side of the housing unit 3 in the drawing, and the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate are moved from the take-out unit 4 side to the back side. 42 is arranged. If it is this structure, it will become easy to take out the modeling thing which modeling completed from the 1st division | segmentation plate 41 of the near side even if the modeling of the back side 2nd division | segmentation plate 42 is not yet complete | finished. In addition, when taking out the modeled object, the modeling operation on the second modeling plate can be temporarily stopped. For example, the modeling operation may be stopped when the take-out unit 4 is opened.

  Alternatively, by designating the divided plate arranged on the side close to the origin of the XY plane when moving the head portion relatively in the horizontal plane of the modeling plate as the priority divided plate, the moving distance of the head portion This is advantageous in terms of speed.

  It should be noted that such priority plate designating means may not be provided, and it may be set so that the object is preferentially arranged on either the first divided plate 41 or the second divided plate 42 by default. For example, by designating the above-described takeout portion or the division plate closer to the origin as a preferential division plate in the initial setting, the user can take out the work without providing the preferential plate designation means for designating the preferential division plate. You can enjoy the advantages of modeling speed.

  The end time designating means is a member for designating the time for finishing the modeling with the divided plate as described above. The modeling condition is adjusted by the modeling condition adjusting unit so that the modeling of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 is completed almost at the same time at the end time specified by the end time specifying unit.

The object placement unit determines the placement of each object so that the number of objects that can be shaped within the time designated by the end time designation unit is maximized among the plurality of objects. Thereby, as many modeling objects as possible can be arranged within a range in which modeling is possible within a predetermined limited modeling time.
(Priority designation means)

  Further, the arrangement reference setting means can include the function of priority order specifying means. The priority order specifying means is a member for causing each object to specify the priority order of modeling. The object placement means has a maximum number of objects placed in the virtual shaping area corresponding to the priority division plate from the highest priority according to the priority order designated by the priority order designation means among the plurality of objects. Determine the placement of each object. Thereby, as many modeled objects as possible can be arranged in order from the one with the highest priority specified by the user.

Furthermore, the object placement means can acquire a modeling required time required for modeling a modeled object corresponding to each object. The modeling time is calculated by modeling time calculation means. In this case, it is possible to determine the arrangement of each object so that, among a plurality of objects, an object having a short modeling time is preferentially arranged in a virtual modeling area corresponding to the priority division plate. Thereby, it can arrange | position to a priority division | segmentation plate preferentially from a modeling thing with short modeling time, and can shape | mold many modeling objects efficiently in a short time.
(Ambient margin setting means 65h)

The peripheral margin setting means 65h sets the peripheral margin PM for the safety of the shaped object in each peripheral region of the first divided plate and the second divided plate. For example, if the peripheral margin PM is formed at the edge of the divided plate, for example, vibration due to the reciprocating movement of the head unit 20, the modeled object comes into contact with the modeled object of the adjacent divided plate, or the modeled object is separated from the divided plate. It is provided to avoid the situation of falling. Note that the peripheral margin can be a fixed value set in advance on the device side. In this case, the peripheral margin setting means 65h for the user to set the peripheral margin can be eliminated.
(Buffer area setting means 65i)

  The buffer area setting means 65i is a member for setting the buffer area BA in a region where the first divided plate and the second divided plate are adjacent to each other. The buffer area BA is an area where no shaped object is arranged, and is provided in an area where the first divided plate and the second divided plate face each other. This buffer area reduces the influence of the UV light irradiated from the curing means 24 to cure the modeling material ejected on one divided plate on the modeled object molded on the other divided plate. To be provided. In the example of FIG. 58, the buffer area is provided at a boundary portion along the longitudinal direction facing each other in a state where the rectangular first divided plate and the second divided plate are arranged in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the peripheral margin is provided on the surface opposite to the buffer area among the sides along the longitudinal direction of the first divided plate and the second divided plate. The buffer area is orthogonal to at least a part of the peripheral margin. Here, it is orthogonal to the peripheral margin provided on the side in the short direction. The buffer area can also be a fixed value set in advance on the device side. In this case, the buffer area setting means for the user to set the buffer area can be dispensed with.

In addition, the method of allocating objects corresponding to a plurality of modeling objects to the virtual modeling area corresponding to the divided plate is for each user who creates the usage, size, and setting data in addition to such priorities, etc. Other methods are also available. For example, considering the case where parts constituting different products such as product A and product B are modeled by a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, an operation of distributing the obtained modeled object for each product is required. In this work, for example, when the parts are small, the number of parts is large, or when the shapes of the parts are similar between the product A and the product B, the sorting work is expected to be difficult. Furthermore, for example, when using a water-soluble support material, the support material can be removed by putting the obtained shaped article together with the support material into the water tank, but if there are many parts embedded in the support material, The work of distributing the parts after removing the material is also troublesome. From such a point of view, at the time of modeling, the obtained model is sorted by dividing the divided plate by the application, the device name, the group name, the creator of the modeling data, for example, the user unit supporting the modeling. Can work easily. For example, if a model is put into a water tank in units of divided plates after modeling, the obtained parts can be collected as they are, and the work of sorting the parts for each fixed application can be omitted.
(Placement standard)

The arrangement reference set by the arrangement reference setting means is, for example, shortening the modeling end time at which modeling of all models is completed, increasing the number of models that can be modeled within a predetermined time, modeling models Priority etc. Next, an example in which objects corresponding to a plurality of modeling objects are allocated to virtual modeling areas corresponding to the divided plates based on the arrangement reference will be described with reference to FIGS. An object OB shown in these drawings shows an example in which the object OB is arranged and positioned in a virtual modeling area which is a virtual divided plate displayed on the display means.
(Time limit: Manual setting)

  First, an example in which a modeling time is selected as an arrangement reference will be described. For example, you may want to finish as much modeling as possible within a certain amount of time. In particular, when using a water-soluble support material, after the modeled object is obtained, in order to avoid the influence due to the quality change or deterioration of the support material, it is quickly removed from the 3D modeling apparatus and put into a water tank. It is desirable to remove the support material. On the contrary, after throwing into the water tank, it is only necessary to wait until the support material is melted, and there is no time restriction from the viewpoint of the quality of the molded article that the support material has to be pulled up from the water tank within a certain time. Thus, there may be a demand to finish the modeling by a certain time until it can be put into the water tank.

  In such a case, when a plurality of objects OB are input from the input means, as shown in FIG. 58, the first divided area 41 and the second divided area 42 correspond to the first modeling area and the second modeling area, respectively. The objects OB are automatically arranged in the first virtual modeling area VR1 and the second virtual modeling area VR2 by the object arranging means. In this case, the object placement unit automatically places the object OB so that, for example, as many objects OB as possible are placed on one divided plate.

Further, the modeling time required for modeling by each divided plate is displayed on the display means for each divided plate (here, a virtual modeling area corresponding to the divided plate). The user refers to this modeling time and adjusts the allocation of each object OB with the position adjusting means 65b so that the modeling is completed within the limited modeling time. The object is moved, for example, when the user selects a desired object with a pointing device such as a mouse and moves it to a desired position by dragging or the like. When the object is moved between the divided plates or the arrangement position of the object is adjusted within the same divided plate, the modeling time calculation means recalculates the modeling end scheduled time in each divided plate, and the modeling in the display means Update the time display. In this way, the user determines the allocation and arrangement of the objects through trial and error so that as many modeling objects as possible can be modeled within the desired limited modeling time.
(Time limit: Automatic setting)

As described above, the example in which the user manually selects the division plate on which the objects OB are arranged based on the modeling time that is the arrangement reference has been described. Next, an example in which the object placement unit automatically assigns each object OB will be described with reference to FIGS.
(Time limit: Automatic setting: No object priority)

First, the user specifies, for example, “within modeling time XX” or the like as the limited modeling time by the arrangement reference setting means. Next, when the object OB is input from the input means, the object is formed so that the largest number of objects can be modeled within a range in which modeling is completed within the specified limited modeling time for the plurality of input objects OB. Arrangement means calculates assignment of the object OB to the virtual modeling area and a candidate position of the arrangement position in the allocated virtual modeling area, and executes automatic arrangement of the object OB based on the calculation result. The object OB automatically arranged in the priority division plate (and the corresponding virtual modeling area VR1) in this way is displayed on the display means as shown in FIG. Further, the object OB ′ that could not be arranged on the priority division plate is arranged on the other division plate (and the corresponding virtual modeling region VR2). Further, the user can confirm the result on the display means, and can further perform the division plate (and the corresponding virtual modeling area) and the placement position of the object OB from the position adjustment means 65b as necessary. .
(Time limit: Automatic setting: Object priority)

In the above example, the case where only the modeling time is specified as the arrangement reference has been described. However, in the present invention, not only one but also a plurality can be designated as the arrangement reference. For example, in addition to the modeling time, the priority order of the objects can be set. Next, an example in which the modeling time and the priority order of the objects are set as the arrangement reference will be described with reference to FIG. Here, it is assumed that the user specifies the limited modeling time by the arrangement reference setting unit, and the modeling priority is set in advance for the object in advance or manually by the user using the priority specification unit. . First, the object OB is input from the input means. Here, the object placement means repeats the placement from the object with the highest priority set for the object OB, and the object OB is shaped so that the largest number of shaped objects can be shaped within the range in which the shaping is completed within the specified limited shaping time. Perform the assignment. Further, the candidate position of the arrangement position in the assigned virtual modeling region VR1 is calculated, the object OB is automatically arranged based on the calculation result, and the result is displayed on the display means as described above. is there. In addition, the object OB ′ that could not be arranged on the priority division plate is arranged in the virtual modeling region VR2 corresponding to the other division plate, and the user adjusts the object OB as necessary by the position adjustment means 65b. This is also the same as described above. According to this method, since the assignment is executed so that an object having a higher priority is formed according to the priority set in the object OB, automatic placement more desired by the user can be obtained. The labor of manual adjustment can be saved.
(Priority)

  Next, an example in which only the priority order of objects is set as an arrangement reference will be described with reference to FIGS. For example, in the case of a modeled object that is desired to be modeled earlier and a model that may be delayed, the user can specify the priority order of the objects by the arrangement reference setting unit. The priority order is, for example, a numerical value, and the priority order is specified by a numerical value for an object to be modeled quickly. Alternatively, a flag indicating priority / not priority may be set in the object. Alternatively, the priorities may be specified in the order of A, B, C, or 0 to 100% in descending order, and further, a threshold value indicating the presence / absence of priority may be set to give priority to objects exceeding the threshold value. May be set. An object to which such a priority order is assigned records priority order information in the file name of the data, the file attribute, and the like. Note that it is not necessary to specify the priority order for all objects. For example, it is possible to specify only the objects for which the priority order is to be specified, such as specifying the top three. In this case, an object to which priority is not given is processed by the object placement unit without being treated with priority.

  When the object OB is input from the input unit in the state where the priority is set in this way, the object placement unit reads the priority information for the plurality of input objects OB, and according to the specified priority, The object OB is assigned to the virtual modeling region VR1 corresponding to the priority division plate. Further, as shown in FIG. 62, a file name and a threshold value indicating the priority can be displayed on the display means. The object OB ′ that has not been prioritized is arranged in the virtual modeling region VR2 corresponding to the other divided plate that is not the priority divided plate. Further, as described above, the user can further adjust the placement destination of the object OB with the position adjusting unit 65b as necessary while checking the result on the display unit.

In the above method, the example in which the priority order is set in advance by the arrangement reference setting unit has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this method, and the user may manually allocate objects according to the priority order. For example, as shown in FIG. 63, the user manually arranges the objects by dividing the object OB having a high priority and the object OB ′ having a low priority on the virtual modeling area while referring to the shape and file name of the object. This work can also be performed after automatic placement is executed by the object placement means. Further, after the object is placed by the user, automatic placement may be executed by the object placing means for optimizing the placement position of the object.
(Grouping)

  Further, the modeled object can be spatially separated for each specific group such as a user unit that instructs modeling. In other words, in order to facilitate the allocation of the obtained shaped objects, the objects are distributed in groups such as each user who has instructed modeling in advance, each part, or each product, and the distributed objects are assigned to the same divided plate. By modeling with, work for sorting the obtained model can be saved. Further, in the plate unit, for example, the modeled object requested by the user A is the first divided plate 41, and the modeled object requested by the user B is the second divided plate 42, in addition to collecting them in the same divided plate. For example, the right side can be classified by area C, such as a modeled object requested by the user C, and the left side modeled by the user D.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 64, each user manually refers to group information such as a user name, a department name, and a product name as a modeling requester given to the object shape, file name, file attribute, and the like. An object is arranged in the virtual modeling area corresponding to the divided plate. Here, the object OB belonging to the group A is arranged in the first virtual modeling area VR1, and the object OB ′ belonging to the group B is arranged in the second virtual modeling area VR2.

  Alternatively, the object placement unit can automatically perform such grouping. For example, as shown in FIG. 65, when identification information such as the user name of the modeling requester is given in advance to the file name, file attribute, etc., the object placement means reads the information and automatically performs each virtual modeling Objects can be placed in the area. At this time, the identification information set for each object may be displayed on the display means. In the example of FIG. 65, the initial indicating the modeling client is attached to the data file name of the object in advance, the object OB having T as the file name is in the first virtual modeling area VR1, and the object OB having S as the file name. 'Is arranged in the second virtual modeling region VR2.

Furthermore, the usage-amount of the modeling material required for modeling of a molded article can also be utilized as another arrangement | positioning reference | standard. For example, when the usage amount of the model material or the support material which is a modeling material exceeds the remaining capacity of the current modeling material of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus, the modeling material is insufficient during the modeling, and the modeling is interrupted. In this case, it is necessary to replace or replenish the modeling material. However, there is a case where such a manual operation by the user cannot be performed. For example, in the case where the 3D modeling apparatus is driven so as to perform modeling during a long absence period such as a nighttime or a holiday, the modeling material cannot be replenished and the modeling is not completed. Therefore, the allocation of the multiple objects to the virtual modeling area, the arrangement position, the posture, etc., so that the modeling material usage amount is limited to a certain amount or less, such as within the range of the remaining capacity of the modeling material, You may comprise so that an object arrangement | positioning means may be calculated. In this case, while acquiring the remaining capacity of the modeling material, the amount of modeling material required for a given modeling is calculated by the modeling material amount calculation means 64e, and an object that can be modeled within the remaining capacity is calculated. The object placement means 64c performs the selection. Further, in consideration of an error of the remaining capacity, a certain margin may be added to the detected remaining capacity, or the object may be selected within the range of the amount specified by the user.
(Setting data creation program for 3D modeling equipment)

As described above, the setting data creating apparatus is realized by a setting data creating program executed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer, in addition to being configured by dedicated hardware. Here, an example in which a setting data creation program is installed in a commercially available personal computer to form a setting data creation apparatus will be described based on the user interface screens shown in FIGS. FIG. 66 shows a screen image after the setting data creation program is started. In this figure, an object display column 68 for configuring the display means 62 is provided on the left side, and an operation column 70 for performing various operations, which configures the position adjusting unit 65b and the parameter setting unit 63, is provided on the right side. , Respectively.
(Display field 68)

In the display column 68, a state in which the object is virtually arranged on the modeling plate 40 can be displayed. On the modeling plate 40, a virtual modeling area VR for performing three-dimensional modeling is displayed in a box shape. The virtual modeling area VR is an area that can be modeled on the modeling plate 40, and objects are arranged within this range to create setting data for performing actual three-dimensional modeling. The object is displayed three-dimensionally, and the viewpoint can be changed to an arbitrary position. A viewpoint change icon 69 for easily switching the viewpoint is provided at the upper right of the display column 68. The viewpoint change icon 69 shows a plan view of the modeling plate 40 as viewed from information, and eight camera-like icons are provided around it. In other words, if you click on one of these camera-like icons provided at an interval of 45 degrees in a 360-degree field of view directed to an arbitrary center in the XY plane, in the example, the virtual center point of the modeling plate, The viewpoint can be changed from the selected direction to the virtual center point of the modeling plate and from the corresponding direction with respect to the plan view. It is also possible to switch to two-dimensional display. Of course, the user can also finely adjust or adjust the viewing direction by dragging the cursor displayed on the screen after selecting a specific camera position or without directly selecting a camera.
(Operation column 70)

In the operation column 70, buttons for performing various operations with a mouse or keyboard input device connected to the computer are arranged. As one form of the position adjusting unit 65b for moving the object, the position adjusting unit 65b includes an operation for moving the object by a mouse operation or the like in the display column 68 in addition to the operation by the operation column 70. .
(Object list 71)

In the upper part of the operation column 70, an object list 71 for displaying a list of objects is provided. In this column, all objects currently displayed in the display column 68 are displayed, and information such as the name of the object and the presence / absence of surface finish is displayed. Also, operations such as selecting a plurality of objects can be performed here.
(Object generation field 72)

In the middle, an object generation field 72 for generating an object is provided, and buttons for performing operations such as input and deletion of the object are arranged. These buttons constitute input means 61. Specifically, from the left, a “read” button 73 for inputting object data, a “copy” button 74 for copying an object, and a deletion of a selected object “ A “delete” button 75 is provided.
(Manual operation column 76)

Further, below the object generation field 72, a manual operation field 76 for displaying information about the selected object and making detailed settings is provided. Here, the position, rotation angle, size, enlargement / reduction ratio, etc. of the object can be adjusted. The adjustment can be performed by directly inputting a numerical value, increasing / decreasing with an increase / decrease button, or changing continuously with a mouse or the like. It is also possible to perform operations such as maintaining the ratio of size such as length and width during enlargement / reduction, or selecting surface finish.
(Automatic operation column 78)

Further, an automatic operation column 78 for performing automatic setting is provided in the lower part of the manual operation column 76 as one form of the object placement unit. Here, an “optimal posture” button 80 for executing an optimal posture determination function for automatically calculating the optimal posture of the object, and an “optimal placement” button 81 for executing an optimal position determination function for automatically calculating the optimal position of the object. And an “estimate” button 82 for calculating the modeling time. When the “estimate” button 83 is pressed, the modeling time predicted according to the current setting is calculated and displayed in the predicted modeling time display field. A radio button 63A for selecting either the minimum modeling time or the minimum usage amount of the modeling material is provided below the “optimum posture” button 80 as the parameter setting means 63 for specifying the modeling parameters. ing. As described above, in addition to or instead of the function of selecting either the modeling time minimum or the modeling material usage minimum as the parameter setting means 63, the ratio between the modeling accuracy and the modeling speed is set by the user. By letting the user input the maximum modeling time that can be selected sensuously, by displaying the combination of several modeling times and modeling accuracy as candidates, the user can select the conditions that the user prefers Is also possible. Needless to say, when the user selects either the modeling time minimum or the modeling material usage minimum as the parameter setting means 63 and presses the “estimate” button 83, the modeling time predicted according to the current setting is set. Calculated.
(Output means 66)

  Further, a “print” button 84 for executing 3D modeling is arranged as an output means 66 at the lower right of the operation column 70. When the “print” button 84 is pressed, for example, setting data that is each slice data of the generated STL data is output from the output unit 66 to the 3D modeling apparatus in batch or in units of each slice data. The print command is instructed and 3D modeling is started. In the example of FIG. 66, when the “read” button 73 in the object generation field 72 is pressed as an example of the input means 61, the “open file” dialog screen 85 shown in FIG. 67 is opened. From this screen, the user selects a desired STL file as three-dimensional data. Also, on the right side of the screen, the content of the currently selected 3D data is displayed as a preview, making it easy for the user to select a data file.

  When three-dimensional data is selected by the input means 61, an object defined by the selected three-dimensional data is displayed in the display column 68 of FIG. 66 after being converted into STL data, for example. This is shown in FIG. From the screen of FIG. 68, the user can select the object OB1 by using the position adjusting means 65b and move it to an arbitrary position, or change it to an arbitrary posture such as inclination or rotation. FIG. 69 shows an example in which the object OB1 is moved while being rotated and inclined. In this specification, the movement of the object is used to include rotation and inclination.

  In the example of FIGS. 68 and 69, only one object OB1 is displayed. However, a plurality of three-dimensional data can be fetched from the input unit 61 and arranged at an arbitrary position. In addition, a plurality of objects can be arranged on the modeling plate 40 by copying one input object. Furthermore, it is possible to delete an arbitrary object. These operations are performed by operating the “copy” button 74 and the “delete” button 75 in the object generation field 72 described above.

  The user arbitrarily or as the parameter setting means 63 for designating the above-described modeling parameter, selects either the minimum modeling time or the minimum usage amount of the modeling material, and presses the “optimum posture” button 80, After the position adjustment unit 65b determines the position and orientation of the object OB1, when the “print” button 84 in the operation column 70 is pressed, setting data is output from the output unit 66 to the 3D modeling apparatus. Specifically, a print data creation dialog 86 as shown in FIG. 70 is displayed, and setting data in a format that can be read by the 3D modeling apparatus, which is a 3D printer, is generated and transferred to the 3D modeling apparatus. As described above, the user can create setting data using the setting data creation device, and can instruct the modeling to the three-dimensional modeling device.

  An example of the parameter setting unit 63 is the radio button 63A provided in the operation column 71 of FIG. 66 described above. In the example of FIG. 66, either the modeling time minimum or the resin amount minimum can be specified as the modeling parameter.

  Another example of the parameter setting means 63 is shown in FIG. In the modeling parameter setting dialog 63B shown in this figure, the modeling time, the usage amount of the modeling material, and the priority order of the support material contact area can be defined as the modeling parameters. In this example, for all the modeling parameters, which are all of the minimum time, the minimum amount of resin, and the minimum mat surface, the user is allowed to specify the priority order for determining the optimal posture and position of modeling with numerical values. At that time, by not inputting a numerical value for a parameter that is determined to be unnecessary for prioritization, it can be excluded from the calculation for determining the optimum posture and position of modeling.

  The setting data creation apparatus for the 3D modeling apparatus of the present invention, the 3D modeling apparatus, the setting data creation program for the 3D modeling apparatus, and the computer-readable recording medium are 3D in which an ultraviolet curable resin is laminated by an inkjet method. It can be suitably used for modeling.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Three-dimensional modeling system 1 ... Setting data creation apparatus 2, 2 '... Three-dimensional modeling apparatus 3 ... Case part 4 ... Extraction part; 4B ... Second extraction part; 4C ... Third extraction part; 4D ... Fourth extraction Section 5 ... Frame shape 10 ... Control means 12 ... Roller rotation speed control means 13 ... Stage position control means 14 ... Notification means 15 ... Open warning means 20 ... Head part; 20A ... Discharge head unit; 20B ... Recovery curing head unit 20C ... Discharge means 21 ... Model material discharge nozzle 22 ... Support material discharge nozzle 23 ... Nozzle row 24 ... Curing means 25 ... Roller part 26 ... Roller body 27 ... Blade 28 ... Bus 29 ... Suction pipe 30 ... Head moving means 31 ... Drive in XY direction Part 32, 32 '... Z direction drive part 33, 33', 33 "... Bearing shaft 40 ... Modeling plate 41, 41C, 41X ... First division plate 41a ... First support 41b ... second sub-dividing plates 42, 42C, 42X ... second dividing plate 43 ... third dividing plate 45 ... rail guide 46 ... X-direction moving rail 47 ... Y-direction moving rail 50 ... sub-plate 51 ... first One sub plate 52 ... second sub plate 58 ... cover portion 61 ... input means 62 ... display means 63 ... parameter setting means; 63a ... modeling parameter setting means 63A ... radio button; 63B ... modeling parameter setting dialog 64 ... calculation means; 64a ... candidate position determination means; 64b ... object placement means; 64c ... plate determination means; 64d ... modeling time calculation means; 64e ... modeling material amount calculation means; 64f ... modeling condition adjustment means; 64g ... placement warning means; Generation means 65... Setting means; 65 b. Position adjustment means; 65 c. 65d, an arrangement reference setting means, 65f, a priority plate specifying means, 65g, a priority order specifying means, 65h, a surrounding margin setting means, 65i, a buffer area setting means, 65j, an interrupt modeling setting means; 65k ... interrupt approval means 66 ... output means 68 ... display field 69 ... view change icon 70 ... operation field 71 ... object list 72 ... object generation field 73 ... "read" button 74 ... "copy" button 75 ... "delete" Button 76 ... Manual operation column 77 ... "Surface finish" column 78 ... Automatic operation column 80 ... "Optimum posture" button 81 ... "Optimum placement" button 82 ... "Estimate" button 84 ... "Print" button 85 ... "Open file""Dialog screen 86 ... Print data creation dialog 4020 ... Head unit 4040 ... Modeling plate 5641, 5642 ..." Shaped plate WK, WK1 to WK5 ... Modeled object WK ', WKU ... Modeled object WKKC ... Modeling finished model MA ... Model material SA ... Support material PC ... Computer SB ... Overhang support part BA ... Buffer area PM ... object O _D ... XY origin SP ... scanning position which could not be arranged around the margin VR ... virtual modeling area VR1 ... first virtual modeling area VR2 ... second virtual modeling area OB, OB1 ... object OB '... priority plate

Claims (24)

On the modeling area, the modeling material is ejected while scanning in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and by repeating the operation of curing this, a slice having a predetermined thickness in the height direction is generated in layers, A three-dimensional modeling apparatus that performs modeling by laminating the slices in the height direction,
A head portion in which a plurality of discharge nozzles are arranged in one direction;
By reciprocating the head portion in the main scanning direction, which is a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the discharge nozzles, relative to the modeling area, and moving in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. , An XY direction drive unit for driving in the XY direction,
A first divided plate that defines a first modeling area for modeling a modeled article at the head part;
A first divided plate, a second divided plate that is arranged in the sub-scanning direction that is the arrangement direction of the discharge nozzles, and that defines a second modeling area for modeling a modeled object by the head unit;
A Z-direction drive unit for independently driving the first divided plate and the second divided plate in the Z direction orthogonal to the XY direction;
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus comprising control means for controlling the head unit, the XY direction driving unit, and the Z direction driving unit to perform modeling on the first divided plate and the second divided plate. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
When performing modeling using the first divided plate or the second divided plate,
Asynchronous drive for performing modeling by driving the first divided plate and the second divided plate independently in the Z direction;
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus comprising setting means for performing any operation setting with synchronous driving in which modeling is performed by operating the first divided plate and the second divided plate integrally. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 2,
The setting means includes a drive mode selection means for selecting one of an asynchronous drive mode for performing the asynchronous drive and a synchronous drive mode for performing the synchronous drive, and the drive mode selection means includes: A three-dimensional modeling apparatus that prohibits an operation setting for driving the first divided plate and the second divided plate asynchronously when the synchronous drive mode is selected. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising:
Object placement means for placing an object indicating a modeling object to be modeled on the first modeling area or the second modeling area respectively defined on the first divided plate or the second divided plate displayed on the setting screen With
The setting means enables the object to be arranged across the two divided plates when the synchronous drive mode is selected by the drive mode selection means, and when the asynchronous drive mode is selected, A 3D modeling device that makes it impossible to place objects across split plates. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 4,
When the driving mode selection unit selects the synchronous driving mode, the setting unit displays the two divided plates side by side in the proximity or contact state on the setting screen, and the asynchronous driving mode is A three-dimensional modeling apparatus that, when selected, displays the two divided plates apart from each other as compared with the case where the synchronous drive mode is selected. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising:
A modeling time calculating means for calculating a time required for completion of modeling of the object arranged by the object arranging means,
The modeling time calculating unit calculates one modeling time for completing modeling of all the arranged objects when the synchronous driving mode is selected by the driving mode selecting unit, and the asynchronous driving mode is selected. When it was done, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus which calculates separately the modeling time for which modeling of the object arrange | positioned for every said divided plate is completed. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
When the synchronous drive mode is selected by the drive mode selection unit, the setting unit can perform setting related to a common modeling quality for all the arranged objects, and the asynchronous drive mode is selected. When it is done, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus which can perform the setting which concerns on modeling quality different for every said divided plate with respect to the object arrange | positioned for every said divided plate. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7,
The setting means includes mounting determination means for determining whether or not there is an object arranged across the first divided plate and the second divided plate. When it is determined that there is an object arranged across the two divided plates, the tertiary is set to operate in the synchronous drive until the formation of all the objects arranged on the two divided plates is completed. Original modeling device. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 8,
The setting unit selects the synchronous drive mode by the drive mode selection unit when the rack determination unit determines that there is an object arranged across the two divided plates. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus to be set as follows. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 9,
The control means rejects the request when the first divided plate and the second divided plate are operating in the synchronous drive and there is an operation request by the asynchronous drive by the setting means. And the three-dimensional modeling apparatus which continues the said synchronous drive. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 10,
The setting means is configured to perform modeling by arranging an object only in a modeling area corresponding to either the first divided plate or the second divided plate by the asynchronous driving, and the first divided plate and the first divided plate A three-dimensional modeling apparatus capable of setting an object by arranging objects in both modeling areas of the two-divided plate. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 11,
When the setting unit performs modeling using the first divided plate and the second divided plate, the first divided plate and the first divided plate and the first divided plate until the modeling with one divided plate that is scheduled to be completed in advance is completed. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus that can be configured so as to continue modeling with only the other divided plate when modeling with the second divided plate is completed and modeling of the one divided plate is completed. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising:
For each of the divided plates, plate information acquisition means for acquiring information indicating whether or not modeling can be started,
The setting means is a state in which the information of the other divided plate acquired by the plate information acquiring means can start modeling during the modeling of one of the first divided plate and the second divided plate. 3D modeling apparatus that can be set to start modeling on the other divided plate. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 13,
In the middle of modeling with the one divided plate, the setting means interrupts modeling of the one divided plate and starts modeling with the other divided plate. 3D modeling device that can be set to give priority to completion. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 13,
The setting means, when performing modeling using the first divided plate and the second divided plate, can be set to complete the modeling simultaneously with the first divided plate and the second divided plate,
When the setting means sets the modeling to be completed at the same time on the first divided plate and the second divided plate by the setting means, the modeling completion scheduled time of one divided plate that is scheduled to be completed in advance However, the 3D modeling apparatus which controls the said head part, the said XY direction drive part, and the said Z direction drive part so that it may substantially correspond with the modeling completion scheduled time of the other division | segmentation plate. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 15,
The setting means, while forming a single slice on the one divided plate, forms a plurality of slices on the other divided plate, so that the estimated end time of modeling on the one divided plate is A three-dimensional modeling apparatus that can be set so as to substantially match the modeling end scheduled time on the other divided plate. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 11,
In the case where modeling is performed using the first divided plate and the second divided plate, the setting means performs modeling only with the one divided plate until the modeling with one divided plate is completed, 3D modeling apparatus that can be set to continue modeling with only the other divided plate when modeling with the other divided plate is completed. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 17,
When there is a request for modeling with the other divided plate during modeling with the one divided plate, the setting means rejects the request for modeling with the other divided plate and the one divided plate. 3D modeling apparatus that can be set to continue modeling with only the other divided plate when modeling with is completed. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 18, further comprising:
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus provided with modeling condition adjusting means for changing a modeling condition for each divided plate for modeling with the first divided plate or the second divided plate according to a modeling condition of another divided plate. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19,
Of the first divided plate and the second divided plate, the divided plate for which modeling is prioritized is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus arranged on the origin side of the XY coordinates defining the driving position of the XY direction driving unit. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20,
The first divided plate is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus in which the main scanning direction is longer than the sub-scanning direction. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21,
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus in which the first divided plate and the second divided plate have substantially the same size. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22,
The XY direction drive unit is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus whose moving speed in the main scanning direction is higher than moving speed in the sub-scanning direction. On the modeling area, the modeling material is ejected while scanning in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and by repeating the operation of curing this, a slice having a predetermined thickness in the height direction is generated in layers, A three-dimensional modeling method for modeling by laminating the slices in the height direction,
A head portion in which a plurality of discharge nozzles are arranged in one direction is reciprocated in a main scanning direction, which is a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the discharge nozzles, relative to the modeling area, and is orthogonal to the main scanning direction. By moving in the sub-scanning direction, driving in the XY direction,
Modeling with the head unit arranged in the sub-scanning direction, which is the arrangement direction of the discharge nozzles, the first divided plate that defines the first modeling area for modeling the modeled object with the head unit The second divided plate that defines the second modeling area for modeling the object is driven independently in the Z direction orthogonal to the XY direction,
A three-dimensional modeling method for performing layered modeling on the first divided plate and the second divided plate.