JP2017043041A - Three-dimensional molding apparatus, device for creating setting data for three-dimensional molding apparatus, method for creating setting data for three-dimensional molding apparatus, program for creating setting data for three-dimensional molding apparatus, and computer readable recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress influences of molding of one object using one molding plate on a molded object on the other molding plate upon forming a plurality of molded objects using a plurality of molding plates.SOLUTION: A three-dimensional molding apparatus includes: a first division plate 41; a second division plate 42 disposed next to the first division plate; a Z-direction driving part 32 capable of independently driving the plates in a vertical direction; an XY-direction driving part 31 for relatively driving a head part 20 in a horizontal direction within a horizontal plane of the first division plate 41 and the second division plate 42; and control means 10 for controlling discharging and curing of a molding material while moving the head part 20. A limitation area BA where no molded object is disposed can be set in a region where the first division plate 41 and the second division plate 42 are adjoining to each other: the limitation area is to be disposed to decrease such influences that the light projected by curing means 24 to cure the molding material discharged onto one division plate irradiates a molded object formed on the other division plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 52

Description

  The present invention relates to a three-dimensional modeling apparatus for producing a three-dimensional modeling object, a setting data creation apparatus for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, a setting data creation method for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, a setting data creation program for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, and a computer. The present invention relates to a readable recording medium.

  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), which is used for prototyping in product development, an additive manufacturing method capable of three-dimensional molding is used. As the additive manufacturing method, additive manufacturing method slices the three-dimensional CAD data of the product and creates the original data of manufacturing by superimposing the thin plates, and the material such as powder, resin, steel plate, paper, etc. A prototype is created by stacking layers. As such a layered modeling method, an inkjet method, a powder method, an optical modeling method, a sheet lamination method, an extrusion method, and the like are known. Among these, the inkjet method injects liquefied resin and then cures the layer by irradiating with ultraviolet light (UV light) or cooling to form a shaped object.

  In such a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, since modeling time is required, it is conceivable to provide a plurality of modeling plates in order to shorten the modeling time. For example, in patent document 1, as shown in sectional drawing of FIG. 45, the optical modeling apparatus which provided the head part 4020 and the modeling plate 4040 separately is disclosed. In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus having such a plurality of modeling plates, each modeling plate is operated individually to model a modeled object for each modeling plate.

  As described above, in a configuration including a plurality of modeling plates, the modeling completion time in each modeling plate usually does not match. That is, even if the modeling is completed with one modeling plate, the modeling with the other modeling plate is continued. In this case, when the modeling area on the modeling plate being modeled is scanned with the head portion and irradiated with UV light, this UV light leaks, and the modeled object that has been modeled is also irradiated, causing discoloration, etc. It sometimes occurred. In the ink jet method, ink resin particles ejected from the head portion may be scattered and adhere to the surroundings. When such scattered resin adheres to a completed model and is cured with UV light, a dot shape may be generated on the surface of the model. Thus, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus having a plurality of modeling plates, there is a specific problem that modeling in one modeling area adversely affects the modeled object obtained in the other modeling area.

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 apparatus for suppressing the influence on a modeled object on another modeled plate when modeling a plurality of modeled objects using a plurality of modeled plates. An object of the present invention is to provide a setting data creation apparatus, a setting data creation method for a 3D modeling apparatus, a setting data creation program for a 3D modeling apparatus, and a computer-readable recording medium.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus for modeling a three-dimensional modeled object using a modeling material, A head part including a modeling material discharging unit for discharging the modeling material, and a curing unit for irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength range as a light source for curing the modeling material, and a modeling object is mounted on the upper surface thereof. A first divided plate that is placed and shaped, a second divided plate that is placed side by side with the first divided plate and that is shaped by placing a shaped article on the upper surface thereof, and the first divided plate and the second divided plate A Z-direction drive unit capable of independently driving in the vertical direction, and an XY-direction drive unit for driving the head unit relatively horizontally in the horizontal plane of the first and second divided plates; While moving the head part Control means for controlling the ejection and curing of the modeling material, and the light emitted from the curing means is modeled on the other divided plate in order to cure the modeling material discharged on one of the divided plates. It is possible to set a restriction area that is provided in order to reduce the effect of irradiating the modeled object on which the modeled object is not disposed in an area where the first divided plate and the second divided plate are adjacent to each other. With the above configuration, when modeling is completed with one of the divided plates, the light irradiated from the curing means during the modeling with the other divided plate and the leakage light are irradiated to the modeled molded object, causing discoloration and deterioration. The situation can be suppressed, and the deterioration of the quality of the model can be prevented.

  Further, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the second aspect, in each peripheral region of the first divided plate and the second divided plate, a peripheral margin is set to prevent the modeled object from falling from the divided plate. The width of the restricted area can be set larger than the width of the modeling margin.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the third aspect, the first divided plate and the second divided plate are arranged side by side in the rectangular longitudinal direction, and the restriction area is the first divided plate. And the peripheral margin is provided on a surface opposite to the restriction area in the longitudinal direction of the one divided plate and the second divided plate. be able to.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the restricted area can be orthogonal to at least a part of the peripheral margin.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the fifth aspect, when the modeling is further continued on one side of the first divided plate or the second divided plate and the modeling of the modeled object is completed on the other side, the modeling is performed. A stage position control unit for controlling the Z-direction drive unit may be provided so that the divided plate that has been finished is moved to the irradiation protection position. With the above-described configuration, the modeled object can be separated from the modeling area during modeling by lowering the divided plate that has been modeled. That is, it is possible to avoid the situation where the light irradiated from the curing means on the divided plate in the middle of modeling or the leaked light is irradiated to the modeled model and causes discoloration or deterioration, and the model is protected.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the sixth aspect, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus for modeling a three-dimensional modeled object using a modeling material, the modeling for discharging the modeling material As a light source for curing the modeling material, a head unit including a curing unit for irradiating light in a predetermined wavelength region, and a first divided plate for modeling by placing a modeled object on the upper surface And a second divided plate that is arranged side by side with the first divided plate and mounts a modeled object on the upper surface thereof, and the first divided plate and the second divided plate can be driven independently in the vertical direction. While moving the Z-direction drive unit, the XY-direction drive unit for driving the head unit relatively in the horizontal direction within the horizontal plane of the first divided plate and the second divided plate, Discharge and hardness of the modeling material When one of the first divided plate and the second divided plate is shaped, and the shaping of the shaped object is finished on the other side, the divided plate after the shaping is lowered to protect the irradiation. A stage position control unit for controlling the Z direction driving unit may be provided so as to be moved to a position. With the above-described configuration, the modeled object can be separated from the modeling area during modeling by lowering the divided plate that has been modeled. That is, it is possible to avoid the situation where the light irradiated from the curing means on the divided plate in the middle of modeling or the leaked light is irradiated to the modeled model and causes discoloration or deterioration, and the model is protected.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the restricted area is formed on the first divided plate and the second divided plate with the joint surface of the first divided plate and the second divided plate as a center. In contrast, they can be provided equally.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the head unit has a plurality of discharge nozzles arranged in the first direction for discharging the modeling material as the modeling material discharging means, The XY direction drive unit reciprocates the head unit in the main scanning direction that is a direction intersecting the first direction in which the ejection nozzles are arranged, and moves the head unit in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. The head portion is configured to be driven in the horizontal direction, and the second divided plate can be aligned with the first divided plate in the sub-scanning direction.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the modeling material discharge unit supports, as a modeling material, a model material that becomes a final modeled object, and a projecting portion where the model material projects, The support material that is finally removed is discharged on the first divided plate and the second divided plate while scanning in at least one direction, and the operation of curing this is repeated, so that the predetermined height direction is determined. It is possible to perform modeling by generating slices having a thickness of 1 mm and stacking the slices in the height direction.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the tenth aspect, the modeling material discharging means further scrapes off the surplus from the modeling material discharged onto the first divided plate and the second divided plate. The roller part can be provided.

  Furthermore, according to the setting data creation device for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, a plurality of three-dimensional modeling objects are respectively formed on the first divided plate or the second divided plate using a modeling material. A setting data creation device for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus to be modeled, and an input unit for acquiring three-dimensional data of a plurality of modeling objects, and modeling in each peripheral region of the first divided plate and the second divided plate The peripheral margin setting means for setting the peripheral margin for preventing the object from falling from the divided plate, and the light irradiated from the curing means for curing the modeling material discharged on the one divided plate, The first divided plate and the second divided plate are provided in order to reduce the effect of irradiating the modeled object formed on the divided plate, and the limited area where the modeled object is not arranged is provided. The limited area setting means for setting the area to be in contact with the three-dimensional data of the plurality of shaped objects as objects, the head part is scanned on the first divided plate or the second divided plate, and the shaped object is shaped. Possible object placement means for placing in the first virtual shaping area or the second virtual shaping area corresponding to the first shaping area or the second shaping area set in consideration of the peripheral margin and the restriction area. Can be provided. With the above-described configuration, the modeled object can be separated from the modeling area during modeling by lowering the divided plate that has been modeled. That is, it is possible to avoid the situation where the light irradiated from the curing means on the divided plate in the middle of modeling or the leaked light is irradiated to the modeled model and causes discoloration or deterioration, and the model is protected.

  Furthermore, according to the setting data creation device for the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the twelfth aspect, the first virtual modeling area or the second virtual modeling area set by the peripheral margin setting means, and the first division The width of the restricted area can be set larger than the width of the peripheral margin, which is the difference from the area of the plate or the second divided plate.

  Furthermore, according to the setting data creation device for the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, the first divided plate is centered on the joint area between the first divided plate and the second divided plate. And the second divided plate can be provided equally.

  Furthermore, according to the setting data creation device for the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, when the object is further arranged in the first virtual modeling area or the second virtual modeling area by the object arranging means, Arrangement warning means for warning that a part of the first virtual modeling area or the second virtual modeling area is located in the buffer area corresponding to the restriction area can be provided. With the above configuration, it is possible to warn that the object is in the buffer area and to urge the user to adjust the arrangement position of the object, thereby avoiding a deterioration in the quality of the shaped object obtained.

  Furthermore, according to the setting data creation device for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, the object placement means has a size of an object even when the placement warning means receives a warning. When exceeding one virtual modeling area or the second virtual modeling area, a part of the object can be allowed to protrude from the first virtual modeling area or the second virtual modeling area and be positioned in the buffer area. With the above configuration, when the object is large and inevitably protrudes from the first virtual region or the second virtual region to the buffer region, modeling can be enabled by allowing such an arrangement.

  Furthermore, according to the setting data creation method for the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, a plurality of three-dimensional models are respectively formed on the first divided plate or the second divided plate using a modeling material. A setting data creation method for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus to be modeled, in which a peripheral margin is set in advance in each peripheral region of the first divided plate and the second divided plate to prevent a modeled object from falling from the divided plate In addition, it is provided to reduce the influence of the light irradiated from the curing means to cure the modeling material ejected on one divided plate to the molded object modeled on the other divided plate. When the three-dimensional data of a plurality of shaped objects is acquired, the restriction area where the shaped object is not disposed is set in a region where the first divided plate and the second divided plate are adjacent to each other. In addition, the three-dimensional data is set as an object in consideration of the peripheral margin and the restriction area that can form a modeled object by scanning the head part on the first divided plate or the second divided plate, respectively. Arranging the object in the first virtual modeling area or the second virtual modeling area corresponding to the first modeling area or the second modeling area. As a result, when modeling is completed with one of the divided plates, the light irradiated from the curing means during modeling with the other divided plate or the leakage light is irradiated to the molded object that has been molded, causing discoloration or deterioration. Can be suppressed, and deterioration of the quality of the shaped product can be prevented.

  Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling method according to the seventeenth aspect, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that models a plurality of three-dimensional models on the first divided plate and the second divided plate, respectively, using a modeling material. A modeling method using the step of modeling one modeled object on the first divided plate, while modeling another modeled object on the second divided plate, and on the first divided plate After the modeling work on the second divided plate is finished, the first divided plate and the second divided plate are independently driven in the vertical direction when the other molded article on the second divided plate is not yet formed. A possible Z-direction drive unit and a stage position control unit for controlling the Z-direction drive unit, and a step of lowering the shaped divided plate and moving it to the irradiation protection position. Thereby, the modeled object can be separated from the modeling area during modeling by lowering the divided plate that has been modeled. That is, it is possible to avoid the situation where the light irradiated from the curing means on the divided plate in the middle of modeling or the leaked light is irradiated to the modeled model and causes discoloration or deterioration, and the model is protected.

  Furthermore, according to the setting data creation program for the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the eighteenth aspect, a plurality of three-dimensional shaped objects are respectively formed on the first divided plate or the second divided plate using a modeling material. A setting data creation program for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus to be modeled, which is preliminarily stored in a computer in each peripheral region of the first divided plate and the second divided plate in order to prevent a modeled object from falling from the divided plate. The margin is set and the influence of the light irradiated from the curing means to cure the modeling material discharged on one divided plate is irradiated on the modeled object molded on the other divided plate is reduced. A function of setting a restriction area provided for the purpose of disposing a modeling object in an area where the first divided plate and the second divided plate are adjacent to each other, and a plurality of modeling The peripheral margin and the restriction area can be obtained by acquiring the three-dimensional data and scanning the head portion on the first divided plate or the second divided plate, respectively, using the three-dimensional data as an object. A function of arranging the object in the first virtual modeling area or the second virtual modeling area corresponding to the first modeling area or the second modeling area set in consideration of the above can be realized.

  Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium according to the nineteenth aspect stores the above program. CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, flexible disk, magnetic tape, MO, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD + R, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, Blu-ray (product) Name), BD-R, BD-RE, HD DVD (AOD), and other magnetic disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, semiconductor memories, and other media that can store programs. The program includes a program distributed in a download manner through a network line such as the Internet, in addition to a program stored and distributed in the recording medium. Furthermore, the recording medium includes a device capable of recording the program, for example, a general purpose or dedicated device in which the program is mounted in a state where the program can be executed in the form of software, firmware, or the like. Furthermore, each process and function included in the program may be executed by computer-executable program software, or each part of the process or hardware may be executed by hardware such as a predetermined gate array (FPGA, ASIC), or program software. And a partial hardware module that realizes a part of hardware elements may be mixed.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the three-dimensional modeling apparatus which concerns on a modification. 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 schematic plan view which shows the state which arranged the two division plates in the main scanning direction. 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. 7 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 sectional drawing which shows the state which mounted the subplate on the modeling plate. 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. 19A is a timing chart showing the operation in the synchronous drive mode, and FIGS. 19B to 19D are schematic plan views showing how the modeling operations on the first divided plate and the second modeling plate change in time series. FIG. 20A is a timing chart showing the operation of normal modeling for modeling with a single modeling plate, and FIGS. 20B to 20D show how the modeling operation on the first divided plate and the second modeling plate changes in time series. It is a schematic plan view. 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. It is a top view which shows the molded article of FIG. FIG. 23A is a timing chart showing the operation in the single drive mode, and FIGS. 23B to 23D are schematic plan views showing how the modeling operation on the first divided plate changes in time series. FIG. 24A is a timing chart showing the operation in the simultaneous start multi-drive mode, and FIGS. 24B to 24D are schematic plan views showing how the modeling operations on the first divided plate and the second modeling plate change in time series. is there. FIG. 25A is a timing chart showing the operation in the multi-drive mode starting after the completion, and FIGS. 25B to 25D are schematic plan views showing how the modeling operations on the first divided plate and the second modeling plate change in time series. It is. FIG. 26A is a timing chart showing the operation in the multi-drive mode of interrupt start, and FIGS. 26B to 26D are schematic plan views showing how the modeling operations on the first divided plate and the second modeling plate change in time series. is there. FIG. 27A is a timing chart showing the operation in the multi-drive mode at the same time, and FIGS. 27B to 27D are schematic plan views showing how the modeling operations on the first divided plate and the second modeling plate change in time series. is there. 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 sectional drawing which shows an example of the taking-out part provided in the housing | casing part. It is a perspective view which shows the example which raises the division | segmentation plate by this side. FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a state in which the takeout part is opened in FIG. 30. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which piles up a subplate on the upper surface of a division | segmentation plate. It is a perspective view which shows the example which raises the back side division | segmentation plate. It is a perspective view which shows the state which open | released the extraction part in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the cover part in FIG. FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing a state in which the takeout part is opened in FIG. 35. It is a perspective view which shows the example which sets a cover part to a three-dimensional modeling apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the housing | casing part which provided the 1st taking-out part and the 2nd taking-out part. It is sectional drawing of the housing | casing part of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the housing | casing part which provided the extraction part in the downward direction. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which accesses the division | segmentation plate of a near side in the housing | casing part of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which accesses the division | segmentation plate of the back side in the housing | casing part of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the example which offset the support shaft from the lower surface center of the division | segmentation plate. It is a perspective view which shows the example which provided the support shaft in the corner part of the division | segmentation plate. It is a perspective view which shows the housing | casing part which provided the 3rd extraction part. It is sectional drawing of the housing | casing part of FIG. 47A is a timing chart showing the operation in the simultaneous multi-modeling mode, and FIGS. 47B to 47D are schematic plan views showing how the modeling operations on the first and second divided plates change in time series. is there. FIG. 48A is a timing chart showing the operation in the multi-modeling mode that is started after completion, and FIGS. 48B to 48D are schematic plan views showing how the modeling operations on the first and second divided plates change in time series. It is. 49A is a timing chart showing the operation in the multi-modeling mode with an interrupt start, and FIGS. 49B to 49D are schematic plan views showing how the modeling operations on the first divided plate and the second divided plate change in time series. is there. It is a schematic plan view which shows the state which modeling of the 1st division | segmentation plate is complete | finished and modeling with the 2nd division | segmentation plate is continued. It is a schematic plan view which shows the example which arrange | positions a molded article in the boundary area | region which a 1st division | segmentation plate and a 2nd division | segmentation plate face. It is a schematic plan view which shows the example which provides a restriction area in the boundary area | region which a 1st division | segmentation plate and a 2nd division | segmentation plate face. It is a schematic plan view which shows the example which provides a restriction | limiting area and a periphery margin in a 1st division | segmentation plate and a 2nd division | segmentation plate. It is a schematic plan view which shows the example which arrange | positions a molded article in a restriction | limiting area. FIG. 55A to FIG. 55I are schematic cross-sectional views showing the ascending / descending positions according to the modeling stage of each divided plate. It is a block diagram which shows the setting data creation apparatus for 3D modeling apparatuses. 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. 76 is an image diagram showing an example in which an object is displayed in the display field of FIG. 75. FIG. 78 is an image diagram showing an example of moving the object in FIG. 77. 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 shown below is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, a setting data creating apparatus for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, a setting data creating method for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, and a three-dimensional The present invention exemplifies a setting data creation program for a modeling apparatus, and the present invention relates to a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, a setting data creation apparatus for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, a setting data creation method for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, and a three-dimensional modeling apparatus The setting data creation program for the following is not specified. 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

  In FIG. 1, the block diagram of the three-dimensional modeling system 100 which concerns on Example 1 of this invention is shown. 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 40 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 FIG. 1 includes a setting data creation apparatus 1 (computer PC in FIG. 1) that sends modeling data indicating a model and setting data that is a modeling condition to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2, and a three-dimensional modeling system. Consists of device 2. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 includes a control unit 10, a head unit 20, and a modeling plate 40. 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, the head portion 20 is scanned back and forth in the horizontal direction in order to discharge the modeling material from the model material discharge nozzle 21 and the support material discharge nozzle 22 to an appropriate position on the modeling plate 40 in a liquid or fluid state by an ink jet method. XY direction drive as horizontal drive means for scanning in the X direction and Y direction orthogonal to the X direction, and vertical drive means for moving the relative position in the height direction between the head portion 20 and the modeling plate 40 A unit 31 and a Z-direction drive 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 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 3D modeling apparatus 2 in a batch or in units of each slice layer It functions as the creation device 1. At this time, corresponding to the determination of the posture on the modeling plate 40 of model data (actually, STL data after conversion) designed by three-dimensional CAD or the like, the model formed by the model material MA in this posture is supported. The position where the support material SA is provided is set for the necessary space or location, and slice data corresponding to each layer is formed based on these data. The control means 10 includes a roller rotation speed control means 12 and a stage position control means 13. When the roller main body 26 individually collects the model material MA or the support material SA, the roller rotation speed control unit 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 an appropriate position on the modeling plate 40, a cross-sectional shape based on the cross-sectional data given from the computer PC is modeled. Then, the model material MA, which is one of the modeling materials discharged onto the modeling plate 40, 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 that the model material discharge nozzle 21 and the support material discharge nozzle 22 are at least in the forward path or the return path when the head section 20 is reciprocated in the X direction (the main scanning direction of the head section 20). The molding material is ejected from the molding material in a liquid or fluid state by an ink jet method, and the molding object discharged on the modeling plate 40 is uncured, and at least in the forward or 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 according to the thickness of the slice data and the required modeling accuracy. Sarasa is it is needless to say. 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 modeling plate 40 is 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, and is a cross section after landing of the discharged liquid droplets. The shape is determined by the unit discharge amount capable of retaining a substantially circular shape.
(Modeling plate 40)

  The modeling plate 40 can be moved up and down by the Z-direction drive unit 32. When one slice is formed, the Z-direction drive unit 32 is controlled by the control means 10, and the modeling plate 40 is 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 FIG. 1, the modeling plate 40 is 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 modeling plate 40 can be changed, and three-dimensional modeling becomes possible. 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. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the width in the Y direction of each discharge nozzle 21, 22 is smaller than the width in the Y direction that can be formed on the modeling plate 40, and the width in the Y direction of the model data for modeling Is larger than the total length of the orifice extending in the Y direction, the reciprocating operation in the X direction at a predetermined position of each discharge nozzle 21, 22 is followed by shifting each discharge nozzle 21, 22 in the Y direction by a predetermined amount, The model material MA and the support material SA are repeatedly ejected to appropriate locations based on the slice data together with the reciprocal scanning in the X direction, thereby generating a modeled object corresponding to all set modeling data. .

  In addition, in the example of FIG. 1, the plate raising / lowering means which raises / lowers the modeling plate 40 is used as the Z direction drive part 32, However, it is not restricted to this example, Like 3D modeling apparatus 2 'shown in FIG. It is also possible to employ a Z-direction drive unit 32 ′ that fixes the 40 ′ side in the height direction and moves the head unit 20 ′ 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 in the Y direction of the head unit 20 is not necessary if the width of each nozzle is substantially the same as the width of the modeling plate 40 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 becomes an orifice at the time of the previous modeling by shifting the head part 20 in the Y direction. And may be shifted so that it is located between the orifice and the orifice.
(Control means 10)

  The control means 10 controls the discharge pattern of the modeling material. That is, the head member 20 is reciprocally scanned in the X direction while the model material MA and the support material SA are ejected onto the modeling plate 40 by the modeling material ejecting means in at least one of the reciprocal scanning in the X direction. Then, after the modeling material is discharged onto the modeling plate 40 by the modeling material discharging unit and at least one of the outward path and the return path, the model material MA and the support material SA are cured by the curing unit 24. Then, a slice is generated, the modeling plate 40 and the head unit 20 are moved in the height direction, and modeling is performed by repeating the stacking of slices. Although the 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 modeling plate 40 by the modeling material discharging unit and by the curing unit 24. Before the surface of the material is cured, it is performed in at least one of the outward path and the return path.

  This control means 10 ejects 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 portion 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, one of the model material MA and the support material SA can be cured individually by removing or smoothing the surplus on the surface in an uncured state, and then curing the model material. 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 becomes 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. Each discharge nozzle is provided with two nozzle rows 23. Each nozzle row 23 is arranged so that the model material discharge nozzle 21 and the support material discharge nozzle 22 are aligned on the same line, thereby matching the resolution of the model material and the support material.

  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 modeling plate so as to straddle the modeling plate 40 in the vertical direction. Thereby, the head unit 20 can move to an arbitrary position on the XY plane on the modeling plate.
(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 molding apparatus, in order to perform accurate modeling, extra modeling material such as model material and support material is discharged, and the surplus resin discharged on the modeling plate 40 is discharged. Modeling is performed while collecting with the surplus 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. 5 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. In this example, the outer shape of the roller body 26 is about φ20 mm, and the rotation speed is about 10 rotations / s.

  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 illustration 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 portion 25 is executed, 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.
(Split plate)

  In this embodiment, the modeling plate is divided into a plurality of divided plates.

  Further, the modeling plate 40 is divided into a first divided plate 41 and a second divided plate 42. A perspective view of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 is shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, 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 housing unit 3 constituting the three-dimensional modeling apparatus. 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 the conventional three-dimensional molding apparatus, a modeled object is modeled on one modeled plate, but the size of a modelable model that can be modeled 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.

  Thus, when dividing the modeling plate into a plurality of divided plates, the direction of division becomes a problem. As a way of arranging the divided plates, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, it is conceivable to arrange two divided plates 41X and 42X side by side in the main scanning direction of the head unit 20. At this time, the movement of the head unit 20 is generally configured to repeat an operation of moving in the sub-scanning direction after reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction. In other words, since it is necessary to reciprocate in the main scanning direction before moving the head in the sub-scanning direction, shortening the distance moved in the sub-scanning direction shortens the moving distance of the head. From the viewpoint of increasing the modeling speed, it can be said that this is preferable. For example, when modeling a long and narrow shaped object, the longitudinal direction of the shaped object is aligned with the sub-scanning direction as shown in FIG. It can be said that it is more preferable in terms of the efficiency of movement of the head portion than the arrangement.

  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. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8, if the modeled object is arranged so as to straddle the divided plates 41X and 42X, the modeling work can be completed in a short time. Will be 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. 9, 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 modeling time becomes longer because the modeled object WK is arranged so that the side in the sub-scanning direction where the scanning speed is slow becomes longer.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, 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 where the scanning speed is fast, the modeling time can be shortened, and further, only one of the divided plates can be used. 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 the modeling plate 40, and it can respond also to modeling of a large molded article by widening a modeling area.

  In addition, when the divided plates are arranged in the main scanning direction as shown in FIG. 7, when the head unit 20 is moved in the main scanning direction, one of the divided plates 41 </ b> X and the other divided plate 42 </ b> X have the same modeling conditions. For example, it is necessary to make various molding parameters constant, such as 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.

On the other hand, in the arrangement as shown in FIG. 10, the same modeling condition can be maintained during the movement of the head unit 20 in one main scanning direction, and the head unit 20 is sub-scanned when straddling the divided plates. Since the modeling conditions can be changed only at the timing of moving in the direction, 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 plate, the number of times of switching is far greater than the configuration of switching each time when moving in the main scanning direction as in the configuration of FIG. 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. 11, it is possible to control the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 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. 6, the Z-direction drive unit 32 rotates the ball screw using the 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 40 is disposed in the vicinity of the center on the back side of the modeling plate. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, for example, at a position or corner offset from the center. You may arrange.

  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. 12, 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. 13, 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. 13, 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 modification of FIG. 14, 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 using 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.
(Sub-plate 50)

  In addition to directly modeling the modeled object on the modeling plate, another member, for example, the subplate 50 may be interposed to model the modeled object on the subplate 50. For example, in the example shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 16, the first sub-plate 51 having the same size as the first divided plate 41 or a size slightly smaller than the first divided plate 41 is detachably attached to the upper surface of the first divided plate 41. It is placed. Similarly, on the upper surface of the second divided plate 42, a second sub-plate 52 having the same size as the second divided plate 42 or a size slightly smaller than the second divided plate 42 is detachably disposed. By doing in this way, after modeling a modeling thing on each division plate, subplate 50 can be separated from a division plate, and the whole subplate 50 can be taken out from a three-dimensional modeling device.

  For example, when the number of modeling objects is large, the next modeling can be started at an early stage by taking out the sub plate and setting another sub plate in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus, which is efficient. In particular, when the model is a resin, the lowermost model material is joined to the base, and when the model is modeled directly on the model plate, it may take time to peel off the model plate. Moreover, although it is possible to peel easily by making the lowest layer of a modeling thing into a support material, since a support material adheres to a modeling plate in this case, the effort which wash | cleans the surface of a modeling plate takes.

  Therefore, instead of directly modeling a modeling object on the modeling plate, a sub-plate that is a separate member from the modeling plate is detachably installed on the modeling plate, and is configured to model on the upper surface thereof, after the modeling is completed By removing the sub-plate from the modeling plate, it is possible to once collect the modeling objects from the three-dimensional modeling apparatus. In addition, if the spare sub-plate is set in the 3D modeling device instead, the next modeling operation can be started quickly, so that the object is peeled off from the sub-plate or the surface of the sub-plate is cleaned cleanly. There is an advantage that modeling can be performed efficiently without waiting for completion.

Moreover, in the structure which divided | segmented the modeling plate into several sheets, the advantage mentioned above can be enjoyed by installing a subplate for every division | segmentation plate. In this specification, discharging or laminating a modeling material on a modeling plate means that modeling is performed by interposing a sub-plate or the like on the modeling plate as described above, in addition to a mode of discharging and laminating directly on the modeling plate. Embodiments are also included. That is, the first sub-plate 51 and the second sub-plate 52 are placed on the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42, and the modeling material is discharged and laminated on the first sub-plate 51 and the second sub-plate 52. It is expressed as “modeling on a modeling plate”.
(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 performed by, for example, drive mode selection means 65c (details will be described later). 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 drive mode that uses only one of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42, and a multi-drive mode that uses both the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42. Including. 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, when performing modeling in the first modeling area on the first divided plate 41 and at a site performing modeling in the second modeling area on the second modeling plate, the modeling parameters can be made different.

  An example of modeling in a specific synchronous drive mode will be described based on FIGS. Here, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 18, an example in which five shaped objects WK1 to WK5 arranged on the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are modeled is considered. 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 (it shows with a broken line in FIG. 19B-FIG. 19D) of the 1st division | segmentation plate 41 and the 2nd division | segmentation plate 42. FIG. For example, in the example of FIG. 19B, 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 multi-drive mode to be described later, since it is not possible to set a modeled object at the boundary portion of such a divided plate, the synchronous drive mode is advantageous in this respect.

In the synchronous drive mode, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 19A, it is performed consistently from the start of modeling to the end of modeling. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19B, modeling of the five modeled objects WK1 to WK5 is started from the bottom surface portion. In this case, since the modeling of the modeled objects WK3 and WK5 with low height is completed early, after the modeling of these modeled objects WK3 and WK5 is completed, only the modeled objects WK1 to WK2 and WK4 are formed as shown in FIG. 19C. Modeling continues. When the modeling further proceeds, the modeling of the modeled objects WK2 and WK4 is also completed, and finally, as illustrated in FIG. 19D, only 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.
(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 called normal modeling, and a specific operation example will be described with reference to FIGS. 20A to 20D. Basic modeling is basically the same operation as in the synchronous drive mode.

As shown in the timing chart of FIG. 20A, the normal modeling is performed consistently from the start of modeling to the end of modeling. 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 modeled objects WK3 and WK5 is completed early, after the modeling of these modeled objects WK3 and WK5 is completed, only the modeled objects WK1 to WK2 and WK4 are formed as shown in FIG. 20C. Modeling continues. When the modeling further proceeds, the modeling of the modeled objects WK2 and WK4 is also finished, and finally, as illustrated in FIG. 20D, only modeled object WK1 is modeled.
(Asynchronous drive mode)

Next, the asynchronous drive mode will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the operation in the single drive mode 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. Therefore, here, consider an example in which a plurality of shaped objects are arranged as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 21 instead of FIG.
(Single drive mode)

First, the single drive mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 23A to 23D. In this single drive mode, modeling is performed using only one of the divided plates. For example, in the example of FIGS. 21 and 22, the three shaped objects WK1WK to WK3 are modeled using only the first divided plate 41. Further, in the single drive mode, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 23A, it is performed consistently from the start of modeling to the end of modeling. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 23B, modeling of the three modeled objects WK1 to WK3 is started from the bottom surface portion. In this case, since the modeling of the modeled object WK3 having the lowest height is completed first, modeling of the modeled objects WK1 to WK2 is continued as illustrated in FIG. 23C after the modeling of the modeled object WK3 is completed. Furthermore, since the modeled object WK2 is lower than the modeled object WK1, when the modeling of the modeled object WK2 is finished, modeling of only the modeled object WK1 is continued as shown in FIG. 23D.
(Multi drive mode)

Next, the multi-drive mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 24A to 27E. The multi-drive mode 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, and the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are modeled 1 respectively. The timing at which the modeling 2 is started and the timing at which it is terminated can be arbitrarily set.
(Multi drive mode: Simultaneous start)

First, a simultaneous start multi-drive mode in which modeling with the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 is started simultaneously will be described with reference to FIGS. 24A to 24D. Here, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 24A, modeling is started simultaneously with the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 (FIG. 24B), but the timing of the completion of modeling is different. Specifically, the modeling of the second divided plate 42 is completed earlier than the modeling of the first divided plate 41 (FIGS. 24C and 24D), and thereafter only the modeling of the first divided plate 41 continues. It will be in a state to be. In addition, it becomes possible to take out a modeling thing from the 2nd division | segmentation plate 42 even if shaping | molding by the 1st division | segmentation plate 41 is continued when modeling in the 2nd division | segmentation plate 42 is complete | finished.
(Multi drive mode: Start after completion)

In the simultaneous start multi-drive mode 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, the multi-drive mode is not limited to this mode, and it is also possible to start only modeling with one of the divided plates and to switch to modeling with the other divided plate after completion. Such a multi-drive mode in which the other modeling is started after the completion of one modeling (a multi-drive mode started after the completion) will be described with reference to FIGS. 25A to 25F. Here, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 25A, modeling with the first divided plate 41 is started first, and after that, switching to modeling of the second divided plate 42 is continued. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 25B to 25D, modeling of the modeled objects WK1 to WK3 is started simultaneously with the first divided plate 41. Then, when the modeling with the first divided plate 41 is completed, the process proceeds to modeling with the second divided plate 42, and modeling of the modeled objects WK4 to WK5 on the second divided plate 42 is started as shown in FIG. 25E. Is done. Then, when the modeling of the modeled object WK5 having a low height is completed, only the modeled object WK4 is modeled as illustrated in FIG. 25F, and the modeling of all the modeled objects is completed. In this example as well, when modeling with the first divided plate 41 is completed, it is possible to take out the modeled object from the first divided plate 41 even while modeling with the second divided plate 42 is continued. .
(Multi drive mode: Interrupt start)

  As described above, in the multi-drive mode, unlike the synchronous drive mode, modeling is performed individually on each divided plate. Absent. 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. The multi-drive mode that allows such an interrupt start will be described with reference to FIGS. 26A to 26E. In the multi-drive mode 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-described simultaneous start multi-drive mode and the simultaneous end multi-drive mode described later are included. However, for the sake of distinction, the timing chart of FIG. 26A shows a case where the shaping of the other divided plate is interrupted at an arbitrary timing during the shaping of the one divided plate. In this example, modeling 2 with the second divided plate 42 is started in the middle of modeling 1 with the first divided plate 41 in the state where modeling 1 with the first divided plate 41 has been started first. When the modeling 1 with the first divided plate 41 is completed, only the modeling 2 with the second divided plate 42 is continued. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 26B, modeling 1 on the first divided plate 41, in this case, modeling of the models WK1 to WK3 is started, and modeling proceeds to some extent, and modeling of the model WK3 as shown in FIG. 26C. Is finished, the modeling 2 on the second divided plate 42 is interrupted, and the modeling objects WK4 to WK5 are also modeled at the same time. Then, the modeling proceeds further. As shown in FIG. 26D, the modeling of the modeled object WK2 is completed on the first divided plate 41, and the modeling of the modeled object WK5 is completed on the second modeled plate, and modeling of the remaining modeled objects WK1 and WK4 is performed. When the modeling of the modeled object WK1 is completed on the first modeling plate as shown in FIG. 26E, only modeling of the modeled object WK4 on the second modeling plate is continued. Modeled.

  In such a multi-drive mode of interrupt start, it is not necessary to have all the modeling data of each divided plate at the time of starting modeling, so that efficient operation is possible. In other words, if it takes time to create modeling data, you can start modeling when modeling data for one of the divided plates used in the multi-drive mode is created without waiting until all the modeling data is created. When the modeling data of the other divided plate can be created, an efficient modeling operation can be performed by performing interruption.

  Or, when you start modeling with only one modeling plate in the initial single drive mode and suddenly need additional modeling during the modeling work, switch from single drive mode to multi drive mode, Modeling can be interrupted so that an additional modeled 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.

In this example, the example in which the modeling with the first divided plate 41 ends earlier than the modeling with the second divided plate 42 is not limited to this example. Depending on the progress of modeling with the first divided plate 41, the modeling with the second divided plate 42 may be completed earlier than the modeling with the first divided plate 41.
(Multi drive mode: 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. 24A, the modeling of the second divided plate 42 ends earlier than the first divided plate 41 even if 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 molding apparatus is located at each end timing, and the modeled object is taken out. It is necessary to perform work, and the efficiency becomes worse. For this reason, there exists a request | requirement of wanting to take out all the modeling objects obtained with both the division | segmentation plates at the same timing.

Therefore, the modeling condition is intentionally set by the modeling condition adjusting means 64f that automatically changes the modeling condition so that the modeling finish timing is almost coincident with the modeling time regardless of the size of the modeled object or the modeling start time. It can also be changed. The modeling condition adjusting unit 64f 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, an example of the modeling end timing adjustment function for adjusting the modeling end timing at the same time by the modeling condition adjusting unit 64f will be described with reference to FIGS. 27A to 27E. Here, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 27A, after the modeling with the first divided plate 41 is started first, the modeling finish timing is matched in the state where the modeling of the second divided plate 42 is started. Explains how to do this. First, as shown in FIG. 27B, modeling with the first divided plate 41 is started. Next, as shown in FIG. 27C, modeling of the second divided plate 42 is started. In this state, the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are alternately formed with the same head unit 20.
(Modeling condition adjusting means 64f)

  At this time, the modeling with the first dividing plate 41 and the modeling with the second dividing plate 42 are not simply performed under the same modeling conditions, but with the modeling condition adjusting unit 64f so that the end times coincide with each other. Adjust the conditions. Here, the procedure for adjusting the modeling conditions by the modeling condition adjusting means 64f will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S2801, 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 S2802, the calculated first divided plate modeling completion scheduled time and the second divided plate modeling completion scheduled time are compared to confirm which modeling completion scheduled time is earlier. And the difference of modeling completion scheduled time is calculated.

  Next, in step S2803, the modeling condition adjusting unit 64f calculates a modeling condition to be changed according to the calculated difference. In step S2804, the modeling condition is rewritten so that the modeling condition calculated by the modeling condition adjusting unit 64f is applied as the actual modeling condition.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 27A, 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 the currently set modeling conditions, 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, instead of sequentially forming the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 alternately in the head portion, the first divided plate 41 is formed after forming the second divided plate 42 for a plurality of layers. Make one more model. 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. 27D, modeling with the second divided plate 42 is continued under the desired modeling conditions, while modeling with the first divided plate 41 is continued at a slower tempo than the original modeling conditions. The As apparent from the comparison with FIG. 26D described above, the amount of change in the area where the conical shaped object WK1 is formed from the state shown in FIG. 27C is small, and the forming speed of the first divided plate 41 is high. It can be seen that it is decreasing. Modeling further proceeds, and as shown in FIG. 27E, modeling of the modeled object WK5 is completed on the second divided plate 42, and only modeling of the modeled object WK4 is continued, while modeling on the first divided plate 41 is modeled. The modeling of the object WK2 is finished, and the modeling of the modeled object WK1 is continued. In this way, the modeling of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 is completed at substantially the same timing.

  By doing this, by changing the modeling conditions by the modeling condition adjusting unit 64f, it becomes possible to match the end timing of the modeling, and it is possible to simultaneously perform the work of taking out the modeling object from the plurality of divided plates, Efficiency can be increased and deterioration of a modeled object can be avoided.

In the above example, the example in which the modeling condition is adjusted by the modeling condition adjusting unit 64f has been described so that the modeling end time is adjusted to one of the modeling times that are delayed, and the other modeling time is delayed. 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 unit 64f may be limited so that the modeling condition of the divided plate during modeling is not changed so as to reduce the accuracy.
(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 64f. For example, when the number of stacks is reduced 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, the modeling conditions that can be changed by the modeling condition adjusting unit 64f in accordance with 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. 27A to 27E, 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 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the modeling condition is adjusted by the modeling condition adjusting unit 64f 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. As described above, in the multi-drive mode, the timing of starting and ending the modeling of each divided plate is originally arbitrary, but in various aspects, the modeling conditions are changed within the allowable range by the modeling condition adjusting unit 64f. Thus, it is possible to match the finish timing of modeling.

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.
(Removal of some objects)

  In the modeling in the multi modeling mode, the time required for modeling with each divided plate varies depending on the size (particularly the height) and the number of the modeled objects. For this reason, in the example of FIG. 24A, the modeling 2 of the second divided plate 42 is completed earlier than the modeling 1 of the first divided plate 41 even if modeling is started at the same time. In this case, if the second divided plate 42 cannot be used until the shaping 1 of the first divided plate 41 is finished, the obtained shaped object cannot be used immediately, or the shaping is finished although the shaping is finished. The plate cannot be used for the next modeling, and the utilization efficiency is deteriorated. In addition, a shaped article that has been shaped may deteriorate due to moisture absorption or the like when left for a long time, and it may be preferable to perform a process such as taking it out early and removing the support material. Therefore, at the time when modeling with one of the divided plates is completed, a modeled object with completed modeling can be taken out even if modeling of the other divided plate is not completed. As a result, the obtained shaped object can be used at an early stage, and by removing the shaped object, new modeling can be started, and the utilization efficiency can be improved.

  In this way, when taking out a model from the divided plate that has been modeled while modeling with the other divided plate, it is necessary to be careful not to adversely affect the modeled object during modeling with the other divided plate. is there. That is, if the modeled object being modeled is unintentionally touched or touched, the uncured resin may be deformed and the modeled object may not be obtained with the expected accuracy. Therefore, in order to avoid such contact during the removal work of the modeled object, each divided plate is controlled so as to provide a height difference between the divided plate for extraction and the divided plate in the middle of modeling. Specifically, the stage position control unit 13 controls the Z direction driving unit 32 to take out one or both of the divided plates so as to provide a height difference between the divided plate for removal and the divided plate in the middle of modeling. Move to position.

  It is preferable that the stage position control unit 13 raises the divided plate on which the modeled object is formed with the Z-direction drive unit 32 as the take-out position. In particular, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 29, in the case where the housing unit 3 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus is provided with a take-out unit 4 that opens upward for taking out the modeled object, the model is removed from the three-dimensional modeling apparatus. Easy to take out. On the other hand, in the divided plate being modeled, the distance between the divided plate and the head portion is generally increased. In other words, since the divided plate is in the lowered position, raising the divided plate after the modeling is being performed, A difference in height from the divided plate is obtained, and a situation in which the divided plate during modeling work or the modeled product WKU in the middle of modeling is accidentally touched can be avoided when taking out the modeled product WKUC after modeling.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 30, at the time when the modeling 2 with the second divided plate 42 is finished and the modeling 1 with the first divided plate 41 is continuing, the user removes the modeled object WKC from the second divided plate 42. Consider the case of taking out. Here, the 2nd division | segmentation plate 42 which mounted the modeling object WKC which concerns on the extraction which modeling completed is raised. Accordingly, the user can easily take out the modeled object WKC without bending his / her waist. Further, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 29 and the perspective view of FIG. 31, the housing portion 3 is provided with an extraction portion 4 that opens upward. Thus, the user can easily access the second divided plate 42 on the near side from the take-out portion 4.

  In the example of FIGS. 29 and 31, the take-out unit 4 is bent in an L shape in cross section so as to close the take-out port opened from a part of the upper surface of the housing unit 3 to the upper side. It is formed into a shape. Here, the hinge 4 is pivotally supported on the upper surface of the housing 3 so that the take-out portion 4 is flipped up and opened in a wing manner.

  On the other hand, in the first divided plate 41 in the middle of modeling, the modeling work of the modeling 1 is temporarily stopped before taking out the modeled object WKC. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 31, the first divided plate 41 is further lowered. Accordingly, the first divided plate 41 can be further separated from the second divided plate 42 during the taking-out operation of the molded article WKC, and safety can be improved.

  Further, as described above, by arranging the sub-plate 50 on each divided plate, it is possible to simplify the work of taking out such a modeled object. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, FIG. 32, and the like, if the sub-plate 50 is previously arranged on the divided plate and the modeled object is modeled thereon, the entire sub-plate 50 can be taken out from the three-dimensional modeling apparatus. This makes it possible to obtain the advantage that the removal operation can be performed in a lump. In particular, when modeling a large number of modeled objects, it is possible to avoid labor and time for removing each modeled object from the dividing plate one by one, thereby greatly saving labor and shortening time. When the modeling is interrupted during the extraction work, if the extraction work time is shortened, the modeling can be resumed at an early stage, and time loss can be suppressed. In addition, if the modeling interruption time becomes long, it is considered that the modeling object in the middle of modeling is adversely affected, and such a problem can be avoided by shortening the modeling time. Furthermore, if the modeled object is excluded from the divided plate after the modeling, it becomes possible to start a new modeling with this divided plate, and the utilization efficiency of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus can be improved.

In the examples of FIGS. 29 to 31 and the like described above, the example in which the modeled object WKC is taken out from the second divided plate 42 on the near side has been described. On the contrary, with respect to the side where the take-out portion 4 is provided, modeling is completed with the first divided plate 41 on the back side, and modeling is continued with the second divided plate 42 on the near side, FIG. As shown in the perspective view, the first divided plate 41 is raised as the take-out position. In addition, the second divided plate 42 preferably stops shaping and further descends. In this way, with the height difference between the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42, the take-out portion 4 is opened as shown in the sectional view of FIG. A model WKC is taken out from the plate 41.
(Cover 58)

  Moreover, the cover part 58 for protecting the molded article WKU in the middle of modeling can also be prepared in the case of taking-out work. For example, in the example of FIG. 34 described above, when the first divided plate 41 on the back side is accessed, the work goes across the second divided plate 42. Therefore, even if the second divided plate 42 is lowered, There is a possibility that the modeled object WKU on the second divided plate 42 may be touched by, for example, dropping it unexpectedly. Therefore, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 35 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 36, a cover portion 58 may be disposed on the upper surface of the second divided plate 42 to block physical access to the second divided plate 42. it can. In the example shown in these drawings, the cover portion 58 has a flat plate shape. The cover portion 58 can be made of a material having sufficient strength, for example, a resin plate or a metal plate. Further, the holding of the cover portion 58 can be arranged in a state of bridging the frame-shaped portion 5 provided above the second divided plate 42 as shown in the perspective view of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus in FIG. . For example, the frame 5 is formed so as to surround the periphery of the modeling plate at a position where the modeling plate is raised. In this example, with the cover portion 58 as a separate member, the user sets the cover portion 58 by hand in a state where the take-out portion 4 is opened prior to taking out the shaped article WKC. If it is this structure, the mechanism arrange | positioned so that one division | segmentation plate may be covered with the cover part 58 can be simplified, and the cost reduction of an apparatus is realizable. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured to automatically open and close the cover portion, for example.

  Further, by disposing the flat cover portion 58, the operation of taking out the model WKC from the first divided plate 41 on the back side can also be used as a temporary place for the model WKC. In particular, when the sub-plate 50 is used, the size of the sub-plate 50 is approximately the same as the size of the first divided plate 41, and the weight increases. Therefore, by arranging the cover portion 58 on the upper surface of the second divided plate 42 on the near side, the sub plate 50 can be easily carried to the near side by sliding or dragging the upper surface of the cover portion 58. At this time, it is preferable that the height of the upper surface of the cover portion 58 is substantially the same height as the upper surface of the first divided plate 41 or slightly lower than this. This facilitates moving the sub plate 50 to the near side without lifting it. For example, this can be realized by adjusting the height on the first divided plate 41 side with the stage position control unit 13 so as to coincide with the height of the upper surface of the cover unit 58.

In this example, when the model WKC is taken out from the rear division plate, the cover portion 58 is disposed with respect to the front division plate. However, as shown in FIG. Also when taking out the modeled object from the divided plate, the cover part can be arranged with respect to the rear divided plate.
(Second take-out part 4B)

In the above example, the example in which one take-out portion 4 is provided in the housing portion 3 has been described. However, the present invention does not limit the number of extraction portions to one, and a plurality of extraction portions can be provided. For example, in the example shown in the perspective view of FIG. 38 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 39, the take-out portions are respectively provided along the direction in which a plurality of divided plates are arranged in a rectangular surface constituting the housing portion 3. That is, the second extraction portion 4B is provided on the side surface of the second divided plate 42, the front side surface in FIG. 38, and the first extraction portion 4A is provided on the side surface of the first division plate 41, the rear side surface in FIG. Provided. Accordingly, the first extraction unit 4A is used to extract the modeled object WKC from the first divided plate 41, and the second extraction unit 4B is used to extract the modeled object WKC from the second divided plate 42. Closer access is possible to both the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42, and the take-out operation can be easily performed. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience of taking out the modeled object WKC from the far side divided plate. Moreover, the risk of damaging the shaped article WKU on the front division plate can be avoided, and for example, the trouble of setting the cover portion can be saved.
(Third extraction part 4C)

  Furthermore, although the above example demonstrated the structure which provides an extraction part above the housing | casing part 3, this invention is not necessarily restricted to this structure, For example, you may provide an extraction part below a housing | casing part. For example, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 40, the third extraction portion 4 </ b> C may be provided by opening the lower side of the longitudinal side surface of the housing portion 3. In this case, contrary to the above example, the divided plate from which the shaped article WKC is to be taken out is lowered. Moreover, the division | segmentation plate in modeling is raised. As described above, the control of the take-out position is opposite to the above, but it is the same to provide a difference in height between the divided plates so as to be separated from each other, and a situation of touching the unfinished shaped article WKU can be avoided. In particular, by setting the unfinished divided plate at a high position, the object is not accidentally dropped during the taking-out operation, and the shaped object WKU being shaped is not contacted. Therefore, a cover part can be made unnecessary. Further, in some cases, it is possible to perform the taking-out operation while continuing the shaping operation of the incompletely divided divided plate without interrupting the shaping operation.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 41, when taking out the model WKC from the front side split plate (second split plate 42 in the example of FIG. 41), the front side split plate (first in the example of FIG. 41) is used. The dividing plate 41) is lowered to raise the dividing plate under modeling on the back side. In this case, the access is excellent, and the molded article WKC can be easily taken out. On the other hand, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 42, when taking out the model WKC from the rear-side divided plate (first divided plate 41 in the example of FIG. 42), the front-side divided plate (second in the example of FIG. 42). The dividing plate 42) is raised and the dividing plate under modeling on the back side is lowered. In this case, it is conceivable that a support shaft (for example, a ball screw) that constitutes the Z-direction drive unit 32 that raises the front divided plate is an obstacle. In particular, as shown in FIG. 6 and the like, in the configuration in which the support shaft 33 is arranged at the center of the lower surface of the divided plate, access to the rear divided plate is hindered. Therefore, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 43, by arranging the support shaft 33 ′ to be offset from the center of the lower surface of the dividing plate, it is possible to improve the access to the back side by opening the center portion. In this example, the support shaft 33 ′ is divided into two and provided on the left and right, thereby providing a space between the support shafts. Alternatively, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 44, by providing 33 ″ at the four corners of the dividing plate, the lower surface of the dividing plate on the near side can be made wider and further accessibility can be secured.
(Fourth extraction part 4D)

  Furthermore, in the above example, the example in which the takeout part is provided in the direction in which a plurality of divided plates are arranged in the rectangular surface constituting the housing part 3 has been described. However, the position where the take-out portion 4 is provided is not limited to this configuration, and for example, the take-out portion 4 may be provided on the surface side that intersects the direction in which the divided plates are arranged. By doing in this way, it becomes possible to access any divided plate from one direction, and it is possible to smoothly take out the modeled object WKC without providing a plurality of taking-out portions 4. Such an example is shown in the perspective view of FIG. 45 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. The housing part 3 shown in this figure is provided with a fourth extraction part 4D on the surface in the short direction. In particular, as shown in FIG. 38 described above, in the configuration in which the take-out portions 4 are provided on the two surfaces facing each other in the longitudinal direction, the three-dimensional molding machine is installed in a state where both sides in the longitudinal direction are left open. It is necessary to restrict the installation location. On the other hand, with the configuration of FIG. 45, it is possible to access any of the divided plates by leaving only one side of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus in the short direction.

  Needless to say, a plurality of openings can be provided in addition to selectively providing one of the above-described extraction portions 4 having different structures.

  Thus, by providing a height difference between the divided plates, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the divided plates are physically separated from each other and the modeled object WKU is touched unexpectedly. It should be noted that the height difference between the divided plates is more preferable. For example, the dividing plate (second dividing plate 42 in the above example) related to taking out is raised to the highest height as the taking-out position of the dividing plate. Alternatively, the divided plate in the middle of modeling (the first divided plate 41 in the upper example) is lowered to the lowest height. Further, by moving both of the divided plates, the distance between the divided plates can be maximized, and safety can be further improved. The height difference is not limited to this example, and is controlled by the stage position control unit 13 so as to be at least equal to or higher than the height of the modeled object.

  In the above example, the modeling operation for scanning the head portion is temporarily interrupted when the modeling object is taken out. However, you may make it take out a molded article from the other division | segmentation plate, continuing shaping | molding with one division | segmentation plate. In this case, it is preferable to take measures so as not to hinder the modeling area during the modeling work, for example, by using a cover part or moving a divided plate on which a model is placed to the uppermost position.

In addition, the timing for moving the divided plate to the take-out position by the stage position control unit in this way may be before the shaped article is taken out. For example, when the user opens the extraction unit 4, the opening operation may be detected by a micro switch or the like, and the stage position control unit may automatically move the divided plate to the extraction position.
(Notification means 14)

Moreover, the notification means 14 which notifies a user that modeling of one division | segmentation plate is complete | finished and the modeling object WKC can be taken out can also be provided. Thereby, the user can start the taking-out work of the shaped article WKC promptly, and an efficient modeling work is realized. In particular, the modeling time of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus is generally several hours to several tens of hours, and the end time of modeling may be forgotten. By providing means to notify the user, the user is reminded and waste is saved. Efficient modeling operation is realized. Further, the notification means 14 can use visual appeal means such as a flashlight or blinking in addition to sounds such as a buzzer, chime, and melody that appeal to hearing. For example, a lamp is provided in a three-dimensional molding machine, and the lighting color is changed so as to change to red during modeling and to blue after completion of modeling. Further, such a lamp can be provided for each divided plate. Alternatively, a notification message may be popped up on the monitor screen of the computer for operation or operation monitoring. Further, a plurality of means such as a lamp and a buzzer sound may be appropriately combined. In this way, the user is notified that the modeling object can be taken out, and the user is urged to quickly perform the extraction operation without losing the timing of taking out the modeling object.
(Open warning means 15)

Moreover, after completion | finish of taking-out operation | work of a modeling thing, the taking-out part 4 is obstruct | occluded and modeling work is restarted. For example, from the viewpoint of preventing safety and intrusion of foreign matter, the molding operation is resumed after the takeout unit 4 is closed. In this case, it is conceivable that the user forgets to close the take-out portion 4 after completion of the work for taking out the modeled object, and that the work for modeling cannot be resumed. When such a situation occurs, in addition to the lapse of useless time without continuing the modeling work, the modeled product WKU in the middle of modeling may be left for a long time and the quality may be deteriorated due to moisture absorption or the like. Therefore, an opening warning means 15 that warns the user when the opening time of the extraction unit 4 is longer than a predetermined time so that the modeling work can be resumed early after the modeling work is interrupted. By doing in this way, when it is forgotten to close the takeout port after taking out the modeled object WKC, or when taking out the modeled object WKC is extremely prolonged, the unfinished modeled object WKU is long on the divided plate. It is possible to avoid a situation in which an adverse effect is exerted on the modeled object WKU in the middle of modeling. In addition, the notification means 14 and the open warning means 15 can be integrated into one member as well as separate members.
(Restricted area BA)

  In the modeling in the multi-modeling mode, the time required for modeling with each divided plate varies depending on the size (particularly the height) and number of the modeled object or the timing at which modeling is started. For this reason, for example, in the example of FIG. 47A, the modeling 2 of the second divided plate 42 ends earlier than the modeling 1 of the first divided plate 41 even if modeling is started at the same time. 48A and 49A, the modeling of the first divided plate 41 is completed earlier than the modeling of the second divided plate 42.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 50, the case where the modeling of the 1st division | segmentation plate 41 is complete | finished and the modeling by the 2nd division | segmentation plate 42 is continued is considered. Until the modeling on the second divided plate 42 is completed, UV light is repeatedly emitted from the curing unit 24 in order to cure the modeling material such as the model material and the support material in the second modeling area on the second divided plate 42. Irradiated. At this time, if a part of the UV light becomes leakage light and is irradiated onto the shaped article WKC on the first divided plate 41 that has already been shaped, the resin may be discolored or deteriorated. . In addition, a part of the ink ejected from the ejection nozzle of the ejection unit 20 </ b> C of the head unit 20, that is, a granular shaped material, becomes defective and scatters around without being deposited on the second divided plate 42. When such scattered particles drift in the air and reach and adhere to the shaped object on the first divided plate 41, and further cured by being irradiated with UV light, the surface of the shaped object becomes a dot shape. There was also a problem of roughness.

  Therefore, in view of such a problem, in the present embodiment, a restriction area BA is provided at a boundary portion where the divided plates are adjacent to each other, and a modeled object is not arranged on the restriction area BA. For example, as shown in FIG. 51, instead of placing a modeled object in the boundary area where the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 face, as shown in FIG. 52, a limited area BA is provided in the boundary area, When arranging the modeled object, the layout is performed so as to avoid the buffer area. By doing so, a physical buffer zone is provided between adjacent divided plates, and modeling on one adjacent divided plate has an adverse effect on a modeled object formed on the other divided plate. This can be reduced by physical separation.

  Specifically, at the time of setting modeling data, which will be described later, the restriction area BA is set in advance, and the modeling data is set so that the object of the modeling object is arranged on the modeling area excluding the restriction area BA. That is, the restricted area BA is set in the area where the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are adjacent by the restricted area setting means 65i. The width of the restricted area BA is to cure the modeling material discharged on the divided plate being modeled, so that the UV light irradiated from the curing means 24 is irradiated to the modeled object modeled on the other divided plate. To the extent that the impact can be reduced.

The restricted area BA is preferably provided evenly with respect to the joint surface. That is, the restriction area BA is provided at substantially equal intervals with respect to the first divided plate 41 side and the second divided plate 42 side, with the joint surface of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 as the center. ing. In this way, it is possible to suppress the occupation of the area where the modeled object cannot be arranged on one of the divided plates, thereby achieving both protection of the modeled object and securing of the modeling area.
(Ambient margin PM)

  Further, as shown in FIG. 53, in each peripheral region of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42, the limit area BA is larger than the peripheral margin PM provided for preventing the shaped article from falling from the divided plate. It is preferable to increase the width. In this case, since the width of the restricted area BA is wider than the surrounding margin PM, the area of the restricted area BA is in a state where it disappears by overlapping with the surrounding margin PM. The peripheral margin PM is set by the peripheral margin setting means 65h (details will be described later).

  In order to arrange the modeled object on each divided plate, the first divided plate 41 is set with the width of the restricted area BA and the width of the surrounding margin PM set by the restricted area setting means 65i and the surrounding margin setting means 65h, respectively. The setting data creation device for the three-dimensional modeling apparatus is used for the first modeling area and the second modeling area on the second divided plate 42. Specifically, three-dimensional data of the modeled object is acquired by this setting data creation device, and each modeled object is set as an object on the first modeled area 41 or the second modeled plate 42 set on the first segmented plate 41 or the second segmented plate 42. Corresponding to the two modeling areas, the object arranging means 64b arranges the first virtual modeling area or the second virtual modeling area set virtually. Here, the first modeling area and the second modeling area are set as areas in which a modeled object can be modeled by scanning the head unit 20 in consideration of the peripheral margin PM and the restriction area BA. Therefore, the first virtual modeling area and the second virtual modeling area respectively corresponding to the first modeling area and the second modeling area also include the peripheral area and the buffer area corresponding to the peripheral margin PM and the restriction area BA, respectively. It is defined as an area where objects can be placed.

  Depending on the size of the object, it may be impossible to place the object in the first virtual modeling area or the second virtual modeling area. For example, as shown in FIG. 54, if the width of the modeled object WK1 is narrower than the width of the first divided plate 41 and the first divided plate 41 alone is physically possible, the restriction area BA is set. In some cases, modeling is not possible. Similarly, although the width of the modeled object WK2 is narrower than the width of the second divided plate 42, it may cover the restricted area BA. In such a case, priority can be given to the execution of modeling, and even if a part of the model is in the restricted area BA, the model can be set to be ignored and ignored. In addition, the user can select whether to force modeling, stop modeling in the multi-modeling mode, or perform modeling in the synchronous drive mode in which two split plates are combined to form a single modeling plate. May be. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide an arrangement warning means 64g for warning the user that a part of the model is in the restricted area BA (details will be described later).

Such a restricted area BA is set in a multi-modeling mode in which different modeling is performed individually on adjacent divided plates. In other words, it is necessary to provide such a restricted area BA in the single modeling mode in which modeling is performed with only one of the divided plates or in the single modeling mode in which modeling is performed as a single large modeling plate by combining the divided plates. Absent.
(Division plate evacuation process)

  Moreover, as a method for protecting such a modeled object, the divided plate can be moved so that the divided plate after the modeling is retracted to the irradiation protection position. That is, with the stage position control means 13 that controls the Z-direction drive unit 32 to adjust the height of each divided plate, while one of the first divided plate 41 or the second divided plate 42 is continuously shaped, the other When the modeling of the modeled object is completed, the divided plate that has been modeled is lowered and moved to the irradiation protection position. In this way, by lowering the divided plate that has been shaped, the shaped object that has been shaped can be physically separated from the modeling area during the modeling. That is, it avoids the situation where the light irradiated from the curing means 24 on the dividing plate in the middle of modeling or its leaked light is irradiated to the modeled model and causes discoloration or deterioration, or scattered ink particles adhere to it. It is possible to protect the model.

  The irradiation protection position is preferably a position where the height of the divided plate is the lowest. Thereby, the division | segmentation plate which mounted the modeling object already modeled can be spaced apart to the maximum from the modeling area in which modeling is continuing, and can protect the modeled modeling object.

  From the viewpoint of protecting the modeled object, an example of controlling the raising / lowering position of each divided plate will be described with reference to FIGS. 55A to 55I. For example, when the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 are not yet formed, the positions are set so that both are raised as shown in FIG. 55A. For example, it is moved to the highest position. Accordingly, the user can visually confirm that there is no shaped object on the divided plate, that is, that it can be used in other words. Also, the work can be facilitated when cleaning each divided plate.

  Next, when modeling is performed with the second divided plate 42 and modeling is not performed with the first divided plate 41, for example, a single modeling mode in which only the second divided plate 42 is operated, or modeling with the second divided plate 42 is not yet performed. Consider a state that has not started. In this case, as shown in FIG. 55B, it is preferable that the first divided plate 41 that has not been shaped is lowered. Thereby, the risk that the first division plate 41 contacts the head unit 20 can be avoided. The descending position need not be the lowest position. For example, it is gradually lowered with the progress of modeling on the second divided plate 42, and is made equal to or lower than the height of the second divided plate 42 at the time when modeling is finally completed.

  On the other hand, when the modeling of the second divided plate 42 is finished, the second divided plate 42 is raised as shown in FIG. 55C to make it easier for the user to visually confirm that the modeled object is completed. Similarly, it is preferable that the first divided plate 41 is also raised to indicate that this divided plate is empty. Moreover, you may notify the user that modeling was complete | finished as needed by the notification means 14, and may take out.

  Furthermore, when the user takes out the shaped object that has been shaped from the second divided plate 42, as shown in FIG. 55D, the second divided plate 42 is made easy to be taken out as the raised position, as in FIG. 55E. In addition, by setting the first divided plate 41 in the raised position, it is possible to protect the first divided plate 41 from falling below the divided plate when a part of the model is accidentally fallen from the second divided plate 42 or falls down. More preferably, the first divided plate 41 is maintained at the same height as the second divided plate 42.

  In the example of FIG. 55D, an example is shown in which the take-out unit 4 for taking out a model from the housing of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus is provided on the second divided plate 42 side. In this case, there is an advantage that the molded article can be easily taken out from the second divided plate 42 side. On the other hand, when the takeout part 4 is provided on the first divided plate 41 side and the shaped article is taken out from the second divided plate 42 on the back side with respect to the takeout part 4, the first divided plate 41 that has not been shaped is raised. By setting the same height as that of the second divided plate 42, the second divided plate 42 is extended from the second divided plate 42 in the same plane, and the work can be facilitated. Further, when the above-described sub plate is placed on the upper surface of the second divided plate 42, the first divided plate is formed on the second divided plate 42 from the second divided plate 42 together with the shaped object and the sub plate formed on the upper surface of the sub plate. It can be taken out by moving it to a state where the upper surface of 41 is slid.

  Next, the case of the multi modeling mode in which modeling is performed not only on the second divided plate 42 but also on the first divided plate 41 will be described. In this case, when each divided plate is being modeled, it is controlled according to the modeling process of the modeled object as shown in FIG. 55E. Next, when the modeling with the second divided plate 42 is completed, the second divided plate 42 is lowered as shown in FIG. 55F. That is, as described above, by lowering the divided plate that has been shaped, the shaped object that has been shaped on the second divided plate 42 can be separated from the shaped area that is being shaped on the first divided plate 41. . As a result, the light irradiated from the curing means 24 on the first divided plate 41 and the leaked light are irradiated to the shaped object already formed on the second divided plate 42 to cause discoloration or deterioration, or ink particles The situation of flying and adhering to a model can be avoided. Moreover, you may notify a user that the shaping | molding was completed on the 2nd division | segmentation plate 42 as needed by the notification means 14, and may take out.

  Here, when taking out the modeled object from the second divided plate 42 while the modeling is continued on the first divided plate 41, the second divided plate 42 is raised as shown in FIG. And Thereby, the user can easily take out the molded object from the second divided plate 42. On the other hand, about the 1st division | segmentation plate 41 which mounted the modeling thing in the middle of modeling, it is lowered | hung conversely. By arranging in this way, the second divided plate 42 can be physically separated from the second divided plate 42 for removal, and a situation in which a user accidentally touches and damages a modeled object in the middle of modeling is avoided. it can.

  Moreover, when modeling on the 1st division | segmentation plate 41 is complete | finished with mounting the modeling object already shaped on the 2nd division | segmentation plate 42, as shown to FIG. The plates 42 are raised together. By doing so, the user can visually recognize that the modeling has been completed, and can prompt the user to take out the modeled object. Also here, if necessary, the notification means 14 can notify the user by voice or lighting. And when a user takes out a modeling thing, as shown to FIG. 55I, a user takes out a modeling thing from the taking-out part 4, with the 1st division | segmentation plate 41 and the 2nd division | segmentation plate 42 made into the raise position. Thus, by making the division | segmentation plate concerning extraction into a raise position, the extraction operation | work by a user's hand can be performed easily.

In this way, by adjusting the height of each divided plate according to the stage of modeling with the stage position control means 13, it is possible to promote protection of the modeled object, removal of the modeled object, and ease of the extraction operation.
(Setting data creation device for 3D modeling equipment)

  In each of the drive modes as described above, at which position on which modeling plate or division plate the modeling object is to be modeled, and modeling accuracy at that time, for example, modeling conditions such as resolution in the XY direction and pitch in the Z direction The modeling parameter that prescribes is set by the setting data creation device. This setting data creation apparatus is realized by a setting data creation program executed by a general purpose or dedicated computer, in addition to being configured by dedicated hardware.

  Next, a setting data creation apparatus that instructs such three-dimensional modeling apparatus to provide data of a model will be described based on the block diagram of FIG. The setting data creation device 1 for a 3D modeling apparatus 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) data. The display means 62 for three-dimensionally displaying an object indicating the modeled object defined by the three-dimensional data converted to, the setting means 65 for performing various settings and adjustments, and the object according to the set modeling parameters The calculation means 64 for calculating the optimum posture and arrangement position of the apparatus, and the setting data for driving the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the determined attitude and position are converted into a data format that can be read by the three-dimensional modeling apparatus. Output means 66 for outputting to the side.

As described above, here, as an example of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus, a setting data creation apparatus that sends setting data of a three-dimensional model to the inkjet type three-dimensional modeling apparatus will be described. The creation apparatus does not specify the three-dimensional modeling apparatus to be used as an inkjet system, and any other system is an effective technique as long as it is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus using a UV curable resin or a thermoplastic resin.
(Input means 61)

Next, each member of the setting data creation apparatus shown in FIG. 56 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, HSF, NGRAIN, OBJ, DXF, VRML, XVL, HTML 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 unit 65 implements functions such as a parameter setting unit 63, a position adjustment unit 65b, a drive mode selection unit 65c, an end time designation unit 65d, an arrangement reference setting unit 65e, a priority plate designation unit 65f. As such setting means 65, 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 a full drive mode, a single drive mode, or a multi drive mode as the drive mode when the modeling plate is configured by a plurality of divided plates. 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.

  Furthermore, the end time designating means 65d is a member for designating the time for ending the modeling with the modeling plate or the divided plate. 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 65e 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 the modeling plate 40 to slice one layer. Mold. 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 modeling plate 40.
(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.
(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 65. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 56, 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, and a modeling condition adjustment unit 64f.

  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 the same time 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.

  The modeling time calculation means 64d is a member for calculating a modeling completion scheduled time for ending modeling of all the modeling objects allocated on the divided plate for each divided plate. Further, the modeling end scheduled time calculated by the modeling time calculation unit 64d can be displayed on the display unit 62.

  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.

  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.
(Placement reference setting means 65e)

Here, details of the arrangement reference setting unit 65e will be described. As described above, the arrangement reference setting unit 65e sets an arrangement reference serving as a reference for determining which of the plurality of objects each corresponding to the modeled object is arranged in the virtual modeling region corresponding to the modeling plate. It is a member. When the modeling plate is composed of the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42, the first virtual modeling corresponding to the first divided plate 41 or the second divided plate 42 with the arrangement reference setting means 65e. An arrangement reference serving as a reference for deciding whether to arrange the area or the second virtual modeling area is set. In the following, first, the operation of the arrangement reference setting means 65e when the number of modeling plates is one. 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 an object includes a preset condition set in advance on the apparatus side, for example, an arrangement, a posture, and a modeling material (for example, a support material) that minimize the estimated modeling end time calculated by the modeling time calculation unit 64d. It is possible to make the posture or arrangement that minimizes the amount of use.

It is also possible to perform an operation so that not all the objects are arranged, but 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 arrangement of objects is referred to as an arrangement reference here, and the arrangement reference is set by the arrangement reference setting means 65e. Further, according to the set arrangement standard, the object arrangement means 64b 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 is displayed on the display means 62 in a state where one or more objects are arranged in the virtual modeling area.
(Object placement means 64b)

The object placement means 64b 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 in the virtual modeling area. Deploy. 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. Furthermore, the object placement unit 64b calculates the position and orientation of the extracted object and places them 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, the example which arrange | positions the several object corresponding to a molded article to the virtual modeling area | region corresponding to the modeling area on a modeling plate concretely based on an arrangement | positioning reference | standard is demonstrated based on FIGS. FIG. 57 shows a state in which the modeled object WK is selected from the modeled object WK to be modeled based on the arrangement standard and is arranged on the modeled plate 40. Here, for the three-dimensional data of the modeled object input from the input unit, the object arranging unit 64b extracts the object OB arranged on the virtual modeling region VR corresponding to the modeling plate 40 based on the arrangement reference. Further, the arrangement position and the arrangement posture of each object OB are calculated and arranged. Here, a procedure for generating modeling data necessary for modeling when 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 S5801, 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 S5802, modeling conditions are set. For example, as the modeling conditions, the user designates the posture, finish, quality, and the like of the model placed on the modeling plate from the modeling condition adjusting unit 64f. Moreover, you may make a user select from the preset modeling conditions set beforehand.

  In step S5803, an object is placed. Here, based on the modeling conditions set in step S5802, the object placement unit 64b automatically places one or more objects in the virtual modeling area. For example, as shown in the GUI screen of FIG. 59, the state where the object is arranged on the virtual modeling area is displayed on the display column 68 of the display means 62. 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 unit 64b 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 S5804, a modeling time is calculated. Here, the modeling time calculation means 64d calculates an estimated modeling time (estimated time) or scheduled end time required to actually model the object arranged in step S5803 on the modeling plate as a modeled object. For example, as shown in the GUI screen of FIG. 59, the calculated modeling time is displayed as “estimation” of the modeling time in the operation column 70 of the display means 62. Further, the modeling time may be displayed in the display column 68.

  Next, in step S5805, 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 62 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 S5809, and 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, if it is not acceptable in the presented modeling time, the process proceeds to step S5806, 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 65e. 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 unit 65e, the user inputs a desired modeling time from the operation column 70 in the example of the GUI screen in FIG. Here, 5 hours shorter than the total modeling estimate is designated as the allowable modeling time.

  Next, in step S5807, objects that can be modeled are extracted and arranged on the virtual modeling area in accordance with the arrangement criteria set in step S5806. Here, an object corresponding to a modeled object that can be modeled within 5 hours, which is the specified allowable modeling time, is extracted by the object arranging unit 64b, and the arrangement position and orientation are also automatically calculated, as shown in FIG. As shown, it 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. 61, 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. 62, 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.

  Further, for example, in order to efficiently use the limited modeling time specified as the placement reference, the object is extracted so that the calculated predicted modeling time is closest to the specified limited modeling time, and the extracted object The position and orientation can be adjusted. In order to efficiently use the modeling area on the modeling plate, for example, the object with the largest volume is extracted from the objects that can be modeled within the limited modeling time, and the objects that can be modeled within the remaining modeling time are extracted. The largest object may be extracted and the position and orientation of these objects may be adjusted. Or, after extracting the objects that take the longest time for modeling from the objects that can be modeled within the limited modeling time, place the objects that require the next modeling in order, and if the estimated modeling time approaches the limited modeling time A relatively small object that does not take time for modeling may be arranged in the gap between the objects. Alternatively, after arranging the objects that take the longest time for modeling, the objects may be extracted so as to maximize the number of objects that can be modeled within the remaining modeling time, and the positions and orientations of these objects may be adjusted. When adjusting the position and orientation of the object, for example, the coordinate time of the head unit, the number of slices, and the like are taken into consideration so that the modeling time is shortened. In this way, the extracted objects and their arrangement positions and orientations are determined so that the objects are efficiently modeled within the limited modeling time specified as the arrangement reference. In addition, from the viewpoint of utilizing the given modeling time as much as possible, the predicted modeling time is equal to the limited modeling time so that the predicted modeling time approaches the limited modeling time within the range where the predicted modeling time does not exceed the limited modeling time. As described above, extraction of objects, determination of arrangement positions, postures, and the like are performed. At this time, in addition to the limited modeling time, the number and volume of objects can be specified in combination with the limited modeling time so as to increase the number and volume of objects that can be modeled.

After the objects are arranged in this way, in step S5808, 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 S5809 to generate modeling data and send it to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus. For example, a button such as “OK” or “Start modeling” is pressed on the GUI screen of FIG. 61 or 62. 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 S5808 to step S5809 again. On the other hand, if the desired object placement result is not obtained, the process returns to step S5806, and the placement 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 the objects can be set by, for example, the priority order specifying means 65g. Such an example will be described as a modification based on the flowchart of FIG. In this flowchart, steps S6301 to S6306 are the same as steps S5801 to S5806 in FIG. 58 described above, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In step S6307, 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, an object priority order setting unit can be provided in the setting unit 65 to specify a priority object to be included in modeling. In the example of FIG. 64, the “priority placement model” field is provided as an object priority order setting unit in the operation field, 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 S6307, in step S6308, an object is extracted according to the arrangement reference and the priority order. For example, in the example of FIG. 64, the priority object (here, Wrench) 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 placement reference. The object placement means 64b 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. 65, 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” is displayed 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 designated as the priority object cannot be modeled within the limited modeling time set by the arrangement reference setting unit 65e, a warning message MNG as shown in FIG. At this time, by clearly indicating the reason why the object placement unit 64b 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 manner, in step S6309, 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 S5809 in FIG. 58 described above. If the user determines that there is no problem, the process proceeds to step S5810, where modeling data is generated and sent to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus. On the other hand, if the desired object placement result has not been obtained, the process returns to step S6306, and the placement 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 65e and the priority designation means 65g. Although the example which performs is demonstrated, you may integrate the setting of these arrangement | positioning references | standards, and the setting of a priority. 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 unit 64b may be configured to calculate only one of the objects in addition to calculating both the arrangement position and the attitude of the object. For example, after the position of the object is specified by the user, calculation is performed by the object placement unit 64b so that only the posture is optimized according to the placement standard, or the posture of the object is fixed, and only the placement position of the object is placed in the object placement It can also comprise so that it may calculate by the means 64b.

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.
(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 the plates are driven without being synchronized (see FIG. 17). In order to set the modeling conditions according to each driving mode, the setting data creation apparatus for the three-dimensional modeling apparatus includes a driving mode selection unit 65c as shown in FIG. As described above, the drive mode selection unit 65c has a single modeling setting corresponding to the single driving mode, a full modeling setting corresponding to the synchronous driving mode, and a multiple modeling setting corresponding to the multi driving mode as the modeling setting corresponding to each driving mode. Select one of the following. In accordance with the modeling setting selected by the drive mode selection unit 65c, the arrangement reference is set by the arrangement reference setting unit 65e so as to set a modeling condition suitable for modeling in each drive mode. The object placement unit 64b extracts an object satisfying the placement standard from a plurality of objects based on the placement reference set by the placement reference setting unit 65e, and corresponds to the first modeling area on the first divided plate 41. The first virtual modeling area or the 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 set by the placement reference setting unit 65e. The object placement unit 64b also calculates the determined placement position of the object on the first divided plate 41 or the second divided plate 42. 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 for executing such a candidate position determining function and the object arrangement executing means 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 object placement unit 64b uses the object placement unit 64b to place the object in the first virtual shaping area or the second virtual shaping area, a part of the object protrudes from the first virtual shaping area or the second virtual shaping area. It warns that it is located in the buffer area corresponding to the restricted 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 62. The user can check each object OB arranged on the first divided plate 41 and the second divided plate 42 with the display means 62. 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 64b.

In the above example, the object placement means 64b of the computing means 64 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 means 65f)

  In addition, when the modeling plate is composed of a plurality of divided plates, the object placement unit 64b has priority over any of the divided plates when the object is placed on the virtual modeling area corresponding to any of the divided plates. You may provide the priority plate designation | designated means 65f which designates whether to arrange | position. In this case, an object is arranged by the object arrangement means 64b on the priority virtual modeling area corresponding to the priority division plate designated by the priority plate designation means 65f. 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. 67, the take-out unit 4 is provided on the front side of the housing unit 3 in the figure, 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 designation 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 in the initial setting. 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 65d is a member for designating the time for finishing the shaping with the divided plate as described above. The modeling conditions are adjusted by the modeling condition adjusting unit 64f 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 65d.

In addition, the object placement unit 64b determines the placement of each object so that the number of objects that can be shaped within the time specified by the end time designating unit 65d is maximized. 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 65g)

  The arrangement reference setting unit 65e can include the function of the priority order specifying unit 65g. The priority order specifying means 65g is a member for causing each object to specify the priority order of modeling. The object placement unit 64b has the highest number of objects arranged in the virtual shaping area corresponding to the priority division plate from the highest priority according to the priority designated by the priority designation unit 65g among the plurality of objects. The arrangement of each object is determined so that 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 64b can acquire the time required for modeling required for modeling the modeled object corresponding to each object. The required modeling time is calculated by the modeling time calculation means 64d. 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.
(Restricted area setting means 65i)

  The restricted area setting means 65i is a member for setting the restricted area BA in a region where the first divided plate and the second divided plate are adjacent to each other. The restricted 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 restricted area reduces the influence of the UV light irradiated from the curing means 24 on the other divided plate, which is irradiated on the other divided plate, in order to cure the molding material discharged on the one divided plate. To be provided. In the example of FIG. 67, the restriction area is provided in 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 on the side opposite to the restricted area among the sides along the longitudinal direction of the first divided plate and the second divided plate. The restricted 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 restricted area can also be a fixed value set in advance on the device side. In this case, the restricted area setting means for the user to set the restricted area can be omitted.

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 65e is, for example, shortening the modeling end time when the modeling of all the modeling objects is completed, increasing the number of modeling objects capable of finishing the modeling within a predetermined time, modeling the modeling object And so on. Next, an example in which objects corresponding to a plurality of modeling objects are specifically allocated to virtual modeling areas corresponding to the divided plates based on the arrangement reference will be described with reference to FIGS. The object OB shown in these drawings shows an example in which the object OB is arranged and positioned in a virtual modeling area that is a virtual divided plate displayed on the display means 62.
(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. 68, 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 arrangement means 64b. The reference for arranging the object OB by the object arrangement means 64b at this time is automatically arranged so that as many objects OB as possible are arranged on one divided plate, for example.

The modeling time required for modeling with each divided plate is displayed on the display means 62 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 in the same divided plate, the modeling time calculation unit 64d recalculates the modeling end scheduled time in each divided plate, and the display unit 62 The display of the modeling time is updated. 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 64b automatically allocates each object OB will be described with reference to FIGS.
(Time limit: Automatic setting: No object priority)

First, the user designates, for example, “within modeling time XX” or the like as the limited modeling time by the arrangement reference setting means 65e. 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. The arrangement unit 64b calculates the allocation of the object OB to the virtual modeling area and the candidate position of the allocation position in the allocated virtual modeling area, and executes the 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 region VR1) in this way is displayed on the display means 62 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 confirms this result on the display means 62 and, if necessary, can further perform the division plate (and the corresponding virtual modeling area) and the arrangement position of the object OB from the position adjustment means 65b. it can.
(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, the user specifies a limited modeling time or the like with the arrangement reference setting unit 65e, and the modeling priority is set in advance for the object in advance or manually by the user using the priority specification unit 65g. And First, the object OB is input from the input means. Here, the object placement means 64b repeats the placement from the object with the highest priority set in the object OB, so that the object can be shaped as much as possible within the range in which the modeling is completed within the specified limited modeling time. Perform OB allocation. Also, the candidate positions of the placement positions in the assigned virtual modeling area VR1 are calculated, the objects OB are automatically arranged based on the calculation results, and the results are displayed on the display means 62 as described above. It is. 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. 71 and 72. FIG. For example, in the case where there are objects to be modeled early and objects that may be late in the modeled object, the user can specify the priority order of the objects with the arrangement reference setting unit 65e. 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 64b without being treated with priority.

  When the object OB is input from the input means in the state in which the priorities are set in this way, the object placement means 64b reads priority order information for a plurality of input objects OB, and follows the designated priority order. The object OB is assigned to the virtual modeling region VR1 corresponding to the priority division plate. As shown in FIG. 71, a file name and a threshold value indicating priority can be displayed on the display means 62. Note that 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 62.

In the above method, the example in which the priority order is set in advance by the arrangement reference setting unit 65e 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. 72, the user manually arranges the object by dividing the object OB having a higher priority and the object OB ′ having a lower priority on the virtual modeling area while referring to the shape and file name of the object. This work can also be performed after the automatic placement is executed by the object placement means 64b. Further, after the user has placed the object, the object placement means 64b may perform automatic placement for further optimization of 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. 73, the user manually adds each of the modeling requester's user name, department name, product name, and the like assigned to the object shape, file name, file attribute, etc. 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 64b can automatically perform such grouping. For example, as shown in FIG. 74, 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 unit 64b reads the information and automatically selects each virtual Objects can be placed in the modeling area. At this time, the identification information set for each object may be displayed on the display means. In the example of FIG. 74, an initial indicating the modeling requester is attached in advance to the data file name of the object, 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 the object arrangement | positioning means 64b may be operated. 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 64b 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 creation apparatus is realized by a setting data creation 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. 75 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 an object is 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 64b. 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, the setting data, which is each slice data of the converted STL data, is output from the output unit 66 to the 3D modeling apparatus in a batch or in units of each slice data. The print command is instructed and 3D modeling is started. In the example of FIG. 75, 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. 76 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. 75 after being converted into STL data, for example. This is shown in FIG. From the screen of FIG. 77, the user can select the object OB1 using the position adjusting means 65b and move it to an arbitrary position, or change it to an arbitrary posture such as tilting or rotating. FIG. 78 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. 77 and 78, only one object OB1 is displayed, but a plurality of three-dimensional data can be fetched from the input means 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 selects either the minimum modeling time or the minimum usage amount of the modeling material as the parameter setting means 63 for specifying the modeling parameters described above arbitrarily, and pressing 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. 79 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 means 63 is the radio button 63A provided in the operation column 70 of FIG. In the example of FIG. 75, 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 of the modeling parameters, which are all of the minimum time, the minimum resin amount, 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 3D modeling apparatus of the present invention, the setting data creating apparatus for the 3D modeling apparatus, the setting data creating method for the 3D modeling apparatus, the setting data creating program for the 3D modeling apparatus, and the computer-readable recording medium are: It can be suitably used for three-dimensional modeling in which an ultraviolet curable resin is laminated by an inkjet method.

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; 4A ... First extraction part; 4B ... Second extraction part; 4C ... Third extraction Part: 4D ... fourth extraction part 5 ... frame shape 10 ... control means 12 ... roller rotation speed control means 13 ... stage position control means 14 ... notification means 15 ... release warning means 20, 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 array 24 ... Curing means 25 ... Roller section 26 ... Roller body 27 ... Blade 28 ... Bus 29 ... Suction Pipe 30 ... Head moving means 31 ... XY direction drive units 32, 32 '... Z direction drive units 33, 33', 33 "... Bearing shafts 40, 40 '... Modeling plates 41, 41C 41X ... first divided plate 41a ... first sub divided plate; 41b ... second sub divided plate 42, 42C, 42X ... second divided plate 43 ... third divided plate 45 ... rail guide 46 ... X-direction moving rail 47 ... Y Direction moving rail 50 ... sub plate 51 ... first sub plate 52 ... second sub plate 58 ... cover portion 61 ... input means 62 ... display means 63 ... parameter setting means 63A ... radio button; 63B ... modeling parameter setting dialog 64 ... 64b ... modeling time calculation means; 64e ... modeling material amount calculation means; 64f ... modeling condition adjustment means; 64g ... placement warning means 65 ... setting means; 65b ... position adjustment means; 65c ... drive Mode selection means; 65d ... end time designation means; 65e ... arrangement reference setting means; 65g ... periphery margin setting means; 65i ... restricted area setting 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 field 77 ... "Surface finishing" field 78 ... Automatic operation field 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 part; 4040 ... Modeling plate WK, WK1 to WK5 ... Modeled object WK ', WKU ... Model WKC in the middle of modeling ... Model MA after modeling ... Model material SA ... Support material PC ... Computer S B ... Overhang support portion BA ... Restricted area PM ... Surrounding margin VR ... Virtual modeling area VR1 ... First virtual modeling area VR2 ... Second virtual modeling area OB, OB1 ... Object OB '... Object that could not be placed on priority plate MNG ... Warning message

Claims (19)

A three-dimensional modeling apparatus for modeling a three-dimensional model using a modeling material,
Modeling material discharge means for discharging the modeling material;
As a light source for curing the modeling material, a head unit including a curing unit for irradiating light in a predetermined wavelength range, and
A first divided plate for placing a modeling object on the upper surface and modeling;
A second divided plate which is arranged side by side with the first divided plate and which is shaped by placing a modeled object on its upper surface;
A Z-direction drive unit capable of independently driving the first divided plate and the second divided plate in the vertical direction;
An XY direction driving unit for driving the head unit in a horizontal direction relatively within a horizontal plane of the first divided plate and the second divided plate;
Control means for controlling ejection and curing of the modeling material while moving the head part,
The light irradiated from the curing means for curing the modeling material discharged on one divided plate is provided to reduce the effect of irradiating the modeled object modeled on the other divided plate, A three-dimensional modeling apparatus in which a restricted area where a modeled object is not arranged can be set in an area where the first divided plate and the second divided plate are adjacent to each other. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1,
In each peripheral region of the first divided plate and the second divided plate, a peripheral margin is set to prevent the shaped article from falling from the divided plate,
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus in which the width of the restriction area is set larger than the width of the modeling margin. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 2,
The first divided plate and the second divided plate are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular shape,
The restriction area is provided at a boundary portion along the opposing longitudinal direction of the first divided plate and the second divided plate,
The three-dimensional modeling apparatus, wherein the peripheral margin is provided on a surface in the longitudinal direction of the one divided plate and the second divided plate and opposite to the restriction area. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 3,
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus in which the restricted area is orthogonal to at least a part of the peripheral margin. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:
While modeling is continued on one side of the first divided plate or the second divided plate, when modeling of the modeled object is finished on the other side, the divided plate that has been shaped is lowered and moved to the irradiation protection position. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus including a stage position control unit for controlling a Z-direction drive unit. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus for modeling a three-dimensional model using a modeling material,
Modeling material discharge means for discharging the modeling material;
As a light source for curing the modeling material, a head unit including a curing unit for irradiating light in a predetermined wavelength range, and
A first divided plate for placing a modeling object on the upper surface and modeling;
A second divided plate which is arranged side by side with the first divided plate and which is shaped by placing a modeled object on its upper surface;
A Z-direction drive unit capable of independently driving the first divided plate and the second divided plate in the vertical direction;
An XY direction driving unit for driving the head unit in a horizontal direction relatively within a horizontal plane of the first divided plate and the second divided plate;
Control means for controlling the ejection and curing of the modeling material while moving the head part;
While modeling is continued on one side of the first divided plate or the second divided plate, when modeling of the modeled object is finished on the other side, the divided plate that has been shaped is lowered and moved to the irradiation protection position. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus comprising a stage position control unit for controlling a Z direction driving unit. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus in which the restriction area is provided evenly with respect to the first divided plate and the second divided plate, with the joint surface of the first divided plate and the second divided plate as a center. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The head unit has a plurality of discharge nozzles arranged in the first direction for discharging the modeling material as the modeling material discharging means,
The XY direction drive unit reciprocates in the main scanning direction, which is a direction intersecting the first direction in which the discharge nozzles are arranged, and moves in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, It is configured to drive the head portion in the horizontal direction,
The three-dimensional modeling apparatus in which the second divided plate is arranged in the sub-scanning direction with the first divided plate. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The modeling material discharge means is a modeling material,
Model material that will be the final model,
A support material that supports the projecting portion from which the model material projects and which is finally removed is discharged onto the first divided plate and the second divided plate while scanning in at least one direction, and is cured. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus that performs modeling by generating a slice having a predetermined thickness in the height direction by repeating the operation and stacking the slices in the height direction. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus comprising a roller unit for scraping off surplus portions from the modeling material discharged on the first divided plate and the second divided plate by the modeling material discharging means. It is a setting data creation device for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that models a plurality of three-dimensional shaped objects on a first divided plate or a second divided plate using a modeling material,
Input means for acquiring three-dimensional data of a plurality of shaped objects;
In each peripheral region of the first divided plate and the second divided plate, a peripheral margin setting means for setting a peripheral margin for preventing a molded article from falling from the divided plate;
Modeling provided to reduce the influence of light irradiated from the curing means to cure the modeling material discharged on one divided plate to the modeled object modeled on the other divided plate Restricted area setting means for setting a restricted area where no objects are arranged in an area where the first divided plate and the second divided plate are adjacent to each other;
Using the three-dimensional data of the plurality of shaped objects as objects, scanning the head part on the first divided plate or the second divided plate, respectively, and taking into account the peripheral margin and the restriction area that can form the shaped object A setting data creation apparatus for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, comprising object placement means for arranging in a first virtual modeling area or a second virtual modeling area corresponding to the set first modeling area or second modeling area. A setting data creation device for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 11,
The restriction area is larger than the width of the peripheral margin that is the difference between the first virtual modeling region or the second virtual modeling region set by the peripheral margin setting means and the area of the first divided plate or the second divided plate. A setting data creation device for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, which has a large width. A setting data creation device for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 11 or 12,
Setting data for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus in which the restriction area is provided evenly with respect to the first divided plate and the second divided plate, with the joint surface of the first divided plate and the second divided plate as the center. Creation device. It is a setting data creation device for a three-dimensional modeling device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising:
When the object is arranged in the first virtual modeling area or the second virtual modeling area by the object arranging means, a part of the object protrudes from the first virtual modeling area or the second virtual modeling area and corresponds to the restriction area. A setting data creation device for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, which includes an arrangement warning means for warning that it is located in a buffer area. A setting data creation device for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 14,
Even when the object placement means receives a warning from the placement warning means, if the size of the object exceeds the first virtual modeling area or the second virtual modeling area, a part of the object is A setting data creation device for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that allows the projection to protrude from the first virtual modeling area or the second virtual modeling area and be positioned in the buffer area. It is a setting data creation method for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that models a plurality of three-dimensional shaped objects on a first divided plate or a second divided plate using a modeling material,
In advance, in each peripheral region of the first divided plate and the second divided plate, a peripheral margin is set to prevent the shaped article from dropping from the divided plate, and the modeling material discharged on one of the divided plates is cured. In order to reduce the influence that the light irradiated from the curing means is irradiated on the shaped object formed on the other divided plate, the restriction area where the shaped object is not arranged is provided in the first divided plate. And a step of setting the second divided plate in an adjacent region;
The three-dimensional data of a plurality of shaped objects can be obtained, and the three-dimensional data can be used as an object to form a shaped object by scanning the head part on the first divided plate or the second divided plate, respectively. A step of arranging the object in the first virtual modeling area or the second virtual modeling area corresponding to the first modeling area or the second modeling area set in consideration of the margin and the restriction area. Setting data creation method. It is a modeling method using a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that models a plurality of three-dimensional shaped objects on a first divided plate and a second divided plate using a modeling material,
While shaping one shaped object on the first divided plate, forming a other shaped object on the second divided plate;
After the modeling work of the modeled object on the first divided plate is completed, the first divided plate and the second divided plate are made independent at a stage where the other modeled object on the second divided plate is not yet modeled. Then, with the Z-direction drive unit that can be driven in the vertical direction and the stage position control unit for controlling the Z-direction drive unit, the step of lowering the divided plate that has been shaped and moving it to the irradiation protection position;
Three-dimensional modeling method. It is a setting data creation program for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that models a plurality of three-dimensional shaped objects on the first divided plate or the second divided plate using a modeling material,
In advance, in each peripheral region of the first divided plate and the second divided plate, a peripheral margin is set to prevent the shaped article from dropping from the divided plate, and the modeling material discharged on one of the divided plates is cured. In order to reduce the influence that the light irradiated from the curing means is irradiated on the shaped object formed on the other divided plate, the restriction area where the shaped object is not arranged is provided in the first divided plate. And a function for setting the adjacent area of the second divided plate,
The three-dimensional data of a plurality of shaped objects can be obtained, and the three-dimensional data can be used as an object to form a shaped object by scanning the head part on the first divided plate or the second divided plate, respectively. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus that realizes a function of arranging the object in the first virtual modeling area or the second virtual modeling area corresponding to the first modeling area or the second modeling area set in consideration of the margin and the restriction area Setting data creation program for   A computer-readable recording medium storing the program according to claim 18.