JP2019198886A - Shaping data creation method and shaping data creation program for molten metal 3d printer, and molten metal 3d printer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a shaping data creation method and a shaping data creation program for a molten metal 3D printer, and a molten metal 3D printer that allow easy creation of shaping data for making an appropriately shaped object.SOLUTION: In a method of creating shaping data for a molten metal 3D printer which makes a shaped object by melting and layering meltable materials, the shaping data for making the shaped object is created by: reading STL data which is a source of making the shaped object (ST1); slicing the STL data into a plurality of layers in units of thickness of one layer, in units of which the meltable materials are stacked (ST5); matching a standard unit formed of a plurality of cells prepared in a lattice to the STL data in each layer obtained by slicing, and determining a target cell in which the STL data is contained (ST6); and adding a cutting cell corresponding to one cell around the target cell in the standard cell (ST7).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a modeling data creation method and modeling data creation program for a metal melting 3D printer, and a metal melting 3D printer.

  In recent years, for example, a three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus (3D printer) that forms a three-dimensional object by stacking cross-sectional shapes using tertiary-original data created by a computer as a design drawing has attracted attention. Here, as the 3D printer, various types using the optical modeling method, the powder modeling method, the FDM method (Fused Deposition Modeling), and the like have been proposed and put into practical use.

  For example, in a 3D printer that uses resin, a three-dimensional structure is created by applying a liquid resin on a modeling table (work table) and stacking layers that are cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays. An optical modeling method for forming a film and a hot-melt lamination method in which resins melted by heat are stacked little by little are employed. In addition, some 3D printers using resin employ a powder fixing method in which a three-dimensional structure is formed by spreading powdered resin one layer at a time and spraying an adhesive on the resin.

  Furthermore, among 3D printers, a metal melt 3D additive manufacturing apparatus (metal melt 3D printer) that forms a metal 3D object is also put into practical use. As this metal melting 3D printer, for example, a metal powder is spread on a work table with a thickness of several tens of microns, and then a layer is formed by irradiating and sintering with laser light, and this is repeated. Is used to model metal objects.

  However, since metal powder is considerably more expensive than resin or the like, a metal three-dimensional structure formed by a metal melting 3D printer using a laser beam becomes expensive. Further, this type of 3D printer itself is also used. It becomes expensive. Therefore, the metal melting 3D printer is an obstacle to the spread as compared with, for example, a 3D printer using a resin or the like.

  In recent years, a metal melt 3D printer using arc welding has been put to practical use as a metal melt 3D printer for modeling a metal three-dimensional structure that does not require so much accuracy. This metal melting 3D printer generates an arc discharge at the tip of a metal wire-like molten material (welding wire) to melt the welding wire, and laminates it on a work table to make a metal three-dimensional modeling It is for modeling objects. In addition, for example, a CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) machine tool is used to perform high-precision processing on a three-dimensional model formed by this metal melt 3D printer, and a final high-precision model (product) ) Has also been put to practical use.

  Here, a metal fusion 3D printer (metal fusion three-dimensional additive manufacturing apparatus) of a metal fusion lamination system to which the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an overall configuration of an example of a metal melting 3D printer to which arc welding is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper surface 52 of the main body 51 of the metal melting 3D printer 50 is provided with the control unit 1 and the modeling water tank 6 of the modeling processing unit 45 that performs modeling. The lateral direction of the main body 51 is defined as the X-axis direction, the depth direction is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the height direction is defined as the Z-axis direction.

  Around the modeling water tank 6, an X-axis actuator 2 that moves the welding torch 5 in the X-axis direction, a Y-axis actuator 4 that moves in the Y-axis direction, and a Z-axis actuator 3 that moves in the Z-axis direction are provided. Yes. A welding torch 5 for modeling is attached to the Y-axis actuator 4.

  Next to the main body 51 of the metal melting 3D printer 50, a wire supply device 7 that supplies a welding wire to the welding torch 5, a shield gas cylinder 8 that supplies a shielding gas to the welding torch 5, and power to the welding torch 5. A welding machine power supply 9 is provided. Further, a cooling medium storage tank 10 for supplying a cooling medium (for example, water) into the modeling water tank 6 at the time of modeling is provided inside the main body 51.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a modeling processing unit of the metal melting 3D printer shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2A is a diagram for explaining the structure of the modeling processing unit 45 of the metal melting 3D printer 50. FIG. 2 (b) shows the position of the A-axis drive motor that drives the A-axis (X-axis) of the work table 12 in the modeling processing unit 45 shown in FIG. 2 (a).

  As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the tip of the welding torch 5 is arranged in the modeling water tank 6, and a work table 12 on which a model is formed is formed at a position facing the tip of the welding torch 5. Is provided. The work table 12 can be rotated in the vertical direction inside the modeling water tank 6 by the A axis 13.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the A-axis 13 is rotatably supported on both sides of the modeling water tank 6 and is driven to rotate by an A-axis drive motor 13M provided outside the modeling water tank 6, for example. When the A axis 13 is rotated, the work table 12 can be rotated around the A axis 13 to control the tilt of the work table 12. That is, the upper surface (horizontal plane) of the work table 12 can be made vertical by the A axis 13.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the metal melting 3D printer shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining the operation of the metal melting 3D printer shown in FIG. 3 (b) shows a work table 12 and a base plate 15 provided inside the modeling water tank 6 shown in FIG. 3 (a), and FIG. 3 (c) shows the work table 12 and FIG. It is a figure which expands and shows the baseplate.

  As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the welding torch 5 is supplied with a welding wire 27 from a wire supply device 7, a shielding gas is supplied from a shielding gas cylinder 8 through a gas hose 80, and a welding machine power supply 9. Is supplied with power through the power cable 90. Thereby, the welding torch 5 can melt the welding wire 27 by arc discharge from the tip of the welding wire 27.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), a base plate 15 is provided on the work table 12 provided in the modeling water tank 6 as a base for modeling a modeled object. Yes. As shown in FIG. 3C, the base plate 15 is fixed to the work table 12 so as to be detachable while being separated from the work table 12 by the spacer 16. In FIG. 3C, the base plate 15 is detachably fixed to the work table 12 by a fixing tool 26 through which the spacer 16 is inserted. However, the spacer 16 may not be fixed by the fixing tool.

  Here, the base plate 15 is a plate that can be welded to the welding material. The reason why the work table 12 and the base plate 15 are separated is to pass the cooling medium CW (water) between the work table 12 and the base plate 15. The welding torch 5 forms a modeled object by laminating the molten welding wire on the base plate 15. That is, when the welding torch 5 laminates the molten welding wire 27 on the base plate 15 to form a modeled object, the modeled object being stacked is cooled by the cooling medium CW.

  The cooling medium CW is stored in the cooling medium storage tank 10 and is cooled by the cooling unit 32. The cooling medium CW inside the cooling medium storage tank 10 is pumped up by the pump 30 and is supplied to the modeling water tank 6 by adjusting the flow rate by the flow rate control valve 31. Further, the cooling medium CW whose temperature has been increased by cooling the modeling object in the modeling water tank 6 includes dust or the like during modeling, and such dust or the like is filtered by the drainage filter 300, and thereafter The air is sucked out by the pump 30 ′, the flow rate is adjusted by the flow rate control valve 31 ′, and returned to the cooling medium storage tank 10.

  As shown in FIG. 3 (c), before the modeling object is modeled on the base plate 15 by the welding torch 5, the height of the liquid level WL in the modeling water tank 6 is determined by the pumps 30, 30 ′ and the flow rate. The control valves 31 and 31 'are adjusted to a position higher than the lower surface of the base plate 15 and lower than the upper surface. Then, arc welding is performed on the base plate 15 from the welding torch 5 (the tip of the welding wire 27), and the welding wire 27 is melted and solidified to stack the molten welding wire 27 on the base plate 15 to form a model. Model. Here, the laminated part is called a weld bead. Further, every time molten metal is laminated on the base plate 15, the cooling medium CW is supplied to the inside of the modeling water tank 6 through the pump 30 to cool the laminated metal.

  FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the manner in which the modeled object is modeled on the base plate. The modeled object 18 is modeled by the welding torch 5 and the welding wire 27 on the base plate 15 shown in FIG. It shows how it goes. In addition, during modeling of the molded article 18, the liquid level WL of the cooling medium CW is controlled by the flow control valves 31 and 31 ′ so as to be lower than the welding surface WS of the molded article 18 by a certain distance H. .

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a state where the modeling of the modeled object is completed, and corresponds to the above-described FIG. 3 (a). That is, as shown in FIG. 5, when modeling in the modeling water tank 6 of the metal melting 3D printer 50 is completed, a modeled object 18 that has been modeled is formed on the base plate 15. That is, when the shaped article 18 is completed on the base plate 15 and the temperature of the shaped article 18 is lowered, the cooling medium CW is returned to the cooling medium storage tank 10 by the pump 30 ′ via the drainage filter 300 and the flow rate control valve 31 ′. It is.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a final product (modeled object) is obtained from a modeled object modeled by a metal melting 3D printer. From the modeled object 18 obtained as shown in FIG. This is to explain how secondary processing is performed using a cutting machine (CNC machine tool) to obtain a final product.

  Here, FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing a state in which the model 18 and the base plate 15 are taken out from the work table 12 in the modeling water tank 6 of the metal melting 3D printer 50 shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. FIG. 6 (a) is a side view and FIG. 6 (c) is a side view showing a state in which the base plate 15 shown in FIG. 6 (a) is attached to a cutting machine and cut with a cutting tool. Further, FIG. 6D is a perspective view showing a state after cutting of the shaped article 18 and the base plate 15 shown in FIG. 6A, FIG. 6E is a side view of FIG. FIG. 6 (f) is a perspective view showing a modeled object (final modeled object: final product) 18 </ b> P cut out from the base plate 15.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the modeled object 18 modeled by the metal melting 3D printer 50 is taken out together with the base plate 15 from the modeling water tank 6. The taken out base plate 15 is attached to, for example, a cutting machine (not shown), and the surface of the shaped article 18 is cut by the cutting tool 19 of the cutting machine as shown in FIG. 6 (c). .

  As shown in FIG. 6D and FIG. 6E, after the shaped object 18 on the base plate 15 is cut, for example, the shaped object (18P) on which the cutting process is finished is placed on the base plate 15. Then, a final product (final product) 18P as shown in FIG. 6 (f) is obtained by cutting with a wire cut or the like.

  By the way, conventionally, various proposals have been made as a metal melting 3D printer.

JP 2017-144446 A JP 2017-144447 A JP 2018-027558 A

  As described above, a metal melt lamination type metal melt 3D printer to which arc welding is applied has been researched and developed, and has been put into practical use. In such a metal melting 3D printer, for example, STL (STereo Lithography) developed from CAD (Computer Aided Design) data is used. In other words, STL (STL data: STL format data) is sliced for each layer, and a shaped object is formed by adding the width of the cutting allowance to the outside of the STL shape (STL shape) of the layer unit. Create modeling data. Then, the metal melting 3D printer creates coordinate data for moving and controlling the welding torch based on the created modeling data, and stacks the weld beads to model a modeled object (predicted shape).

  However, as a feature of the STL, it is difficult to recognize the shape (that is, correctly recognize any shape (circular shape, linear shape, R shape, T shape, cross shape, angular shape, etc.) from a collection of small triangles) It is difficult to create a model having a predicted shape with the correct width added. Furthermore, for example, because the data structure and number of triangles differ depending on the STL conversion software, and there are infinite number of shape recognition patterns, it is difficult to develop an algorithm for recognizing all patterns. It is difficult to create a model having (predicted shape).

  In addition, the modeled object (modeled object of the predicted shape) modeled by the above-described metal melting 3D printer is subjected to secondary processing using a cutting machine such as a CNC machine tool to obtain a final product. become. For this reason, for example, when a modeled object obtained by a metal melting 3D printer is small with respect to a target final product, there is a possibility that it becomes defective by performing secondary processing, and conversely, it is too large. In this case, the consumption of the material (welding wire) becomes large, leading to an increase in the final product price.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a modeling data creation method and modeling data creation program for a metal melting 3D printer, and a metal melting 3D printer capable of easily creating modeling data for modeling a modeled object having an appropriate shape. There is to do.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is a modeling data creation method of a metal fusion 3D printer that models a modeled object by melting and laminating a molten material, and reads an STL from which the modeled object is modeled The STL is sliced into a plurality of layers in a thickness unit of one layer on which the melt is stacked, and a reference unit formed by a plurality of cells provided in a lattice shape with respect to the STL in each sliced layer. Corresponding, determining the target cell containing the STL, adding a cutting allowance cell for one cell around the target cell in the reference unit, and creating modeling data for modeling the modeled object A method for creating modeling data for a 3D printer is provided.

  According to the disclosed modeling data creation method and modeling data creation program for a metal melting 3D printer, and a metal melting 3D printer, it is possible to easily create modeling data for modeling a shaped object having an appropriate shape. .

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an overall configuration of an example of a metal melting 3D printer to which arc welding is applied. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a modeling processing unit of the metal melting 3D printer shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the metal melting 3D printer shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining how a model is modeled on the base plate. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a state where the modeling of the modeled object is completed. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a final product (modeled object) is obtained from a modeled object modeled by the metal melting 3D printer. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of an embodiment of a metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a modeling processing unit of the metal melting 3D printer shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an embodiment of a modeling data creation method (modeling data creation program) of the metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the weaving operation in the embodiment of the modeling data creation method of the metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the width of each layer in one embodiment of the modeling data creation method of the metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram (No. 1) for explaining an example of a modeling object and modeling data creation processing applied to an example of a modeling data creation method of a metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining an example of a modeling object and modeling data creation processing applied to an example of the modeling data creation method of the metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining modeling data creation setting for an example of modeling data and model display of the created modeling data in an example of the modeling data creation method of the metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention. . FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining creation of modeling data with respect to another example of modeling data and a model display of the created modeling data in one embodiment of the modeling data creation method of the metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention. is there. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining various parameters of weaving in an embodiment of the modeling data creation method of the metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention. FIG. 17 is a view for explaining the relationship between the weaving pattern and the cell in one embodiment of the modeling data creation method of the metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a modeling data creation method and modeling data creation program for a metal melting 3D printer and a metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of an embodiment of the metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a modeling processing unit of the metal melting 3D printer shown in FIG. Here, the metal melting 3D printer 60 shown in FIG. 7 and the modeling processing unit 55 shown in FIG. 8 correspond to the metal melting 3D printer 50 shown in FIG. 1 and the modeling processing unit 45 shown in FIG. It has substantially the same function.

  That is, the metal melting 3D printer 60 shown in FIG. 7 has a function of modeling the modeled object 18 by the metal melting 3D printer 50 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, and further described with reference to FIG. 6. As described above, the final product (final model 18P) is obtained by performing secondary processing using a cutting machine (CNC machine tool) from the model 18 modeled by the metal melt 3D printer 60, for example. You can also get 7 and 8, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts (parts) as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

  In FIG. 7, reference numeral 80 is a gas hose that supplies a shielding gas used for arc welding in the metal melting 3D printer 60 to which arc welding is applied, and 90 is the electric power from the welding machine power supply 9 for performing arc welding. 1 denotes a computer (control unit) that executes an embodiment of a modeling data creation program according to the present invention, for example.

  In FIG. 7, reference numeral 61 is a torch cable support portion for securing a space for maintaining a large curvature of the torch cable and mounting a holding component, and 62 is a state of the metal melting 3D printer 60 (device). The laminated signal lamps and 63 are emergency stop switches. Further, reference numeral 64 is a front door provided with an electromagnetic lock, 65 is a noise filter for suppressing noise of the welding power source, and 66 is a water level meter indicating the water level of the cooling medium storage tank 10. The laminated signal lamp 62 is lit in red when an alarm is generated, for example, and the front door 64 can be unlocked by an application operation when the apparatus is energized, for example.

  In FIG. 8, reference numeral 20 is a control panel for controlling the metal melting 3D printer 60, 200 is a cooling fan for cooling the control panel 20, and 300 is drainage from the modeling water tank 6 (cooling medium CW: For example, a drainage filter that is provided in a drainage path for returning water) to the cooling medium storage tank 10 and filters dust and the like of the drainage is shown. Reference numeral 21 is, for example, a switchboard that inputs a three-phase 200V and outputs a three-phase 200V and a single-phase 100V, and 22 is an exhaust that discharges exhaust gas containing metal powder generated by welding to a dust collector or the like. Indicates a duct. 7 and 8 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that various modifications and changes are possible.

  Here, the metal melting 3D printer of this embodiment uses STL (STL data) developed from CAD data, and as will be described in detail later, the welding torch 5 (welding wire 27) is moved to the left and right with respect to the welding line. Oscillating weaving is performed, and a modeled object (modeled object of predicted shape) is modeled by placing a weld bead having a predetermined width. And the modeling thing modeled with the metal fusion | melting 3D printer of a present Example performs the secondary process with cutting machines, such as a CNC machine tool, for example, and becomes a final product. The weaving operation of the welding torch 5 is performed by control by the X-axis actuator 2 and the Y-axis actuator 4. For example, a dedicated mechanism for performing the weaving operation of the welding torch 5 can be mounted.

  Next, a modeling data creation method (modeling data creation program) of the above-described metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an embodiment of a modeling data creation method (modeling data creation program) of the metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention. First, with reference to FIG. 9, the outline | summary of the process by the modeling data preparation method of a present Example is demonstrated, Then, each process is explained in full detail with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the modeling data creation process of the metal melting 3D printer starts (starts), in step ST1, an STL to be modeled is read. That is, in step ST1, for example, an STL (STL data) of a model to be modeled by a metal melting 3D printer developed from CAD data is read, and the process proceeds to step ST2.

  In step ST2, the conditions for each material are determined by selecting the modeling material of the modeled object. That is, based on the material of the target model 18 (product 18P), the type of the welding wire 27 for modeling the model by arc welding, for example, a material such as aluminum alloy, stainless steel, copper alloy, nickel alloy, or mild steel is used. It is decided. Here, when the material of the modeled object (the type of the welding wire 27 used for modeling) is determined, the weaving pattern by the welding torch 5, the weaving parameter, the cell size of the reference unit, and the like are determined accordingly. Note that the reference unit is formed of a plurality of cells provided in a grid pattern (a grid pattern).

  Next, it progresses to step ST3, a reference | standard unit is displayed, the arrangement | positioning of STL is adjusted by moving the reference | standard unit, and it progresses to step ST4. In step ST4, the height at the start of modeling, the height at the end of modeling, and the thickness of one layer of modeling are determined, and the process proceeds to step ST5.

  In step ST5, creation processing of modeling data for each layer is started. That is, in step ST5, the STL is sliced by one thickness unit, and the processing is performed in the order from the upper layer to the lower layer. Furthermore, it progresses to step ST6 and the object cell in which STL of the sliced layer is contained is determined. At this time, the upper STL is also targeted. That is, a cell containing STL (including STL) is determined as a target cell by associating a reference unit with the STL in each sliced layer. Then, the process proceeds to step ST7, and a cutting allowance cell for one cell is added around the target cell.

  Next, the process proceeds to step ST8, and grouping is performed in units of two cells in the horizontal direction. That is, grouping is performed in units of two cells that define the width of the weaving that causes the welding torch 5 to swing left and right (lateral direction) with respect to the weld line. In step ST9, weaving data is created from the grouped cells, that is, grouped and weaving data is created in units of two cells.

  And it progresses to step ST10, it is determined whether the creation process of modeling data with respect to all the layers was complete | finished, and if it determines with the creation process of modeling data with respect to all the layers not complete | finished (NO), it will progress to step ST6. Returning, the same processing is repeated, and if it is determined that the creation processing of modeling data for all layers is completed (YES), the modeling data creation processing is completed (end).

  As described above, according to the modeling data creation method (modeling data creation program) of the metal melting 3D printer of this embodiment, it is possible to create modeling data of a wide shaped article using weaving. By placing an STL that is difficult to recognize on a reference unit formed of a plurality of cells provided in a grid, simple modeling data in units of cells can be easily created without being aware of the fine shape. That is, it is possible to create modeling data of a built-up modeled object in which an unmachined part does not appear reliably without incorporating a shape recognition algorithm for various STL shapes.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the weaving operation in one embodiment of the modeling data creation method of the metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention, and shows an example of modeling an L-shaped modeled object. It is. Here, FIG. 10A shows an L-shaped shaped object (the planar shape is L-shaped and has a predetermined height) with respect to the reference unit RU formed by a plurality of cells CE provided in a lattice shape. A state where an STL (STL data) SD for modeling a modeled object) and a weaving pattern WP having a triangular wave shape are shown. FIG. 10 (b) slices the STL (SD) into a plurality of layers, shows the STL (SDo) of the odd-numbered layer (odd layer) and the weaving direction (order) at that time. ) Slices STL (SD) into a plurality of layers, and indicates the STL (SDe) of the even-numbered layer (even-numbered layer) and the weaving direction (order) at that time. Note that the cell CE has a square shape.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, when modeling a modeled object (for example, an L-shaped modeled object), the welding torch 5 (welding wire 27) proceeds in a certain direction (vertical direction in the drawing). The weaving pattern WP is controlled to swing in the lateral direction (width direction) with respect to the traveling direction (feed direction).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), for example, in the odd-numbered layer SDo, the welding torch 5 is directed from the top to the bottom in the drawing in order from the left (1) → (2) → (3) → ( 4) Weaving control is performed so as to place a weld bead having a predetermined width (approximately 2 cells). Further, as shown in FIG. 10 (c), for example, in the even layer SDe, the welding torch 5 is upward from the bottom in the drawing and sequentially from the left (5) → (6) → (7) → (8 The weaving control is performed so as to place a weld bead having a predetermined width. That is, it is preferable to perform modeling by reversing the traveling direction of the welding torch 5 (vertical direction in the drawing) every time the layer changes.

  In FIG. 10 (FIG. 10 (a)), a weaving pattern WP having a triangular wave shape is used. This weaving pattern WP is a modeling material to be used (for example, stainless steel, aluminum, copper alloy, mild steel, Inconel, etc.). ) To determine the optimal one. As will be described in detail later, the weaving parameter of the welding torch 5 and the size of the cell CE in the reference unit RU are also determined based on the modeling material to be used.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the width of each layer in one embodiment of the modeling data creation method of the metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention, and FIG. 11 (a) is a mortar shape (a bowl shape). A cross-sectional view of the product (18P: STL) is shown, and FIG. 11 (b) shows a cross-sectional view of a modeled object (modeling data of the modeled object 18) to be modeled by the metal melting 3D printer in that case.

  As is clear from the comparison between FIG. 11 (a) and FIG. 11 (b), the modeling data created by the modeling data creation method of the metal melting 3D printer of this embodiment has the same width in the lower layer than in the upper layer. It is designed to be wide. That is, in the plurality of layers obtained by slicing the STL, the first slice layer (Ld) located below is the same or wider than the second slice layer (Lu) located above the first slice layer. . This is because if the slice layer located below is narrower than the slice layer located above, the molten metal (weld bead) will sag, which is undesirable. Thus, in order to create data such that the lower layer has the same or wider width than the upper layer, it is preferable to target the upper STL (sliced STL) of the target layer.

  FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are diagrams for explaining an example of a model and modeling data creation processing applied to an example of the modeling data creation method of the metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention. Here, FIG. 12A shows, for example, a perspective view of an STL (shape by STL) read by an application (modeling data creation program of a metal melting 3D printer) of one embodiment when viewed obliquely from 45 degrees. 12 (b) shows a plan view of the STL of FIG. 12 (a) viewed from directly above. FIG. 12C is for explaining the processing in step ST3 of FIG. 9 described above, and FIG. 13 is for explaining the processing in steps ST6 to ST9 of FIG. is there. In FIG. 13, the traveling direction of the welding torch 5 (torch moving route) is, for example, upward from the bottom of the even layer (SDe) described with reference to FIG. (5) → (6) → (7) → (8) →

  That is, when an STL having a shape as shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b) is to be obtained (corresponding to the final product 18P), as shown in FIG. The arrangement of the STL (SD) is adjusted by moving the RU vertically and horizontally. Here, the type of the reference unit RU, that is, the length of one side of one square cell CE arranged in a lattice shape is determined based on, for example, a modeling material to be used. That is, the reference unit RU can be moved up / down / left / right, and by adjusting the type of the reference unit RU to be applied (the size of the cell CE), adjustment of the modeling data optimal for the material of the modeled object, etc. (Create) is possible.

  As described above, when the reference unit RU for the STL is determined, the height at the start of modeling, the height at the end of modeling, and the thickness of one layer of modeling are determined, and the STL is sliced by one layer thickness unit. The modeling data is created in the order from the upper layer to the lower layer. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, in the reference unit RU, a cell containing an SDL (SDn) of an arbitrary layer obtained by slicing an STL in one thickness unit is determined as the target cell CEi. The target cell CEi is all set as the target cell CEi if the SDn region is partially included.

  Further, as indicated by “★” in FIG. 13, for example, a cutting allowance cell “★” for one cell is added around the target cell CEi. Furthermore, as shown by “☆” in FIG. 13, for example, when the width of the weaving of the welding torch 5 is performed in units of two cells (units of two rows), an expanded part (expansion) Cell “☆”) is added to form modeling data of the model 18.

  Here, the cutting allowance cell “★” is not limited to one cell around the target cell CEi, but may be, for example, two cells, but the cutting allowance cell “★” is, for example, a cutting process. When the final product (18P) is obtained by performing the above, it is cut and wasted. In addition, since the size of one cell is determined by the type of the reference unit RU, the cutting allowance cell “★” can always be one cell by considering the conditions for determining the reference unit RU. Further, the traveling direction of the welding torch 5 is not directly related to the weaving in the swing width direction, and therefore can be in units of one cell (one row).

  Then, the STL (SDn) in each sliced layer is processed in the order from the upper layer to the lower layer, and when all the processes are completed, the modeling object (18) to be modeled by the metal melting 3D printer is formed. Data will be created. Note that if the lower slice layer is narrower than the upper slice layer, the molten metal will hang down, so that the lower layer is the same or wider than the upper layer. It is preferable to create as described above.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining modeling data creation setting for an example of modeling data and model display of the created modeling data in an example of the modeling data creation method of the metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention. . Here, FIG. 14A shows a display example for performing creation setting of modeling data, and FIG. 14B is based on modeling data of an example of the modeled object described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 14C shows a perspective view of the model (shape) seen from an oblique angle of 45 degrees, and FIG. 14C shows a plan view of the model based on the modeling data shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14 (a), the modeling start height at which modeling is started by the metal melting 3D printer (welding start position), the finishing height at which modeling is completed, the thickness of one layer that slices the STL, and the like are as follows: For example, a user who has purchased a metal melting 3D printer can set it. Then, modeling data for modeling an example of the modeled object described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 as shown in FIGS. 14B and 14C is created. That is, by inputting and executing modeling data creation settings as shown in FIG. 14A, modeling data for each layer (an assembly of coordinates where the welding torch 5 is controlled to move) can be created.

  In FIG. 14A, a modeling data creation stop item at the time of excess weight is provided and checked. In this embodiment, this is a cutting allowance cell “STL (sliced STL)”. ★ ”and expansion cell“ ☆ ”are added to create modeling data, so that the modeling object modeled by the metal melting 3D printer does not exceed the predetermined weight allowed by the device. . It goes without saying that such additional functions can be added as appropriate. Moreover, in FIG.14 (c), the straight line for moving the welding torch 5 is also drawn.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining creation of modeling data with respect to another example of modeling data and a model display of the created modeling data in one embodiment of the modeling data creation method of the metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention. This is to explain the case where the final product has a square shape with a spout. Here, FIG. 15 (a) shows a perspective view of the STL as viewed from an angle of 45 degrees, and FIG. 15 (b) shows a plan view of the STL as viewed from directly above in FIG. 15 (a). FIG. 15 (c) shows a perspective view of the model (shape) based on the created modeling data as viewed from an angle of 45 degrees, and FIG. 15 (d) shows the model based on the modeling data in FIG. 15 (c). The top view seen from the top is shown.

  As is clear from the comparison between FIG. 15A and FIG. 15C, it can be seen that the modeling data is created such that the slice layer located below has the same width as the slice layer located above. In addition, in FIG.15 (d), the straight line for moving the welding torch 5 is also drawn like FIG.14 (c) mentioned above.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining various parameters of weaving in an embodiment of the modeling data creation method of the metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention, and FIG. 17 is the modeling data of the metal melting 3D printer according to the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the weaving pattern and cell in one Example of a preparation method. Here, FIG. 16A shows an example of a weaving parameter when the modeling material is stainless steel, and FIG. 16B shows an example of a weaving pattern when the modeling material is stainless steel. FIG. 16 (c) is for explaining the overlapping of adjacent weaving, and FIG. 17 (a) is for explaining the relationship between the weaving pattern and the cell, and FIG. 17 (b). Shows another example of a weaving pattern.

  As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, for example, in the above-described step ST2 of FIG. 9, for example, a model 18 (final product 18P or a welding wire 27 used for modeling). When stainless steel is selected as the material, the torch feed speed (moving speed of the welding torch 5) Wv is 8 mm / sec, the weaving feed width Wl is 2 mm, the weaving swing width Wao is 10 mm, the stacking pitch Wt is 2.75 mm, and the overlap The width Wo is determined to be 2 mm. Further, the machining allowance cell “★” is determined to be provided for one cell around the modeling target cell CEi, and one cell CE is determined to be 4 mm × 4 mm. As described with reference to FIG. 14A, for example, the stacking pitch (thickness of one layer) Wt can be set by the user.

  Here, in order to avoid the separation of the weld bead due to the adjacent weaving, an overlap width Wo where the adjacent weaving overlaps is provided. That is, as shown in FIG. 17A, for example, when weaving is performed in units of two cells of 4 mm × 4 mm, for example, when the weaving swing width Wa is 10 mm, the overlapping width Wo of two adjacent weaving patterns is 2 mm. I understand that In the above description, the weaving pattern has been described as a triangular wave shape. However, for example, the weaving pattern may have a rectangular wave shape as shown in FIG. Furthermore, other weaving patterns performed by arc welding, for example, a continuous circle or an elliptical shape can be used.

  The modeling data creation program for the metal melting 3D printer described above can be executed by the control unit (computer) 1 provided in the metal melting 3D printer to create modeling data, but it is a place different from the metal melting 3D printer. It is also possible to create modeling data by executing it with a computer provided in the computer, and apply the created modeling data to a metal melting 3D printer via a storage medium (for example, a USB memory) to model a modeled object. .

  Although the embodiment has been described above, all examples and conditions described herein are described for the purpose of helping understanding of the concept of the invention applied to the invention and the technology. It is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Nor does such a description of the specification indicate an advantage or disadvantage of the invention. Although embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1 Control unit (computer)
2 X-axis actuator 3 Z-axis actuator 4 Y-axis actuator 5 Welding torch 6 Modeling water tank 7 Wire supply device 8 Shield gas cylinder 9 Welding machine power supply 10 Cooling medium storage tank 12 Worktable 13 A-axis 15 Base plate 16 Spacer 18 Modeling object 18P Final modeling Product (final product)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 19 Cutting tool 20 Control panel 27 Welding wire 30,30 'Pump 31,31' Flow control valve 32 Cooling unit 45,55 Modeling processing part 50,60 Metal melting 3D printer 61 Torch cable support part 62 Laminated signal lamp 63 Emergency stop switch 64 Front door 65 Noise filter 66 Water level meter 80 Gas hose 90 Power cable 200 Cooling fan 300 Drain filter CE Cell CW Cooling medium (water)
RU reference unit SD STL (STL data)
Wao weaving swing width Wl Weaving feed width WL Liquid level Wo Stack width WS Weld surface Wt Stacking pitch Wv Torch feed speed

Claims (12)

It is a modeling data creation method of a metal melting 3D printer that models a model by melting and laminating a molten material,
Read the STL from which the model is modeled,
The STL is sliced into a plurality of layers with a thickness unit of one layer on which the melt is stacked,
The STL in each sliced layer is associated with a reference unit formed by a plurality of cells arranged in a lattice, and a target cell containing the STL is determined.
In the reference unit, a cutting allowance cell for one cell is added around the target cell, and modeling data for modeling the modeled object is created.
A modeling data creation method for a metal melting 3D printer, characterized in that: further,
In the reference unit, for the target cell and the cutting allowance cell, weaving a welding torch for melting the molten material to form the modeled object,
The modeling data creation method of the metal melting 3D printer according to claim 1. Weaving the welding torch is performed in units of 2 cells in the weaving width direction.
The modeling data creation method of the metal melting 3D printer according to claim 2. further,
Select a modeling material for modeling the modeled object,
Determining a weaving pattern of the welding torch, a weaving parameter of the welding torch, and a size of the cell in the reference unit based on the selected modeling material;
The modeling data creation method of the metal melting 3D printer according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein The weaving pattern of the welding torch includes a triangular wave shape and a rectangular wave shape,
The modeling data creation method of the metal melting 3D printer according to claim 4. The weaving parameters of the welding torch include a feed width and a swing width of the weaving.
6. The modeling data creation method for a metal melting 3D printer according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The welding torch performing weaving proceeds in the opposite direction in the even-numbered and odd-numbered layers in each sliced layer,
The modeling data creation method for a metal melting 3D printer according to any one of claims 2 to 6. In the sliced multiple layers, the first slice layer located below has the same or wider width than the second slice layer located above the first slice layer.
The modeling data creation method for a metal melting 3D printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The STL is an STL of a final product obtained by secondary processing a modeled object modeled by the metal fusion 3D printer.
The modeling data creation method for a metal melting 3D printer according to any one of claims 1 to 8. This is a modeling data creation program for a metal melting 3D printer that models a model by melting and laminating a molten material,
Read the STL from which the model is modeled,
The STL is sliced into a plurality of layers with a thickness unit of one layer on which the melt is stacked,
The STL in each sliced layer is associated with a reference unit formed by a plurality of cells arranged in a lattice, and a target cell containing the STL is determined.
In the reference unit, a cutting allowance cell for one cell is added around the target cell, and modeling data for modeling the modeled object is created, and a process is executed.
A modeling data creation program for a metal melting 3D printer characterized by the above. A metal melting 3D printer that applies arc welding to melt a welding wire supplied as a welding material of a welding torch, forms a model by melting and laminating the welding wire,
It has the computer which executes the modeling data creation program of the metal fusion 3D printer according to claim 10.
Metal melting 3D printer characterized by the above. A metal melting 3D printer that applies arc welding to melt a welding wire supplied as a welding material of a welding torch, forms a model by melting and laminating the welding wire,
The computer for executing the modeling data creation program of the metal melting 3D printer according to claim 10 is provided in a place different from the metal melting 3D printer,
The modeling data created by the computer is given to a control device that controls the metal melting 3D printer to model the modeled object,
Metal melting 3D printer characterized by the above.