JP2023162885A - Method for manufacturing three-dimensional modeling objects and three-dimensional modeling equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

To obtain a method for manufacturing three-dimensional modeling object that is capable of properly laying down the modeling powder used for modeling three-dimensional modeling object.SOLUTION: The method of manufacturing three-dimensional modeling objects includes a squeezing process in which the squeegee 33 moves in a predetermined traveling direction in the in-plane direction of the base plate above the base plate to spread the molding powder supplied on the base plate. The squeegee 33 has a squeegee body 33a linearly provided along a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction in the in-plane direction of the base plate, and a bendable portion 33b extending from an end of the squeegee body 33a in the in-plane direction of the base plate and bendable to a downstream side in the traveling direction. The squeegee 33 lays down the molding powder supplied on the base plate in U-shape with the tip of the bent portion 33b bent downstream in the traveling direction in the in-plane direction of the base plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present disclosure relates to a method and a three-dimensional modeling apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by repeating a process of selectively melting and solidifying a powder material.

Conventionally, three-dimensional modeling devices have been used to manufacture three-dimensional objects by repeating the process of selectively solidifying metal powder materials that can be melted and solidified by electron beam irradiation. .

In a three-dimensional printing device, a certain amount of modeling powder is discharged from a hopper, and a plate called a squeegee for laying the modeling powder is moved onto the base plate by squeezing, an operation that moves the modeling powder over the modeling box. Feeding, laying and flattening of modeling powder is carried out. Furthermore, uniformly distributing the modeling powder with a high packing density leads to a reduction in internal defects in the modeled product, which affects the quality. Generally, a squeegee used in a three-dimensional modeling apparatus is formed into a linear shape using a flexible material or a metal material.

Patent Document 1 discloses that a squeegee for laying modeling powder has a protrusion extending from the bottom surface of the squeegee in at least one of the directions in which the squeegee moves in the direction of movement of the squeegee, and has a protrusion extending in the longitudinal direction. A squeegee having a linear shape is described in .

International Publication No. 2019/187108

However, when performing squeezing using a squeegee having a linear shape in the longitudinal direction described in Patent Document 1, from the longitudinal center of the squeegee to the longitudinal end region of the squeegee on the base plate. The modeling powder moves to the outside of the squeegee in the longitudinal direction of the squeegee. For this reason, the modeling powder is not properly filled on the end portion side of the base plate. That is, in the squeezing using the squeegee described in Patent Document 1, there was a problem in that the modeling powder was not properly laid down. Additionally, since the modeling powder moves further outward from the end area on the base plate, it is necessary to input more modeling powder relative to the amount of modeling powder required, which reduces the usage efficiency of the modeling powder. There was a problem with poor work efficiency.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present disclosure is to obtain a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure, in which a modeling powder used for modeling a three-dimensional structure can be appropriately spread. .

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the present disclosure includes a modeling box in which the three-dimensional structure is created, and a structure provided inside the modeling box to accommodate the manufacturing box. An elevating stage movable in the height direction, a base plate provided above the elevating stage and supplied with modeling powder for modeling a three-dimensional object, and a squeegee that spreads the modeling powder supplied onto the base plate. 3D printing in a 3D printing apparatus that is equipped with the following and that forms a 3D object by repeating a process of selectively solidifying modeling powder supplied to an electron beam irradiation area on a base plate by electron beam irradiation. It is a method of manufacturing something. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model includes a squeegeeing process in which a squeegee is moved above the base plate in a predetermined advancing direction in the plane of the base plate to evenly spread the modeling powder supplied on the base plate. include. The squeegee includes a squeegee main body that is provided in a straight line along a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction in the in-plane direction of the base plate, and a squeegee body that extends from the end of the squeegee main body in the in-plane direction of the base plate and extends downstream in the traveling direction. A bending part provided so as to be bendable on the side. The squeegee spreads the modeling powder supplied onto the base plate in a U-shape in which the tip of the bent portion is bent downstream in the traveling direction in the in-plane direction of the base plate.

According to the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately spread the modeling powder used for modeling the three-dimensional structure.

A schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a three-dimensional printing apparatus in which the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to Embodiment 1 is performed. A diagram showing a functional configuration related to control of squeegee processing using a squeegee in the three-dimensional printing apparatus shown in FIG. A first top view showing a squeegee included in the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. A second top view showing a squeegee included in the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the first embodiment A top view illustrating the relationship between the first inclination angle and the second inclination angle of the squeegee included in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first embodiment. A vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of the tip shape of the squeegee main body of the squeegee in the three-dimensional printing apparatus shown in FIG. A vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of the tip shape of the squeegee main body of the squeegee in the three-dimensional printing apparatus shown in FIG. A vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of the tip shape of the squeegee main body of the squeegee in the three-dimensional printing apparatus shown in FIG. A vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of the tip shape of the squeegee main body of the squeegee in the three-dimensional printing apparatus shown in FIG. A vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of the shape of the tip of the bent part of the squeegee in the three-dimensional printing apparatus shown in FIG. A vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of the shape of the tip of the bent part of the squeegee in the three-dimensional printing apparatus shown in FIG. A vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of the shape of the tip of the bent part of the squeegee in the three-dimensional printing apparatus shown in FIG. A vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of the shape of the tip of the bent part of the squeegee in the three-dimensional printing apparatus shown in FIG. A first schematic plan view showing a procedure for spreading modeling powder on a base plate in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to Embodiment 1. A first schematic cross-sectional view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder on a base plate in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the first embodiment. A second schematic plan view showing a procedure for spreading modeling powder on a base plate in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to Embodiment 1. A second schematic cross-sectional view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder on the base plate in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the first embodiment. A third schematic plan view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder on the base plate in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the first embodiment. A third schematic cross-sectional view showing a procedure for spreading modeling powder on a base plate in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to Embodiment 1. A fourth schematic plan view showing a procedure for spreading modeling powder on a base plate in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to Embodiment 1. A fourth schematic cross-sectional view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder on the base plate in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the first embodiment. Flowchart showing the operation procedure of the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the first embodiment Flowchart showing the procedure for setting the initial value of the first inclination angle of the bending part in the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the first embodiment A schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a three-dimensional printing apparatus in which the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to Embodiment 2 is performed. A first schematic plan view showing a procedure for spreading modeling powder on a base plate in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to Embodiment 2. A first schematic cross-sectional view showing a procedure for leveling modeling powder on a base plate in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to Embodiment 2. A second schematic plan view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder on the base plate in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the second embodiment. A second schematic cross-sectional view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder on the base plate in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the second embodiment. Flowchart showing the operation procedure of the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the second embodiment Flowchart showing the procedure of a method of setting vibration conditions in the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the second embodiment A schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a three-dimensional printing apparatus in which the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to Embodiment 3 is performed. A first schematic plan view showing a procedure for spreading modeling powder on a base plate in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to Embodiment 3. A first schematic cross-sectional view showing a procedure for leveling modeling powder on a base plate in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to Embodiment 3. A second schematic plan view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder on a base plate in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to Embodiment 3. A second schematic cross-sectional view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder on a base plate in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to Embodiment 3. A diagram showing a first configuration example of hardware that implements a control unit included in the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 3. A diagram showing a second configuration example of hardware that implements a control unit included in the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure and a three-dimensional structure apparatus according to an embodiment will be described below in detail based on the drawings. In the drawings shown below, for ease of understanding, the scale of each member may be different from the actual scale. The same applies between each drawing.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a three-dimensional printing apparatus 1A in which a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the first embodiment is performed. FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional printing apparatus 1A viewed from the side.

The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A supplies the modeling powder A to an irradiation area 37, which will be described later, and then spreads the modeling powder A evenly. Then, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A melts the modeling powder A by irradiating the modeling powder A with an electron beam B, and then solidifies the melted modeling powder A. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A repeatedly performs these operations to model a three-dimensional structure O, which is a three-dimensional object on which the melted and solidified modeling powder A is deposited. That is, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A manufactures the three-dimensional model O by repeating the process of selectively solidifying the modeling powder A supplied to the electron beam B irradiation area 37 by irradiation with the electron beam B.

The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment includes an electron beam emitting section 2, a modeling section 3, and a control section 4. Note that in the following description, the vertical direction is a direction parallel to the direction in which the electron beam B is emitted from the electron beam emitting section 2, and corresponds to the vertical direction. Further, the left-right direction is a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the electron beam B is emitted from the electron beam emitting section 2, and corresponds to the horizontal direction. Further, the left-right direction corresponds to the moving direction of the squeegee 33, which will be described later, that is, the advancing direction of the squeegee 33 during squeezing by the squeegee 33. The R direction in FIG. 1 indicates the right direction. The L direction in FIG. 1 indicates the left direction.

The electron beam emitting section 2 emits an electron beam B and irradiates the modeling powder A placed in the modeling section 3 with the electron beam B. The electron beam B emitted from the electron beam emitting section 2 is irradiated onto the modeling powder A spread evenly over the irradiation area 37 . By irradiating the modeling powder A with the electron beam B, the modeling powder A is melted and then solidified. Furthermore, before modeling the three-dimensional structure O, the electron beam emitting unit 2 irradiates the modeling powder A with an electron beam B to preliminarily heat the modeling powder A. In the preliminary heating of the modeling powder A, for example, the modeling powder A is irradiated with an electron beam B having a lower energy than that during the modeling of the three-dimensional object O.

The electron beam emitting section 2 includes an electron gun section 21, a converging coil 22, and a deflection coil 23. The electron gun section 21, the converging coil 22, and the deflection coil 23 are installed, for example, inside a column 24 that is a housing of the electron beam emission section 2 and has a cylindrical shape.

The electron gun section 21 is electrically connected to the control section 4. The electron gun section 21 receives a control signal transmitted from the control section 4 and operates based on the received control signal. The electron gun section 21 emits an electron beam B. The electron gun section 21 emits an electron beam B toward the bottom of the electron gun section 21, for example. In the first embodiment, the electron gun section 21 emits the electron beam B vertically downward toward the bottom of the electron gun section 21 .

The converging coil 22 is electrically connected to the control section 4. The converging coil 22 converges the electron beam B. Deflection coil 23 is electrically connected to control section 4 . The deflection coil 23 receives a control signal transmitted from the control unit 4 and operates based on the received control signal. The deflection coil 23 adjusts the irradiation position of the electron beam B based on the control signal. The deflection coil 23 performs electromagnetic beam deflection of the electron beam B. Therefore, the deflection coil 23 can increase the scanning speed during irradiation of the electron beam B compared to mechanical beam deflection.

The control section 4 is an electronic control unit that controls the entire three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A. The control unit 4 is realized by a computer including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). That is, the control section 4 includes a storage section. The control unit 4 controls the raising and lowering of the lifting stage 35, which is a control to raise and lower the lifting stage 35, which will be described later, the opening/closing control of the shutter 40, which is a control to open and close a shutter 40, which will be described later, and the squeegee control, which is a control to operate a squeegee 33, which will be described later. 33, angle control of the bent portion 33b of the squeegee 33, which is control of the operation of changing the angle of the bent portion 33b, which will be described later, of the squeegee 33, emission control of the electron beam B, which is control of emission of the electron beam B, and Operation control of the deflection coil 23, which is control for operating the deflection coil 23, is executed.

The control unit 4 operates the elevator 32 by transmitting a control signal to the elevator 32, which will be described later, to control the elevation of the elevator stage 35. By operating the elevator 32, the vertical position of the elevator stage 35 is adjusted.

The control unit 4 controls the opening and closing of the shutter 40 by transmitting a control signal to the shutter 40 so that a desired amount of powder A for modeling is supplied onto a base plate 31 (described later). Activate opening/closing. By opening and closing the shutter 40, outflow and stop of the outflow of the modeling powder A from the hopper 34, which will be described later, are controlled, and a desired powder supply amount of the modeling powder A is delivered to the irradiation area 37 and the base plate 31 including the periphery of the irradiation area 37. fed to the top.

To control the operation of the squeegee 33, the control unit 4 operates the squeegee 33 before emitting the electron beam B and during squeezing. The control unit 4 transmits a control signal to a squeegee drive unit 38, which will be described later, to operate the movement of the squeegee 33. By operating the squeegee 33, the modeling powder A placed on the base plate 31 is spread out.

The control unit 4 performs control to adjust the angle of the bent portion 33b of the squeegee 33 before squeezing the squeegee 33. The control unit 4 transmits a control signal to an angle adjustment unit 42 (described later) to change the angle of the bent portion 33b (described later).

The control unit 4 transmits a control signal to the electron gun unit 21 to control the emission of the electron beam B. An electron beam B is emitted from the electron gun section 21 based on a control signal transmitted from the control section 4 to the electron gun section 21 .

The control unit 4 transmits a control signal to the deflection coil 23 to control the operation of the deflection coil 23. The irradiation position of the electron beam B is controlled based on a control signal transmitted from the control unit 4 to the deflection coil 23. For example, three-dimensional CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data of an object to be modeled is input to the control unit 4. The control unit 4 generates two-dimensional slice data, which is data obtained by slicing the three-dimensional object O to be modeled in two dimensions, based on the input three-dimensional CAD data. The slice data is, for example, data of a horizontal cross section of the three-dimensional structure O to be modeled. Slice data is a collection of a large number of data corresponding to positions in the vertical direction. The control unit 4 determines an irradiation area 37, which is an area in which the modeling powder A is irradiated with the electron beam B, based on the slice data. The irradiation area 37 can be said to be a modeling area where the three-dimensional structure O is formed by irradiating the electron beam B onto the modeling powder A. Then, the control unit 4 transmits a control signal to the deflection coil 23 in accordance with the determined irradiation area 37.

The modeling section 3 is a part where a desired three-dimensional structure O is modeled. In the modeling section 3, modeling powder A is placed in a chamber 30. The modeling unit 3 includes a base plate 31 , an elevator 32 , a squeegee 33 , a hopper 34 , an elevating stage 35 , a modeling box 36 , and a shutter 40 inside the chamber 30 . The interior of the chamber 30 is in a vacuum or nearly vacuum state. A vacuum pump (not shown) serving as an exhaust device is connected to the chamber 30 . By evacuating the inside of the chamber 30 by the vacuum pump, the inside of the chamber 30 is brought into a vacuum or near-vacuum state.

The base plate 31 is arranged above the elevating stage 35 inside the modeling box 36, is supplied with the modeling powder A, and supports the modeling powder A and the three-dimensional structure O to be modeled. The three-dimensional structure O is modeled on the base plate 31. The base plate 31 is, for example, a rectangular plate. The base plate 31 may be a circular plate instead of a rectangular plate. The base plate 31 is arranged on an extension line of the emission direction of the electron beam B emitted from the electron beam emission section 2 . In the first embodiment, the emission direction of the electron beam B emitted from the electron beam emission section 2 is a downward direction in the vertical direction from the electron gun section 21 . The base plate 31 is provided, for example, so that the in-plane direction is parallel to the horizontal direction. The base plate 31 is supported by a lifting stage 35 installed below the base plate 31 via a supporting powder layer 39. The base plate 31 moves in the vertical direction together with the elevating stage 35.

The elevator 32 is installed below the base plate 31, supports the base plate 31, and raises and lowers the base plate 31. The elevator 32 is electrically connected to the control unit 4. The elevator 32 receives a control signal transmitted from the control unit 4 and operates based on the received control signal. The elevator 32 can adjust the position of the base plate 31 in the vertical direction by moving the base plate 31 in the vertical direction together with the lifting stage 35.

For example, the elevator 32 moves the base plate 31 upward together with the elevator stage 35 at the beginning of modeling the three-dimensional structure O in the three-dimensional printer 1A. The elevator 32 lowers the base plate 31 each time the modeling powder A is layered on the base plate 31 by melting and solidifying the modeling powder A. The structure of the elevator 32 is not particularly limited as long as it can move the base plate 31 up and down.

The modeling box 36 is an area in which the three-dimensional structure O is modeled, and is formed into a rectangular tube shape, for example. The axial direction of the rectangular cylinder shape of the modeling box 36 is parallel to the moving direction of the base plate 31, that is, the vertical direction. The cross-sectional shape of the modeling box 36 in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the rectangular tube shape is a rectangular shape that is similar to the external shape of the base plate 31. A surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the rectangular tube is a surface parallel to the horizontal direction. Therefore, the cross section of the modeling box 36 in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the rectangular tube is a horizontal cross section.

The external shape of the lifting stage 35 in the in-plane direction corresponds to the inside shape of the modeling box 36 in a horizontal cross section. That is, when the inner shape of the modeling box 36 is rectangular in horizontal cross section, the outer shape of the elevating stage 35 is also rectangular. This makes it difficult for the powder supplied to the modeling box 36 to leak down below the lifting stage 35. Note that the inner shape of the horizontal cross section of the modeling box 36 is not limited to a rectangle. The shape of the modeling box 36 may be cylindrical with a circular horizontal cross section.

The hopper 34 is a storage tank that is supported at a predetermined height inside the chamber 30 and stores the modeling powder A. The hopper 34 includes a powder storage section 341 in which the modeling powder A is stored, and a discharge port 342 that is formed at the lower part of the hopper 34, that is, at the lower part of the powder storage section 341, and discharges the modeling powder A to the outside of the hopper 34. , has. The modeling powder A discharged from the discharge port 342 is supplied onto the base plate 31. Alternatively, the modeling powder A discharged from the discharge port 342 is supplied onto the base plate 31 by the squeegee 33. Note that the hopper 34 and the shutter 40 constitute a powder supply section that supplies the modeling powder A onto the base plate 31.

The modeling powder A is a powdery material that is melted and solidified to form the three-dimensional structure O. The modeling powder A is melted and solidified or sintered by being irradiated with the electron beam B emitted from the electron beam emitting section 2 . As the modeling powder A, for example, metal powder is used. Specifically, the metals used in the metal powder are often titanium, nickel, cobalt, iron, copper, aluminum, and alloys containing these metals, but are not limited to these. Among the metal powders shown above, when a powder of a metal that is relatively easily sintered, such as copper, is used as the modeling powder A, the effects of the first embodiment described below are more effective.

The particle size of the modeling powder A is generally about 20 micrometers or more and 150 micrometers or less in order to be able to reliably solidify with the electron beam B and to obtain a three-dimensional model O with high surface precision. A powder with a particle size of However, the particle shape of the powder that can be used as the modeling powder A is not limited to this.

The supporting powder layer 39 is disposed between the elevating stage 35 and the base plate 31, that is, on the elevating stage 35, and is provided to support the base plate 31. The supporting powder layer 39 is made of modeling powder A. In the vertical direction, the outermost surface of the supporting powder layer 39 is located at the same position as the outermost surface of the base plate 31 or at a position below the outermost surface of the base plate 31. The outermost surface of the supporting powder layer 39 here means the upper surface of the supporting powder layer 39 in the vertical direction. Moreover, the outermost surface of the base plate 31 here means the upper surface of the base plate 31.

When modeling the three-dimensional structure O, a modeling powder layer 41 in which the modeling powder A is spread evenly is formed on the outermost surface of the supporting powder layer 39. Further, during the modeling of the three-dimensional structure O, the modeling powder A is spread thinly and evenly over the irradiation area 37 by the squeegee 33, and the modeling powder A is preheated and solidified by the electron beam B.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional configuration related to control of the squeegeeing process by the squeegee 33 in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the control section 4 is electrically connected to the squeegee drive section 38, the angle adjustment section 42, and the display section 5. The squeegee 33 spreads the modeling powder A placed on the base plate 31 evenly on the base plate 31 as shown in FIG. The squeegee 33 is fastened to a guide 43 provided above the squeegee 33 and is moved by the squeegee drive unit 38 to spread the modeling powder A evenly.

The guide 43 is supported by two guide rails 43a provided above the modeling box 36 inside the chamber 30 so as to be movable in the extending direction of the guide rails 43a. The direction in which the guide rail 43a extends is parallel to the left-right direction, and can be called a reciprocating direction in which the squeegee 33 reciprocates.

The squeegee drive unit 38 moves the guide 43 in the extending direction of the guide rail 43a, thereby moving the squeegee 33 fastened to the guide 43 in the extending direction of the guide rail 43a. That is, the squeegee drive unit 38 causes the squeegee 33 to reciprocate in the left-right direction. That is, the squeegee 33 is movable in the R direction and the L direction in FIG. Thereby, the squeegee 33 can reciprocate in the R direction and the L direction in FIG. 1 to evenly spread the modeling powder A. The squeegee drive section 38 receives a control signal transmitted from the control section 4, operates based on the received control signal, and moves the guide 43 and the squeegee 33. The squeegee drive unit 38 includes a squeegee drive actuator (not shown) for moving the squeegee 33 by moving the guide 43 in the extending direction of the guide rail 43a.

FIG. 3 is a first top view showing the squeegee 33 included in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a second top view showing the squeegee 33 included in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating the relationship between the first inclination angle θ and the second inclination angle θ' in the squeegee 33 included in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the state of the squeegee 33 before the start of the outward movement of the reciprocating movement of the squeegee 33. FIG. 4 shows the state of the squeegee 33 before starting the return movement of the reciprocating movement of the squeegee 33. In FIGS. 3 to 5, the modeling powder layer 41 and the irradiation area 37 are also shown.

The squeegee 33 includes a squeegee main body 33a and bent parts 33b connected to both ends of the squeegee main body 33a in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31. The squeegee 33 spreads the surface of the modeling powder A evenly by moving the member in the horizontal direction.

The squeegee main body 33a is arranged such that a longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee main body 33a is parallel to the in-plane direction of the base plate 31. In addition, the squeegee main body 33a has a longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee main body 33a perpendicular to the advancing direction of the squeegee 33 in squeegeeing in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31, that is, the squeegee 33 performs reciprocating motion. The direction is perpendicular to the reciprocating direction.

That is, the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee main body portion 33a can be said to be a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the squeegee 33 in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31. Further, the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee main body portion 33a can be said to be a direction perpendicular to the reciprocating direction of the squeegee 33 in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31.

For the squeegee main body 33a, a rod-shaped member or a plate-shaped member is used, for example. For the squeegee main body 33a, for example, a thin metal plate or a thin plate made of a flexible resin material is used. That is, the squeegee main body portion 33a is constituted by a flexible plate. Specific examples of the material used for the squeegee body portion 33a include stainless steel and silicone, but are not limited thereto. Further, a plurality of squeegee main bodies 33a may be provided.

The bent portion 33b can prevent the modeling powder A from flowing out from the end of the base plate 31 along the advancing direction of the squeegee 33 during squeezing with the squeegee 33. Further, the bent portion 33b can collect the modeling powder A on the end portion side of the base plate 31 along the traveling direction of the squeegee 33 on the base plate 31 when the squeegee 33 is squeezing.

The bent portions 33b are provided at both ends of the squeegee main body 33a in the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee main body 33a. The bent portion 33b is rotatable in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31 around the end of the squeegee main body 33a in the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee main body 33a. attached to the section.

The bent portion 33b is located at the same position as the end of the base plate 31 in the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee main body 33a or at a position inside the end of the base plate 31 in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31. It is provided so that the connection part with 33b is located. That is, in the squeegee 33, the longitudinal center position of the squeegee main body 33a is located at the same position as the center position of the base plate 31 in the direction perpendicular to the squeegee movement direction in the squeegee movement, Squeegeeing is performed with both ends of the squeegee main body 33a positioned at the same position as the end of the base plate 31 or inside the end of the base plate 31 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the squeegee moves. Therefore, the squeegee 33 is linearly symmetrical with respect to an imaginary line connecting the longitudinal center position of the squeegee main body 33a in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31 and the center position of the base plate 31 in the direction orthogonal to the advancing direction of the squeegee. Perform squeegeeing in this condition. Thereby, in squeezing with the squeegee 33, the effect of the bent portion 33b described above becomes more effective.

The squeegee 33 performs squeezing in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31 in a state where the bent portion 33b forms an angle of inclination α with respect to the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee main body portion 33a. That is, the squeegee 33 maintains a constant inclination angle α during reciprocating motion. The inclination angle α is different between the outward squeegeeing, which is the outward path of the squeegee 33, and the return squeegeeing, which is the return path of the reciprocating movement of the squeegee 33. That is, in the squeegee 33, the posture of the bent portion 33b in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31 is different between outward squeezing and return squeezing.

The inclination angle α is the angle that the bent portion 33b makes with respect to the squeegee main body portion 33a in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. More specifically, the inclination angle α is the angle that the longitudinal direction 33bL of the bent portion 33b makes with the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee main body 33a, which is a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the squeegee 33 in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31. It is. Further, the inclination angle α can be said to be the rotation angle at which the bent portion 33b rotates relative to the squeegee body portion 33a around the end of the squeegee body portion 33a in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31.

The angle formed by the longitudinal direction 33bL of the bent portion 33b with respect to the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee body portion 33a is the angle formed by the longitudinal direction 33bL of the bent portion 33b and the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee body portion 33a in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31. This is the smaller of the angles. Further, the angle formed by the longitudinal direction 33bL of the bent portion 33b with respect to the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee main body 33a is the angle between the longitudinal direction 33bL of the bent portion 33b and the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee main body 33a in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31. This is the angle formed on the side where the squeegee 33 moves when squeezing the squeegee 33.

In return squeegeeing, the bent portion 33b is squeezed at a first inclination angle θ which is an inclination angle α with respect to the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee main body 33a in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31, as shown in FIG. Perform zing. On the other hand, in the return squeegeeing, the bent portion 33b forms a second inclination angle θ', which is an inclination angle α, with respect to the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee main body 33a in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31, as shown in FIG. Perform squeegeeing in this condition.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first inclination angle θ is an inclination angle α set to the squeegee 33 when the squeegee 33 performs outward squeegeeing, and the bent portion 33b is the squeegee main body in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31. 33a.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second inclination angle θ′ is an inclination angle α set to the squeegee 33 when the squeegee 33 performs return squeegeeing, and the bent portion 33b is the squeegee main body in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31. This is an angle that is inclined with respect to the portion 33a.

The first inclination angle θ and the second inclination angle θ' are the flow resistance that the bending part 33b receives from the modeling powder A when the squeegee 33 moves to level the surface of the modeling powder A, and the flow resistance from the hopper 34 to the base plate 31. It is determined based on various conditions such as the amount of modeling powder A to be supplied above.

Here, the second inclination angle θ' of the bent portion 33b is set so that the first inclination angle θ=the second inclination angle θ', as shown in FIG. That is, the inclination angle α of the bent portion 33b is set to the same angle during the reciprocating motion of the squeegee 33.

The first inclination angle θ and the second inclination angle θ', which are the inclination angle α, are controlled by the control unit 4. From the viewpoint of controlling the squeezing of the squeegee 33, it is preferable that the first inclination angle θ of the bent portion 33b and the second inclination angle θ′ of the bent portion 33b are kept at constant angles during the reciprocating movement of the squeegee 33. However, if the flow resistance of the modeling powder A is large, the first inclination angle θ of the bent portion 33b or the second inclination angle θ′ of the bent portion 33b may be changed.

The control unit 4 controls the inclination angle α of the bending portion 33b, and the inclination angle α of the bending portion 33b changes before the squeezing operation of the squeegee 33. The bent portion 33b is rotatable in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31 around the end of the squeegee body 33a in the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee body 33a. That is, the end of the squeegee main body portion 33a serves as a rotation axis X (not shown), and the bent portion 33b is rotatable about the rotation axis X under the control of the control unit 4. The control unit 4 rotates the bent portion 33b so as to form an inclination angle α with respect to a direction perpendicular to the advancing direction of the squeegee 33 during squeezing, that is, with respect to the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee main body portion 33a.

Here, the angle of inclination α is preferably in the range of 90° or more and less than 180°, particularly preferably in the range of 120° or more and 135° or less. That is, the first inclination angle θ and the second inclination angle θ' preferably range from 90° to less than 180°, particularly preferably from 120° to 135°. By setting the first inclination angle θ and the second inclination angle θ′ within the above range, the effect of the bent portion 33b described above becomes more effective in squeezing with the squeegee 33.

The angle of inclination α of the bent portion 33b is changed using the angle adjustment portion 42. That is, the posture of the bent portion 33b with respect to the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee main body portion 33a in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31 is changed by the angle adjustment portion 42 attached to the bent portion 33b.

The angle adjustment unit 42 changes the attitude of the bent portion 33b with respect to the squeegee main body portion 33a in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31, and changes the inclination angle α of the bent portion 33b. The angle adjustment section 42 includes a rotary connection section that connects the squeegee body section 33a and the bending section 33b at the end of the squeegee body section 33a in the longitudinal direction 33aL, and a rotational connection section that connects the squeegee body section 33a and the bending section 33b in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31 to displace the bending section 33b and bending the squeegee body section 33a. An angle adjustment actuator is provided to change the inclination angle α of the portion 33b.

The rotational connection part has a function as a rotation part that rotatably connects the bent part 33b to the squeegee main body part 33a in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31.

The angle adjustment actuator changes the posture of the bent portion 33b with respect to the squeegee body 33a, centering on the rotating connection portion that functions as a rotating portion, that is, around the end of the squeegee body 33a. 33b is rotated relative to the squeegee main body 33a.

For example, an external driver such as a motor is used as the angle adjustment actuator that changes the first inclination angle θ of the bent portion 33b. Specific examples of the power of the motor that changes the first inclination angle θ of the bending portion 33b include, but are not limited to, power such as electric power, oil pressure, and gas pressure. Moreover, the angle adjustment actuator is not limited to a motor.

The amount of angular change in the first inclination angle θ of the bent portion 33b is controlled by the control unit 4. The angle adjustment actuator is electrically connected to the control section 4. The angle adjustment actuator receives a control signal transmitted from the control unit 4, and changes the first inclination angle θ of the bending portion 33b based on the received control signal. That is, the angle adjustment actuator changes the first inclination angle θ of the bent portion 33b by rotating the bent portion 33b around the end of the squeegee 33 in the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee main body portion 33a, thereby adjusting the angle of the base plate 31. The posture of the bent portion 33b with respect to the squeegee main body portion 33a in the in-plane direction is changed.

6 to 9 are longitudinal sectional views showing examples of the tip shape of the squeegee main body 33a of the squeegee 33 in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A shown in FIG. 6 to 9 show longitudinal sections taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee main body portion 33a.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the shape of the tip of the longitudinal section of the squeegee main body 33a is plane symmetrical with respect to the center plane in the thickness direction of the squeegee main body 33a, so that the squeegee 33 can move back and forth. At times, the effect of uniformly forming the modeling powder layer 41 can be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 6, the rigidity of the squeegee main body 33a can be improved by making the tip shape of the squeegee main body 33a rectangular in the longitudinal section. By improving the rigidity of the squeegee main body 33a, it is possible to suppress damage to the squeegee main body 33a during squeezing.

Further, when the tip shape in the longitudinal section of the squeegee main body 33a is a semicircular shape as shown in FIG. 7, a sharp triangular shape as shown in FIG. 8, or a polygonal shape having a plurality of corners as shown in FIG. Since the pressing force applied from the squeegee main body 33a to the modeling powder A is concentrated at the tip of the squeegee main body 33a, the packing density of the modeling powder A can be improved. Further, the shape of the tip of the squeegee main body portion 33a in the longitudinal section is not limited to the above shape, but may be any shape including an elliptical shape, a quadratic function shape, a quadrangular shape, and a polygonal shape.

10 to 13 are longitudinal sectional views showing examples of the tip shape of the bent portion 33b of the squeegee 33 in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A shown in FIG. 1. 10 to 13 show longitudinal sections along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 33bL of the bent portion 33b.

As described above, the bent portion 33b serves to prevent the modeling powder A from flowing out from the end of the base plate 31 along the advancing direction of the squeegee 33 during squeezing with the squeegee 33, and to 33 is provided for the purpose of collecting the modeling powder A on the end side along the traveling direction on the base plate 31. By making the tip shape of the bent portion 33b in the longitudinal section plane symmetrical with respect to the central plane in the thickness direction of the bent portion 33b, the above effect can be more easily obtained. Further, the tip shape of the bent portion 33b in the longitudinal section is plane symmetrical with respect to the central plane in the thickness direction of the bent portion 33b, and further has a protrusion that protrudes in the thickness direction of the bent portion 33b. By doing so, it becomes easier to obtain the above effects.

Examples of the shape of the tip of the bent portion 33b in a longitudinal section include a rectangle as shown in FIG. 10, a triangular shape extending in the thickness direction of the bent portion 33b as shown in FIG. 11, and a tip shape as shown in FIG. Examples include a semicircular shape that spreads in the width direction, or a rectangular shape that spreads in the thickness direction of the bent portion 33b as shown in FIG. Note that the shape of the tip of the bent portion 33b in the longitudinal section is not limited to the above shape.

The squeegee 33 configured as described above performs squeegeeing while having an inclination angle α, and spreads the modeling powder A disposed above the base plate 31 on the base plate 31. The squeezing operation of the squeegee 33 is controlled by the control unit 4.

Here, an overview of the operation of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment will be explained. FIG. 14 is a first schematic plan view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a first schematic cross-sectional view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a second schematic plan view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a second schematic cross-sectional view showing a procedure for spreading the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the first embodiment. 14 to 17 show the case where outward squeegeeing, which is the outward path of the reciprocating movement of the squeegee 33, is performed.

Further, FIG. 18 is a third schematic plan view showing a procedure for spreading the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a third schematic cross-sectional view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the first embodiment. FIG. 20 is a fourth schematic plan view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the first embodiment. FIG. 21 is a fourth schematic cross-sectional view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 18 to 21 show the case of performing backward squeegeeing, which is the backward movement of the reciprocating movement of the squeegee 33.

In order to spread the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 by forward squeegeeing in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. θ is set to a predetermined arbitrary angle. In this case, the bent portion 33b is bent toward the downstream side in the traveling direction of the squeegee 33 during outward squeegeeing.

Then, by moving the guide 43 in the R direction in the extending direction of the two guide rails 43a by the squeegee drive unit 38, the squeegee 33 fastened to the guide 43 is moved in the extending direction of the guide rails 43a, as shown in FIG. Move in the R direction in the current direction. The squeegee 33 spreads the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 formed on the base plate 31 on the base plate 31 by moving in the R direction on the base plate 31 . The first inclination angle θ of the bent portion 33b of the squeegee 33 is maintained while the squeegee 33 is moving in the R direction.

Thereafter, the squeegee 33 continues to move in the R direction as shown in FIG. 16, and reaches the inner end of the modeling box 36 in the advancing direction of the squeegee 33 in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31 as shown in FIG. . That is, the squeegee 33 reaches an area outside the base plate 31 in the R direction, which is the forward direction. Then, when the squeegee 33 reaches the inner end of the modeling box 36, the movement of the guide 43 is stopped, thereby stopping the squeegee 33.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the second inclination angle θ' of the bent portion 33b of the squeegee 33 is set to a predetermined arbitrary angle. In this case, the bent portion 33b is bent toward the downstream side in the traveling direction during return squeezing.

Next, by moving the guide 43 in the L direction in the extending direction of the two guide rails 43a by the squeegee drive unit 38, the squeegee 33 fastened to the guide 43 is moved in the L direction in the extending direction of the guide rails 43a. Moving. The squeegee 33 spreads the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 formed on the base plate 31 on the base plate 31 by moving in the L direction on the base plate 31 . The second inclination angle θ' of the bent portion 33b of the squeegee 33 is maintained while the squeegee 33 is moving in the L direction.

Thereafter, the squeegee 33 reaches the inner end of the modeling box 36 in the advancing direction of the squeegee 33 in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31 as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. That is, the squeegee 33 reaches the area outside the base plate 31 in the L direction, which is the return direction. Then, when the squeegee 33 reaches the inner end of the modeling box 36, the movement of the guide 43 is stopped, thereby stopping the squeegee 33.

Then, by repeating the above-described operation, the squeegee 33 applies the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 to the base plate 31 until the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 formed on the base plate 31 reaches a desired state. Spread evenly on No. 31.

When the squeegee 33 spreads the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41, the modeling powder A is spread from the center of the squeegee body 33a to the end of the squeegee body 33a in the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee body 33a. Move in a flowing manner towards the area. However, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A, the squeegee 33 includes a bent portion 33b at the end of the squeegee main body portion 33a. As a result, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A, when the squeegee 33 spreads the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41, the squeegee 33 is moved from the center of the squeegee body 33a in the longitudinal direction 33aL of the squeegee body 33a. The modeling powder A that has flowed toward the end portion is changed in its flow direction by the bent portion 33b and is returned onto the base plate 31. As a result, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A, when the squeegee 33 spreads the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41, the modeling powder A flows outward from the base plate 31 in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31. Therefore, the modeling powder A continues to remain on the base plate 31.

In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A, when the squeegee 33 spreads the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41, the modeling powder A stays on the base plate 31, so that the modeling powder layer 41 is spread in one layer. The modeling powder A may be supplied onto the base plate 31 in an amount necessary for laying. As a result, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A, when the squeegee 33 spreads the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41, the amount of modeling powder A that flows out of the base plate 31 from the end of the squeegee 33 is taken into consideration. There is no need to supply the modeling powder A onto the base plate 31. Therefore, in the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1A, there is no need to supply more modeling powder A than necessary when printing the three-dimensional object O, reducing the amount of modeling powder A used, and reducing the amount of modeling powder A used. It becomes possible to supply the modeling powder A with good usage efficiency and work efficiency. Thereby, even if the size of the three-dimensional structure O is large, a situation in which it is necessary to additionally supply the modeling powder A during modeling does not occur.

In addition, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A, since the modeling powder A of the modeling powder layer 41 can be uniformly laid on the base plate 31 from the center to the end area, the modeling powder layer 41 can be densely and There is no variation in the packing density of the modeling powder A in the modeling powder layer 41 due to the occurrence of this phenomenon. Thereby, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A, deterioration in the modeling quality due to variations in the packing density of the modeling powder A in the modeling powder layer 41 does not occur.

Note that the squeegee 33 may interfere with the three-dimensional structure O and be damaged due to factors such as deformation of the three-dimensional structure O. Further, if the modeling powder layer 41 is preheated excessively, the modeling powder layer 41, which is harder than the state assumed in the specifications of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1A, interferes with the squeegee 33, causing damage to the squeegee 33. It is possible to do so. If the squeegee 33 receives such resistance from the hardened modeling powder layer 41 that the squeegee 33 is damaged, the control unit 4 interrupts the squeezing of the squeegee 33 midway through, and displays a display unit included in the control unit 4. Show error.

Next, a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure O using the three-dimensional structure device 1A according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment.

First, in step S110, modeling powder A is supplied onto the base plate 31 from the hopper 34. Specifically, the control unit 4 controls the supply of the modeling powder A from the hopper 34 onto the base plate 31. The control unit 4 transmits a control signal to the shutter 40 to control opening and closing of the shutter 40 so that a desired amount of powder A for modeling is supplied onto the base plate 31 . As a result, a desired powder supply amount of modeling powder A is supplied from the hopper 34 onto the irradiation area 37 and the base plate 31 including the periphery of the irradiation area 37, and a modeling powder layer 41 is formed on the base plate 31. . After that, the process advances to step S120.

In step S120, the squeegee 33 is placed at a predetermined squeegee starting position. Specifically, the control unit 4 places the squeegee 33 at the squeegee starting position. The control unit 4 transmits a control signal for moving the squeegee 33 to the squeegee starting position to the squeegee drive unit 38. The squeegee drive unit 38 receives the control signal transmitted from the control unit 4, and moves the guide 43 in the extending direction of the guide rail 43a according to the control signal, thereby moving the squeegee 33 to the squeegee starting position. Thereby, the squeegee 33 is placed at a predetermined squeegee starting position. After that, the process advances to step S130.

The squeegee start position is a position on the base plate 31 in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31, and is a start position of outward squeegeeing in the squeegee process of leveling the surface of the modeling powder A by the squeegee 33.

In step S130, the bent portion 33b is arranged at a position at a predetermined set angle for outward squeezing in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31. Specifically, the control unit 4 sets the inclination angle α of the bent portion 33b in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31 to the initial value of the predetermined first inclination angle θ for outward squeezing.

The control section 4 transmits a control signal to the angle adjustment section 42 for arranging the bending section 33b at the position of the first inclination angle θ for outward squeezing. The angle adjustment section 42 receives the control signal transmitted from the control section 4, and moves the bending section 33b to a position having a predetermined first inclination angle θ according to the control signal. As a result, the bent portion 33b is placed at a predetermined first inclination angle θ for outward squeezing in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31, and the inclination angle α of the bent portion 33b is set to the first inclination angle θ. be done.

In the outward squeezing, after the bending portion 33b is placed at the position of the first inclination angle θ, the bending portion 33b remains at the predetermined angle until the angle adjustment portion 42 receives a new control signal transmitted from the control portion 4. The state where it is arranged at the first inclination angle θ is maintained. That is, in the outward squeegeeing, the angle adjustment unit 42 does not adjust the inclination angle α of the bending portion 33b in step S130 until it receives the control signal instructing the new first inclination angle θ transmitted from the control unit 4. The set first inclination angle θ is maintained. After that, the process advances to step S140.

That is, in step S130, the angle adjusting actuator rotates the bending part 33b with respect to the squeegee main body 31a before the squeegeeing step, so that the tip of the bending part 33b is predetermined in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31. It has a U-shape bent downstream in the direction in which the squeegee moves.

Note that a value registered in advance in the control unit 4 is used as the setting value of the first inclination angle θ, which is the initial value of the setting angle of the bending portion 33b. However, the first inclination angle θ, which is the initial value of the set angle of the bending portion 33b, is not limited to the value registered in the control unit 4 in advance. The method for setting the initial value will be described later.

In step S140, outward squeegeeing by the squeegee 33 is started. Specifically, the control unit 4 controls the operation of the squeegee 33 to start forward squeegeeing by the squeegee 33. The control unit 4 transmits a control signal to the squeegee drive unit 38 to start the operation of the squeegee 33 and start forward squeegeeing by the squeegee 33. The squeegee drive unit 38 receives the control signal transmitted from the control unit 4, controls the operation of the squeegee 33 in accordance with the control signal, and causes the squeegee 33 to start forward squeezing. As a result, outward squeegeeing by the squeegee 33 is started. Here, in the outward squeegeeing by the squeegee 33, the squeegee 33 maintains a state in which the bent portion 33b is arranged at the position of the first inclination angle θ. After that, the process advances to step S150.

That is, in the forward squeegeeing, the squeegee 33 moves above the base plate 31 in a predetermined advancing direction in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31, thereby spreading the modeling powder A supplied on the base plate 31. It can be called a squeegeeing process.

In step S150, it is determined whether the flow resistance value received from the modeling powder A is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value. Specifically, the control unit 4 determines whether the flow resistance value that the squeegee 33 receives from the modeling powder A is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value.

The control unit 4 indirectly measures the flow resistance value that the squeegee 33 receives from the modeling powder A, which is the load that the squeegee 33 receives during outward squeegeeing. The control unit 4 indirectly measures the flow resistance value that the squeegee 33 receives from the modeling powder A based on the information on the drive current value of the squeegee drive actuator transmitted from the squeegee drive actuator of the squeegee drive unit 38. . Here, the greater the drive current value of the squeegee drive actuator, the greater the flow resistance value that the squeegee 33 receives from the modeling powder A. The control unit 4 receives information on the drive current value, which is the magnitude of the drive current of the squeegee drive actuator of the squeegee drive unit 38, which is transmitted from the squeegee drive actuator to the control unit 4 during outward squeegeeing.

Then, the control unit 4 compares the information on the drive current value acquired from the squeegee drive actuator with a first reference value that is a predetermined reference value. The first reference value is a value determined based on past experimental results and multiple pieces of information regarding cases in which the squeegee 33 is damaged or the three-dimensional structure O is damaged. O is set to a value that does not cause corruption.

If it is determined that the flow resistance value received from the modeling powder A is greater than a predetermined reference value, the answer is No in step S150, and the process proceeds to step S270. If it is determined that the flow resistance value received from the modeling powder A is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value, the answer is Yes in step S150, and the process proceeds to step S160.

In step S270, the outward squeezing and the modeling of the three-dimensional structure O are stopped, and an error message is displayed. Specifically, the control unit 4 stops the outward squeezing and the modeling of the three-dimensional structure O, and displays an error on the display unit 5.

The control unit 4 transmits a control signal to stop the movement of the squeegee 33 to the squeegee drive unit 38. The squeegee drive unit 38 receives the control signal transmitted from the control unit 4 and stops the squeegee 33 in accordance with the control signal. As a result, the outward squeegeeing and the modeling of the three-dimensional structure O are stopped. Further, the control unit 4 transmits a control signal to the display unit 5 to display an error message indicating that the flow resistance value received from the modeling powder A is larger than a predetermined reference value. The display unit 5 receives the control signal transmitted from the control unit 4 and displays an error message in accordance with the control signal. Then, the control unit 4 ends the series of control processing for modeling the three-dimensional structure O.

In step S160, it is determined whether squeegeeing has been completed to the end of the base plate 31 in the advancing direction of the squeegee 33 in the forward squeegeeing. Specifically, the control unit 4 determines whether squeegeeing has been completed to the end of the base plate 31 in the direction of movement of the squeegee 33 in the outward squeegeeing.

The control unit 4 controls the progress of the squeegee 33 in the outward squeegeeing based on information such as the position information of the squeegee 33 transmitted from the squeegee drive unit 38 or the elapsed time from the start of the outward squeegeeing of the squeegee 33, for example. It is determined whether the end of the base plate 31 in the direction has been reached. Note that the method by which the control unit 4 determines whether or not the squeegee 33 has reached the end of the base plate 31 in the advancing direction of the squeegee 33 during outward squeegeeing is not limited.

If it is determined that the squeegeeing has not been completed to the end of the base plate 31 in the advancing direction of the squeegee 33 in the outward squeegeeing, the result in step S160 is No, and the process returns to step S150. If it is determined that the squeegeeing has been completed up to the end of the base plate 31 in the advancing direction of the squeegee 33 in the outward squeegeeing, the answer is Yes in step S160, and the process proceeds to step S170.

In step S170, the bent portion 33b is placed at a predetermined set angle for return squeezing in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31. Specifically, the control unit 4 sets the inclination angle α of the bent portion 33b in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31 to a predetermined second inclination angle θ′ for outward squeezing.

The control unit 4 transmits a control signal to the angle adjustment unit 42 for arranging the bending portion 33b at the position of the second inclination angle θ' for return squeezing. The angle adjustment section 42 receives the control signal transmitted from the control section 4, and moves the bending section 33b to a predetermined position of a second inclination angle θ' for homeward squeezing according to the control signal. As a result, the bent portion 33b is arranged at a predetermined second inclination angle θ' for return squeezing in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31, and the inclination angle α of the bent portion 33b is set to the second inclination angle θ'. is set to

Therefore, when switching the squeezing process from outward squeezing to return squeezing, the control unit 4 changes the inclination angle α of the bent portion 33b from the first inclination angle θ to the second inclination angle θ'. After that, the process advances to step S180.

That is, in step S170, the angle adjustment actuator rotates the bending part 33b with respect to the squeegee body part 31a before the squeegeeing step, so that the tip of the bending part 33b is predetermined in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31. It has a U-shape bent downstream in the direction in which the squeegee moves.

In step S180, return squeegeeing by the squeegee 33 is started. Specifically, the control unit 4 controls the operation of the squeegee 33 to start return squeegeeing by the squeegee 33. The control unit 4 transmits a control signal to the squeegee drive unit 38 to start the operation of the squeegee 33 and start return squeegeeing by the squeegee 33. The squeegee drive section 38 receives the control signal transmitted from the control section 4, controls the operation of the squeegee 33 in accordance with the control signal, and starts return squeegeeing by the squeegee 33. As a result, return squeegeeing by the squeegee 33 is started. Here, in the return squeegeeing by the squeegee 33, the squeegee 33 maintains a state in which the bent portion 33b is located at the second inclination angle θ'. After that, the process advances to step S190.

That is, the return squeegee spreads the modeling powder A supplied on the base plate 31 by moving the squeegee 33 above the base plate 31 in a predetermined advancing direction in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31. It can be called a squeegeeing process.

In step S190, it is determined whether the flow resistance value received from the modeling powder A is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value. Specifically, the control unit 4 determines whether the flow resistance value that the squeegee 33 receives from the modeling powder A is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value. Step S190 is performed in the same manner as step S150 described above.

If it is determined that the flow resistance value received from the modeling powder A is greater than a predetermined reference value, the answer is No in step S190, and the process proceeds to step S270. If it is determined that the flow resistance value received from the modeling powder A is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value, the answer is Yes in step S190, and the process proceeds to step S200.

In step S200, it is determined whether the return squeegeeing has been completed to the end of the base plate 31 in the advancing direction of the squeegee 33. Specifically, the control unit 4 determines whether squeegeeing has been completed to the end of the base plate 31 in the advancing direction of the squeegee 33 during the return squeegeeing. Step S200 is performed in the same manner as step S160 described above. In this case, outward squeezing in the description of step S160 can be read as return squeezing.

If it is determined that the return squeegeeing has not been completed to the end of the base plate 31 in the advancing direction of the squeegee 33, the answer is No in step S200, and the process returns to step S190. If it is determined that the return squeegeeing has been completed to the end of the base plate 31 in the advancing direction of the squeegee 33, the answer is Yes in step S200, and the process proceeds to step S210.

In step S210, it is determined whether the necessary squeezing has been completed. Specifically, the control unit 4 determines whether the necessary squeezing has been completed. The control unit determines whether or not the squeezing process has been performed a set number of times, which is a predetermined number of times the squeezing process has been performed, that is, whether or not the outbound and return route squeezing processes have been performed a predetermined number of times. to determine whether the necessary squeezing has been completed.

Information on the number of times of setting processing is stored in advance in the control unit. Moreover, the control unit 4 stores information on the number of times of outgoing and returning squeezing, that is, the number of times of completed squeezing, each time outgoing and returning squeezing is completed. The control unit 4 determines whether or not the necessary squeezing has been completed by comparing the stored information on the number of times of completed squeezing with the information on the number of set processing times.

If it is determined that the necessary squeezing has not been completed, the answer is No in step S210, and the process proceeds to step S260. If it is determined that the necessary squeezing has been completed, the answer is Yes in step S210, and the process proceeds to step S220.

In step S260, it is determined whether a squeezing abnormality, which is an abnormality in squeezing, has occurred. Specifically, the control unit 4 determines whether or not a squeezing abnormality has occurred. When the control unit 4 receives the above notification from a component such as the squeegee drive unit 38 or the angle adjustment unit 42, the control unit 4 determines that a squeegee abnormality has occurred. If the control unit 4 has not received the above notification from the component such as the squeegee drive unit 38 or the angle adjustment unit 42, the control unit 4 determines that no squeegee abnormality has occurred.

If it is determined that no squeezing abnormality has occurred, the answer is No in step S260, and the process returns to step S120. If it is determined that a squeezing abnormality has occurred, the answer is Yes in step S260, and the process proceeds to step S270.

In step S220, the modeling powder A of the modeling powder layer 41 on the base plate 31 is irradiated with a preheating electron beam B for preheating the modeling powder A. Specifically, the control unit 4 performs control to irradiate the modeling powder A of the modeling powder layer 41 on the base plate 31 with the electron beam B for residual heat. That is, before modeling the three-dimensional object O, the electron beam emitting unit 2 irradiates the modeling powder A placed in the irradiation area 37 on the base plate 31 with the electron beam B for preheating, and Preheating, which is preliminary heating of the modeling powder A, is performed to raise the temperature of the surface of the modeling powder A placed at 37 to a predetermined temperature.

If it is determined in step S210 that the necessary squeegeeing has been completed, the modeling powder A is spread evenly on the base plate 31 including the irradiation area 37 and the periphery of the irradiation area 37 by squeezing with the squeegee 33, and The modeling powder layer 41 in the state shown in FIG. The control unit 4 transmits a control signal to the electron gun unit 21 to control the emission of the electron beam B for residual heat. Based on a control signal transmitted from the control section 4 to the electron gun section 21 , the electron beam B for residual heat is emitted from the electron gun section 21 to the irradiation region 37 . After that, the process advances to step S230.

In step S230, the modeling powder A of the modeling powder layer 41 on the base plate 31 after being preheated in step S220 is irradiated with a melting electron beam B for melting and solidifying the modeling powder A. Specifically, the control unit 4 performs control to irradiate the modeling powder A of the modeling powder layer 41 on the base plate 31 after the preheating in step S220 with the melting electron beam B. The control unit 4 transmits a control signal to the electron gun unit 21 to control the emission of the electron beam B for melting. Based on a control signal transmitted from the control unit 4 to the electron gun unit 21, the electron beam B for melting is emitted from the electron gun unit 21 to the irradiation area 37 of the modeling powder layer 41. After that, the process advances to step S240.

In step S240, it is determined whether all layers of the three-dimensional structure O to be modeled have been completed. Specifically, the control unit 4 determines whether modeling of all layers of the three-dimensional structure O to be modeled has been completed.

If it is determined that all the layers of the three-dimensional structure O to be modeled have not been completed, the answer is No in step S240, and the process proceeds to step S250. If it is determined that the modeling of all the layers of the three-dimensional structure O to be modeled is completed, the answer is Yes in step S240, and the control unit 4 ends the series of control processing for modeling the three-dimensional structure O. .

In step S250, the elevating stage 35 is lowered by the thickness of the modeling powder layer 41 that is formed next to the modeling powder layer 41 that has been modeled. Specifically, the control unit 4 lowers the elevating stage 35 by the thickness of the modeling powder layer 41 that is formed next to the modeling powder layer 41 that has been modeled. After that, the process returns to step S110.

Next, a method of setting the initial value of the first inclination angle θ of the bent portion 33b will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting the initial value of the first inclination angle θ of the bent portion 33b in the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. In the following, description of steps that are the same as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 22 described above will be omitted, and steps that are different from the flowchart shown in FIG. 22 will be described.

In step S310, by displacing the bent portion 33b of the squeegee 33 in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31, the first inclination angle θ of the bent portion 33b is set to an arbitrary initial value. Specifically, the control unit 4 displaces the bent portion 33b of the squeegee 33 in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31, thereby setting the first inclination angle θ of the bent portion 33b to an arbitrary initial value. After that, the process advances to step S320.

In step S320, outward squeegeeing by the squeegee 33 is started. Specifically, the control unit 4 controls the operation of the squeegee 33 to start forward squeegeeing by the squeegee 33. After that, step S150 and step S160 are performed.

If it is determined in step S160 that the squeegeeing has not been completed to the end of the base plate 31 in the advancing direction of the squeegee 33 in the outward squeegeeing, the result in step S160 is No, and the process returns to step S150. If it is determined that the squeegeeing has been completed up to the end of the base plate 31 in the advancing direction of the squeegee 33 in the outward squeegeeing, the answer is Yes in step S160, and the process proceeds to step S330.

In step S330, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to change the angle of the bent portion 33b. Specifically, the control unit 4 determines whether or not it is necessary to change the first inclination angle θ of the bent portion 33b.

The control unit 4 indirectly measures the flow resistance value that the squeegee 33 receives from the modeling powder A, which is the load that the squeegee 33 receives in step S150 during the outward squeegeeing. The control unit 4 controls the flow resistance value that the squeegee 33 receives from the modeling powder A based on the information on the drive current value of the squeegee drive actuator of the squeegee drive unit 38 that is transmitted from the squeegee drive actuator of the squeegee drive unit 38. Measure indirectly.

Then, the control unit 4 compares the information on the drive current value acquired from the squeegee drive actuator with a second reference value that is a predetermined reference value, and determines the current setting angle of the first inclination angle θ of the bending portion 33b. Determine whether or not it is valid. The second reference value is determined based on a plurality of pieces of information based on past experimental results. The plural pieces of information include, for example, information on the drive current value of the squeegee drive actuator that is sent from the squeegee drive actuator when the squeegee 33 is damaged, and information that is sent from the squeegee drive actuator when the three-dimensional object O is damaged. Various types of information are included, such as information on the drive current value of the squeegee drive actuator, information on the height of the squeegee 33, and information on the powder supply amount of the modeling powder A supplied from the hopper 34 onto the base plate 31. Note that the second reference value may be the same value as the first reference value in step S150 described above.

The control unit 4 determines that there is no need to change the angle of the bent portion 33b when the flow resistance value received from the modeling powder A is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value. The control unit 4 determines that it is necessary to change the angle of the bent portion 33b when the flow resistance value received from the modeling powder A is greater than a predetermined reference value.

If it is determined that there is no need to change the angle of the bent portion 33b, the answer is No in step S330, and the process proceeds to step S380. If it is determined that the angle of the bent portion 33b needs to be changed, the answer is Yes in step S330, and the process proceeds to step S340.

In step S380, the current set angle of the first inclination angle θ of the bent portion 33b is registered or updated in the control unit 4 and stored. Specifically, the control unit 4 registers and stores the current setting angle of the first inclination angle θ of the bent portion 33b in the control unit 4. Further, if the current setting angle of the first inclination angle θ of the bending portion 33b is already registered in the control unit 4, the control unit 4 updates the setting angle of the first inclination angle θ, Remember. Then, the control unit 4 ends the process of setting the initial value of the first inclination angle θ of the series of bent portions 33b.

In step S340, the setting angle of the first inclination angle θ of the bending portion 33b is changed based on the magnitude of the drive current value of the squeegee drive actuator of the squeegee drive unit 38 obtained in step S150. Specifically, the control unit 4 changes the setting angle of the first inclination angle θ of the bending portion 33b based on the magnitude of the drive current value of the squeegee drive actuator acquired in step S150. The control unit 4 controls the flow resistance value that the squeegee 33 receives from the modeling powder A based on a plurality of pieces of information based on past experimental results, that is, so that the drive current value of the squeegee drive actuator becomes small. , the setting angle of the first inclination angle θ of the bent portion 33b is changed. After that, the process advances to step S350.

In step S350, it is determined whether it is necessary to additionally supply the modeling powder A onto the base plate 31. Specifically, the control unit 4 determines whether or not it is necessary to additionally supply the modeling powder A onto the base plate 31. If the flow resistance value that the squeegee 33 receives from the modeling powder A during squeegeeing is extremely small, the control unit 4 determines that the amount of modeling powder A supplied onto the base plate 31 is small, and controls the amount of modeling powder A supplied onto the base plate 31. It is determined that additional supply of modeling powder A is necessary. Specifically, the control unit 4 compares the drive current value of the squeegee drive actuator of the squeegee drive unit 38 acquired in step S150 with a predetermined lower limit reference value, and controls the amount of the modeling powder onto the base plate 31. Determine whether additional supply of A is necessary.

The lower limit reference value is the lower limit value of the flow resistance value that the squeegee 33 receives from the modeling powder A when the squeegee 33 spreads the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 to form the modeling powder layer 41. If the drive current value of the squeegee drive actuator of the squeegee drive unit 38 is below the lower limit reference value, the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 is spread evenly to form the modeling powder layer 41 with the desired thickness. The amount of modeling powder A needed to be supplied on the base plate 31 is insufficient.

When the drive current value of the squeegee drive actuator of the squeegee drive unit 38 obtained in step S150 is less than the lower limit reference value, the control unit 4 determines that it is necessary to additionally supply the modeling powder A onto the base plate 31. judge. When the drive current value of the squeegee drive actuator of the squeegee drive unit 38 obtained in step S150 is equal to or higher than the lower limit reference value, the control unit 4 determines that additional supply of the modeling powder A onto the base plate 31 is not necessary. do.

If it is determined that it is not necessary to additionally supply the modeling powder A onto the base plate 31, the result is No in step S350, and the process returns to step S320, where the first inclination angle θ of the bent portion 33b changed in step S340 is set. Outbound squeezing starts at the angle. In this case, similarly to step S120, the squeegee 33 is placed at a predetermined squeegee start position, and outward squeegeeing is started. If it is determined that the angle of the bent portion 33b needs to be changed, the answer is Yes in step S350, and the process proceeds to step S360.

In step S360, the additional amount of modeling powder A to be supplied onto the base plate 31 is calculated. Specifically, the control unit 4 calculates the additional supply amount of the modeling powder A onto the base plate 31. After that, the process advances to step S370.

The additional supply amount of the modeling powder A onto the base plate 31 is calculated based on the area of the modeling area and the amount of descent of the elevating stage 35 after modeling is performed. The area of the modeling area is the opening area of the rectangular tubular modeling box 36, that is, the cross-sectional area of the internal space of the modeling box 36 in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the rectangular tubular shape. The amount of descent of the elevating stage 35 after modeling is performed is the thickness of one layer of the modeling powder layer 41 formed next to the modeling powder layer 41 where modeling was performed. The additional supply amount of the modeling powder A onto the base plate 31 is such that when the squeegee 33 spreads the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 to form the modeling powder layer 41, the squeegee 33 supplies the modeling powder A to the base plate 31. It is calculated based on the flow resistance value received from the base plate 31 and experimental data on the powder supply amount of the modeling powder A onto the base plate 31.

Further, the method for calculating the additional supply amount of the modeling powder A onto the base plate 31 is not limited. The amount of additional supply of the modeling powder A onto the base plate 31 may be calculated, for example, based on the area in which the modeling powder A is insufficient in the modeling area. In this case, by monitoring the modeling area from above using an imaging device such as a camera and determining the shading of the color of the modeling area, it is possible to calculate the area in which the modeling powder A is insufficient in the modeling area.

In step S370, modeling powder A is additionally supplied onto the base plate 31 from the hopper 34. The control unit 4 controls the additional supply of the modeling powder A from the hopper 34 onto the base plate 31. Thereafter, the process returns to step S320, and outward squeezing is started at the set angle of the first inclination angle θ of the bent portion 33b that was changed in step S340. In this case, similarly to step S120, the squeegee 33 is placed at a predetermined squeegee start position, and outward squeegeeing is started.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment, there is a building box in which a three-dimensional object is built, a lifting stage provided inside the building box and movable in the height direction of the building box, and a lifting stage provided above the lifting stage. a base plate to which modeling powder is supplied for modeling a three-dimensional object; and a squeegee for leveling the modeling powder supplied onto the base plate; A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object in a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that forms a three-dimensional object by repeating a process of selectively solidifying the powder by electron beam irradiation is realized. The method for producing a three-dimensional structure includes a squeegeeing process in which a squeegee is moved above the base plate in a predetermined advancing direction in the in-plane direction of the base plate, thereby spreading the modeling powder supplied on the base plate. including. In addition, the squeegee includes a squeegee main body that is linearly provided along a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction in the in-plane direction of the base plate, and a squeegee that extends from an end of the squeegee main body in the in-plane direction of the base plate in the traveling direction. and a bending portion that is bendably provided on the downstream side of. Then, the squeegee spreads the modeling powder supplied onto the base plate in a U-shape in which the tip of the bent portion is bent downstream in the traveling direction in the in-plane direction of the base plate.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that creates a three-dimensional object by repeating a process of selectively solidifying modeling powder supplied to an electron beam irradiation area by electron beam irradiation. There is a building box in which a three-dimensional object is built, a lifting stage provided inside the building box and movable in the height direction of the building box, and a lifting stage provided above the lifting stage to build a three-dimensional object. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus is realized that includes a base plate to which modeling powder to be modeled is supplied, and a squeegee that is provided above the base plate and spreads out the modeling powder supplied onto the base plate. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus has a squeegee that includes a squeegee main body that is linearly provided along a direction perpendicular to a predetermined traveling direction of the squeegee in the in-plane direction of the base plate, and a squeegee main body that is provided in a straight line in the in-plane direction of the base plate along a direction orthogonal to a predetermined advancing direction of the squeegee. and a bending part that extends from the end of the part and is provided so as to be bendable toward the downstream side in the traveling direction. Then, the squeegee moves in the direction of travel with the tip of the bent part bent downstream in the direction of travel in a U-shape in the in-plane direction of the base plate, thereby removing the modeling powder supplied onto the base plate. Spread it evenly.

As described above, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment, the bent portions 33b are provided at both ends of the squeegee main body 33a in the longitudinal direction 33aL. That is, the squeegee 33 includes angle adjustment mechanisms for adjusting the angle of the squeegee 33 at both ends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the squeegee 33 moves during squeegeeing. Thereby, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A can prevent the modeling powder A from flowing out from the end along the advancing direction of the squeegee 33 on the base plate 31 during squeezing using the squeegee 33, and The modeling powder A on the end side along the traveling direction of the squeegee 33 on the base plate 31 can be collected on the base plate 31.

That is, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A, when performing squeezing using the squeegee 33, in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31, from the center of the base plate 31 to the end of the base plate 31 along the advancing direction of the squeegee 33. It is possible to prevent the modeling powder A from moving to the region and further from moving from the end region to the region outside the range through which the squeegee 33 passes. As a result, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A, a situation in which the modeling powder A is not appropriately filled in the end region of the base plate 31 does not occur.

In addition, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A, the modeling powder A that has been moved from the center of the base plate 31 in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31 to the end region of the base plate 31 along the advancing direction of the squeegee 33 is transferred to the center of the base plate 31. It can be returned to the side and collected on the base plate 31. That is, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A, when squeezing the modeling powder layer 41, the modeling powder A is spread while collecting the modeling powder A supplied as the modeling powder layer 41 on the base plate 31. be able to. As a result, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1A, when squeezing the modeling powder layer 41, it is only necessary to supply the required amount of the modeling powder A to the modeling powder layer 41, and the amount of modeling powder A that is more than necessary is There is no need to throw in the powder A, and the modeling powder A can be laid down efficiently.

Therefore, according to the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure and the three-dimensional structure apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment, the powder for modeling A of the powder layer for modeling 41 used for modeling the three-dimensional structure O is applied onto the base plate 31. This has the effect that it is possible to properly install it in the area.

Embodiment 2.
FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1B in which the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the second embodiment is performed. FIG. 24 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1. In FIG. 24, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. The three-dimensional printing apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment differs from the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment in that it includes a vibrating section 44.

The vibrator 44 vibrates the modeling powder A. That is, the vibrating section 44 applies vibration to the modeling powder A by applying vibration to the squeegee 33 when spreading the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 with the squeegee 33 . In the second embodiment, the vibrating section 44 is provided on a guide 43 to which the squeegee 33 is fastened. Therefore, the vibrating section 44 generates vibration when spreading the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 with the squeegee 33, and vibrates through the guide 43 and the squeegee 33 to spread the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41. The vibration is applied to the modeling powder A.

As described above, by spreading the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 with the squeegee 33, the effect of increasing the packing density of the modeling powder A in the modeling powder layer 41 can be obtained. When the modeling powder A is spread on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 with the squeegee 33, the modeling powder A is vibrated, that is, the vibration generated in the vibrating part 44 is applied to the modeling powder layer 41. By applying it to the modeling powder A on the surface, it becomes possible to further increase the packing density of the modeling powder A in the modeling powder layer 41.

The operation and stopping of the vibrating section 44 is controlled by the control section 4. The amount of vibration applied to the modeling powder A by the vibration part 44, that is, the amount of vibration generated by the vibration part 44 and applied to the modeling powder A, is controlled by the control part 4. The vibration section 44 includes a vibration actuator (not shown) such as a small motor, and generates vibrations by the vibration actuator. Note that the vibration actuator used in the vibration section 44 is not limited to a motor. The vibrating section 44 is electrically connected to the control section 4. The vibration unit 44 receives a control signal transmitted from the control unit 4, changes vibration conditions based on the received control signal, and performs vibration using a vibration actuator.

The squeegee 33 is formed on the base plate 31 in a state in which the bent portion 33b is inclined at an inclination angle α with respect to the squeegee main body portion 33a in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31, and in a state in which the squeegee 33 is excited by the vibrating portion 44. The modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 is spread evenly on the base plate 31.

Here, an overview of the operation of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment will be explained. FIG. 25 is a first schematic plan view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the second embodiment. FIG. 26 is a first schematic cross-sectional view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the second embodiment. 25 and 26 show a case where outward squeegeeing, which is the outward path of the reciprocating movement of the squeegee 33, is performed.

FIG. 27 is a second schematic plan view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the second embodiment. FIG. 28 is a second schematic cross-sectional view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the second embodiment. FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 show a case where return squeegeeing, which is the return trip of the reciprocating operation of the squeegee 33, is performed.

In order to spread the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 by forward squeegeeing in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. θ is set to a predetermined arbitrary angle. In this case, the bent portion 33b is in a state in which the distal end portion of the bent portion 33b is bent toward the downstream side in the traveling direction of the squeegee 33 on its outward path.

Then, by moving the guide 43 in the R direction in the extending direction of the two guide rails 43a by the squeegee drive unit 38, as shown in FIG. Move in the R direction in the current direction. The squeegee 33 spreads the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 formed on the base plate 31 on the base plate 31 by moving in the R direction on the base plate 31 . The first inclination angle θ of the bent portion 33b of the squeegee 33 is maintained while the squeegee 33 is moving in the R direction.

Here, when spreading the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 with the squeegee 33 in the outward squeegeeing, the vibrating section 44 generates vibrations and sends the modeling powder through the guide 43 and the squeegee 33. The vibration is applied to the modeling powder A on the surface of the layer 41. That is, the squeegee 33 moves in the R direction with the bent portion 33b having the first inclination angle θ and with the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 being vibrated by the vibrator 44. Then, the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 is spread evenly on the base plate 31.

Thereafter, the squeegee 33 continues to move in the R direction and reaches the inner end of the modeling box 36 in the direction of movement of the squeegee 33 in the in-plane direction of the base plate 31. That is, the squeegee 33 reaches an area outside the base plate 31 in the R direction, which is the forward direction. Then, when the squeegee 33 reaches the inner end of the modeling box 36, the movement of the guide 43 is stopped, thereby stopping the squeegee 33.

Next, in order to switch the squeezing process from outward squeezing to return squeezing, the inclination angle α of the bent portion 33b is changed from the first inclination angle θ to the second inclination angle θ'. Here, before the second inclination angle θ' of the bent portion 33b of the squeegee 33 is set to a predetermined angle, the operation of the vibrating portion 44 is temporarily stopped so as not to hinder the angle change of the bent portion 33b. do. That is, the control unit 4 temporarily stops the operation of the vibrating unit 44 before changing the inclination angle α of the bending part 33b from the first inclination angle θ to the second inclination angle θ'.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the second inclination angle θ' of the bent portion 33b of the squeegee 33 is set to a predetermined arbitrary angle. In this case, the bent portion 33b is bent toward the downstream side in the traveling direction during return squeezing.

Next, by moving the guide 43 in the L direction in the extending direction of the two guide rails 43a by the squeegee drive unit 38, the squeegee 33 fastened to the guide 43 is moved in the L direction in the extending direction of the guide rails 43a. Moving. The squeegee 33 spreads the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 formed on the base plate 31 on the base plate 31 by moving in the L direction on the base plate 31 . The second inclination angle θ' of the bent portion 33b of the squeegee 33 is maintained while the squeegee 33 is moving in the L direction.

Here, when the modeling powder A is spread on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 by the squeegee 33 during return squeegeeing, the vibrating section 44 generates vibrations and sends the modeling powder through the guide 43 and the squeegee 33. The vibration is applied to the modeling powder A on the surface of the powder layer 41. That is, the squeegee 33 is moved in the L direction with the bent portion 33b having the second inclination angle θ' and with the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 being excited by the vibration part 44. The molding powder A on the surface of the molding powder layer 41 is spread evenly on the base plate 31 by moving.

Next, a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure O using the three-dimensional structure device 1B according to the second embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment. In the following, description of steps that are the same as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 22 described above will be omitted, and steps that are different from the flowchart shown in FIG. 22 will be described.

In step S410, vibration conditions are set for the vibration section 44. Specifically, the control unit 4 sets the vibration conditions to the vibration unit 44 . The control unit 4 reads excitation conditions determined in advance and stored in the control unit 4, and transmits a control signal instructing the excitation conditions to the excitation unit 44. The vibration unit 44 receives a control signal transmitted from the control unit 4 and stores the received control signal. Thereby, the vibration conditions are set for the vibration part 44. A method for determining the excitation conditions will be described later. After that, the process advances to step S420.

In step S420, vibration by the vibration excitation unit 44 is started. Specifically, the control unit 4 performs control to cause the vibration excitation unit 44 to start excitation. In the vibrating unit 44, a vibrating actuator generates vibration according to the vibration conditions indicated by the control signal transmitted from the control unit 4, and the modeling powder on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 is generated via the guide 43 and the squeegee 33. Apply the vibration to A. After that, the process advances to step S140.

In the second embodiment, in step S140, the squeegee 33 moves above the base plate 31 with the bent portion 33b having the first inclination angle θ and being vibrated by the vibrating portion 44. The disposed modeling powder A is spread evenly on the base plate 31.

If it is determined in step S160 that the squeegeeing has not been completed to the end of the base plate 31 in the advancing direction of the squeegee 33 in the outward squeegeeing, the result in step S160 is No, and the process returns to step S150. If it is determined that the squeegeeing has been completed up to the end of the base plate 31 in the advancing direction of the squeegee 33 in the outward squeegeeing, the answer is Yes in step S160, and the process proceeds to step S430.

In step S430, the vibration by the vibration part 44 is temporarily interrupted before changing the angle of the bending part 33b. Specifically, the control unit 4 performs control to temporarily interrupt the vibration by the vibration excitation unit 44. The vibrator 44 temporarily stops generating vibrations under the control of the controller 4. Thereafter, the process advances to step S170, and then to step S440.

In step S440, the vibration by the vibration unit 44 is restarted. Specifically, the control unit 4 performs control to restart the vibration by the vibration excitation unit 44. The vibrating unit 44 generates vibration again under the control of the control unit 4, and applies the vibration to the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 via the guide 43 and the squeegee 33. After that, the process advances to step S180.

If it is determined in step S200 that the return squeegeeing has not been completed to the end of the base plate 31 in the advancing direction of the squeegee 33, the result in step S200 is No, and the process returns to step S190. If it is determined that the return squeegeeing has been completed to the end of the base plate 31 in the advancing direction of the squeegee 33, the answer is Yes in step S200, and the process proceeds to step S450.

In step S450, the vibration by the vibration unit 44 is stopped. Specifically, the control unit 4 performs control to stop the vibration by the vibration excitation unit 44. The vibrator 44 stops generating vibrations under the control of the controller 4. After that, the process advances to step S210. The subsequent steps are the same as in the flowchart shown in FIG. 22.

Next, a method of setting vibration conditions for the vibration section 44 will be explained. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a method of setting vibration conditions in the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment. In the following, descriptions of steps that are the same as those in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 will be omitted, and steps that are different from those in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 will be described.

In step S510, it is determined whether the setting of the angle conditions for the bent portion 33b has been completed. Specifically, the control unit 4 determines whether the setting of the angle conditions for the set angle of the bending portion 33b has been completed. That is, the control unit 4 determines whether the first inclination angle θ of the bent portion 33b is registered and set in the control unit 4 and stored.

If it is determined that the setting of the angle condition for the bent portion 33b is not completed, the answer is No in step S510, and the process proceeds to step S560. If it is determined that the setting of the angle conditions for the bending portion 33b has been completed, the answer is Yes in step S510, and the process proceeds to step S120 and step S130, and further proceeds to step S520.

In step S560, angle condition setting for the bending portion 33b is performed. Specifically, the control section 4 controls the angle condition setting process for the bending section 33b. The angle condition setting process for the bent portion 33b is the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 23 mentioned above. Then, the control unit 4 ends the series of vibration condition setting processing.

In step S520, initial values of the vibration conditions are set in the vibration section 44. Specifically, the control unit 4 sets the initial value of the vibration condition to the vibration unit 44 . The initial values of the vibration conditions are determined to be vibration conditions that can increase the packing density of the modeling powder A in the modeling powder layer 41 based on past experimental results. Thereafter, the process advances to step S140, and then to step S150.

If it is determined in step S150 that the flow resistance value received from the modeling powder A is greater than a predetermined reference value, the result is No in step S150, and the control unit 4 performs a series of vibration condition setting processes. end. If it is determined that the flow resistance value received from the modeling powder A is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value, the answer is Yes in step S150, and the process proceeds to step S530.

In step S530, it is determined whether the excitation conditions are appropriate. Specifically, the control unit 4 determines whether the vibration conditions are appropriate.

The control unit 4 indirectly measures the flow resistance value that the squeegee 33 receives from the modeling powder A, which is the load that the squeegee 33 receives in step S150 during the outward squeegeeing. The control unit 4 controls the flow resistance value that the squeegee 33 receives from the modeling powder A based on the information on the drive current value of the squeegee drive actuator of the squeegee drive unit 38 that is transmitted from the squeegee drive actuator of the squeegee drive unit 38. Measure indirectly.

The control unit 4 then compares the information on the drive current value acquired from the squeegee drive actuator with a predetermined third reference value, and determines whether the current excitation conditions are appropriate. The third reference value is determined based on a plurality of pieces of information based on past experimental results. The plural pieces of information include, for example, information on excitation conditions that can increase the packing density of the modeling powder A in the modeling powder layer 41, and information on vibration conditions that can reduce the packing density of the modeling powder A in the modeling powder layer 41. Information on shaking conditions is included.

If it is determined that the vibration conditions are appropriate, the answer is Yes in step S530, and the process proceeds to step S550. If it is determined that the vibration conditions are not appropriate, the result is No in step S530, and the process proceeds to step S540.

In step S550, the current excitation conditions are registered or updated in the control unit 4 and stored. Specifically, the control unit 4 registers and stores the current excitation conditions in the control unit 4. Further, if the current excitation condition is already registered in the control unit 4, the control unit 4 updates and stores the excitation condition.

In step S540, the excitation conditions are changed based on the magnitude of the drive current value of the squeegee drive actuator used in step S530. Specifically, the control unit 4 changes the vibration conditions based on the magnitude of the drive current value of the squeegee drive actuator used in step S530. The control unit 4 changes the vibration conditions to conditions that are estimated to be able to increase the packing density of the modeling powder A in the modeling powder layer 41 based on a plurality of pieces of information based on past experimental results. After that, the process advances to step S350. The subsequent steps are the same as in the flowchart shown in FIG. 23.

The three-dimensional printing apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment described above has the same effects as the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment described above.

In addition, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1B is equipped with a guide 43 to which the squeegee 33 is fastened, and includes an excitation part 44 that generates vibrations, and when the squeegee spreads the modeling powder in the squeegeeing process, the vibration part 44 causes the vibration to form. Apply vibration to powder A. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1B has the effect of increasing the packing density of the modeling powder A in the modeling powder layer 41 by spreading the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 using the squeegee 33. In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1B, when the modeling powder A is spread on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41 using the squeegee 33, the modeling powder A is vibrated, that is, the vibration generated in the vibrating part 44 is generated. By applying this to the modeling powder A on the surface of the modeling powder layer 41, it becomes possible to further increase the packing density of the modeling powder A in the modeling powder layer 41.

A decrease in the packing density of the modeling powder A in the modeling powder layer 41 leads to internal defects in the three-dimensional structure O, so as much as possible, when laying the modeling powder A in the modeling powder layer 41, It is necessary to increase the density of The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1B can further increase the packing density of the modeling powder A in the modeling powder layer 41, and can prevent the occurrence of internal defects in the three-dimensional model O.

Further, as a method of laying the modeling powder A, for example, a method of laying the modeling powder A while bringing a roller into contact with the modeling powder A and applying pressure can be considered. However, when applying pressure to the modeling powder A by bringing the roller into contact with the modeling powder A, if the pressing force is low, the effect of increasing the packing density of the modeling powder A is low, and if the pressing force is high, the tertiary There is a risk of damaging the original object O.

However, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1B, since the vibrating section 44 vibrates the modeling powder A of the modeling powder layer 41 without directly contacting the modeling powder A, by adjusting the excitation conditions, the The powder A can be appropriately vibrated, and the three-dimensional structure O is not damaged during modeling.

Embodiment 3.
FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1C in which the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the third embodiment is performed. FIG. 31 is a diagram corresponding to FIGS. 1 and 24. In FIG. 31, components common to the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 24 are given the same reference numerals. ing.

FIG. 32 is a first schematic plan view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the third embodiment. FIG. 33 is a first schematic cross-sectional view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the third embodiment. 32 and 33 show a case where outward squeegeeing, which is the outward path of the reciprocating movement of the squeegee 33, is performed. 32 and 33 are diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 25 and 26.

FIG. 34 is a second schematic plan view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the third embodiment. FIG. 35 is a second schematic cross-sectional view showing a procedure for leveling the modeling powder A on the base plate 31 in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to the third embodiment. FIGS. 34 and 35 show a case in which return squeegeeing, which is the return trip of the reciprocating movement of the squeegee 33, is performed. 34 and 35 are diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 27 and 28.

Since the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1C according to the third embodiment includes the vibrating section 44 similarly to the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment described above, it is different from the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment. Has a similar effect.

The three-dimensional printing apparatus 1C according to the third embodiment differs from the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment in that the vibrating section 44 is provided on the squeegee 33. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1C includes a vibrating part 44 that generates vibrations on the squeegee 33, and applies vibration to the modeling powder A from the vibrating part 44 when the squeegee spreads the modeling powder in the squeezing process. . By providing the vibrator 44 on the squeegee 33, the three-dimensional printer 1C can vibrate the modeling powder A more directly than the three-dimensional printer 1B according to the second embodiment. , the effect of further improving the packing density of the modeling powder A in the modeling powder layer 41 can be obtained.

Next, hardware that realizes the control unit 4 included in the three-dimensional modeling apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C according to Embodiments 1 to 3 will be described. The control unit 4 can be realized by hardware having the configuration shown in FIG. 36 or 37.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a first configuration example of hardware that implements the control unit 4 included in the three-dimensional modeling apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C according to the first to third embodiments. FIG. 37 shows a configuration in which the functions of the control unit 4 are realized by a processing circuit 101, which is dedicated hardware. The processing circuit 101 is, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 36, the functions of the control unit 4 are realized by a single processing circuit 101, but the present invention is not limited to this. The hardware may include a plurality of processing circuits 101, and the functions of the control unit 4 may be realized by different processing circuits 101.

The input section 102 is a circuit that receives an input signal to the control section 4 from outside the control section 4 . The input unit 102 receives CAD data that is design data of the three-dimensional structure O. The output unit 103 outputs the signal generated by the control unit 4 to the outside of the control unit 4. The output section 103 outputs a control signal to each of the electron gun section 21 and the elevating stage 35.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a second configuration example of hardware that implements the control unit 4 included in the three-dimensional modeling apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C according to the first to third embodiments. FIG. 37 shows a configuration in which the functions of the processing circuit 101 shown in FIG. 37 are realized by a processing circuit 104 having a processor 105 and a memory 106. Processor 105 is a CPU. The processor 105 may be a processing device, an arithmetic device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory 106 may be, for example, RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). This is non-volatile or volatile memory, such as memory.

When the functions of the control unit 4 are implemented by the processor 105 and the memory 106, the processor 105 executes a program in which the processing of the control unit 4 is written. Such a program is stored in memory 106 in advance. The processor 105 executes the processing of the control unit 4 by reading and executing a program stored in the memory 106. Note that part of the functions of the control unit 4 may be realized by the processor 105 and the memory 106, and the rest may be realized by dedicated hardware similar to the processing circuit 101 shown in FIG.

Note that the programs executed by processor 105 are not limited to those stored in advance in memory 106. The program executed by processor 105 may be a program stored in a storage medium readable by a computer system. A program stored in a storage medium may be stored in memory 106. The storage medium may be a portable storage medium such as a flexible disk, or a flash memory such as semiconductor memory. The program may be installed into the control unit 4 from another computer or server device via a communication network.

The configurations shown in the embodiments above are merely examples, and can be combined with other known techniques, or can be combined with other embodiments, within the scope of the gist. It is also possible to omit or change part of the configuration.

Hereinafter, various aspects of the present disclosure will be collectively described as supplementary notes.

(Additional note 1)
a building box in which a three-dimensional object is formed; a lifting stage provided inside the building box and movable in the height direction of the building box; and a lifting stage provided above the lifting stage to form the three-dimensional object. a base plate to which modeling powder is supplied for modeling, and a squeegee for leveling the modeling powder supplied on the base plate, the modeling powder supplied to an electron beam irradiation area on the base plate. A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object using a three-dimensional printing apparatus, which forms a three-dimensional object by repeating a process of selectively solidifying the object by irradiation with the electron beam, the method comprising:
A squeegeeing step of spreading the modeling powder supplied on the base plate by moving the squeegee in a predetermined advancing direction in the in-plane direction of the base plate above the base plate,
The squeegee is
a squeegee main body provided in a straight line along a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction in the in-plane direction of the base plate;
a bending part that extends from an end of the squeegee main body in the in-plane direction of the base plate and is provided so as to be bendable toward the downstream side in the traveling direction;
Equipped with
Spreading the modeling powder supplied on the base plate in a state in which the tip of the bent part is bent downstream in the traveling direction in a U-shape in the in-plane direction of the base plate;
A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, characterized by:
(Additional note 2)
The squeegee is
a rotational connection portion that rotatably connects the bent portion to the squeegee body in an in-plane direction of the base plate;
an angle adjustment actuator that rotates the bent portion relative to the squeegee main body by changing the attitude of the bent portion relative to the squeegee main body about the rotational connection portion in an in-plane direction of the base plate;
Equipped with
Before the squeezing step, the angle adjustment actuator rotates the bent portion with respect to the squeegee main body, so that the tip of the bent portion is bent downstream in the traveling direction in the in-plane direction of the base plate. be U-shaped,
The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to Supplementary Note 1, characterized by:
(Additional note 3)
The squeegee is
In a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel, the center position of the squeegee main body in the longitudinal direction is the same as the center position of the base plate in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel,
In a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction, both ends of the squeegee main body are located at the same position as the end of the base plate or inside the end of the base plate;
The method for producing a three-dimensional structure according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, characterized in that:
(Additional note 4)
Equipped with an excitation part that generates vibrations,
applying the vibration to the modeling powder from the vibrating section when the squeegee spreads the modeling powder in the squeezing step;
The method for producing a three-dimensional structure according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, characterized in that:
(Appendix 5)
the vibrating section is provided on a guide to which the squeegee is fastened;
applying the vibration to the modeling powder from the vibrating section via the squeegee when the squeegee spreads the modeling powder in the squeegeeing step;
The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to appendix 4, characterized in that:
(Appendix 6)
the squeegee includes the vibrating section;
applying the vibration to the modeling powder from the vibrating section via the squeegee when the squeegee spreads the modeling powder in the squeegeeing step;
The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to appendix 4, characterized in that:
(Appendix 7)
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus that forms a three-dimensional object by repeating a process of selectively solidifying modeling powder supplied to an electron beam irradiation area by the electron beam irradiation,
a modeling box in which the three-dimensional object is created;
an elevating stage provided inside the modeling box and movable in the height direction of the modeling box;
a base plate provided above the elevating stage and supplied with modeling powder for modeling the three-dimensional structure;
a squeegee provided above the base plate for leveling the modeling powder supplied onto the base plate;
Equipped with
The squeegee is
a squeegee main body provided linearly along a direction perpendicular to a predetermined traveling direction of the squeegee in the in-plane direction of the base plate;
a bending part that extends from an end of the squeegee main body in the in-plane direction of the base plate and is provided so as to be bendable toward the downstream side in the traveling direction;
Equipped with
The modeling powder is supplied onto the base plate by moving in the traveling direction in a state in which the tip of the bent portion is bent downstream in the traveling direction in a U-shape in the in-plane direction of the base plate. to level out the
A three-dimensional printing device featuring:
(Appendix 8)
The squeegee is
a rotational connection portion that rotatably connects the bent portion to the squeegee body in an in-plane direction of the base plate;
an angle adjustment actuator that rotates the bent portion relative to the squeegee main body by changing the attitude of the bent portion relative to the squeegee main body about the rotational connection portion in an in-plane direction of the base plate;
Equipped with
The angle adjusting actuator rotates the bent portion with respect to the squeegee main body, so that the tip of the bent portion has a U shape bent downstream in the traveling direction in the in-plane direction of the base plate. ,
The three-dimensional printing apparatus according to appendix 7, characterized by:
(Appendix 9)
The squeegee is
In a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel, the center position of the squeegee main body in the longitudinal direction is the same as the center position of the base plate in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel,
In a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction, both ends of the squeegee main body are located at the same position as the end of the base plate or inside the end of the base plate;
The three-dimensional printing apparatus according to appendix 7 or 8, characterized by:
(Appendix 10)
Equipped with an excitation part that generates vibrations,
applying the vibration to the modeling powder from the vibrating section when the squeegee spreads the modeling powder;
The three-dimensional printing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes 7 to 9, characterized in that:
(Appendix 11)
the vibrating section is provided on a guide to which the squeegee is fastened;
applying the vibration to the modeling powder from the vibrating section via the squeegee when the squeegee spreads the modeling powder;
The three-dimensional printing apparatus according to appendix 10, characterized by:
(Appendix 12)
the squeegee includes the vibrating section;
applying the vibration to the modeling powder from the vibrating section via the squeegee when the squeegee spreads the modeling powder;
The three-dimensional printing apparatus according to appendix 10, characterized by:

1A, 1B, 1C three-dimensional modeling device, 2 electron beam emission section, 3 modeling section, 4 control section, 21 electron gun section, 22 converging coil, 23 deflection coil, 24 column, 30 chamber, 31 base plate, 32 elevator, 33 squeegee, 33a squeegee main body, 33aL, 33bL longitudinal direction, 33b bending section, 34 hopper, 35 elevating stage, 36 modeling box, 37 irradiation area, 38 squeegee drive section, 39 support powder layer, 40 shutter, 41 modeling powder layer, 42 angle adjustment section, 43 guide, 43a guide rail, 44 vibration excitation section, 101 processing circuit, 102 input section, 103 output section, 104 processing circuit, 105 processor, 106 memory, 341 powder storage section, 342 discharge port, A modeling powder, B electron beam, O three-dimensional object, α tilt angle, θ first tilt angle, θ' second tilt angle.

Claims (12)

a building box in which a three-dimensional object is formed; a lifting stage provided inside the building box and movable in the height direction of the building box; and a lifting stage provided above the lifting stage to form the three-dimensional object. a base plate to which modeling powder is supplied for modeling, and a squeegee for leveling the modeling powder supplied on the base plate, the modeling powder supplied to an electron beam irradiation area on the base plate. A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object using a three-dimensional printing apparatus, which forms a three-dimensional object by repeating a process of selectively solidifying the object by irradiation with the electron beam, the method comprising:
A squeegeeing step of spreading the modeling powder supplied on the base plate by moving the squeegee in a predetermined advancing direction in the in-plane direction of the base plate above the base plate,
The squeegee is
a squeegee main body provided in a straight line along a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction in the in-plane direction of the base plate;
a bending part that extends from an end of the squeegee main body in the in-plane direction of the base plate and is provided so as to be bendable toward the downstream side in the traveling direction;
Equipped with
Spreading the modeling powder supplied on the base plate in a state in which the tip of the bent part is bent downstream in the traveling direction in a U-shape in the in-plane direction of the base plate;
A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, characterized by: The squeegee is
a rotational connection portion that rotatably connects the bent portion to the squeegee body in an in-plane direction of the base plate;
an angle adjustment actuator that rotates the bent portion relative to the squeegee main body by changing the attitude of the bent portion relative to the squeegee main body about the rotational connection portion in an in-plane direction of the base plate;
Equipped with
Before the squeezing step, the angle adjustment actuator rotates the bent portion with respect to the squeegee main body, so that the tip of the bent portion is bent downstream in the traveling direction in the in-plane direction of the base plate. be U-shaped,
The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The squeegee is
In a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel, the center position of the squeegee main body in the longitudinal direction is the same as the center position of the base plate in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel,
In a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction, both ends of the squeegee main body are located at the same position as the end of the base plate or inside the end of the base plate;
The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Equipped with an excitation part that generates vibrations,
applying the vibration to the modeling powder from the vibrating section when the squeegee spreads the modeling powder in the squeezing step;
The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: the vibrating section is provided on a guide to which the squeegee is fastened;
applying the vibration to the modeling powder from the vibrating section via the squeegee when the squeegee spreads the modeling powder in the squeegeeing step;
5. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to claim 4. the squeegee includes the vibrating section;
applying the vibration to the modeling powder from the vibrating section via the squeegee when the squeegee spreads the modeling powder in the squeegeeing step;
5. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure according to claim 4. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus that forms a three-dimensional object by repeating a process of selectively solidifying modeling powder supplied to an electron beam irradiation area by the electron beam irradiation,
a modeling box in which the three-dimensional object is created;
an elevating stage provided inside the modeling box and movable in the height direction of the modeling box;
a base plate provided above the elevating stage and supplied with modeling powder for modeling the three-dimensional structure;
a squeegee provided above the base plate for leveling the modeling powder supplied onto the base plate;
Equipped with
The squeegee is
a squeegee main body provided linearly along a direction perpendicular to a predetermined traveling direction of the squeegee in the in-plane direction of the base plate;
a bending part that extends from an end of the squeegee main body in the in-plane direction of the base plate and is provided so as to be bendable toward the downstream side in the traveling direction;
Equipped with
The modeling powder is supplied onto the base plate by moving in the traveling direction in a state in which the tip of the bent portion is bent downstream in the traveling direction in a U-shape in the in-plane direction of the base plate. to level out the
A three-dimensional printing device featuring: The squeegee is
a rotational connection portion that rotatably connects the bent portion to the squeegee body in an in-plane direction of the base plate;
an angle adjustment actuator that rotates the bent portion relative to the squeegee main body by changing the attitude of the bent portion relative to the squeegee main body about the rotational connection portion in an in-plane direction of the base plate;
Equipped with
The angle adjusting actuator rotates the bent portion with respect to the squeegee main body, so that the tip of the bent portion has a U shape bent downstream in the traveling direction in the in-plane direction of the base plate. ,
The three-dimensional printing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized by: The squeegee is
In a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel, the center position of the squeegee main body in the longitudinal direction is the same as the center position of the base plate in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel,
In a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction, both ends of the squeegee main body are located at the same position as the end of the base plate or inside the end of the base plate;
The three-dimensional printing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized by: Equipped with an excitation part that generates vibrations,
applying the vibration to the modeling powder from the vibrating section when the squeegee spreads the modeling powder;
The three-dimensional printing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by: the vibrating section is provided on a guide to which the squeegee is fastened;
applying the vibration to the modeling powder from the vibrating section via the squeegee when the squeegee spreads the modeling powder;
The three-dimensional printing apparatus according to claim 10. the squeegee includes the vibrating section;
applying the vibration to the modeling powder from the vibrating section via the squeegee when the squeegee spreads the modeling powder;
The three-dimensional printing apparatus according to claim 10.

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