JP6766381B2 - Equipment for modeling 3D objects, programs, methods for modeling 3D objects - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is an apparatus for shaping a three-dimensional object, relates to a method for shaping a program, a three-dimensional object.

As a device for modeling a three-dimensional model (three-dimensional model), for example, there is a device that models by a powder lamination modeling method. This is, for example, a modeling liquid in which flattened metal or non-metal powder is formed in layers on a modeling stage, and the powder is bonded to the layered powder (this is referred to as a "powder layer"). To form a layered model (this is referred to as a "modeling layer") to which powders are bonded. Then, the powder layer is formed on the modeling layer, and the operation of forming the modeling layer is repeated again, and the modeling layer is laminated to form a three-dimensional model.

Conventionally, in the laminated molding method, the concentration of the binder or the constituent material sprayed when forming the upper layer adjacent to the lower layer is reduced by reducing the number of drops per unit area of the discharged binder or the constituent material, thereby reducing the edge of the lower layer. The upper layer consists of more than two parts that connect to the lower layer, with different concentrations of binder or constituent material than the other, and the concentration is in the bulk region of the object, including decreasing towards. A method having a concentration lower than the bulk concentration used is known (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 425906

By the way, when the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied to powder laminated modeling, the amount of modeling liquid for the unit volume that must be applied to the powder in order to form the modeled object at high density is insufficient, and the modeled object becomes insufficient. It becomes low density. Alternatively, there is a problem that the amount of the modeling liquid becomes excessive and the modeling liquid permeates the powder around the layered modeled object to reduce the accuracy of the modeled object.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable a three-dimensional model having a smooth contour to be modeled while suppressing a decrease in density and accuracy of the model.

In order to solve the above problems, the device for modeling the three-dimensional model according to the present invention is
A modeling liquid applying means for forming a layered model by applying a modeling liquid for binding the powder to the spread powder, and
The operation of spreading the powder and the operation of applying the modeling liquid from the modeling liquid applying means to form the layered model are repeated to control the formation of a three-dimensional model in which the layered objects are laminated. With means,
The means for controlling the above
After applying the modeling liquid to the region where a step is to be formed with the layered model of the first (n + 1) layer on the surface of the layered model of the nth layer (n is an integer of 1 or more). The powder is spread on the first (n + 1) layer including the region where the step is to be formed, and the layered model of the first (n + 1) layer is controlled to be formed.

According to the present invention, it becomes possible to model a three-dimensional model having a smooth contour while suppressing a decrease in density and accuracy of the model.

It is a plane explanatory view of the apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is also a side explanatory view. It is also the cross-sectional explanatory view of the modeling part. It is a block diagram which provides the outline | description of the control part of this apparatus. It is a schematic explanatory drawing used for the explanation of the flow of modeling. It is a perspective explanatory view and the front explanatory view of the modeling model provided with the explanation of an example of the modeling process in the same embodiment. Similarly, it is a cross-sectional explanatory view of a three-dimensional modeled object after modeling and a cross-sectional explanatory view corresponding to modeling data. It is also a cross-sectional explanatory view provided for the explanation of the modeling process. It is also a plan explanatory view. It is a flow figure which provides the explanation of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is also an explanatory diagram provided for the explanation of the threshold value. It is a flow diagram of the process on the modeling data creation apparatus side which is provided for the description of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. Similarly, it is a flow chart of the process on the powder laminating molding apparatus side.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. An outline of an example of the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan explanatory view of the device, FIG. 2 is a schematic side view, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of the modeling portion. Note that FIG. 3 shows the state at the time of modeling.

The device for modeling this three-dimensional model (referred to as a three-dimensional model) is a powder laminate modeling device, and the modeling unit 1 on which the modeling layer 30 which is a layered model to which powder (powder) is bonded is formed. A modeling unit 5 for forming the modeling layer 30 by discharging and applying the modeling liquid 10 to the powder layer 31 spread over the modeling unit 1 is provided.

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

When the powder tank 11 forms a supply tank 21 that holds the powder 20 to be supplied to the modeling tank 22, a modeling tank 22 in which the modeling layers 30 are laminated to form a three-dimensional model, and a powder layer 31. Of the powder 20 transferred and supplied by the flattening roller 12, the surplus powder receiving tank 29 for storing the surplus powder 20 that falls without forming the powder layer 31 is provided.

The bottom of the supply tank 21 can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction (height direction) as the supply stage 23. Similarly, the bottom of the modeling tank 22 can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction (height direction) as the modeling stage 24. A three-dimensional model in which the modeling layer 30 is laminated on the modeling stage 24 is modeled. The bottom surface of the surplus powder receiving tank 29 is provided with a mechanism for sucking the powder 20, or the surplus powder receiving tank 29 can be easily removed.

The supply stage 23 is moved up and down in the arrow Z direction (height direction) by the motor 27 described later, and the modeling stage 24 is also moved up and down in the arrow Z direction by the motor 28.

The flattening roller 12 transfers the powder 20 supplied on the supply stage 23 of the supply tank 21 to the modeling tank 22 and supplies it, and the surface of the powder layer supplied by the flattening roller 12 as a flattening means. Is leveled and flattened to form the powder layer 31.

The flattening roller 12 is arranged so as to be reciprocally movable relative to the stage surface in the arrow Y direction along the stage surface (the surface on which the powder 20 is loaded) of the modeling stage 24, and the reciprocating movement described later. It is moved by the mechanism 25. Further, the flattening roller 12 is rotationally driven by a motor 26 described later.

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

The liquid discharge unit 50 includes a carriage 51 and two (one or three or more) liquid discharge heads (hereinafter, simply referred to as “heads”) 52a, which are means for applying modeling liquid mounted on the carriage 51. It is equipped with 52b.

The carriage 51 is movably held by the guide members 54 and 55. The guide members 54 and 55 are held on the side plates 70 and 70 on both sides so as to be able to move up and down.

The carriage 51 is referred to in the arrow X direction (hereinafter, simply referred to as “X direction”) which is the main scanning direction via the pulley and the belt by the X direction scanning motor constituting the X direction scanning mechanism 550 described later, with respect to other Y and Z. The same applies to).

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

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

Further, on one side in the X direction, a maintenance mechanism 61 for maintaining and recovering the head 52 of the liquid discharge unit 50 is arranged.

The maintenance mechanism 61 is mainly composed of a cap 62 and a wiper 63. The cap 62 is brought into close contact with the nozzle surface (the surface on which the nozzle is formed) of the head 52, and the modeling liquid is sucked from the nozzle. This is to discharge the powder clogged in the nozzle and the highly viscous modeling liquid. After that, in order to form the meniscus of the nozzle (the inside of the nozzle is in a negative pressure state), the nozzle surface is wiped (wiped) with the wiper 63. Further, the maintenance mechanism 61 covers the nozzle surface of the head with the cap 62 when the modeling liquid is not discharged, and prevents the powder 20 from being mixed into the nozzle and the modeling liquid 10 from drying.

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

The liquid discharge unit 50 is arranged so as to be able to move up and down in the arrow Z direction together with the guide members 54 and 55, and is moved up and down in the Z direction by the Z direction raising and lowering mechanism 551 described later.

Here, the details of the modeling unit 1 will be described.

The powder tank 11 has a box shape, and includes a supply tank 21, a modeling tank 22, and a tank in which the upper surfaces of the surplus powder receiving tank 29 are open. A supply stage 23 is arranged inside the supply tank 21, and a modeling stage 24 is arranged inside the modeling tank 22 so as to be able to move up and down.

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

Next to the modeling tank 22, a surplus powder receiving portion 29 that receives excess powder discharged to the outside of the modeling tank 22 is arranged. The surplus powder receiving tank 29 has a funnel shape and has a discharge port 29a at the bottom capable of discharging the powder 20.

The surplus powder 20 of the powder 20 transferred and supplied by the flattening roller 12 drops into the surplus powder receiving tank 29 when the powder layer 31 is formed. The surplus powder 20 that has fallen into the surplus powder receiving tank 29 is returned to the powder supply device 554, which will be described later, to supply the powder to the supply tank 21 via, for example, a powder recovery / regeneration device.

The powder supply device 554 is arranged on the supply tank 21. During the initial operation of modeling or when the amount of powder in the supply tank 21 decreases, the powder in the tank constituting the powder supply device 554 is supplied to the supply tank 21. Examples of the powder transport method for powder supply include a screw conveyor method using a screw and an air transport method using air.

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

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

The flattening roller 12 moves horizontally so as to pass above the supply tank 21 and the modeling tank 22 from the outside of the supply tank 21 while being rotated by the motor of the reciprocating movement mechanism. As a result, the powder 20 is transferred and supplied onto the modeling tank 22, and the powder layer 31 is formed by flattening the powder 20 while the flattening roller 12 passes over the modeling tank 22.

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

The powder removing plate 13 moves together with the flattening roller 12 in contact with the peripheral surface of the flattening roller 12. Further, the powder removing plate 13 can be arranged in the forward direction even in the counter direction when the flattening roller 12 rotates in the rotation direction when flattening.

Next, the outline of the control unit of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the control unit.

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

The control unit 500 includes a non-volatile memory (NVRAM) 504 for holding data even while the power of the device is cut off. Further, the control unit 500 includes an ASIC 505 that processes an image process that performs various signal processes on the image data and other input / output signals for controlling the entire device.

The control unit 500 includes an I / F 506 for transmitting and receiving data and signals used when receiving modeling data from the external modeling data creating device 600.

The modeling data creation device 600 creates data for modeling the three-dimensional model according to the present invention, which creates modeling data which is slice data obtained by slicing the final form of the model (three-dimensional model) for each modeling layer. It is a device and is composed of an information processing device such as a personal computer.

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

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

The control unit 500 drives the motor drive unit 510 that drives the motor constituting the X-direction scanning mechanism 550 that moves the carriage 51 of the liquid discharge unit 50 in the X direction (main scanning direction), and the modeling unit 5 in the Y direction (sub-scanning). It includes a motor drive unit 512 that drives a motor that constitutes a Y-direction scanning mechanism 552 that moves in the direction).

The control unit 500 includes a motor drive unit 511 that drives a motor that constitutes a Z-direction elevating mechanism 551 that moves (elevates) the carriage 51 of the liquid discharge unit 50 in the Z direction. The elevating and lowering in the direction of the arrow Z may be configured to elevate and lower the entire modeling unit 5.

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

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

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

The control unit 500 includes a post-supply drive unit 519 that supplies the powder 20 from the powder post-supply unit 80.

A detection signal such as a temperature / humidity sensor 560 that detects temperature and humidity as an environmental condition of the device and a detection signal of other sensors are input to the I / O 507 of the control unit 500.

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

As described above, the control unit 500 receives the modeling data from the modeling data creating device 600. The modeling data includes shape data (modeling data) of each modeling layer 30 as slice data obtained by slicing the shape of the target three-dimensional modeled object.

Then, the main control unit 500A controls to discharge the modeling liquid from the head 52 based on the modeling data of the modeling layer 30.

The modeling device is configured by the modeling data creation device 600 and the three-dimensional modeling device (powder lamination modeling device) 601.

Next, the flow of modeling will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory view for explaining the flow of modeling.

Here, the state in which the first modeling layer 30 is formed on the modeling stage 24 of the modeling tank 22 will be described.

When the next modeling layer 30 is formed on the first modeling layer 30, the supply stage 23 of the supply tank 21 is raised in the Z1 direction as shown in FIG. 5A, and the modeling stage of the modeling tank 22 is formed. 24 is lowered in the Z2 direction.

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

In this case, the flattening roller 12 is arranged with a gap between the upper end surfaces of the supply tank 21 and the modeling tank 22. Therefore, when the powder 20 is transferred and supplied to the modeling tank 22 to be flattened, the surface (powder surface) of the powder layer 31 is located higher than the upper end surfaces of the supply tank 21 and the modeling tank 22.

As a result, the flattening roller 12 can be reliably prevented from coming into contact with the upper end surfaces of the supply tank 21 and the modeling tank 22, and damage to the flattening roller 12 is reduced. When the surface of the flattening roller 12 is damaged, streaks are generated on the surface of the powder layer 31 and the flatness is lowered.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, the powder 20 located above the upper surface level of the supply tank 21 is rotated in the Y2 direction (modeling tank 22) while rotating the flattening roller 12 in the opposite direction (arrow direction). By moving to the side), the powder 20 is transferred and supplied to the modeling tank 22 (powder supply).

Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, the flattening roller 12 is moved in parallel with the stage surface of the modeling stage 24 of the modeling tank 22, and the powder has a predetermined thickness Δt1 on the modeling layer 30 of the modeling stage 24. Form the body layer 31 (flattening). At this time, the surplus powder 20 not used for forming the powder layer 31 falls into the surplus powder receiving tank 29.

After forming the powder layer 31, the flattening roller 12 is moved in the Y1 direction and returned (returned) to the initial position (origin position) as shown in FIG. 5D.

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

After that, as shown in FIG. 5 (e), droplets of the modeling liquid 10 are ejected from the head 52 of the liquid discharge unit 50, and the modeling layer 30 having a required shape is laminated and formed on the next powder layer 31 (modeling). ).

In the modeling layer 30, for example, when the modeling liquid 10 discharged from the head 52 is mixed with the powder 20, the adhesive contained in the powder 20 is dissolved, and the dissolved adhesives are bonded to each other. It is formed by binding the powder 20.

Next, the step of forming the powder layer 31 by the powder supply and flattening described above and the step of discharging the molding liquid by the head 52 are repeated to form a new molding layer 30. At this time, the new modeling layer 30 and the underlying modeling layer 30 are integrated to form a part of the three-dimensional shaped object (three-dimensional model).

After that, the three-dimensional shaped object (three-dimensional shaped object) is completed by repeating the step of forming the powder layer 31 by supplying and flattening the powder and the step of discharging the modeling liquid by the head 52 as many times as necessary.

Next, the powder (powder material for three-dimensional modeling) and the modeling liquid used in the present embodiment will be described.

The powder material for three-dimensional modeling includes a base material and a water-soluble organic material (binder) in which the base material is coated with an average thickness of 5 nm to 500 nm and can be dissolved and crosslinked by the action of water containing a cross-linking agent as a modeling liquid. It will be done.

In this powder material for three-dimensional modeling, the water-soluble organic material that coats the base material can be dissolved and crosslinked by the action of the cross-linking agent-containing water. The water-soluble organic material dissolves and is crosslinked by the action of the crosslinking agent contained in the crosslinking agent-containing water.

As a result, a thin layer (powder layer 31) was formed using the powder material for three-dimensional modeling, and water containing a cross-linking agent was discharged to the powder layer as a modeling liquid, whereby the powder layer 31 was dissolved. As a result of cross-linking the water-soluble organic material, the powder layer 31 is bond-hardened to form the modeling layer 30.

Next, the modeling process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. FIG. 6 is a perspective explanatory view and a front explanatory view of a specific three-dimensional model (modeling model) used for explaining the modeling process, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of the three-dimensional model after modeling and a cross-sectional explanation corresponding to the modeling data. It is a figure. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional explanatory view for explaining the modeling process, and FIG. 9 is a plan explanatory view.

Here, an example of modeling the three-dimensional model 300 shown in FIG. 6 will be described. The three-dimensional model 300 is a three-dimensional object including a columnar portion 301 forming a vertical surface 301a in the contour and a truncated cone-shaped portion 302 forming an inclined surface 302a rising from the vertical surface 301a.

When the slice data (modeling data) obtained by slicing the three-dimensional modeled object 300 at a predetermined stacking pitch Δt1 is reproduced, for example, it is shown in FIG. 7B. That is, the first layer 300A to the third layer 300C form the columnar portion 301, and the fourth layer 300D and subsequent layers form the truncated cone-shaped portion 302. Here, a step of a stacking pitch Δt1 is generated between the third layer 300C and the fourth layer 300D, and similarly, a step is formed between the fifth and subsequent layers forming the inclined surface 302a and the lower layer. appear.

Therefore, when modeling is performed with the modeling data shown in FIG. 7B as it is, the contour of the inclined surface 302a of the modeled three-dimensional model 300 has a step corresponding to the stacking pitch, and a smooth contour is obtained. I can't do it.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, first, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 9A, a predetermined number, for example, three layers of modeling layers 300A to 300C are laminated to form the columnar portion 301.

Next, the powder layer 31 of the fourth layer is formed on the modeling layer 300C of the third layer to form the modeling layer 300D. At this time, the fourth modeling layer 300D is a modeling layer that is a part of the truncated cone-shaped portion 302, and the outer circumference is a part of the contour of the inclined surface 302a.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 8 (b) and 9 (b), the modeling liquid 10 is applied to a region forming a step with the fourth layer modeling layer 300D on the surface of the third layer modeling layer 300C. .. In this example, the modeling liquid 10 is applied to a position (region) on the surface of the third layer modeling layer 300C in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the modeling layer 300D when the fourth layer modeling layer 300D is modeled. There is.

After that, as shown in FIGS. 8 (c) and 9 (c), the powder 20 is spread on the fourth layer, which is the (n + 1) th layer, to form the powder layer 31.

At this time, since the modeling liquid 10 applied on the surface of the modeling layer 300C of the third layer remains as a liquid pool, the powder 20 of the fourth layer is applied to form the third layer. The powder 20 on the surface of the eye shaping layer 300C is bonded. As a result, a modeled object (referred to as a "step transition portion") 303 having a thickness thinner (lower) than the stacking pitch is formed along the outer peripheral surface of the fourth layer modeling layer 300D.

After that, as shown in FIGS. 8 (d) and 9 (d), the molding liquid 10 is applied to the powder layer 31 of the fourth layer, which is the (n + 1) th layer, to obtain the fourth layer. The modeling layer 300D is modeled. As a result, the step transition portion 303 and the fourth-layer modeling layer 300D are integrally formed on the third-layer modeling layer 300C.

By repeating the above operation for the fifth and subsequent layers, as shown in FIG. 7A, a step transition portion 303 is formed in the step portion of each of the modeling layers 300C, 300D, 300E, 300F ... , The step on the inclined surface is reduced, and a final three-dimensional model having a smooth contour can be obtained.

That is, when modeling the modeling layer 30 corresponding to the inclined surface (part) 302a in the Z direction, when the modeling layer 30 below the modeling layer 30 is the nth layer (n is an integer of 1 or more), the nth layer is formed. After modeling the modeling layer 30, and before forming (recoating) the powder layer 31 of the (n + 1) th layer, the modeling is performed again in the stepped region on the surface of the nth layer modeling layer 30. Liquid 10 is applied.

When the modeling liquid 10 is applied on the surface of the nth layer modeling layer 30, the behavior after landing is different from that when the modeling liquid 10 is applied to the powder layer 31, and the modeling liquid 10 landed on the modeling layer 30 immediately permeates. Instead, it is formed as a liquid pool on the surface of the nth layer of the modeling layer 30.

In this state, by recoating the first (n + 1) layer (forming the powder layer 31 by supplying the powder), the step transition portion 303 is formed at the step portion. After that, the target forming layer 30 of the first (n + 1) layer is formed and integrated with the step transition portion 303.

By repeating the above operation in the modeling of the modeling layer 30 corresponding to the inclined surface (inclined portion), the step transition portion 303 is formed in the stepped portion of each modeling layer 30, and the step on the inclined surface is reduced and smooth. A final three-dimensional model having a uniform contour can be obtained.

Further, the amount of the modeling liquid 10 for modeling the step transition portion 303 applied on the surface of the nth layer modeling layer 30 is set to be equal to or less than the amount applied when the modeling layer 30 is modeled.

As a result, the pool of the modeling liquid 10 formed on the surface of the nth layer modeling layer 30 evaporates into the atmosphere in the time until the powder 20 of the nth layer (n + 1) layer is supplied. Therefore, the step transition portion 303 formed at the portion that can be a step has a height that is surely equal to or less than the stacking pitch, and thus has a smooth contour.

Further, by making the discharge amount (impartment amount) of the modeling liquid 10 with respect to the powder layer 31 the same as the space volume existing in the powder layer 31, the modeled object to be the step transition portion 303 is modeled at high density. This makes it possible to form a liquid pool without allowing the modeling liquid 10 to be applied onto the surface of the nth layer modeling layer 30 to permeate the already formed nth layer modeling layer 30 side.

As a result, the amount of the modeling liquid 10 used for modeling the step transition portion 303 formed in the stepped region can be controlled with higher accuracy, and the contour portion can be formed with a resolution finer than the stacking pitch. it can.

Further, the position where the modeling liquid 10 is applied to the surface of the nth layer modeling layer 30 is set in a region where the modeling data of the (n + 1) th layer and the nth layer do not overlap, and the nth layer modeling layer 30 It is preferable that the region does not overlap with the outer peripheral edge of the above.

As a result, the modeling liquid 10 applied to the surface of the nth layer modeling layer 30 permeates around the nth layer modeling layer 30, and further permeates into the nth layer powder layer 31. , The accuracy of the existing nth layer of the modeling layer 30 will not be lowered.

In this way, by applying the modeling liquid 10 to the region that becomes a step on the surface of the nth layer modeling layer 30, and then forming the powder layer of the (n + 1) layer, the layer (n + 1) layer and the third layer Model the step transition part of.

As a result, even in laminated modeling in which the operation of applying the modeling liquid to form the modeling layer after forming the powder layer is repeated, a three-dimensional model having a smooth contour can be produced while suppressing a decrease in density and accuracy of the model. You will be able to model.

When modeling a three-dimensional model having an inclined surface as described above, the model is performed with the large area side as the lower layer side. That is, in the stacking direction, the layered model of the nth layer (n + 1) is arranged so as to be located inside the outer peripheral edge of the layered model of the nth layer to perform modeling.

As a result, the modeling liquid 10 for modeling the step transition portion 303 can be easily applied on the surface of the nth layer layered model. That is, when modeling is performed with the narrow area side as the lower layer side, the step transition portion is not modeled even if the modeling liquid is applied on the surface of the nth layer layered model of the nth layer.

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 10 and the explanatory diagram of FIG.

In the present embodiment, the nth layer of the modeling layer 30 is modeled.

After that, from each modeling data (cross-sectional pattern) of the nth layer modeling layer 30 and the nth layer (n + 1) layer modeling layer 30, the nth layer modeling layer 30 and the (n + 1) th layer shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the difference amount a of each cross-sectional pattern of the modeling layer 30 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value e (a ≧ e). Here, the threshold value e is set to the stacking pitch (Δt) or the minimum resolution that can be formed by the head 52.

Here, information that a step is generated between the nth layer modeling layer 30 and the nth layer (n + 1) layer modeling layer 30 (for example, information that it is a part of an inclined surface) is provided in advance. It shall be given.

At this time, if a ≧ e, the powder layer 31 of the (n + 1) th layer is formed (recoated) as it is. After that, the modeling layer 30 of the first (n + 1) layer is modeled.

On the other hand, if a ≧ e, after the application pattern of the modeling liquid 10 to be applied to the region to be a step (the modeling pattern of the step transition portion 303) is generated, it is placed on the surface of the nth layer of the modeling layer 30. , The modeling liquid 10 is applied corresponding to the generated application pattern.

After that, the powder layer 31 of the first (n + 1) layer is formed. By supplying the powder 20 at this time, the powder 20 is bonded to the shape of the imparting pattern by the modeling liquid 10 which is a liquid pool on the surface of the nth layer modeling layer 30, and the step transition portion 303 is formed. ..

After that, by modeling the nth layer (n + 1) layer, a part of the step between the modeling layer 30 of the nth layer and the modeling layer 30 of the (n + 1) layer is smoothly filled with the step transition portion 303. The contour shape is obtained.

Then, although not shown, the above process is repeated until the modeling of all the modeling layers 30 is completed (the nth layer is the final layer), and if the nth layer is the final layer, the modeling is completed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the pattern of applying the modeling liquid 10 to the nth layer modeling layer 30 and applying the modeling liquid 10 is the nth layer modeling layer 30 and the (n + 1) layer. It is automatically generated from the difference of each modeling data (each cross-sectional pattern) of the modeling layer 30 of the eye.

Therefore, on the modeling data creation device 600 side, the slice data of the final three-dimensional model may be transferred to the powder lamination modeling device 601 side as modeling data.

Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 12 and 13.

With reference to FIG. 12, on the modeling data creation device 600 side, when the final three-dimensional model 300 is sliced at 1/2 of a predetermined stacking pitch and the entire layer is m, the slice data 1 to m are numbered. ..

After that, i = 2 is set, and it is determined whether or not i = even (even number).

Here, if i = even, the i-th slice data is used as the modeling cross-sectional data of the “i / 2” layer. That is, the cross-sectional data for modeling is set for each of the two layers, that is, for each stacking pitch.

On the other hand, if i = even, it is determined whether or not the i-1st, ith, and i + 1th patterns are all different. For example, in the case of the third layer, when the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer all have different patterns,

Here, when the i-1st, ith, and i + 1th patterns are all different, the modeling data: (i-1) / 2nd layer and (i + 1) / 2nd layer are defined as inclined surfaces. For example, when i = 3, when the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer all have different patterns, the first layer (second layer) and the second layer (4) have different stacking pitches. The layer) is an inclined surface.

After that, the process is incremented to i = i + 1 and the above process is repeated until i = m.

In this way, with respect to the modeling data (slice data) for the m layer, it is determined whether or not the modeling layer of the nth layer and the modeling layer of the (n + 1) layer form an inclined surface. Then, when the nth layer modeling layer and the (n + 1) th layer modeling layer form an inclined surface, the nth layer modeling layer and the (n + 1) layer modeling layer on the surface of the nth layer modeling layer Data for applying the modeling liquid to the area forming the step (this is referred to as "inclined surface data") is added.

On the other hand, with reference to FIG. 13, on the powder laminating modeling apparatus 601 side, the nth layer modeling layer 30 is modeled.

After that, it is determined whether or not the inclined surface data is added to the modeling data of the nth layer modeling layer 30.

At this time, if the inclined surface data is not added, the powder layer 31 of the (n + 1) th layer is formed (recoated) as it is. After that, the first (n + 1) layer is modeled.

On the other hand, if the inclined surface data is not added and a ≧ e, after generating the application pattern of the modeling liquid 10 to be applied to the region to be a step (the modeling pattern of the step transition portion 303), the first The modeling liquid 10 is applied corresponding to the application pattern generated on the surface of the nth layer modeling layer 30.

After that, the powder layer 31 of the first (n + 1) layer is formed. By supplying the powder 20 at this time, the powder 20 is bonded by the modeling liquid 10 which is a liquid pool on the surface of the nth layer modeling layer 30, and the step transition portion 303 is formed.

After that, by modeling the nth layer (n + 1) layer, a part of the step between the modeling layer 30 of the nth layer and the modeling layer 30 of the (n + 1) layer is smoothly filled with the step transition portion 303. Become a contour.

By discriminating the inclined surface on the modeling data creating device side in this way, the processing load on the laminated modeling device 601 can be reduced.

In the above embodiment, the three-dimensional modeling device having a two-layer structure of a supply tank and a modeling tank has been described. However, the three-dimensional modeling device has a one-layer structure of the modeling tank, and powder is directly supplied to the modeling tank to flatten blades and rollers. The present invention can also be applied to a three-dimensional modeling apparatus having a configuration of being flattened by means.

1 Modeling part 5 Modeling unit 10 Modeling liquid 12 Flattening roller (flattening means)
20 Powder 21 Supply tank 22 Modeling tank 23 Supply stage 24 Modeling stage 30 Modeling layer (layered model)
31 Powder layer (layered powder)
50 Liquid discharge unit 51 Carriage 52 Liquid discharge head

Claims (7)

A modeling liquid applying means for forming a layered model by applying a modeling liquid for binding the powder to the spread powder, and
The operation of spreading the powder and the operation of applying the modeling liquid from the modeling liquid applying means to form the layered model are repeated to control the formation of a three-dimensional model in which the layered objects are laminated. With means,
The means for controlling the above
After applying the modeling liquid to the region where a step is to be formed with the layered model of the first (n + 1) layer on the surface of the layered model of the nth layer (n is an integer of 1 or more). The solid is characterized in that the powder is spread on the first (n + 1) layer including the region where the step is to be formed, and the layered model of the first (n + 1) layer is controlled to be formed. A device for modeling a modeled object. The three-dimensional model according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the modeling liquid applied to the region where the step is to be formed is smaller than the amount of the modeling liquid applied in the modeling of the layered model. A device for modeling. The control of applying the modeling liquid to the region where the step is to be formed is such that the layered model of the first (n + 1) layer is from the outer peripheral edge of the layered model of the nth layer in the stacking direction. The device for modeling a three-dimensional model according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device is also located inside. In the cross-sectional pattern of the layered model, the distance between the outer peripheral edge of the layered model in the nth layer and the outer peripheral edge of the layered model in the (n + 1) layer determines the stacking pitch of the layered model. The device for modeling a three-dimensional model according to claim 3, wherein the modeling liquid is applied to a region where the step is to be formed when the step is exceeded. In the cross-sectional pattern of the layered model, the distance between the outer peripheral edge of the layered model in the nth layer and the outer peripheral edge of the layered model in the (n + 1) layer can be formed by the modeling liquid applying means. The device for modeling a three-dimensional model according to claim 3, wherein the modeling liquid is applied to a region where the step is to be formed when the minimum resolution is exceeded. The powder is spread over the spread powder, and the operation of applying the modeling liquid for binding the powder to the spread powder to form the layered model is repeated to form the three-dimensional model in which the layered model is laminated. A program that lets a computer take control
After applying the modeling liquid to the region where a step is to be formed with the layered model of the first (n + 1) layer on the surface of the layered model of the nth layer (n is an integer of 1 or more). , A program for causing a computer to control to spread the powder in the first (n + 1) layer including the region where the step is to be formed and to form the layered model of the first (n + 1) layer. .. The powder is spread over the spread powder, and the operation of applying the modeling liquid for binding the powder to the spread powder to form the layered model is repeated to form the three-dimensional model in which the layered model is laminated. The way,
After applying the modeling liquid to the region where a step is to be formed with the layered model of the first (n + 1) layer on the surface of the layered model of the nth layer (n is an integer of 1 or more). The three-dimensional model is characterized in that the powder is spread on the first (n + 1) layer including the region where the step is to be formed, and the layered model of the first (n + 1) layer is formed. How to model.

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