JP6868656B2 - Integrated construction and material supply equipment for laminated molding equipment - Google Patents

Description

Background Additive Manufacturing (AM), especially 3D printing, relates to a technique for creating a 3D object of almost any shape from a 3D model or other electronic data source through a laminating process, in which case the 3D object is , Generated layer by layer under computer control. A wide variety of laminated molding techniques have been developed and differ in construction materials, deposition techniques, and the physical process by which 3D objects are formed from construction materials. Such techniques range from irradiating a photopolymer resin with ultraviolet light to melting a powdered semi-crystalline thermoplastic material to melting an electron beam of a metal powder.

The stacking process usually begins with a 3D computer model of the object to be manufactured. This digital representation of the object is sliced into layers on the computer by computer software. Each layer represents a cross section of the desired object and is sent to a stacking machine, which may also be known as a 3D printer, in which case each layer is built on top of the layers previously built. Will be done. This process is repeated continuously until the object is completed, so that the object is constructed layer by layer. Some available techniques deposit material directly, while others use a topcoat process to form an additional layer, which further forms a new cross section of the object. It can be selectively patterned to form.

The construction material from which the object is manufactured can vary depending on the manufacturing technique and can consist of powder material, paste material, slurry material, or fluid (liquid) material. The construction material is usually provided in the source container, from which the construction material needs to be moved to the construction area or section where the actual manufacturing takes place.

By way of example, it is a schematic of a laminated modeling device including an integrated construction and material supply system. By way of example, it is a diagram showing an integrated construction and material supply system at different stages in the manufacturing process. By way of example, it is a diagram showing an integrated construction and material supply system at different stages in the manufacturing process. By way of example, it is a diagram showing an integrated construction and material supply system at different stages in the manufacturing process.

The examples described herein provide an integrated construction and material supply system for a laminated builder. In one example, the system includes a construction compartment adapted to contain an object to be formed using laminated molding, and a storage compartment adapted to store construction materials to form the object. .. The volume of the construction compartment and the volume of the storage compartment are variable in size, and the system reallocates at least a portion of the volume previously allocated to the storage compartment to the construction compartment. It is adapted to do (and vice versa).

Construction compartments in the sense of an example can mean any space or region in which an object is formed using laminated modeling. The construction compartment can be a closed space, but as an alternative to allow the construction material to interact with radiation or heat sources that can be used in the introduction and / or manufacturing process of the construction material into the construction compartment. In addition, the upper surface may be at least partially open to the atmosphere.

A storage compartment can mean an open or closed space adapted to store at least one building material used in forming the object.

The volume of the construction compartment can be understood to mean the volume of the compartment with no construction material or extra material or manufactured objects.

Similarly, the volume of the storage compartment can mean the volume of the storage compartment with no construction material.

The system may preferably be adapted to increase the volume of the construction compartment as the object is formed.

The system may preferably be adapted to reduce the volume of the storage compartment as the object is formed.

According to one example, the construction compartment adapted to contain the object to be formed and the storage compartment adapted to store the construction material for forming the object are in the same physical space or Integrated into volume, as a result, the volume of the construction compartment can be increased as the volume of the storage compartment is reduced, and vice versa.

In one example, the system includes a common compartment that includes the construction compartment and the storage compartment.

The common compartment may be defined by a common housing that houses both the storage compartment and the construction compartment.

The system may be adapted to reassign parts of the common compartment previously allocated to the storage compartment to the construction compartment (and vice versa).

Integrating the construction and storage compartments according to the examples described herein has the advantage of short supply channels. Since the distance traveled by the construction material from the storage compartment to the construction compartment is reduced, the potential for contamination of the construction material by contaminants is reduced accordingly. Having the construction material in the lowest position is preferable in terms of mechanical stability (lower center of gravity) and facilitates the user being able to supply the construction material to the storage compartment. Thus, the convenience of the user is improved.

At the same time, the improved integrated construction and material supply system makes it possible to provide smaller laminated molding equipment. The object to be formed requires more space as production progresses, whereas less space is required to store the building material. Conversely, the volume of the building compartment can be reduced as the finished object is removed from the stacking machine, while the volume of the storage compartment is when new building materials are added to form subsequent objects. Can be increased. Increasing the volume of the construction compartment at the expense of the volume of the storage compartment (and vice versa) allows flexible allocation of volume as production progresses, thus allowing the construction compartment and storage compartment to be (combined). Minimize the total volume, thereby saving space.

The object to be formed can be any 3D object suitable to be formed using laminated molding.

The system can further include a movable separation element that separates the storage compartment from the construction compartment.

The separating elements may be arranged so that they can be moved within the common compartment or housing.

Providing a common compartment for accommodating a construction compartment and a storage compartment and a movable separation element can increase the volume of the construction compartment and the volume of the storage compartment by simply changing the position of the separation element in the common compartment as manufacturing progresses. Allows you to change.

The system may include a drive unit adapted to move the separating element.

Many laminated builders come standard with a construction platform to support the object to be formed. In general, the construction platform can be moved and connected to a drive mechanism that repositions the construction platform as additional layers of construction material are processed. Thus, the construction platform can conveniently function as a separating element for separating the construction compartment from the storage compartment.

Thus, in one example of the separating element, the separating element supports a layer of construction material formed to support the object to be formed, or under and / or around the object. Includes a build platform for.

In one example, the construction compartment can be located above the storage compartment.

For example, a laminated modeling system with many powders has a construction section on a construction platform that moves downward as additional layers are added to the object to be formed. In these systems, the storage compartment can advantageously be located below the construction platform and its volume can be reduced as the construction platform moves downward as manufacturing progresses.

Therefore, providing a storage compartment under the construction compartment in close proximity to the ground surface also simplifies the replenishment of construction materials. It also provides additional stability to the device due to its low center of gravity.

However, in another example, the construction compartment can be located below or adjacent to the storage compartment.

The rate at which the volume of the construction compartment increases can correspond to the rate at which the volume of the storage compartment decreases, and vice versa. The velocity in the sense of this example can be given by the volume change per unit time.

The volume of the construction compartment and / or the volume of the storage compartment can be variable, but the individual maximum volumes can have a constant size relationship.

In one example, the maximum volume of the storage compartment is not less than 1.0 times the maximum volume of the construction compartment.

In another example, the maximum volume of the storage compartment is no greater than 1.6 times the maximum volume of the construction compartment.

In one example, the maximum volume of the storage compartment is not less than 1.2 times the maximum volume of the construction compartment.

In one example, the maximum volume of the storage compartment is no greater than 1.5 times the maximum volume of the construction compartment.

In one example, the integrated construction and material supply system can further include a transfer unit adapted to transfer the construction material from the storage compartment to the construction compartment.

In one example, the transfer unit is adapted to transfer the construction material through a transfer channel formed on the side wall of the common compartment or storage compartment or construction compartment.

In one example, the transfer unit can include a screw drive and / or a conveyor belt and / or a pump, depending on the nature and stiffness (viscosity, viscosity) of the construction material.

In one example, the transfer unit may be coupled to operate in connection with the drive unit adapted to move the separation element.

Combining the transfer unit with the drive unit makes it possible to reduce the number of drive components in the laminate, which in turn provides a simpler, more durable and smaller laminate.

The transfer mechanism may also be adapted to transfer excess material from the construction compartment to the storage compartment.

In a preferred example, the integrated construction and material supply system is adapted to be detachably attached to a laminated modeling device such as a 3D printing device.

According to this example, an integrated unit containing a construction platform and a construction compartment, and a material supply system including a storage compartment, may be inserted into a laminated molding machine with the storage compartment filled with construction materials prior to manufacturing. It can be provided as an independent unit that can be removed with the completed 3D object after the manufacturing process is complete, and the storage compartment will be empty or at least partially, depending on the size of the constructed object. Become empty. This in particular provides a flexible way for the laminated builder to include a supply of construction materials.

Further, the improvement relates to a laminated modeling apparatus, particularly a 3D printing apparatus including a system having some or all of the above-mentioned features.

The improvement further relates to a method of supplying a construction material for laminated modeling, the method being constructed for forming an object from the building material using laminated modeling from a storage compartment for storing the building material. Includes the step of transferring construction material towards the compartment. The method further comprises reallocating at least a portion of the volume previously allocated to the storage compartment to the construction compartment in accordance with the transfer of the construction material from the storage compartment to the construction compartment.

The storage compartment and / or the construction compartment can be a compartment having some or all of the features described above. In particular, the storage compartment and / or construction compartment can be a compartment of a laminated modeling device.

If desired, the method can further include the step of additionally (laminating) forming the object with the building material in the building compartment.

The construction material can consist of a powder material and / or a paste material and / or a slurry material and / or a fluid material.

In one example, the method further comprises moving a separating element that separates the storage compartment from the construction compartment, thereby increasing the volume of the construction compartment at the expense of the volume of the storage compartment. Alternatively, the volume of the storage compartment is increased at the expense of the volume of the construction compartment.

The step of moving the separating element may be combined to operate in connection with the step of transferring the building material.

The method can be carried out in an integrated construction and material supply system, or in a laminated modeling device with some or all of the features described above.

The improvement further relates to computer program products that include computer-readable instructions, in this case when the computer-readable instructions are read by a computer coupled to a system or a laminated modeling device having some or all of the features described above. A method having some or all of the above-mentioned features is carried out in the system or the laminated molding apparatus, respectively.

Examples are described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2a-2c. This example relates to a Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) system in which a powder material such as plastic powder, metal powder, ceramic powder or glass powder is sintered into a mass having the desired three-dimensional shape. This is a layered manufacturing technology that uses a laser as a power source. However, the improvements are not so limited and are generally suitable for any laminated molding technique, regardless of whether the building material is powder, paste, slurry, or fluid, and regardless of energy source. ..

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an additional selective laser sintering (SLS) laminated molding apparatus 10. The device 10 includes an integrated construction and material supply system 12 according to an example of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the integrated construction and material supply system 12 has the shape of a bucket surrounded by a side wall 14 and a bottom wall 16. The upper surface is open, which is where the construction material adheres (applies) to an object (not shown) formed on the construction platform 20. The side wall 14 and the bottom wall 16 define a common compartment 18, the volume of which is extended by the construction platform 20 to the storage compartment 22 below the construction platform 20 and to the construction compartment 24 up to the height of the side wall 14 above the construction platform 20. It is divided. In FIG. 1, the upper boundary of the construction section 24 is indicated by a broken line.

The construction platform 20 is movably mounted within the construction bucket 12 and is connected via a piston 26 to a drive unit 28 adapted to move the construction platform 20 upwards and downwards in the common compartment 18. When the platform 20 is moved upward and downward in common compartment 18, the volume V _s and the volume V _b of the construction section 24 of the storage compartment 22 is changed accordingly. However, their sum remains constant, equal to _{the volume V c of the common compartment 18, V s} + V _b = V _c = constant.

The storage compartment 22 serves to store construction materials (not shown in FIG. 1) for the laminated modeling process, such as plastic powder, metal powder, ceramic powder or glass powder. The construction material is transferred from the storage compartment 22 to the construction compartment 24 using a transfer unit 30 such as a screw drive built into the side wall 14. The transfer unit 30 transfers the construction material to the roller unit 32, which serves to form a layer of construction material over the construction platform 20 (or onto a previously formed layer of construction material). The heating unit 34 can be included to preheat the powder that accumulates in the construction compartment 24.

In this example, sintering is achieved using an optical system that includes a laser 36 such as an ultraviolet laser or a carbon dioxide laser, an optical lens 38 and an xy scanning mirror 40. The xy scanning mirror 40 directs the laser beam 42 emitted from the laser 36 and focused by the lens 38 onto a selected portion of the powder material on the surface of the powder layer deposited in the construction compartment 24. .. The energy input from the laser beam 42 melts the powder material, whereby the materials combine with each other to form a solid structure. After each cross section is scanned, the construction platform 20 is lowered by the thickness of one layer, a new layer of material is formed on the surface using the roller unit 32, and the process completes the object. Repeat until you do.

The central controller 44 provides a drive unit 28 for moving the piston 26 and the construction platform 20, a transfer unit 30 for transferring the construction material from the storage compartment 22 to the construction compartment 24, and the construction material on the surface of the object to be manufactured. It controls a roller unit 32 for adhesion (coating), a heating unit 34, a laser 36 and an xy scanning mirror 40 for directing the laser 42 to a selected portion of the construction platform 20.

2a-2c show in more detail the integrated construction and material supply system 12 at different stages of the manufacturing process.

FIG. 2a shows an integrated construction and material supply system 12 in which the construction platform 20 is in its top position in the first stage. Therefore, the volume V _s of the storage compartment 22 is maximum, while the volume V _b of the construction compartment 24 is zero.

When production begins, the construction material is transferred from the bottom of the storage compartment 22 to the roller unit 32 using the transfer unit 30. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 2a-2c, the transfer mechanism 30 includes a pair of screw drive devices 30a, 30b provided on the side wall 14 of the bucket 12. As the screw drive devices 30a, 30b rotate, the powder material moves upward through the side wall 14 until it reaches the top of the side wall 14 and is spread from the top over the construction platform 20 using the roller unit 32.

However, the screw drive devices 30a, 30b are merely examples of transfer mechanisms, and other mechanisms such as conveyor belts, drag mechanisms, air transport systems (such as high concentration low speed transport or low concentration high speed transport) may also be used.

The drive mechanism 46 of the transfer unit 30 may be mechanically coupled to operate in connection with the drive mechanism 48 of the drive unit 28 as the drive mechanism 48 lowers the piston 26 and the construction platform 20. This allows the drive unit 28 to be used to automatically and simultaneously feed the construction material upwards through the side wall 14. However, this does not necessarily occur in one continuous operation. For example, the construction platform 20 can be lowered, then the construction material can be transferred out of the storage compartment 22, and with a slight delay, the construction platform 20 can be lowered again.

The fluid construction material can be transferred using a rotary vane pump. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid can be transferred through the channels of the side wall 14 simply using the dynamic pressure exerted by the construction platform 20 as the construction platform 20 moves down in the common compartment 18. In this case, a separate drive mechanism for the transfer unit 30 may not be needed.

FIG. 2b is an integrated construction and material supply system in the middle stage where the construction platform 20 is partially lowered into the common compartment 18 as the manufacturing of the object 50 to be formed on the construction platform 20 progresses. 12 is shown.

Generally, the object 50 is surrounded on the platform 20 by a non-solidified construction material, which is not shown in FIGS. 2b and 2c for clarity of explanation.

In the configuration of FIG. 2b, the volume V _s of the storage compartment, while decreasing to the same extent as building platform 20 is moved downward in the bucket 12 within the volume V _b of the construction section 24 has increased by the same amount.

FIG. 2c shows an integrated construction and material supply system 12 in which the object 50 is in the final stages of completion. Compared to the configuration of FIG. 2b, the construction platform 20 is further lowered into the common compartment 18. Therefore, the volume V _s of the storage compartment 22, according to the amount of build material that is transported to the building compartment 24 using the transfer unit 30 is further more reduced. The volume of construction partition 24 is increased by the same amount as the volume V _s has decreased the storage compartment 22.

At the end of construction, the remaining powder in compartment 22 can be reused for future construction. The extra powder in compartment 22 is desirable to ensure that the construction is always successful and that powder shortages in the final layer can be avoided.

Now, the object 50 to be formed can be removed from the excess powder material deposited in the construction compartment 24. The platform 20 can then rise to the initial position shown in FIG. 2a, where new objects can be formed.

As can be interpreted from the description of FIGS. 1 and 2a-2c, the integrated construction and material supply system 12 has a storage compartment 22 for storing construction materials and the same physical space (ie, common compartment 18). ) Integrates a construction section 24 for manufacturing the object 50. The construction platform 20 separates the storage compartment 22 below it from the construction compartment 24 above it. Therefore, both the volume V _b of the volume V _s and construction section 24 of the storage compartment 22 is variable changes according to the position of the build platform 20 in the common compartment 18. As construction platform 20 is lowered in the common compartment 18, the volume V _s of the storage compartment 22, the volume V _b of construction partition 24 can be reduced by the same amount as the increase. _{The sum of the volume V s} of the storage compartment 22 and the volume V _{b of the construction compartment 24 remains constant and is equal to the volume V c} of the common compartment 18, i.e. the volume of the construction bucket 12, i.e. V _s + V _b = V _c. = Constant. Therefore, different stages of the build process (corresponding to different locations of the build platform 20 in the bucket 12) are simply allocated different amounts as the common compartment 18 is divided into storage compartments 22 and build compartments 24. is there.

Integrating the storage compartment 22 and the construction compartment 24 into the same physical space has several advantages. That is, it is as follows.

No extra space is wasted in a separate supply container. Therefore, the laminated modeling device 10 becomes smaller and smaller.

At the same time, the supply channel for transferring the construction material from the storage compartment 22 to the construction compartment 24 is close to the construction compartment 24, thereby reducing the travel distance of the construction material and thus the deterioration of the construction material due to contaminants. Exposure is reduced.

The integration according to the invention also simplifies material storage and improves print cleanliness.

The integrated construction and material supply system 12 can be a fixed component of the laminated modeling device 10, but can also be designed as a removable element. In the latter case, it can also be provided as an independent consumable that can be replaced by the user when the powder deposit is emptied. Detachable elements provide a material supply with an integrated construction platform 20 that can be brought in full load of construction material and can engage with the laminate molding device 10 when inserted. It is configured so that the movement of the piston 26 is controlled by the printer.

Descriptions and drawings of preferred embodiments serve merely to illustrate the invention and the many benefits it causes, but should not be understood to imply any limitation. The scope of the present invention should be determined from the appended claims.

In the following, an exemplary embodiment consisting of a combination of various constituents of the present invention will be shown.
1. 1. An integrated construction and material supply system (12) for the laminated molding equipment (10).
A construction compartment (24) adapted to accommodate an object (50) to be formed using laminated molding, and
Includes a storage compartment (22) adapted to store construction materials for forming said objects.
The volume of the construction compartment (24) and the volume of the storage compartment (22) are variable in size.
The system (12) is adapted to reallocate at least a portion of the volume previously allocated to the storage compartment (22) to the construction compartment (24) and vice versa. , Integrated construction and material supply system (12).
2. The system (12) according to 1 above, wherein the system (12) includes a movable separation element (20) that separates the storage compartment (22) from the construction compartment (24).
3. 3. 2. The system (12) according to 2 above, further comprising a drive unit (28) adapted to move the separating element (20).
4. The system (12) according to 2 or 3 above, wherein the separating elements constitute a construction platform (20) for supporting the object (50) to be formed.
5. The system (12) according to any one of 1 to 4 above, wherein the construction compartment (24) is located above the storage compartment (22).
6. One of 1 to 5 above, wherein the rate of increase of the volume of the construction compartment (24) coincides with the rate of decrease of the volume of the storage compartment (22) and vice versa. The described system (12).
7. The maximum volume of the storage compartment (22) is not less than 1.0 times the maximum volume of the construction compartment (24) and / or is not greater than 1.6 times the maximum volume of the construction compartment (24). The system (12) according to any one of 1 to 6 above.
8. The system according to any one of 1 to 7 above, further comprising a transfer unit (30) adapted to transfer the construction material from the storage compartment (22) to the construction compartment (24). 12).
9. 8. The system (12) according to 8 above, wherein the transfer unit (30) comprises a screw drive (30a, 30b) and / or a conveyor belt and / or a pump.
10. 8. The system according to 8 or 9 above, further comprising the drive unit (28) described in 3 above, wherein the drive unit (28) is coupled to operate in connection with the transfer unit (30). 12).
11. The system (12) according to any one of 1 to 10 above, wherein the system (12) is adapted to be detachably attached to the laminated modeling apparatus, particularly a 3D printing apparatus (10).
12. A laminated modeling apparatus including the system (12) according to any one of 1 to 11 above, particularly a 3D printing apparatus (10).
13. A method of supplying construction materials for laminated modeling,
The construction material is transferred from the storage compartment (22) for storing the construction material to the construction compartment (24) for forming an object (50) from the construction material using laminated modeling.
According to the transfer of the construction material from the storage compartment (22) to the construction compartment (24), at least a part of the volume previously allocated to the storage compartment (22) is reassigned to the construction compartment (24). Methods, including doing.
14. A separating element (20) that separates the storage compartment (22) from the construction compartment (24) is moved, whereby the portion of the volume previously allocated to the storage compartment (22) is transferred to the construction compartment (24). The method according to 13 above, further comprising the step of reassigning to).
15. A computer program product including a computer-readable instruction, wherein the computer-readable instruction is applied to the system (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or the laminated molding apparatus (10) according to claim 12. A computer program product that performs the method according to claim 13 or 14, respectively, in the system (12) or the laminated modeling apparatus (10) when read by the combined computer.

10 Laminated modeling equipment 12 Integrated construction and material supply system / construction bucket 14 Integrated construction and material supply system 12 side wall 16 Integrated construction and material supply system 12 bottom wall 18 Common compartment 20 Construction platform 22 Storage compartment 24 Construction section 26 Piston 28 of construction platform 20 Drive unit 30 Transfer units 30a, 30b Screw drive unit of transfer unit 30 32 Roller unit 34 Heating unit 36 Laser 38 Optical lens 40 xy scanning mirror 42 Laser beam 44 Central control device 46 Drive mechanism of transfer unit 30 48 Drive mechanism of drive unit 28 50 Object to be formed

Claims (15)

An integrated construction and material supply system for laminated molding equipment.
A common compartment defined by the side walls and bottom wall,
A movable separation element arranged in the common compartment, the movable separation element divides the common compartment into a construction compartment above the movable separation element and a storage compartment below the movable separation element, and the construction The compartment is adapted to contain an object to be formed using laminated molding, and the storage compartment is adapted to store the powder building material for forming the object, with a movable separating element. ,
Provided on the side wall of the common compartment, the powder building material is transferred from the bottom of the storage compartment through the side wall of the common compartment towards the building compartment until the powder building material reaches the top of the side wall. Including transfer units adapted to
The volume of the construction compartment and the volume of the storage compartment are variable in size.
An integrated construction and material supply system in which the system is adapted to reallocate at least a portion of the volume previously allocated to the storage compartment to the construction compartment and vice versa. .. The system of claim 1, further comprising a drive unit adapted to move the movable separating element upwards and downwards in the common compartment. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the separating elements constitute a construction platform for supporting the object to be formed. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a roller unit adapted to spread the powder building material reaching the top of the side wall over the movable separating element. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transfer unit includes a screw drive and / or a conveyor belt and / or a pump. The transfer unit includes a screw drive device incorporated in the side wall, and the screw drive device can rotate so as to move the powder building material upward through the side wall, according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The system described in one. Claims 1 to 4, wherein the transfer unit includes a pair of screw drive devices incorporated into the side wall, the screw drive device can be rotated to move the powder building material upward through the side wall. The system according to any one of. Claims 2 and claims that are directly or indirectly subordinate to claim 2, wherein the drive mechanism of the transfer unit is mechanically coupled to operate in connection with the drive mechanism of the drive unit. Item 6. The system according to any one of Items 3 to 7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the system is adapted to be detachably attached to the laminated modeling apparatus. The system according to claim 9, wherein the laminated modeling apparatus is a 3D printing apparatus. A laminated modeling apparatus including the system according to any one of claims 1 to 10. A method of supplying construction materials for laminated modeling,
By the transfer unit provided in the side wall of the common housing, the vertical direction from the from the bottom of the contained storage compartment in a common housing, wherein the storage compartment by said housed in a common housing and the common housing arranged movable separation elements intended for powdered build material towards the separate building partition to transfer the powder build material through a front SL side wall until it reaches the top of the front SL side wall, said storage compartment storing the powdered build material to The construction section is for forming an object from the powder construction material using laminated molding.
A method comprising reallocating at least a portion of a volume previously allocated to the storage compartment to the construction compartment in accordance with the transfer of the powder construction material from the storage compartment to the construction compartment. The powder build material reaching the top of the front SL side wall, further comprising spreading across the movable separation element by a roller unit, The method of claim 12. It said transfer unit comprises a screw drive incorporated Previous SL side wall, transferring the said powder build material, the powder build material by rotating the screw drive, via the front SL side wall The method of claim 12 or 13, comprising transporting upwards. It includes a pair of screw drive to the transfer unit is incorporated into the front SL side wall, transferring the said powder build material, the powder build material by rotating the screw drive, the front SL side wall The method of claim 12 or 13, comprising transporting upwards through.

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