JP7031388B2 - Modeling method, modeling equipment and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a modeling method, a modeling device and a program.

A three-dimensional modeling device (so-called "3D printer") for modeling a three-dimensional model based on the input three-dimensional shape data (model data) has been developed.

There are various modeling methods for three-dimensional modeling, and for example, a method called binder jetting can be mentioned. In the binder jetting method, a layered model in which particles are bonded is formed by ejecting droplets called a binder onto a thin layer of particles formed on the modeling stage. After that, a thin layer of powder is further formed on the layered model, a binder is discharged, and the layered model is laminated. By repeating the above steps, a three-dimensional model can be modeled.

In such three-dimensional modeling, a technique for improving the strength and accuracy of the modeled object has been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-94714 (Patent Document 1) discloses a modeling technique including a layer drying step of volatilizing the water contained in the formed slurry material layer.

However, Patent Document 1 dries the formed layer, not the discharged binder. Therefore, the control according to the state of the binder is not sufficient, and further technology for improving the strength and accuracy of the modeled object has been required.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a modeling method, a modeling device, and a program for improving the strength and modeling accuracy of a three-dimensional model.

That is, according to the present invention, it is a modeling method for modeling a three-dimensional model.
The first forming step of forming the first powder layer and
A second forming step of forming a layered model by ejecting droplets onto the first powder layer, and a second forming step.
Provided is a modeling method including a third forming step of forming a second powder layer on the layered model with the droplets remaining on the surface of the layered object.

As described above, the present invention provides a modeling method, a modeling apparatus and a program for improving the strength and modeling accuracy of a three-dimensional model.

The top view which shows the schematic structure of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus in embodiment of this invention. The side view which shows the modeling part of this embodiment. The block diagram of the control part of this embodiment. A detailed software block diagram included in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of this embodiment. The figure which shows a series of three-dimensional modeling process in a general binder jetting method. The cross-sectional view which illustrates the state of the binder inside the powder layer. The flowchart which shows the process which the three-dimensional modeling apparatus performs in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the modeling process in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process which the 3D modeling apparatus performs in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the modeling process in 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described later. In each of the figures referred to below, the same reference numerals are used for common elements, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

The configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side view showing a modeling unit 1 of the present embodiment.

This three-dimensional modeling device is a powder laminated modeling device. As shown in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus includes a modeling unit 1 and a modeling unit 5. In the modeling portion 1, a layered model 30 which is a layered model to which the powder 20 is bonded is formed. The modeling unit 5 discharges the binder 10 onto the powder layer 31 spread in layers of the modeling unit 1 to model a three-dimensional model. The binder 10 may be an ink colored in each color, as will be described later.

First, the details of the modeling unit 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. Here, the X direction is the left-right direction in FIG. 1, and the Y direction is the up-down direction in FIG. The Z direction is the vertical direction (front and back directions in FIG. 1) in FIG. 2 (a). FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the modeling portion 1 as viewed from the X direction, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the modeling portion 1 as viewed from the X direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the modeling unit 1 has a powder tank 11. The powder tank 11 includes a supply tank 21, a modeling tank 22, a surplus powder receiving tank 29, a roller member 100a, and a powder removing plate 13.

The supply tank 21 holds the powder 20 supplied to the modeling tank 22. The bottom of the supply tank 21 can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction (height direction) as the supply stage 23.
In the modeling tank 22, the layered modeling objects 30 are laminated to form a three-dimensional modeling object. The bottom of the modeling tank 22 can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction (height direction) as the modeling stage 24, and a three-dimensional model in which the layered model 30 is laminated on the model stage 24 is modeled.

The surplus powder receiving tank 29 collects the surplus powder 20 that falls without forming the powder layer 31 among the powders 20 transferred and supplied by the roller member 100 described later when the powder layer 31 is formed. The bottom surface of the surplus powder receiving tank 29 is provided with a mechanism for sucking the powder 20 or is configured so that 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, and the modeling stage 24 is moved up and down in the arrow Z direction by the motor 28.

The roller member 100a is an example of the powder layer forming portion, and forms the powder layer 31. More specifically, the roller member 100a transfers the powder 20 supplied on the supply stage 23 of the supply tank 21 to the modeling tank 22 and spreads the powder 20 to form the powder layer 31.

The roller member 100 is arranged so as to be reciprocating 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 is moved by the reciprocating moving mechanism 25. To. Further, the roller member 100 is rotationally driven by the motor 26 in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2B (that is, the roller member 100 is an example of the rotating member).

The powder removing plate 13 comes into contact with the peripheral surface of the roller member 100a and removes the powder 20 adhering to the roller member 100. The powder removing plate 13 moves together with the roller member 100a in a state of being in contact with the peripheral surface of the roller member 100a.

Next, the configuration of the modeling unit 5 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the modeling unit 5 includes a liquid discharge unit 50. The liquid discharge unit 50, which is a liquid discharge unit, discharges the binder 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 and 52b mounted on the carriage 51.

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 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. The same applies to.).

In the two heads 52a and 52b (hereinafter, referred to as "head 52" when not distinguished), two rows of nozzles in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging the binder 10 are arranged are arranged. The two nozzle rows of one head 52a eject cyan ink and magenta ink to the powder layer 31 formed by the roller member 100a. The two nozzle rows of the other head 52b eject yellow ink and black ink to the powder layer 31 formed by the roller member 100a. The head configuration is not limited to this.

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

Further, the liquid discharge unit 50 is arranged so as to be able to move up and down in the Z direction of the arrow 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.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the modeling unit 5 includes a maintenance mechanism 61. The maintenance mechanism 61 is provided on one side in the X direction and maintains and recovers the head 52 of the liquid discharge unit 50.

The maintenance mechanism 61 is mainly composed of a cap 62 and a wiper 63. The cap 62 is in close contact with the nozzle surface (the surface on which the nozzle is formed) of the head 52, and sucks the binder 10 from the nozzle. This is to discharge the powder 20 clogged in the nozzle and the binder 10 having a high viscosity.

The wiper 63 wipes the nozzle surface because the meniscus of the nozzle is formed (the inside of the nozzle is in a negative pressure state). Further, the maintenance mechanism 61 covers the nozzle surface of the head 52 with the cap 62 when the binder 10 is not discharged, and prevents the powder 20 from being mixed into the nozzle and the binder 10 from drying.

Further, the modeling unit 5 has a slider portion 72. The slider portion 72 is movably held by the guide member 71 arranged on the base member 7, and the entire modeling unit 5 can be reciprocated in the Y direction (sub-scanning direction) orthogonal to the X direction.

The entire modeling unit 5 is reciprocated in the Y direction by the Y-direction scanning mechanism 552 described later.

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

As shown in FIG. 2, 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 these supply stages 23 and the modeling stage 24 are kept horizontal.

A surplus powder receiving tank 29 is provided next to the modeling tank 22.

The surplus powder 20 of the powder 20 transferred and supplied by the roller member 100 when the powder layer 31 is formed falls into the surplus powder receiving tank 29. The surplus powder 20 that has fallen into the surplus powder receiving tank 29 is returned to the powder supply device 554 that supplies the powder 20 to the supply tank 21.

A powder supply device 554 is arranged on the supply tank 21. The powder supply device 554 supplies the powder 20 in the tank constituting the powder supply device 554 to the supply tank 21 during the initial operation of modeling or when the amount of powder in the supply tank 21 decreases. 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 powder supply device 554 may be configured to be movable in the Y direction or retracted in the Z direction so that the powder supply device 554 does not come into contact with the roller member 100 that moves in the Y direction. The configuration is not limited to these configurations as long as the powder 20 can be supplied.

Further, the roller member 100 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 20 is supplied or the portion where the powder 20 is charged), and is staged by the reciprocating movement mechanism 25. It is reciprocated in the Y direction (secondary scanning direction) along the surface.

The roller member 100 moves horizontally by the motor 26 while rotating in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2B so as to pass above the supply tank 21 and the modeling tank 22 from the outside of the supply tank 21. As a result, the powder 20 is transferred and supplied onto the modeling tank 22, and the powder layer 31 is formed while the roller member 100 passes over the modeling tank 22.

Next, the control unit 500 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the control unit 500 of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 500 includes a main control unit 500A. The main control unit 500A includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, and a RAM 503.

The CPU 501 controls the entire three-dimensional modeling apparatus. The ROM 502 stores a program including a program for causing the CPU 501 to execute the control of the three-dimensional modeling operation including the control according to the present embodiment, and other fixed data. The RAM 503 temporarily stores modeling data and the like.

Further, the control unit 500 includes a non-volatile memory (NVRAM) 504, an ASIC 505, and an external I / F 506.

The non-volatile memory (NVRAM) 504 retains data even while the power of the device is cut off.

In the ASIC 505, the control unit 500 processes image processing for performing various signal processing for image data and other input / output signals for controlling the entire device.

The external I / F 506 transmits / receives data and signals used when receiving modeling data from the external modeling data creating device 600. The modeling data creating device 600 is a device that creates modeling data by slicing a modeled object in the final form into each modeling layer, and is composed of an information processing device such as a personal computer.

Further, the control unit 500 includes an I / O 507 and a head drive control unit 508.

The I / O 507 captures the detection signals of various sensors. The head drive control unit 508 drives and controls each head 52 of the liquid discharge unit 50.

Further, the control unit 500 includes various motor drive units 510 to 516.

The motor drive unit 510 drives a 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).

The motor drive unit 511 drives a motor constituting a Z-direction elevating mechanism 551 that moves (elevates) the carriage 51 of the liquid discharge unit 50 in the Z direction. It can also be configured.

The motor drive unit 512 drives a motor constituting a Y-direction scanning mechanism 552 that moves the modeling unit 5 in the Y direction (sub-scanning direction).

The motor drive unit 513 drives the motor 27 that raises and lowers the supply stage 23. The motor drive unit 514 drives the motor 28 that raises and lowers the modeling stage 24. The motor drive unit 515 drives the motor 553 of the reciprocating movement mechanism 25 that moves the roller member 100. The motor drive unit 516 drives the motor 26 that rotationally drives the roller member 100.

Further, the control unit 500 includes a supply system drive unit 517 and a maintenance drive unit 518.

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

Further, the control unit 500 includes a rear supply drive unit 519 and a motor drive unit 520.

The rear supply drive unit 519 supplies the powder 20 from the powder rear supply unit 80. In the motor drive unit 520, the control unit 500 drives the motor 555 that rotationally drives the transfer screws 97 and 97 of the powder recovery unit 90, which will be described later.

Further, the control unit 500 includes a heating control unit 522. The heating control unit 522 is connected to a heater 101 that dries the binder 10 discharged to the powder layer 31, and controls the heating operation performed by the heater 101. The method for drying the binder 10 may be a method other than the method using the heater 101, and for example, a method of waiting for the next step until a predetermined time elapses and allowing the binder 10 to dry naturally may be used.

Further, a temperature / humidity sensor 560 is connected to the I / O 507 of the control unit 500. The temperature / humidity sensor 560 detects temperature and humidity as environmental conditions of the device.

Further, a camera or the like may be provided as a sensor connected to the I / O 507. In this case, the I / O 507 detects as a detection signal data indicating the presence or absence of traces of the binder 10 discharged to the powder layer 31. The sensor that detects the presence or absence of traces of the binder 10 may be a sensor other than the camera.

Further, an operation panel 524 is connected to the control unit 500. The operation panel 524 inputs and displays necessary information.

The modeling device is configured by the modeling data creating device 600 and the three-dimensional modeling device (powder laminated modeling device) 610.

Next, an example of modeling data creation performed by the modeling data creating device 600 will be described.

First, desired three-dimensional data (for example, CAD data such as STL) is divided in the stacking direction (that is, the Z direction) to obtain a plurality of slice data 12.

Then, the presence / absence of droplet ejection corresponding to each X coordinate and each Y coordinate of each slice data 12, the size of the droplet, the type of the droplet, and the like are determined, and this is used as modeling data.

The above-mentioned method for creating modeling data is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. The modeling data creating device 600 can be performed by a separate personal computer, and the desired three-dimensional data can be converted into slice data 12. Is not mandatory.

The configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of this embodiment has been described above. Next, the functional means executed by each hardware in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a detailed software block diagram included in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of this embodiment.

The three-dimensional modeling apparatus includes a modeling data input unit 611, a modeling control unit 612, a layered modeled object state acquisition unit 613, and a binder state determination unit 614. The details of each functional block will be described below.

The modeling data input unit 611 is a means for receiving input of modeling data from the modeling data creating device 600 via the external I / F 506.

The modeling control unit 612 is a means for controlling the operation of various hardware such as the modeling unit 1 and the modeling unit 5 based on the input modeling data. The three-dimensional modeling device forms a powder layer 31 by various operations controlled by the modeling control unit 612, can eject droplets of the binder 10, and models a three-dimensional model.

The layered modeled object state acquisition unit 613 is a means for acquiring the surface state of the layered modeled object 30 by various sensors such as a camera. The binder state determination unit 614 is a means for analyzing the state of the layered model 30 acquired by the layered object state acquisition unit 613 and determining the state such as traces of the binder 10 on the surface of the layered object 30.

The binder 10 discharged to the powder layer 31 forms the layered model 30 by binding the powder 20 in the layer. At this time, the binder 10 dries or penetrates into the layered model 30 with the passage of time, so that the state of the binder 10 on the surface of the layered model 30 changes. The binder state determination unit 614 determines the state of the binder 10 based on the temporal change of the surface state of the layered model 30 acquired by the layered model state acquisition unit 613. For example, when a change in the state of the surface of the layered model 30 is observed, the binder state determination unit 614 can determine that the binder 10 remains on the surface of the layered model 30. Further, when no change in the state of the surface of the layered model 30 is observed, the binder state determination unit 614 can determine that the binder 10 has disappeared from the surface of the layered model 30.

The software block described above corresponds to a functional means realized by the CPU 501 executing the program of the present embodiment to make each hardware function. In addition, all of the functional means shown in each embodiment may be realized by software, or some or all of them may be implemented as hardware that provides equivalent functions.

Next, the modeling process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a series of three-dimensional modeling steps in a general binder jetting method.

FIG. 5A shows a stage preparation step for starting the process of forming the next layer after the layered model 30 of one layer is formed. As shown in FIG. 5A, with the start of the next layer modeling process, the modeling control unit 612 raises the supply stage 23 of the supply tank 21 in the z1 direction, and raises the modeling stage 24 of the modeling tank 22 in the z2 direction. To descend to. The first layered layered model 30 is modeled on the modeling stage 24, and the surface of the layered model 30 is located at a position lowered by Δt from the open end surface of the modeling tank 22. Here, Δt corresponds to the stacking pitch, and the numerical value is not particularly limited, but it is preferably about several tens of μm to 100 μm.

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a supply process of the powder 20. After the state shown in FIG. 5A, the roller member 100a moves in parallel with the stage surface of the modeling stage 24 as shown in FIG. 5B. The roller member 100a moves in the y2 direction with the powder 20 while rotating in the direction indicated by the arrow. As a result, the powder 20 can be supplied to the modeling tank 22.

FIG. 5C is a diagram showing a powder layer forming step for forming the powder layer 31. As shown in FIG. 5C, the roller member 100a continues to move in the y2 direction while supplying the powder 20 to the upper part of the first layer of the layered model 30. The lower portion of the roller member 100a is arranged at a height in contact with the open end surface of the modeling tank 22, and moves in parallel with the stage surface of the modeling stage 24. As a result, the powder layer 31 having a thickness of the stacking pitch Δt can be formed. Further, in the powder layer forming step, the surplus powder 20 not used in the powder layer 31 may be dropped and stored in the surplus powder receiving tank 29.

FIG. 5D is a diagram showing a return process of the roller member 100a. After completing the powder layer forming step, the roller member 100a moves in the y1 direction and returns to the initial position. The height of the roller member 100a in the return step may be the same as the height in the powder layer forming step. Alternatively, the height of the roller member 100a may be made higher than that in the powder layer forming step by providing an elevating mechanism using a motor or a rail having a step at both ends of the roller member 100a.

FIG. 5 (e) is a diagram showing a layered model forming process. As shown in FIG. 5 (e), the layered model 30 is formed by ejecting the droplets of the binder 10 from the head 52 onto the powder layer 31. In the layered model forming step, the binder 10 is discharged to the region based on the modeling data to bond the powder 20 to form the layered model 30 having a desired shape. The layered model 30 to be formed has a shape that constitutes a part of the three-dimensional model.

Here, a method of forming the layered model 30 by the binder 10 will be described. In the first method, the binder 10 has adhesiveness and is discharged to the powder layer 31. The binder 10 that has reached the surface of the powder layer 31 permeates the inside of the powder layer 31, and the powders 20 are adhered to each other to be bonded to each other to form a layered model 30 having a desired shape. In another method, a droplet having no adhesiveness may be used instead of the binder 10 and discharged to the powder layer 31 of the powder 20 containing the adhesive. In this case, the droplets dissolve the adhesive of the powder 20 so that the powder 20 can be adhered to each other. The point that the droplets that have reached the surface of the powder layer 31 permeate into the inside of the powder layer 31 is the same as that of the first method.

Further, the binder 10 discharged in the layered shaped object forming step not only binds the powder 20 of the powder layer 31 but also binds the layered shaped object 30 of the lower layer and the powder 20 of the upper powder layer 31. can. As a result, each layered model 30 can be combined, so that a three-dimensional model can be modeled. After the layered model forming step, the process returns to the stage preparation step, and each step of FIG. 5 is repeated until the outermost layer is formed. As a result, it is possible to form a three-dimensional model in which the layered model 30 is laminated.

Up to this point, a series of steps for modeling a three-dimensional object have been described. Next, the decrease in modeling accuracy in the three-dimensional modeling process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state of the binder 10 inside the powder layer 31, and shows the state in which a plurality of layered shaped objects 30 are laminated.

FIG. 6A shows a three-dimensional model in which the layered model 30 is formed in a desired shape and laminated. Here, the case where the layered shaped objects 30 having the same shape are ideally laminated is illustrated.

FIG. 6B shows a three-dimensional model when the upper layered model 30 is formed with the binder 10 remaining, and the shape shown by the broken line in the figure is the desired shape of the layered model 30. It is a shape. When the upper layer is formed one after another with the binder 10 excessively present inside the lower layered model 30, the binder 10 permeates into the powder layer 31 and exudes out of the region having a desired shape. When the binder 10 seeps out of the region of the desired shape, the shape of the layered model 30 deviates from the desired shape as shown in FIG. 6 (b), and the modeling accuracy of the three-dimensional model and the removal property of excess powder Decreases.

Here, by including the step of drying the excess binder 10 with the heater 101 or the like in the three-dimensional modeling step, it is possible to suppress the seepage of the binder 10 out of the region having a desired shape. However, since the surface of the layered model 30 is dried by the drying step, the bond between the layered model 30 in the lower layer and the powder 20 in the powder layer 31 in the upper layer is not sufficient, and the strength of the three-dimensional model is reduced.

Therefore, in each of the embodiments described below, the powder layer 31 of the next layer is formed by leaving the binder 10 on the surface of the layered model 30 while drying so as to suppress the exudation to the outside of the region. First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. In the first embodiment, the drying step is carried out after the powder layer forming step.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first embodiment. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus receives the input of modeling data and starts the modeling process from step S1000. After that, in step S1001, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus carries out a stage preparation step, a supply step, and a powder layer forming step to form the powder layer 31 of the first layer.

In step S1002, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus controls the head 52 to discharge the binder 10 to form the layered model 30 having a desired shape.

In step S1003, the process is branched depending on whether or not the layered model 30 formed in step S1002 is the outermost layer. When the outermost layer is formed (YES), it is assumed that the three-dimensional model is completed, the process proceeds to step S1006, and the modeling process is completed. If the outermost layer is not formed (NO), the process proceeds to step S1004, and the process proceeds to the process of forming the next layer.

In step S1004, the powder layer 31 of the next layer is formed through the stage preparation step, the supply step, and the powder layer forming step. Here, the powder layer 31 of the next layer is formed in a state where the binder 10 remains on the surface of the lower layered model 30. As a result, the remaining binder 10 can adhere the powder 20 at the same time as the powder layer 31 is formed. That is, since the layered model 30 in the lower layer and the powder 20 in the powder layer 31 formed in the upper layer can be combined, the strength of the three-dimensional model can be improved.

Here, whether or not the binder 10 remains may be determined by the layered modeled object state acquisition unit 613 acquiring the surface state of the layered modeled object 30. For example, there is a method in which an image of the layered model 30 is acquired by a camera or the like, and the binder state determination unit 614 determines the residual state based on the presence or absence of traces of the binder 10. In this way, by confirming the state in which the binder 10 remains on the surface of the layered model 30 and forming the powder layer 31 in step S1004, the lower layered model 30 and the upper layer were formed. It can be combined with the powder 20 of the powder layer 31, and the strength of the three-dimensional model can be improved.

After that, in step S1005, a drying step of drying the remaining binder 10 is carried out. By carrying out the drying step, even if the binder 10 is discharged to form the layered model 30 of the next layer, the amount of the binder 10 does not become excessive, and the exudation of the desired shape to the outside of the region is suppressed. Therefore, the strength of the three-dimensional model can be improved. The drying step may be performed by heating with a heater 101 or the like, or may be performed by waiting for the next treatment until a predetermined time elapses and allowing natural drying.

After performing the drying step in step S1005, the process returns to step S1002 and the process is repeated until the outermost layer is formed.

By performing the above-mentioned treatment, the strength of bonding between the layers can be improved, and the exudation of the binder 10 to the outside of the region having a desired shape can be suppressed.

Next, the modeling process in the first embodiment described above will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a modeling process in the first embodiment. FIG. 8A is a state corresponding to FIG. 5D, and the roller member 100a forming the powder layer 31 has returned to the initial position. At this time, since the binder 10 remains on the surface of the layered model 30, the layered model 30 and the powder 20 of the powder layer 31 can be bonded, and the bond between the layers can be strengthened.

Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, the drying step corresponding to step S1005 is carried out. Here, an example is shown in which the excessive residual binder 10 is dried by heating with the heater 101. As a result, the exudation of the binder 10 can be suppressed, and the modeling accuracy of the three-dimensional model can be improved.

After the drying step, as shown in FIG. 8C, a layered model forming step is carried out. Note that FIG. 8 (c) is a process corresponding to FIG. 5 (e).

As described above, according to the first embodiment, by carrying out the drying step after the powder layer forming step, the strength of bonding between the layers can be improved and the desired shape can be removed from the region. The exudation of the binder 10 can be suppressed. Therefore, the strength and modeling accuracy of the three-dimensional model can be improved.

Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. In the second embodiment, the layered shaped object forming step is followed by the drying step and the re-discharge step.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the second embodiment. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus receives the input of modeling data and starts the modeling process from step S2000. In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus, in steps S2001 to S2002, the powder layer 31 of the first layer is formed, and the layered model 30 having a desired shape is formed. The processing of steps S2001 to S2002 is the same as the processing of steps S1001 to S1002.

In step S2003, similarly to step S1003, the process is branched depending on whether or not the layered model 30 formed in S2002 is the outermost layer. When the outermost layer is formed (YES), the process proceeds to step S2007 assuming that the three-dimensional model is completed, and the modeling process is completed. If the outermost layer is not formed (NO), the process proceeds to step S2004, and the process proceeds to the process of forming the next layer.

In step S2004, a drying step of drying the binder 10 discharged in step S2002 is performed. By carrying out the drying step, the binder 10 on the surface and inside of the layered model 30 can be dried and removed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the amount of the binder 10 from becoming excessive, and thus it is possible to improve the modeling accuracy when the layered model 30 is laminated thereafter. The drying step may be performed by heating with a heater 101 or the like, or may be performed by waiting for the next treatment until a predetermined time elapses and allowing natural drying.

After the binder 10 is dried, in step S2005, a re-discharge step of discharging the binder 10 to the surface of the layered model 30 is performed. The re-discharge step is carried out in order to bond the powder 20 and the layered model 30 in the subsequent powder layer forming step. Therefore, the discharge process of the binder 10 in the re-discharge step and the discharge process of the binder 10 in the layered model forming step do not necessarily have to be the same. That is, in the layered shaped object forming step, a discharge amount sufficient to allow the binder 10 to sufficiently penetrate into the powder layer 31 is required, but in the re-discharge step, the discharge amount may be smaller than that. For example, in the case of discharging with a discharge amount of about 150 pl to 250 pl in the layered model forming step, it may be sufficient to discharge with a discharge amount of about 10 pl to 100 pl in the re-discharge step. It should be noted that the numerical values shown here are examples and do not particularly limit the embodiments.

After step S2005, in step S2006, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus carries out a powder layer forming step. At this time, since the binder 10 discharged in step S2005 is present on the surface of the layered shaped object 30, the strength of adhesion between the powder 20 constituting the powder layer 31 and the layered shaped object 30 can be improved.

After performing the powder layer forming step in step S2006, the process returns to step S2002 and the process is repeated until the outermost layer is formed.

By performing the above-mentioned treatment, the strength of bonding between the layers can be improved, and the exudation of the binder 10 to the outside of the region having a desired shape can be suppressed.

By the way, the binder 10 discharged in the above-mentioned re-discharging step and the binder 10 discharged in the layered model forming step may not be discharged at the same resolution. That is, in the layered model forming step, the three-dimensional model may be ejected at a high resolution in order to improve the modeling accuracy, and in the re-discharging step, the three-dimensional object may be ejected at a lower resolution than the layered model forming step. For example, in the re-discharging step, the re-discharging may be performed at a resolution sufficient to maintain the bond strength between the layers.

Further, the binder 10 discharged in the re-discharging step and the binder 10 discharged in the layered shaped object forming step may have different physical properties, and for example, binders 10 having different viscosities may be used. When the binder 10 having a high viscosity is used, it takes a long time to penetrate from the surface to the inside of the layered model 30. Therefore, in the re-discharge step, by using the binder 10 having a viscosity higher than that in the layered shaped object forming step, it is possible to easily form the powder layer 31 while leaving the binder 10 on the surface of the layered shaped object 30. For example, a binder 10 having a viscosity of 4 [mPa · s] is used in the layered model forming step, and a binder 10 having a viscosity of 8 [mPa · s] is used in the re-discharge step. As a result, the binder 10 discharged in the re-discharge step can easily stay on the surface of the layered model 30 and can improve the strength of adhesion to the powder 20 in the powder layer forming step. It should be noted that the numerical values shown here are examples and do not particularly limit the embodiments.

Next, the modeling process in the second embodiment described above will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modeling process in the second embodiment. FIG. 10A is a state corresponding to FIG. 5E, and the layered model formation step corresponding to step S2002 is carried out.

Then, as shown in FIG. 10B, the drying step corresponding to step S2004 is carried out. Here, an example is shown in which the excessive residual binder 10 is dried by heating with the heater 101. As a result, the exudation of the binder 10 can be suppressed, and the modeling accuracy of the three-dimensional model and the removability of excess powder can be improved.

After the drying step, as shown in FIG. 10 (c), the re-discharge step corresponding to step S2005 is carried out. In the re-discharge step, by reducing the discharge amount of the binder 10 as compared with the layered model forming step, it is possible to prevent the binder 10 from seeping into the lower layer, and the modeling accuracy of the three-dimensional model and the removability of excess powder are lowered. Prevent that.

After the re-discharge step, as shown in FIG. 10D, a stage preparation step is carried out, followed by a supply step and a powder layer forming step. Therefore, since the binder 10 by the re-discharge step can be performed in the subsequent steps while the binder 10 is present on the surface of the layered shaped object 30, the layered shaped object 30 and the powder of the powder layer 31 can be performed during the powder layer forming step. It can be bonded to 20 and can strengthen the bond between layers.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the layers are bonded by carrying out the powder layer forming step after carrying out the drying step and the re-discharge step after the layered shaped object forming step. The strength can be improved, and the exudation of the binder 10 to the outside of the region having a desired shape can be suppressed. Therefore, the strength and modeling accuracy of the three-dimensional model can be improved.

According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, it is possible to provide a modeling method, a modeling device, and a program for improving the strength and modeling accuracy of a three-dimensional model.

Each function of the embodiment of the present invention described above can be realized by a device executable program described in C, C ++, C #, Java (registered trademark), etc., and the program of the present embodiment is a hard disk device, a CD-. It can be stored and distributed in a device-readable recording medium such as a ROM, MO, DVD, flexible disk, EEPROM, or EPROM, and can be transmitted via a network in a format that other devices can.

Although the present invention has been described above with embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and as long as the present invention exerts its actions and effects within the range of embodiments that can be inferred by those skilled in the art. , Is included in the scope of the present invention.

1 ... Modeling part, 5 ... Modeling unit, 7 ... Base member, 10 ... Binder, 11 ... Powder tank, 12 ... Slice data, 13 ... Powder removal plate, 20 ... Powder, 21 ... Supply tank, 22 ... Modeling tank, 23 ... Supply stage, 24 ... Modeling stage, 25 ... Reciprocating movement mechanism, 26-28 ... Motor, 29 ... Excess powder receiving tank, 30 ... Layered model, 31 ... Powder layer, 50 ... Liquid discharge unit, 51 ... Carriage, 52 ... Head, 54, 55 ... Guide member, 56 ... Tank mounting part, 60 ... Tank, 61 ... Maintenance mechanism, 62 ... Cap, 63 ... Wiper, 70 ... Side plate, 71 ... Guide member, 72 ... Slider part, 80 ... Powder Rear supply unit, 90 ... powder recovery unit, 97 ... transfer screw, 100 ... roller member, 101 ... heater, 500 ... control unit, 501 ... CPU, 502 ... ROM, 503 ... RAM, 505 ... ASIC, 506 ... external I / F, 507 ... I / O, 508 ... Head drive control unit, 510 to 516 ... Motor drive unit, 517 ... Supply system drive unit, 518 ... Maintenance drive unit, 519 ... Rear supply drive unit, 520 ... Motor drive unit, 522 ... heating control unit, 524 ... operation panel, 550 ... X-direction scanning mechanism, 551 ... Z-direction elevating mechanism, 552 ... Y-direction scanning mechanism, 552 ... motor, 554 ... powder supply device, 555 ... motor, 560 ... temperature / humidity sensor , 600 ... Modeling data creation device, 610 ... Powder laminated modeling device, 611 ... Modeling data input unit, 612 ... Modeling control unit, 613 ... Layered modeled object state acquisition unit, 614 ... Binder state determination unit

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-94714

Claims (8)

It is a modeling method for modeling a three-dimensional object,
The first forming step of forming the first powder layer and
A second forming step of forming a layered model by ejecting droplets onto the first powder layer, and a second forming step.
The acquisition step of acquiring the trace of the droplet on the surface of the layered model, and
A determination step of determining whether or not the droplets remain on the surface of the layered model based on the traces acquired in the acquisition step.
A third forming step of forming a second powder layer on the layered model with the droplets remaining on the surface of the layered object .
A step of drying the second powder layer and the layered model
Modeling method, including. Between the second forming step and the third forming step,
A drying step of drying the layered model and
The modeling method according to claim 1, further comprising a discharge step of discharging the droplets onto the surface of the layered model. The modeling method according to claim 2 , wherein the amount of droplets ejected in the ejection step is smaller than that of the droplets ejected in the second forming step. The modeling method according to claim 2 , wherein the droplets ejected in the ejection step have a higher viscosity than the droplets ejected in the second forming step. The modeling method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the drying step uses a heating means. The modeling method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the drying step is performed by natural drying. It is a modeling device that models three-dimensional objects.
A powder layer forming means for forming a powder layer and
Discharging means for forming a layered model by ejecting droplets onto the powder layer, and
A drying means for drying the droplets and
An acquisition means for acquiring traces of the droplets on the surface of the layered model, and
A determination means for determining whether or not the droplets remain on the surface of the layered model based on the traces acquired by the acquisition means.
Including
The powder layer forming means forms a second powder layer on the layered model with the droplets remaining on the surface of the layered model, and the drying means is with the second powder layer. , A modeling device that dries the layered model . A program executed by a modeling device that models a three-dimensional model, and the modeling device
A powder layer forming means for forming a powder layer,
Discharging means for forming a layered model by ejecting droplets onto the powder layer,
Drying means for drying the droplets
An acquisition means for acquiring traces of the droplets on the surface of the layered model, and
A determination means for determining whether or not the droplets remain on the surface of the layered model based on the traces acquired by the acquisition means.
The powder layer forming means forms a second powder layer on the layered model in a state where the droplets remain on the surface of the layered object, and the powder layer forming means is dried. The means is a program for drying the second powder layer and the layered object .

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