JPH0355224A - Forming method of three dimensional shape - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable the three dimensional product of high accuracy to be produced by diffusing forcedly photocurable resin dripped on the surface of a base holder from dripped position to peripheral part by moving the base holder. CONSTITUTION:Photocurable resin liquid 30 is dripped on the surface of a base holder 10, and the photocurable resin liquid 30 is diffused on the surface of the holder 10 by moving the base holder 10, thereby forming the thin layer 31 of the photocurable resin liquid 30. As the photocurable resin liquid 30, the photocurable resin material such as UV curable resin used for forming an usual model etc., may be freely used. The base holder 10 is composed of e.g. glass, ceramic, metal, synthetic resin or other material. Consequently the photocured layer 31 has thin thickness and is quickly formed. The three dimensional shape of high accuracy is effectively formed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a method for forming a three-dimensional shape, and relates to a method for forming an article having a three-dimensional three-dimensional shape using a photocurable resin that is cured by irradiation with light. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a round shape.

[Conventional technology]

The method of forming three-dimensional shapes using photocurable resin is a method that can easily and accurately form complex three-dimensional shapes without using molds or special tools. It has been considered to be used for manufacturing product models and three-dimensional models, and there are prior art techniques disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 56-144478 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-35966. This prior art is shown in FIG. 8 as an example of a conventional general method for forming a three-dimensional shape using a photocurable resin.

A resin liquid tank 1 containing a photocurable resin liquid 2 is provided with a movable stand 5 that can be raised and lowered, and a lens 3 is placed above the resin liquid tank 1.
A light beam irradiation mechanism consisting of other optical systems and the like is provided. The guide table 5 is connected to an elevating actuator installed outside the resin liquid tank 1 via an elevating arm 5a. When the liquid surface of the photocurable resin liquid 2 is irradiated with the light beam 3, a certain thickness of the photocurable resin liquid 2 is cured from the liquid surface near the focal position of the light beam 3, forming a photocured J'ti4a. . Since the photocured layer 4a is placed on the molding table 5,
When the oval table 5 is lowered, the photocurable layer 4a sinks below the liquid surface, and the top of the photocurable layer 4a is covered with the uncured photocurable resin liquid 2. Thereafter, when the liquid surface of the photocurable resin liquid 2 is irradiated with the light beam 3 in the same manner as described above, the photocurable layer 4a of the second JW is formed. Such photocuring F by irradiation with the light beam 3
By repeating the formation of J4a and the supply of new photocurable resin liquid 2 onto the photocurable layer 4a by lowering the curable base 5, a desired tertiary layer in which a plurality of photocurable layers 4a are stacked is formed. The precept 4 having the original shape will be shaped into a certain shape.

As mentioned above, when forming a three-dimensional shape by stacking a plurality of photocured layers 4a, {solid photocured layer 4
The thinner the thickness of a, the smoother and more accurate the three-dimensional shape can be formed. That is, in the three-dimensional shape, the planar shape of the photo-cured EW 4a stacked one above the other changes in stages, so even if the dry photo-cured layer 4a is thick, the planar shape of the upper and lower photo-cured layers 4a changes in a stepwise manner. The difference in level caused by the change in shape clearly appears in the outer shape of the three-dimensional shape, and the appearance of the three-dimensional shape is not smooth and unsightly. If the individual photocured i4a is thin enough,
The amount of change in the planar shape of the upper and lower photocured layers 4a is small, and it is possible to form a three-dimensional shape with a smooth curved outline that changes substantially continuously.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, in the prior art, the photocurable layer 4a cannot be formed into a thin shape, and there is a problem in that the three-dimensional outer shape has steps, resulting in poor shape accuracy. When the photo-cured layer 4a is submerged, the photo-cured layer 4
In order for the surrounding resin liquid 2 to flow onto the photocurable layer 4a, there must be a considerable head difference between the photocurable layer 4a and the surrounding liquid level, although it depends on the viscosity of the resin liquid 2. The fact that there is a large drop or gap between the photocuring layer 4a and the liquid level means that the resin liquid 2 that is irradiated with the light beam 3 in the next step becomes thicker, and as a result, each leg becomes thicker. Light curing per 1'
T! This resulted in the thickness of 4a becoming thicker.

Further, in the case of the prior art, when the photo-cured layer 4a and the oval base 5 are submerged and the surrounding resin liquid 2 is allowed to flow onto the photo-cured layer 4a, there is a problem in that the liquid surface is undulated. . If the light beam 3 is irradiated while the liquid surface remains wavy,
A photocuring layer 4a on which the light beam 3 is diffusely reflected and cured
Since the surface of the liquid may be uneven, it is necessary to irradiate the light beam 3 after the undulations on the liquid surface have completely converged, resulting in an additional waiting time and the problem of hindering work efficiency. was.

Due to these problems, conventional methods cannot form a highly accurate three-dimensional shape with a smooth outer shape and take a long time to work.

Therefore, the object of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems with the conventional three-dimensional shape forming method, to reduce the thickness of the photocured layer and quickly form the bottom, and to efficiently form a highly accurate three-dimensional shape. The goal is to provide a way to do so.

[Means to solve the problem]

Among the methods for forming a three-dimensional shape according to the present invention that solve the above problems, the method according to claim 1 forms a photocured layer of a predetermined shape by irradiating a thin layer of a photocurable resin liquid with light. In this method of stacking a plurality of photocurable layers to form a desired three-dimensional shape, the photocurable resin liquid is dropped onto the surface of the base and the photocurable resin liquid is applied to the base by moving the base. The resin is diffused onto the surface to form a thin layer of photocurable resin. As the photocurable resin liquid, any photocurable resin material such as UV curable resin that is used for normal model shapes can be freely used. It is also possible to form a plurality of photocurable layers constituting one three-dimensional shape using a resin liquid made of a plurality of different photocurable materials.

The base can form a thin layer of photocurable resin liquid, that is, a thin resin liquid layer, on the surface, and the photocured layer formed by irradiating this resin liquid thin layer with light can be peeled off from the base surface. Made of materials such as glass, ceramic ivy, metal,
It is made of resin or other materials. If the surface of the base is coated with a fluororesin (for example, Teflon, manufactured by DuPont), the photocured layer will be easier to peel off. The surface of the base is preferably flat and smooth, but in addition to a completely horizontal surface, it may also be a gently curved surface such as a cylindrical curved surface with a large radius of curvature. The curved surface may be a concave curved surface or a convex curved surface.

The movement of the base can be made to swing or vibrate linearly in one direction within a horizontal plane, swing or vibrate linearly in both vertical and horizontal directions within a horizontal plane, or move in a curved line within a horizontal plane. It may be moved in a horizontal direction, rotated in one direction around the central axis of the base in a horizontal plane, or rocked or vibrated in both forward and reverse directions. In addition, if the base is a rotating curved surface such as a cylinder, it can be rotated at a constant angular velocity around the central axis of the curved surface, or oscillated or vibrated in both forward and reverse directions. make the movement take place. moreover,
It is also possible to apply vibration in the vertical direction to the surface of the base, or to perform a combination of multiple types of each of the above-mentioned movements. In either method, the movement of the base causes the photocurable resin liquid dropped on the surface of the base to spread evenly from the dropping position to the surrounding area, forming a thin layer of resin liquid. The direction and speed of the movement of the base are set in advance.

The means to move the base include connecting a motor directly to the base to rotate it, transmitting the rotation of the motor to the base via a mechanical transmission mechanism that converts the rotation into linear motion or vibration, and other methods. using an electromagnetic rocking or vibration mechanism, etc.
It can be implemented by combining various driving means used in ordinary mechanical devices.

By appropriately selecting the movement of the base, the dropping position of the resin liquid onto the base, etc. as described above, it is possible to form a thin layer of resin liquid with a uniform thickness.

Furthermore, by adjusting the movement of the base, the thickness of the thin resin liquid layer can be controlled. The thickness of the resin liquid thin layer is controlled so that a photocured layer of the desired thickness can be formed according to the shape accuracy and finish quality of the desired three-dimensional shape, but the swing distance of the base, the vibration frequency, The thickness of the resin liquid layer changes by changing conditions such as the rotation speed. In order to accurately control the thickness of the thin resin liquid layer, it is preferable to detect the thickness of the thin resin liquid layer using an appropriate sensor, etc., and adjust or control the drive mechanism that moves the base based on that information. .

As time passes until a thin resin liquid layer of a predetermined thickness is formed on the surface of the base, the fluidity of the resin liquid thin layer is lost.
Once solidified to a certain extent, even if the movement of the base is stopped, the resin liquid N layer will not move or deform any further and its thickness will not change. However, the movement of the base may be continued during the light irradiation step, which will be described later.

The means for irradiating the resin liquid thin layer 9 with light is a normal light beam irradiation means consisting of a laser generator, an optical system, etc. The irradiated light beam may be visible light or ultraviolet light depending on the material of the photocurable resin. Other arbitrary wavelengths can be used.

To stack photocured layers to form a three-dimensional shape, first irradiate a thin layer of resin liquid to form a photocured layer, remove the photocured layer from the base surface, and apply resin liquid again to the base surface. A method of forming a thin layer to form the next photo-curing layer, and sequentially stacking the removed photo-curing layers, and adding new photo-curing properties to the surface of the resin liquid thin layer on which the photo-curing layer has been formed. It is possible to carry out any of the following methods: supplying resin overnight to form a thin layer of resin liquid, and stacking the resin at the same place while sequentially forming photocured layers.

When removing the photocured layer from the base surface, a means for stacking the removed photocured layers is required; for example, a lifting platform that can be raised and lowered can be provided above the base surface. This pulling table is brought into contact with the upper surface of the thin resin liquid layer, the photocuring layer is attached to the lower surface of the pulling table, and the photocuring layer is removed from the base surface at the same time as the lifting table is raised. By sequentially repeating the deposition of the photocured layers, it is possible to form a three-dimensional shaped article made of a plurality of photocured layers suspended from the lower surface of the pulling table.

In addition to the above-described structures, various means and devices employed in ordinary three-dimensional shape forming methods can be combined and implemented within the scope of the present invention.

Three-dimensional products formed by the method of the present invention can be used not only for the above-mentioned models and product models, but also for various resin products that require complex and accurate three-dimensional shapes.

The method according to claim 2, in the invention according to claim 1,
The base is made to swing horizontally.

To swing the base in the horizontal direction, the rotation of the motor can be transmitted to the base via a mechanical rocker, or the base can be moved by directly generating rocking motion using electromagnetic force, etc. You can move it. The swinging may be in one direction, or may be a combination of swinging in both vertical and horizontal directions.

The surface of the base is preferably flat and planar along the direction of the swinging force, but may be curved with a relatively large radius of curvature. For example, a curved surface can be considered in which the drop position of the photocurable resin liquid is set near the center of the base, and the height gradually decreases from the drop position to the periphery.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1,
The base is rotated in a horizontal plane.

A rotation drive mechanism such as a motor is used as a means for rotating the base. The higher the angular speed of rotation, the greater the centrifugal force acting on the resin liquid dropped on the base surface, allowing the resin liquid to quickly spread to the surrounding area and forming a thin layer of resin liquid. can do. Therefore, by adjusting the rotational angular velocity of the base, the resin 7
The thickness of the night thin layer can be controlled.

The surface of the base can be a flat horizontal surface or a convex curved surface with a large radius of curvature that decreases from the center of rotation to the periphery, and the resin paste can be spread to the surrounding area by both the tilt of the base surface and the centrifugal force of rotation. can be done. In addition, by forming a concave curved surface that increases in height from the center of rotation to the periphery, and by appropriately setting the curvature of this concave curved surface and the rotational angular velocity, the balance between gravity and centrifugal force that moves the resin branch along the inclination direction can be applied to the base. A thin, uniform layer can be formed over the entire table surface.

Set the light irradiation range at a certain location in the circumferential direction of the base so that as the base rotates, the thin layer of resin liquid on the surface passes through the light irradiation range one after another. For example, it is possible to sequentially form different photo-cured layers at multiple locations in the circumferential direction on the thin resin liquid layer on the surface of the base, making it possible to efficiently form a three-dimensional shape consisting of a large number of photo-cured layers. can be done.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 1,
A photocurable resin liquid is dropped onto the inner circumferential surface of a substantially cylindrical base, and the base is rotated around its central axis.

The base preferably has a cylindrical shape with a relatively large radius of curvature, so that a part of the resin liquid dripping mechanism and the light irradiation mechanism can be accommodated in the inner peripheral space.

The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical base may be a right cylindrical surface that is uniform along the central axis direction, or it may be a so-called drum surface such as a conical curved surface with a radius of curvature that increases from the center in the axial direction toward both ends. It may have a curved surface like that. In the case of this drum-shaped cylindrical surface, when the entire cylindrical base is rotated at a constant rotation speed, the rotational angular velocity of the inner circumferential surface of the base increases from the center part with a small radius of curvature to both end parts with a large radius of curvature. gradually increases, and the resin liquid dropped near the axial center of the cylindrical surface is well diffused from the center to the areas around both ends as the drum-shaped cylindrical surface rotates, forming a thin resin liquid. A resin liquid dropping mechanism that enables rapid formation of a thin layer is provided to drip the resin liquid from near the center of the cylindrical base in the radial direction. In the axial direction of the cylindrical base, the resin liquid may be dropped only near the center and dispersed toward both ends, or the resin liquid may be dripped at appropriate intervals along the axial direction or continuously over the entire length. may be dripped.

The light irradiation mechanism can be implemented in any structure and arrangement as long as it can irradiate light toward the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical base while rotating the base. , a part of the optical system such as a condensing lens or a rotating mirror is installed, and light introduced from a laser beam generator installed outside the cylindrical base is directed toward the inner peripheral surface of the base. All you have to do is make sure it can be irradiated. Additionally, light can be introduced into the inner space of the cylindrical base through an optical transmission mechanism such as an optical fiber, or if the irradiation light generator is small, the entire light irradiation mechanism can be introduced into the inner space of the base. It can also be installed.

[For production]

The operation of the invention according to claim 1 will be explained.

In this invention, instead of storing a large amount of photocurable resin liquid in a resin liquid tank and irradiating light near the liquid surface to form a photocurable layer, as in the conventional method, the photocurable resin liquid Since the resin itself is formed into a thin layer and light is irradiated to this resin thin layer, the thinner the resin liquid layer can be formed, the thinner the photo-cured layer can be formed, and the more the outer shape of the three-dimensional shaped product can be formed. There are no steps and a smooth curved surface is obtained.

However, the photocurable resin liquid has a certain degree of viscosity and is not very fluid. Therefore, if you just drop the photocurable resin liquid onto the base surface, it will simply flow to the surrounding area due to the action of gravity, and it will take a while to form a uniform thin layer of resin liquid on the entire base surface. It takes a long time, which reduces work efficiency, and also leaves a difference in thickness between the dropping position and the surrounding area, making it impossible to form a thin layer of resin liquid over the entire base surface to a uniform thickness.

Therefore, by applying rocking, vibration, rotation, and other movements to the base, the movement of the resin liquid on the base surface becomes active, and the resin liquid quickly spreads from the dropping position to the surrounding area. Become. Furthermore, by appropriately selecting the movement of the base and the position at which the resin liquid is dropped, it is possible to equalize the thickness between the position at which the resin liquid is dropped and the surrounding area. In particular, even if the thickness of the resin liquid is not regulated by providing a weir around the outer periphery of the base, a certain thickness can be maintained due to the relationship between the properties such as the viscosity and surface tension of the resin liquid and the acting force from the base. Since a thin layer of resin liquid can be formed, the thickness of the thin layer of resin liquid can be easily controlled.

In addition, by appropriately setting the properties of the resin liquid and the movement of the base as described above, the thickness of the thin layer of resin residue that is formed can be changed, making it possible to easily and accurately adjust the thickness of the thin layer of resin liquid. can be controlled.

By changing the type of photocurable resin liquid dripped onto the base surface, you can easily change the materials of the resin liquid layer and photocurable layer that are formed, making it possible to create a single three-dimensional shape from multiple materials. It is also possible to use the photo-cured layer.

In the invention according to claim 2, by horizontally swinging the base, the resin liquid dropped on the base surface moves horizontally from the dropping position and quickly diffuses to the surrounding area. , it is possible to quickly form a very thin resin liquid layer. If you only want to swing the base in the horizontal direction, the drive mechanism for swinging it is simple, and it does not interfere with the light irradiation mechanism that irradiates the resin/& thin layer formed on the base surface. Not even.

In the invention according to claim 3, by rotating the base in a horizontal plane, the resin liquid dripped onto the base surface moves horizontally from the dripping position and radially due to the action of centrifugal force accompanying the rotation. It quickly spreads to the surrounding areas and can quickly form an extremely thin layer of resin liquid. If only the base is rotated, the rotational drive mechanism can be a simple mechanism such as a motor. If the light irradiation mechanism is installed at a fixed location within the rotation range of the base, the thin layer of resin liquid will sequentially move to the irradiation range of the light irradiation mechanism as the base rotates. A photocured layer for forming a three-dimensional shape can be formed at a plurality of locations on the thin layer, and the photocured layer can be formed efficiently.

In the invention according to claim 4, the photocuring resin liquid is dropped onto the inner circumferential surface of the base having a substantially cylindrical shape, and the base is rotated around the central axis. , Due to the effects of gravity and centrifugal force associated with rotation, the resin liquid quickly spreads around the entire circumference along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface, quickly forming an extremely thin layer of resin liquid. be able to. By appropriately adjusting the amount of resin liquid supplied and the rotational angular speed, the thickness of the thin resin liquid layer formed can be changed or precisely adjusted.
The thickness of the resin liquid thin layer can be easily controlled.

〔Example〕

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic structure of a three-dimensional shape forming device, which is made of transparent glass or the like and extends over almost the entire width direction of the base 10 above the horizontal base 10 with a nearly flat surface. A resin liquid dropping mechanism 20 is provided, and a photocurable resin liquid 30 is dripped onto the surface of the base 10 from this resin liquid dropping mechanism 20. A supply pipe 21 that supplies resin liquid 30 from a resin liquid tank (not shown) or the like installed at another location is connected to the resin liquid dropping mechanism 20. The base 10 is swingable in a direction perpendicular to the resin drop #R mechanism 20. Specifically, the base 10 is connected to a drive device such as a motor through a gear mechanism or a cam mechanism. On the surface of the base 10, drainage grooves 11 for the resin liquid 30 are provided along the sides corresponding to both ends of the resin liquid dripping mechanism 20, so that when a thin layer of resin liquid is formed on the surface of the base 10, excess The resin liquid 30 is discharged from the discharge groove l1. Although not shown, a light irradiation mechanism such as a laser beam is provided below the base 10 made of transparent glass.

A method of forming a three-dimensional shape using the above-mentioned apparatus will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 2, from the resin liquid dropping mechanism 20 to the base 10,
The resin liquid 30 dropped on the surface flows horizontally and spreads due to the effect of gravity due to its own weight, and the resin liquid 30 drops onto the base 10.
Since the resin liquid 30 is oscillated, the movement or diffusion of the resin liquid 30 is further promoted.

As the base 10 swings, the resin liquid 30 tends to have a constant thickness due to the above-mentioned effect of gravity and the properties of the resin branch 3o itself, such as viscosity and surface tension. Of the resin liquid 30, excess resin liquid 30 that has fallen beyond the outer edge of the base 10 is collected into resin liquid recovery tanks 40 installed below both ends of the base 10.

Further, a part of the excess resin liquid 30 is removed from the resin liquid discharge groove 1.
1 and then discharged or collected.

As shown in FIG. 3, with a resin liquid thin layer 31 having a predetermined thickness formed on the surface of the base 100, the resin liquid thin layer 31 is passed from the lower side of the base 10 through the transparent base 10. A laser beam 40 is irradiated onto a predetermined pattern range. The resin liquid thin layer 31 in the portion irradiated with the laser beam 40 is photocured and becomes a photocured layer 32 .

By stacking and laminating the photocured layers 32 thus formed in a manner similar to a conventional method for forming a three-dimensional shape, a shaped article M having a desired three-dimensional shape is formed.

In FIG. 3, a pulling table 6 having a flat lower surface above the base 10 is used as a means for stacking the photocured 1'ii32.
0 can be raised and lowered freely. If this pulling table 60 is attached to the upper surface of the resin liquid thin layer 31 on the surface of the base 10,
The formed photocuring layer 32 is attached to the lower surface of the pulling table 60. After raising the pulling table 60 with the photocured resin 32 attached to the lower surface, the resin liquid 30 is again dropped, a thin resin liquid layer 31 is formed, and When light is irradiated, a photocured layer 32 as the next layer is formed. The next layer, the photocurable layer 32, adheres to the lower surface of the previous layer, the photocurable layer 32, and is picked up on the pulling table 60 side. By repeating such steps, a molded product M having a three-dimensional shape is formed with a large number of photocured eyebrows 32 stacked and suspended on the lower surface of the pulling table 60.

However, as a means for forming a three-dimensional shape by stacking the photo-cured WIs 32, known methods other than those described above can be applied.

In the method of the above embodiment, from the back side of the transparent base 10,
Since the light beam 40 is irradiated onto the resin liquid thin layer 31 at the surface position of the base 10, the focal position of the light beam 4o is always constant, and the light is not scattered on the night surface of the resin liquid. Therefore, the photocured layer 32 can be formed in an accurate shape by accurately focusing on the resin liquid thin Ni 31. Since the photocured layer 32 is formed in contact with the smooth base 10, the surface of the photocured layer 32 becomes smooth.

It is also possible to cure the entire photocurable layer 32 at once by irradiating uniform light onto the entire surface with a mask made of a suitable light-shielding material placed on the back surface of the transparent base 10. be.

Next, FIGS. 4 and 5 show another embodiment.

In this embodiment as well, the base 10 is made of flat transparent glass or the like.
A resin liquid 30 is dropped onto the surface of the base 10 to form a thin resin liquid i31, and a light beam 40 is irradiated from the back side of the base 10 to harden the resin liquid thin layer 31 and form a photochemical layer 32. form.

However, the base 10 has a disk shape, and its surface is coated with an extremely thin Teflon (trade name: manufactured by DuPont) so that the photocured layer 32 can be easily peeled off. A rotational drive mechanism such as a motor is connected to a rotating shaft 12 on the lower surface of the base 10, so that the entire base 10 can be freely rotated within a horizontal plane.

As a light irradiation mechanism, galvano scanners 42 each equipped with a rotating mirror 41 are installed for the X-axis and the Y-axis, and a laser beam 40 irradiated from a laser generator (not shown) is transmitted to the X-axis. Galvano scanner in both Y directions 42.4
2 and changes the direction upward so that a certain range in the circumferential direction of the base 10 can be irradiated. By controlling the direction of the rotating mirror 4l of the galvano scanner 42, the laser beam 40 is irradiated on the surface of the base 10 in arbitrary directions of the X and Y axes to harden the resin liquid thin layer 3l in a desired pattern. A photocurable layer 32 can be formed.

A method for forming a three-dimensional shape using the above-mentioned apparatus will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 5 (al), the resins 1 & 30 dropped onto the surface of the base 10 are forcibly diffused in the radial direction from the center due to the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the base 10, and A resin liquid WI# layer 3l having a thin and uniform thickness ΔL is formed over the entire surface of the base 10.Excess resin liquid 30 is discharged and removed from the outer edge of the base 10 by centrifugal force.

The thickness Δt of the resin liquid thin r@31 is set to a constant value depending on the properties of the resin liquid 30 such as the specific gravity, viscosity, and wettability of the resin liquid 30 to the base 10, and the rotational speed or rotational angular velocity of the base 10. Become. Therefore, in order to change the thickness Δt, it is sufficient to control the rotation speed of the motor etc. that drives the base lO.

Resin liquid thin 1ii31 formed by the rotational angular velocity of the base 10
If the relationship between the thickness Δt and the thickness Δt is precisely controlled, it is also possible to control the thickness on the order of several thousandths of a meter.

As shown in FIG. 5(b), with the pulling table 60 in contact with the upper surface of the resin liquid thin layer 31, a light beam 40 is irradiated in a predetermined pattern from the lower surface side of the base 10 to perform photocuring. i
Shape i32. As shown in FIG.
The irradiation range is set to a quadrant in one direction of the circular base lO, and photocuring Iiii32 is also formed in different patterns in the remaining three quadrants. That is, each photocuring layer 32 is formed while rotating the base 10 intermittently by 90', or so-called index feeding. The photo-cured layers 32 formed at four locations on the circular base 10 are the 1st photo-cured layer 32a, the 2nd photo-cured layer 32b, and the 1st photo-cured layer 32b along the rotation direction of the base 10. A third photocured layer 32c, etc. are formed in order.

The photocured layer 32 formed by the irradiation with the light beam 40 remains attached to the pulling table 60 and rises together with the pulling table 60, and is removed from the resin liquid thin layer 31 on the surface of the base 10.

As shown in FIG. 5(C), the first photocuring layer 32a
90 with the base 10 attached to the pull-up stand 60.
The new resin liquid thin layer 31 is moved to the light irradiation position by intermittent movement. In this state, when the 21iith photocured layer 32b is formed with the photocured layer 32a of the pulling table 60 attached to the upper surface of the resin liquid thin layer 31, the second photocured layer 32b and the second photocured layer 32b are formed. In this way, the photocured N 3 2 a of the IN eye is bonded and integrated, and the plurality of photocured layers 32
. . are sequentially stacked on the lower surface of the pulling table 60 and joined together. The photocuring layer 32... is the pulling table 6
Holes 33 are formed in the portion of the resin liquid thin layer 31 that has been pulled up to zero and removed.

Once the base 10 has rotated once, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the resin liquid 30 is thinned by dropping the resin liquid 30.
From the formation of 31, the photocured layer 3 is formed by irradiation with a light beam 40.
Steps 2 and 3 of picking up the photocured layer 32 onto the pulling table 60 are repeated in sequence.

As shown in FIG. 5, when a predetermined number of photocuring layers 32 are stacked on the lower surface of the pulling table 60, the desired three-dimensional shaped article M is completed.

In the above method, if the type or color of the photocurable resin liquid 30 dropped onto the base 10 is changed at an intermediate stage, one molded product M can be integrated by combining parts of different resin materials or different colors. It is also possible to manufacture structured products.

Next, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 will be described.

In this embodiment, a resin liquid thin layer 31 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical base 10, and a light beam 40 is irradiated from the inner circumferential space side to form a photocured layer 32. A precept M having a three-dimensional shape is formed on the circumferential surface.

In the inner peripheral space of the cylindrical base 10, a scanner 42 equipped with a rotating mirror similar to the above-described one for changing the direction of the light beam 40 is provided. This scanner 42 deflects a light beam 40 introduced parallel to the central axis direction of the cylindrical base 10 in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the central axis direction, and can change the deflection angle arbitrarily. and light beam 4
The light beam 40 can be scanned in the direction of the central axis with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical base lO, which is irradiated with zero. That is, the light beam 40 is scanned in a direction perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the inner circumferential surface of the base lO.

A cylindrical lens 43 extending in the direction of the central axis is installed between the scanner 42 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical base lO, and a cylindrical lens 43 is installed to direct the light beam 40 deflected by the scanner 42 to the resin liquid on the inner peripheral surface. It is possible to irradiate the layer 3l with focused light.

Although not shown, a resin liquid dropping mechanism is also provided in the inner peripheral space of the cylindrical base 10 for dripping the resin liquid 30 onto the inner peripheral surface.

A method for forming a three-dimensional shape using the above-mentioned apparatus will be explained.

When the resin limb 30 is dropped onto the inner peripheral surface from the inner peripheral space of the cylindrical base 10 while rotating the cylindrical base IO, the resin liquid 30 is caused by centrifugal force as the cylindrical base 10 rotates. The resin liquid 30 is pressed against the inner peripheral surface and spreads over the entire inner peripheral surface, and a thin resin liquid 1 is applied to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical base 10 with a constant thickness.
'5i31 is formed. If the resin liquid 30 is dropped from multiple locations at appropriate intervals along the central axis direction or continuously over the entire length of the central axis direction, the resin liquid 30 can be made to have a uniform thickness on the inner circumferential surface in the central axis direction. A resin liquid thin layer 31 having
can be shaped.

Note that the resin liquid 30 as described above is applied in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface.
Although the resin liquid 30 is sufficiently diffused over the entire circumference due to the dripping and the diffusion effect due to the centrifugal force, it may be difficult for the resin liquid 30 to be sufficiently diffused over the entire central axis direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable that the inner circumferential surface of the base IO be formed into a drum-shaped cylindrical surface that forms a drum-shaped curved surface. The drum-shaped cylindrical surface is such that the inner diameter D1 of the center portion is smaller than the inner diameter D3 of both end portions in the central axis direction, and a smooth curved surface is formed from the center portion to both end portions. The above-mentioned curved surface is a curved surface called a conical curved surface, but it does not necessarily have to be a mathematically accurate conical curved surface, but may be in the shape of a so-called drum.

When the base 10 having such a drum-shaped cylindrical surface is rotated, the centrifugal force becomes larger at both end portions where the inner diameter is larger than the center portion. Therefore, when the resin liquid 30 is dropped onto the central portion of the inner circumferential surface, the resin liquid 30 is moved toward both ends where centrifugal force is greater. As a result, the resin liquid 30 quickly turns to both ends {1
Since the excess resin liquid 30 flows out of the base 10 from both ends, it becomes possible to quickly and accurately form a thin resin liquid Fi3l.

By appropriately setting the curved shape of the inner circumferential surface of the base 10, that is, the degree of change in the inner diameter, and the rotational speed, the force acting on the resin liquid 30 can be strictly controlled, resulting in an extremely uniform thickness from the center to both ends. Resin liquid? It becomes possible to form the sill 31. In addition, the thickness of the resin liquid thin layer 31 to be formed is determined by the rotational speed of the base lo, the properties such as the specific gravity and viscosity of the resin liquid 30, the supply amount, and the curved shape of the inner circumferential surface of the base 1o. The thickness can be controlled arbitrarily.

After the resin liquid thin layer 31 is formed as described above, a photocured layer 32 is formed by irradiating the resin liquid thin layer 31 with a light beam 40. Note that the base 1 is also
00 rotation is continued, and the irradiation of the light beam 40 is controlled on and off in synchronization with the passage of a predetermined portion of the resin liquid thin layer 31 through the irradiation surface of the light beam 40. That is, even if the light beam 40 scans only in the central axis direction, the base 10
By combining this with the rotation of , it becomes almost like scanning the light beam 40 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis direction, and it is possible to form a photocured layer 32 having an arbitrary planar pattern. .

After the first photocured layer 32 is formed, a new resin liquid 30 is dropped to form a thin resin liquid layer 31, and a light beam 40 is irradiated to form the photocured layer 32. in this way,
While sequentially forming resin liquid thin layers 31 on the inner circumferential surface of the base 10, photocuring layers 32 are stacked to form an impressive article M having a desired three-dimensional shape. Note that as the number of layers of the thin resin liquid I'W31 increases, the irradiation position of the light beam 40 approaches the center, so the focal position of the light beam 40 is changed accordingly. After the shaped article M is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the base IO in the above manner, the shaped article M is taken out together with the surrounding resin liquid thin layer 3l, and treated with a normal solvent for photocurable resin. Once the excess resin liquid thin JW31 is removed, the precept-shaped article M is completely prepared.

In the illustrated embodiment, the resin liquid thin layer 3 covers the entire inner circumferential surface of the base.
For l, -{light-curing III32 and a pre-shaped article M are formed only at fixed points, but different pre-curable articles M are formed at multiple locations in the circumferential direction, or multiple pre-cured articles M are formed in the central axis direction. It is also possible to form the precepts M by arranging them. In such a case, by controlling the rotational speed of the irradiation control ε base lO of the light beam 40, one light beam 40 may form a plurality of photocured 1'i32, or a plurality of light cures 1'i32 may be formed. The light beam 40 may be irradiated to form the photocured layer 32 corresponding to each of the precepts M.

〔Effect of the invention〕

Among the methods for forming a three-dimensional shape according to the present invention described above, the invention according to claim 1 is such that the photocurable resin liquid dropped onto the surface of the base is forcibly moved to the dropping position by the movement of the base. Since the resin is diffused from the resin to the surrounding area, a thin layer of resin liquid can be quickly formed. If a thin resin liquid layer can be formed, the thickness of the photocured layer obtained by irradiating this resin liquid thin layer with light will also become thinner, and the three-dimensional shape formed by stacking such photocured layers will become thinner. The shaped product has an accurate three-dimensional shape with an extremely smooth outer shape and inconspicuous steps between the photocured layers. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture products with precise three-dimensional shapes that were impossible with conventional methods. By appropriately selecting the shape and movement of the base or the dropping position of the resin liquid, the thickness of the thin resin liquid layer can be formed uniformly, and as a result, the accuracy of the photocured layer and three-dimensional shape can be improved. This can be further improved.

The thickness of the thin layer of resin liquid that is formed changes depending on the properties of the resin liquid and the structure and movement of the base, so by controlling the way the base moves, the thickness of the resin 7fL layer, that is, the photocured layer, can be set arbitrarily. It is possible to form a photocured layer with a suitable thickness depending on the purpose.

In addition, it is possible to form a photocured layer on thin layers of resin liquid made of multiple types of different materials, and then stack the photocured layers made of different materials to form a single three-dimensional shape. This is impossible with traditional methods of forming three-dimensional shapes.
It also becomes possible to manufacture a precept-shaped article in which parts made of different materials are integrated.

As described above, the present invention can greatly contribute to improving the performance and expanding the applications of three-dimensional shaped products by photocuring.

According to the invention set forth in claim 2, the effect of the invention set forth in claim 1 can be satisfactorily exhibited by swinging the base in the horizontal direction. In particular, since the base is simply swung in the horizontal direction, the apparatus is easy to assemble, and the work steps such as light irradiation are easy, as they are the same as those for forming a three-dimensional shape.

According to the invention as set forth in claim 3, by rotating the base in a horizontal plane, it becomes possible to quickly create a very thin resin liquid layer using the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation, The above-mentioned effects according to the invention according to claim 1 can be exhibited even better. Since the base can be rotated by a simple mechanism such as a motor, the structure of the entire device is simple.

If the light irradiation position is set so that the thin layer of resin liquid on the surface of the rotating base passes through sequentially, the light irradiation mechanism at 1 locations will apply different light curing to multiple locations on the thin layer of resin liquid. layer can be formed, and the formation efficiency of the photocurable layer can be greatly improved.

According to the invention set forth in claim 4, by dripping the resin liquid onto the inner circumferential surface while rotating the cylindrical base, the resin liquid is quickly moved along the inner circumferential surface by the action of gravity and centrifugal force. A very thin layer of resin liquid can be quickly obtained. If the light is scanned orthogonally to the direction of rotation of the cylindrical base, a photocured layer with an arbitrary pattern shape or multiple locations can be formed just by scanning the light in the l direction. This makes it possible to simplify the light scanning mechanism and reduce the shape of the photocuring layer. Efficiency will also improve.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 2 and 3 are sectional views sequentially showing usage conditions, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment, and FIGS. dl is a sectional view showing the operating state in the order of steps, Fig. 6 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing another embodiment, Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of the main part, and Fig. 8 is an example of the shape of the cylindrical base. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional example.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A method of irradiating a thin layer of a photocurable resin liquid with light to form a photocured layer of a predetermined shape, and stacking a plurality of photocured layers to form a desired three-dimensional shape. , by dropping a photocurable resin liquid onto the surface of the base and moving the base, the photocurable resin liquid is diffused onto the base surface to form a thin layer of the photocurable resin liquid. A method for forming a three-dimensional shape. 2. A method for forming a three-dimensional shape according to the invention according to claim 1, in which the base is horizontally swung. 3. A method for forming a three-dimensional shape according to the invention according to claim 1, wherein the base is rotated in a horizontal plane. 4. A method for forming a three-dimensional shape according to the invention according to claim 1, comprising dropping a photocurable resin liquid onto the inner circumferential surface of a substantially cylindrical base and rotating the base around a central axis.