KR20200131180A - 3d printing system and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are a 3D printing system and a printing method that outputs a sculpture corresponding to a modeling file. The system includes: a 3D printer that discharges or cures printing materials to form a modeling surface corresponding to slicing data of the modeling file, and forms a sculpture by laminating the molding surfaces; a build plate in which the modeling surface is laminated by the 3D printer; a monitoring unit that monitors an output state of the modeling surface formed on the build plate by the 3D printer and provides image information of the modeling surface; an error detection unit for detecting an output error while comparing the image information of the modeling surface provided by the monitoring unit with slicing data of the modeling file; and an error correction unit for controlling the operation of the 3D printer based on the detection data of the error detection unit, correcting the output error when the output error occurs, and outputting the modeling surface again.

Description

3D printing system and 3D printing method {3D PRINTING SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF}

The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a 3D printing system and method that monitors a 3D printer, analyzes it, and corrects errors in real time.More specifically, the 3D printer checks a problem occurring during printing in real time and It relates to a 3D printing system and method, characterized in that the error of the process process is controlled by comparing and analyzing images and modeling data.

In general, a 3D printer is a manufacturing tool that implements a three-dimensional shape by stacking several layers (layers) in sequence, and a 3D printer creates an idea for printing, generates 3D modeling data, and transmits it to a 3D printer. It consists of a process of completing the output through data conversion.

For example, conventional 3D printers such as Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2016-0130592 can visually detect abnormal stacking of prints when an abnormality occurs during printing once printing is performed through the above process. As the printing proceeds without interruption before, it was difficult to avoid the loss of material and the wasted time of having to start printing again after taking measures for abnormalities.

In order to quickly respond when a problem occurred during printing, the user had to keep visually checking the process of printing, and as a technology to improve this, a method of monitoring the output status was suggested, but this also allows the user to monitor a separate monitoring status. There is a hassle to check.

In addition, when printing using a 3D printer, the user's experience and know-how must be determined when printing problems occur while observing the printing status with the naked eye or through a monitoring device. As a result, there is a difference in output quality.

Therefore, in order to increase the printing success rate and printing quality of the 3D printer, a skilled expert who can well understand and solve problems that may occur during printing is required, or a user needs a process of accumulating experience and know-how by himself.

Therefore, there is a need for a technique to solve the above-described problem.

On the other hand, the above-described background technology is technical information that the inventor possessed for derivation of the present invention or acquired during the derivation process of the present invention, and is not necessarily known to be publicly known before filing the present invention. .

The embodiments disclosed in the present specification relate to a 3D printing system and method that monitors a 3D printer, analyzes it, and corrects errors in real time.The 3D printer checks a problem occurring during printing in real time, and the image and modeling of the output An object of the present invention is to provide a 3D printing system and method characterized by controlling errors in a process by comparing and analyzing data.

As a technical means for achieving the above-described technical problem, in the 3D printing system according to an embodiment, in a 3D printing system that outputs a sculpture corresponding to a modeling file, the slicing data of the modeling file is discharged or cured by discharging or curing the printing material. A 3D printer for forming a sculpture by laminating the sculptured surfaces while forming a sculptured surface corresponding to the modeling surface; A build plate in which the modeling surface is laminated by the 3D printer; A monitoring unit that monitors an output state of the molding surface formed on the build plate by the 3D printer and provides image information of the molding surface; An error detection unit for detecting an output error while comparing the image information of the modeling surface provided by the monitoring unit with slicing data of the modeling file; And an error correction unit for controlling the operation of the 3D printer based on the detection data of the error detection unit, correcting the output error when the output error occurs, and re-outputting the modeling surface.

In addition, the error detection unit may include an image conversion unit for converting the image information of the modeling surface applied from the monitoring unit into a modeling surface image corresponding to the slicing data of the modeling file; And a comparison unit for comparing the modeling surface image converted by the image conversion unit with slicing data of the modeling file and applying a normal signal or an output error signal to the error correction unit according to a comparison result.

In addition, the error correction unit may include an error database in which error images of the modeling surface are stored for each type and correction data corresponding to each type is stored; A correction derivation unit that operates according to the output error signal applied from the error detection unit, compares the modeling surface image with an error image of the error database, and derives correction data corresponding to the error image; And outputting the next modeling surface of the modeling surface when the normal signal is applied by the comparison unit while controlling the operation of the 3D printer, and calculating the correction data derived from the correction guide unit when the output error signal is applied. It may include a printing control unit for re-outputting the molding surface based on.

In addition, the monitoring unit may include a main monitoring camera installed in a state adjacent to the build plate to photograph the modeling surface output to the build plate and apply the captured image information to the error detection unit; And a sub-monitoring camera that photographs the discharge state of the printing material or the cured state of the printing material by the 3D printer and applies the captured image information to the error detection unit.

In addition, the 3D printer may include a nozzle unit configured to form the modeling surface while discharging the printing material to the build plate based on the slicing data of the modeling file while heating the printing material; And a moving unit moving the nozzle unit in a predetermined direction.

In addition, the 3D printer, the resin receiving portion for accommodating the printing material; An elevating unit for elevating the build plate in a state immersed in the printing material of the resin receiving portion; And an optical engine unit configured to cure the printing material by irradiating a light source corresponding to the modeling surface to the resin receiving unit based on the slicing data of the modeling file.

In addition, as a technical means for achieving the above-described technical problem, the 3D printing method according to an embodiment, by discharging or curing a printing material to form a modeling surface corresponding to the slicing data of a modeling file, and laminating the modeling surface. In a 3D printing method performed by a 3D printing system including a 3D printer forming a sculpture and a build plate on which the modeling surface is laminated by the 3D printer, the 3D printer is operated based on the slicing data. Forming one shaping surface on the build plate; Providing image information of the shaping surface formed on the build plate; Detecting an output error by comparing image information of the modeling surface of the modeling surface and slicing data of the modeling file; If the output error is not detected, forming, by the 3D printer, a next molding surface; And when the output error is detected, correcting the output error and re-outputting the molding surface.

In addition, the re-outputting of the modeling surface may include comparing the image information of the modeling surface with a previously stored error image to derive an error image corresponding to the image information of the modeling surface; Deriving correction data corresponding to the type of the derived error image; And after the 3D printer re-prints the modeling surface based on the correction data, forming a next modeling surface.

The 3D printing system and method according to the above-described problem solving means has the following effects.

First, the 3D printer itself can observe the output output from the 3D printer in real time without the user watching.

Second, the output process can be corrected without proceeding to the next layer when a problem occurs by identifying a problem for each layer of the printed output.

Third, when printing starts, it monitors each layer stacked one by one and the printouts formed by each layer, so if a problem occurs, it recognizes that the problem has occurred immediately, and the 3D printer can arrange alternatives by itself, so the printing success rate And avoid the loss of material and time due to output failure.

Fourth, the problem can be accurately identified by comparing the actual captured image image and the image calculated by the 3D modeling file.

Fifth, it is possible to classify the identified problems and immediately and automatically correct the problems.

Sixth, by the above-described system, even when an unskilled user proceeds to print, the problem of the printout can be grasped, the printout can be easily carried out, and the same level of printout can be obtained regardless of the skill level of the user and the know-how possessed.

The effects that can be obtained in the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments disclosed from the following description belong. Can be understood.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a 3D printer according to an embodiment.
2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a 3D printer according to another embodiment.
3 is a block diagram illustrating a 3D printing system according to an exemplary embodiment.
4 is a block diagram specifically showing an error detection unit shown in FIG. 3.
5 is a block diagram specifically showing the error correction unit shown in FIG. 3.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a printing method using a 3D printing system according to an embodiment.
7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a step of detecting an output error shown in FIG. 6.

Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below may be modified and implemented in various different forms. In order to more clearly describe the features of the embodiments, detailed descriptions of matters widely known to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the following embodiments belong are omitted. In addition, parts not related to the description of the embodiments are omitted in the drawings, and similar reference numerals are attached to similar parts throughout the specification.

Throughout the specification, when a configuration is said to be "connected" with another configuration, this includes not only a case of being'directly connected' but also a case of being'connected with another configuration in between'. In addition, when a certain configuration "includes" a certain configuration, this means that other configurations may be further included rather than excluding other configurations, unless otherwise specified.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a 3D printer according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a 3D printer according to another embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a 3D printing system according to an embodiment Is also. In addition, FIG. 4 is a block diagram specifically showing the error detection unit shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram specifically showing the error correction unit shown in FIG. 3.

The 3D printing system 10 according to an embodiment can detect and correct an output error occurring in the printing process while outputting a 3D sculpture corresponding to a 3D modeling file through a 3D printer as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. System.

Specifically, the 3D printing system 10 according to an embodiment includes a 3D printer 100, a build plate 200, a monitoring unit 300, an error detection unit 400, and an error correction unit as shown in FIG. 500) can be included.

The 3D printer 100 is a component that forms a modeling surface corresponding to the slicing data of the modeling file on the build plate 200 while discharging or curing the printing material.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the 3D printer 100 may be applied with a fused deposition modeling (FDM) method, or a resin method as illustrated in FIG. 2.

Specifically, the FDM type 3D printer 100 may include a nozzle unit 110 and a moving unit 120 as shown in FIG. 1, and a build plate 200 may be installed.

The nozzle unit 110 forms a modeling surface on the build plate 200 while discharging the printing material in a heated state based on the slicing data of the modeling file. If there is no output error on the formed modeling surface, The sculpture can be formed by laminating the next molding surface.

The moving unit 120 may move the nozzle unit 110 in a direction corresponding to the slicing data of the modeling file while moving in the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis direction.

That is, the nozzle unit 120 may form a molding surface by discharging the printing material while moving in a direction corresponding to the slicing data of the modeling file by the moving unit 120.

The resin type 3D printer 100 may be configured to include a resin receiving unit 150, a lifting unit 160, and an optical engine unit as shown in FIG. 2, and a build plate 200 may be installed. have.

The resin receiving unit 150 may be configured in a container shape with an open top to accommodate a printing material composed of a photocurable resin in a liquid state.

Here, the photocurable resin is cured when receiving light such as ultraviolet rays, and all components known in the field to which the present invention pertains may be applied.

The lifting unit 160 is a component that forms a molding surface by curing the photocurable resin in the build plate 200 while lifting the build plate 200 in a state immersed in the resin receiving portion 100.

The optical engine unit is a component that forms a modeling surface by curing a printing material on the build plate 200 by irradiating a light source corresponding to the modeling surface to the resin receiving unit 150 based on the slicing data of the modeling file.

Such an optical engine unit may be installed under the resin receiving portion 100 and may be configured with any one of display elements that emit light.

More specifically, the light engine unit is any one selected from the group of self-luminous display elements including, for example, micro LED (Light Emitting Diode), LCD, LED, OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), and FED (Field Emission Display). It may be composed of a set of devices, and may include a device that provides a light source having a predetermined wavelength in addition.

That is, the printing material made of a photocurable resin may be cured through a light source provided from the light engine unit while being accommodated in the resin receiving portion 150 to form a molding surface on the build plate 200.

The monitoring unit 300 is a component that monitors the output state of the molding surface formed on the build plate 200 and applies image information of the molding surface to the error detection unit 400 to be described later.

The monitoring unit 300 may include a main monitoring camera 310 and a sub monitoring camera 320 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The main monitoring camera 310 is a component that provides image information by directly photographing a molding surface formed on the build plate 200, and may be installed in a state adjacent to the build plate 200.

The sub-monitoring camera 310 may photograph the discharge state or the cured state of the printing material and apply image information to the error detection unit 400 to be described later.

This sub-monitoring camera 310 can monitor the discharge state of the nozzle unit 110 in the FDM type 3D printer 100, and in the resin type 3D printer 100, the printing material of the resin receiving unit 150 Curing status can be monitored.

The error detection unit 400 is a component that detects an output error of a modeling surface based on image information provided by the monitoring unit 300 and slicing data of a modeling file.

Specifically, the error detection unit 400 may include an image conversion unit 410 and a comparison unit 420 as illustrated in FIG. 4.

The image conversion unit 410 may convert the image information on the modeling surface applied by the monitoring unit 300 into a modeling surface image corresponding to the slicing data of the modeling file.

That is, the image conversion unit 410 may generate a modeling surface image by converting the image information captured by the monitoring unit 300 into a slicing data format of a modeling file, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 7.

The comparison unit 420 compares the modeling surface image converted by the image conversion unit 410 with slicing data for the corresponding modeling surface, and converts a normal signal or an output error signal to an error correction unit 500 to be described later according to the comparison result. Can be approved.

That is, the comparison unit 420 compares the modeling surface image for the image information with the slicing data of the modeling file, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 7, so that when the modeling surface image and the slicing data match, the normal signal can be applied. , If the modeling surface image and the slicing data are inconsistent, an output error signal can be applied.

The error correction unit 500 controls the operation of the 3D printer 100 based on the detection data of the normal signal or the output error signal detected by the error detection unit 400, and corrects the output error when an output error occurs. It is a component for reprinting the face.

As shown in FIG. 5, the error correction unit 500 may include an error database 510, a correction guide unit 520, and a printing control unit 530.

The error database 510 may store a plurality of error images for errors on the molding surface for each type, and correction data corresponding to each error type may be stored.

That is, the error database 510 may store error images for output errors that may occur on the molding surface as big data, and correction data capable of correcting each error image may be stored as big data.

The correction drawing unit 520 is a component for deriving correction data for a steering surface in which an output error has occurred.

Specifically, the correction guide unit 520 may operate according to an output error signal applied from the error detection unit 400, and the steering surface image in which the output error has occurred is compared with the error image accumulated in the error database 510 to steer. After deriving the error image corresponding to the plane image, correction data corresponding to the derived error image can be derived.

The printing control unit 530 controls the operation of the 3D printer 100 to output the modeling surface, and when an output error occurs, the printing control unit 530 controls the operation of the 3D printer 100 to reprint the corresponding modeling surface. to be.

Specifically, the printing control unit 530 can control the 3D printer 100 to output the next modeling surface when a normal signal is applied from the comparison unit 420 constituting the error detection unit 400, and the comparison unit ( When the output error signal is applied at 420, the corresponding modeling surface may be re-output based on the correction data derived from the correction and guidance unit 520.

That is, the printing control unit 530 may form the next printing surface on the top or bottom of the printing surface based on the slicing data of the modeling file when an output error does not occur on the printing surface, and when an output error occurs Errors can be corrected by re-printing the model surface based on the correction data that can correct the model surface correctly.

A printing method by the 3D printing system 10 according to an embodiment including the above components will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

The printing control unit 530 operates the 3D printer 100 based on the slicing data of the modeling file, and forms one modeling surface corresponding to the slicing data of the modeling file on the build plate 200 (S100).

The monitoring unit 300 photographs the molding surface formed on the build plate 200 and provides image information to the error detection unit 400 (S200).

The error detection unit 400 detects an output error of the modeling surface based on the slicing data of the modeling file on the image information provided by the monitoring unit 300 (S300).

Specifically, the error detection unit 400 converts the image information provided from the monitoring unit 300 into a modeling surface image corresponding to the slicing data of the modeling file (S310), and converts the converted modeling surface image into slicing data for the corresponding modeling surface. While comparing with, a normal signal or an output error signal is applied to the error correction unit 500 according to the comparison result (S320).

The printing control unit 530 constituting the error correction unit 500 controls the 3D printer 100 when a normal signal is applied from the error detection unit 400 to form a next molding surface (S400).

On the contrary, when an output error signal is applied from the error detection unit 400, the printing control unit 530 corrects an output error for a corresponding modeling surface and re-outputs the modeling surface (S500).

At this time, the correction guide unit 520 constituting the error correction unit 500 compares the modeling surface image for the image information of the modeling surface with the error image and the error image stored in the error database 510 to match the steering surface image. After the error image is derived (S510), correction data corresponding to the type of the derived error image is derived (S520).

Then, the printing control unit 530 outputs a corresponding modeling surface again based on the derived correction data while controlling the 3D printer 100, and then outputs the next modeling surface at the top or bottom of the modeling surface (S530).

As described above, according to the 3D printing system 10 and the printing method according to an embodiment, since the output formed by each layer is monitored in real time, when an output error occurs, it can be immediately recognized, and the generated error is corrected. As it can be reprinted, the success rate of printing can be increased and loss of material and time due to printing failure can be avoided.

The above-described embodiments are for illustrative purposes only, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the above-described embodiments belong can easily transform into other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features of the above-described embodiments. You can understand. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative and non-limiting in all respects. For example, each component described as a single type may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as being distributed may also be implemented in a combined form.

The steps of the method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiment of the 3D printing system 10 according to an embodiment may be implemented directly in hardware, implemented as a software module executed by hardware, or a combination thereof. I can. Software modules include Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), Flash Memory, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or It may reside on any type of computer-readable recording medium well known in the art to which the present invention belongs.

The scope to be protected through the present specification is indicated by the claims to be described later rather than the detailed description, and should be interpreted as including all changes or modified forms derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and the concept of equivalents thereof. .

10: 3D printing system
100: 3D printer
110: nozzle unit
120: mobile unit
150: resin receiving part
160: lifting unit
200: build plate
300: monitoring unit
310: main monitoring camera
320: sub monitoring camera
400: error detection unit
410: image conversion unit
420: comparison unit
500: Error correction government
510: error database
520: correction guide unit
530: printing control unit

Claims (9)

In a 3D printing system that outputs a sculpture corresponding to a modeling file,
A 3D printer that discharges or cures a printing material to form a modeling surface corresponding to the slicing data of the modeling file, and laminates the modeling surface to form a sculpture;
A build plate in which the modeling surface is laminated by the 3D printer;
A monitoring unit that monitors an output state of the modeling surface formed on the build plate by the 3D printer and provides image information of the modeling surface;
An error detection unit for detecting an output error while comparing the image information of the modeling surface provided by the monitoring unit with slicing data of the modeling file; And
3D printing system comprising an error correction unit for controlling the operation of the 3D printer based on the detection data of the error detection unit, correcting the output error when the output error occurs, and outputting the modeling surface again.
The method of claim 1,
The error detection unit,
An image conversion unit for converting the image information of the modeling surface applied from the monitoring unit into a modeling surface image corresponding to the slicing data of the modeling file; And
3D printing system comprising a comparison unit for comparing the modeling surface image converted by the image conversion unit with slicing data of the modeling file and applying a normal signal or an output error signal to the error correction unit according to a comparison result.
The method of claim 2,
The error correction unit,
An error database in which error images of the modeling surface are stored for each type and correction data corresponding to each type is stored;
A correction derivation unit that operates according to the output error signal applied from the error detection unit, compares the modeling surface image with an error image of the error database, and derives correction data corresponding to the error image; And
While controlling the operation of the 3D printer, the comparison unit outputs the next modeling surface of the modeling surface when the normal signal is applied, and when the output error signal is applied, based on the correction data derived from the correction guide unit. 3D printing system comprising a printing control unit for re-outputting the molding surface.
The method of claim 1,
The monitoring unit,
3D printing system comprising a main monitoring camera installed in a state adjacent to the build plate to photograph the modeling surface output on the build plate and apply the captured image information to the error detection unit.
The method of claim 4,
The monitoring unit,
3D printing system further comprising a sub-monitoring camera for applying the image information photographed by photographing the discharge state of the printing material or the cured state of the printing material by the 3D printer to the error detection unit.
The method of claim 1,
The 3D printer,
A nozzle unit for forming the modeling surface while discharging the printing material to the build plate based on the slicing data of the modeling file while heating the printing material; And
3D printing system comprising a moving unit for moving the nozzle unit in a predetermined direction.
The method of claim 1,
The 3D printer,
A resin receiving unit for receiving the printing material;
An elevating unit for elevating the build plate in a state immersed in the printing material of the resin receiving portion; And
3D printing system comprising a light engine unit for curing the printing material by irradiating a light source corresponding to the molding surface to the resin receiving portion based on the slicing data of the modeling file.
A 3D printer that forms a modeling surface corresponding to the slicing data of a modeling file by discharging or curing a printing material to form a sculpture, and a build plate in which the modeling surface is laminated by the 3D printer. In the 3D printing method performed by the 3D printing system,
Forming one molding surface on the build plate while the 3D printer operates based on the slicing data;
Providing image information of the shaping surface formed on the build plate;
Detecting an output error by comparing image information of the modeling surface of the modeling surface and slicing data of the modeling file;
If the output error is not detected, forming, by the 3D printer, a next molding surface; And
3D printing method comprising the step of correcting the output error when the output error is detected and re-printing the modeling surface.
The method of claim 8,
The step of re-outputting the molding surface,
Comparing the image information of the modeling surface with a previously stored error image to derive an error image corresponding to the image information of the modeling surface;
Deriving correction data corresponding to the type of the derived error image; And
3D printing method comprising the step of forming a next modeling surface after the 3D printer reprints the modeling surface based on the correction data.

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