Three-dimensional modeling device and method for manufacturing three-dimensional modeling object

Abstract

Provided are a three-dimensional modeling device and a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, which can suppress the need for replacement or exchange of a measuring unit and control the positions of a workbench and a nozzle based on a measured distance. The three-dimensional modeling device comprises: a modeling unit having a nozzle that ejects a modeling material from a nozzle opening on a front end surface; a workbench having a deposition surface; a moving mechanism that changes the relative position of the nozzle and the workbench; a measuring unit disposed at a position capable of opposing the front end surface; a reference unit having a reference surface disposed at a position corresponding to the deposition surface in a cross direction and capable of opposing the measuring unit, the reference unit being provided separately from the nozzle; and a control unit. The control unit controls the measuring unit as follows: it controls the measuring unit to measure a first value related to the distance between the measuring unit and the reference surface and a second value related to the distance between the measuring unit and the front end surface; and based on the first and second values, it determines the distance between the front end surface and the deposition surface when modeling the three-dimensional object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a three-dimensional modeling device and a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional modeled object. Background Art

[0002] Regarding a three-dimensional modeling device, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for detecting a useful modeling distance between the work surface and the nozzle tip based on a first distance between the first detection unit and the nozzle tip, as detected by a first detection unit integrally supported by the work surface, and a second distance between the work surface and the first detection unit. The technique then controls the position of the work surface relative to the nozzle based on the useful modeling distance, thereby modeling an object. The technique further discloses that the second distance is obtained based on a measurement value obtained by the second detection unit integrally supported by the modeling unit, or based on a pre-stored distance or a pre-stored distance corrected for temperature or other factors.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-217792.

[0006] If the second distance is determined based on the measurement value of a second detection unit integrally supported with the molding unit, replacing the molding unit requires replacing the second detection unit with the molding unit, or replacing the second detection unit with the new molding unit. Furthermore, if the second distance is determined based on a pre-stored distance, the actual molding distance may differ from the actual distance. Therefore, the position of the worktable relative to the nozzle cannot be controlled based on the actual distance, potentially affecting the accuracy of the molded object. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a three-dimensional modeling device is provided. The three-dimensional modeling device comprises: a modeling unit having a nozzle that ejects a modeling material from a nozzle opening formed in a front end surface; a workbench having a deposition surface on which the modeling material is deposited; a moving mechanism that changes the relative position of the nozzle and the workbench; a measuring unit disposed at a position capable of opposing the front end surface; a reference unit having a reference surface disposed at a position corresponding to the deposition surface in a direction intersecting the deposition surface and capable of opposing the measuring unit, the reference unit being provided separately from the nozzle; and a control unit that controls the modeling unit and the moving mechanism to model a three-dimensional object. The control unit controls the measuring unit to measure a first value related to the distance between the measuring unit and the reference surface and a second value related to the distance between the measuring unit and the front end surface; and determines the distance between the front end surface and the deposition surface when modeling the three-dimensional object based on the first and second values.

[0008] According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional modeled object is provided, which is a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional modeled object in a three-dimensional modeling device, the three-dimensional modeling device comprising: a nozzle for ejecting modeling material from a nozzle opening formed on a front end surface; a workbench having a stacking surface for stacking the modeling material; a moving mechanism for changing the relative position of the nozzle and the workbench; a measuring portion, the measuring portion being arranged at a position capable of being opposite to the front end surface; and a reference portion having a reference surface, the reference surface being arranged at a position corresponding to the stacking surface in a direction intersecting the stacking surface and capable of being opposite to the measuring portion, the reference portion being separately provided from the nozzle. The manufacturing method of the three-dimensional modeled object includes the following steps: a first step, measuring a first value as a value related to the distance between the measuring part and the reference surface by the measuring part; a second step, measuring a second value as a value related to the distance between the measuring part and the front end face by the measuring part; and a third step, shaping the three-dimensional modeled object by changing the relative position of the nozzle for ejecting the modeling material and the workbench, and determining the distance between the front end face and the stacking surface in the third step based on the first value and the second value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is a first diagram showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus in a first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a second diagram showing a schematic configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus in the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of the groove forming surface side of the screw.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a plan view showing the structure of the screw-opposing side of the barrel.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the lower side of the reference portion.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the measurement process in the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the position adjustment process.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining the position adjustment process.

[0017] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the inspection process.

[0018] Figure 10 This is the first diagram for explaining the inspection process.

[0019] Figure 11 It is a flowchart showing the measurement process.

[0020] Figure 12 It is a diagram for explaining the second step.

[0021] Figure 13 3D modeling process.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a flowchart showing the measurement process in the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 15 It is a diagram illustrating an example of position adjustment processing in another embodiment.

[0024] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional modeling device in a third embodiment.

[0025] Figure 17 It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional modeling device in a fourth embodiment.

[0026] Figure 18 This is a flowchart showing the measurement process in the fourth embodiment.

[0027] Explanation of symbols

[0028] 20. Material supply unit; 22. Supply path; 30. Plasticizing unit; 31. Screw housing; 32. Drive motor; 40. Screw; 41. Upper surface; 42. Groove-forming surface; 43. Side surface; 44. Material inlet; 45. Groove; 46. Raised strip; 47. Central portion; 50. Cylinder; 52. Screw opposite surface; 54. Guide groove; 56. Connecting hole; 58. Heater; 61, 61b, Nozzle; 62. Nozzle opening; 63. Front end surface; 65. Nozzle flow path; 66. Disassembly unit; 67, Hole; 68. First threaded portion; 69. Second threaded portion; 100, 100b, 100c, Three-dimensional molding device; 110. First cleaning unit; 111. First waste material storage unit; 112 , first cleaning component; 120, second cleaning part; 121, second waste material storage part; 122, second cleaning component; 123, blower; 200, 200b, shaping part; 205, supporting part; 300, workbench; 311, stacking surface; 400, moving mechanism part; 410, first electric actuator; 420, second electric actuator; 430, third electric actuator; 500, control part; 600, measuring part; 601, main body; 602, contact; 603, shell; 604, upper surface of shell; 605, hole; 610, reference part; 611, reference surface; 612, inspection surface; 620, adjustment part; 621, movable part; 700, heating part; 800, notification part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] A. First embodiment:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a first diagram showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 2 is a second diagram showing a schematic configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 in the first embodiment. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 , arrows along the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions are shown. The X, Y, and Z directions are directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, which are three mutually orthogonal spatial axes, and include both directions along one side of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis and their opposite directions. The X-axis and the Y-axis are axes along the horizontal plane, and the Z-axis is an axis along the plumb line. The -Z direction is the plumb direction, and the +Z direction is the direction opposite to the plumb direction. The -Z direction is also referred to as "down," and the +Z direction is also referred to as "up." Arrows along the X, Y, and Z directions are also shown appropriately in other figures. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The X, Y, and Z directions in FIG. 1 represent the same directions as those in other figures.

[0031] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2As shown, the three-dimensional modeling device 100 includes a modeling unit 200, a workbench 300, a moving mechanism unit 400, a control unit 500, a measuring unit 600, a reference unit 610, an adjustment unit 620, a heating unit 700, and a notification unit 800. Figure 1 In the figure, the measuring unit 600, the reference unit 610, the adjusting unit 620 and the notifying unit 800 are omitted.

[0032] The molding unit 200, under the control of the control unit 500, melts the solid material to form a paste-like molding material and sprays it onto the molding workbench 300 which becomes the base of the three-dimensional molding object. Figure 2 As shown, the molding unit 200 includes a material supply unit 20, which serves as a supply source for the material before it is converted into molding material; a plasticizing unit 30, which plasticizes the material to produce molding material; and a nozzle 61, which ejects the produced molding material. The molding unit 200 is sometimes referred to as a head.

[0033] The material supply unit 20 contains material in a pelletized or powdered form. In this embodiment, pelletized ABS resin is used as the material. In this embodiment, the material supply unit 20 comprises a hopper. Below the material supply unit 20, a supply path 22 is provided connecting the material supply unit 20 and the plasticizing unit 30. The material supply unit 20 supplies material to the plasticizing unit 30 via the supply path 22. Details regarding the material will be described later.

[0034] The plasticizing section 30 includes a screw housing 31, a drive motor 32, a screw 40, and a barrel 50. The plasticizing section 30 plasticizes at least a portion of the material supplied from the material supply section 20 to generate a fluid pasty molding material, and supplies it to the nozzle 61. "Plasticizing" refers to heating a thermoplastic material to melt it. "Melting" not only means that a thermoplastic material is heated to a temperature above its melting point to become liquid, but also means that a thermoplastic material is heated to a temperature above its glass transition temperature to soften and exhibit fluidity. It should be noted that the screw 40 of this embodiment is a so-called flat screw, sometimes also referred to as a "scroll."

[0035] The screw housing 31 is a frame for accommodating the screw 40. A barrel 50 is fixed to the lower surface of the screw housing 31, and the screw 40 is accommodated in the space surrounded by the screw housing 31 and the barrel 50. The screw 40 has a groove forming surface 42 with a groove 45 formed on the surface opposite to the barrel 50. A drive motor 32 is fixed to the upper surface of the screw housing 31. The rotating shaft of the drive motor 32 is connected to the upper surface 41 side of the screw 40. It should be noted that the drive motor 32 may not be directly connected to the screw 40. For example, the screw 40 and the drive motor 32 may also be connected via a reducer. The drive motor 32 is driven under the control of the control unit 500.

[0036] The barrel 50 is disposed below the screw 40. The barrel 50 has a screw-facing surface 52 that faces the groove-forming surface 42 of the screw 40. A communication hole 56 is provided in the barrel 50 on the central axis RX of the screw 40, which communicates with the nozzle flow path 65 of the nozzle 61 described later. A heater 58 is built into the barrel 50 at a position facing the groove 45 of the screw 40. The temperature of the heater 58 is controlled by the control unit 500.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of the groove forming surface 42 side of the screw 40. The central portion 47 of the groove forming surface 42 of the screw 40 is configured as a concave portion connected to one end of the groove 45. The central portion 47 is connected to the groove 45. Figure 2 The communicating holes 56 of the cartridge 50 are shown facing each other. The central portion 47 intersects the central axis RX.

[0038] The groove 45 constitutes a so-called vortex groove. The groove 45 extends in a spiral shape from the central portion 47 toward the outer periphery of the screw 40 in an arc shape. The groove forming surface 42 is provided with a ridge portion 46 that constitutes the side wall portion of the groove 45 and extends along each groove 45. The groove 45 continues to the material inlet 44 formed on the side surface 43 of the screw 40. The material inlet 44 is a portion that receives the material supplied via the supply path 22 of the material supply portion 20. As shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, three grooves 45 are formed, separated by ridges 46. It should be noted that the number of grooves 45 is not limited to three and may be one or more. The grooves 45 are not limited to a spiral shape and may also be spiral or involute curves, or may extend in an arc from the center toward the periphery.

[0039] Figure 41 is a top view showing the structure of the screw-opposing surface 52 of the barrel 50. As described above, a connecting hole 56 is formed in the center of the screw-opposing surface 52. A plurality of guide grooves 54 are formed around the connecting hole 56 of the screw-opposing surface 52. One end of each guide groove 54 is connected to the connecting hole 56, and extends in a spiral shape from the connecting hole 56 to the outer periphery of the screw-opposing surface 52. Each guide groove 54 has the function of guiding the molding material to the connecting hole 56. It should be noted that one end of the guide groove 54 may not be connected to the connecting hole 56. In addition, the guide groove 54 may not be formed on the barrel 50.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the nozzle 61 includes a nozzle flow path 65 and a front end face 63 having a nozzle opening 62. The nozzle flow path 65 is a flow path for the molding material formed within the nozzle 61 and is connected to the communication hole 56 of the barrel 50. The front end face 63 is the surface that constitutes the front end portion of the nozzle 61 that protrudes in the -Z direction toward the deposition surface 311. The nozzle opening 62 is located at the end of the nozzle flow path 65 on the side that communicates with the atmosphere and is a portion where the flow path cross-section of the nozzle flow path 65 is reduced. The molding material generated in the plasticizing section 30 is supplied to the nozzle 61 via the communication hole 56 and ejected from the nozzle opening 62 via the nozzle flow path 65.

[0041] The workbench 300 is arranged at a position opposite to the front end surface 63 of the nozzle 61. The workbench 300 has a stacking surface 311 on which the modeling material ejected from the nozzle opening 62 of the nozzle 61 is stacked. The stacking surface 311 of the present embodiment is configured as a surface parallel to the X direction and the Y direction. Hereinafter, the direction intersecting the stacking surface 311 will also be referred to as the intersection direction. The intersection direction includes both the direction along the side of the same axis and the opposite direction thereof. In the present embodiment, the intersection direction is a direction orthogonal to the stacking surface 311, and is a direction along the Z axis. The three-dimensional modeling device 100 ejects the modeling material from the nozzle 61 toward the stacking surface 311 of the workbench 300, and models the three-dimensional modeling object by stacking layers of the modeling material.

[0042] The moving mechanism 400 changes the relative position of the nozzle 61 and the workbench 300. In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 400 changes the relative position of the nozzle 61 and the workbench 300 in the X and Y directions by moving the workbench 300 in the X and Y directions, and changes the relative position of the nozzle 61 and the workbench 300 in the Z direction by moving the molding unit 200 along the Z direction. Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the moving mechanism 400 is composed of a first electric actuator 410 that moves the worktable 300 in the X direction, a second electric actuator 420 that moves the worktable 300 and the first electric actuator 410 in the Y direction, and a third electric actuator 430 that moves the molding unit 200 in the Z direction. Each electric actuator 410 to 430 is driven under the control of the control unit 500. In other embodiments, the moving mechanism 400 may, for example, move the worktable 300 in the Z direction and the molding unit 200 in the X and Y directions, or move the worktable 300 in the X, Y, and Z directions without moving the molding unit 200, or move the molding unit 200 in the X, Y, and Z directions without moving the worktable 300.

[0043] It should be noted that, hereinafter, the change in the relative position of the nozzle 61 with respect to the work table 300 may sometimes be referred to simply as the movement of the nozzle 61. In this embodiment, for example, moving the work table 300 in the +X direction relative to the nozzle 61 may also be referred to as moving the nozzle 61 in the -X direction. Similarly, the change in the relative position of the molding unit 200 or the heating unit 700 (described later) with respect to the work table 300 may sometimes be referred to simply as the movement of the molding unit 200 or the heating unit 700.

[0044] Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The heating unit 700 shown is a component for heating the molding material deposited on the deposition surface 311. In this embodiment, the heating unit 700 is arranged around the outer periphery of the nozzle 61 and is fixed to the molding unit 200 via the support unit 205. The support unit 205 has a rectangular plate-like outer shape, and a through-hole for inserting the nozzle 61 is provided in the center of the support unit 205. The heating unit 700 is arranged parallel to the deposition surface 311. The heating unit 700 moves along with the molding unit 200, which is moved by the moving mechanism 400. In other words, the heating unit 700 moves along with the movement of the nozzle 61.

[0045] The heating unit 700 of this embodiment is comprised of a heater configured to uniformly heat the entire area of ​​the deposition surface 311. More specifically, the area of ​​the heating unit 700 is larger than that of the deposition surface 311, and the outer periphery of the heating unit 700, when viewed in the Z direction, is positioned outside the region where the worktable 300 moves relative to the nozzle 61. In other words, regardless of how the relative positions of the heating unit 700 and the worktable 300 are changed by the moving mechanism 400, the worktable 300 is positioned inward of the outer periphery of the heating unit 700, when viewed in the Z direction. The heater constituting the heating unit 700 may be, for example, a halogen heater, a nichrome wire heater, a carbon heater, or a heater that delivers hot air.

[0046] Figure 2The measuring unit 600 shown is a component for measuring the first value and the second value described later. The measuring unit 600 of this embodiment is composed of a shaft-shaped contact displacement sensor, which has a main body 601 and a contact 602. The contact 602 has a shaft shape, and its front end protrudes from the inside of the main body 601 to the outside of the main body 601 in the +Z direction. More specifically, the contact 602 is configured to be able to slide relative to the main body 601 in the Z direction by being driven by air in a manner such as being pressed into the main body 601 or protruding out of the main body 601. The air that drives the contact 602 is supplied to the main body 601 via a tube or the like from an air supply unit (not shown). The main body 601 detects the position change of the contact 602 relative to the main body 601 caused by the above-mentioned sliding movement through a differential transformer. The detected position change of the contact 602 is sent to the control unit 500.

[0047] The measuring unit 600 of this embodiment is housed in a housing 603. A hole 605 is provided on the upper surface 604 of the housing 603, overlapping with the contact 602 when viewed in the Z direction. The contact 602 can protrude from the inside of the housing 603 to the outside of the housing 603 in the +Z direction through the hole 605, and can also return from the outside of the housing 603 to the inside of the housing 603 in the -Z direction. The measuring unit 600 and the housing 603 are each fixed to the workbench 300 and are configured to move in the X and Y directions as the moving mechanism 400 moves the workbench 300. By housing the measuring unit 600 in the housing 603, the measuring unit 600 and the heating unit 700 are separated by the housing 603, thereby preventing the heat generated by the heating unit 700 from affecting the measuring unit 600.

[0048] The measuring unit 600 is positioned so as to be able to face the front end surface 63 of the nozzle 61. More specifically, the measuring unit 600 is configured such that the front end of the contact 602 is fixed to the worktable 300 with the front end facing the +Z direction. The measuring unit 600 moves in the X and Y directions as the worktable 300 moves, thereby being able to face the front end surface 63. Similarly, the measuring unit 600 is configured so as to be able to face the reference surface 611 and the inspection surface 612 of the reference unit 610, which will be described later.

[0049] Figure 5 610 is a perspective view showing the structure of the lower side of the reference portion 610. Figure 2 as well as Figure 5As shown, the reference portion 610 is a component separate from the nozzle 61, and has a reference surface 611. The reference surface is a surface that is arranged at a position corresponding to the stacking surface 311 in the Z direction and can be opposite to the measuring portion 600. In addition, the reference portion 610 of this embodiment has an inspection surface 612, which is arranged at a position that is a predetermined distance away from the reference surface 611 in the Z direction and can be opposite to the measuring portion 600. In other words, the reference surface 611 and the inspection surface 612 have a predetermined height difference between the two in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the reference surface 611 and the inspection surface 612 are both surfaces parallel to the stacking surface 311 and are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The inspection surface 612 is a surface located in the +Z direction of the reference surface 611, that is, a surface that is higher than the reference surface 611. It should be noted that in Figure 2 In FIG, the inspection surface 612 is represented by a dotted line.

[0050] Figure 2 The adjustment unit 620 shown adjusts the position of the reference surface 611 in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the adjustment unit 620 comprises an electric actuator that moves the reference portion 610 in the Z direction. More specifically, the reference portion 610 is fixed to a movable portion 621 of the adjustment unit 620 via a fixing portion. The adjustment unit 620 moves the movable portion 621 in the Z direction, thereby moving the reference portion 610 in the Z direction. This adjusts the position of the reference surface 611 in the Z direction.

[0051] The notification unit 800 notifies the user of information. In this embodiment, the notification unit 800 comprises a liquid crystal monitor connected to the control unit 500, and provides information by displaying visual information on the LCD monitor. The notification unit 800 may, for example, provide information on the control status of the three-dimensional modeling device 100. For example, if the three-dimensional modeling device 100 is housed within a housing, the notification unit 800 may be positioned on the outer wall of the housing as a monitor that can be visually viewed from outside the housing.

[0052] The control unit 500 is a device that controls the overall operation of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100. The control unit 500 is comprised of a computer equipped with one or more processors, memory, and an input / output interface for external signal input and output. The control unit 500 performs various functions, such as performing the measurement processing described later and the three-dimensional modeling processing described later, by having the processor execute programs and commands read from the main storage device. It should be noted that the control unit 500 can also be implemented by combining multiple circuits to implement at least a portion of each function, rather than being comprised of a computer. The control unit 500 is sometimes referred to as an information processing device.

[0053] Figure 6This is a flowchart illustrating the measurement process in this embodiment. The measurement process is a process for measuring a first value related to the distance between the measurement unit 600 and the reference surface 611, and a second value related to the distance between the measurement unit 600 and the front end surface 63. In this embodiment, the measurement process is executed when the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 is activated.

[0054] In step S110, the control unit 500 performs a position adjustment process for adjusting the Z-direction position of the reference surface 611. In this embodiment, the control unit 500 controls the adjustment unit 620 in step S110 to bring the reference surface 611 into contact with the deposition surface 311, thereby aligning the Z-direction position of the reference surface 611 with the Z-direction position of the deposition surface 311.

[0055] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the position adjustment process. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the position adjustment process. Figure 7 In step S111, the control unit 500 controls the moving mechanism unit 400 to move the workbench 300 to a predetermined adjustment position. The adjustment position refers to the position in the X direction and the Y direction for adjusting the position of the reference surface 611 in the Z direction. The adjustment position in this embodiment is the position where a portion of the stacking surface 311 overlaps a portion of the reference surface 611 when viewed along the Z direction. In step S112, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the control unit 500 controls the adjustment unit 620 to move the reference unit 610 in the Z direction, thereby bringing the reference surface 611 into contact with the deposition surface 311. In step S113, the control unit 500 fixes the reference unit 610 at the position where the reference surface 611 contacts the deposition surface 311, thereby fixing the position of the reference surface 611. Thus, the position of the reference surface 611 in the Z direction is fixed, with the position of the reference surface 611 in the Z direction aligned with the position of the deposition surface 311 in the Z direction.

[0056] exist Figure 6 In step S120, the control unit 500 performs an inspection process for inspecting the accuracy of the measuring unit 600. In this embodiment, in step S120, the control unit 500 measures a value related to the distance between the measuring unit 600 and the reference surface 611, and a value related to the distance between the measuring unit 600 and the inspection surface 612, measures the height difference between the reference surface 611 and the inspection surface 612, and inspects the accuracy of the measuring unit 600 based on the measured height difference.

[0057] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the inspection process. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the inspection process. Figure 10 In, with Figure 2 Likewise, the inspection surface 612 is indicated by a dashed line. Figure 9 In step S121, the control unit 500 controls the moving mechanism unit 400 to move the measuring unit 600 to the position directly below the reference surface 611 of the reference unit 610. In step S122, the control unit 500 controls the measuring unit 600 to bring the contact 602 into contact with the reference surface 611, thereby measuring the distance between the measuring unit 600 and the reference surface 611 in the Z direction as a value related to the distance between the measuring unit 600 and the reference surface 611. More specifically, in step S122, the control unit 500 controls the measuring unit 600 to move the contact 602 to the reference surface 611. Figure 10 As shown, air is supplied to the main body 601, so that the contact 602 is ejected in the +Z direction, so that the contact 602 contacts the reference surface 611, and the position of the contact 602 in the Z direction relative to the main body 601 is obtained. The position of the contact 602 in the Z direction corresponds to the position of the reference surface 611 in the Z direction. The control unit 500 measures the distance in the Z direction between the measuring unit 600 and the reference surface 611 based on the difference in the position of the contact 602 in the Z direction before and after the ejection of the contact 602, and stores the measured distance in the memory. Figure 9 In step S123 , the control unit 500 stops supplying air to the main body 601 and pulls the contact 602 back in the −Z direction.

[0058] In step S124, the control unit 500 controls the moving mechanism 400 to move the measuring unit 600 to a position directly below the inspection surface 612. In step S125, the control unit 500 controls the measuring unit 600 to detect the distance in the Z direction between the measuring unit 600 and the inspection surface 612 as a value related to the distance between the measuring unit 600 and the inspection surface 612. More specifically, in step S125, the control unit 500 brings the contactor 602 into contact with the inspection surface 612, similar to the contactor 602 brought into contact with the reference surface 611 in step S122. This detects the position of the contactor 602 in the Z direction relative to the main body 601, thereby detecting the position of the inspection surface 612 in the Z direction and the distance between the measuring unit 600 and the inspection surface 612 in the Z direction. The distance detected in step S125 is stored in the memory of the control unit 500. Figure 9 Step S126 is the same as step S123.

[0059] In step S127, the control unit 500 calculates the height difference between the reference surface 611 and the inspection surface 612 by calculating the difference between the distance between the measurement unit 600 and the reference surface 611 detected in step S122 and the distance between the measurement unit 600 and the inspection surface 612 detected in step S125. Thus, in this embodiment, the control unit 500 measures the height difference between the reference surface 611 and the inspection surface 612 by executing steps S121 to S127. Hereinafter, the height difference between the reference surface 611 and the inspection surface 612 measured by the measurement unit 600 may also be referred to as the first height difference.

[0060] In step S128, the control unit 500 determines whether the first height difference calculated in step S127 is consistent with a predetermined second height difference. In this embodiment, the control unit 500 determines whether the first height difference and the second height difference are consistent in step S128 by determining whether they are consistent within a predetermined tolerance range. If the control unit 500 determines that the first height difference and the second height difference are consistent within the predetermined tolerance range, it determines that the accuracy of the measuring unit 600 meets the predetermined condition and ends the inspection process. If the control unit 500 determines that the first height difference and the second height difference are inconsistent, it determines that the accuracy of the measuring unit 600 does not meet the predetermined condition. The predetermined tolerance range is, for example, 5% of the second height difference. In other embodiments, the control unit 500 may also determine in step S128 whether the average of the first height differences measured multiple times is consistent with the second height difference. In this case, the control unit 500 can calculate the average of the first height differences by, for example, repeatedly performing steps S121 to S127 and measuring the height differences multiple times. In this case, the control unit 500 may also change the X- and Y-direction positions of the reference surface 611 with which the contact 602 contacts, and the X- and Y-direction positions of the inspection surface 612 with which the contact 602 contacts, each time the first height difference is measured. It should be noted that the second height difference may be determined based on, for example, the design dimensions of the reference surface 611 and the inspection surface 612, or based on actual values ​​of the dimensions of the reference surface 611 and the inspection surface 612 measured in advance using a vernier caliper or the like.

[0061] If it is determined in step S128 that the accuracy of the measuring unit 600 does not meet the predetermined conditions, the control unit 500 controls the notification unit 800 in step S129 to notify the user of information related to the accuracy of the measuring unit 600. In this embodiment, the control unit 500 controls the notification unit 800 in step S129 to notify the user that the accuracy of the measuring unit 600 does not meet the predetermined conditions. Furthermore, in step S129, the control unit 500 advises the user to perform maintenance or replacement of the measuring unit 600 and places the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 in standby mode until maintenance or replacement of the measuring unit 600 is performed. The control unit 500 then returns the process to step S121.

[0062] exist Figure 6 In the measurement process of step S130, the control unit 500 controls the measurement unit 600 to measure the first value and the second value. Hereinafter, the process of measuring the first value by the measurement unit 600 is referred to as the first process, and the process of measuring the second value by the measurement unit 600 is referred to as the second process.

[0063] Figure 11 It is a flowchart showing the measurement process. Figure 11 Steps S131 to S133 correspond to the first process, and steps S134 to S138 correspond to the second process. Figure 11 Step S131 and step S132 are Figure 9 The same as step S121 and step S122. In this embodiment, the control unit 500 detects the position of the reference surface 611 in the Z direction relative to the position of the measuring unit 600 in the Z direction by executing step S132, and measures the distance between the measuring unit 600 and the reference surface 611 in the Z direction as the first value. The measured first value is stored in the memory of the control unit 500. Step S133 is the same as step S134. Figure 9 The steps are the same as step S123, so the description is omitted.

[0064] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the second step. Figure 12 In FIG, the position SP of the reference surface 611 in the Z direction is indicated by a dotted line. Figure 11 In step S134, the control unit 500 controls the moving mechanism unit 400 to move the measuring unit 600 to the position directly below the front end surface 63 of the nozzle 61. In step S135, the control unit 500 controls the measuring unit 600 to detect the position of the front end surface 63 in the Z direction relative to the position of the measuring unit 600 in the Z direction, and measures the distance between the measuring unit 600 and the front end surface 63 in the Z direction as a second value. More specifically, in step S135, the control unit 500 Figure 12As shown in the left part, the contact 602 is ejected in the +Z direction so that the contact 602 contacts the front end face 63. The position of the front end face 63 in the Z direction is detected by detecting the position of the contact 602 relative to the main body 601 in the Z direction, thereby measuring the distance between the measuring part 600 and the front end face 63 in the Z direction.

[0065] In step S136, Figure 12 As shown in the right part of FIG, the control unit 500 controls the moving mechanism unit 400 to lower the nozzle 61 and the contact 602, thereby making the position of the front end surface 63 of the nozzle 61 in the Z direction coincide with the position SP of the reference surface 611 in the Z direction. More specifically, in step S136, the control unit 500 moves the nozzle 61 in the -Z direction while measuring the second value and presses the contact 602 in the -Z direction, thereby making the second value coincide with the position SP of the reference surface 611 in the Z direction. Figure 11 The control unit 500 obtains and stores in memory the reference Z coordinate of the nozzle 61 based on the control value of the moving mechanism 400 when the second value matches the first value. Hereinafter, the Z coordinate of the nozzle 61 based on the control value of the moving mechanism 400 may be referred to simply as the Z coordinate of the nozzle 61. Step S138 is similar to step S133, and therefore its description is omitted.

[0066] Figure 13 3D modeling processing in this embodiment is a flowchart. 3D modeling processing refers to processing for modeling a 3D modeled object. The control unit 500 executes the 3D modeling processing after the above-mentioned measurement processing is completed. The control unit 500 may, for example, execute the 3D modeling processing immediately after the measurement processing is completed, or may accept input of a start operation of the 3D modeling processing after the measurement processing is completed. It should be noted that the 3D modeling processing is sometimes referred to as modeling processing. In this embodiment, by executing Figure 6 The assay treatments shown and Figure 13 The three-dimensional modeling process shown realizes the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object executed by the three-dimensional modeling device 100.

[0067] exist Figure 13 In step S210, the control unit 500 obtains molding data from an external computer, recording medium, or the like. The molding data includes molding path data indicating the movement path of the nozzle 61 for forming each layer of the three-dimensional object. The molding path data is associated with injection amount data indicating the injection amount of the material ejected from the nozzle 61.

[0068] In step S220, the control unit 500 controls the molding unit 200 and the moving mechanism 400 based on the molding data acquired in step S210 to deposit the molding material on the deposition surface 311, thereby molding a three-dimensional object. Furthermore, in step S220, the control unit 500 appropriately controls the heating unit 700 to heat the molding material deposited on the deposition surface 311. This process of molding a three-dimensional object by changing the relative position of the nozzle 61 ejecting the molding material and the worktable 300, as shown in step S220, is sometimes referred to as the third process.

[0069] In this embodiment, the control unit 500 determines the distance between the front end face 63 and the deposition surface 311 when the three-dimensional object is formed based on the first value and the second value in step S220. Figure 11 The distance between the front end surface 63 and the deposition surface 311 is determined based on the reference Z coordinate obtained in step S137 based on the first value and the second value. For example, when the control unit 500 determines the distance between the front end surface 63 and the deposition surface 311 as distance D in step S220, the distance between the front end surface 63 and the deposition surface 311 can be determined as distance D by determining the Z coordinate value of the nozzle 61 to be the value obtained by adding distance D to the reference Z coordinate value.

[0070] According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 of the present embodiment described above, the control unit 500 measures a first value related to the distance between the measuring unit 600 and the reference surface 611, and a second value related to the distance between the measuring unit 600 and the front end surface 63. Based on the measured first and second values, the control unit 500 determines the distance between the front end surface 63 and the deposition surface 311 when modeling a three-dimensional object. This reduces the need for the measuring unit 600 to be replaced or replaced, for example, when the modeling unit 200 is replaced. Furthermore, since the distance between the front end surface 63 and the deposition surface 311 can be determined based on the first and second values, which are actually measured values, the possibility of modeling a three-dimensional object with high precision increases.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes a heating unit 700 that moves with the movement of the nozzle 61, and the front end face 63 of the nozzle 61 is positioned between the heating unit 700 and the deposition surface 311 in the Z direction. Therefore, by using the heating unit 700 to heat the modeling material deposited on the deposition surface 311, the adhesion between the modeling materials can be improved, thereby enhancing the strength of the three-dimensional object. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the heating unit 700 is positioned between the front end face 63 and the deposition surface 311 in the Z direction, the modeling material deposited on the deposition surface 311 is less likely to come into contact with the heating unit 700, thereby increasing the likelihood of accurately modeling the three-dimensional object.

[0072] In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 500 measures the first value by bringing the measuring unit 600 into contact with the reference surface 611. Therefore, the first value can be measured with high accuracy through simple control.

[0073] In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 500 measures the second value by bringing the measuring unit 600 into contact with the front end surface 63. Therefore, the second value can be measured with high accuracy through simple control.

[0074] In this embodiment, the control unit 500 controls the measuring unit 600 to measure the height difference between the reference surface 611 and the inspection surface, and inspects the accuracy of the measuring unit 600 based on the measured height difference.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the accuracy of the measuring unit 600 does not meet a predetermined condition, the control unit 500 controls the notification unit 800 to notify information related to the accuracy of the measuring unit 600. This allows the user to, for example, perform replacement or maintenance of the measuring unit 600 based on the information notified by the notification unit 800. Consequently, the reliability of the first and second values ​​measured by the measuring unit 600 can be improved.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the moving mechanism 400 changes the relative position of the nozzle 61 and the worktable 300 by moving the nozzle 61 in the Z direction relative to the worktable 300 and by moving the worktable 300 in the X and Y directions relative to the nozzle 61. This eliminates the need to move the worktable 300 in the Z direction relative to the nozzle 61. Therefore, for example, it is easier to position the reference surface 611 in the Z direction corresponding to the deposition surface 311 than when the worktable 300 is moved in the Z direction relative to the nozzle 61. Therefore, the first value can be measured using a simple configuration.

[0077] It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the control unit 500 may not perform the measurement process every time the three-dimensional modeling device 100 is started or before the modeling process begins. For example, the modeling process may be performed multiple times after the measurement process is completed once. In addition, the measurement process may be performed at any time by the user, such as when a start operation from the user is accepted. In cases where the control unit 500 does not perform the measurement process every time the three-dimensional modeling device 100 is started or before the modeling process begins, for example, after maintenance of the modeling unit 200, the workbench 300, or the moving mechanism unit 400, it is preferred that the measurement process be performed when the relative position of the nozzle 61 and the workbench 300 or the Z coordinate of the nozzle 61 changes.

[0078] Here, the materials used in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 to create three-dimensional objects will be described. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 can be used to create three-dimensional objects using various materials as the main material, such as thermoplastic materials, metal materials, and ceramic materials. The term "main material" refers to the material that forms the core of the three-dimensional object's shape and constitutes at least 50% by weight of the three-dimensional object. These modeling materials include materials formed by melting these main materials in their pure form and materials formed into a paste by melting a portion of the components contained in the main material.

[0079] When a thermoplastic material is used as the main material, the modeling material is produced by plasticizing the material in the plasticizing section 30. As the thermoplastic material, for example, the following thermoplastic resin material can be used.

[0080] Examples of thermoplastic resin materials

[0081] General engineering plastics such as polypropylene resin (PP), polyethylene resin (PE), polyacetal resin (POM), polyvinyl chloride resin (PVC), polyamide resin (PA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (ABS), polylactic acid resin (PLA), polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polycarbonate (PC), modified polyphenylene ether, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, and engineering plastics such as polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polyamideimide, polyetherimide, and polyetheretherketone.

[0082] In addition to pigments, metals, and ceramics, the thermoplastic material may also contain additives such as wax, flame retardants, antioxidants, and heat stabilizers. The thermoplastic material is plasticized in the plasticizing section 30 by the rotation of the screw 40 and the heating of the heater 58, and is converted into a molten state.

[0083] The thermoplastic material is preferably heated to a temperature not lower than its glass transition temperature and is completely melted before being ejected from the nozzle 61. For example, when ABS resin is used, the temperature when ejected from the nozzle 61 is preferably about 200°C.

[0084] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, for example, the following metal material can be used as the main material instead of the aforementioned thermoplastic material. In this case, it is preferable to mix the following metal material into a powder material obtained by pulverizing the powder material, with a component that melts when the modeling material is generated, and then feed the material MR into the plasticizing unit 30.

[0085] Examples of metal materials

[0086] A single metal of magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), or an alloy containing one or more of these metals.

[0087] Examples of the alloys

[0088] Maraging steel, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, titanium alloy, nickel alloy, aluminum alloy, cobalt alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy.

[0089] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, a ceramic material can be used as the main material instead of the aforementioned metal material. Examples of ceramic materials include oxide ceramics such as silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, and zirconium oxide, and non-oxide ceramics such as aluminum nitride. When using the aforementioned metal or ceramic material as the main material, the modeling material ejected onto the worktable 300 can also be solidified by sintering.

[0090] The powdered metal or ceramic material fed into the material supply unit 20 as the material MR may be a mixture of a single metal powder, an alloy powder, or a plurality of ceramic powders. Furthermore, the powdered metal or ceramic material may be coated with, for example, the thermoplastic resins listed above or other thermoplastic resins. In this case, the thermoplastic resin may be melted in the plasticizing unit 30 to exhibit fluidity.

[0091] For example, the following solvents may be added to the powder material of the metal material or ceramic material fed as the material MR into the material supply unit 20. As the solvent, one or more solvents selected from the following can be used.

[0092] Examples of solvents

[0093] Water; (poly)alkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, and propylene glycol monoethyl ether; acetates such as ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, and isobutyl acetate; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene; ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethyl n-butyl ketone, diisopropyl ketone, and acetylacetone; alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, and butanol; tetraalkylammonium acetates; sulfoxide solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide and diethyl sulfoxide; pyridine-based solvents such as pyridine, γ-picoline, and 2,6-lutidine; tetraalkylammonium acetates (for example, tetrabutylammonium acetate); ionic liquids such as butyl carbitol acetate, and the like.

[0094] Furthermore, for example, the following binder may be added to the powder material of the metal material or ceramic material fed into the material supply unit 20 as the material MR.

[0095] Examples of Adhesives

[0096] Acrylic resin, epoxy resin, silicone resin, cellulose resin or other synthetic resin or PLA (polylactic acid), PA (polyamide), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PEEK (polyetheretherketone) or other thermoplastic resin.

[0097] B. Second embodiment:

[0098] Figure 14 Flowchart showing the measurement process in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the control unit 500 is different from the first embodiment. After controlling the heating unit 700 to start heating the workbench 300, before measuring the first value and the second value, it controls the adjustment unit 620 to make the position of the reference surface 611 in the Z direction consistent with the position of the stacking surface 311 in the Z direction. Figure 14 In, with Figure 6 The same steps in the measurement process are marked with Figure 6 The configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except for portions not specifically described.

[0099] In step S105, the control unit 500 controls the heating unit 700 to start heating the workbench 300. In this embodiment, the control unit 500 turns on the heater of the heating unit 700 in step S105. Figure 14 As shown, step S105 is performed before the measurement process performed in step S130.

[0100] In step S110, the control unit 500 executes the same process as in the first embodiment. Figure 7The position adjustment process shown in FIG. The position adjustment process performed in this embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, except that it is performed after the heating unit 700 starts heating the stage 300 .

[0101] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 of this embodiment described above can also suppress the need to replace or replace the measuring unit 600 when the modeling unit 200 is replaced. Furthermore, the distance between the front end face 63 and the deposition surface 311 can be determined based on the first and second values, which are actually measured values. This increases the likelihood of accurately modeling a three-dimensional object. In particular, in this embodiment, after controlling the heating unit 700 to start heating the worktable 300, and before measuring the first and second values, the control unit 500 controls the adjustment unit 620 to align the Z-direction position of the reference surface 611 with the Z-direction position of the deposition surface 311. Thus, the first and second values ​​are measured while the Z-direction position of the reference surface 611 is aligned with the Z-direction position of the deposition surface 311 of the heated worktable 300. Consequently, in a method of modeling a three-dimensional object by heating the modeling material deposited on the deposition surface 311 using the heating unit 700, the likelihood of accurately modeling the three-dimensional object is increased.

[0102] Figure 15 FIG is a diagram illustrating an example of position adjustment processing in another embodiment. Figure 15 As shown, the control unit 500 may also make the position of the reference surface 611 in the Z direction coincide with the position of the deposition surface 311 in the Z direction by making the deposition surface 311 and the reference surface 611 contact indirectly rather than directly. Figure 15 In the example, a state in which the parallel component PR is placed on the stacking surface 311 is shown. The parallel component PR has a surface PP1 parallel to the stacking surface 311, and is placed on the stacking surface 311 in such a manner that the stacking surface 311 contacts a portion of the surface PP1. At the end of the parallel component PR in the +X direction, the portion of the surface PP1 that is not in contact with the stacking surface 311 is exposed toward the -Z direction. At the end of the parallel component PR in the X direction, a block gauge BG having a surface PP2 parallel to the stacking surface 311 is fixed by a strapping tape ZT. More specifically, the block gauge BG is fixed to the parallel component PR in such a manner that the exposed portion of the surface PP1 contacts a portion of the surface PP2. At the end of the block gauge BG in the +X direction, the portion of the surface PP2 that is not in contact with the surface PP1 is exposed toward the +Z direction. The exposed portion of the surface PP2 is located on the same plane as the plane containing the stacking surface 311. Therefore, the control unit 500 Figure 7 In step S112 of the position adjustment process shown in FIG. Figure 15As shown, by bringing the reference surface 611 into contact with the exposed portion of the surface PP2, the reference surface 611 can be indirectly brought into contact with the stacking surface 311, and the position of the reference surface 611 in the Z direction can be made consistent with the position of the stacking surface 311 in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the control unit 500 controls, for example, a robot (not shown) to place the parallel member PR on the stacking surface 311. For example, an I-shaped ruler can be used as the parallel member PR.

[0103] C. Third embodiment:

[0104] Figure 16 : is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the three-dimensional modeling device 100b in the third embodiment. The modeling portion 200b of this embodiment is different from the first embodiment, and is provided with a disassembly portion 66 configured to be able to disassemble the nozzle 61b. In addition, after the nozzle 61b is installed on the disassembly portion 66, the control unit 500 measures the first value and the second value before starting the modeling of the three-dimensional modeled object. In the structure of the three-dimensional modeling device 100b of this embodiment, the parts not specifically described are the same as those of the first embodiment. It should be noted that in Figure 16 The heating unit 700 is omitted.

[0105] In this embodiment, the detachable portion 66 has a hole 67 into which the nozzle 61b is inserted. A second threaded portion 69 is provided on the side of the hole 67 to be threadedly engaged with a first threaded portion 68 provided on the side of the nozzle 61b. The nozzle 61b is inserted into the hole 67, and the first threaded portion 68 and the second threaded portion 69 are threadedly engaged, thereby connecting the nozzle flow path 65 and the communication hole 56, and thus being attached to the molding portion 200. With the nozzle 61b attached, the nozzle 61b can be removed from the hole 67 by releasing the screw engagement between the first threaded portion 68 and the second threaded portion 69, thereby removing the nozzle 61b from the molding portion 200b in the detachable portion 66.

[0106] After the nozzle 61b is mounted on the detachable portion 66, the control unit 500 executes the same operation as in the first embodiment. Figure 6 Thereafter, similarly to the first embodiment, the control unit 500 executes Figure 13 The three-dimensional modeling process shown in FIG. For example, the control unit 500 can detect whether the nozzle 61b is mounted on the modeling unit 200b using a sensor. Alternatively, for example, if the nozzle 61b includes an IC chip, the IC chip is configured to be electrically connected to the control unit 500 while the nozzle 61b is mounted on the modeling unit 200b. Upon detecting an electrical connection between the IC chip of the nozzle 61b and the control unit 500, the control unit 500 can determine that the nozzle 61b is mounted on the modeling unit 200b and execute the measurement process.

[0107] According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100b of the present embodiment described above, the need to replace or replace the measuring unit 600 with the replacement of the modeling unit 200b can be suppressed. Furthermore, the distance between the front end face 63 and the deposition surface 311 can be determined based on the first and second values, which are actually measured values. This increases the likelihood of accurately modeling a three-dimensional object. In particular, in this embodiment, the modeling unit 200b includes a detachable portion 66 configured to detachably attach the nozzle 61b. After the nozzle 61b is attached to the detachable portion 66 and before modeling of the three-dimensional object begins, the control unit 500 measures the first and second values. Consequently, changes in the Z-direction position of the nozzle 61b as it is attached and detached are reflected in the second value measured by the measuring unit 600. Therefore, even with a detachable nozzle 61b, the likelihood of accurately modeling a three-dimensional object can be increased.

[0108] D. Fourth embodiment:

[0109] Figure 17 : is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100c in a fourth embodiment. Figure 17 As shown, unlike the first embodiment, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100c of this embodiment includes a first cleaning unit 110 for cleaning the front end surface 63 of the nozzle 61 and a second cleaning unit 120 for cleaning the measuring unit 600. Furthermore, the control unit 500 uses the first cleaning unit 110 to clean the front end surface 63 before measuring the second value, and uses the second cleaning unit 120 to clean the measuring unit 600 before measuring the first and second values. The configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100c of this embodiment, except for portions not specifically described, is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0110] like Figure 17 As shown, the first cleaning unit 110 includes a first waste material storage section 111 and a first cleaning member 112. The first cleaning member 112 is used to clean the front end face 63 by contacting the front end face 63 and, in this embodiment, is a brush-like member. The first waste material storage section 111 is a box-shaped member with an open top surface and is used to store foreign matter removed from the front end face 63 by contact between the front end face 63 and the first cleaning member 112.

[0111] The first waste material storage section 111 is fixed to the workbench 300. The first cleaning member 112 is fixed to the first waste material storage section 111 via a support portion disposed within the first waste material storage section 111. Thus, the first cleaning section 110 of this embodiment is configured to be movable in the X and Y directions as the workbench 300 moves in the X and Y directions.

[0112] The Vickers hardness of the first cleaning member 112 is preferably lower than the Vickers hardness of the front end face 63. For example, the nozzle 61 is formed from a metal such as a superhard alloy, tool steel, or SUS, and the first cleaning member 112 is formed from a metal such as SUS, iron, or brass. By making the Vickers hardness of the first cleaning member 112 lower than the Vickers hardness of the front end face 63, wear of the front end face 63 caused by contact between the first cleaning member 112 and the front end face 63 can be suppressed. In other embodiments, the first cleaning member 112 may also be formed from a scraper-shaped member, for example.

[0113] The second cleaning unit 120 includes a second waste material storage section 121, a second cleaning member 122, and a blower 123. The second cleaning member 122 is used to clean the measuring unit 600 by contacting it. In this embodiment, it is a brush-like member. More specifically, the second cleaning member 122 of this embodiment cleans the surface of the contacts 602 of the measuring unit 600 by contacting them. The second waste material storage section 121 is a box-shaped member with an open top surface. It is used to store foreign matter removed from the surfaces of the contacts 602 by contact between the contacts 602 and the second cleaning member 122. The blower 123 is configured to blow air toward the front end of the second cleaning member 122, using the blown air to guide the material removed from the surfaces of the contacts 602 by contact between the contacts 602 and the second cleaning member 122 toward the second waste material storage section 121.

[0114] In this embodiment, the second waste material storage unit 121 is fixed to the measuring unit 600 in the +X direction of the measuring unit 600 and is movable in the X and Y directions along with the measuring unit 600 as the worktable 300 moves. The second cleaning member 122 and the blower 123 are fixed to the support unit 205 in the +X direction of the support unit 205.

[0115] The Vickers hardness of the second cleaning member 122 is preferably lower than the Vickers hardness of the portion of the measuring unit 600 that contacts the second cleaning member 122. That is, in this embodiment, the Vickers hardness of the second cleaning member 122 is preferably lower than the Vickers hardness of the contact 602. For example, the contact 602 is formed of a metal such as SUS, and the second cleaning member 122 is formed of a metal such as SUS, iron, or brass. Since the Vickers hardness of the second cleaning member 122 is lower than that of the contact 602, wear of the contact 602 caused by contact between the second cleaning member 122 and the contact 602 can be suppressed. In another embodiment, the second cleaning member 122 may be formed of a scraper-shaped member, for example.

[0116] Figure 18 : is a flowchart showing the measurement process in the fourth embodiment. Figure 18 In, with Figure 6 The same process markings are used for each process of the three-dimensional modeling process shown in FIG. Figure 6 Same symbol.

[0117] In step S102, the control unit 500 cleans the surface of the contact 602 using the second cleaning member 122. In step S102, the control unit 500 first controls the moving mechanism 400 to move the measuring unit 600 directly below the second cleaning member 122. Next, the control unit 500 starts blowing air from the blower 123, ejecting the contact 602 in the +Z direction, bringing the contact 602 into contact with the second cleaning member 122. It should be noted that when contacting the contact 602 with the second cleaning member 122, the control unit 500 can eject the contact 602 in the +Z direction and control the moving mechanism 400 to move the second cleaning member 122 in the -Z direction. Then, while the contact 602 is in contact with the second cleaning member 122, the control unit 500 controls the moving mechanism 400 to repeatedly reciprocate the measuring unit 600 in the X or Y direction, thereby moving the contact 602 by friction with the second cleaning member 122. After the control unit 500 completes cleaning of the contact 602, it stops blowing air from the blower 123 and pulls the contact 602 back in the -Z direction.

[0118] In step S104, the control unit 500 cleans the front end surface 63 using the first cleaning member 112. In step S104, the control unit 500 first controls the moving mechanism 400 to move the first cleaning member 112 to a position directly below the front end surface 63 of the nozzle 61. Next, the control unit 500 controls the moving mechanism 400 to move the nozzle 61 in the -Z direction, bringing the front end surface 63 into contact with the first cleaning member 112. Then, while the front end surface 63 is in contact with the first cleaning member 112, the control unit 500 controls the moving mechanism 400 to repeatedly reciprocate the first cleaning member 112 in the X or Y direction, thereby moving the first cleaning member 112 by friction with the front end surface 63. After completing step S104, the control unit 500 performs the position adjustment process of step S110, the inspection process of step S120, and the measurement process of step S130, similar to the first embodiment.

[0119] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100c of this embodiment described above can also suppress the need to replace or replace the measuring unit 600 when the modeling unit 200 is replaced. Furthermore, the distance between the front end face 63 and the deposition surface 311 can be determined based on the first and second values, which are actually measured values. This increases the likelihood of accurately modeling a three-dimensional object. In particular, in this embodiment, the control unit 500 cleans the front end face 63 using the first cleaning unit 110 before measuring the second value. Thus, since the second value is measured with the front end face 63 clean, it is possible to suppress the influence of foreign matter adhering to the front end face 63 on the measured second value. Consequently, the likelihood of more accurately measuring the second value increases, further increasing the likelihood of accurately modeling a three-dimensional object.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 500 cleans the measuring unit 600 using the second cleaning unit 120 before measuring the first and second values. Thus, the first and second values ​​are measured while the measuring unit 600 is clean, thereby preventing foreign matter adhering to the measuring unit 600 from affecting the measured first and second values. Consequently, the likelihood of more accurate measurement of the first and second values ​​increases, further increasing the likelihood of high-precision modeling of three-dimensional objects.

[0121] It should be noted that in the fourth embodiment, the control unit 500 cleans the measuring unit 600 using the second cleaning unit 120 before the inspection process, thereby enabling a more accurate inspection of the accuracy of the measuring unit 600. In other embodiments, the cleaning of the measuring unit 600 can be performed before the measurement of the first value and the measurement of the second value, for example, after the position adjustment process or the inspection process. In addition, the cleaning of the front end surface 63 by the first cleaning unit 110 can be performed before the measurement of the second value, for example, after the position adjustment process or the inspection process, or after the measurement of the first value. In addition, the cleaning of the front end surface 63 can also be performed before the cleaning of the measuring unit 600.

[0122] E. Other implementation methods:

[0123] (E-1) In the above embodiment, Figure 11In step S132 of the measurement process shown, the control unit 500 may also correct the value detected by the measuring unit 600 based on the first value, so as to regard the distance between the measuring unit 600 and the reference plane 611 when the contact 602 is located at the same position as the reference plane 611 in the Z direction as 0. For example, when the distance measured in step S132 is distance A, the control unit 500 may correct the value detected by the measuring unit 600 so that the corrected value becomes a value obtained by subtracting the value corresponding to the distance A from the detection value before correction. In this case, the control unit 500 moves the nozzle 61 in the -Z direction and presses the contact 602 in the -Z direction in step S136 until the second value becomes 0, thereby being able to obtain the reference Z coordinate in step S137. In this case, Figure 13 In the three-dimensional modeling process shown, the control unit 500 may determine the distance between the front end surface 63 and the deposition surface 311 based on the reference Z coordinate obtained based on the first value and the second value.

[0124] (E-2) In the above embodiment, the control unit 500 may also, for example, after the measurement process is completed and before the three-dimensional modeling process is started, perform the following operations based on the Figure 11 The Z coordinate value of the nozzle 61 is corrected based on the reference Z coordinate value obtained in step S137. In this case, the control unit 500 corrects the Z coordinate value so that the Z coordinate value after correction becomes the value obtained by adding the reference Z coordinate value obtained in step S137 to the Z coordinate value before correction. Figure 13 In the three-dimensional modeling process shown, the control unit 500 may also determine the distance between the front end face 63 and the deposition surface 311 based on the reference Z coordinate obtained based on the first value and the second value. Furthermore, for example, in the three-dimensional modeling process, the control unit 500 may change the Z coordinate value and movement distance of the nozzle 61 specified in the modeling data based on the reference Z coordinate, and may model the three-dimensional modeling object based on the modeling data after the Z coordinate value and movement distance have been changed.

[0125] (E-3) In the above embodiment, the control unit 500 controls the measuring unit 600 to measure the distance between the measuring unit 600 and the reference surface 611 as the first value. Alternatively, the control unit 500 may not measure the distance between the measuring unit 600 and the reference surface 611 as the first value. For example, the control unit 500 may measure the amount of movement of the contact 602 from the position of the contact 602 in the Z direction to the position of the reference surface 611 in the Z direction as the first value. Alternatively, the control unit 500 may subtract the actually measured amount of movement of the contact 602 from the ideal amount of movement of the contact 602 when the contact 602 is moved upward by a predetermined distance, and measure the value as the first value. Similarly, the control unit 500 may not measure the distance between the measuring unit 600 and the front end surface 63 as the second value.

[0126] (E-4) In the above embodiment, the control unit 500 determines the distance between the front end face 63 and the deposition surface 311 when forming a three-dimensional object based on the reference Z coordinate. Alternatively, the control unit 500 may determine the distance between the front end face 63 and the deposition surface 311 not based on the reference Z coordinate. For example, the control unit 500 may calculate the difference between the distance between the front end face 63 and the reference surface 611 measured based on the first and second values ​​and the Z coordinate value of the nozzle 61, and determine the distance between the front end face 63 and the deposition surface 311 when forming a three-dimensional object based on the calculated difference. In this case, for example, the control unit 500 first measures the distance between the measuring unit 600 and the reference surface 611 as the first value, measures the distance between the measuring unit 600 and the front end face 63 as the second value, and then measures the distance between the front end face 63 and the reference surface 611 based on the difference between the first and second values. Next, the control unit 500 calculates the difference between the distance between the front end face 63 and the reference surface 611 and the Z coordinate value of the nozzle 61 at the position where the second value was measured. In the three-dimensional modeling process, the control unit 500 can determine the distance between the front end surface 63 and the deposition surface 311 based on the difference. In this case, the first value may be measured before the second value, or the second value may be measured before the first value.

[0127] (E-5) In the above embodiment, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes the heating unit 700. However, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 may not include the heating unit 700.

[0128] (E-6) In the above embodiment, the position of the reference surface 611 in the Z direction coincides with the position of the stacking surface 311 in the Z direction. However, the position of the reference surface 611 in the Z direction may not coincide with the position of the stacking surface 311 in the Z direction, as long as the position corresponds to the position of the stacking surface 311 in the Z direction. In this case, the position of the reference surface 611 in the Z direction is adjusted to a position a predetermined distance away from the position of the stacking surface 311 in the Z direction using, for example, a gauge block.

[0129] (E-7) In the above embodiment, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes the adjustment unit 620. However, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 may not include the adjustment unit 620. Furthermore, the control unit 500 may not perform the position adjustment process before measuring the first and second values. In this case, for example, the position of the reference surface 611 in the Z direction may be adjusted by manually bringing the reference surface 611 into direct or indirect contact with the deposition surface 311.

[0130] (E-8) In the above embodiment, the measuring unit 600 is composed of a contact-type displacement sensor. Alternatively, the measuring unit 600 may be composed of, for example, a non-contact sensor. For example, the measuring unit 600 may be composed of a laser distance measuring sensor, or the distance between the measuring unit 600 and the measuring object, or the position of the measuring object relative to the position of the measuring unit 600, may be measured based on changes in the imaging position of laser reflected light caused by changes in the distance between the measuring unit 600 and the measuring object. Furthermore, the measuring unit 600 may include both a contact-type displacement sensor and a non-contact sensor, and may measure one of the first value and the second value using the contact-type displacement sensor and the other value using the non-contact sensor.

[0131] (E-9) In the above embodiment, the notification unit 800 is comprised of a liquid crystal monitor that displays visual information. Alternatively, the notification unit 800 may not be comprised of an LCD monitor. For example, the notification unit 800 may be comprised of a speaker that transmits audio information. Alternatively, the notification unit 800 may be comprised of a communication device that transmits information by sending messages to other computers, etc. Furthermore, the notification unit 800 may be comprised of a plurality of the aforementioned notification units that transmit information.

[0132] (E-10) In the above embodiment, when the accuracy of the measuring unit 600 does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the control unit 500 controls the notification unit 800 to notify information related to the accuracy of the measuring unit 600. Alternatively, the control unit 500 may not control the notification unit 800 to notify information related to the accuracy of the measuring unit 600. In this case, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 may not include the notification unit 800.

[0133] (E-11) In the above embodiment, the reference portion 610 includes the inspection surface 612. However, the reference portion 610 may not include the inspection surface 612. Furthermore, the control portion 500 may not inspect the accuracy of the measurement portion 600.

[0134] (E-12) In the above embodiment, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 may also include multiple nozzles 61. For example, it may include one or more modeling units 200 each including multiple nozzles 61, or it may include multiple modeling units 200 each including a single nozzle 61. In this case, the control unit 500 may measure the second value for all nozzles 61 in a single measurement process, or it may measure the second value for a portion of the nozzles 61. For example, the control unit 500 may measure the second value only for nozzles 61 that have undergone a nozzle 61 replacement or a nozzle 61 replacement associated with a modeling unit 200 replacement. Alternatively, the control unit 500 may read modeling data before the measurement process and measure the second value only for nozzles 61 that are actually used in the three-dimensional modeling process executed after the measurement process.

[0135] (E-13) In the above embodiment, the molding unit 200 plasticizes the material using a flat screw to produce the molding material. Alternatively, the molding unit 200 may plasticize the material by rotating a coaxial screw, for example. Furthermore, the molding unit 200 may be configured as a head that plasticizes and ejects the filamentary material.

[0136] F. Other methods:

[0137] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its main purpose. For example, the present disclosure can be implemented in the following ways. In order to solve part or all of the problems of the present disclosure, or to achieve part or all of the effects of the present disclosure, the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various methods described below can be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, if the technical feature is not described as essential content in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0138] (1) According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a three-dimensional modeling device is provided. The three-dimensional modeling device comprises: a modeling unit having a nozzle that ejects a modeling material from a nozzle opening formed in a front end surface; a workbench having a stacking surface on which the modeling material is stacked; a moving mechanism that changes the relative position of the nozzle and the workbench; a measuring unit that is arranged at a position that can be opposite to the front end surface; a reference unit having a reference surface that is arranged at a position corresponding to the stacking surface in a direction intersecting the stacking surface and can be opposite to the measuring unit, the reference unit being provided separately from the nozzle; and a control unit that models a three-dimensional modeled object by controlling the modeling unit and the moving mechanism. The control unit controls the measuring unit to measure a first value related to the distance between the measuring unit and the reference surface and a second value related to the distance between the measuring unit and the front end surface; and based on the first and second values, determines the distance between the front end surface and the stacking surface when modeling the three-dimensional modeled object.

[0139] This method can reduce the need to replace or change the measuring unit when the modeling unit is replaced. In addition, since the distance between the front end face and the deposition surface can be determined based on the first value and the second value, which are actually measured values, the possibility of accurately modeling the three-dimensional modeling object is increased.

[0140] (2) Alternatively, in the above-described embodiment, a heating unit may be further provided, the heating unit moving along with the movement of the nozzle, for heating the molding material deposited on the deposition surface, wherein the front end face is located between the heating unit and the deposition surface in the cross direction. According to such an embodiment, by heating the molding material deposited on the deposition surface by the heating unit, the adhesion between the molding materials can be improved, thereby increasing the strength of the three-dimensional molding object. In addition, for example, compared to an embodiment in which the heating unit is located between the front end face and the deposition surface in the cross direction, the possibility of the three-dimensional molding object during or after molding coming into contact with the heating unit is lower, thereby increasing the possibility of molding the three-dimensional molding object with high precision.

[0141] (3) Alternatively, in the above-described method, an adjustment unit may be further provided to change the position of the reference unit in the cross direction, and the control unit may control the adjustment unit to make the reference surface directly or indirectly contact the stacking surface after controlling the heating unit to start heating the workbench and before measuring the first value and the second value, so that the position of the reference surface in the cross direction coincides with the position of the stacking surface in the cross direction. According to such a method, the first value and the second value are measured in a state where the position of the reference surface in the cross direction coincides with the position of the stacking surface of the heated workbench in the cross direction. Therefore, in a method of forming a three-dimensional object by heating the modeling material stacked on the stacking surface by the heating unit, the possibility of forming the three-dimensional object with higher precision increases.

[0142] (4) Alternatively, in the above-described embodiment, the molding unit may include a detachable portion configured to allow the nozzle to be attached and detached, and the control unit may measure the first value and the second value after the nozzle is attached to the detachable portion and before molding of the three-dimensional object begins. According to this embodiment, a change in the position of the nozzle in the intersecting direction as it is attached and detached is reflected in the second value measured by the measuring unit. Therefore, even in a configuration in which the nozzle is detachable, the possibility of molding a three-dimensional object with high precision can be increased.

[0143] (5) Alternatively, in the above embodiment, a first cleaning unit for cleaning the front end face may be further provided, and the control unit may clean the front end face using the first cleaning unit before measuring the second value. According to this embodiment, since the second value is measured with the front end face clean, it is possible to suppress the influence of foreign matter attached to the front end face on the measured second value. Therefore, the possibility of more accurately measuring the second value increases, and the possibility of accurately shaping a three-dimensional object further increases.

[0144] (6) Alternatively, in the above embodiment, a second cleaning unit for cleaning the measuring unit may be further provided, and the control unit may clean the measuring unit using the second cleaning unit before measuring the first and second values. According to this embodiment, since the first and second values ​​are measured while the measuring unit is clean, it is possible to suppress the influence of foreign matter adhering to the measuring unit on the measured first and second values. Therefore, the possibility of more accurately measuring the first and second values ​​is increased, and the possibility of accurately shaping a three-dimensional object is further increased.

[0145] (7) In the above aspect, the control unit may measure the first value by bringing the measuring unit into contact with the reference surface. According to this aspect, the first value can be measured with high accuracy through simple control.

[0146] (8) In the above aspect, the control unit may measure the second value by bringing the measurement unit into contact with the front end surface. According to this aspect, the second value can be measured with high accuracy through simple control.

[0147] (9) In the above embodiment, the reference portion may include an inspection surface disposed at a position separated from the reference surface by a predetermined distance in the intersecting direction and capable of facing the measuring portion. The control portion may control the measuring portion to measure a height difference between the reference surface and the inspection surface, and the accuracy of the measuring portion may be inspected based on the measured height difference. According to this embodiment, the accuracy of the measuring portion can be easily inspected.

[0148] (10) In the above embodiment, the device may further include a notification unit, wherein when the accuracy of the measuring unit does not meet a predetermined condition, the control unit controls the notification unit to notify information related to the accuracy of the measuring unit. According to this embodiment, a user can perform, for example, replacement or maintenance of the measuring unit based on the information notified by the notification unit. Therefore, the reliability of the first value and the second value measured by the measuring unit can be improved.

[0149] (11) In the above-described embodiment, the moving mechanism may change the relative position of the nozzle and the worktable by moving the nozzle in the intersecting direction relative to the worktable and moving the worktable in the direction along the deposition surface relative to the nozzle. According to this embodiment, there is no need to move the worktable in the intersecting direction relative to the nozzle. Therefore, for example, compared with a case where the worktable is moved in the intersecting direction relative to the nozzle, it is easier to position the reference surface in the intersecting direction corresponding to the deposition surface. Therefore, the first value can be measured with a simple configuration.

[0150] (12) According to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional modeled object, which is a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional modeled object in a three-dimensional modeling device, wherein the three-dimensional modeling device comprises: a nozzle for ejecting a modeling material from a nozzle opening formed on a front end surface; a workbench having a stacking surface for stacking the modeling material; a moving mechanism for changing the relative position of the nozzle and the workbench; a measuring portion, the measuring portion being arranged at a position capable of being opposite to the front end surface; and a reference portion having a reference surface, the reference surface being arranged at a position corresponding to the stacking surface in a direction intersecting the stacking surface and capable of being opposite to the measuring portion, the reference portion being provided separately from the nozzle. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object includes the following steps: a first step, measuring a first value as a value related to the distance between the measuring part and the reference surface by the measuring part; a second step, measuring a second value as a value related to the distance between the measuring part and the front end face by the measuring part; and a third step, shaping the three-dimensional object by changing the relative position of the nozzle for ejecting the shaping material and the workbench. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object determines the distance between the front end face and the stacking surface in the third step based on the first value and the second value.

[0151] This method can reduce the need to replace or exchange the measuring unit when the modeling unit is replaced. In addition, since the distance between the front end face and the deposition surface can be determined based on the first value and the second value, which are actually measured values, to form a three-dimensional object, the possibility of forming a three-dimensional object with high precision is increased.

Claims

1. A three-dimensional modeling device, characterized in that: have: a molding portion having a nozzle for ejecting molding material from a nozzle opening formed on a front end surface; a workbench having a stacking surface for stacking the modeling material; A moving mechanism portion for changing the relative position of the nozzle and the workbench; a measuring portion, the measuring portion being arranged at a position capable of being opposed to the front end surface; a reference portion having a reference surface, the reference surface being arranged at a position corresponding to the deposition surface in a direction intersecting the deposition surface and being capable of facing the measuring portion, the reference portion being provided separately from the nozzle; and The control unit shapes the three-dimensional object by controlling the shaping unit and the moving mechanism unit. The control unit performs the following control: controlling the measuring unit to measure a first value related to the distance between the measuring unit and the reference surface and a second value related to the distance between the measuring unit and the front end surface; The distance between the front end surface and the deposition surface when the three-dimensional object is formed is determined based on the first value and the second value. The reference portion has an inspection surface that is disposed at a position separated from the reference surface by a predetermined distance in the intersecting direction and capable of facing the measurement portion. The control unit controls the measuring unit to measure a height difference between the reference surface and the inspection surface, and inspects the accuracy of the measuring unit based on the measured height difference.

2. The three-dimensional modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heating unit is further provided, which moves along with the movement of the nozzle and is used to heat the molding material accumulated on the accumulation surface. The front end surface is located between the heating portion and the deposition surface in the intersecting direction.

3. The three-dimensional modeling device according to claim 2, characterized in that: further comprising an adjusting portion for changing the position of the reference portion in the intersecting direction, After controlling the heating unit to start heating the workbench and before measuring the first value and the second value, the control unit controls the adjustment unit to make the reference plane directly or indirectly contact the stacking surface, so that the position of the reference plane in the cross direction is consistent with the position of the stacking surface in the cross direction.

4. The three-dimensional modeling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The molding part includes a detachable part configured to be able to detach the nozzle. The control unit measures the first value and the second value after the nozzle is mounted on the detachable unit and before starting to shape the three-dimensional object.

5. The three-dimensional modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a first cleaning unit for cleaning the front end surface. The control unit cleans the front end surface by the first cleaning unit before measuring the second value.

6. The three-dimensional modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a second cleaning unit for cleaning the measuring unit, The control unit cleans the measuring unit by the second cleaning unit before measuring the first value and the second value.

7. The three-dimensional modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit measures the first value by bringing the measuring unit into contact with the reference surface.

8. The three-dimensional modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit measures the second value by bringing the measurement unit into contact with the front end surface.

9. The three-dimensional modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also has a reporting department. When the accuracy of the measuring unit does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the control unit controls the notification unit to notify information related to the accuracy of the measuring unit.

10. The three-dimensional modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The moving mechanism changes the relative position of the nozzle and the stage by moving the nozzle in the intersecting direction relative to the stage and moving the stage in the direction along the deposition surface relative to the nozzle.

11. A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, characterized in that A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object in a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus comprising: a nozzle for ejecting a molding material from a nozzle opening formed on the front end surface; a workbench having a stacking surface for stacking the modeling material; A moving mechanism portion for changing the relative position of the nozzle and the workbench; a measuring portion, the measuring portion being arranged at a position capable of being opposed to the front end surface; as well as A reference portion having a reference surface, the reference surface being arranged at a position corresponding to the deposition surface in a direction intersecting the deposition surface and capable of being positioned opposite to the measuring portion, the reference portion being provided separately from the nozzle, The method for manufacturing the three-dimensional object includes the following steps: a first step of measuring, by the measuring unit, a first value related to the distance between the measuring unit and the reference surface; a second step of measuring, by the measuring unit, a second value related to the distance between the measuring unit and the front end surface; as well as The third step is to shape the three-dimensional object by changing the relative position of the nozzle for ejecting the molding material and the workbench. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object determines the distance between the front end surface and the deposition surface in the third step based on the first value and the second value. The reference portion has an inspection surface that is disposed at a position separated from the reference surface by a predetermined distance in the intersecting direction and capable of facing the measurement portion. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object controls the measuring unit to measure a height difference between the reference surface and the inspection surface, and inspects the accuracy of the measuring unit based on the measured height difference.

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