Three-dimensional modeling device and calibration method thereof, and method for manufacturing three-dimensional modeling object

Abstract

The present invention provides a three-dimensional modeling device, a calibration method thereof, and a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional modeled object. The three-dimensional modeling device includes a first ejection unit, a second ejection unit, a drive unit for moving the first ejection unit and the second ejection unit relative to a workbench, and a control unit. The control unit performs a calibration process, which includes: a first process in which a first material is ejected from the first ejection unit to form a first and second linear portion arranged parallel to each other in a calibration modeling object; a second process in which a second material is ejected from the second ejection unit to form a third linear portion arranged between the first and second portions in the calibration modeling object; and a third process in which the relative position of the second ejection unit relative to the first ejection unit is adjusted according to a correction value obtained based on the relative position of the third portion relative to the first and second portions. When the third process has been executed in the calibration process, the control unit executes the first and second processes again.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a three-dimensional modeling device using a hot melt lamination method. This device comprises an input unit for inputting a filament material into an ejection unit; an input amount detection unit for detecting the input amount of the filament material input into the ejection unit; and an ejection amount detection unit for detecting the ejection amount of the material ejected from the ejection unit. This device derives the relationship between the input amount and the ejection amount and adjusts the input amount to achieve a desired ejection amount.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-011474

[0004] As described in the aforementioned document, by adjusting the amount of material fed into the ejection portion, a three-dimensional object can be molded with good dimensional accuracy. However, in a three-dimensional molding device having a molding nozzle for ejecting molding material and a supporting nozzle for ejecting supporting material, there is a possibility that the supporting nozzle may be misaligned relative to the molding nozzle, causing the supporting nozzle to contact the molding layer formed by the molding material, thereby deforming the shape of the molding layer, or the position of the supporting layer formed by the supporting material may be misaligned, making it unable to fully support the molding layer, causing the shape of the molding layer to deform during molding. In other words, it is possible that the relative position of the supporting nozzle relative to the molding nozzle may be misaligned, making it impossible to mold a three-dimensional object with good dimensional accuracy. Such a problem may occur not only in a three-dimensional molding device having a molding nozzle and a supporting nozzle, but also in a three-dimensional molding device having multiple molding nozzles. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus is provided. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus includes: a first ejection unit for ejecting a first material onto a worktable; a second ejection unit for ejecting a second material onto the worktable; a drive unit for moving the first and second ejection units relative to the worktable; and a control unit for controlling the first and second ejection units and the drive unit. The control unit performs a calibration process, the calibration process comprising: a first process in which the control unit ejects the first material from the first ejection unit to shape a first portion and a second portion of a calibration object being formed on the worktable, the first portion and the second portion being arranged parallel to the worktable and to each other; a second process in which the control unit ejects the second material from the second ejection unit to shape a third portion of the calibration object being formed between the first and second portions; and a third process in which the control unit adjusts the relative position of the second ejection unit relative to the first ejection unit by controlling the drive unit according to a correction value obtained based on the relative position of the third portion relative to the first and second portions. In the calibration process, when the third process has already been executed, the control section executes the first process and the second process again.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a calibration method for a three-dimensional modeling device is provided, the device comprising a first ejection unit for ejecting a first material onto a worktable and a second ejection unit for ejecting a second material onto the worktable. The calibration method for a three-dimensional modeling device comprises: a first step of ejecting the first material from the first ejection unit to form a first and second linear portion of a calibration object being formed on the worktable, the first and second portions being arranged parallel to the worktable and to each other; a second step of ejecting the second material from the second ejection unit to form a third linear portion of the calibration object arranged between the first and second portions; and a third step of adjusting the relative position of the second ejection unit relative to the first ejection unit according to a correction value obtained based on the relative position of the third portion relative to the first and second portions. If the third step has already been performed, the first and second steps are performed again.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object is provided. This method comprises: a molding step of molding the three-dimensional object using a first ejection unit that ejects a first material onto a worktable and a second ejection unit that ejects a second material onto the worktable; and a calibration step of adjusting the relative position of the second ejection unit relative to the first ejection unit before the molding step. The calibration step comprises: a first step of ejecting the first material from the first ejection unit to mold first and second linear portions of a calibration object being molded on the worktable, arranged parallel to the worktable and parallel to each other; a second step of ejecting the second material from the second ejection unit to mold a third linear portion of the calibration object arranged between the first and second portions; and a third step of adjusting the relative position of the second ejection unit relative to the first ejection unit according to a correction value obtained based on the relative position of the third portion relative to the first and second portions. In the calibration step, if the third step has already been executed, the first and second steps are executed again. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ejection portion according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of the groove-forming surface side of the flat screw.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a plan view showing the structure of the screw-opposing surface side of the barrel.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the contents of three-dimensional modeling processing.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a first explanatory diagram showing a state of shaping a three-dimensional object.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a second explanatory diagram showing a state of shaping a three-dimensional object.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a third explanatory diagram showing a state of shaping a three-dimensional object.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the contents of the calibration process according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a plan view showing a shaped object for calibration of a low-temperature material according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 XI-XI line cross-sectional view in.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a plan view showing the shaped object for calibration of a high-temperature material according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram showing the job history display screen.

[0021] Figure 14 It is a plan view showing a shaped object for calibration of a low-temperature material according to a second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 15 This is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional modeling device according to a third embodiment.

[0023] Figure 16 It is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

[0024] Figure 17 It is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a discharge portion according to a fourth embodiment.

[0025] Description of Reference Numerals

[0026] 10-14…Three-dimensional molding device, 20…Material storage unit, 30…Plasticizing mechanism, 31…Screw housing, 32…Drive motor, 40…Material conveying mechanism, 41…Flat screw, 50…Barrel, 56…Communication hole, 58…Heater, 60A…First nozzle, 60B…Second nozzle, 90…Heating block, 91…Housing unit, 100A…First ejection unit, 100B…Second ejection unit, 110…Frame, 120…Operation panel, 210…Drive unit, 220…Workbench, 300…Control unit, 500…Measuring unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] A. First embodiment:

[0028] Figure 1 It is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the three-dimensional modeling device 11 in the first embodiment. Figure 1 The arrows indicating the three mutually orthogonal coordinate axes, namely the X, Y, and Z axes, are shown in FIG. The X axis and the Y axis are coordinate axes along the horizontal plane, and the Z axis is a coordinate axis along the vertical direction. Figure 2 The arrows in the following figures also indicate the direction of the Figure 1 The corresponding methods are appropriately illustrated. Figure 1and Figure 2 In the figures and subsequent drawings, the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the X-axis is sometimes referred to as the +X direction or "right," and the opposite direction is sometimes referred to as the -X direction or "left." The direction indicated by the arrow indicating the Y-axis is sometimes referred to as the +Y direction or "backward," and the opposite direction is sometimes referred to as the -Y direction or "forward." The direction indicated by the arrow indicating the Z-axis is sometimes referred to as the +Z direction or "up," and the opposite direction is sometimes referred to as the -Z direction or "down." It should be noted that the X-axis is sometimes referred to as the first axis, and the Y-axis is sometimes referred to as the second axis. Alternatively, the X-axis is sometimes referred to as the second axis, and the Y-axis is sometimes referred to as the first axis.

[0029] In this embodiment, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 11 includes a housing 110 , an operation panel 120 , a first ejection unit 100A, a second ejection unit 100B, a driving unit 210 , a stage 220 , and a control unit 300 .

[0030] The frame 110 has a molding space 111 therein. The frame 110 is provided with, for example, an opening that connects the molding space 111 to the outside. The frame 110 may also be provided with a door or the like that opens and closes the opening that connects the molding space 111 to the outside. The molding space 111 is provided with a first ejection unit 100A, a second ejection unit 100B, and a workbench 220. The upper surface of the workbench 220 is arranged parallel to the X-axis and the Y-axis. It should be noted that the workbench 220 is sometimes referred to as a table.

[0031] The operation panel 120 is provided on the front surface of the housing 110 . The operation panel 120 is formed of, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The operation panel 120 is connected to the control unit 300 .

[0032] The first ejection part 100A and the second ejection part 100B are arranged above the workbench 220. In the present embodiment, the first ejection part 100A and the second ejection part 100B are arranged adjacent to each other on the left and right. Unless otherwise specified, the structure of the second ejection part 100B is the same as that of the first ejection part 100A. In the following description, when the first ejection part 100A and the second ejection part 100B are not specifically distinguished for description, they are simply referred to as the ejection part 100. The ejection part 100 is sometimes referred to as an ejection head, an injection part, an injection head, an extrusion part, an extrusion head, or simply a head. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the first ejection part 100A and the second ejection part 100B may also be arranged adjacent to each other front and back.

[0033] The first ejection part 100A has a first nozzle 60A, and the second ejection part 100B has a second nozzle 60B. The first ejection part 100A ejects the first material from the first nozzle 60A toward the workbench 220, and the second ejection part 100B ejects the second material from the second nozzle 60B toward the workbench 220. The "ejection" mentioned here also includes the meaning of "injection" or "extrusion". In the following description, when the first material and the second material are not specifically distinguished for description, they are simply referred to as materials. When the first nozzle 60A and the second nozzle 60B are not specifically distinguished for description, they are simply referred to as nozzle 60. The nozzle 60 is sometimes called a nozzle head or a nozzle. The first nozzle 60A and the second nozzle 60B can be the same type of nozzle or different types of nozzles. For example, the nozzle diameter of the first nozzle 60A and the nozzle diameter of the second nozzle 60B can also be different.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first material is a molding material for forming a product portion of a three-dimensional molded object, and the second material is a supporting material for forming a supporting portion that supports the product portion in the middle of the molding. As molding materials, for example, ABS resin, polylactic acid (PLA), polyetherimide (PEI), a material composed of nylon 12 and carbon fiber, etc. can be used. As supporting materials, for example, HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), etc. can be used. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the first material and the second material may also be molding materials. In this case, the first material and the second material may be the same type of molding materials, or the first material and the second material may be different types of molding materials.

[0035] The drive unit 210 changes the relative positions of the first ejection unit 100A and the second ejection unit 100B relative to the worktable 220. In this embodiment, the drive unit 210 includes a first drive unit 211 that moves the worktable 220 along the Z axis and a second drive unit 212 that moves the first ejection unit 100A and the second ejection unit 100B along the X axis and the Y axis. The first drive unit 211 is configured as a lifting device and includes a motor for moving the worktable 220 along the Z axis. The second drive unit 212 is configured as a horizontal conveying device and includes a motor for sliding the first ejection unit 100A and the second ejection unit 100B along the X axis and a motor for sliding the first ejection unit 100A and the second ejection unit 100B along the Y axis. Each motor is driven under the control of the control unit 300. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the first drive unit 211 may move the worktable 220 along the X and Y axes, and the second drive unit 212 may move the first and second ejection units 100A, 100B along the Z axis. Alternatively, the drive unit 210 may not include the first drive unit 211, and the second drive unit 212 may move the first and second ejection units 100A, 100B along the X, Y, and Z axes. Alternatively, the drive unit 210 may not include the second drive unit 212, and the first drive unit 211 may move the worktable 220 along the X, Y, and Z axes.

[0036] In this embodiment, the drive unit 210 further includes a third drive unit 213 for changing the relative position of the second ejection unit 100B with respect to the first ejection unit 100A. The third drive unit 213 is disposed between the second ejection unit 100B and the second drive unit 212, so that the second ejection unit 100B moves along the three axes X, Y, and Z. The third drive unit 213 is, for example, composed of a combination of electric actuators driven under the control of the control unit 300. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the third drive unit 213 may be disposed between the first ejection unit 100A and the second drive unit 212, so that the first ejection unit 100A moves along the three axes X, Y, and Z. In the case where the second drive unit 212 is not provided, the third drive unit 213 may also be disposed between the first ejection unit 100A or the second ejection unit 100B and the frame 110.

[0037] The control unit 300 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 300 controls the first ejection unit 100A, the second ejection unit 100B, and the drive unit 210. In this embodiment, the control unit 300 executes programs and commands read from the memory via the processor, thereby performing the three-dimensional modeling and calibration processes described later. It should be noted that the control unit 300 may also be composed of a combination of multiple circuits rather than a computer.

[0038] Figure 2 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ejection unit 100 of this embodiment. The ejection unit 100 includes a material storage unit 20, a plasticizing mechanism 30, and the aforementioned nozzle 60.

[0039] The material storage section 20 stores granular or powdered material. In this embodiment, the material storage section 20 comprises a hopper. A supply passage 22 is provided below the material storage section 20, connecting the material storage section 20 with the plasticizing mechanism 30. The material stored in the material storage section 20 is supplied to the plasticizing mechanism 30 via the supply passage 22.

[0040] The plasticizing mechanism 30 plasticizes at least a portion of the material supplied from the material storage unit 20 and conveys the plasticized material to the nozzle 60. "Plasticization" encompasses melting and refers to a change from a solid state to a fluid state. Specifically, for materials that undergo a glass transition, plasticization means raising the material temperature to above the glass transition temperature. For materials that do not undergo a glass transition, plasticization means raising the material temperature to above the melting point.

[0041] The plasticizing mechanism 30 includes a material conveying mechanism 40 and a heating block 90. ​​The material conveying mechanism 40 has the function of conveying the material supplied via the supply channel 22. In this embodiment, the material conveying mechanism 40 includes a screw housing 31, a drive motor 32, and a flat screw 41. It should be noted that the flat screw 41 is sometimes referred to as a screw or a scroll.

[0042] The screw housing 31 houses the flat screw 41. An opening is provided on the bottom surface of the screw housing 31. A barrel 50, described later, is fixed to the bottom surface of the screw housing 31 so as to block the opening. The flat screw 41 is disposed in the space enclosed by the screw housing 31 and the barrel 50.

[0043] The drive motor 32 is fixed to the upper surface of the screw housing 31. The output shaft of the drive motor 32 passes through the screw housing 31 and is connected to the flat screw 41. The output shaft of the drive motor 32 can be connected to the flat screw 41 directly or via a speed reducer. The drive motor 32 is driven under the control of the control unit 300.

[0044] The flat screw 41 has a generally cylindrical shape, with its height along its central axis RX being smaller than its diameter. A groove-forming surface 42 is provided on the bottom surface of the flat screw 41, the surface facing the barrel 50. Screw grooves 45 are formed on the groove-forming surface 42. The detailed structure of the groove-forming surface 42 will be described later. The flat screw 41 rotates about the central axis RX by the torque generated by the drive motor 32. The rotation of the flat screw 41 conveys material supplied from the material storage section 20 between the flat screw 41 and the barrel 50.

[0045] The heating block 90 has a function of heating the material conveyed by the material conveying mechanism 40. In the present embodiment, the heating block 90 includes a barrel 50, a heater 58, and a housing 91.

[0046] The barrel 50 has a screw facing surface 52 that faces the groove-forming surface 42 of the flat screw 41. The opening of a communication hole 56 is provided at the center of the screw facing surface 52. The opening of the communication hole 56 provided on the screw facing surface 52 is located on an extension line of the central axis RX of the flat screw 41. The communication hole 56 passes through the barrel 50.

[0047] In this embodiment, heater 58 is located inside barrel 50. Heater 58 is controlled by controller 300 and is heated to a melting temperature sufficient to plasticize the material. The melting temperature varies depending on the type of material used and may be, for example, above the material's glass transition temperature or melting point. In the case of ABS resin, the melting temperature is set, for example, to above the ABS resin's glass transition temperature, approximately 110°C. It should be noted that in other embodiments, heater 58 may also be located outside barrel 50.

[0048] The housing portion 91 is arranged to cover the surface of the barrel 50 opposite to the screw-facing surface 52, that is, the bottom surface of the barrel 50. A through-hole 94 is provided in the housing portion 91. The through-hole 94 of the housing portion 91 and the lower end portion of the communication hole 56 of the barrel 50 constitute the mounting hole 80 for detachably fixing the nozzle 60. For example, a male thread is provided on the side of the nozzle 60, and a female thread is provided in the mounting hole 80, and the nozzle 60 is fixed to the mounting hole 80 using the male and female threads.

[0049] The nozzle 60 is fixed to the mounting hole 80 with its front end facing downward. A nozzle inlet 65 is provided at the rear end of the nozzle 60, communicating with the communication hole 56. A nozzle opening 63 for discharging plasticized material is provided at the front end of the nozzle 60. A nozzle flow path 61 is provided in the nozzle 60, connecting the nozzle inlet 65 with the nozzle opening 63. The nozzle 60 discharges the material that flows from the nozzle inlet 65 into the nozzle flow path 61 through the nozzle opening 63 toward the workbench 220.

[0050] In this embodiment, a flange-shaped guard 68 is provided on the nozzle 60. The guard 68 is provided so as to protrude outward from the side of the nozzle 60. The guard 68 is arranged between the nozzle opening 63 and the heating block 90 along the Z axis. The provision of the guard 68 can suppress the transfer of heat from the heating block 90 to the material stacked on the worktable 220.

[0051] Figure 3 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of the groove forming surface 42 side of the flat screw 41. Figure 3 In the figure, the position of the central axis RX of the flat screw 41 is indicated by a dashed line. As described above, the screw groove 45 is provided on the groove-forming surface 42. The central portion of the groove-forming surface 42 of the flat screw 41, i.e., the screw central portion 47, is formed as a depression connected to one end of the screw groove 45. The screw central portion 47 faces the communicating hole 56 of the barrel 50. The screw central portion 47 intersects the central axis RX.

[0052] The screw grooves 45 of the flat screw 41 constitute so-called spiral grooves. The screw grooves 45 extend in a spiral shape, arcing from the central portion 47 of the screw toward the outer periphery of the flat screw 41. The screw grooves 45 can also be configured to extend in an involute curve or a spiral shape. The groove-forming surface 42 is provided with ridges 46 that constitute the sidewalls of the screw grooves 45 and extend along each screw groove 45. The screw grooves 45 continue to the material inlet 44 formed on the side surface 43 of the flat screw 41. The material inlet 44 is a portion that receives the material supplied via the supply channel 22 of the material storage section 20.

[0053] Figure 3 4 shows an example of a flat screw 41 having three screw grooves 45 and three ridges 46. The number of screw grooves 45 and ridges 46 provided in the flat screw 41 is not limited to three, and only one screw groove 45 may be provided, or two or more screw grooves 45 may be provided. Figure 3 The middle figure shows an example of a flat screw 41 having three material introduction ports 44. The number of material introduction ports 44 provided in the flat screw 41 is not limited to three, and may be provided at only one location or at two or more locations.

[0054] Figure 4 1 is a top view showing the structure of the screw-opposing surface 52 side 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 in the screw-opposing surface 52. One end of each guide groove 54 is connected to the connecting hole 56, and each guide groove 54 extends in a spiral shape from the connecting hole 56 toward the outer periphery of the screw-opposing surface 52. Each guide groove 54 has the function of guiding the 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.

[0055] Figure 5 3D modeling processing in this embodiment is a flowchart showing the details of the 3D modeling process. This process is started when the control unit 300 receives a predetermined operation from the user. For example, this process is started when a start button for the 3D modeling process displayed on the operation panel 120 is clicked.

[0056] First, in step S110, the control unit 300 acquires modeling data. The control unit 300 acquires the modeling data from, for example, an external computer, a recording medium, or the like. The modeling data includes first tool path data indicating the movement path of the first nozzle 60A when forming each layer constituting the three-dimensional modeled object, and second tool path data indicating the movement path of the second nozzle 60B. The first tool path data is associated with first discharge volume data indicating the discharge volume of the first material discharged from the first nozzle 60A. The second tool path data is associated with second discharge volume data indicating the discharge volume of the second material discharged from the second nozzle 60B.

[0057] Next, in step S120, the control unit 300 controls the first ejection unit 100A, the second ejection unit 100B and the drive unit 210 according to the molding data, thereby forming a layer on the workbench 220 having at least one of a product portion formed by the molding material ejected from the first nozzle 60A and a supporting portion formed by the supporting material ejected from the second nozzle 60B.

[0058] In step S130, the control unit 300 determines whether the shaping of all layers has been completed. The control unit 300 can use the shaping data to determine whether the shaping of all layers has been completed. If it is not determined in step S130 that the shaping of all layers has been completed, the control unit 300 returns the process to step S120 and shapes a layer above the layer. If it is determined in step S130 that the shaping of all layers has been completed, the control unit 300 ends the process.

[0059] Figure 6 This is a first explanatory diagram showing a state in which a three-dimensional object OB is being modeled. Figure 7 This is a second explanatory diagram showing a state in which a three-dimensional object OB is being modeled. Figure 8 This is a third explanatory diagram showing a state of modeling a three-dimensional object OB. Figures 6 to 8 , an example of how a three-dimensional object OB is formed by the above-mentioned three-dimensional formation processing is shown.

[0060] In step S120 of the three-dimensional modeling process, the control unit 300 performs the following operations, for example: Figure 6As shown in FIG. 1 , the second driving unit 212 is controlled to move the first nozzle 60A along the first tool path while ejecting the molding material from the first nozzle 60A, thereby forming a molding layer ML composed of the molding material. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the second nozzle 60B is moved along the second tool path by controlling the second driving unit 212 while the supporting material is ejected from the second nozzle 60B, thereby forming a supporting layer SL composed of the supporting material. After step S130, in step S120 again, the control unit 300 controls the first driving unit 211 to lower the worktable 220 by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the modeling layer ML, and then, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the second driving unit 212 is controlled to move the first nozzle 60A along the first tool path while ejecting the modeling material from the first nozzle 60A, thereby further forming the modeling layer ML on the support layer SL and the modeling layer ML.

[0061] The control unit 300 repeatedly performs steps S120 and S130 to deposit the modeling layer ML and the support layer SL to model the three-dimensional object OB. After the three-dimensional modeling process is completed, the product portion formed by the modeling layer ML and the support portion formed by the support layer SL of the three-dimensional object OB are separated.

[0062] The more times the three-dimensional modeling process is performed, the greater the degree of degradation of the first nozzle 60A and the second nozzle 60B. When the degradation of the first nozzle 60A and the second nozzle 60B reaches a predetermined level, it may be impossible to model the three-dimensional object OB with good dimensional accuracy. Therefore, the first nozzle 60A and the second nozzle 60B are replaced. When the first nozzle 60A and the second nozzle 60B are replaced, the relative position of the second nozzle 60B with respect to the first nozzle 60A may be misaligned due to installation errors of the first nozzle 60A and the second nozzle 60B. If the relative position of the second nozzle 60B with respect to the first nozzle 60A is misaligned, there is a possibility that the second nozzle 60B contacts the modeling layer ML during the three-dimensional modeling process, causing the shape of the modeling layer ML to be distorted, or the relative position of the support layer SL with respect to the modeling layer ML is misaligned, making it impossible for the support layer SL to support the modeling layer ML, causing the shape of the modeling layer ML to be distorted. In the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object OB of this embodiment, when at least one of the first nozzle 60A and the second nozzle 60B is replaced, the relative position of the second nozzle 60B to the first nozzle 60A can be adjusted by performing a calibration process before the three-dimensional molding process.

[0063] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the contents of the calibration process according to this embodiment. Figure 101 is a plan view showing a calibration object CM1 formed according to calibration formation data for a low-temperature material in the calibration process of the present embodiment. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 XI-XI line cross-sectional view in. Figure 12 1 is a top view showing a calibration object CM2 formed according to calibration formation data for high-temperature materials in the calibration process of this embodiment. Note that the calibration process is sometimes referred to as a calibration process.

[0064] like Figure 9 As shown, the calibration process starts when the control unit 300 receives a predetermined operation from the user. This process starts when, for example, a start button for the calibration process displayed on the operation panel 120 is clicked.

[0065] First, in step S210, the control unit 300 reads material data indicating the type of the first material to be ejected from the first nozzle 60A and the type of the second material to be ejected from the second nozzle 60B. In this embodiment, the material data is pre-stored in the memory of the control unit 300. The control unit 300 reads the material data from the memory. The type of the first material and the type of the second material are input by the user via the operation panel 120, for example.

[0066] Next, in step S220, the control unit 300 obtains an instruction for Figure 10 The calibration model CM1 shown or Figure 12 The area data of the area on the workbench 220 where the calibration object CM2 is shaped is shown. The calibration objects CM1 and CM2 refer to three-dimensional objects used to calibrate the three-dimensional modeling device 11. The calibration objects CM1 and CM2 are sometimes referred to as calibration objects or calibration models. In this embodiment, the area on the workbench 220 for shaping the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 is specified by the user via the operation panel 120. The control unit 300 obtains area data indicating the area on the workbench 220 specified via the operation panel 120. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the control unit 300 may also shape the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 in a predetermined area on the workbench 220 rather than in an area specified by the user.

[0067] In step S230, the control unit 300 reads calibration molding data for molding the calibration objects CM1 and CM2. In this embodiment, the calibration molding data for molding the calibration object CM1 using a low-temperature material (a material having a melting temperature lower than a predetermined temperature) and the calibration molding data for molding the calibration object CM2 using a high-temperature material (a material having a melting temperature higher than a predetermined temperature) are pre-stored in the memory of the control unit 300. The control unit 300 reads the calibration molding data corresponding to the type of material indicated by the material data read in step S210 from the memory. In this embodiment, when molding the calibration object CM1 using a molding material such as ABS resin or PLA, the control unit 300 reads the calibration molding data for the low-temperature material. When molding the calibration object CM2 using a molding material such as a combination of polyetherimide (PEI), nylon 12, and carbon fiber, the control unit 300 reads the calibration molding data for the high-temperature material.

[0068] In step S240 , the control unit 300 controls the first ejection unit 100A, the second ejection unit 100B, and the driving unit 210 according to the calibration molding data read in step S230 , thereby molding the calibration molding objects CM1 and CM2 in the area on the table 220 indicated by the area data.

[0069] like Figure 10 As shown, the calibration object CM1, which is formed according to the calibration object data for low-temperature materials, has a rectangular frame shape when viewed from above. The calibration object CM1 has a left portion LP corresponding to the left side of the quadrilateral, a right portion RP corresponding to the right side of the quadrilateral, a front portion FP corresponding to the bottom side of the quadrilateral, and a back portion BP corresponding to the top side of the quadrilateral.

[0070] In this embodiment, the left portion LP, right portion RP, front portion FP, and back portion BP each include five first portions P1, five second portions P2, one third portion P3, and one fourth portion P4. It should be noted that the number of first portions P1 provided in each portion LP, RP, FP, and BP is not limited to five; for example, two or more portions are sufficient. The number of second portions P2 provided in each portion LP, RP, FP, and BP is not limited to five; for example, two or more portions are sufficient. The number of first portions P1 and second portions P2 is preferably the same.

[0071] In the following description, to indicate the affiliation of the first part P1, the second part P2, the third part P3, and the fourth part P4, the characters "left," "right," "front," or "back" may be added at the beginning of each name, and the characters "L," "R," "F," or "B" may be added at the end of each figure mark. For example, the first part P1 of the left part LP may be referred to as the left first part P1L, the first part P1 of the right part RP may be referred to as the right first part P1R, the second part P2 of the front part FP may be referred to as the front second part P2F, and the second part P2 of the back part BP may be referred to as the back second part P2B.

[0072] As described above, the left portion LP includes five left first portions P1L, five left second portions P2L, one left third portion P3L, and one left fourth portion P4L. The five left first portions P1L are arranged along the Y-axis. Each left first portion P1L is formed into a straight line parallel to the Y-axis. In this embodiment, each left first portion P1L is formed by a line of first material ejected from the first nozzle 60A. The length of each left first portion P1L is the same. The left first portions P1L are arranged closer to the -X direction as they move toward the -Y direction. The positions of adjacent left first portions P1L on the X-axis differ by a predetermined distance. In this embodiment, the positions of adjacent left first portions P1L on the X-axis differ by 0.05 mm. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the left first portions P1L may be arranged closer to the +X direction as they move toward the -Y direction. The positions of adjacent left first portions P1L on the X-axis may differ by, for example, 0.10 mm instead of 0.05 mm.

[0073] The five left second portions P2L are arranged along the Y-axis. Each left second portion P2L is arranged in the +X direction relative to each left first portion P1L. Each left second portion P2L is formed into a straight line parallel to the Y-axis, in other words, parallel to each left first portion P1L. In this embodiment, each left second portion P2L is formed by a line of first material ejected from the first nozzle 60A. The length of each left second portion P2L is the same as that of each left first portion P1L. The five left second portions P2L are arranged at a predetermined distance from the left first portion P1L located at the same position on the Y-axis as the left second portion P2L itself. The distance between the left first portion P1L and the left second portion P2L located at the same position on the Y-axis is the same for all five left second portions P2L. For example, the left second portion P2L located closest to the +Y direction is arranged at a predetermined distance from the left first portion P1L located closest to the +Y direction. The second left portion P2L, which is arranged second from the +Y direction, is arranged at a predetermined interval relative to the first left portion P1L, which is arranged second from the +Y direction. The size of this interval is the same as the size of the interval between the second left portion P2L arranged closest to the +Y direction and the first left portion P1L arranged closest to the +Y direction.

[0074] The left third portion P3L is arranged between each left first portion P1L and each left second portion P2L. The left third portion P3L is formed into a straight line parallel to the Y-axis. In this embodiment, the left third portion P3L is formed by a line of the second material ejected from the second nozzle 60B. The length of the left third portion P3L is longer than the lengths of the left first portion P1L and the left second portion P2L. The end of the left third portion P3L on the +Y side is arranged in the +Y direction relative to the end of the left first portion P1L on the +Y side that is closest to the +Y direction among the five left first portions P1L. The end of the left third portion P3L on the -Y side is arranged in the -Y direction relative to the end of the left first portion P1L on the -Y side that is closest to the -Y direction among the five left first portions P1L.

[0075] The left fourth portion P4L is arranged in the +X direction relative to each left second portion P2L. The left fourth portion P4L is formed into a straight line parallel to the Y axis. In this embodiment, the left fourth portion P4L is formed by a line of the second material ejected from the second nozzle 60B.

[0076] As described above, the right portion RP includes a right first portion P1R, a right second portion P2R, a right third portion P3R, and a right fourth portion P4R. The right portion RP is bilaterally symmetrical with the left portion LP. Specifically, the right first portion P1R is positioned closer to the +X direction as it moves in the -Y direction, while the right second portion P2R is positioned closer to the +X direction as it moves in the -Y direction. The right third portion P3R is positioned between each right first portion P1R and each right second portion P2R. The right fourth portion P4R is positioned in the -X direction relative to each right second portion P2R.

[0077] As described above, the front portion FP includes five front first portions P1F, five front second portions P2F, one front third portion P3F, and one front fourth portion P4F. When viewed from above, the front portion FP has the same structure as the left portion LP, rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise. Specifically, the front first portions P1F, front second portions P2F, front third portion P3F, and front fourth portion P4F are arranged parallel to the X-axis. The front first portions P1F are arranged closer to the -Y direction as they move toward the +X direction, while the front second portions P2F are arranged closer to the -Y direction as they move toward the +X direction. The front third portion P3F is positioned between each front first portion P1F and each front second portion P2F. The front fourth portion P4F is positioned in the +Y direction relative to each front second portion P2F.

[0078] As described above, the rear portion BP includes a first rear portion P1B, a second rear portion P2B, a third rear portion P3B, and a fourth rear portion P4B. The rear portion BP is symmetrically arranged with respect to the front portion FP. Specifically, the first rear portion P1B is positioned closer to the +Y direction as it approaches the +X direction, while the second rear portion P2B is positioned closer to the +Y direction as it approaches the +X direction. The third rear portion P3B is positioned between each first rear portion P1B and each second rear portion P2B. The fourth rear portion P4B is positioned in the -Y direction relative to each second rear portion P2B.

[0079] In this embodiment, the ends of the third portions P3L, P3R, P3F, and P3B are connected to each other, thereby forming a square frame. The ends of the fourth portions P4L, P4R, P4F, and P4B are connected to each other, thereby forming a square frame.

[0080] like Figure 11As shown, in this embodiment, each first portion P1, each second portion P2, each third portion P3, and each fourth portion P4 is composed of a single layer. In the following description, the interval between adjacent first portions P1 and third portions P3 is referred to as first interval W1, and the interval between adjacent second portions P2 and third portions P3 is referred to as second interval W2. In this embodiment, at the position closest to the left first portion P1L in the +Y direction, the position closest to the right first portion P1R in the +Y direction, the position closest to the front first portion P1F in the -X direction, and the position closest to the rear first portion P1B in the -X direction, the second tool path for shaping the third portion P3 is positioned between the first tool path for shaping the first portion P1 and the first tool path for shaping the second portion P2. Therefore, when the relative positions of the nozzles 60A and 60B are not misaligned, the first interval W1 and the second interval W2 are equal at these respective positions.

[0081] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the deviation mark object DM1 , the unit mark object DM2 , and the material mark object DM3 are formed together with the calibration object CM1 in the area on the table 220 indicated by the area data.

[0082] The offset marking object DM1 is disposed adjacent to the first portion P1. The shape of the offset marking object DM1 indicates the absolute value of the offset of the adjacent first portion P1. The offset of the first portion P1 refers to the amount of displacement of the first portion P1 from the reference position.

[0083] exist Figure 10 In the example shown, offset markers DM1 are positioned adjacent to the left first portion P1L and adjacent to the rear first portion P1B. The offset markers DM1 positioned adjacent to the left first portion P1L indicate the offset of each left first portion P1L on the X-axis, with the position of the left first portion P1L positioned closest to the +Y direction as the reference position. The offset of each left first portion P1L on the X-axis corresponds to the change in position of the first nozzle 60A on the X-axis during molding of each left first portion P1L. The offset markers DM1 positioned adjacent to the left first portion P1L indicate the numbers "0," "0.05," "0.1," "0.15," and "0.2," in order from the +Y direction.

[0084] The offset marker DM1, located adjacent to the first rear portion P1B, indicates the offset of each first rear portion P1B on the Y axis, with the position of the first rear portion P1B closest to the -X direction as the reference position. The offset of each first rear portion P1B on the Y axis corresponds to the change in the position of the first nozzle 60A on the Y axis during the molding of each first rear portion P1B. The offset marker DM1, located adjacent to the first rear portion P1B, indicates the numbers "0," "0.05," "0.1," "0.15," and "0.2" in order from the -X direction.

[0085] In this embodiment, the three-dimensional modeling device 11 has two operating modes: a meter mode, in which lengths are indicated in meters, and a yard-pound mode, in which lengths are indicated in yard-pound units. In the meter mode, the offset indicated by the offset marker DM1 is indicated in meters. In the yard-pound mode, the offset indicated by the offset marker DM1 is indicated in yard-pound units.

[0086] The unit marking object DM2 is arranged near the offset marking object DM1. The shape of the unit marking object DM2 indicates the unit of the offset, that is, the unit of the value indicated by the offset marking object DM1. Figure 10 In the example shown, the shape of the unit marking object DM2 indicates the character "mm." The "mm" character indicates that the value indicated by the offset marking object DM1 is in millimeters. In meter-metric mode, the unit indicated by the unit marking object DM2 is in the meter-metric system. In yard-pound mode, the unit indicated by the unit marking object DM2 is in the yard-pound system.

[0087] The shape of the material identification object DM3 indicates the type of the first material and the type of the second material. Figure 10 In the example shown, the shape of the material identification object DM3 indicates characters "ABS / HIPS." The characters "ABS / HIPS" indicate that the first material is ABS resin and the second material is HIPS.

[0088] In this embodiment, the offset marking object DM1, the unit marking object DM2, and the material marking object DM3 are formed of a first material. It should be noted that in other embodiments, at least one of the offset marking object DM1, the unit marking object DM2, and the material marking object DM3 may also be formed of a second material.

[0089] Figure 12The shape of the calibration object CM2 formed according to the calibration data for high temperature materials is shown in FIG. Figure 10 The calibration object CM1, shown here, is formed according to the calibration molding data for low-temperature materials. Specifically, the calibration object CM2, formed according to the calibration molding data for high-temperature materials, differs from the calibration object CM1 in that it does not have a first right portion P1R, a second right portion P2R, a third right portion P3R, a first rear portion P1B, a second rear portion P2B, or a third rear portion P3B.

[0090] In this embodiment, the size of the calibration object CM2 formed according to the calibration molding data for high-temperature materials is larger than the size of the calibration object CM1 formed according to the calibration molding data for low-temperature materials. Specifically, the length along the X-axis and the length along the Y-axis of the calibration object CM2 formed according to the calibration molding data for high-temperature materials are longer than the length along the X-axis and the length along the Y-axis of the calibration object CM1 formed according to the calibration molding data for low-temperature materials.

[0091] In this embodiment, Figure 9 In step S240, the control unit 300 shapes the calibration objects CM1 and CM2, and then sequentially shapes the offset mark object DM1, the unit mark object DM2, and the material mark object DM3. It should be noted that the order in which the calibration objects CM1, the offset mark object DM1, the unit mark object DM2, and the material mark object DM3 are shaped is not limited to the order described above and can be any order. For example, the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 may be shaped after the offset mark object DM1, the unit mark object DM2, and the material mark object DM3 have been shaped in this order. The control unit 300 may also not shape at least one of the offset mark object DM1, the unit mark object DM2, and the material mark object DM3 during the calibration process.

[0092] In this embodiment, when shaping the calibration objects CM1 and CM2, the control unit 300 moves the first ejection unit 100A and the second ejection unit 100B through the second drive unit 212 while ejecting the first material from the first nozzle 60A, thereby shaping the first part P1 and the second part P2 in this order on the workbench 220. Thereafter, the control unit 300 moves the first ejection unit 100A and the second ejection unit 100B through the second drive unit 212 while ejecting the second material from the second nozzle 60B, thereby shaping the third part P3 and the fourth part P4 in this order on the workbench 220. The control unit 300 uses the second drive unit 212 to cause the position of the first nozzle 60A on the X-axis to differ when shaping each left first portion P1L, each left second portion P2L, each right first portion P1R, and each right second portion P2R, thereby causing the positions of each left first portion P1L, each left second portion P2L, each right first portion P1R, and each right second portion P2R on the X-axis to differ. The control unit 300 uses the second drive unit 212 to cause the position of the first nozzle 60A on the Y-axis to differ when shaping each front first portion P1F, each front second portion P2F, each rear first portion P1B, and each rear second portion P2B, thereby causing the positions of each left first portion P1L, each left second portion P2L, each right first portion P1R, and each right second portion P2R on the Y-axis to differ. It should be noted that the order in which the first portion P1, second portion P2, third portion P3, and fourth portion P4 are shaped is not limited to the order described above and may be any order. For example, the control unit 300 may shape the fourth part P4 after shaping the third part P3, and then shape the first part P1 and the second part P2. The shaping of the first part P1 and the second part P2 by ejecting the first material from the first nozzle 60A is sometimes referred to as the first process, the first step of the calibration method of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 11, or the first step of the calibration process. The shaping of the third part P3 by ejecting the second material from the second nozzle 60B is sometimes referred to as the second process, the second step of the calibration method of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 11, or the second step of the calibration process.

[0093] like Figure 9As shown, in step S250, the control unit 300 obtains the X correction value and the Y correction value. In this embodiment, the X correction value and the Y correction value are input by the user into the operation panel 120. The X correction value and the Y correction value can be input into the operation panel 120 in units of 0.05 mm (0.002 inches). The control unit 300 obtains the X correction value and the Y correction value input into the operation panel 120. In this embodiment, the user first observes the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 using, for example, a magnifying glass, and thereby determines the position on the X-axis where the absolute value of the difference between the first interval W1 and the second interval W2 is minimized, and the position on the Y-axis where the absolute value of the difference between the first interval W1 and the second interval W2 is minimized. Next, the user refers to the offset indicated by the offset indicator DM1 to determine the offset of the first portion P1 on the X-axis at the position where the absolute value of the difference between the first interval W1 and the second interval W2 on the X-axis is minimized, and the offset of the first portion P1 on the Y-axis at the position where the absolute value of the difference between the first interval W1 and the second interval W2 on the Y-axis is minimized. The user then multiplies the offset of the first portion P1 on the X-axis at the determined position by "-1" and inputs the resulting value as the X correction value into the operation panel 120, and also multiplies the offset of the first portion P1 on the Y-axis by "-1" and inputs the resulting value as the Y correction value into the operation panel 120.

[0094] exist Figure 10 In the example shown, the position on the X-axis where the absolute value of the difference between the first interval W1 and the second interval W2 is the smallest is the first left first portion P1L from the +Y direction among the five left first portions P1L. Since the offset of the first portion P1 on the X-axis at the position of the first left first portion P1L from the +Y direction multiplied by -1 is 0.00 mm, the user enters 0.00 mm as the X correction value. The position on the Y-axis where the absolute value of the difference between the first interval W1 and the second interval W2 is the smallest is the second rear first portion P1B from the -X direction among the five rear first portions P1B. Since the offset of the first portion P1 on the Y-axis at the position of the second rear first portion P1B from the -X direction multiplied by -1 is -0.05 mm, the user enters -0.05 mm as the Y correction value.

[0095] In step S260, the control unit 300 determines whether the absolute value of the X correction value is less than a predetermined value and the absolute value of the Y correction value is less than a predetermined value. In this embodiment, the control unit 300 determines whether the absolute value of the X correction value is less than 0.05 mm (0.002 inches) and the absolute value of the Y correction value is less than 0.05 mm (0.002 inches).

[0096] If it is not determined in step S260 that the absolute value of the X correction value is less than the specified value and the absolute value of the Y correction value is not less than the specified value, the control unit 300 adjusts the relative position of the second nozzle 60B relative to the first nozzle 60A on the X and Y axes according to the X and Y correction values ​​in step S265. In this embodiment, the control unit 300 controls the third drive unit 213 to move the second ejection unit 100B parallel to the X axis by the distance indicated by the X correction value, thereby adjusting the relative position of the nozzles 60A and 60B on the X axis. The control unit 300 controls the third drive unit 213 to move the second ejection unit 100B parallel to the Y axis by the distance indicated by the Y correction value, thereby adjusting the relative position of the nozzles 60A and 60B on the Y axis. For example, when the X correction value is 0.00 mm and the Y correction value is -0.05 mm, the control unit 300 does not move the second ejection unit 100B parallel to the X axis, but instead moves the second ejection unit 100B parallel to the Y axis by 0.05 mm in the -Y direction. Adjusting the relative position of the second nozzle 60B with respect to the first nozzle 60A according to the X and Y correction values ​​is sometimes referred to as a third process, a third step in the calibration method of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 11, or a third step in the calibration process.

[0097] If the relative positions of the nozzles 60A and 60B on the X and Y axes are adjusted in step S265, the control unit 300 returns the process to step S240 and again shapes the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 according to the calibration shape data to confirm the adjustment of the relative positions of the nozzles 60A and 60B on the X and Y axes. The control unit 300 repeats step S265 and the processes from step S240 to step S260 until it is determined in step S260 that the absolute value of the X correction value is less than the specified value and the absolute value of the Y correction value is less than the specified value. It should be noted that before step S265, the user preferably removes the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 formed before step S265 from the workbench 220.

[0098] If it is determined in step S260 that the absolute value of the X correction value is less than the specified value and the absolute value of the Y correction value is less than the specified value, the control unit 300 obtains the Z correction value in step S270. In this embodiment, the Z correction value is input by the user into the operation panel 120. The control unit 300 obtains the Z correction value input into the operation panel 120. For example, the user uses a vernier caliper to measure the thickness t4 of the fourth portion P4 of the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 and enters the measured value of the thickness t4 of the fourth portion P4 into the operation panel 120 as the Z correction value. In this embodiment, the Z correction value can be input in units of 0.01 mm (0.0005 inches).

[0099] In step S280, the control unit 300 determines whether the absolute value of the Z correction value is smaller than a predetermined value. In this embodiment, the control unit 300 determines whether the absolute value of the Z correction value is smaller than 0.01 mm (0.0005 inches).

[0100] If the absolute value of the Z correction value is not determined to be less than the specified value in step S280, the control unit 300 adjusts the position of the second ejection unit 100B relative to the table 220 in step S282 when the second material is ejected from the second nozzle 60B so that the distance between the table 220 and the tip of the first nozzle 60A and the thickness t4 of the fourth portion P4 are equal when the first material is ejected from the first nozzle 60A. In this embodiment, the control unit 300 moves the second ejection unit 100B along the Z axis via the third drive unit 213 to adjust the position of the second ejection unit 100B relative to the table 220 when the second material is ejected from the second nozzle 60B. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the control unit 300 may also use the first drive unit 211 to adjust the position of the table 220 on the Z axis to differ between when the first material is ejected from the first nozzle 60A and when the second material is ejected from the second nozzle 60B, thereby adjusting the position of the second ejection unit 100B relative to the table 220 when the second material is ejected from the second nozzle 60B.

[0101] If the absolute value of the Z correction value is determined to be less than the specified value in step S280, the control unit 300 stores the calibration process execution history data in the memory in step S290. The calibration process execution history data includes the date and time the calibration process was executed, the type of the first material indicated by the material data, the type of the second material indicated by the material data, the X correction value, the Y correction value, and the Z correction value. If the process of step S265 is executed multiple times, the X correction value indicated by the execution history data is the cumulative value of the X correction values ​​obtained multiple times in step S250, and the Y correction value indicated by the execution history data is the cumulative value of the Y correction values ​​obtained multiple times in step S250. The control unit 300 then terminates this process.

[0102] Figure 13This is an explanatory diagram showing the job history display screen SC displayed on the operation panel 120. The job history display screen SC is displayed on the operation panel 120 by the control unit 300, for example, when the user performs a prescribed operation on the operation panel 120. In the job history display screen SC, columns for "Job Content," "Date and Time," "Material," "X Correction Value," "Y Correction Value," and "Z Correction Value" are provided in order from the left. The "Job Content" column indicates the content of the job performed on the three-dimensional modeling device 11, such as calibration processing, nozzle replacement work for replacing the nozzles 60A and 60B, workbench replacement work for replacing the workbench 220, material replacement work for replacing the material, etc. The "Date and Time" column indicates the date and time when the job was performed. The "Material" column indicates the type of material stored in the material storage section 20 when the job was performed. When a material replacement operation is performed, the "Material" column indicates the type of material after replacement. The "X Correction Value" column, the "Y Correction Value" column, and the "Z Correction Value" column indicate the X, Y, and Z correction values ​​indicated by the calibration execution history data. The control unit 300 automatically acquires information that can be automatically acquired from the information displayed on the job history display screen SC. For information that cannot be automatically acquired, the control unit 300 causes the operation panel 120 to display a screen requesting user input, and acquires the information input by the user.

[0103] In addition to the above information, the job history display screen SC may also display information related to nozzle replacement operations and workbench replacement operations. For example, if a nozzle replacement operation is performed, the types of the replaced nozzles 60A and 60B may be displayed. If a workbench replacement operation is performed, the type of the replaced workbench 220 may also be displayed.

[0104] In this embodiment, when the correction values ​​indicated by the latest calibration execution history data deviate from the correction values ​​indicated by the previous calibration execution history data by more than a predetermined value, the control unit 300 causes the operation panel 120 to display a warning message. It should be noted that in other embodiments, when the correction values ​​indicated by the latest calibration execution history data deviate from the average of the correction values ​​indicated by the calibration execution history data executed within a predetermined period by more than a predetermined value, the control unit 300 causes the operation panel 120 to display a warning message.

[0105] According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 11 of the present embodiment described above, the control unit 300 models calibration objects CM1 and CM2 during the calibration process. Using the calibration objects CM1 and CM2, the user can determine whether the relative positions of the nozzles 60A and 60B on the X and Y axes are misaligned, as well as the X and Y correction values ​​used to adjust the relative positions of the nozzles 60A and 60B. The control unit 300 adjusts the relative positions of the nozzles 60A and 60B according to the X and Y correction values ​​input by the user to reduce the misalignment. Therefore, even if the relative positions of the nozzles 60A and 60B are misaligned, performing the calibration process before the three-dimensional modeling process can prevent the second nozzle 60B from contacting the modeling layer ML, which could cause shape distortion in the modeling layer ML, and prevent the support layer SL from misaligning relative to the modeling layer ML, which could cause shape distortion in the modeling layer ML. Consequently, a three-dimensional object OB can be modeled with high dimensional accuracy.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 300 shapes the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 in an area on the workbench 220 specified by the user. Therefore, the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 can be shaped at a user-desired location. For example, after the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 are placed on the workbench 220, the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 can be shaped at a location that facilitates determining the position where the first gap W1 and the second gap W2 are equal, or at a location that facilitates removal of the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 from the shaping space 111.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 300 shapes the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 by determining the positions where the first interval W1 and the second interval W2 are equal, thereby enabling the user to grasp the X and Y correction values ​​to be input into the operation panel 120. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the X and Y correction values ​​to be input into the operation panel 120.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 300 forms an offset indicator DM1 adjacent to the first portion P1, indicating the absolute value of the offset of the first portion P1. In this embodiment, the value obtained by multiplying the offset of the first portion P1 by -1 is the correction value. Therefore, the offset indicator DM1 allows the user to easily identify the X and Y correction values ​​to be input into the operation panel 120.

[0109] In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 300 forms the unit mark object DM2 indicating the unit of the offset amount together with the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 . This can prevent input errors of correction values ​​due to misidentification of units.

[0110] In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 300 forms the material identification object DM3 indicating the type of the first material and the second material together with the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 . This allows the user to easily know the type of the first material and the second material.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 300 shapes the calibration object CM1, which is formed using low-temperature material, differently from the calibration object CM2, which is formed using high-temperature material. Therefore, the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 can be molded in shapes appropriate to the type of material, thereby preventing deformation of the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 due to shrinkage during material cooling. In particular, in this embodiment, the size of the calibration object CM2 molded according to the calibration molding data for the high-temperature material is larger than the size of the calibration object CM1 molded according to the calibration molding data for the low-temperature material. Therefore, deformation of the calibration object CM2, which is molded using high-temperature material, which shrinks more than low-temperature material during cooling, can be prevented.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 300 adjusts the position of the second nozzle 60B relative to the worktable 220 so that the distance between the worktable 220 and the first nozzle 60A when the first material is ejected from the first nozzle 60A is equal to the thickness t4 of the fourth portion P4. Consequently, the difference in thickness between the layer formed by the first material ejected from the first nozzle 60A and the layer formed by the second material ejected from the second nozzle 60B is minimized, enabling the formation of a three-dimensional object with high dimensional accuracy.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 300 stores calibration execution history data and displays information indicated by the calibration execution history data on the operation history display screen SC. Therefore, if an abnormality occurs in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 11, the user can confirm whether the calibration process was performed properly by referring to the operation history display screen SC, making it easy to take countermeasures to the abnormality in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 11. In particular, in this embodiment, if the correction values ​​indicated by the latest calibration execution history data deviate from the correction values ​​indicated by the previous calibration execution history data by more than a specified value, the control unit 300 causes the operation panel 120 to display a warning message. This allows the user to easily notice any operational errors.

[0114] B. Second embodiment:

[0115] Figure 14This is a top view showing the configuration of a calibration object CM3 formed by three-dimensional modeling in the second embodiment. In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 12 of the second embodiment, the shape of the calibration object CM3 formed by the calibration process executed by the control unit 300 differs from that of the first embodiment. The configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 12, the content of the three-dimensional modeling process, and the content of the calibration process are the same as those of the first embodiment unless otherwise specified.

[0116] Figure 14 Figure 2 shows a calibration object CM3 formed according to calibration modeling data for low-temperature materials. In this embodiment, the left first portion P1L, left second portion P2L, right first portion P1R, and right second portion P2R of the calibration object CM3 are each formed into a continuous straight line parallel to the Y-axis. The front first portion P1F, front second portion P2F, rear first portion P1B, and rear second portion P2B of the calibration object CM3 are each formed into a continuous straight line parallel to the X-axis. The ends of each of the first portions P1L, P1R, P1F, and P1B are connected to each other, forming a square frame. The ends of each of the second portions P2L, P2R, P2F, and P2B are connected to each other, forming a square frame. Although omitted from the illustration, in this embodiment, regarding the calibration object formed according to the calibration forming data for high temperature, the left first part P1L and the left second part P2L are respectively constructed as a continuous straight line parallel to the Y axis, and the front first part P1F and the front second part P2F are respectively constructed as a continuous straight line parallel to the X axis.

[0117] In this embodiment, when the nozzles 60A and 60B are not misaligned relative to each other, the interval between the left first portion P1L and the left third portion P3L is equal to the interval between the left second portion P2L and the left third portion P3L, and the interval between the front first portion P1F and the front third portion P3F is equal to the interval between the front second portion P2F and the front third portion P3F. When the nozzles 60A and 60B are misaligned relative to each other on the X-axis, the interval between the left first portion P1L and the left third portion P3L is different from the interval between the left second portion P2L and the left third portion P3L. When the nozzles 60A and 60B are misaligned relative to each other on the Y-axis, the interval between the front first portion P1F and the front third portion P3F is different from the interval between the front second portion P2F and the front third portion P3F.

[0118] In this embodiment, Figure 9In step S250 of the calibration process shown, the control unit 300 acquires the X and Y correction values ​​input by the user into the operation panel 120, similar to the first embodiment. The user measures the distance between the first left portion P1L and the third left portion P3L, and the distance between the second left portion P2L and the third left portion P3L, and calculates the difference between the distance between the first left portion P1L and the third left portion P3L, and the distance between the second left portion P2L and the third left portion P3L. Furthermore, the user measures the distance between the first front portion P1F and the third front portion P3F, and the distance between the second front portion P2F and the third front portion P3F, and calculates the difference between the distance between the first front portion P1F and the third front portion P3F, and the distance between the second front portion P2F and the third front portion P3F. The user can measure these distances using, for example, a vernier caliper. The user inputs into operation panel 120 a value obtained by dividing the difference between the interval between the first left portion P1L and the third left portion P3L and the interval between the second left portion P2L and the third left portion P3L by 2 as an X correction value, and inputs into operation panel 120 a value obtained by dividing the difference between the interval between the first front portion P1F and the third front portion P3F and the interval between the second front portion P2F and the third front portion P3F by 2 as a Y correction value.

[0119] According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 12 in the present embodiment described above, similarly to the first embodiment, the controller 300 executes calibration processing to adjust the relative positions of the nozzles 60A and 60B and reduce the relative positional misalignment of the nozzles 60A and 60B.

[0120] C. Third embodiment:

[0121] Figure 15 This is a front view schematically illustrating the configuration of the three-dimensional modeling device 13 in the third embodiment. The three-dimensional modeling device 13 in the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a measuring unit 500. The remaining configuration, the content of the three-dimensional modeling process, and the content of the calibration process are the same as those in the first embodiment, unless otherwise specified.

[0122] In this embodiment, the measuring unit 500 is fixed to the first ejection unit 100A. The measuring unit 500 measures the dimensions of the calibration objects CM1 and CM2. The measuring unit 500 is composed of a laser scanner and measures the dimensions of the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 by scanning the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 with a laser. The measuring unit 500 is controlled by the control unit 300. Information related to the dimensions of the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 measured by the measuring unit 500 is transmitted to the control unit 300. In other embodiments, the measuring unit 500 may be composed of a camera instead of a laser scanner. In this case, the control unit 300 can obtain the X correction value, the Y correction value, and the Z correction value by analyzing the image captured by the camera. The measuring unit 500 may be fixed to the second ejection unit 100B instead of the first ejection unit 100A, or it may be provided separately from the first ejection unit 100A and the second ejection unit 100B.

[0123] In this embodiment, the control unit 300 Figure 9 In step S250 of the calibration process shown, X and Y correction values ​​are acquired from the measuring unit 500. The measuring unit 500 scans the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 with a laser to measure the first interval W1 and the second interval W2 of each portion of the calibration objects CM1 and CM2, and calculates the X and Y correction values.

[0124] In step S270 of the calibration process, the control unit 300 obtains the Z correction value from the measurement unit 500. The measurement unit 500 uses a laser to scan the fourth portion P4 of the calibration objects CM1 and CM2, thereby measuring the thickness t4 of the fourth portion P4 and calculating the Z correction value. It should be noted that the measurement unit 500 is sometimes referred to as the first measurement unit or the second measurement unit. Alternatively, separate measurement units for measuring the first and second intervals W1 and W2 and for measuring the thickness t4 of the fourth portion P4 may be provided. In this case, the measurement unit for measuring the first and second intervals W1 and W2 is referred to as the first measurement unit, and the measurement unit for measuring the thickness t4 of the fourth portion P4 is referred to as the second measurement unit.

[0125] According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 13 of the present embodiment described above, similar to the first embodiment, the control unit 300 performs calibration processing to adjust the relative positions of the nozzles 60A and 60B, thereby reducing misalignment of the relative positions of the nozzles 60A and 60B. In particular, in this embodiment, the measurement unit 500 calculates each calibration value, and the control unit 300 obtains each calibration value from the measurement unit 500. This eliminates the need for the user to calculate and input each calibration value, and eliminates the possibility of inputting an incorrect calibration value due to human error. It should be noted that in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 14 of this embodiment, the control unit 300 can also model the calibration object CM3 of the second embodiment.

[0126] In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 300 automatically and repeatedly performs the molding of the calibration objects CM1 and CM2, the measurement of the calibration objects CM1 and CM2 by the measuring unit 500, and the adjustment of the relative positions of the nozzles 60A and 60B, thereby reliably reducing the misalignment of the relative positions of the nozzles 60A and 60B.

[0127] D. Fourth embodiment:

[0128] Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the three-dimensional modeling device 14 in the fourth embodiment. The configuration of the first and second ejection units 101A, 101B in the three-dimensional modeling device 14 in the fourth embodiment differs from that of the first and second ejection units 100A, 100B in the first embodiment. The remaining configuration, the content of the three-dimensional modeling process, and the content of the calibration process are the same as those in the first embodiment unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the configuration of the ejection units 101A and 101B will be primarily described.

[0129] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 14 of this embodiment includes a housing 110, an operation panel 120, a first ejection unit 101A, a second ejection unit 101B, a drive unit 210, a workbench 220, and a control unit 300. The configuration of the second ejection unit 101B is the same as that of the first ejection unit 101A. In the following description, when not specifically distinguishing between the first ejection unit 101A and the second ejection unit 101B, they are simply referred to as the ejection unit 101.

[0130] In this embodiment, a first ejection unit 101A, a second ejection unit 101B, and a workbench 220 are housed in a molding space 111 within a housing 110. The three-dimensional molding apparatus 14 further includes two blowers 16A and 16B. Blower 16A is configured to blow air to first ejection unit 101A via manifold 17A, while blower 16B is configured to blow air to second ejection unit 101B via manifold 17B.

[0131] In this embodiment, the material storage section 21A for storing the first material is disposed separately from the first discharge section 101A, and the material storage section 21B for storing the second material is disposed separately from the second discharge section 101B. Each material storage section 21A, 21B is fixed to the frame 110. The material storage sections 21A, 21B serve as holders for storing filamentary materials. The material storage sections 21A, 21B are configured to allow the material stored therein to be unwound to the exterior of the material storage sections 21A, 21B.

[0132] Figure 17This is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the ejection unit 101 of this embodiment. The ejection unit 101 includes a heating block 190, serving as a plasticizing mechanism, equipped with a heater and provided with a mounting hole 180; a nozzle 160 detachably mounted in the mounting hole 180; and a material feed mechanism 140, which feeds material MF toward a nozzle flow path 161 of the nozzle 160 mounted on the heating block 190. The ejection unit 101 further includes a guard 168, which is positioned between the material feed mechanism 140 and the heating block 190 on the Z axis and inhibits heat transfer from the heating block 190 to the material feed mechanism 140. In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the material feed mechanism 140 lacks a screw housing 31 and a flat screw 41, and instead consists of two pulleys 149. Unlike the first embodiment, the heating block 190 lacks a barrel 50 and a housing 91. A heater (not shown) is built into the heating block 190.

[0133] The nozzle 160 of this embodiment is mounted on the heating block 190 by being inserted from the -Z direction through the mounting hole 180 and the guard opening 169 provided in the guard 168. That is, in this embodiment, the length of the nozzle 160 along the Z axis and the length of the nozzle flow path 161 along the Z axis are longer than the length of the mounting hole 180 along the Z axis. Therefore, in this embodiment, the inlet 165 provided at the rear end of the nozzle 160 is located in the +Z direction relative to the heating block 190, and more specifically, in the +Z direction relative to the guard 168.

[0134] The two wheels 149 constituting the material conveying mechanism 140 rotate to draw the material MF from the material container 21 to the outside, guide it between the two wheels 149, and convey it toward the nozzle flow path 161 of the nozzle 160. The heating block 190 plasticizes the material MF conveyed into the nozzle flow path 161 using heat from a heater (not shown) built into the heating block 190.

[0135] In this embodiment, the material MF is cooled near the inlet 165 of the nozzle 160 by air delivered from the blower 16 via the manifold 17. This suppresses plasticization of the material MF near the inlet 165, allowing the material MF to be efficiently conveyed into the inlet 165. It should be noted that the outlet end 18 of the manifold 17 is located in the +Z direction relative to the guard 168. Consequently, the air delivered from the manifold 17 is easily guided by the guard 168 to the vicinity of the inlet 165, effectively cooling the material MF near the inlet 165.

[0136] According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 14 of the present embodiment described above, similarly to the first embodiment, the control unit 300 performs a calibration process to adjust the relative positions of the nozzles 160A and 160B, thereby reducing any misalignment between the nozzles 160A and 160B. It should be noted that in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 14 of the present embodiment, the control unit 300 can also perform the calibration process described in the second embodiment. Furthermore, similarly to the third embodiment, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 14 can also include a measuring unit 500, with the control unit 300 performing the calibration process described in the third embodiment.

[0137] E: Other implementation methods

[0138] (E1) In the three-dimensional modeling apparatuses 11 to 14 of the above-described embodiments, the control unit 300 adjusts the relative position of the second nozzle 60B, 160B with respect to the first nozzle 60A, 160A by moving the second ejecting unit 100B, 101B during the calibration process. Alternatively, the control unit 300 may adjust the relative position of the second nozzle 60B, 160B with respect to the first nozzle 60A, 160A by moving the first ejecting unit 100A, 101A without moving the second ejecting unit 100B, 101B during the calibration process. Alternatively, the control unit 300 may adjust the relative position of the second nozzle 60B, 160B with respect to the first nozzle 60A, 160A by moving both the first ejecting unit 100A, 101A and the second ejecting unit 100B, 101B.

[0139] (E2) In the three-dimensional modeling apparatuses 11 to 14 of the above-described embodiments, the control unit 300 may cause a modeling object indicating at least one of the type of the first nozzle 60A, 160A attached to the first ejection unit 100A, 101A and the type of the second nozzle 60B, 160B attached to the second ejection unit 100B, 101B to be modeled together with the calibration modeling objects CM1 to CM3 during the calibration process. For example, the control unit 300 may obtain information regarding the type of each nozzle 60A, 60B, 160A, 160B previously input by the user. In this case, the user can easily ascertain the type of nozzle 60A, 60B, 160A, 160B attached to each ejection unit 100A, 100B, 101A, 101B.

[0140] (E3) In the three-dimensional modeling apparatuses 11 to 14 of the above-described embodiments, the calibration object CM2 formed by the control unit 300 according to the calibration modeling data for high-temperature materials has a length along the X-axis and a length along the Y-axis longer than the length along the X-axis and the length along the Y-axis of the calibration object CM1 formed by the control unit 300 according to the calibration modeling data for low-temperature materials. Alternatively, the length along the X-axis and the length along the Y-axis of the calibration object CM2 formed by the control unit 300 according to the calibration modeling data for high-temperature materials may be the same as the length along the X-axis and the length along the Y-axis of the calibration object CM1 formed by the control unit 300 according to the calibration modeling data for low-temperature materials. Furthermore, the control unit 300 may not change the calibration modeling data between when using low-temperature materials and when using high-temperature materials. In other words, the calibration object may be formed with the same shape when using low-temperature materials and when using high-temperature materials.

[0141] (E4) In the three-dimensional modeling apparatuses 11, 13, and 14 of the first, third, and fourth embodiments described above, the control unit 300 models calibration objects CM1 and CM2 having a plurality of first portions P1 arranged offset from one another, a plurality of second portions P2 arranged offset from one another, and a third portion P3 arranged on a straight line between each first portion P1 and each second portion P2. Alternatively, the control unit 300 may model a calibration object having a plurality of first portions P1 arranged on a straight line, a plurality of second portions P2 arranged on a straight line, and a plurality of third portions P3 arranged offset from one another. Furthermore, the offset amount of the third portion P3 may be indicated by an offset amount indicator DM1. In this case, the user can determine the correction value to be input by determining the position where the intervals between the first portion P1 and the third portion P3 and the intervals between the second portion P2 and the third portion P3 are equal.

[0142] (E5) In the three-dimensional modeling apparatuses 11 to 14 of the above-described embodiments, the control unit 300 adjusts the relative position of the second nozzle 60B, 160B relative to the first nozzle 60A, 160A on the Z axis during the calibration process. Alternatively, the control unit 300 may not adjust the relative position of the second nozzle 60B, 160B relative to the first nozzle 60A, 160A on the Z axis during the calibration process.

[0143] (E6) In the three-dimensional modeling apparatuses 11 to 14 of the above-described embodiments, the control unit 300 stores the execution history data of the calibration process. However, the control unit 300 may not store the execution history data of the calibration process. In this case, the calibration process can be simplified.

[0144] F. Other aspects:

[0145] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from its main purpose. For example, the present disclosure can also be implemented through the following aspects. In order to solve part or all of the technical 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 aspects described below can be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, as long as the technical features are not described as essential features in this specification, they can be appropriately deleted.

[0146] (1) According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, a three-dimensional modeling device is provided. The three-dimensional modeling device includes: a first ejection unit that ejects a first material onto a workbench; a second ejection unit that ejects a second material onto the workbench; a drive unit that moves the first ejection unit and the second ejection unit relative to the workbench; and a control unit that controls the first ejection unit, the second ejection unit, and the drive unit. The control unit performs a calibration process, the calibration process including: a first process in which the control unit ejects the first material from the first ejection unit to form a first portion and a second portion of a calibration object formed on the workbench, the first portion and the second portion being arranged parallel to the workbench and to each other; a second process in which the control unit ejects the second material from the second ejection unit to form a third portion of the calibration object being formed between the first portion and the second portion; and a third process in which the control unit adjusts the relative position of the second ejection unit relative to the first ejection unit by controlling the drive unit according to a correction value obtained based on the relative position of the third portion relative to the first portion and the second portion. In the calibration process, when the third process has already been executed, the control section executes the first process and the second process again.

[0147] According to this aspect of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus, even if the relative position of the second ejection part relative to the first ejection part is misaligned, the relative position of the second ejection part relative to the first ejection part can be adjusted by calibration processing. Therefore, a three-dimensional object can be modeled with good dimensional accuracy.

[0148] (2) In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the above aspect, in the calibration process, the control unit may model the calibration model in an area on the table specified by the user.

[0149] According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of this aspect, the calibration model can be modeled at a position desired by the user.

[0150] (3) In the three-dimensional modeling device of the above aspect, it may also be that: the calibration modeling object has a plurality of the first parts and the second parts arranged along a first axis parallel to the first part and the second part, and the control unit changes the position of the first ejection part on the second axis perpendicular to the first axis and parallel to the workbench for each of the first parts and the second part when modeling the plurality of the first parts and the second parts, and the correction value is a value corresponding to the change in the position of the first ejection part on the second axis when the difference between the interval between the first part and the third part and the interval between the second part and the third part is minimized.

[0151] According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of this aspect, a value corresponding to the amount of change in the position of the first ejection portion can be used as the correction value.

[0152] (4) In the three-dimensional modeling device of the above aspect, it may also be that: before the third processing, the control unit models the modeling object at the position corresponding to each of the first part and the second part, indicating the change amount of the position of the first ejection part when each of the first part and the second part is modeled.

[0153] According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of this aspect, the user can easily know the amount of change in the position of the first ejection portion.

[0154] (5) In the three-dimensional modeling device of the above aspect, it may also be that: the calibration modeling object has a plurality of the third parts arranged along a first axis parallel to the first part and the second part, and the control unit changes the position of the second ejection part on a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and parallel to the workbench for each third part when modeling the plurality of the third parts, and the correction value is a value corresponding to the change in the position of the second ejection part on the second axis when the difference between the interval between the first part and the third part and the interval between the second part and the third part is minimized.

[0155] According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of this aspect, a value corresponding to the amount of change in the position of the second ejection portion can be used as the correction value.

[0156] (6) In the three-dimensional modeling device of the above aspect, it may also be that: before the third processing, the control unit models the modeling object at the position corresponding to each of the third parts, indicating the change amount of the position of the second ejection part when each of the third parts is modeled.

[0157] According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of this aspect, the user can easily know the amount of change in the position of the second ejection portion.

[0158] (7) In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the above aspect, the control unit may model the modeled object in the unit indicating the correction value before the third process.

[0159] According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of this aspect, it is possible to suppress the user's misunderstanding of the unit of the correction value.

[0160] (8) In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the above aspect, the control unit may model a modeled object indicating at least one of the type of the first material and the type of the second material before the third process.

[0161] According to the three-dimensional modeling device of this aspect, the user can easily know the type of material.

[0162] (9) In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the above aspect, the control unit may make the shape of the calibration modeling object different depending on the type of the first material or the type of the second material.

[0163] According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of this aspect, by making the shape of the calibration modeled object a shape that matches the type of material, it is possible to suppress the shape of the calibration modeled object from being deformed when the material cools and shrinks.

[0164] (10) In the three-dimensional modeling device of the above aspect, it may also be that: when at least one of the melting temperature of the first material and the melting temperature of the second material exceeds a predetermined temperature, the control unit models the calibration modeling object having a larger shape than when at least one of the melting temperature of the first material and the melting temperature of the second material is below the temperature.

[0165] According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of this aspect, it is possible to suppress the shape of the calibration modeled object from being deformed when the material cools and shrinks.

[0166] (11) In the three-dimensional modeling device of the above aspect, it may also be that: before the third processing, the control unit models a modeled object indicating at least one of the type of the first nozzle installed on the first ejection part for ejecting the first material and the type of the second nozzle installed on the second ejection part for ejecting the second material.

[0167] According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of this aspect, the user can easily know the type of the nozzle.

[0168] (12) In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the above aspect, the control unit may store an execution history indicating that the calibration process has been executed.

[0169] According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of this aspect, when an abnormality occurs in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus, it is possible to confirm the execution history of the calibration process.

[0170] (13) In the three-dimensional modeling device of the above aspect, it can also be: equipped with a first measuring unit, the first measuring unit obtains the relative position of the third part with respect to the first part and the second part, and the control unit obtains the correction value from the first measuring unit.

[0171] According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of this aspect, since the control unit automatically acquires the correction value from the first measuring unit, the burden on the user can be reduced compared to an aspect in which the control unit acquires the correction value input by the user.

[0172] (14) In the three-dimensional modeling device of the above aspect, it may also be that: in the calibration process, the control unit repeatedly models the calibration object and obtains the correction value from the first measuring unit until the correction value reaches or falls below a predetermined value.

[0173] According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of this aspect, since the control unit automatically repeats the modeling of the calibration object and the measurement by the first measuring unit, the burden on the user can be reduced.

[0174] (15) In the three-dimensional modeling device of the above aspect, it may also be: equipped with a second measuring part for measuring the thickness of the calibration modeling object, the calibration modeling object has a fourth part formed by the second material ejected from the second ejection part, and in the calibration process, after the correction value reaches below a predetermined value, the control part measures the thickness of the fourth part by the second measuring part, and adjusts the position of the second ejection part relative to the workbench so that the distance between the workbench and the first ejection part when the first material is ejected is equal to the thickness of the fourth part.

[0175] According to this aspect of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus, the difference between the thickness of the layer formed by the first material ejected from the first ejection part and the thickness of the layer formed by the second material ejected from the second ejection part can be reduced, thereby enabling the modeling of a three-dimensional object with good dimensional accuracy.

[0176] (16) According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, a calibration method for a three-dimensional modeling device is provided, wherein the three-dimensional modeling device includes a first ejection unit that ejects a first material onto a workbench and a second ejection unit that ejects a second material onto the workbench. The calibration method for the three-dimensional modeling device comprises: a first step of ejecting the first material from the first ejection unit to form a first portion and a second portion of a calibration modeling object formed on the workbench, the first portion and the second portion being arranged parallel to the workbench and parallel to each other; a second step of ejecting the second material from the second ejection unit to form a third portion of the calibration modeling object being arranged between the first portion and the second portion; and a third step of adjusting the relative position of the second ejection unit relative to the first ejection unit according to a correction value obtained based on the relative position of the third portion relative to the first portion and the second portion. When the third step has been executed, the first and second steps are executed again.

[0177] According to this calibration method for a three-dimensional modeling device, even if the relative position of the second ejection part relative to the first ejection part is misaligned, the relative position of the second ejection part relative to the first ejection part can be adjusted, thereby enabling the modeling of a three-dimensional object with good dimensional accuracy.

[0178] (17) According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object is provided. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object comprises: a molding step of molding the three-dimensional object using a first ejection unit that ejects a first material onto a workbench and a second ejection unit that ejects a second material onto the workbench; and a calibration step of adjusting the relative position of the second ejection unit relative to the first ejection unit before the molding step. The calibration step comprises: a first step of molding a first portion and a second portion of a calibration object molded on the workbench by ejecting the first material from the first ejection unit; a second step of molding a third portion of the calibration object that is disposed between the first portion and the second portion by ejecting the second material from the second ejection unit; and a third step of adjusting the relative position of the second ejection unit relative to the first ejection unit according to a correction value obtained based on the relative position of the third portion relative to the first portion and the second portion. In the calibration step, if the third step has already been executed, the first and second steps are executed again.

[0179] According to this method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, even if the relative position of the second ejection part relative to the first ejection part is misaligned, the relative position of the second ejection part relative to the first ejection part can be adjusted in the calibration step. Therefore, the three-dimensional object can be formed with good dimensional accuracy in the molding step.

[0180] The present disclosure can also be implemented in various aspects other than a three-dimensional modeling device, for example, a calibration method for a three-dimensional modeling device, or a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object.

Claims

1. A three-dimensional modeling device, characterized in that: have: a first ejection portion for ejecting a first material toward a workbench; a second ejection portion, ejecting a second material toward the workbench; a driving unit configured to move the first ejecting unit and the second ejecting unit relative to the workbench; and a control unit that controls the first ejection unit, the second ejection unit, and the driving unit, The control unit executes a calibration process, the calibration process including: In a first process, the control unit causes the first material to be ejected from the first ejection unit, thereby molding a first portion and a second portion of the calibration object being molded on the workbench, the first portion and the second portion being arranged parallel to the workbench and to each other. In a second process, the control unit causes the second material to be ejected from the second ejection unit, thereby molding a linear third portion of the calibration molded object disposed between the first portion and the second portion. as well as In a third process, the control unit adjusts the relative position of the second ejection unit with respect to the first ejection unit by controlling the drive unit according to a correction value obtained based on the relative position of the third unit with respect to the first unit and the second unit. In the calibration process, when the third process has already been executed, the control unit executes the first process and the second process again. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus further includes a first measuring unit configured to obtain a relative position of the third portion relative to the first portion and the second portion. The control unit acquires the correction value from the first measuring unit, In the calibration process, the control unit repeatedly performs the shaping of the calibration object and the acquisition of the correction value from the first measuring unit until the correction value reaches or falls below a predetermined value. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus further includes a second measuring unit for measuring the thickness of the calibration model. The calibration molded object has a fourth portion molded by the second material ejected from the second ejection portion. In the calibration process, after the correction value reaches below a predetermined value, the control unit measures the thickness of the fourth part through the second measuring unit, and adjusts the position of the second ejection unit relative to the workbench so that the distance between the workbench and the first ejection unit when ejecting the first material is equal to the thickness of the fourth part.

2. The three-dimensional modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the calibration process, the control unit shapes the calibration object in a region designated by a user on the table.

3. The three-dimensional modeling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The calibration object includes a plurality of first portions and a plurality of second portions arranged along a first axis parallel to the first portion and the second portion. When molding a plurality of the first parts and the second parts, the control unit changes the position of the first ejection unit on a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and parallel to the workbench for each of the first parts and the second parts. The correction value is a value corresponding to the amount of change in the position of the first ejection portion on the second axis when the difference between the interval between the first portion and the third portion and the interval between the second portion and the third portion is minimized.

4. The three-dimensional modeling device according to claim 3, characterized in that: Before the third process, the control unit shapes the molded object at positions corresponding to the first and second parts, indicating an amount of change in the position of the first ejection part when the first and second parts are molded.

5. The three-dimensional modeling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The calibration object includes a plurality of third portions arranged along a first axis parallel to the first portion and the second portion. When the control unit is shaping the plurality of third parts, the control unit changes the position of the second ejection part on the second axis perpendicular to the first axis and parallel to the workbench corresponding to each third part. The correction value is a value corresponding to the amount of change in the position of the second ejection portion on the second axis when the difference between the interval between the first portion and the third portion and the interval between the second portion and the third portion is minimized.

6. The three-dimensional modeling device according to claim 5, characterized in that: Before the third process, the control unit shapes the shape of the shape object at the position corresponding to each of the third portions, indicating the amount of change in the position of the second ejection portion when each of the third portions is shaped.

7. The three-dimensional modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit shapes the shape of the shape object indicating the unit of the correction value before the third process.

8. The three-dimensional modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit shapes the shape of the shape object indicating at least one of the type of the first material and the type of the second material before the third process.

9. The three-dimensional modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit changes the shape of the calibration object according to the type of the first material or the type of the second material.

10. The three-dimensional modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When at least one of the melting temperatures of the first material and the second material exceeds a predetermined temperature, the control unit shapes the calibration object having a larger shape than when at least one of the melting temperatures of the first material and the second material is below the temperature.

11. The three-dimensional modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit shapes the object by designating at least one of the type of the first nozzle attached to the first ejection unit for ejecting the first material and the type of the second nozzle attached to the second ejection unit for ejecting the second material before the third process.

12. The three-dimensional modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control section stores an execution history indicating that the calibration process has been executed.

13. A calibration method for a three-dimensional modeling device, characterized in that: The three-dimensional modeling device includes a first ejection unit for ejecting a first material toward a workbench and a second ejection unit for ejecting a second material toward the workbench, and the calibration method includes: In a first step, the first material is ejected from the first ejection portion to form a first portion and a second portion of a calibration object being formed on the workbench, the first portion and the second portion being arranged parallel to the workbench and to each other. In a second step, the second material is ejected from the second ejection portion to form a linear third portion of the calibration object disposed between the first portion and the second portion. as well as a third step of adjusting the relative position of the second ejecting portion relative to the first ejecting portion according to a correction value obtained based on the relative position of the third portion relative to the first portion and the second portion; When the third step has been executed, the first step and the second step are executed again. In the calibration method, the formation of the calibration object and the acquisition of the correction value are repeated until the correction value reaches or falls below a predetermined value. measuring the thickness of the calibration object, The calibration molded object has a fourth portion molded by the second material ejected from the second ejection portion. In the calibration method, after the correction value reaches below a predetermined value, the thickness of the fourth part is measured, and the position of the second ejection part relative to the workbench is adjusted so that the distance between the workbench and the first ejection part when the first material is ejected is equal to the thickness of the fourth part.

14. A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, characterized in that: have: a shaping step of shaping the three-dimensional object using a first ejection portion ejecting a first material onto a workbench and a second ejection portion ejecting a second material onto the workbench; and a calibration step of adjusting the relative position of the second ejection part with respect to the first ejection part before the molding step; The calibration process comprises: In a first step, the first material is ejected from the first ejection portion to form a first portion and a second portion of a calibration object being formed on the workbench, the first portion and the second portion being arranged parallel to the workbench and to each other. In a second step, the second material is ejected from the second ejection portion to form a linear third portion of the calibration object disposed between the first portion and the second portion. as well as a third step of adjusting the relative position of the second ejecting portion relative to the first ejecting portion according to a correction value obtained based on the relative position of the third portion relative to the first portion and the second portion; In the calibration process, if the third process has already been performed, the first process and the second process are performed again. In the calibration step, the formation of the calibration object and the acquisition of the calibration value are repeated until the calibration value reaches or falls below a predetermined value. measuring the thickness of the calibration object, The calibration molded object has a fourth portion molded by the second material ejected from the second ejection portion. In the calibration process, after the correction value reaches below a predetermined value, the thickness of the fourth part is measured, and the position of the second ejection part relative to the workbench is adjusted so that the distance between the workbench and the first ejection part when the first material is ejected is equal to the thickness of the fourth part.

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