Additive manufacturing machine and related additive manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a machine capable of performing additive manufacturing of parts with high viscosity resins, comprising a structural element (1), a conveyor module (4) with a movable support (5) and a displacement mechanism (6) to accommodate and move a printing surface in a vertical direction, a light source (10), at least one material reservoir (11), a material supply module (12) connected to the material reservoir (11) and used to apply a layer of printing material on a conveyor belt substrate (2) which conveys said layer of printing material from the material supply module (12) to the printing surface (3) where it is solidified, and a fastening system (18) for fastening and moving the conveyor belt substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention pertains to systems for manufacturing parts using additives. In particular, it relates to 3D printing machines that produce parts layer by layer.

[0002] The object of this invention is a machine capable of rapidly and efficiently producing three-dimensional parts layer by layer. Furthermore, the machine of this invention can use high-viscosity resins and filler resins, and can obtain multi-material parts.

[0003] Another object of the present invention is a method for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional parts by means of additive manufacturing technology, which utilizes the machine of the present invention and is able to obtain large and medium-sized parts, thereby avoiding the use of large cylinders of photosensitive printing material. Background Technology

[0004] Additive manufacturing technology using stereolithography was invented in the 1980s. It operates by using an upper light source that focuses an ultraviolet beam (laser) to cure resin located in a lower resin tank. However, due to the large size of the resin tank, these machines are expensive to maintain.

[0005] Subsequently, additive manufacturing was improved, for example, by EnvisionTec, which used a DLP projector as the light source and inverted the element, placing the resin in a reservoir with a transparent or translucent base, with the light source located below it. The use of material reservoirs has limitations for certain material applications and for measuring print volume.

[0006] Many of the solutions discovered are based on bottom-up manufacturing systems that limit the use of printing materials to low-viscosity resins.

[0007] In the case of a localized top-down system, the system involves the use of large cylinders of printing material, which significantly increases the cost of use and maintenance.

[0008] Other manufacturing methods using transparent substrates have also been discovered; however, in general, the developed additive manufacturing systems are subject to the same limitations as those discussed above due to the use of reservoirs or large cylinders of material, which reduces the flexibility of supplying different types of one or more materials, even high-viscosity materials or materials loaded with reinforcing materials. Invention Overview

[0009] This invention relates to a machine for manufacturing additives, capable of using high-viscosity printing materials, particularly resins with a viscosity greater than or equal to 2000 mPa·s at 25°C, as well as materials loaded with reinforcing materials. Furthermore, it is capable of manufacturing parts using different materials, regardless of whether they are materials with different mechanical properties or different colors.

[0010] The machine can be made in different sizes, thus enabling the production of medium and large parts while maintaining the advantage of using high-viscosity printing materials or even reinforcing materials with good mechanical properties.

[0011] In addition, the machine is capable of manufacturing parts, including areas produced using consumable support materials, thereby reducing the need to modify the parts to achieve the final geometry.

[0012] The machine of the present invention first includes a structural component that will be responsible for accommodating all the components that make up the machine.

[0013] In addition, the machine also includes a conveying module, which in turn includes a movable support and a displacement mechanism connected to the structural components.

[0014] The transport module is responsible for enabling the production of components layer by layer. It houses the printing surface, which is then mounted on a movable support, onto which the components to be manufactured will be printed. Therefore, the transport module allows the printing surface to move vertically, depending on the height of the already produced component layers. Preferably, the printing surface and the movable support can form a single element.

[0015] The displacement mechanism of the transmission module may include one or more finger shafts that transmit motion guided by a linear displacement guide element connected to a movable support. Therefore, the displacement mechanism generates vertical movement within the movable support via the guide element.

[0016] In addition, the conveyor module may include an automatic leveling mechanism, system, or routine with a positioning frame for accommodating the printed surface and connecting it to a movable support to allow for adjustment of the printed surface's positioning relative to the conveyor belt substrate. The automatic leveling mechanism, system, or routine may be implemented via a mechanism, electronic equipment, sensing elements, or a programming routine.

[0017] The machine also includes at least one light source, preferably ultraviolet or visible light, fixed to the structural component, preferably located above the working surface, responsible for curing the printed material. Preferably, the light is configured to produce a beam of light with a predetermined shape, which cures the desired printed material layer applied to the constructed component.

[0018] The light source can be a projector, screen, or laser, which is properly calibrated and positioned to achieve the appropriate resolution and printing area.

[0019] The machine uses a photosensitive printing material that is cured by light generated by a light source. Preferably, the printing material used is a high-viscosity photosensitive resin or a photosensitive resin with a reinforcing filler.

[0020] Similarly, the machine includes at least one material reservoir located within the structure and used to hold printing material. The material reservoir stores printing material, but is preferably removable to facilitate replacement with the same material.

[0021] Furthermore, the machine of the present invention includes at least one material supply module connected to a material reservoir. The material supply module is used to apply a layer of printed material onto a conveyor belt substrate.

[0022] The at least one material supply module may include a cylinder and a material supply roller for applying the printed material layer onto the conveyor belt substrate. In this case, the material supply roller should be located tangent to at least one rotating element of the fastening system.

[0023] To control the thickness of the printed material layer applied to the conveyor belt substrate, the material supply module may also include a thickness control module. The thickness control module includes a runner connected to the cylinder and the supply roller, linear movement, and a supply motor that drives the runner's movement. The runner displacement driven by the supply motor allows the distance between the supply roller and the rotating elements of the fastening system to change, thus enabling variations in the thickness of the material layer conveyed to the conveyor belt substrate.

[0024] The conveyor belt substrate is interchangeable and used to transfer printing material from the material supply module to the printing surface. Similarly, it is transparent, allowing light generated by a light source to pass through it so that it can reach the printing material and cure it on the part to be built.

[0025] The machine of the present invention also includes a fastening system comprising one or more fixed elements, at least two rotating elements, and one or more displacement motors. Preferably, the fastening system may include a central and movable fixed element and four rotating elements, two upper and two lower rotating elements. Alternatively, the fastening system may include two fixed elements and two rotating elements.

[0026] Preferably, the central and movable fixing elements of the fastening system are located on a linear guide and are used to hold the conveyor belt substrate at both ends to the structural member, placing it at a high level and parallel to the working surface. The fixing elements move alternately in two directions on the linear guide to generate movement within the conveyor belt substrate.

[0027] In this case, preferably, the substrate is connected to the central and movable fixing element by two connecting rods, which are fixed at both ends of the substrate, for example by rings or clips, and connected to the fixing element by two C-shaped fixing elements.

[0028] Alternatively, if there are two fixing elements, the fixing elements of the fastening system are located on a linear guide and are used to hold the transparent conveyor belt substrate to the structural member. The fixing elements can move on the linear guide, thereby creating movement within the conveyor belt substrate.

[0029] The fastening system utilizes a rotating element relative to the structural components. This rotating element serves as a support point for the conveyor belt substrate.

[0030] Preferably, the conveyor belt substrate is positioned in an O-shape and held at both ends by connecting rods from the center and movable fixing elements. Thus, the conveyor belt substrate extends horizontally toward the first rotating element, changes direction by resting on the first rotating element, and extends vertically at a certain angle toward the second rotating element. The substrate rests on the second rotating element, changes direction again, and extends horizontally, thus passing through the working surface toward the third rotating element. It rests on this rotating element, changes direction, and extends vertically upwards at a certain angle, symmetrical to the downward angle, and rests on the fourth rotating element, extending horizontally, thus being held at the second end to the center and movable fixing elements.

[0031] Alternatively, the conveyor belt substrate is located in a U-shape, held at the first end by a first fixing element, extends downward in a vertical direction, changes direction by being placed on a first rotating element, extends horizontally toward a second rotating element, changes direction again by being placed on a second rotating element, extends upward in a vertical direction, and is held at the second end by a second fixing element.

[0032] During the movement of the stationary element, the conveyor belt substrate moves, causing the rollers to rotate. The movement of the stationary element is controlled by one or more displacement motors connected to the stationary element to move the conveyor belt substrate. During the movement of the conveyor belt substrate, if there is one stationary element, it is preferred to move the stationary element in a horizontal direction, or if there are more stationary elements, it is preferred to move the stationary element in a vertical direction and in the opposite direction to move the conveyor belt substrate.

[0033] Preferably, in the case of four rotating elements, the conveyor belt substrate is tensioned by a tensioning system connected to two of the upper rotating elements. The tensioning system moves the upper rotating elements closer to or further apart from each other by the movement of the central lateral index finger. Thus, when the conveyor belt substrate is placed, the tensioning system is compressed, i.e., the rotating elements are pulled together, and once the conveyor belt substrate is placed, they move until the required tension is reached, preferably until a step loss in the motor is detected.

[0034] Alternatively, when there are two fixing elements, the fixing elements are clamping elements and include a lower block and an upper block. The lower block includes, in sequence, an adjusting screw that engages with the conveyor belt substrate and a self-tensioning motor capable of automatically tensioning the conveyor belt substrate. The upper block includes a tilting element capable of aligning the conveyor belt substrate.

[0035] The machine of the present invention may further include a material collection module, which sequentially includes a redundant material collection tray, a material filter, and a recirculation conduit to guide the collected material to a cylinder or reservoir. Thus, uncured material is guided to the redundant material collection tray, the material in the tray is collected through the recirculation conduit, and after pre-filtration, is sent to the cylinder or reservoir.

[0036] To guide uncured material to the material collection tray, the material collection module also includes a spatula. The spatula is placed near the conveyor belt substrate and pressed down to collect excess material. Preferably, the spatula can be moved closer to or removed from the conveyor belt substrate; therefore, the material collection module may also include an activation mechanism that induces vertical displacement within the spatula.

[0037] Similarly, the machine of the present invention may also include a cleaning module for cleaning the upper surface of the final layer of the component being manufactured.

[0038] Preferably, the cleaning module may include two rollers provided with a soft material, a cleaning motor for moving the rollers, and a cleaning substrate extending circularly onto the two rollers. Thus, the cleaning substrate rests on the rollers, allowing it to rotate continuously under the drive of the cleaning motor.

[0039] To move the cleaning substrate close to the component and remove it after its function is complete, a base, flow channel, and linear guide can be provided in the cleaning module. Therefore, the flow channel is connected to the base and moves along the linear guide. Furthermore, the base is connected to a roller, enabling it to move vertically.

[0040] Similarly, the cleaning module may also include waste collection elements and solvent material application elements to clean the printed surface.

[0041] Furthermore, the cleaning module may also include one or more radiation sources installed in the structural components. These radiation sources dry the printed surface.

[0042] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing additives in components. The method of the present invention utilizes the aforementioned machine to efficiently and precisely manufacture additive-manufactured components.

[0043] The method of the present invention includes a first step of providing a conveyor belt substrate placed in a fastening system. This step can be performed manually or automatically. Manual operation is preferred, involving loosening the used conveyor belt substrate, removing it from the structure by separating the fixing member, and placing a new conveyor belt substrate in the fastening system.

[0044] Next, the conveyor belt substrate is automatically tensioned by a fastening system or a tensioning system. Specifically, when the substrate is arranged in an O-shape, the tensioning system moves an upper rotating element to tension the substrate. If the substrate is arranged in a U-shape, the machine may include a self-tensioning motor responsible for providing precise tension to the conveyor belt substrate.

[0045] At this point, it is preferable to activate the automatic leveling mechanism, system, or routine of the conveyor module to ensure the coplanarity of the printed surface relative to the conveyor belt substrate, thereby maintaining calibration during the remainder of the printing process.

[0046] Next, the light source is activated to cure the printing material.

[0047] Then, the material supply module is placed at a distance equal to the required layer thickness of the conveyor belt substrate. If a material supply roller is installed, the roller is placed at a distance equal to the required layer thickness of the conveyor belt substrate.

[0048] After the material supply module is positioned, the fastening system moves to initiate the movement of the conveyor belt substrate. If the substrate is arranged in an O-shape, this is achieved by alternately moving the fixing elements in two directions (left and right) along a horizontal axis parallel to the working surface. If the substrate is arranged in a U-shape, the movement of the substrate is achieved by lowering the first fixing element while simultaneously raising the second fixing element.

[0049] During the movement of the conveyor belt substrate, printing material is supplied to the lower surface of the conveyor belt substrate along a previously defined working length. If material has been supplied along the working length and the movement of the fixing elements has not yet been completed, it is preferable to stop the material supply module and continue moving the fastening system until the fixing elements reach a very low position, i.e., a position where they cannot move any further without colliding with one of the rotating elements. Material supply is performed through a material supply module located below the first fixing element.

[0050] After the conveyor belt substrate has moved, the moving conveyor module raises the working surface to a distance from the conveyor belt substrate equal to the thickness of the previously generated layer plus the thickness of the new layer placed on the conveyor belt substrate.

[0051] The uncured printed material is then irradiated by a light source, which creates a predetermined shape and cures the layer of the conveyor belt substrate according to said shape. The exposure time in each case is determined by the light source, the type of printed material, and the layer thickness.

[0052] Once the layers on the conveyor belt substrate have cured, the conveyor module will be lowered to peel the cured layer off the conveyor belt substrate, leaving any excess uncured printed material. Next, the steps of moving the fastening system, supplying printed material, raising the work surface, irradiating the printed material, and lowering the conveyor module are repeated to produce continuous component layers.

[0053] The method of the present invention may further include the additional step of activating the material collection module to remove uncured material. The material is then recovered by reintroducing it into the material supply module.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, the machine used includes: a first material supply module having a first cylinder containing a first printing material; and at least one second material supply module having a second cylinder containing a second printing material. This configuration enables the alternating supply of printing material during each movement of the conveyor belt substrate. In this configuration, the first printing module located on one side of the structural member contains the first printing material in its cylinder. When the fixing elements move in one direction, the first printing material is supplied to the conveyor belt substrate, and when they move in opposite directions, the second material supply module is the module that supplies the second printing material to the conveyor belt substrate, so as to alternately supply one or another printing material during each movement of the conveyor belt substrate. This configuration may include multiple material supply modules, enabling the simultaneous use of two or more different materials.

[0055] In one implementation, the first and second printing materials may be provided in consecutive layers, such that the first printing material layer is followed by the second printing material layer placed thereon.

[0056] Alternatively, the conveyor module can be moved so that once the first printed material layer is placed, the second printed material layer is positioned at the same height as the first printed material layer. To do this, when placing the second printed material layer, the conveyor module moves toward the conveyor belt substrate by a distance equal to the already printed thickness group, so as to add the second printed material to the same layer as the first printed material.

[0057] Preferably, the printing press of the present invention may include a displacement mechanism connected to the fastening system so that, after the first and second materials have been placed and the conveyor belt substrate has been moved downwards, the displacement mechanism moves the conveyor module laterally to a new reference position aligned with the second supply module, similar to the supply module described above, but loading two new materials. Once the fastening system is repositioned, the operation cycle is repeated to cure the portion corresponding to each material.

[0058] Alternatively, the printing press of the present invention may include a secondary supply module for loading two new materials and a displacement mechanism connected to the supply module, such that, after the first and second materials have been placed and the movement of the conveyor substrate is completed, the supply module is laterally moved to position the secondary supply module at a reference position aligned with the movement of the conveyor substrate. Both supply modules use the same conveyor substrate, and the cleaning system should thoroughly clean the cleaning substrate so that the material from the secondary supply module comes into contact with the cleaning substrate, which is then clean.

[0059] The printing press of the present invention may further include a second conveyor belt substrate connected to the secondary supply module. Therefore, the supply of new material contained in the secondary supply module can be carried out without the need for a single conveyor belt substrate.

[0060] Preferably, once the first layer of printed material is placed, the cleaning module is activated to clean the newly created surface of the part to be built, thereby avoiding contamination by the second layer of printed material.

[0061] Preferably, the printing direction is top-down, starting from the upper printing surface of the printing volume, printing from the lower part to the upper part, and moving downwards as the layers are stacked.

[0062] Similarly, the machine of the present invention can reduce the amount of waste generated and the number of conveyor belt substrates used, because it is the same substrate that is reused after each layer of printed material on the part to be manufactured has cured. Likewise, the use of resin is reduced due to the printed material recycling system. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0063] In addition to the description provided herein, and to help to make the features of the invention more readily understood, the description is accompanied by a set of drawings that form an integral part of the invention, representing the following by way of example rather than limitation:

[0064] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the machine of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the display transmission module is shown.

[0066] Figure 3 Showing a front view of a preferred embodiment of the transmission module.

[0067] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the material supply module is shown.

[0068] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the fastening system.

[0069] Figure 6 A front view showing a preferred embodiment of the fastening system.

[0070] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the material collection module is shown.

[0071] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the additive manufacturing method of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing a second preferred embodiment of the machine of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing a second preferred embodiment of the fastening system of the present invention is shown. Invention Details

[0075] This invention relates to a machine capable of manufacturing component additives layer by layer. Due to the configuration of the printing press of this invention, the printing press of this invention can reduce the consumption of conveyor belt substrate (2) and printing material, which will be explained below. Figures 1 to 10 The preferred exemplary embodiments shown are explained below.

[0076] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the entire machine is shown. The printing press has structural components (1) on which different modules are installed, allowing the components to be manufactured by additive manufacturing.

[0077] Specifically, the machine includes a conveying module (4), an ultraviolet light source (10), two material storage tanks (11), two material supply modules (12), a fastening system (18), and a material collection module (31).

[0078] Its operation is based on the use of a conveyor belt substrate (2), which is responsible for conveying the printed material to the components layer by layer.

[0079] Figure 2 This diagram shows a transmission module (4) of the machine of the present invention.

[0080] The transfer module (4) includes a movable support (5), a printing surface (3), and a displacement mechanism (6) in sequence. Therefore, the parts to be constructed will be produced layer by layer on the printing surface (3) which is moved by the displacement mechanism (6).

[0081] The displacement mechanism (6) is connected to the movable support (5) and generates upward and downward movements therein. In addition, the movable support (5) is used to accommodate the printing surface (3). Therefore, when the movable support (5) moves by the displacement mechanism (6), the printing surface (3) also moves to place it in place so as to accommodate a new layer of printing material on the part produced on the printing surface (3).

[0082] Therefore, the transfer module (4) generates vertical movement on the printed surface (3) to produce parts layer by layer during the material supply process and remove the printed surface (3) for safe operation.

[0083] The displacement mechanism (6) has four finger shafts (7) and four guide elements (8) that move through the four finger shafts to support the movable support (5) of the transfer module (4). The guide elements (8) of the displacement mechanism (6) enable the movable support (5) and the printing surface (3) to move.

[0084] Figure 3 The front view of the conveyor module (4) is shown, and an automatic leveling mechanism (9) is also included. The automatic leveling mechanism (9) is used to finely adjust the position of the printed surface (3) relative to the conveyor belt substrate (2).

[0085] In this case, the ultraviolet light source (10) is a DLP projector used to generate a beam of light with a predetermined shape to cure the printed material on the part to be constructed. In this case, the printed material is a high-viscosity photosensitive resin with a viscosity greater than 2000 mPa·s at 25°C, which can be cured by ultraviolet light.

[0086] The projector is connected to the structural component (1) via a bracket that can move in three spatial directions to properly calibrate the focus of the generated beam. This allows for high precision in the production of each layer of the component to be manufactured.

[0087] Figure 1 The machine shown also includes two material reservoirs (11), each for containing the same or preferably different printing materials. The material reservoirs (11) are fixed to the structural member (1) and are refillable.

[0088] Figure 4 Showing a front view of the material supply module (12). Each material supply module (12) of the machine is responsible for supplying printing material, i.e., photosensitive resin, to the conveyor belt substrate (2). In this case, the material supply module (12) includes a cylinder (13) and a material supply roller (14).

[0089] Each material supply module (12) is connected to one of the two reservoirs (11) to supply the printing material contained in the reservoir (11) to the cylinder (13) of the material supply module (12).

[0090] Once in the tube, the printing material is quantitatively supplied to the conveyor substrate (2) using the material supply roller (14) of the material supply module (12). As it rotates, the material supply roller (14) supplies layers of printing material to the conveyor substrate (2) in a continuous and controlled manner.

[0091] Figure 5 The fastening system (18) of the machine of the present invention is shown in a preferred embodiment. The fastening system (18) is used to secure the conveyor belt base plate (2) in place.

[0092] For this purpose, it includes a first fixed element (19) and a second fixed element (20), two rotating elements, in this case a second rotating element (27) and a third rotating element (28), and two displacement motors (25). In this case, the first fixed element (19) and the second fixed element (20) include an upper block (21) and a lower block (23).

[0093] Figure 6Showing a front view of the fastening system (18), especially the front view of the upper block (21) and lower block (23) of the first fastening element (19) and the second fastening element (20). The upper block (21) of each of the first fastening element (19) and the second fastening element (20) is clamping and can hold the conveyor belt substrate (2) by adjusting the screw (24).

[0094] In the lower block (23), each of the first fixing element (19) and the second fixing element (20) houses the self-tensioning motor (29, 30) of the fastening system (18), which is capable of moving the first fixing element (19) and the second fixing element (20), and thus moving the conveyor belt substrate (2). Furthermore, the lower block (23) also houses the self-tensioning motor (29, 30), which is capable of automatically providing the necessary tension on the conveyor belt substrate (2). Additionally, the lower block (23) is provided with an tilting element (22) for aligning with the conveyor belt substrate (2).

[0095] The first fixing element (19) and the second fixing element (20) are used to move both ends of the conveyor belt substrate (2) to produce the same movement. Therefore, during the movement of the first fixing element (19) and the second fixing element (20), if one is lifted, the other is lowered by the same distance, and vice versa. The movement of the first fixing element (19) and the second fixing element (20) is carried out along two linear guides (26).

[0096] Furthermore, the second rotating element (27) and the third rotating element (28) of the fastening system (18) serve as support points in the path of the conveyor belt substrate (2). For this purpose, they are fixed to the structural member (1) so that their only degree of freedom of movement is rotation. Then, the conveyor belt substrate (2) rests on the two second rotating elements (27) and the third rotating element (28), and when the fixing element (19) on the left side is lowered, the fixing element (20) on the right side is lifted, and the second rotating elements (27) and the third rotating element (28) themselves rotate counterclockwise so that the conveyor belt substrate (2) can move smoothly and maintain a U-shape in its placement relative to the structural member (1).

[0097] Figure 1 The relative position of the material supply module (12) with respect to the second rotating element (27) and the third rotating element (28) of the fastening system (18) is also shown. Therefore, the material supply roller (14) of the material supply module (12) is located tangent to the second rotating element (27) and the third rotating element (28) of the fastening system (18) and moves relative to them a distance equal to the desired layer thickness placed on the conveyor belt substrate (2) by the material supply module (12). Thus, as the material supply roller (14) rotates, it supplies a layer of material of controllable thickness onto the conveyor belt substrate (2).

[0098] To change the thickness of the material layer supplied to the conveyor belt substrate (2), the material supply module (12) also includes a thickness control module (15), which includes a flow channel (16) and a supply motor (17). The flow channel (16) is connected to the material supply roller (14) and moves linearly in the horizontal direction via the supply motor (17), thereby changing the thickness of the supplied material layer.

[0099] Figure 7 Showing a front view of the material collection module (31) coupled to the material supply module (12). The material collection module (31) includes a material collection tray (32), a spatula (33), a recycling conduit, and a filter. Once a layer of the part to be manufactured has cured, the spatula (33) of the material collection module (31) moves close to the surface of the conveyor substrate (2). The movement of the conveyor substrate (2) thus forces uncured printed material into contact with the spatula (33), removing it from the conveyor substrate (2) and causing it to fall onto the material collection tray (32). Once in the material collection tray (32), excess material is directed to the recycling conduit and filtered through the filter. The recycling conduit delivers excess material to a cylinder (13) or a reservoir (11) for later reuse.

[0100] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the additive manufacturing method of the present invention.

[0101] Figure 8 The conveyor belt substrate (2) is placed on and tensioned on the second rotating element (27) and the third rotating element (28) of the fastening system (18) so as to move with the movement of the first fixing element (19) and the second fixing element (20).

[0102] The ultraviolet light source (10) is activated to cure the printing material.

[0103] Then, the position of the material supply module (12) is calibrated to set the layer thickness to be supplied, and the outer surface of the material supply roller (14) of the material supply module (12) is moved closer to or away from the second rotating element (27) and the third rotating element (28) of the corresponding fastening system (18).

[0104] Then, the conveyor belt substrate (2) begins to move, in which case the left fixing element (19) is lowered and the right fixing element (20) is raised. At the same time, the material supply roller (14) is activated and begins to rotate on its own, supplying a layer of printed material with controllable thickness onto the conveyor belt substrate (2).

[0105] Once a layer of printing material is provided on the conveyor substrate (2), the printed surface (3) moves upward along a predetermined working length via the conveyor module (4), and the distance between it and the conveyor substrate (2) is equal to the thickness set already generated in the component plus the thickness of the new layer supplied on the conveyor substrate (2).

[0106] When the printed surface (3) is in its position, the printed material from the conveyor substrate (2) is irradiated to cure in a certain way. Then, the printed surface (3) is moved downward by the conveyor module (4) to separate it.

[0107] The movement of the conveyor plate (2) returns to the same direction as when the material was supplied, and at the same time the material collection module (31) is activated, removing the uncured material from the conveyor plate (2) with a spatula (33), pointing it to the material collection tray (32), and finally sending it back to the storage container (11).

[0108] Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing a second preferred embodiment of the machine of the present invention is provided, wherein the conveyor belt substrate (2) is positioned in an O-shape. Thus, the fastening system (18) includes a central and movable fixing element (34) and four rotating elements including a first rotating element (35), a second rotating element (27), a third rotating element (28), and a fourth rotating element (36).

[0109] The central and movable fixing elements (34) of the fastening system (18) are located on the linear guide (37) and hold the conveyor belt substrate (2) at a high level and parallel to the printed surface (3) at both ends of the structure (1). The central and movable fixing elements (34) move alternately in the left and right directions on the linear guide (37) to generate movement in the conveyor belt substrate (2).

[0110] In this case, the conveyor belt base plate (2) is connected to the central and movable fixing element (34) by two connecting rods (38, 39), the connecting rods are fixed to both ends of the conveyor belt base plate (2) by clamps, and they are connected to the central and movable fixing element (34) by two C-shaped fixing elements (40, 41).

[0111] Therefore, starting from the central and movable fixed element (34), the conveyor belt substrate (2) extends horizontally toward the first rotating element (35), changes direction by resting on the first rotating element (35), and extends downward in the vertical direction at a certain angle toward the second rotating element (27). The conveyor belt substrate (2) rests on the second rotating element (27), changes direction again and extends horizontally, thereby passing through the printed surface (3) toward the third rotating element (28), rests on the third rotating element (28), changes direction and extends upward in the vertical direction at a certain angle, symmetrical to the downward angle, and rests on the fourth rotating element (36) and extends horizontally, thereby being held from the second end to the central and movable fixed element (34).

[0112] Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing a second preferred embodiment of the fastening system (18) of the present invention is shown. The diagram shows a tensioning system (42) consisting of a machine connected to two upper rotating elements, a first rotating element (35) and a fourth rotating element (36). In this case, the tensioning system (42) is a scissor mechanism (44) that allows the upper rotating elements, the first rotating element (35) and the fourth rotating element (36) to move closer or further apart from each other by the movement of a central transverse finger axis (43). Thus, when the conveyor belt substrate (2) is placed, the fastening system (18) is compressed, i.e., the first rotating element (35) and the fourth rotating element (36) are pulled closer together, and once the conveyor belt substrate (2) is placed, they move until the required tension is reached, preferably until a step loss of the motor is detected.

Claims

1. A machine for manufacturing additives, wherein the printing direction is top-to-bottom, comprising: -Structural component (1); - The transfer module (4) includes a movable bracket (5) for accommodating a printed surface (3) on which components are printed, for moving the components in a vertical direction, and a displacement mechanism (6) connected to the structural member (1). - At least one light source (10) is fixed to the structural member (1); - At least one material reservoir (11) is located in the structural member (1) and is used to include printing material; - A material supply module (12) is connected to the material reservoir (11) and is used to apply a layer of printing material on a conveyor belt substrate (2), the conveyor belt substrate being used to transport the printing material from the material supply module (12) to the printing surface (3). and - Fastening system (18); It has a U-shaped configuration and includes: A first fixing element (19) and a second fixing element (20) are located on a linear guide rail (26) and are used to hold the conveyor belt substrate (2) onto the structural member (1) and to arrange the conveyor belt substrate (2) in a U-shape, wherein the first fixing element (19) and the second fixing element (20) comprise: a lower block (23) for receiving a self-tensioning motor (29, 30) of the conveyor belt substrate (2) and engaging with the conveyor belt substrate (2); and an upper block (21) comprising an inclined element (22) for aligning the conveyor belt substrate (2). The second rotating element (27) and the third rotating element (28) relative to the structural member (1) serve as support points for the conveyor belt substrate (2), and rotate themselves to enable the conveyor belt substrate (2) to move smoothly. Two displacement motors (25) move the first fixing element (19) and the second fixing element (20) to move the conveyor belt substrate (2); or It has an O-shaped configuration and includes: A central and movable fixing element (34) is located on a linear guide (37) and is used to hold the conveyor belt substrate (2) at both ends to the structural member (1), located above the height of the printed surface and parallel to the printed surface (3), and moves alternately in two directions on the linear guide (37) to generate movement in the conveyor belt substrate (2), wherein the conveyor belt substrate (2) is arranged in an O-shape; A set of four rotating elements relative to the structural component (1) includes: a first rotating element (35), a second rotating element (27), a third rotating element (28) and a fourth rotating element (36), which serve as support points for the conveyor belt substrate (2) and rotate themselves to enable the conveyor belt substrate (2) to move smoothly. One or more displacement motors (25) move the central and movable fixed element (34) to move the conveyor belt base plate (2).

2. The machine for additive manufacturing according to claim 1, wherein the light source (10) is a projector, a screen or a laser.

3. The machine for additive manufacturing according to claim 1, wherein the light source (10) is of the ultraviolet or visible light type.

4. The machine for additive manufacturing according to claim 1, wherein the transfer module (4) includes an automatic leveling mechanism, system or program (9) having a positioning frame that initiates the positioning of the printing surface (3) to be adjusted.

5. The machine for additive manufacturing according to claim 1, wherein the displacement mechanism (6) of the conveying module (4) includes one or more finger shafts (7) and a guide element (8) that enables the movable support (5) and the printing surface (3) to move.

6. The machine for additive manufacturing according to claim 1, wherein the printed surface (3) and the movable support (5) form a single element.

7. The machine for additive manufacturing according to claim 1, wherein the fastening system (18) has an O-shaped configuration, and wherein the conveyor belt base plate (2) is connected to a central and movable fixing element (34) by two connecting rods (38, 39), the connecting rods being fixed to both ends of the conveyor belt base plate (2) and connected to the central and movable fixing element (34) by two C-shaped fixing elements (40, 41).

8. The machine for additive manufacturing according to claim 1, wherein the fastening system (18) has an O-shaped configuration and further includes a tensioning system (42) connected to the first rotating element (35) and the fourth rotating element (36) and for moving the first rotating element (35) and the fourth rotating element (36) closer to or further away from each other by movement of a central transverse finger axis (43).

9. The machine for additive manufacturing according to claim 1, wherein, At least one material supply module (12) includes a cylinder (13) and a material supply roller (14) located tangent to at least one of the second rotating element (27) and the third rotating element (28) of the fastening system (18).

10. The machine for additive manufacturing according to claim 9, wherein the material supply module (12) further comprises a thickness control module (15) including a flow channel (16) connected to and linearly movable with respect to the cylinder (13) and the material supply roller (14), and a supply motor (17) for driving the flow channel to move.

11. The machine for additive manufacturing according to claim 9, in addition to the excess material collection tray (32), further includes a material collection module (31), a material filter, and a recirculation conduit to guide the collected material to the cylinder (13) or the reservoir (11).

12. The machine for additive manufacturing according to claim 11, wherein the material collection module (31) includes a spatula (33) placed near the conveyor belt substrate (2) so that it presses the substrate to recover excess material.

13. The machine for additive manufacturing according to claim 12, wherein the material collection module (31) further includes an activation mechanism connected to the spatula (33) that enables the spatula to approach or be removed from the conveyor belt substrate (2).

14. The machine for manufacturing additives according to claim 1, wherein the material used is a photosensitive resin with a viscosity greater than or equal to 2000 mPa·s at 25°C.

15. The machine for manufacturing additives according to claim 14, wherein the material used is a photosensitive resin filled with reinforcing material.

16. The machine for additive manufacturing according to claim 1, wherein the light source (10) is located above the printing surface (3).

17. The machine for additive manufacturing according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning module including two rollers having a soft material disposed thereon, a cleaning motor for moving the rollers, and a cleaning plate extending in a circular shape onto the two rollers so as to enable them to rotate continuously.

18. A method for manufacturing an additive using a machine for additive manufacturing according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the printing direction is top-to-bottom, comprising the following steps: a) Provide a conveyor belt substrate (2) placed in the fastening system (18); b) Tension the conveyor belt substrate (2) by the fastening system (18); c) Activate the light source (10); d) Place the supply module (12) at a distance equal to the required layer thickness of the conveyor belt substrate (2); e) Move the fastening system (18) to lower the first fixing element (19) and raise the second fixing element (20) when the fastening system (18) has a U-shaped configuration, or to linearly move the central and movable fixing element (34) on the linear guide (37) when the fastening system (18) has an O-shaped configuration. f) When the fastening system (18) has a U-shaped configuration, printing material is supplied from the material supply module (12) located below the first fixing element (19) along the working length on the conveyor belt substrate (2), or when the fastening system (18) has an O-shaped configuration, printing material is supplied from the material supply module (12) located below the second rotating element (27) and / or the third rotating element (28) along the working length on the conveyor belt substrate (2); g) Raise the printed surface (3) to a distance from the conveyor belt substrate (2) equal to the thickness of the generated layer plus the thickness of the new layer; h) Irradiate the uncured printed material through the light source (10) to produce a predetermined shape and a cured layer; i) Lower the conveyor module (4) to peel the cured layer off the conveyor belt substrate (2); and j) Repeat steps e) to i).

19. The method of claim 18 further includes a step prior to activating the light source (10), which ensures the coplanarity of the conveyor module (4) and the conveyor belt substrate (2) by an automatic leveling mechanism, system or program (9).

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein in the step of supplying material on the conveyor belt substrate (2), once printing material is supplied to the working area of ​​the conveyor belt substrate (2), the movement of the fastening system (18) continues without supplying more printing material.

21. The method of claim 18 further comprises the steps of: activating the material collection module (31) and removing uncured material to reintroduce it into the material supply module (12).

22. The method of claim 18, wherein the first cylinder (13) contains a first printing material and at least one second cylinder (13) contains a second printing material, thereby alternately supplying printing materials during each movement of the conveyor belt substrate (2).

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of moving the conveyor module (4) toward the conveyor substrate (2) in the supply of the second printing material is performed at a distance equal to the thickness group already printed, thereby adding the second printing material to the same layer as the first printing material.

24. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of activating the cleaning module to avoid material contamination.

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