Hybrid Multi-Material Three-Dimensional Printing Method and System

Abstract

The present invention provides a hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing method and system. The printing method includes the following steps: Step S1: Determine the printing area of each printing slurry in the multi-material layer to be printed and the surplus area outside the printing area; Step S2: Arrange a printing slurry on the exposure platform; Step S3: Expose the surplus area of the printing slurry on the exposure platform; Step S4: Remove the exposed surplus area and leave the printing area to be exposed on the exposure platform; Step S5: Expose the printing area on the exposure platform; and Step S6: Transfer the exposed printing area; Steps S2 to S6 are executed for each printing slurry, so that the exposed printing areas corresponding to each printing slurry are spliced to form the printed multi-material layer. The hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing method and system of the present invention can significantly reduce waste liquid pollution and improve production efficiency while achieving efficient multi-material printing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention mainly relates to the field of three-dimensional printing, and particularly relates to a method and system for hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing. Background Art

[0002] Three-dimensional printing technology is becoming increasingly mature, and the demand for printing materials is also gradually diversified. In the prior art, some solutions have been proposed for multi-material printing methods. For example, for dry materials, methods such as laser sintering combined with separate material laying are used. However, for the three-dimensional printing process with slurry as the raw material, there is no good way to achieve multi-material combination in different regions of each printed slice, and the degree of automation is relatively low. In addition, in order to arrange raw materials with preset shapes and positions in different regions of the same slice, surplus printing slurry that is not needed is removed through cleaning and other means, resulting in a large amount of slurry waste. Moreover, cleaning requires a large amount of cost and generates waste liquid and waste water, which is not conducive to environmental protection. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method and system for hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing, which can significantly reduce waste liquid pollution and improve production efficiency while achieving efficient multi-material printing.

[0004] To solve the above technical problem, the present invention provides a method for hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing, which is suitable for printing a three-dimensional printing model. The three-dimensional printing model includes at least one multi-material layer, and the multi-material layer is printed by at least two printing slurries. The method includes the following steps: Step S1: Determine the printing area of each printing slurry in the multi-material layer to be printed and the surplus area outside the printing area; Step S2: Arrange one printing slurry on the exposure platform; Step S3: Expose the surplus area of the printing slurry on the exposure platform; Step S4: Remove the exposed surplus area and leave the printing area to be exposed on the exposure platform; Step S5: Expose the printing area on the exposure platform; and Step S6: Transfer the exposed printing area. Among them, for each printing slurry, the steps S2 to S6 are executed, so that the exposed printing areas corresponding to each printing slurry are spliced to form a printed multi-material layer.

[0005] In an embodiment of the present invention, before executing the step S2, the sizes of the printing area and the surplus area of each slurry are determined according to the characteristic parameters of the multi-material layer.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present invention, the step S3 includes pressing the removal platform on one surface of the exposure platform and controlling the light source to expose the printing slurry in the surplus area through the other surface of the exposure platform.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, step S4 includes removing the removal platform, such that the exposed surplus area detaches from the exposure platform along with the removal platform.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, step S4 further includes detaching the exposed surplus area from the removal platform.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, step S5 includes pressing a printing platform onto one surface of the exposure platform, and controlling a light source to expose the printing paste in the printing area through the other surface of the exposure platform.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, step S6 further includes transferring the printing platform, such that the exposed printing area detaches from the exposure platform along with the printing platform.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, it further includes retaining the exposed printing areas of each printing paste in different areas of the printing platform, such that the exposed printing areas corresponding to each printing paste form the printed multi-material layer through splicing.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the exposure platform includes a release film.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, it further includes controlling the release film to roll unidirectionally or bidirectionally, so as to continuously provide a clean release film available for exposing the surplus area and / or the printing area during the printing process.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, it further includes cleaning, rolling, and / or replacing the release film after performing steps S2 to S6 for any one printing paste.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention also provides a hybrid multi - material three - dimensional printing system, which is suitable for printing a three - dimensional printing model. The three - dimensional printing model includes at least one layer of multi - material layer, and the multi - material layer is printed by at least two printing slurries. The system includes: an exposure platform having opposite first and second surfaces, the first surface being suitable for carrying the printing slurry to be exposed; a printing slurry supply mechanism arranged on one side of the exposure platform to arrange the printing slurry on the exposure platform; an exposure system arranged opposite to the second surface of the exposure platform, the exposure system being used to selectively expose the printing area of the printing slurry and the surplus area outside the printing area; a removal platform arranged near the exposure platform; a removal platform driving mechanism connected to the removal platform, the removal platform driving mechanism being suitable for driving the removal platform to move between a first position covering the first surface and a second position away from the exposure platform to remove the exposed surplus area; a printing platform arranged near the exposure platform; a printing platform movement mechanism connected to the printing platform, the printing platform movement mechanism being suitable for driving the printing platform to move between a third position covering the first surface and a fourth position away from the exposure platform to transfer the exposed printing area; and a host computer electrically connected to the exposure platform, the exposure system, the printing slurry supply mechanism, the removal platform driving mechanism and the printing platform movement mechanism. The host computer is configured to: determine the printing area of each printing slurry in the multi - material layer to be printed and the surplus area outside the printing area; and control the operations of the exposure platform, the exposure system, the printing slurry supply mechanism, the removal platform driving mechanism and the printing platform movement mechanism to sequentially obtain the exposed printing areas of each printing slurry on the printing platform.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the host computer is further configured to repeatedly execute the following operations to sequentially obtain the exposed printing areas of each printing slurry on the printing platform: control the printing slurry supply mechanism to arrange a printing slurry on the exposure platform; control the removal platform driving mechanism to move the removal platform to the first position; control the exposure system to expose the surplus area of the printing slurry, and the exposed surplus area adheres to the removal platform; control the removal platform driving mechanism to move the removal platform to the second position to remove the exposed surplus area; control the printing platform driving mechanism to move the printing platform to the third position; control the exposure system to expose the printing area remaining on the exposure platform, and the exposed printing area adheres to the printing platform; and control the printing platform driving mechanism to move the printing platform to the fourth position; wherein, the exposed printing areas corresponding to each printing slurry are spliced on the printing platform to form a printed multi - material layer.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, a cleaning device is further attached to the removal platform, and the cleaning device is adapted to remove the exposed surplus area on the removal platform after the removal platform detaches from the exposure platform.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the exposure platform includes a release film.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, a light-transmitting limiting portion is further included. The limiting portion is located below the exposure platform, and the limiting portion is adapted to support the exposure platform when the removal platform presses on the first position or the printing platform presses on the third position.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, an automatic film changing device is further included. The release film is located in the automatic film changing device. The automatic film changing device includes at least two opposing reel wheels, and the reel wheels are adapted to drive the release film to move in one direction and / or two directions, so as to continuously provide a clean release film that can be used to expose the surplus area and / or the printing area during the printing process.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reel wheels are adapted to drive the release film to move in two directions, and the automatic film changing device further includes a release film cleaning brush, which is used to clean the surface of the release film so that the same section of the release film is suitable for repeated use after cleaning.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the printing paste supply mechanism includes multiple groups of paste input pipes. Each group of paste input pipes includes multiple paste input pipes, and the multiple paste input pipes in each group of paste input pipes are correspondingly loaded with the same kind of printing paste.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the printing paste supply mechanism further includes a spreading squeegee, and the spreading squeegee is adapted to move in the horizontal and / or vertical directions.

[0024] On the other hand, the present invention also proposes a hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing method system, including: a memory for storing instructions executable by a processor; and a processor for executing the instructions to implement the above-mentioned hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing method.

[0025] The present invention also proposes a computer-readable medium storing computer program code, and the computer program code implements the above-mentioned hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing method when executed by a processor.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: The multi-material printing solution proposed by the present invention adopts an area exposure method, and has a relatively fast printing speed for large areas and large volumes, enabling efficient multi-material printing. Moreover, the number of materials within a single layer is not restricted, and different materials can also be used between layers. Since the unnecessary parts are directly removed after exposure curing, there is no cleaning process, and no waste liquid or liquid pollution is generated. Preferably, a release film with reciprocating cyclic motion can also be applied, which can further enhance the automation degree of the equipment, reduce production costs, and improve production efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings are provided to provide a further understanding of the present application, and they are incorporated into and constitute a part of the present application. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present application and, together with this specification, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b and Figure 1c are schematic structural diagrams of a hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2a and Figure 2b are schematic diagrams of an exposure platform in a hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 are schematic flowcharts of a hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4a and Figure 4b are schematic diagrams of surplus areas and printing areas in a hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4c are schematic diagrams of the principle of a hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing method according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0033] Figure 5 is a system block diagram of a hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description are only some examples or embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, the present application can also be applied to other similar scenarios based on these drawings. Unless obvious from the language context or otherwise stated, the same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same structures or operations.

[0035] As shown in this application and the claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, words such as "a", "an", "one", and / or "the" are not specifically singular and may also include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of the steps and elements that have been clearly identified, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list. The method or device may also include other steps or elements.

[0036] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements of the components and steps, numerical expressions, and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. At the same time, it should be understood that, for the sake of convenience of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn in actual proportional relationship. Technologies, methods, and devices known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such technologies, methods, and devices should be regarded as part of the authorization specification. In all the examples shown and discussed here, any specific value should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters denote like items in the following drawings, and thus, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0037] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationships indicated by orientation words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "lateral, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal", and "top, bottom" are generally based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Without contrary instructions, these orientation words do not indicate and imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation on the protection scope of this application; the orientation words "inside, outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the contour of each component itself.

[0038] For ease of description, spatial relative terms, such as "above", "over", "on the upper surface", "upper", etc., may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of one device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "over" another device or structure will then be positioned "below" or "under" the other device or structure. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both orientations of "above" and "below". The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0039] In addition, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first", "second", etc. to define components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. Without additional statement, the above terms have no special meaning, and thus should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. In addition, although the terms used in this application are selected from well-known and commonly used terms, some of the terms mentioned in the specification of this application may be selected by the applicant according to his or her judgment, and their detailed meanings are described in the relevant parts of this description. In addition, it is required to understand this application not only through the actual terms used, but also through the meaning implied by each term.

[0040] It should be understood that when a component is referred to as "on another component", "connected to another component", "coupled to another component", or "in contact with another component", it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to, or in contact with the other component, or there may be an intervening component. In contrast, when a component is referred to as "directly on another component", "directly connected to", "directly coupled to", or "directly in contact with" another component, there is no intervening component. Similarly, when the first component is referred to as "electrically contacting" or "electrically coupled to" the second component, there is an electrical path allowing current to flow between the first component and the second component. The electrical path may include capacitors, coupled inductors, and / or other components allowing current to flow, even if there is no direct contact between the conductive components.

[0041] An embodiment of the present invention proposes a hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing method 30 as Figure 3 shown (hereinafter referred to as "printing method 30"). The printing method 30 is suitable for printing a three-dimensional printing model, and the three-dimensional printing model includes at least one layer of multi-material layer, and the multi-material layer is printed from at least two printing slurries. To better illustrate the printing method 30, first refer toFigures 1a to 2b Describe the structure of a hybrid multi - material three - dimensional printing system 10 (hereinafter referred to as "printing system 10") proposed by the present invention on which the printing method 30 is based.

[0042] According to Figure 1a , the printing system 10 includes an exposure platform 11, a removal platform 12, a removal platform driving mechanism 13, a printing platform 14, a printing platform movement mechanism 15, a printing slurry supply mechanism 16, an exposure system 17, and a host computer ( Figure 1a not shown in

[0043] . Specifically, the exposure platform 11 has opposite first surface 1101 and second surface 1102. Among them, the first surface 1101 is adapted to carry the printing slurry to be exposed, and the exposure platform 11 is disposed opposite to the second surface 1102. The removal platform 12 is disposed near the exposure platform 11 and is adapted to adhere to the exposed surplus area corresponding to each kind of printing slurry. The removal platform driving mechanism 13 is connected to the removal platform 12, and the removal platform driving mechanism 13 is adapted to drive the removal platform 12 to perform horizontal rotational movement and linear movement in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the removal platform driving mechanism 13 is specifically implemented as a first movement mechanism 131 and a second movement mechanism 132. The first movement mechanism 131 can control the removal platform 12 to move up and down in the vertical direction, while the second movement mechanism 132 controls the removal platform 12 to perform rotational movement in the horizontal direction. Through the cooperation of the first movement mechanism 131 and the second movement mechanism 132, the removal platform 12 can be timely moved to cover the area to be exposed on the exposure platform 11 and move away from the exposure platform 11 after exposure.

[0044] Similarly, the printing platform 14 is also disposed near the exposure platform 11, and the printing platform 14 is adapted to adhere to the exposed printing area corresponding to each kind of printing slurry. The printing platform movement mechanism 15 is connected to the printing platform 14, and the printing platform movement mechanism 15 is adapted to drive the printing platform 14 to perform horizontal rotational movement and / or linear movement in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the printing platform movement mechanism 15 is specifically implemented as a third movement mechanism 151 and a fourth movement mechanism 152. The third movement mechanism 151 can control the printing platform 14 to move up and down in the vertical direction, while the fourth movement mechanism 152 controls the printing platform 14 to perform rotational movement in the horizontal direction. Through the cooperation of the third movement mechanism 151 and the fourth movement mechanism 152, the printing platform 14 can be timely moved to cover the area to be exposed on the exposure platform 11 and move away from the exposure platform 11 after exposure.

[0044] In the actual application process, when printing each kind of printing slurry, the printing platform 14 and the removal platform 12 will alternately switch between the state of covering the first surface 1101 of the exposure platform 11 and leaving the exposure platform 11. Specifically, reference can be made to Figure 1b and Figure 1c shown, whereFigure 1b It shows a schematic diagram of the state of removing the first position where the removal platform 12 presses on the first surface 1101 of the exposure platform 11 and the fourth position where the printing platform 14 leaves the exposure platform 11. Figure 1b The shown working state can be used for the exposure of the surplus area and the removal of the exposed surplus area; while Figure 1c It shows a schematic diagram of the state of the third position where the printing platform 14 presses on the first surface 1101 of the exposure platform 11 and the second position where the removal platform 12 leaves the exposure platform 11. Figure 1c The shown state can be used for the exposure of the printing area and the subsequent transfer of the exposed printing area.

[0045] In Figure 1a the printing system 10 shown also includes Figure 1a a host computer not shown in the figure. The host computer is electrically connected to the exposure platform 11, the exposure system 17, the printing platform 14, and the removal platform 12. The host computer is specifically configured to determine the printing area of each printing paste in the multi-material layer to be printed and the surplus area outside the printing area, and control the operations of the exposure platform 11, the exposure system 17, the printing paste supply mechanism 16, the removal platform driving mechanism 13, and the printing platform moving mechanism 15, so as to finally obtain the exposed printing area of each printing paste on the printing platform 14 in sequence.

[0046] Specifically, in multiple embodiments of the present invention, the host computer also has the following configuration. The host computer can repeatedly execute the following operations to obtain the exposed printing area of each printing paste on the printing platform 14 in sequence:

[0047] Control the printing paste supply mechanism 16 to arrange a printing paste on the exposure platform 11;

[0048] Control the removal platform driving mechanism 13 to move the removal platform 12 to the first position as Figure 1b shown;

[0049] Control the exposure system 17 to expose the surplus area of the printing paste, and the exposed surplus area adheres to the removal platform 12;

[0050] Control the removal platform driving mechanism 13 to move the removal platform 12 to the second position as Figure 1c shown to remove the exposed surplus area;

[0051] Control the printing platform driving mechanism 15 to move the printing platform 14 to the third position as Figure 1c shown;

[0052] Control the exposure system 17 to expose the printing area remaining on the exposure platform 11 after removing the above-mentioned exposed surplus area, and the exposed printing area adheres to the printing platform 14; and

[0053] Control the printing platform driving mechanism 15 to move the printing platform 14 to the fourth position as shown in Figure 1b such a way that the removal platform 12 can continue to print the surplus area of the next printing paste on the exposure platform 11. After repeating the above steps for each printing paste, a printed multi-material layer can be spliced on the printing platform 14.

[0054] Through the printing system 10 as shown in Figure 1a when printing a multi-material layer of a three-dimensional printing model, for each printing paste in the multi-material layer, the surplus area that does not need to be cured of this printing paste can be first exposed and cured and taken away from the exposure platform 11 by the removal platform 12 in an adhesive manner, and then the required printing area is exposed and cured and temporarily taken away from the exposure platform 11 by the printing platform 14 in an adhesive manner, and the printing of the next printing paste is prepared. After performing the same operation for each printing paste in turn, a multi-material layer with multi-material splicing will be formed on the printing platform 14. The specific printing method will be further described with reference to Figure 3 for further illustration.

[0055] Preferably, in the printing system 10 as shown in Figure 1a a cleaning device 121 is also attached to one side of the removal platform 12. The cleaning device 121 is adapted to remove the surplus area that has been exposed on the removal platform 12 after the removal platform 12 is separated from the exposure platform 11. The surplus area changes from liquid to solid after exposure, so the cured surplus area can be conveniently removed from the removal platform 12 by the cleaning device 121 by analogy with the demolding step in the field of three-dimensional printing, so as to facilitate the removal platform 12 to continue to expose the surplus area of the next printing paste. Exemplarily, the cleaning device 121 can be specifically implemented as a structure such as a push shovel, and the present invention does not limit this.

[0056] In this embodiment, preferably, the exposure platform 11 is composed of a release film 11. More preferably, since the release film is a consumable in the three-dimensional printing process, in order to improve the automation degree of the solution and facilitate the replacement or cleaning of the release film, in the printing system 10, the release film 11 is located in an automatic film changing device. The automatic film changing device includes two opposite reel wheels 111. The reel wheels 111 are adapted to drive the release film 11 to move in a single direction a or b, or in both directions a and b (in this embodiment, the single direction a or b, and the two directions a and b are all horizontal directions), so as to continuously provide a clean release film 11 that can be used for the exposed surplus area and / or the printing area during the printing process. Specifically, the release film 11 usually appears in a rolled form. In this embodiment, the automatic film changing device further includes clamping structures 112 and 113 for fixing both ends of a section of the release film. In Figure 1aAlso not shown are the unused release film and the used release film. Exemplarily, the unused release film may be located at one end of the clamping structure 112, and the used release film may be located at one end of the clamping structure 113, and storage spaces are respectively provided for storing the unused and used release films.

[0057] Preferably, the reel 111 can drive the release film 11 to move bidirectionally along ab, and the automatic film changing device further includes a release film cleaning brush 114. The release film cleaning brush 114 is adapted to clean the surface of the release film 11 so that the same section of the release film 11 can be reused after cleaning. Exemplarily, the release film cleaning brush 114 can reciprocate along the horizontal ab direction to clean dirt or residues after exposure on the surface of the release film 11. In this way, the production cost can be reduced as much as possible. When the release film is not damaged, the surface of the release film 11 is cleaned in a timely manner by the release film cleaning brush 114, so that the same section of the release film can be used repeatedly.

[0058] Of course, in some embodiments of the present invention, the movement direction of the release film can also be set to be unidirectional a or b. For example, if the direction of the release film is set to be unidirectional a, then a storage space is configured at one end of the clamping structure 112 to store the unused release film, and a storage space is configured at one end of the clamping structure 113 to store the used release film. In such a setting, the release film cleaning brush 114 can be no longer configured, and a single exposure, a fixed number of exposures, or when the release film is damaged, the reel 111 directly drives the release film 11 to move along the direction a to provide a new unused release film 11. According to the actual production needs, the quality of the release film, the exposure situation, etc., the release film 11 can be freely selected to be configured for unidirectional or bidirectional movement.

[0059] On the other hand, the printing system 10 further includes a printing paste supply mechanism 16. Figure 1a It has been clearly shown in that the printing paste supply mechanism 16 is arranged on one side of the exposure platform 11, and has a plurality of paste input pipes 160. In this embodiment, preferably, the plurality of paste input pipes 160 are divided into three groups. More clearly, it can be combined on the basis of Figure 1a and in combination with Figure 2b As shown, the three groups of paste input pipes 1601, 1602, and 1603 each include a plurality of paste input pipes 160 and are arranged side by side in the extending direction of the release film 11. Among them, the plurality of paste input pipes in each group of paste input pipes 1601, 1602, and 1603 are correspondingly loaded with the same kind of printing paste. Exemplarily, in the actual printing process, the plurality of paste input pipes 160 in the first group of paste input pipes 1601 are used to arrange the first kind of printing paste on the release film 11, and so on.

[0060] During actual material laying, the winding wheel 111 can be started to drive the release film 11 to move in direction a and / or direction b, so as to generate relative movement with the slurry input pipes 160 in each group, and complete the material laying. Preferably, in order to better complete the process of material laying, the printing slurry supply mechanism 16 further includes a laying scraper 161, and the laying scraper 161 is adapted to move in the horizontal or vertical direction, so as to perfect the arrangement of the printing slurry on the exposure platform 11. Exemplarily, for any determined section of the release film, when arranging the printing slurry, this section of the release film is located at the position where the printing slurry supply mechanism 16 is located. After completing the material laying, the release film can be controlled by the winding wheel 111 to move in the horizontal direction to move to the position where the removal platform 12 is located, presenting Figure 1b the position relationship shown; when printing the surplus area after the printing is completed, when continuing to print the above-mentioned printing area, this section of the release film can remain stationary; when all of this kind of printing slurry is printed, this section of the release film can be directly moved by the control of the winding wheel 111 to the side for storing the used release film to continue for final waste treatment, or can also be retracted to the position where the printing slurry supply mechanism 16 is located, and after cleaning the surface, continue to arrange the next kind of printing slurry on this section of the release film.

[0061] Particularly, since the laying scraper 161 can move in the vertical direction, when printing any multi-material layer, if there are special requirements for the thickness of this layer, different layer thicknesses can be achieved by moving the laying scraper 161 in the vertical direction. In addition, when it is necessary to replace, roll or clean the release film 11, especially when there are large obstacles (such as particles or residual printing slurry, etc.) on the surface of the release film 11, it may also be necessary for the laying scraper 161 to move in the vertical direction, so as to avoid contacting the obstacles on the surface of the release film 11 to prevent the release film 11 from moving in direction a and / or direction b. Although the laying scraper 161 has a similar structure and movement mechanism to the above-mentioned release film cleaning brush 114, the two achieve different functions.

[0062] It should be added that in Figure 1a the embodiment shown, the exposure system 17 is located below the exposure platform 11 and will expose and cure the printing slurry located on the exposure platform 11 from below. The exposure system 17 can selectively expose the printing area of the printing slurry and the surplus area outside the printing area. For a clearer illustration, Figure 2aA separate schematic diagram of the exposure platform 11 (specifically implemented as a release film 11 and an automatic film changing device where the release film 11 is located, including a reel 111, clamping structures 112 and 113) is shown. Preferably, in this embodiment, a light-transmitting limiting part 115 can also be arranged below the release film 11, and the limiting part 115 is adapted to support the exposure platform 11 when the removal platform 12 or the printing platform 14 presses on the exposure platform 11. Exemplarily, the limiting part 115 can be specifically implemented with materials such as glass. When the exposure platform 11 is specifically implemented as a release film 11, the role of the limiting part 115 is more important and obvious.

[0063] Next, in conjunction with Figure 3 , a hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing method 30 proposed by the present invention will be introduced. In this application Figure 3 Flowcharts are used to illustrate the operations performed by the system according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that the operations in the front or below do not necessarily need to be precisely executed in sequence. On the contrary, various steps can be processed in reverse order or simultaneously. At the same time, or other operations can be added to these processes, or one or several steps can be removed from these processes.

[0064] According to Figure 3 , the printing method 30 specifically includes the following steps:

[0065] Step S1: Determine the printing area of each printing paste in the multi-material layer to be printed and the surplus area outside the printing area;

[0066] Step S2: Arrange a printing paste on the exposure platform;

[0067] Step S3: Expose the surplus area of the printing paste on the exposure platform;

[0068] Step S4: Remove the exposed surplus area and leave the printing area to be exposed on the exposure platform;

[0069] Step S5: Expose the printing area on the exposure platform; and

[0070] Step S6: Transfer the exposed printing area.

[0071] In Figure 3 the shown embodiment, a judgment step S7 is also shown, which judges whether the printing paste printed this time is the last printing paste in this layer. If the judgment result is yes, the printing of this layer can be ended to obtain the printed multi-material layer; if the judgment result is no, continue to print the next printing paste in this layer. However, the present invention is not limited to Figure 3 the example shown. In other embodiments of the present invention, the number of types of printing pastes to be printed for each layer can be planned in advance, as long as each printing paste is executed as Figure 3The steps S2 to S6 shown are all within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0072] As mentioned above, Figure 3 The printing method 30 shown can be performed by Figure 1a The printing system 10 shown in the figure is implemented. Of course, the printing method 30 can also be implemented in various variations or preferred embodiments based on the printing system 10. Figures 1a to 2b Taking the printing system 10 as an example, various steps of the printing method 30 and other variant technical features are described in detail.

[0073] First, step S1 is to determine the printing area of ​​each printing paste in the multi-material layer to be printed and the surplus area outside the printing area. In order to better explain the printing area and the surplus area, the following is Figure 4a and Figure 4b Combined with Figures 1a to 2b First, refer to Figure 2a ,exist Figure 2a FIG. 1 shows an area 110 to be exposed corresponding to the position of the limiting portion 115 on the release film 11. The surplus area and the printing area described in the present invention are both exposed in the area 110 to be exposed. Figure 4a and Figure 4b In the area to be exposed 110, first, any one of the printing pastes is arranged in the area to be exposed 110 through the printing paste supply mechanism 16, and a printing area 41 and a surplus area 42 are determined in the area to be exposed 110, wherein the printing area 41 means the area required in the multi-material layer, and the surplus area 42 means the area not required in the multi-material layer.

[0074] Further preferably, in order to save costs, in some embodiments of the present invention, the printing method further includes, before executing step S2, judging the size of the layout area of ​​each slurry on the exposure platform according to characteristic parameters of the multi-material layer, such as the size of the multi-material layer, the number of types of printing slurries required, and the size of the area to be printed by each printing slurry, etc. The size of the layout area includes the size of the printing area and the size of the surplus area. Figure 2a ,according to Figure 4a The size of the printing area and the surplus area to be printed by one of the printing pastes shown in the figure has a preset rectangular exposure area 110 that can just meet the size of the printing paste, thereby reducing waste as much as possible and further optimizing cost control in the three-dimensional printing process.

[0075] Preferably, using Figure 1a In the printing system 10 shown in FIG. 1 , step S3 may further include pressing the removal platform 12 onto a surface of the exposure platform 11 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1aIt can be understood as the first surface 1101) of the exposure platform 11, and the light source (in this embodiment, the exposure system 17) is controlled to expose the printing paste in the surplus area 42 through the other surface of the exposure platform 11 (refer to Figure 1a It can be understood as the second surface 1102) of the exposure platform 11 to expose the printing paste in the surplus area 42.

[0076] In such an embodiment, further, step S4 specifically includes removing the removal platform 12, so that the exposed surplus area is separated from the exposure platform 11 as the removal platform 12 moves. Since the removal platform 12 is pressed on the exposure platform 11 before exposure, after the surplus area 42 on the exposure platform 11 is exposed, the exposed part will directly adhere to the removal platform 12 (in accordance with the Figure 1a shown positional relationship, it will adhere to the side of the removal platform 12 with the cleaning device 121 below), and is taken away from the exposure platform 11 as the removal platform 12 moves. At the same time, the cleaning device 121 can be used to assist in removing the exposed surplus area 42 located on the removal platform 12, so that it is separated from the removal platform 12, so as to facilitate the removal platform 12 to continue printing the next kind of printing paste.

[0077] Similarly, if the printing system 10 as shown in Figure 1a is adopted, step S5 further includes pressing the printing platform 14 on one side of the exposure platform 11 (also the first surface 1101 of the exposure platform 11), and exposing the printing paste in the printing area 41 through the other side of the exposure platform 11 (the second surface 1102 of the exposure platform 11). In such an embodiment, step S6 further includes removing the printing platform 14, so that the exposed printing area is separated from the exposure platform 11 as the printing platform 14 moves, and the exposure platform 11 continues to prepare for printing the next kind of printing paste.

[0078] Through the above steps, the printing task of the printing area 41 for a certain kind of printing paste has been completed. When printing other printing pastes of this multi-material layer, first arrange other printing pastes in the area to be exposed 110 and determine the printing area and surplus area for this other printing paste. After printing the surplus area with the removal platform, continue to print the printing area of this other printing paste on the printing platform 14 adhered with the printing area 41. And so on, complete the printing of all the printing pastes of this multi-material layer. Thus, the printed multi-material layer has different materials at the same time. In this way, the exposed printing areas of each printing paste can be retained in different areas of the printing platform 14, so that the exposed printing areas corresponding to each printing paste are spliced to form the printed multi-material layer.

[0079] The above reference Figure 4a and Figure 4bAn example of a printing paste in the shape of a rectangle has been given. Next, according to Figure 4c Another printing example of a multi-material layer that can be split into a pie chart shape is given. According to Figure 4c , first, arrange the first printing paste in the to-be-exposed area 110 on the release film 11, which includes the surplus area 431 and the printing area 432 of this printing paste. Combining with the printing method described above, remove the surplus area 431 through the removal platform 12 and leave the to-be-exposed printing area 432 on the release film 11; after exposing this area, transfer the exposed printing area 432 through the printing platform 14; and so on, successively form the exposed printing areas 442, 452, and 462 of the other three printing pastes on the printing platform 14, and finally form the printed multi-material layer with multiple materials spliced together.

[0080] When adopting the printing system 10 in the embodiment as Figure 1a shown, the exposure platform 11 can be specifically implemented as the release film 11. In such an embodiment, the printing method further includes controlling the release film 11 to move in a single direction a or b, or in a two-way ab direction through an automatic film-changing device, so as to continuously provide a release film that can be used for exposing the surplus area and / or the printing area during the printing process. Further preferably, after performing the steps S2 to S6 as Figure 3 shown for any printing paste, the release film can be cleaned, wound, and / or replaced.

[0081] It can be understood that for the multi-material layer printing of the prior art, a large amount of surplus printing paste often needs to be cleaned and other operations, which are costly and not environmentally friendly, and will generate a large amount of waste liquid and waste water. After adopting the solution of the present invention, when printing a multi-material layer, by first exposing and curing the unnecessary surplus area and cooperating with structures such as the removal platform in the printing system to remove the exposed surplus area, since the printing paste in the surplus area has been exposed and cured, there is no need to generate a large amount of waste liquid and waste water for cleaning, greatly reducing the production cost. At the same time, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the reasonable to-be-exposed area can be predicted in advance on the exposure platform according to the size of the multi-material layer and the number of different printing pastes to be printed, so as to minimize the area of the surplus area as much as possible in the printing planning stage, further optimizing the solution and saving costs.

[0082] An embodiment of the present invention also proposes a hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing system 50 as Figure 5 shown. According to Figure 5 , the hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing system 50 may include an internal communication bus 51, a processor 52, a read-only memory (ROM) 53, a random access memory (RAM) 54, and a communication port 55. When applied to a personal computer, the hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing system 50 may further include a hard disk 56.

[0083] The internal communication bus 51 can enable data communication among the components of the hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing system 50. The processor 52 can make judgments and give prompts. In some embodiments, the processor 52 can be composed of one or more processors. The communication port 55 can enable data communication between the hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing system 50 and the outside. In some embodiments, the hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing system 50 can send and receive information and data from a network through the communication port 55.

[0084] The hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing system 50 may further include different forms of program storage units and data storage units, such as a hard disk 56, a read-only memory (ROM) 53, and a random access memory (RAM) 54, which can store various data files used for computer processing and / or communication, as well as possible program instructions executed by the processor 52. The processor executes these instructions to implement the main part of the method. The result processed by the processor is transmitted to the user device through the communication port and displayed on the user interface.

[0085] In addition, on the other hand, the present invention also proposes a computer-readable medium storing computer program code, and the computer program code implements the above-mentioned hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing method when executed by a processor.

[0086] The basic concepts have been described above. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, the above invention disclosure is only an example and does not constitute a limitation to this application. Although not explicitly stated here, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, improvements, and corrections to this application. Such modifications, improvements, and corrections are proposed in this application, so such modifications, improvements, and corrections still fall within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this application.

[0087] Meanwhile, this application uses specific terms to describe the embodiments of this application. Such as "one embodiment", "an embodiment", and / or "some embodiments" mean a certain feature, structure, or characteristic related to at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that the "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "an alternative embodiment" mentioned twice or more at different positions in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of this application can be appropriately combined.

[0088] Some aspects of the present application may be executed entirely by hardware, entirely by software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or by a combination of hardware and software. The above-mentioned hardware or software may be referred to as a "data block", "module", "engine", "unit", "component", or "system". The processor may be one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DAPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or combinations thereof. In addition, aspects of the present application may be embodied as a computer product located in one or more computer-readable media, which includes computer-readable program code. For example, the computer-readable media may include, but is not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic tapes...), optical disks (e.g., compact disk CD, digital versatile disk DVD...), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives...).

[0089] The computer-readable medium may contain a propagated data signal having computer program code embodied therein, for example, on a baseband or as part of a carrier wave. The propagated signal may take various forms, including electromagnetic forms, optical forms, etc., or suitable combinations thereof. The computer-readable medium may be any computer-readable medium other than a computer-readable storage medium, which can be connected to an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device to effect communication, propagation, or transmission for use of the program. The program code located on the computer-readable medium may be propagated through any appropriate medium, including radio, cable, fiber optic cable, radio frequency signal, or similar media, or any combination of the above media.

[0090] Similarly, it should be noted that, in order to simplify the presentation of the disclosure of the present application and thus help the understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention, in the foregoing description of the embodiments of the present application, sometimes multiple features are grouped into one embodiment, drawing, or description thereof. However, this disclosure method does not mean that the features required by the subject matter of the present application are more than those recited in the claims. In fact, the features of the embodiments are fewer than all the features of the single embodiment disclosed above.

[0091] In some embodiments, numbers are used to describe components and the quantity of attributes. It should be understood that such numbers used in the description of embodiments are modified by the modifiers "about", "approximately" or "substantially" in some examples. Unless otherwise specified, "about", "approximately" or "substantially" indicate that the stated number allows a variation of ±20%. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters used in the specification and claims are approximate values, which may vary according to the characteristics required by individual embodiments. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should consider the specified significant digits and adopt the method of retaining the general number of digits. Although the numerical ranges and parameters used to confirm the breadth of the scope in some embodiments of the present application are approximate values, in specific embodiments, such numerical settings are made as precisely as possible within the feasible range.

[0092] Although the present application has been described with reference to the current specific embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present application, and various equivalent changes or substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present application. Therefore, as long as the changes and modifications to the above embodiments are within the scope of the spirit of the present application, they will fall within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing method, suitable for printing a three-dimensional printing model, the three-dimensional printing model including at least one layer of multi-material layer, the multi-material layer being printed from at least two printing slurries, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: Step S1: Determine the printing area of each printing paste in the multi-material layer to be printed and the surplus area outside the printing area; Step S2: Arrange a printing paste on the exposure platform; Step S3: Expose the surplus area of the printing paste on the exposure platform; Step S4: Remove the exposed surplus area and leave the printing area to be exposed on the exposure platform; Step S5: Expose the printing area on the exposure platform; And Step S6: Transfer the exposed printing area; Wherein, steps S2 to S6 are executed for each printing paste, so that the exposed printing areas corresponding to each printing paste are spliced to form the printed multi-material layer.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein It further includes determining the sizes of the printing area and the surplus area of each paste according to the characteristic parameters of the multi-material layer before executing step S2.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Step S3 includes pressing a removal platform on one surface of the exposure platform and controlling a light source to expose the printing paste in the surplus area through the other surface of the exposure platform.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein Step S4 includes removing the removal platform, so that the exposed surplus area is separated from the exposure platform along with the removal platform.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein Step S4 further includes separating the exposed surplus area from the removal platform.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein Step S5 includes pressing a printing platform on one surface of the exposure platform and controlling a light source to expose the printing paste in the printing area through the other surface of the exposure platform.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein Step S6 further includes transferring the printing platform, so that the exposed printing area is separated from the exposure platform along with the printing platform.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein It further includes retaining the exposed printing areas of each printing paste in different areas of the printing platform, so that the exposed printing areas corresponding to each printing paste are spliced to form the printed multi-material layer.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The exposure platform includes a release film.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, It further includes controlling the unidirectional or bidirectional rolling of the release film, so as to continuously provide a clean release film for exposing the surplus area and / or the printing area during the printing process.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, It further includes cleaning, rolling and / or replacing the release film after executing steps S2 to S6 for any printing paste.

12. A hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing system, adapted to print a three-dimensional printing model, the three-dimensional printing model including at least one layer of a multi-material layer, the multi-material layer being printed from at least two printing slurries, characterized in that, The system includes: An exposure platform having opposite first and second surfaces, the first surface being adapted to carry the printing paste to be exposed; A printing paste supply mechanism arranged on one side of the exposure platform to arrange the printing paste on the exposure platform; An exposure system arranged opposite to the second surface of the exposure platform, the exposure system being used to selectively expose the printing area of the printing paste and the surplus area outside the printing area; A removal platform arranged near the exposure platform; A removal platform driving mechanism connected to the removal platform, the removal platform driving mechanism being adapted to drive the removal platform to move between a first position pressing the first surface and a second position leaving the exposure platform to remove the exposed surplus area; A printing platform arranged near the exposure platform; The printing platform moving mechanism is connected to the printing platform. The printing platform moving mechanism is adapted to drive the printing platform to move between a third position where it presses against the first surface and a fourth position where it leaves the exposure platform, so as to transfer the exposed printing area. The host computer is electrically connected to the exposure platform, the exposure system, the printing paste supply mechanism, the removal platform driving mechanism, and the printing platform moving mechanism. The host computer is configured to: Determine the printing area of each printing paste in the multi-material layer to be printed and the surplus area outside the printing area. Control the operations of the exposure platform, the exposure system, the printing paste supply mechanism, the removal platform driving mechanism, and the printing platform moving mechanism to sequentially obtain the exposed printing areas of each printing paste on the printing platform.

13. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that The host computer is further configured to repeatedly execute the following operations to sequentially obtain the exposed printing areas of each printing paste on the printing platform: Control the printing paste supply mechanism to arrange a printing paste on the exposure platform. Control the removal platform driving mechanism to move the removal platform to the first position. Control the exposure system to expose the surplus area of the printing paste, and the exposed surplus area adheres to the removal platform. Control the removal platform driving mechanism to move the removal platform to the second position to remove the exposed surplus area. Control the printing platform driving mechanism to move the printing platform to the third position. Control the exposure system to expose the printing area remaining on the exposure platform, and the exposed printing area adheres to the printing platform. And Control the printing platform driving mechanism to move the printing platform to the fourth position. Wherein, the exposed printing areas corresponding to each printing paste are spliced on the printing platform to form the printed multi-material layer.

14. The system according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The removal platform is further attached with a cleaning device, and the cleaning device is adapted to remove the exposed surplus area on the removal platform after the removal platform detaches from the exposure platform.

15. The system according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The exposure platform includes a release film.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein It further includes a light-transmitting limiting part, and the limiting part is located below the exposure platform. The limiting part is adapted to support the exposure platform when the removal platform presses against the first position or the printing platform presses against the third position.

17. The system according to claim 15, wherein It further includes an automatic film changing device. The release film is located in the automatic film changing device. The automatic film changing device includes at least two opposite winding wheels, and the winding wheels are adapted to drive the release film to move in one direction and / or two directions, so as to continuously provide a clean release film for exposing the surplus area and / or the printing area during the printing process.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein The winding wheels are adapted to drive the release film to move in two directions. The automatic film changing device further includes a release film cleaning brush, and the release film cleaning brush is used to clean the surface of the release film so that the same section of the release film is suitable for repeated use after cleaning.

19. The system according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The printing paste supply mechanism includes multiple groups of paste input pipes. Each group of paste input pipes includes multiple paste input pipes, and the multiple paste input pipes in each group of paste input pipes correspondingly load the same printing paste.

20. The system according to claim 19, characterized in that, The printing paste supply mechanism further includes a spreading blade, and the spreading blade is adapted to move in the horizontal and / or vertical directions.

21. A hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing method system, comprising: a memory for storing instructions executable by a processor; and a processor for executing the instructions to implement the method according to any one of claims 1-11.

22. A computer-readable medium storing computer program code, which when executed by a processor implements the method according to any one of claims 1-11.

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