UV curing box and its UV curing method

Abstract

This invention discloses a photocuring chamber for photocuring models. It includes a shell containing a photocuring light source, a curing container, and a model-tumbling mechanism. The curing container is filled with a first fluid, and the model is placed inside. The curing container is made of a transparent material. The model-tumbling mechanism is connected to the curing container and causes the model to randomly tumble within the first fluid. The mechanism drives the flow of the first fluid, causing the model within it to tumble randomly, ensuring that each surface of the model is illuminated by the photocuring light source. This results in uniform illumination of the entire model and a good post-curing effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of 3D printing, specifically relating to a photocuring box and its photocuring method. Background Technology

[0002] When using curing chambers to post-cur a formed photopolymer model, traditional curing chambers suffer from shortcomings such as uneven light intensity distribution and blind spots. This leads to inconsistent curing results due to factors like lamp angle, placement, and the number of 3D printed parts. In applications requiring high-quality curing, such as dental bruxism pads, insufficient internal reaction during curing can result in residual monomers that may cause allergies in patients, potentially leading to medical disputes. Therefore, the curing effect of curing chambers is highly valued in the European and American dental markets. Currently, curing chambers primarily employ two methods: either placing the model statically within the chamber, where it receives multi-faceted illumination, or placing the model statically on a rotating turntable, where the model remains stationary relative to the turntable while the turntable rotates the model to achieve multi-faceted illumination. The challenge of these two curing methods is the high requirement for uniform light intensity. The model placement method, i.e., the tray supporting the model, makes it impossible to achieve the requirement of even illumination of all parts of the model. In recent years, some manufacturers, such as Zhejiang Xunshi, have adopted methods to significantly increase the curing light intensity (procure2), raising the curing light intensity from 20mw / cm². 2 Increased to 200mw / cm 2 High light intensity is used to ensure sufficient curing. However, excessive light intensity can cause side effects such as deformation and discoloration of the model during curing. At the same time, the problem of uneven curing effect has not been solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a light curing box and a light curing method thereof, which uses the flow of a first fluid to cause the model to roll randomly, so that different parts of the model are evenly irradiated, and the overall curing effect of the model is fully uniform.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A photocuring chamber is used for photocuring models. It includes a shell, inside which are a photocuring light source, a curing container, and a model flipping power device. The curing container is filled with a first fluid, and the model is placed inside the curing container. The curing container is made of transparent material. The model flipping power device is connected to the curing container and drives the model to randomly tumble in the first fluid.

[0006] The model flipping power device drives the flow of the first fluid, and the model in the first fluid is driven to tumble randomly, so that each surface of the model is irradiated by the light curing light source, thus the model as a whole is uniformly illuminated and the post-curing effect is good.

[0007] Furthermore, the curing container and the model flipping mechanism are placed on a transparent support tray. The support tray supports the flipping mechanism and allows a light-curing source to be placed at the bottom of the curing container. The light-curing source illuminates the model through the transparent support tray and curing container.

[0008] Furthermore, the photocuring light source is located on one or more sides of the inner wall of the curing container. The photocuring light sources on both sides can cure more fully, improving curing efficiency.

[0009] Furthermore, the light curing light source includes an upper light panel light source and a lower light panel light source. The upper light panel light source is installed at the top of the inner wall of the curing container, and the lower light panel light source is installed at the bottom of the inner wall of the curing container. The upper and lower light panel light sources are aligned with the curing container. The light curing light sources can be set up vertically, horizontally, and front-back accordingly.

[0010] Furthermore, the model's tumbling propulsion device includes, but is not limited to, one of the following: a fluid delivery device, a magnetic stirring device, a vibration device, or an ultrasonic vibration device. These devices can drive the model to tumble randomly in different ways.

[0011] Furthermore, the model's tumbling power device is a fluid delivery device. This device delivers a second fluid to the solidification container, causing the model to tumble randomly within the first fluid. The fluid delivery device, through the flow of the second fluid within the first fluid, induces convection and turbulence within the first fluid, thereby driving the model's tumbling.

[0012] Furthermore, the first fluid and the second fluid may be the same or different fluids. When the first fluid is a liquid, the second fluid may be the same liquid or a gas. When the first fluid is a gas, the second fluid may be the same or different gases.

[0013] Furthermore, the first fluid is a liquid that allows the model to suspend or float, and the second fluid is the same liquid, air, or an inert gas. The liquid can be a water / glycerol solvent, a silicone oil system, an alcohol + glycerol system, etc., and the prepared liquid should have a density close to or the same as the model's density. Here, a liquid density / model density ratio between 0.9 and 1.1 can be considered close. With both densities close to or equal, an external force can cause the model to float and tumble.

[0014] Furthermore, the first fluid is air or an inert gas, and the second fluid is the same gas as the first fluid. The first fluid can be air or an inert gas, preferably an inert gas, as the inert gas significantly reduces the oxygen content on the model surface, avoiding or reducing the polymerization inhibition effect, allowing for more complete curing of the model surface, thus achieving a better curing effect than air. The second fluid can be the same gas as the first fluid.

[0015] The light curing method using a light curing chamber includes the following steps:

[0016] (1) Fill the solidification container with the first fluid and place the model into the first fluid;

[0017] (2) Connect the curing container and the fluid delivery device. The fluid delivery device delivers the second fluid to the curing container. The first fluid flows under the action of the second fluid, causing the model to tumble randomly inside the curing container.

[0018] (3) Turn on the light source of the curing box. The model is evenly irradiated at all positions under random tumbling, thus achieving uniform curing.

[0019] (4) After the photocuring is complete, open the curing container and take out the model for cleaning and drying. Drying methods can include gas drying, natural air drying, or using absorbent paper to absorb the solvent.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] 1. When the light intensity is not uniform in all dimensions or there are blind spots in the illumination, the model flipping power device of the present invention drives the flow of the first fluid. The model in the first fluid is driven to tumble randomly, so that each surface of the model is irradiated by the light curing light source, thereby making the model as a whole receive uniform illumination and good post-curing effect.

[0022] 2. A fluid delivery device is used. When the first and second fluids are liquids or inert gases, the oxygen content in the curing container is low, which can isolate the model from oxygen and improve the curing effect.

[0023] 3. Symmetrical arrangement of light curing light sources ensures thorough curing and improves curing efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a photocuring chamber.

[0026] Figure 2 This indicates the flow direction of the second fluid within the solidification container. Detailed Implementation

[0027] like Figure 1 The light curing box shown is used for the light curing of model 9. It includes a shell 1, and inside the shell 1 are an upper light source 2, a lower light source 3, a curing container 4, and a fluid delivery device 5. The curing container 4 is filled with a first fluid, and model 9 is placed in the first fluid. The curing container 4 is made of transparent material. The fluid delivery device 5 is connected to the curing container 4, and the fluid delivery device 5 causes model 9 to tumble randomly in the first fluid.

[0028] The fluid delivery device 5 drives the flow of the first fluid, causing the model 9 within the first fluid to tumble randomly. This ensures that each surface of the model 9 is illuminated by the upper light source 2 and the lower light source 3, resulting in uniform illumination of the model 9 and a good post-curing effect. It is understood that, to further improve the curing effect, those skilled in the art may also install light sources on the side walls of the curing chamber.

[0029] The curing container 4 and the fluid delivery device 5 are placed on the support tray 6, which is made of transparent material. The support tray 6 is used to support the fluid delivery device 5, and a lower light source 3 can be installed at the bottom of the curing container 4. The lower light source 3 illuminates the model 9 through the transparent support tray 6 and the curing container 4.

[0030] The upper light source 2 is installed on the top of the inner wall of the curing container 4, and the lower light source 3 is installed on the bottom of the inner wall of the curing container 4. The upper light source 2 and the lower light source 3 are aligned with the curing container 4.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the fluid conveying device 5 is provided with an inlet 7 and an outlet 8. The second fluid enters the solidification container 4 from the inlet 7 and flows out from the outlet 8. The fluid conveying device 5 causes the first fluid to flow through the second fluid, resulting in convection and turbulence, which in turn causes the model 9 to tumble.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] The light curing method using a light curing chamber includes the following steps:

[0034] (1) Model 9 is a 15mm cube model printed using a dental model material with good scratch resistance via photopolymerization. Before curing, its main components are acrylic monomers and polyurethane acrylate prepolymer. The model density is 1.1g / cm³. 3 Prepare a water / glycerol mixture as the first fluid according to the density of model 9. The density of the first fluid should be such that the model can be suspended in the mixture. Fill the solidification container 4 with the first fluid and place model 9 into the first fluid.

[0035] (2) Connect the curing container 4 and the fluid delivery device 5. The fluid delivery device 5 is equipped with a pump. The pump injects air into the curing container 4. The water / glycerin mixture flows under the action of air, causing the model 9 to tumble randomly in the curing container 4.

[0036] (3) Turn on the upper light panel light source 2 and the lower light panel light source 3. The light source intensity of the upper and lower light panels should be 120-140 mw / cm². 2 Model 9 is evenly illuminated at all positions under random tumbling, with the light source irradiation time being 5 minutes, thereby achieving uniform curing throughout.

[0037] (4) After the light curing is completed, open the curing container 4 and take out the model 9 for cleaning and drying.

[0038] (5) The degree of curing reaction can be characterized by the surface hardness of the model. The more complete the curing reaction of the model, the denser its surface structure and the higher its hardness. The hardness of the six faces of the above-mentioned cured and dried cube model (model AC) was tested using a Shore hardness tester D. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0039] Table 1

[0040]

[0041] The hardness test results show that the model AC was evenly irradiated at all locations during random tumbling, and the measured hardness values ​​of each surface were high and very close.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] The light curing method using a light curing chamber includes the following steps:

[0044] (1) Model 9 is a 15mm cube model printed using a dental model material with good scratch resistance via photopolymerization. Before curing, its main components are acrylic monomers and polyurethane acrylate prepolymer. The model density is 1.1g / cm³. 3 Nitrogen gas is used as the first fluid. Nitrogen gas is filled into the curing container 4, and the model 9 is placed into the curing container 4 filled with nitrogen gas.

[0045] (2) Connect the curing container 4 and the fluid delivery device 5. The fluid delivery device 5 is equipped with a pump. The pump continuously injects nitrogen into the curing container 4. The nitrogen in the curing container 4 flows, causing the model 9 to randomly roll inside the curing container 4.

[0046] (3) Turn on the upper light panel light source 2 and the lower light panel light source 3. The light source intensity of the upper and lower light panels should be 120-140 mw / cm². 2 Model 9 is evenly illuminated at all positions under random tumbling, with the light source irradiation time being 5 minutes, thereby achieving uniform curing throughout.

[0047] (4) After the light curing is completed, open the curing container 4 and take out the model 9 for cleaning and drying.

[0048] (5) The hardness of the six faces of the cured and dried cube model (model DF) was tested using a Shore hardness tester D. The test results are shown in Table 2.

[0049] Table 2

[0050]

[0051] The hardness test results show that the measured hardness values ​​on each surface are very high and very close. This is because model 9 is evenly irradiated at all locations during random tumbling, and the introduction of inert gas greatly reduces the oxygen content on the model surface, avoiding or reducing the polymerization inhibition effect, thus allowing the curing of the model surface to be more complete, resulting in a better curing effect than air medium.

[0052] Example 3

[0053] The light curing method using a light curing chamber includes the following steps:

[0054] (1) Model 9 is a 15mm cube model printed using a dental model material with good scratch resistance via photopolymerization. Before curing, its main components are acrylic monomers and polyurethane acrylate prepolymer. The model density is 1.1g / cm³. 3 Prepare an alcohol + glycerol mixture as the first fluid according to the density of model 9. The density of the first fluid should be such that the model can be suspended in the mixture. Fill the solidification container 4 with the first fluid and place model 9 into the first fluid.

[0055] (2) Connect the curing container 4 and the fluid delivery device 5. The fluid delivery device 5 is equipped with a pump. The pump injects the alcohol + glycerol mixture into the curing container 4. The alcohol + glycerol mixture in the curing container 4 flows, causing the model 9 to roll randomly in the curing container 4.

[0056] (3) Turn on the upper light panel light source 2 and the lower light panel light source 3. The light source intensity of the upper and lower light panels should be 120-140 mw / cm². 2 Model 9 is evenly illuminated at all positions under random tumbling, with the light source irradiation time being 5 minutes, thereby achieving uniform curing throughout.

[0057] (4) After the light curing is completed, open the curing container 4 and take out the model 9 for cleaning and drying.

[0058] (5) The hardness of the six faces of the cured and dried cube model (model HJ) was tested using a Shore hardness tester D. The test results are shown in Table 3.

[0059] Table 3

[0060]

[0061]

[0062] The hardness test results show that Model 9 was evenly irradiated at all locations under various tumbling conditions, and the measured hardness values ​​of each surface were high and very close.

[0063] Comparative Example 1

[0064] The model 9 was cured using a light curing box that rotated on a tray. Light sources were provided at the top and bottom of the light curing box, but not on the side walls. The size, shape, and material of the model 9 were the same as in Example 1. The light irradiation time was 10 minutes, and the light intensity was the same as in Examples 1-3.

[0065] After photocuring, the hardness of the six faces of the cured cube model (model KL) was tested using a Shore hardness tester D. The test results are shown in Table 4.

[0066] Table 4

[0067]

[0068] *1: This surface is close to and parallel to the upper light panel during curing.

[0069] *2: This surface should be close to and parallel to the lower light panel during curing.

[0070] The hardness test results show that the hardness values ​​of different surfaces of Model 9 vary significantly under the rotating curing chamber. The two surfaces exposed to near-perpendicular illumination from the lamp panel have relatively higher hardness values ​​than the other four surfaces. Furthermore, due to the limitation of the air curing medium, the model surface is in contact with oxygen, resulting in a lower degree of curing compared to liquid or nitrogen media. The curing degree and uniformity of the comparative example are inferior to those of the embodiment. The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the technical features of the present invention are not limited thereto. Any simple changes, equivalent substitutions, or modifications made based on the present invention to solve essentially the same technical problems and achieve essentially the same technical effects are all covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A photocuring chamber for photocuring models, comprising a housing, characterized in that: The housing contains a light curing light source, a curing container, and a model flipping power device. The curing container is filled with a first fluid, and the model is placed inside the curing container. The curing container is made of transparent material. The model flipping power device is connected to the curing container and drives the model to randomly tumble in the first fluid. The model flipping power device is a fluid delivery device that delivers a second fluid to the curing container, causing the model to randomly tumble in the first fluid.

2. The photocuring chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The curing container and the model flipping power device are placed on a carrier tray, which is made of transparent material.

3. The photocuring chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photocuring light source is located on one or more sides of the inner wall of the curing container.

4. The photocuring chamber according to claim 3, characterized in that: The light curing light source includes an upper light plate light source and a lower light plate light source. The upper light plate light source is installed on the top of the inner wall of the curing container, and the lower light plate light source is installed on the bottom of the inner wall of the curing container. The upper light plate light source and the lower light plate light source are aligned with the curing container.

5. The photocuring chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first fluid and the second fluid may be the same or different fluids.

6. The photocuring chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first fluid is a liquid that allows the model to suspend or float, and the second fluid is the same liquid or air or inert gas.

7. The photocuring chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first fluid is air or an inert gas, and the second fluid is the same gas as the first fluid.

8. A photocuring method using a photocuring chamber as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (1) Fill the solidification container with the first fluid and place the model into the first fluid; (2) Connect the curing container and the fluid delivery device. The fluid delivery device delivers the second fluid to the curing container. The first fluid flows under the action of the second fluid, causing the model to tumble randomly inside the curing container. (3) Turn on the light source of the curing box. The model is evenly irradiated at all positions under random rolling, so as to achieve uniform curing of the whole. (4) After the light curing is complete, open the curing container, take out the model, and clean and dry it.

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