3D printing method and top-mounted multi-forming 3D printer

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of 3D printing, and relates to a 3D printing method and an overhead type multiple-forming 3D printer.The printer comprises a rack, a photosensitive resin groove, a projection light machine, a forming table, a plane composite motion mechanism, an image recognition module and a control module, the projection light machine irradiates a photosensitive resin material for curing, the forming table supports the cured photosensitive resin material, and the plane composite motion mechanism is connected with the control module; the plane composite motion mechanism is used for driving the projection light machine to move in a horizontal plane, the image recognition module collects a printing area in the photosensitive resin groove, and the control module receives a to-be-printed image, divides the to-be-printed image into a plurality of printing breadths and conveys the printing breadths into the projection light machine. And the printing area is divided into a plurality of projection areas according to a plurality of printing breadths, and the plane composite motion mechanism is controlled to move according to the printing breadths, so that the problems of limited illumination area, small forming breadth, limited printing size and low utilization rate of the photosensitive resin groove area of the printer are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of 3D printing, and in particular relates to a 3D printing method and an upper-type multiple-molding 3D printer. Background Art

[0002] As digital light processing technology in the field of rapid prototyping 3D printers gradually enters the public's field of vision, its technology is also widely used in the fields of medicine, cultural relics restoration and architecture. Digital light processing technology relies on digital micromirror chips to accurately use digital signals to control light signals, achieve high-precision visual image information and solidify photosensitive resins by surface exposure. Due to the restoration of cultural relics in the cultural field and the extremely high requirements for printing accuracy in the clinical medical field, the common fused deposition type printing accuracy on the market is relatively low, and the printing efficiency of stereolithography by point exposure is low. Digital light processing has gradually become important due to its high precision and high efficiency.

[0003] The existing digital light processing surface exposure 3D printing method generally constructs a three-dimensional structure model through modeling software, and then cuts the model into a series of thin layers through slicing software. The projector plays each layer of the image to be printed after slicing. The photosensitive resin undergoes photopolymerization under the action of ultraviolet light and solidifies to form a thin layer of the part. The forming table moves one layer, and the projector continues to play the next layer of the image to be printed. The above process is repeated, layer by layer, and finally a complete three-dimensional structure is formed.

[0004] The existing printing method is surface exposure, which can cure the entire plane at one time, so the printing speed is fast. However, the printing process is limited by the illumination format of the projection light machine. Since the illumination format of the projection light machine is small, the curing format of the photosensitive resin material is small, which limits the printing size of each set of models and the utilization rate of the photosensitive resin tank area is not high. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a 3D printing method and an upper-type multiple molding 3D printer, which can expand the curing format of the projection light machine and improve the utilization rate of the photosensitive resin tank area.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is: A 3D printing method, the method comprising the following steps: Divide the image to be printed into several printing formats; Delivering a plurality of the printed formats to a projection light machine; Dividing the plane area on the photosensitive resin material into a plurality of projection areas according to the plurality of printing formats; The projection optical machine moves to different projection areas in sequence and projects the printing format corresponding to the projection area until a layer of the image to be printed is completed; The building table moves one layer and repeats the above printing process.

[0007] Preferably, the projection light machine moves to different projection areas in sequence, and the method of projecting the print format corresponding to each projection area comprises the following steps: The projection light machine moves to the initial projection area for projection; Get the target projection area corresponding to the next printing format; Calculating an optimal path for the projection light machine to move from the initial projection area to the target projection area, the optimal path being a path with the shortest time among several paths for the projection light machine to reach the target projection area from the initial projection area; The projection optical machine moves along the optimal path to the target projection area for projection.

[0008] On this basis, the present invention also provides an upper-mounted multiple-molding 3D printer for implementing the above 3D printing method, wherein the printer includes a frame and further includes: A photosensitive resin tank, used for containing photosensitive resin materials; A projection light machine, located above the photosensitive resin tank, and used for irradiating and curing the photosensitive resin material; A molding table, arranged inside the photosensitive resin tank, for supporting the cured photosensitive resin material; A planar compound motion mechanism is arranged on the frame, and an output end of the planar compound motion mechanism is connected to the projection optical machine, so as to drive the projection optical machine to move in a horizontal plane; An image recognition module is used to collect the printing area in the photosensitive resin tank and output the printing area information; The control module is used to receive the image to be printed, divide the image to be printed into a plurality of printing frames, and respectively transmit the plurality of printing frames to the projection optical machine; and the control module receives the printing area information, divides the printing area into a plurality of projection areas according to the plurality of printing frames, and controls the movement of the planar composite motion mechanism according to the projection areas.

[0009] Preferably, the planar compound motion mechanism includes a first linear motion component and a second linear motion component, the moving end of the first linear motion component is provided with the second linear motion component, the moving end of the second linear motion component is connected to the projection optical machine, and the movement directions of the moving ends of the first linear motion component and the second linear motion component are perpendicular to each other.

[0010] Preferably, the first linear motion assembly includes a first linear guide, a first slider, a connecting plate, a first motor, a first screw rod, and a first nut. The first linear guide and the first motor are both fixed on the frame. The first screw rod and the first linear guide are parallel. The output shaft of the first motor is connected to the first screw rod. The first nut and the first screw rod are threadedly assembled. One end of the connecting plate is connected to the first nut, and the other end is connected to the first slider. The first nut drives the connecting plate to move along the X-axis direction.

[0011] Preferably, the second linear motion assembly includes a second motor, a second screw rod, and a second nut. The second motor is fixed on the connecting plate. The output shaft of the second motor is connected to the second screw rod. The second screw rod is rotatably mounted on the connecting plate through a bearing seat. The second nut is slidably connected to the connecting plate. The second nut is threadably assembled with the second screw rod. The second nut is detachably connected to the projection optical machine.

[0012] Preferably, the forming table is provided with a plurality of through holes.

[0013] Preferably, it further comprises a third linear motion assembly, which is arranged on the frame along the vertical direction, and a moving part of the third linear motion assembly is connected to the forming table to drive the forming table to move up and down.

[0014] Preferably, the third linear motion assembly includes a third linear guide, a third slider, a third motor, a third screw rod, and a third nut. The third linear guide and the third motor are fixed on the frame, the third slider is slidably connected to the third linear guide, the output shaft of the third motor is connected to the third screw rod, the third nut is threadedly assembled with the third screw rod, the third nut is connected to the third slider, and the third nut is detachably connected to the forming table through a connecting bracket.

[0015] Preferably, it also includes a scraper mechanism, which includes a scraper and a fourth linear motion component. The scraper is placed on the inner top of the photosensitive resin tank, and the moving part of the fourth linear motion component is connected to the scraper to drive the scraper to move linearly in the horizontal direction.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the 3D printing method and top-mounted multiple molding 3D printer provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects: By dividing each layer of the image to be printed into several printing formats, and dividing the upper plane area of ​​the photosensitive resin material into several projection areas according to the printing formats, during printing, the projection light machine can move above the photosensitive resin tank, and the projection light machine moves to different projection areas in turn to project the printing formats corresponding to the projection areas until the projection printing in all projection areas in the plane is completed. The area-based printing can solve the problem of limited printing size due to the small illumination format of the projection light machine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a front view of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 For the present invention Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0019] Figure 3 It is a top view of the present invention.

[0020] Description of reference numerals: 1. Base; 2. Photosensitive resin tank; 3. Column profile; 4. Scraper; 5. Fourth linear motion component; 6. Upper platform component; 7. Connecting plate; 8. Projection optical machine; 9. Second motor; 10. Third motor; 11. Connecting bracket; 12. Third nut; 13. Connecting piece; 14. Third screw rod; 15. Bearing; 17. Forming table; 18. Foot pad; 19. First linear guide rail; 20. First slider; 21. Second screw rod; 22. First motor; 23. First screw rod; 24. First nut; 25. Bearing seat; 26. Second nut; 27. Image recognition sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] It should be noted that, in the description of the present invention, the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside" and "outside" etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0022] The terms "third" and "first" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "third" or "first" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0023] In addition, it should be noted that the connections involved in the present invention can be achieved by using conventional connection methods and do not involve any innovation.

[0024] The subject matter of the present invention is a 3D printing method and an upper-type multiple molding 3D printer. As digital light processing technology in the field of rapid prototyping 3D printers gradually enters the public's field of vision, its technology is also widely used in the fields of medicine, cultural relic restoration, and architecture. Digital light processing technology relies on digital micromirror chips and digital microelectronic components to accurately use digital signals to control light signals, achieve high-precision visual image information, and solidify photosensitive resins in a surface exposure manner. Due to the restoration of cultural relics in the cultural field and the clinical medical field, there are extremely high requirements for printing accuracy. The common fused deposition type printing accuracy on the market is relatively low, and the stereoscopic light curing type has low printing efficiency in a point exposure manner. Digital light processing relies on its high precision and high efficiency characteristics and has gradually become indispensable.

[0025] The existing digital light processing surface exposure 3D printing method generally constructs a three-dimensional structure model through modeling software, and then cuts the model into a series of thin layers through slicing software. The projector plays each layer of the image after slicing. The photosensitive resin undergoes photopolymerization under the action of ultraviolet light and solidifies to form a thin layer of the part. The forming table moves one layer, and the projector continues to play the next layer of the image. The above process is repeated, layer by layer, and finally a complete three-dimensional structure is formed.

[0026] The existing printing method is a surface exposure method, which can cure the entire plane at one time, so the printing speed is fast. However, the printing process is limited by the illumination format of the projection light machine. Since the illumination format of the projection light machine is small, the curing format of the photosensitive resin material is small, which limits the printing size of each set of models and the utilization rate of the photosensitive resin tank area is not high.

[0027] Based on the above reasons, the present invention provides a 3D printing method and an upper type multiple molding 3D printer to solve the above mentioned technical problems. Figures 1 to 3 , the present invention is described in detail.

[0028] Example 1 The top-mounted multiple molding 3D printer provided in this embodiment is suitable for the field of rapid molding 3D printing, and includes a frame, a photosensitive resin tank 2, a projection optical machine 8, a molding table 17, a planar composite motion mechanism, and a third linear motion component.

[0029] Among them, the photosensitive resin tank 2 is used to hold photosensitive resin materials, the projection light machine 8 is located above the photosensitive resin tank 2, the projection light machine 8 is used to irradiate the photosensitive resin material for curing, the forming table 17 is arranged inside the photosensitive resin tank 2, and is used to support the cured photosensitive resin material. The planar composite motion mechanism is arranged on the frame, and the output end of the planar composite motion mechanism is connected to the projection light machine, which is used to drive the projection light machine to move in the horizontal plane, that is, to move along the xy direction. The third linear motion component is arranged on the frame, and the power output end of the third linear motion component is connected to the forming table 17, which is used to drive the forming table 17 to move downward, that is, to move along the z direction, to achieve layer-by-layer printing.

[0030] The planar compound motion mechanism is used to enable the projection light machine 8 to move in the XY direction on the upper side of the whole machine (upper platform component). When the light curing of a part of the area is completed, the planar compound motion mechanism is used to move the projection light machine 8 to the desired position and cure the remaining parts again under the control of PLC digital technology, thereby solving the problem of low utilization of the photosensitive resin 2 area due to limited illumination area and limited print size of the printer.

[0031] The projection optical machine 8 is a digital light processing projection optical machine, which controls the light signal with digital technology to achieve surface exposure with higher precision and faster speed, thereby realizing the solidification of liquid photosensitive resin and then continuously superimposing to finally obtain the desired three-dimensional model. Compared with molten deposition and stereolithography types, it has better advantages.

[0032] In this embodiment, a plurality of through holes are provided on the forming table 17, and the arrangement thereof reduces the resistance to the flow of the liquid resin during the descent of the printing model, thereby making the printing process smoother, reducing disturbance factors, improving printing accuracy, and enhancing printing stability. The distribution of the holes and the silicone coating on the surface reduce the residual photosensitive resin on the forming table, so that the excess photosensitive resin is retained in the resin tank to a greater extent, reducing the waste of photosensitive resin and achieving the purpose of saving resources.

[0033] In this embodiment, the third linear motion assembly includes a third linear guide, a third slider, a third motor 10, a third screw rod 14, and a third nut 12. The third linear guide and the third motor 10 are fixed on the frame, the third slider is slidably connected to the third linear guide, the output shaft of the third motor 10 is connected to the third screw rod 14, the third screw rod 14 is rotatably mounted on the frame through a bearing 15, the third nut 12 is threadedly assembled with the third screw rod 14, the third nut 12 is connected to the third slider, and the third nut 12 is detachably connected to the forming table 17 through the connecting bracket 11.

[0034] The third linear guide and the third slider are directly connected to the upper platform member 6, and the third motor 10 can be controlled by PLC or digital technology to drive the connecting bracket 11 to move up and down. The connecting member 13 connects the first nut 12 and the third slider, one side of the connecting bracket 11 is fixed to the third nut 12, and the other side of the connecting bracket 11 extends downward and is detachably connected to the forming table 17. The connecting bracket 11 is a Z-shaped member.

[0035] The Z-axis movement in this design adopts the method of double guide rails and motors, which improves the accuracy and stability of its movement and further ensures the accuracy of the printed parts.

[0036] Working principle of the embodiment The projection optical machine is placed on the upper side of the frame, and the third screw 14 plus the third linear guide rail are used to convert the rotational motion of the third motor 10 into precise linear motion. Driven by the connecting piece 13 and the connecting bracket 11, the Z-axis direction movement required by the forming table 17 during the light curing process of the 3D printer is realized to achieve the purpose of layer-by-layer stacking. The forming table receives the printed parts in a sinking manner, avoiding the current bottom-mounted optical machine on the market, the unreliable upward pull-type mobile bonding, the unstable printing process, and the unnecessary consumption caused by multiple replenishments of the photosensitive resin tank 2 due to insufficient light curing materials.

[0037] The third motor 10 can be controlled by PLC or the like according to the specific situation to obtain the required rotational motion. The third motor 10 is directly coupled to the third screw 14, and the third screw 14 is supported by a bearing 15. Its third nut 12 is matched with the connecting piece 13 by a screw, and the connecting piece 13 is matched with the third slider on the two vertically fixed third linear guides on the upper platform component 6, which ultimately ensures that, driven by the third motor 10, the third screw 14 rotates, driving the third nut 12 to move up and down to realize the conversion of the rotational motion into the necessary layered displacement motion required for light-curing 3D printing. At the same time, the third slider on the dual linear guide further ensures the stability of the movement of the connecting bracket 11 and the molding table 17 driven by the movement of the third nut, and ensures the accuracy of the printed model.

[0038] The present invention arranges a projection light machine above a photosensitive resin tank, and drives the projection light machine to move through a planar composite motion mechanism. During printing, the projection light machine can move above the photosensitive resin tank. According to the area of ​​the photosensitive resin tank and the size of the image to be projected, the photosensitive resin tank is moved to different positions on the plane for printing. After light curing of a part of the area in the photosensitive resin tank is completed, the planar composite motion mechanism is used to move the projection light machine to a desired position to cure the remaining part again, thereby solving the problem of low utilization of the photosensitive resin tank area due to limited illumination area, small molding format, limited printing size, and the like of the printer.

[0039] Example 2 On the basis of the above embodiments, the planar compound motion mechanism in this embodiment includes a first linear motion component and a second linear motion component. The moving end of the first linear motion component is provided with a second linear motion component. The moving end of the second linear motion component is connected to the projection optical machine 8. The movement directions of the moving ends of the first linear motion component and the second linear motion component are perpendicular to each other.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first linear motion assembly includes a first linear guide 19, a first slider 20, a connecting plate 7, a first motor 22, a first screw rod 23, and a first nut 24. The first linear guide 19 and the first motor 22 are both fixed on the frame, the first screw rod 23 is parallel to the first linear guide 19, the output shaft of the first motor 22 is connected to the first screw rod 23, the first nut 24 is threadedly assembled with the first screw rod 23, one end of the connecting plate 7 is connected to the first nut 24, and the other end is connected to the first slider 20, and the first nut 24 drives the connecting plate 7 to move along the X-axis direction.

[0041] The rotation of the first motor 22 drives the first screw rod 23 coupled thereto to rotate so that the matched first nut 24 moves along the X direction. The first nut 24 is matched with the connecting plate 7 perpendicular to the X direction by screws, and the end of the connecting plate 7 is connected to the first slider 20, so that the connecting plate 7 can also move in the X direction.

[0042] In this embodiment, the second linear motion component is arranged on the connecting plate 7, and the second linear motion component includes a second motor 9, a second screw rod 21, and a second nut 26. The second motor 9 is fixed on the connecting plate 7, and the output shaft of the second motor 9 is connected to the second screw rod 21. The second screw rod 21 is rotatably mounted on the connecting plate 7 through a bearing seat 25. The second nut 26 is slidably connected to the connecting plate 7, the second nut 26 and the second screw rod 21 are threadedly assembled, and the second nut 26 and the projection light machine 8 are detachably connected.

[0043] The second motor 9 is arranged on the connecting plate 7, so that the second motor 9 can move in the X direction with the connecting plate 7, and the second screw rod 21 coupled to the second motor 9 drives the second nut 26 to realize the movement in the Y direction. The projection light machine placement device connected to the second nut 26 can realize the movement in the XY direction, driving the projection light machine 8 to move in the XY compound direction above the frame.

[0044] In this embodiment, a scraper mechanism is also included, which includes a scraper 4 and a fourth linear motion component 5. The scraper 4 is placed on the inner top of the photosensitive resin tank 2. The output end of the fourth linear motion component 5 is connected to the scraper 4 to drive the scraper 4 to move in a straight line in the horizontal direction to scrape the liquid surface of the photosensitive resin material.

[0045] The structure of the fourth linear motion component 5 is the same as that of the first linear motion component. The fourth linear motion component 5 includes a fourth guide rail, a fourth slider, a fourth motor, a fourth screw rod, and a fourth nut. The fourth guide rail and the fourth motor are fixed on the frame, the fourth slider is slidably connected to the fourth guide rail, the output end of the fourth motor is fixed to the fourth screw rod, the fourth nut is threadedly assembled with the fourth screw rod, one end of the scraper 4 is fixed to the fourth nut, and the other end is fixed to the fourth slider. In order to avoid the fourth linear motion component 5 blocking the projection, the fourth guide rail, the fourth motor and the fourth screw rod are respectively arranged on both sides of the outside of the photosensitive resin tank.

[0046] The scraper 4 moves in a straight line to complete the scraping motion, thereby ensuring that the liquid surface in the photosensitive resin tank is flat and improving the accuracy of model manufacturing.

[0047] Working principle of this embodiment This embodiment uses the first linear motion component and the second linear motion component to ensure that the projection light machine 8 can be at any position in the XY plane, and uses digital light processing technology, i.e., digital light technology, to accurately control the light signal using digital signals to obtain the desired three-dimensional stereoscopic model with extremely high precision. The projection light machine 8 is located at the top, so that the light is irradiated downward, and the forming table 17 needs to be sunken to obtain the stereoscopic model. Because it uses surface exposure, its printing accuracy and printing efficiency are better than molten deposition and stereoscopic photocuring. With upper-mounted lighting and downward movement for printing, the forming table 17 always ensures that there is sufficient curing material in the liquid photosensitive resin. Compared with the more bottom-mounted photocuring 3D printers on the market, it solves the problem of failure caused by weak bonding of printed parts during the pull-up process, and there is no need to worry about the frequent addition of photosensitive resin and the large consumption of photosensitive resin.

[0048] In this design, the xy-direction movement and the z-direction movement are separated to avoid interference between the movements and further ensure the smoothness and stability of the printing process. In this design, the z-direction movement is designed to sink at the same time to better save space. For sinking printing, it can reduce the addition of fewer support parts, and there is no release force and it will not deform due to gravity. The printing quality is improved, and more complex microstructure printing can be completed. The sinking printing design reduces the need for support structures and does not require frequent replacement of release film consumables, which reduces material waste and post-processing costs, and has lower long-term maintenance costs.

[0049] Example 3 In this embodiment, it also includes an image recognition module and a control module. The image recognition module is used to collect the printing area in the photosensitive resin tank 2 and output the printing area information; the control module is used to receive the image to be printed, divide the image to be printed into a plurality of printing formats, and respectively transmit the plurality of printing formats to the projection light machine 8; the control module receives the printing area information, divides the printing area into a plurality of projection areas according to the plurality of printing formats, and the control module controls the movement of the planar composite motion mechanism according to the printing formats to drive the projection light machine 8 to move to the corresponding projection area.

[0050] The image recognition module can select the image recognition sensor 27. The image recognition sensor 27 can be used to collect, recognize, and process images. It is applied to this design, and the printing process will be collected and paid attention to at all times. After completing the projection irradiation of a certain area (referring to the position of the projection light machine before moving), the obtained information will be transmitted to the computer, and the relevant algorithm will be used to compare with the layer area required for the target printing, and the optimal path for moving the projection light machine 8 to the target projection area will be obtained. It is ensured that the accuracy of the projection molding position selection in the process of xy moving the projection light machine is guaranteed because the molding format is large during the printing process and is divided into a large number of small-format molding areas, and the optimal path to reach the required projection molding area is guaranteed, which saves printing time and further ensures printing accuracy. In combination with computer-related algorithms, it can realize intelligence and automation. It can timely judge the error feedback in the printing process, and make adjustments to ensure the molding rate of the printed part.

[0051] Working principle of this embodiment The implementation method of this embodiment can use an image recognition sensor to collect and identify the entire photosensitive resin tank or the entire area inside the printer during the printing process, compare it with the printout with a larger molding format, divide the printout into smaller printouts, and also divide the area inside the entire photosensitive resin tank into several projection areas. Select several projection areas in the divided printout format and the photosensitive resin tank area, and assign weights according to the difficulty of printing each part. After selecting the starting position, calculate and analyze the target projection area based on the distribution and weight of each printout format. After completing the illumination of a part of the printout format, analyze all paths to the target projection area to be reached, find the optimal path, and then repeat this step in sequence until the target printout is completely printed.

[0052] Errors and how to eliminate them after they occur: Errors refer to the deviation of the projection light machine from the target projection illumination area due to external disturbances during the printing process. Since the image recognition sensor collects and identifies the printing molding layer in real time, if there is a deviation between the printing molding layer and the target projection illumination area, it can be monitored in real time. The monitored deviation is transmitted to the drive controller that cooperates with the motor in real time, and the motor's direction, speed, angle, etc. are changed in real time so that the motor can return to the target projection illumination area.

[0053] Example 4 The frame of the integral 3D printer provided by the present invention is connected by an upper platform member 6 (preferably a plate with shading properties) and a column profile 3, and a plate with shading effect is matched between the four column profiles 3. While providing support for the printer, the shading material used can prevent the solidification of the liquid resin in the photosensitive resin tank under direct external environmental light. While ensuring that the utilization rate of the photosensitive resin is not lost due to the external environmental light, it also reduces the impact of the external environmental light on the molding of the printed part. It is then matched with a base 1 with adjustable foot pads 18, because the adjustability of the foot pads 18 solves the problem of the previous limited placement of the whole machine due to the uneven external terrain environment. Under the adjustment of the foot pads 18, the overall device is leveled, and the molding accuracy of the printed part is further guaranteed.

[0054] Example 5 This embodiment provides a 3D printing method, which includes the following steps: 1. Divide the image to be printed into several printing formats: The larger molding format that the required projection light machine irradiates and solidifies the photosensitive resin is divided into parts of the printing format that meet the printing requirements, and the information of the divided printing formats is transmitted to the projection light machine 8 so that the required target printing image can be projected after movement.

[0055] 2. Delivering a number of printed formats to the projection light machine 8.

[0056] 3. Divide the plane area on the photosensitive resin material into several projection areas according to several printing formats: An image recognizer is used to collect and process information in the photosensitive resin tank, and the area in the photosensitive resin tank is divided according to the above-mentioned segmented printing width, so that the width of the required printed image matches the area in the photosensitive resin tank, and the segmented printing width information is allocated and matched with the projection area information of the printing area division after collection and processing by the image recognizer to ensure that the printing conditions are met.

[0057] The 4-plane compound motion mechanism drives the projection optical machine to move to the projection area corresponding to each print format for printing: The projection optical machine is used to convert digital signals into electrical signals through the control module to control the first motor and the second motor to ensure that the projection optical machine reaches the above-mentioned initial matching target projection area, so that the projection optical machine can be accurate during projection.

[0058] After one layer of the image to be printed is printed, the third linear motion assembly drives the forming table 17 to move downward to print the next layer of the image to be printed.

[0059] In this embodiment, the method of driving the projection optical machine to move to the projection area corresponding to each printing format for printing by the planar composite motion mechanism comprises the following steps: The 4-1 plane compound motion mechanism drives the projection optical machine to move to the initial projection area to project the corresponding printing format for printing.

[0060] 4-2 Get the target projection area corresponding to the next print format: After being collected by the image recognizer, the area information inside the photosensitive resin tank is obtained and processed, and the area information inside the photosensitive resin tank is passed to the logic programming controller, and the next print format is compared with the collected area inside the photosensitive resin tank, so as to obtain the projection area for the next irradiation, that is, the target projection area.

[0061] 4-3 Calculate the optimal path for the projection light machine 8 to move from the initial projection area to the target projection area. The optimal path is the path with the shortest time among several paths for the projection light machine 8 to move from the initial projection area to the target projection area: The optimal path problem is solved by using the known initial projection area, target projection area, and motor motion law. In programming, multiple methods such as rotating the first motor and the second motor at the same time, rotating the first motor first and then the second motor, or rotating only one motor are calculated and simulated to reach the target projection area in the shortest time and with the optimal path. The digital signal of the optimal path information is then converted into an electrical signal to control the motor and other moving parts that meet the movement of the projection optical machine 8.

[0062] The 4-4 plane compound motion mechanism controls the projection optical machine to move to the target projection area for projection according to the optimal path.

[0063] Finally, the planar composite motion mechanism ensures the coordination of the projection optical machine plane movement and the image recognizer to collect and process information, and the layered superposition of the z-axis movement finally completes the precise printing of the large-format molding area. This not only ensures the accuracy of the large-format molding prints, but also solves the problem of limited printing format in the past.

[0064] The present invention divides the image to be printed into a plurality of printing formats and projects them through a projection optical machine. When the resolution of the projection optical machine is limited, the resolution of the printing format of the small area is the same as the resolution of the entire image to be printed projected at one time in the original method. In this way, the resolution of the entire printed image composed of a plurality of small printing formats can be significantly improved relative to the resolution of the image to be printed projected in the original method, thereby improving the printing accuracy.

[0065] The above disclosure is only a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and any changes that can be conceived by those skilled in the art should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A 3D printing method, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: Divide the image to be printed into several printing formats; conveying the plurality of printed sheets to a projection light machine (8); Dividing the plane area on the photosensitive resin material into a plurality of projection areas according to the plurality of printing formats; The projection optical machine (8) moves to different projection areas in sequence and projects the printing format corresponding to the projection area until a layer of the image to be printed is completed; The forming table (17) moves to the next layer and repeats the above printing process.

2. The 3D printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The projection optical machine (8) moves to different projection areas in sequence, and a method for projecting a print format corresponding to each projection area comprises the following steps: The projection optical machine (8) moves to the initial projection area for projection; Get the target projection area corresponding to the next printing format; Calculating an optimal path for the projection light machine (8) to move from the initial projection area to the target projection area, the optimal path being the path with the shortest time among a number of paths for the projection light machine (8) to reach the target projection area from the initial projection area; The projection optical machine (8) moves along the optimal path to the target projection area for projection.

3. A top-mounted multiple molding 3D printer, used to implement the printing method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The printer includes a frame and further includes: A photosensitive resin tank (2), used for containing photosensitive resin material; A projection light machine (8), located above the photosensitive resin tank (2), the projection light machine (8) being used to irradiate and cure the photosensitive resin material; A molding table (17), arranged inside the photosensitive resin tank (2), and used for supporting the photosensitive resin material after curing; A planar compound motion mechanism is arranged on the frame, the output end of the planar compound motion mechanism being connected to the projection light machine (8) and being used to drive the projection light machine (8) to move in a horizontal plane; An image recognition module, used for collecting information about a printing area in the photosensitive resin tank (2) and outputting information about the printing area; The control module is used to receive the image to be printed, divide the image to be printed into a plurality of printing frames, and respectively transmit the plurality of printing frames to the projection optical machine (8); and the control module receives information of the printing area, divides the printing area into a plurality of projection areas according to the plurality of printing frames, and controls the movement of the planar composite motion mechanism according to the projection areas.

4. The top-mounted multiple-molding 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The planar compound motion mechanism comprises a first linear motion component and a second linear motion component, the moving end of the first linear motion component is provided with the second linear motion component, the moving end of the second linear motion component is connected to the projection optical machine (8), and the moving directions of the moving ends of the first linear motion component and the second linear motion component are perpendicular to each other.

5. The top-mounted multiple-molding 3D printer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first linear motion assembly comprises a first linear guide rail (19), a first slider (20), a connecting plate (7), a first motor (22), a first screw rod (23), and a first nut (24); the first linear guide rail (19) and the first motor (22) are both fixed on a frame; the first screw rod (23) and the first linear guide rail (19) are parallel; the output shaft of the first motor (22) is connected to the first screw rod (23); the first nut (24) and the first screw rod (23) are threadedly assembled; one end of the connecting plate (7) is connected to the first nut (24), and the other end is connected to the first slider (20); the first nut (24) drives the connecting plate (7) to move along the X-axis direction.

6. The top-mounted multiple-molding 3D printer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second linear motion assembly comprises a second motor (9), a second screw rod (21), and a second nut (26); the second motor (9) is fixed on the connecting plate (7); the output shaft of the second motor (9) is connected to the second screw rod (21); the second screw rod (21) is rotatably mounted on the connecting plate (7) via a bearing seat (25); the second nut (26) is slidably connected to the connecting plate (7); the second nut (26) and the second screw rod (21) are threadedly assembled; and the second nut (26) and the projection optical machine (8) are detachably connected.

7. The top-mounted multiple-molding 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The forming table (17) is provided with a plurality of through holes.

8. The top-mounted multiple-molding 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also comprises a third linear motion component, which is arranged on the frame in the vertical direction, and a moving part of the third linear motion component is connected to the forming table (17) and is used to drive the forming table (17) to move up and down.

9. The top-mounted multiple-molding 3D printer according to claim 8, characterized in that: The third linear motion assembly comprises a third linear guide, a third slider, a third motor (10), a third screw rod (14), and a third nut (12); the third linear guide and the third motor (10) are fixed on a frame; the third slider is slidably connected to the third linear guide; the output shaft of the third motor (10) is connected to the third screw rod (14); the third nut (12) is threadedly assembled with the third screw rod (14); the third nut (12) is connected to the third slider; and the third nut (12) is detachably connected to the forming table (17) via a connecting bracket (11).

10. The top-mounted multiple-molding 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also comprises a scraper mechanism, which comprises a scraper (4) and a fourth linear motion component (5), wherein the scraper (4) is placed on the inner top of the photosensitive resin tank (2), the fourth linear motion component (5) is arranged in the horizontal direction, and the moving part of the fourth linear motion component (5) is connected to the scraper (4) for driving the scraper (4) to move linearly in the horizontal direction.

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