DLP multi-station 3D printer and working method thereof

Abstract

According to the DLP multi-station 3D printer and the working method thereof, the light path switching device is arranged, and light paths projected by the projection light machine are sequentially projected to different reflectors through the light path switching mirror, so that the light paths reflected by the different reflectors are projected to different forming stations of the printer body for imaging; and sequential curing of all the forming stations is achieved. According to the scheme, the problems that an existing multi-DLP light machine fixed station large-format printing device is high in cost, and a movable printing station large-format printing forming efficiency is low can be solved, the forming efficiency can be improved, and the cost can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field related to 3D printing, and in particular relates to a DLP multi-station 3D printer and a working method thereof. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] 3D printing technology, or additive manufacturing technology, is a manufacturing technology that forms products by stacking layers based on computer three-dimensional data. Compared with traditional processing technology, 3D printing technology has more advantages in manufacturing complex geometric structures and is widely used in design and manufacturing fields such as jewelry design, shoe design and manufacturing, industrial design, architectural design, engineering design and construction, automotive design and manufacturing, as well as medical fields such as aerospace and dentistry.

[0004] DLP light-curing 3D printing technology is a type of additive manufacturing technology that uses ultraviolet light with image information to selectively cure photosensitive resins, and then cures layer by layer to create models.

[0005] For DLP large-format 3D printing, the current solutions are: (1) The position of the DLP light machine relative to the molding substrate is fixed. Multiple light machines are used, and the curing areas of each light machine are spliced ​​to form the required molding format, which can complete single-layer molding in one go; (2) The position of the DLP light machine relative to the molding substrate is changed. One or more light machines are used. By changing the relative position of the light machine and the molding substrate, the single-layer molding format is divided into multiple working areas, which are exposed in sequence to finally achieve single-layer printing.

[0006] The problems faced by the first solution are: the price of a single DLP optical machine is expensive, and multiple optical machines will inevitably increase the cost; for the second solution: after completing the operation of a single work area, the relative position of the optical machine and the molding substrate needs to be changed to perform the operation of the next work area. The existing work area switching method is to change the position of the optical machine and the molding substrate to switch the working area by translation. The contradiction between translation speed and translation accuracy becomes a factor that limits the efficiency of single-layer molding. In general, the existing solution has shortcomings in equipment cost control and molding efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0007] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the above-mentioned prior art, the present invention provides a DLP multi-station 3D printer and a working method thereof, and sets an optical path switching device. The image projected by the projection optical machine is projected onto different reflectors in sequence through the optical path switching mirror, and then the projected image is reflected by the corresponding reflectors to different molding stations for imaging, thereby realizing sequential curing of each molding station, improving molding efficiency and reducing costs.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a DLP multi-station 3D printer, comprising: a printer body, a projection optical machine and an optical path switching device;

[0010] The optical path switching device includes an optical path switching mirror and at least two reflecting mirrors; the optical path switching mirror projects the light path projected by the projection optical machine onto different reflecting mirrors in sequence, so that the light paths reflected by different reflecting mirrors are projected onto each forming station of the printer body and imaged.

[0011] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a working method of a DLP multi-station 3D printer, comprising:

[0012] Switching the projection light of the projection light machine to the first station reflector through the optical path switching mirror;

[0013] Reflecting the projection light to the first molding station through the first molding station reflector to solidify the resin in the first molding station;

[0014] When the resin on the first molding station is cured, the projection light machine stops projecting light, and the projection light of the projection light machine is switched to the second station reflector through the light path switching mirror;

[0015] Reflecting the projection light to the second molding station through the second molding station reflector to solidify the resin in the second molding station;

[0016] When the resin on the second molding station is completely cured, the projection light machine stops projecting light, and this process is repeated until the resin on all molding stations is completely cured, completing the curing and molding of the entire layer.

[0017] One or more of the above technical solutions have the following beneficial effects:

[0018] The present invention is provided with an optical path switching device, and the optical path projected by the projection optical machine is sequentially projected onto different reflectors through an optical path switching mirror, so that the optical paths reflected by different reflectors are projected onto different molding stations and imaged, thereby realizing sequential solidification of each molding station. The solution of the present invention can solve the problems of high equipment cost of large-format printing at fixed stations of existing multi-DLP optical machines and low efficiency of large-format printing at mobile printing stations, and can improve molding efficiency and reduce costs.

[0019] Advantages of additional aspects of the present invention will be given in part in the following description, and in part will become obvious from the following description, or will be learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying drawings in the specification, which constitute a part of the present invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute improper limitations on the present invention.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an upward projection DLP multi-station 3D printer in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 is a relationship diagram of an optical system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a downward projection DLP multi-station 3D printer in Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0024] In the figure, 1. DLP projection optical machine; 2. Optical path switching mirror; 3. First station reflector; 4. Second station reflector; 5. Lens rotation motor; 6. Forming platform; 7. Scraper; 8. Resin container; 9. Photosensitive resin; 10. Liquid level sensor; 11. Resin pump; 12. Resin supply cylinder; 13. Printing control computer; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0026] It should be noted that the terms used herein are for describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting of exemplary embodiments according to the present invention.

[0027] In the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features of the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0028] Embodiment 1

[0029] This embodiment discloses a DLP multi-station 3D printer, comprising: a printer body, a DLP projection optical machine 1 and an optical path switching device;

[0030] The optical path switching device includes an optical path switching mirror 2 and at least two reflecting mirrors; the optical path switching mirror 2 projects the light path projected by the DLP projector 1 onto different reflecting mirrors in sequence, so that the light paths reflected by different reflecting mirrors are projected onto different forming stations of the printer body and imaged.

[0031] The following is a detailed description of a DLP multi-station 3D printer proposed in this embodiment:

[0032] In this embodiment, the printer body includes printing-related systems except the optical system, and the optical system is a projection optical machine and an optical path switching device; the printer body includes at least a resin container 8, a molding platform system, a resin liquid level detection and adjustment system and a printing control computer 13.

[0033] Specifically, the resin liquid level detection and adjustment system includes a liquid level sensor 10 , a resin pump 11 and a resin supply cylinder 12 .

[0034] Specifically, the optical path switching device includes an optical path switching mirror 2 and a lens rotating motor 5. The assembly relationship of the components of the optical path switching device is as follows: the lens rotating motor 5 is vertically arranged, that is, the motor output axis is vertical after the arrangement, the back of the optical path switching mirror 2 is connected to the output shaft of the lens rotating motor 5, and the lens rotating motor 5 is rotated by a specified angle to rotate the optical path switching mirror 2 to the optical path switching mirror 2 rotation station corresponding to each molding station and maintain it.

[0035] In this embodiment, in the same layer, the planes where each molding station is located coincide with each other, and the optical path lengths formed by the projection light being reflected by the optical path switching mirror 2 and the reflective mirrors corresponding to each molding station and projected onto each station are the same.

[0036] The DLP projector 1 is placed vertically, that is, the axis of the light-emitting lens of the DLP projector 1 is vertical. Figure 2 The angle α between the projection light path of the DLP projection optical machine 1 and the light path switching mirror 2, the angle γ between the projection light path and the reflection mirror, and the angle θ between the light path switching mirror 2 and the vertical direction are equal.

[0037] In this embodiment, the number of reflectors is the same as the number of workstations in a single layer, and each reflector corresponds to a unique rotation angle of the optical path switching mirror 2 and a molding workstation.

[0038] The following is a detailed description using two reflectors as an example:

[0039] The molding platform 6 and the resin level detection and adjustment system are controlled by the printing control computer 13 so that a layer of uncured photosensitive resin 9 is formed on each printing station, and the thickness of the photosensitive resin 9 is the printing layer thickness.

[0040] The reflector includes a first-station reflector 3 and a second-station reflector 4. When the optical path switching mirror 2 rotates to the corresponding angle of the first molding station, the projection light of the DLP projection optical machine 1 is reflected by the optical path switching mirror 2 and projected onto the first-station reflector 3 and continues to be reflected to the first molding station and forms an image; when the optical path switching mirror 2 rotates to the corresponding angle of the second molding station, the projection light of the DLP projection optical machine 1 is reflected by the optical path switching mirror 2 and projected onto the second-station reflector 4 and continues to be reflected to the second molding station and forms an image.

[0041] As a feasible implementation method, there may be one or more optical systems. When there are multiple optical systems, multiple optical systems can simultaneously perform imaging on the corresponding molding stations.

[0042] Embodiment 2

[0043] The purpose of this embodiment is to provide a working method of a DLP multi-station 3D printer, using a DLP multi-station 3D printer provided in Embodiment 1, the method includes:

[0044] Step 1: The printing control computer 13 controls the molding platform system and the resin level detection and adjustment system to form a layer of uncured photosensitive resin 9 on each printing station;

[0045] Step 2: The optical path switching mirror 2 rotates to the angle corresponding to the first molding station, and the DLP projection optical machine 1 projects light. The projection light is reflected by the optical path switching mirror 2 and the first station reflector 3 to reach the first molding station, and the photosensitive resin 9 of the first molding station begins to solidify;

[0046] Step 3: When the curing of the first molding station is completed, the DLP projector 1 stops projecting light;

[0047] Step 4: The optical path switching mirror 2 rotates to the angle corresponding to the second molding station, and the DLP projection optical machine 1 projects light. The projection light is reflected by the optical path switching mirror 2 and the second station reflector 4 to reach the second molding station, and the photosensitive resin 9 of the second molding station begins to solidify;

[0048] Step 5: When the curing of the second molding station is completed, the DLP projector stops projecting light;

[0049] Step 6: If there are a third molding station, a fourth molding station, etc., the third molding station, the fourth molding station, etc. are cured in sequence in the same manner as above until the single layer is cured;

[0050] Step 7: After the single layer is cured, the printing control computer 13 controls the molding platform system to move the cured single layer out of each molding station and controls the molding platform system and the resin liquid level detection and adjustment system to form a layer of uncured photosensitive resin 9 on each molding station (the surface of the cured layer) again, and repeats steps 2 to 6 to cure the current layer of photosensitive resin 9 on the previous cured layer to achieve the combination of layers until the entire model is printed.

[0051] Embodiment 3

[0052] The present embodiment discloses a downward projection DLP multi-station 3D printer, comprising: a printer body, a DLP projection optical machine 1 and an optical path switching device; the printer body includes a printing-related system except for an optical system, and the optical system includes a DLP projection optical machine 1 and an optical path switching device; the printer body includes at least a resin container 8, a molding platform system, a resin liquid level detection and adjustment system and a printing control computer 13.

[0053] The following is a detailed description of a top projection DLP multi-station 3D printer proposed in this embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, as an implementable embodiment:

[0054] The detailed description of the DLP projection optical engine 1 and the optical path switching device is similar to that in the first embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0055] The resin container 8 serves as a reaction container for the photosensitive resin 9 and is disposed below the DLP projection optical engine 1 and the optical path switching device. The resin container 8 stores uncured photosensitive resin 9 .

[0056] The molding platform system includes a molding platform 6 and a scraper 7. The molding surface of the molding platform 6 is flush with the liquid level of the photosensitive resin 9 in the resin container 8. The printing control computer 13 controls the molding platform motion system to make the molding platform 6 move up and down in the vertical direction; the movement of the scraper 7 is controlled by the scraper motion system. The printing control computer 13 controls the scraper motion system to make the scraper 7 move in the horizontal direction and scrape across the entire molding surface to defoam and evenly apply a layer of uncured photosensitive resin 9 on each molding station. The lower surface of the scraper 7 always overlaps with the upper surface of each molding station.

[0057] The resin level detection and adjustment system includes a level sensor 10, a resin pump 11 and a resin supply cylinder 12. The level sensor 10 is fixed in position to collect the distance between the liquid level of the uncured photosensitive resin 9 in the resin container 8 and the upper surface of each molding station. When the printing control computer 13 detects that the distance is not zero, it controls the resin pump 11 to move the uncured resin in the resin container 8 and the uncured resin in the resin supply cylinder 12 back and forth so that the distance is qualified, that is, zero.

[0058] Embodiment 4

[0059] The purpose of this embodiment is to provide a working method of a DLP multi-station 3D printer, using a top projection DLP multi-station 3D printer provided in Embodiment 3, including:

[0060] Step 1: The printing control computer 13 collects data from the liquid level sensor 10 to calculate the distance between the liquid level of the uncured photosensitive resin 9 in the resin container 8 and the upper surface of each molding station. If the liquid level of the photosensitive resin 9 is higher than the upper surface of each molding station, the resin pump 11 is controlled to extract the excess resin in the resin container 8 into the resin supply cylinder 12 until the liquid level of the photosensitive resin 9 coincides with the upper surface of each molding station. If the liquid level of the photosensitive resin 9 is lower than the upper surface of each molding station, the resin pump 11 is controlled to extract the resin in the resin supply cylinder 12 into the resin container 8 until the liquid level of the photosensitive resin 9 coincides with the upper surface of each molding station.

[0061] Step 2: The printing control computer 13 controls the molding platform 6 to reach a specified height, that is, the upper surface of the molding platform 6 overlaps with the lower surface of each molding station.

[0062] Step 3: The printing control computer 13 controls the scraper 7 to scrape across all molding stations to ensure that the liquid surface of the photosensitive resin 9 is free of bubbles and is flat.

[0063] Step 4: The optical path switching mirror 2 rotates to the angle corresponding to the first molding station, and the DLP projection optical machine 1 projects light. The projection light is reflected by the optical path switching mirror 2 and the first station reflector 3 to reach the first molding station, and the photosensitive resin 9 of the first molding station begins to solidify;

[0064] Step 5: When the curing of the first molding station is completed, the DLP projector stops projecting light;

[0065] Step 6: The optical path switching mirror 2 rotates to the angle corresponding to the second molding station, and the DLP projection optical machine 1 projects light. The projection light is reflected by the optical path switching mirror 2 and the second station reflector 4 to reach the second molding station, and the photosensitive resin 9 of the second molding station begins to solidify;

[0066] Step 7: When the curing of the second molding station is completed, the DLP projector 1 stops projecting light;

[0067] Step 8: If there are a third molding station, a fourth molding station, etc., the third molding station, the fourth molding station, etc. are cured in sequence in the same manner as above until the single layer is cured;

[0068] Step 9: After the single layer is cured, the printing control computer 13 collects data from the liquid level sensor 10 and controls the resin pump 11 to ensure that the liquid level of the photosensitive resin 9 in the resin container 8 coincides with the upper surface of each molding station.

[0069] Step 10: The printing control computer 13 controls the molding platform 6 to descend a layer thickness and controls the scraper 7 to achieve liquid surface defoaming and flattening.

[0070] Step 11: Repeat steps 4 to 10 until the entire model is formed.

[0071] Embodiment 5

[0072] The present embodiment discloses a downward projection DLP multi-station 3D printer, comprising: a printer body, a DLP projection optical machine 1 and an optical path switching device; the printer body includes a printing-related system except for an optical system, and the optical system includes a DLP projection optical machine 1 and an optical path switching device; the printer body includes at least a resin container 8, a molding platform system, a resin liquid level detection and adjustment system and a printing control computer 13.

[0073] The following is a detailed description of a bottom projection DLP multi-station 3D printer proposed in this embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, as an implementable embodiment:

[0074] The detailed description of the DLP projection optical engine 1 and the optical path switching device is similar to that in the first embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0075] The resin container 8 serves as a reaction container for the photosensitive resin 9 and is placed above the DLP projection optical engine 1 and the optical path switching device. Uncured photosensitive resin 9 is stored inside the resin container 8. The bottom of the resin container 8 is light-transmissive so that the light beam from the DLP projection optical engine 1 can reach the inside of the resin container 8 without hindering the light projection.

[0076] The molding platform system includes a molding platform 6. The molding surface of the molding platform 6 is flush with the bottom surface of the resin container 8, and the printing control computer 13 can make the molding platform 6 move up and down in the vertical direction by controlling the motion system of the molding platform 6.

[0077] The resin liquid level detection and adjustment system includes a liquid level sensor 10, a resin pump 11 and a resin supply cylinder 12. The liquid level sensor 10 is fixed in position to collect the position of the liquid level of the uncured photosensitive resin 9 in the resin container 8. When the printing control computer 13 detects that the position is too low or too low, that is, the uncured photosensitive resin 9 in the resin container 8 is insufficient or excessive, the printing control computer 13 controls the resin pump 11 to move the uncured resin in the resin supply cylinder 12 and the uncured resin in the resin container 8 back and forth so that there is enough resin remaining in the resin container 8.

[0078] Embodiment 6

[0079] The purpose of this embodiment is to provide a working method of a DLP multi-station 3D printer, using a bottom projection DLP multi-station 3D printer provided in Embodiment 3, including:

[0080] Step 1: The printing control computer 13 calculates the remaining amount of uncured photosensitive resin 9 in the resin container 8 by collecting data from the liquid level sensor 10. If the liquid level of the photosensitive resin 9 is too high, the resin pump 11 is controlled to extract the excess resin in the resin container 8 into the resin supply cylinder 12 until the remaining amount of uncured photosensitive resin 9 in the resin container 8 is appropriate. If the liquid level of the photosensitive resin 9 is too low, the resin pump 11 is controlled to extract the resin in the resin supply cylinder 12 into the resin container 8 until the remaining amount of uncured photosensitive resin 9 in the resin container 8 meets the molding requirements.

[0081] Step 2: The printing control computer 13 controls the molding platform 6 to reach a specified height, that is, the molding lower surface of the molding platform 6 maintains a layer thickness distance from the bottom of the resin container 8. In this state, the molding surface of the molding platform 6 coincides with the upper surface of each molding station, and the bottom of the resin container 8 coincides with the lower surface of each molding station.

[0082] Step 3: The optical path switching mirror 2 rotates to the angle corresponding to the first molding station, and the DLP projection optical machine 1 projects light. The projection light is reflected by the optical path switching mirror 2 and the first station reflector 3 to reach the first molding station, and the photosensitive resin 9 of the first molding station begins to solidify;

[0083] Step 4: When the curing of the first molding station is completed, the DLP projector stops projecting light;

[0084] Step 5: The optical path switching mirror 2 rotates to the angle corresponding to the second molding station, and the DLP projection optical machine 1 projects light. The projection light is reflected by the optical path switching mirror 2 and the second station reflector 4 to reach the second molding station, and the photosensitive resin 9 of the second molding station begins to solidify;

[0085] Step 6: When the curing of the second molding station is completed, the DLP projector stops projecting light;

[0086] Step 7: If there is a third molding station, a fourth molding station, etc., the third molding station, the fourth molding station, etc. are cured in sequence in the same manner as above until the single layer is cured;

[0087] Step 8: After the single layer is cured, the printing control computer 13 collects data from the liquid level sensor 10 and controls the resin pump 11 to adjust the amount of the remaining photosensitive resin 9 in the resin container 8 .

[0088] Step 9: The printing control computer 13 controls the molding platform 6 to move up a distance of a layer thickness.

[0089] Step 10: Repeat steps 4 to 9 until the entire model is formed.

[0090] The present invention uses an optical path switching device and a reflector to reflect the projected image of the DLP projector and form an image on the corresponding printing station. Each printing station together constitutes the entire single-layer DLP printing area. The projected image is projected onto each station through the optical path switching device to achieve sequential solidification of each station. The DLP multi-station 3D printer of the present invention can solve the problems of high equipment cost of large-format printing in existing multi-DLP optical machine fixed stations and low large-format printing molding efficiency in mobile printing stations, and can effectively control equipment costs and improve molding efficiency.

[0091] Although the above describes the specific implementation mode of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art on the basis of the technical solution of the present invention without creative work are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A DLP multi-station 3D printer, characterized in that: include: Printer body, projection optical machine and optical path switching device; The optical path switching device includes an optical path switching mirror and at least two reflecting mirrors; the optical path switching mirror projects the light path projected by the projection optical machine onto different reflecting mirrors in sequence, so that the light paths reflected by different reflecting mirrors are projected onto each molding station of the printer body and imaged.

2. A DLP multi-station 3D printer as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the reflectors is the same as the number of the forming stations in the single-layer printing area.

3. A DLP multi-station 3D printer as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: In the single-layer printing area, the planes where each forming station is located coincide with each other, and the length of the optical path formed by the projection light of the projection light machine after being reflected by the optical path switching mirror and each reflector and projected on the forming station is the same.

4. A DLP multi-station 3D printer as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The optical path switching device further comprises a lens rotation shaft, which is connected to the optical path switching mirror, and the optical path switching mirror is rotated to a position corresponding to the reflecting mirror through the lens rotation shaft.

5. A DLP multi-station 3D printer as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The printer body at least includes a resin container, in which a photosensitive resin and a molding platform are arranged, and the molding surface of the molding platform is flush with the upper liquid surface of the photosensitive resin, and the projection light reflected by the reflector is imaged in each molding station from top to bottom in sequence.

6. A DLP multi-station 3D printer as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The printer body at least includes a resin container, in which a photosensitive resin and a molding platform are arranged, and a molding surface of the molding platform is parallel to the bottom surface of the resin container. The projection light reflected by the reflector is imaged on each molding station from bottom to top in sequence, so that the photosensitive resin between the molding surface of the molding substrate and the bottom surface of the resin container is cured.

7. A DLP multi-station 3D printer as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The bottom of the resin container is light-transmissive, and the distance between the molding surface of the molding platform and the bottom surface of the resin container is the same as the thickness of the printing layer.

8. A DLP multi-station 3D printer as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: The invention comprises a scraper, which moves in a horizontal direction and scrapes across the entire molding surface for defoaming and evenly applying a layer of flat uncured photosensitive resin on each molding station.

9. A working method of a DLP multi-station 3D printer, characterized in that: include: Switching the projection light of the projection light machine to the first station reflector through the light path switching mirror; Reflecting the projection light to the first molding station through the first molding station reflector to solidify the resin in the first molding station; When the resin on the first molding station is cured, the projection light machine stops projecting light, and the projection light of the projection light machine is switched to the second station reflector through the light path switching mirror; Reflecting the projection light to the second molding station through the second molding station reflector to solidify the resin in the second molding station; When the resin on the second molding station is completely cured, the projection light machine stops projecting light, and this process is repeated until the resin on all molding stations is completely cured, completing the curing and molding of the entire layer.

10. A working method of a DLP multi-station 3D printer as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: Also includes: After the photosensitive resin corresponding to the single-layer molding station is cured, the molding platform in the resin container is moved upward or downward by the length of a processing layer so that a layer of photosensitive resin to be cured is formed between the molding platform and the upper liquid surface of the photosensitive resin or the bottom surface of the resin container.

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