High-viscosity polymer continuous photocuring additive manufacturing device and manufacturing method

Abstract

The invention discloses a high-viscosity polymer continuous photocuring additive manufacturing device and a manufacturing method, which are used for realizing printing of single or multiple models, and the device comprises a stock bin, a film transfer printing module, a printing platform, identification equipment, an X-direction station switching module, a Z-direction lifting module, a rack and a control center, the control center controls movement of the film transfer printing module, the printing platform, the recognition device, the X-direction station switching module and the Z-direction lifting module, and the film transfer printing module is connected with the Z-direction lifting module, installed on the upper portion of the rack and used for achieving vertical movement of the film transfer printing module. The material can be uniformly paved, cured and formed by matching with the movement of a driving motor and the scanning of an optical engine; according to the continuous photocuring additive manufacturing device, uniform laying of the high-viscosity polymer can be achieved, the reset step in the conventional process is omitted, multiple stations are adopted, and continuous photocuring additive manufacturing is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of continuous additive manufacturing, and in particular to a high-viscosity polymer continuous photocuring additive manufacturing device and a manufacturing method. Background Art

[0002] Photocuring additive manufacturing is a 3D manufacturing technology that selectively cures photosensitive resin materials through ultraviolet light or other light sources of specific wavelengths, and forms them layer by layer. It is an important branch of rapid prototyping technology. Its core processes include stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), liquid crystal display (LCD), etc., and are widely used in precision medical devices, personalized consumer electronics, complex aerospace components, and dental restorations.

[0003] However, the existing photocuring additive manufacturing technology has obvious defects when dealing with high-viscosity materials. When using the scraper coating process, the shear force of the scraper can easily cause the parts to be misaligned, and the high-viscosity material hinders the operation of the scraper, resulting in uneven coating and manufacturing failure. In the technology that uses top-pull forming, the huge release force generated when the high-viscosity material is exposed and cured over a large area can easily damage the fine structure, making it difficult to achieve high-precision manufacturing. It can be seen that the existing additive manufacturing technology is poorly adaptable to high-viscosity materials. At the same time, traditional photocuring equipment (such as SLA, DLP) generally adopts a single-station layer-by-layer forming mode, and its process flow is a cyclic operation of "laying-exposure-peeling-resetting". Each reset action will greatly affect the forming efficiency, prolong the forming time, and greatly limit the production efficiency. Therefore, how to achieve continuous photocuring additive manufacturing of high-viscosity polymers has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently in the current photocuring additive manufacturing technology. Summary of the invention

[0004] The main purpose of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art. The first purpose of the present invention is to provide a high-viscosity polymer continuous photocuring additive manufacturing device, which can achieve uniform coating of high-viscosity polymers, eliminate the resetting step in the conventional process, and use multiple workstations to achieve continuous photocuring additive manufacturing.

[0005] The second purpose of the present invention is to provide a high-viscosity polymer continuous photocuring additive manufacturing method. According to the actual number of product slice layers, the high-viscosity polymer continuous photocuring additive manufacturing device is controlled to achieve continuous manufacturing of products and greatly improve production efficiency.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a continuous light-curing additive manufacturing device for high-viscosity polymers, which includes a material bin, a film transfer module, a printing platform, an identification device, an X-direction station switching module, a Z-direction lifting module, a frame and a control center. The material bin, the film transfer module, the printing platform, the identification device, the Z-direction lifting module and the frame are all multiple and have the same quantity. The control center is interconnected and communicates with the film transfer module, the printing platform, the identification device, the X-direction station switching module and the Z-direction lifting module.

[0008] The material bin is arranged on the top of the film transfer module and is used for continuously supplying materials to the film transfer module.

[0009] Each film transfer module is configured with a material bin, which includes a release film, a driving component and an optical engine. The release film is driven by the driving component to rotate to convey materials to the curing area. The optical engine is configured to perform selective light curing on the materials for uniform spreading and curing forming of the materials. Multiple film transfer modules are arranged in parallel in the same direction and can complete the forming of multiple models at the same time.

[0010] Multiple printing platforms are arranged on the X-direction station switching module. Each printing platform linearly moves through the X-direction station switching module and generates relative movement with the film transfer module to smoothly separate the cured materials.

[0011] Each Z-direction lifting module is configured with a film transfer module and is used to adjust the vertical height of the film transfer module.

[0012] The identification device is arranged on the X-direction station switching module and cooperates with the printing platform to identify the information in the area, which is used to discriminate the model corresponding to this printing platform and perform corresponding printing.

[0013] Driven by the X-direction moving module, the printing platform moves linearly from under the first film transfer module until under the last film transfer module and completes the curing of the corresponding sliced layer under each film transfer module. The rotation direction of the release film is the same as the movement direction of the printing platform. The close arrangement of multiple film transfer modules enables the curing of the printing platform between each film transfer module to be continuous, so as to eliminate the platform reset time after each layer of printing and reduce the switching time of the printing platform between each film transfer module, realizing the continuous additive manufacturing of high-viscosity materials.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution, the film transfer module includes a release film, a roller, a first synchronous belt, a first synchronous belt pulley, a first driving motor, an optical engine, a scraper and a fixing plate.

[0015] The film transfer module is installed on the Z-direction lifting module through the fixing plate.

[0016] The release film is driven by a first drive motor to rotate the rotating shaft through a first synchronous pulley and a first synchronous belt to achieve the movement of the material. When the high-viscosity material rotates with the release film and reaches between the printing platform and the optical engine for curing, the cured material separates from the release film as the release film rotates and adheres to the cured material on the printing platform.

[0017] The optical engine is arranged inside the film transfer module and is installed opposite to the printing platform. When the high-viscosity material rotates with the release film to the lower part of the optical engine, the optical engine emits light for curing.

[0018] The doctor blade is installed above the release film and is used to spread the material evenly.

[0019] As a preferred technical solution, the X-direction station switching module includes an optical axis bracket, an optical axis, a motor bracket, a second drive motor, a second synchronous pulley, a second synchronous belt, a synchronous belt bracket, a box-type slider, a synchronous belt pressure plate, and a platform base.

[0020] The box-type slider is sleeved on the optical axis.

[0021] The platform base is installed on the box-type slider.

[0022] The second drive motor drives the box-type slider to move parallel to the frame through the second synchronous belt, thereby realizing the linear motion of the platform base.

[0023] The printing platform is connected to the platform base and can move linearly together with the platform base.

[0024] As a preferred technical solution, the identification device is installed on the side of the X-direction station switching module. When the printing platform passes by, the identification device sends the information in the side identification area of the printing platform that it recognizes to the control center. The control center discriminates the slice layer information corresponding to the printing platform based on the received information, and then controls the corresponding film transfer module to switch the slice information to complete the curing of the corresponding model.

[0025] As a preferred technical solution, the Z-direction lifting module includes a stepper motor, a stepper motor bracket, a coupling, a lead screw, a lead screw nut, a mounting plate, rollers, roller shafts, and nut seats.

[0026] The stepper motor rotates the lead screw to drive the mounting plate to move up and down in the Z direction relative to the frame.

[0027] The rollers are installed in the preset grooves on the frame and roll up and down with the grooves, playing a guiding role during the lifting process of the mounting plate.

[0028] The film transfer module is fixedly connected to the mounting plate, and the film transfer module can move linearly in the Z direction relative to the frame along with the movement of the mounting plate.

[0029] As a preferred technical solution, each film transfer module and the Z-axis lifting module are separately installed on the vertical beams of the frame, ensuring that each film transfer module is arranged in the same direction, parallel to each other, and closely arranged;

[0030] Driven by the X-direction station switching module, the printing platform moves linearly from under the first film transfer module until under the last film transfer module, and the corresponding slice layer is cured under each film transfer.

[0031] As a preferred technical solution, the multiple material bins store different types of high-viscosity materials for rapid printing of multiple materials; when printing multiple materials, a cleaning module and a drying module need to be set between two film transfer modules. After passing through each film transfer module, it is necessary to be rinsed by the cleaning module and quickly dried by the drying module to remove uncured materials. Only then can the processed printing platform enter the next film transfer module for the next layer of printing, realizing the composite manufacturing of high-viscosity multiple materials and avoiding contamination during the switching of multiple materials.

[0032] In the second aspect, the present invention also provides a manufacturing method for a high-viscosity polymer continuous light-curing additive manufacturing device. When realizing single-model printing, it includes the following steps:

[0033] S101. Obtain a printing model;

[0034] S102. Import the printing model into the slicing software to obtain the slice information of the model;

[0035] S103. Send the slice information to the control centers of all devices, and the control center drives each film transfer device to rise to the corresponding position;

[0036] S104. Add materials to the material bins of each device;

[0037] S105. The release film of the film transfer module rolls, and under the combined action of the doctor blade, the material is evenly coated on the release film;

[0038] S106. The printing platform moves to the first film transfer module;

[0039] S107. Start printing;

[0040] S108. The first printing platform continues to move, passes through the first film transfer module, and the optical engine in the film transfer module emits light according to the model slice information to cure the material on the release film;

[0041] S109. The printing platform and the release film move in the same direction and at the same linear speed. As the release film rotates, the cured material separates from the release film and adheres to the printing platform;

[0042] S110. When the printing at the first film transfer module ends, the first printing platform immediately enters the next film transfer module to perform the printing of the next layer; the second platform also enters the first film transfer module accordingly;

[0043] S111. Repeat steps S108 - S110 until all the printing platforms pass through all the working film transfer modules, and all the models are printed.

[0044] Thirdly, the present invention also provides a manufacturing method of a high - viscosity polymer continuous light - curing additive manufacturing device. When realizing the printing of multiple models, it includes the following steps:

[0045] S201. Obtain all the printing models;

[0046] S202. Import each printing model into the slicing software respectively to obtain the slicing information of the model;

[0047] S203. Send the slicing information of each model to the control center of all the devices, and the control center drives each film transfer device to rise to the initial position for the printing of the first model;

[0048] S204. Add the information of each model to the information recognition area of the printing platform correspondingly

[0049] S205. Add materials into the material bins of each device;

[0050] S206. The release film of the film transfer module rolls, and under the combined action of the doctor blade, the materials are evenly coated on the release film;

[0051] S207. The printing platform moves to the first film transfer module;

[0052] S208. Start printing;

[0053] S209. The identification device of the first device recognizes the information of the first printing platform, and starts the printing of the first layer of the model corresponding to the first platform. After passing through the first film transfer module, the optical engine in the film transfer module emits light according to the model slicing information to cure the materials on the release film;

[0054] S210. The printing platform and the release film move in the same direction and at the same linear speed. As the release film rotates, the cured materials are separated from the release film and adhered to the printing platform;

[0055] S211. When the printing at the first film transfer module ends, the first printing platform immediately enters the next film transfer module to perform the printing of the next layer;

[0056] S212. The second platform simultaneously enters the first film transfer module. The recognition device recognizes the information of the model corresponding to the second printing platform and feeds it back to the control center. The control center adjusts the height of the film transfer module according to the slice information layer thickness, and then the second platform starts printing.

[0057] S213. Repeat steps S209 - S212 until all printing platforms pass through all working film transfer modules and all models are printed.

[0058] As a preferred technical solution, when the number of slice layers of the model is less than the number of set film transfer modules, the model can be manufactured only by moving the printing platform under each film transfer module once; when the number of slice layers of the model is more than the number of set film transfer modules, the printing platform needs to return to the first film transfer module for a second round of scanning until the model is manufactured.

[0059] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0060] 1. Realize the continuous manufacturing of high - viscosity polymers: The blade coating or the up - down exposure printing method of conventional stereolithography printing equipment is limited by the blade torque and the large release force, and cannot uniformly coat high - viscosity polymers. The present invention optimizes the design of the film transfer module, uses a release film to rotate and supply high - viscosity polymers, and installs a blade above the release film to evenly coat the material. By arranging multiple film transfer modules and Z - axis lifting modules in the same direction and closely arranged on the X - direction station switching module, a continuous manufacturing production line is established. The printing platform moves linearly from under the first film transfer module to under the last film transfer module, and cures the corresponding slice layer under each film transfer module, realizing the continuous additive manufacturing of a single high - viscosity material.

[0061] 2. Realize the continuous manufacturing of single / multiple models of high - viscosity polymers: Conventional stereolithography printing equipment can only complete the printing of multiple models one by one. The present invention sets multiple film transfer modules and X - direction station switching modules. Through the configured production line, while a single model is continuously manufactured through multiple film transfer modules, using the information of the recognition module and the printing platform, when the printing platform passes by, it can recognize the information in the recognition area on the side of the printing platform and send it to the control center. The control center discriminates the slice layer information corresponding to the printing platform based on this, and then controls the corresponding film transfer module to switch the slice information to complete the curing of the corresponding model. In the case of simultaneous curing of multiple printing platforms, the continuous manufacturing of single / multiple models can be realized.

[0062] 3. Realize the rapid manufacturing of multi-material models: For traditional stereolithography printing technology, it is limited by the content of each component of the prepared materials and cannot achieve the composite printing of different materials in different layers of the same model. In the present invention, only different high-viscosity polymers need to be added to the feeding modules at different stations, and a cleaning module and a drying module are installed between every two film transfer modules. During the process of the printing platform moving on the assembly line, before switching to printing with different materials, the previous layer is cleaned and dried to clean up the uncured materials, so as to avoid the mixing of multiple materials and affect the printing effect, and finally achieve the composite printing of different materials in different layers of the same model. Description of the Drawings

[0063] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0064] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of single-material printing of the high-viscosity polymer continuous stereolithography additive manufacturing device of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of multi-material printing of the high-viscosity polymer continuous stereolithography additive manufacturing device of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the film transfer module of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the moving module of the present invention.

[0068] Explanation of the reference numerals in the drawings: 1 - material bin, 2 - film transfer module, 3 - printing platform, 4 - identification device, 5 - X-direction station switching module, 6 - Z-direction lifting module, 7 - frame, 8 - control center, 9 - cleaning and drying module; 201 - release film, 202 - roller, 203 - first synchronous belt, 204 - first synchronous belt pulley, 205 - first driving motor, 206 - optical engine, 207 - scraper, 208 - fixing plate; 501 - optical axis bracket, 502 - optical axis, 503 - motor bracket, 504 - second driving motor, 505 - second synchronous belt pulley, 506 - second synchronous belt, 507 - synchronous belt bracket, 508 - box slider, 509 - synchronous belt pressing plate and platform base; 601 - stepping motor, 602 - stepping motor bracket, 603 - coupling, 604 - lead screw, 605 - lead screw nut, 606 - mounting plate, 607 - roller, 608 - roller shaft, 609 - nut seat. Detailed Embodiments

[0069] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solution of this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of this application.

[0070] In this application, the mention of "embodiment" means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase at various positions in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments.

[0071] As Figure 1 shown, this embodiment provides a continuous light-curing additive manufacturing device for high-viscosity polymers to achieve single-material continuous printing. The device mainly includes a material bin 1, a film transfer module 2, a printing platform 3, an identification device 4, an X-direction station switching module 5, a Z-direction lifting module 6, a frame 7, and a control center 8. The film transfer module is connected to the Z-direction lifting module and installed on the upper part of the frame, and is used to realize the up and down movement of the film transfer module. Combined with the movement of its own drive motor and the scanning of the optical engine, it can be used for the uniform paving and curing of materials; the printing platform is connected to the X-direction station switching module and installed on the bottom plate of the frame, and is used to generate relative movement with the film transfer module to smoothly separate the cured materials; the identification device is installed in the X-direction station switching module, and cooperates with the information in the identification area on the side of the printing platform to identify the model corresponding to this printing platform and perform corresponding printing; the control center is interconnected and communicates with the film transfer module, the printing platform, the identification device, the X-direction station switching module, and the Z-direction lifting module. Driven by the X-direction movement module, the printing platform moves linearly from under the first film transfer module until under the last film transfer module, and cures the corresponding sliced layer under each film transfer module; the rotation direction of the release film is the same as the movement direction of the printing platform. The close arrangement of multiple film transfer modules makes the curing of the printing platform between each film transfer module continuous, without any idle running time, which is used to eliminate the platform reset time after each layer of printing is completed and reduce the time for the printing platform to switch between each film transfer module, so as to realize the continuous additive manufacturing of a single high-viscosity material.

[0072] Further, driven by the X-direction workstation switching module 5, the printing platform moves linearly from under the first film transfer module 2 until under the last film transfer module 2, and cures the corresponding sliced layer under each film transfer module 2; the rotation direction of the release film is the same as the movement direction of the printing platform. The close arrangement of multiple film transfer modules 2 enables continuous curing of the printing platform 3 between each film transfer module 2 without any idle running time, which is used to eliminate the platform reset time after each layer of printing and reduce the switching time of the printing platform 3 between each film transfer module 2, realizing continuous additive manufacturing of a single high-viscosity material.

[0073] In a more specific embodiment, five hundred film transfer and Z-direction lifting modules are provided. When the number of sliced layers of the model is less than five hundred, only one movement of the printing platform 3 under each film transfer module 2 is required to complete the manufacturing of the model; when the number of sliced layers of the model is more than five hundred, the printing platform 3 needs to return to the first film transfer module 2 for a second round of scanning until the manufacturing of the model is completed.

[0074] As Figure 3 shown, the film transfer module 2 includes a release film 201, a roller 202, a first synchronous belt 203, a first synchronous belt pulley 204, a first driving motor 205, an optical engine 206, a squeegee 207, and a fixing plate 208. The film transfer module 2 is installed on the Z-direction lifting module 6 through the fixing plate; the release film 201 is driven by the first driving motor 205 to drive the rotating shaft to rotate through the first synchronous belt pulley 204 and the first synchronous belt 203 to realize the movement of the material, that is, the high-viscosity material rotates with the rotation of the release film 201 to the area between the printing platform 3 and the optical engine 206 for curing. The cured material separates from the release film 201 with the rotation of the release film 201 and adheres to the cured material on the printing platform 3. The optical engine 206 is arranged inside the film transfer module and is installed opposite to the printing platform 3. When the material rotates with the release film to below the optical engine 206, the optical engine 206 emits light for curing. The squeegee 207 is installed above the release film 201 and is used to spread the material evenly.

[0075] Further, the identification device 4 is installed on the side of the X-direction workstation switching module. When the printing platform passes by, it can identify the information in the identification area on the side of the printing platform and send it to the control center. The control center discriminates the sliced layer information corresponding to the printing platform based on this, and then controls the corresponding film transfer module to switch the sliced information to complete the curing of the corresponding model. In the case of simultaneous curing of multiple printing platforms, continuous manufacturing of different models can be realized; for the same model, the work of the identification device is no longer required, and each film transfer module can complete the manufacturing of the corresponding sliced layer.

[0076] As Figure 4As shown, the moving module includes an X-direction station switching module 5 and a Z-direction lifting module 6. The X-direction station switching module 5 includes a optical axis support 501, an optical axis 502, a motor support 503, a second driving motor 504, a second synchronous pulley 505, a second synchronous belt 506, a synchronous belt support 507, a box-shaped slider 508, a synchronous belt pressing plate, and a platform base 509; the box-shaped slider 508 is sleeved on the optical axis 502; the platform base 509 is installed on the box-shaped slider 508, and the second driving motor 504 drives the box-shaped slider 508 to move parallel to the frame through the second synchronous belt 506, thereby realizing the linear motion of the platform base 509.

[0077] Further, the printing platform 3 is connected to the platform base 509 and can move linearly together with the platform base 509. The Z-direction lifting module 6 includes a stepper motor 601, a stepper motor support 602, a coupling 603, a lead screw 604, a lead screw nut 605, a mounting plate 606, a roller 607, a roller shaft 608, and a nut seat 609; the stepper motor 601 rotates through the lead screw 604 to drive the mounting plate 606 to move up and down in the Z direction relative to the frame; the roller 607 is installed in the groove of the frame aluminum profile and rolls up and down with the groove, playing a guiding role during the lifting process of the mounting plate 606; the film transfer module 2 is fixedly connected to the mounting plate 606, and the film transfer module 2 can move linearly in the Z direction relative to the frame along with the movement of the mounting plate 606.

[0078] As Figure 2 shown, in another embodiment, a high-viscosity polymer continuous light-curing additive manufacturing device for realizing multi-material continuous printing is provided. The device mainly includes a plurality of material bins 1, a plurality of film transfer modules 2, a plurality of printing platforms 3, an identification device 4, an X-direction station switching module 5, a plurality of Z-direction lifting modules 6, a plurality of frames 7, and a control center 8. The control center controls the movement, cleaning, and drying modules 9 of the film transfer module, printing platform, identification device, X-direction station switching module, and Z-direction lifting module. On the basis of the single-material high-viscosity polymer continuous printing shown in Figure 1 the figure, a cleaning and drying module 9 is installed between every two film transfer modules 2. When the materials added by the two film transfer modules 2 are different, the cleaning and drying work is performed to thoroughly clean the uncured materials. Only after the processed printing platform 3 can enter the next film transfer module 2 for the next layer of printing, realizing the composite manufacturing of high-viscosity multiple materials and avoiding contamination during the switching of multiple materials.

[0079] It should be noted that each film transfer module and the Z-axis lifting module are separately installed on the vertical beams of the frame, ensuring that each film transfer module is arranged in the same direction, parallel to each other, and closely arranged. When multiple film transfer modules work together, each film transfer module will move driven by the stepping motor of the Z-direction lifting module according to the layer thickness of the model slice corresponding to the information of the identified printing platform. During the short time when the printing platform is transferred from one film transfer device to the next, the switching of the printing layer thickness is completed, ensuring that the film transfer module can be adjusted at any time according to the slicing requirements of different models, with extremely high adaptability; for the same model, the position of each film transfer module is fixed, and there is no need to switch due to the change in layer height, saving the switching time and improving the printing efficiency.

[0080] Furthermore, the material bin 1 can store different types of high-viscosity materials for rapid printing of multiple materials; during multi-material printing, a cleaning module and a drying module need to be set between two film transfer modules. After passing through each film transfer module, it is necessary to be rinsed by the cleaning module and quickly dried by the drying module to remove the uncured materials. Only after the processed printing platform can enter the next film transfer module for the next layer of printing, realizing the composite manufacturing of high-viscosity multiple materials and avoiding contamination during the switching of multiple materials at the same time.

[0081] Furthermore, the box-shaped slider is sleeved on the optical axis; the platform base is installed on the box-shaped slider, and multiple box-shaped sliders can be set; the driving motor II drives the box-shaped slider to move parallel to the frame through the synchronous belt II, thereby realizing the linear motion of the platform base. The printing platform is connected to the platform base and can move linearly with the platform base. The setting of multiple box-shaped sliders means that multiple printing platforms can be installed in a supporting manner to realize the simultaneous forming of multiple models.

[0082] In another embodiment of the present application, a method for continuous light-curing additive manufacturing of high-viscosity polymers is also provided, which is realized based on the continuous light-curing additive manufacturing device for high-viscosity polymers. When printing a single model, it includes the following steps:

[0083] S101. Obtain the printing model;

[0084] S102. Import the printing model into the slicing software to obtain the slicing information of the model;

[0085] S103. Send the slicing information to the control centers of all devices, and drive each film transfer device to rise to the corresponding position by the control center;

[0086] S104. Add materials to the material bins of each device;

[0087] S105. The release film of the film transfer module rolls, and under the combined action of the scraper, the material is evenly coated on the release film;

[0088] S106. The printing platform moves to the first film transfer module;

[0089] S107. Start printing;

[0090] S108. The first printing platform continues to move, passes through the first film transfer module, and the optical engine in the film transfer module emits light according to the model slicing information to cure the material on the release film;

[0091] S109. The printing platform and the release film move in the same direction and at the same linear speed. As the release film rotates, the cured material separates from the release film and adheres to the printing platform;

[0092] S110. When the printing at the first film transfer module ends, the first printing platform immediately enters the next film transfer module to perform the printing of the next layer; the second platform also enters the first film transfer module accordingly;

[0093] S111. Repeat steps S108 - S110 until all printing platforms pass through all working film transfer modules and all models are printed.

[0094] In another embodiment of the present application, a method for continuous light - curing additive manufacturing of high - viscosity polymers is also provided. This method is implemented based on the continuous light - curing additive manufacturing device for high - viscosity polymers. When printing multiple models, it includes the following steps:

[0095] S201. Obtain all printing models;

[0096] S202. Import each printing model into the slicing software respectively to obtain the slicing information of the model;

[0097] S203. Send the slicing information of each model to the control center of all devices, and the control center drives each film transfer device to rise to the initial position for printing the first model;

[0098] S204. Corresponding add the information of each model to the information recognition area of the printing platform

[0099] S205. Add materials to the material bin of each device;

[0100] S206. The release film of the film transfer module rolls, and under the combined action of the scraper, the material is evenly coated on the release film;

[0101] S207. The printing platform moves to the first film transfer module;

[0102] S208. Start printing;

[0103] S209. The identification device of the first device identifies the information of the first printing platform, and starts printing the first layer of the model corresponding to the first platform. After passing through the first film transfer module, the optical engine in the film transfer module emits light according to the model slice information to cure the material on the release film.

[0104] S210. The printing platform and the release film move in the same direction and at the same linear speed. As the release film rotates, the cured material separates from the release film and adheres to the printing platform.

[0105] S211. When the printing at the first film transfer module ends, the first printing platform immediately enters the next film transfer module to perform the printing of the next layer.

[0106] S212. The second platform simultaneously enters the first film transfer module. The identification device identifies the information of the model corresponding to the second printing platform and feeds it back to the control center. The control center adjusts the height of the film transfer module according to the layer thickness of the slice information, and then the second platform starts printing.

[0107] S213. Repeat steps S209 - S212 until all printing platforms pass through all working film transfer modules, and all models are printed.

[0108] In the manufacturing method of the described high - viscosity polymer continuous light - curing additive manufacturing device, when the number of sliced layers of the model is less than the number of set film transfer modules, the model can be manufactured only by moving the printing platform under each film transfer module once; when the number of sliced layers of the model is more than the number of set film transfer modules, the printing platform needs to return to the first film transfer module for a second round of scanning until the model is manufactured.

[0109] When realizing single - model or multi - model multi - material printing, only need to install a cleaning module and a drying module between every two film transfer modules; between S10 and S11 in the single - model printing step and between S11 and S12 in the multi - model printing step, add the steps of cleaning and drying. The cleaning and drying modules corresponding to the areas where the printing platform moves immediately execute the processing work to thoroughly clean the uncured material.

[0110] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of concise description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as the combinations of these technical features do not conflict, they should be considered as the scope described in this specification.

[0111] The above embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments. Any other changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, and simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be equivalent replacement methods and are all included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-viscosity polymer continuous photocuring additive manufacturing device, characterized in that: It includes a material bin, a film transfer module, a printing platform, an identification device, an X-direction station switching module, a Z-direction lifting module, a rack and a control center. The material bin, the film transfer module, the printing platform, the identification device, the Z-direction lifting module and the rack are multiple and the number is the same; the control center is connected and communicated with the film transfer module, the printing platform, the identification device, the X-direction station switching module and the Z-direction lifting module; The silo is arranged on the top of the membrane transfer module and is used to continuously supply materials to the membrane transfer module; Each film transfer module is equipped with a material bin, including a release film, a drive assembly and an optical engine. The release film is driven by the drive assembly to rotate to transport the material to the curing area. The optical engine is configured to selectively photo-cure the material for uniform coating and curing of the material. Multiple film transfer modules are arranged in parallel in the same direction, which can complete the forming of multiple models at the same time; A plurality of the printing platforms are arranged on the X-direction station switching module, and each printing platform is linearly moved by the X-direction station switching module to generate relative motion with the film transfer module, so that the solidified material is separated smoothly; Each Z-direction lifting module is equipped with a film transfer module for adjusting the vertical height of the film transfer module; The identification device is arranged on the X-direction station switching module, and cooperates with the information in the printing platform identification area to identify the model corresponding to the printing platform and perform corresponding printing; Driven by the X-direction moving module, the printing platform moves linearly from under the first film transfer module to under the last film transfer module, and solidification of the corresponding slice layer is completed under each film transfer module; the rotation direction of the release film is consistent with the movement direction of the printing platform, and the close arrangement of multiple film transfer modules makes the curing of the printing platform between each film transfer module continuous, so as to eliminate the platform reset time after each layer is printed and reduce the time of switching the printing platform between each film transfer module, so as to realize continuous additive manufacturing of high-viscosity materials.

2. According to claim 1, a high-viscosity polymer continuous light-curing additive manufacturing device is characterized in that: The film transfer module includes a release film, a roller, a first synchronous belt, a first synchronous pulley, a first driving motor, an optical engine, a scraper and a fixing plate; The film transfer module is mounted on the Z-direction lifting module via a fixing plate; The release film is driven by the first driving motor to drive the first synchronous pulley and the first synchronous belt to drive the rotating shaft to rotate to realize the movement of the material. When the high-viscosity material rotates with the release film to the space between the printing platform and the optical engine for solidification, the solidified material is separated from the release film as the release film rotates and adheres to the solidified material on the printing platform; The optical engine is arranged inside the film transfer module and installed opposite to the printing platform. When the high-viscosity material rotates with the release film to the bottom of the optical engine, the optical engine emits light for curing. The scraper is installed above the release film and is used to spread the material evenly.

3. According to claim 1, a high-viscosity polymer continuous photocuring additive manufacturing device is characterized in that: The X-direction station switching module includes an optical axis bracket, an optical axis, a motor bracket, a second drive motor, a second synchronous pulley, a second synchronous belt, a synchronous belt bracket, a box slider, a synchronous belt pressure plate and a platform base; The box-type slider is sleeved on the optical axis; The platform base is installed on the box-type slider; The second driving motor drives the box-type slider to move parallel to the frame through the second synchronous belt, thereby realizing the linear movement of the platform base; The printing platform is connected to the platform base and can move linearly together with the platform base.

4. The high-viscosity polymer continuous photocuring additive manufacturing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The recognition device is installed on the side of the X-direction station switching module. When the printing platform passes by, the recognition device sends the information in the recognition area on the side of the printing platform to the control center. The control center determines the slicing layer information corresponding to the printing platform based on the received information, and then controls the corresponding film transfer module to switch the slicing information to complete the curing of the corresponding model.

5. The high-viscosity polymer continuous photocuring additive manufacturing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The Z-direction lifting module includes a stepper motor, a stepper motor bracket, a coupling, a lead screw, a lead screw nut, a mounting plate, a roller, a roller shaft and a nut seat; The stepper motor drives the mounting plate to move up and down relative to the frame in the Z direction by rotating the lead screw; The roller is installed in a groove preset on the frame and rolls up and down with the groove, playing a guiding role in the process of lifting and lowering the mounting plate; The film transfer module is fixedly connected to the mounting plate, and the film transfer module can move linearly relative to the frame in the Z direction as the mounting plate moves.

6. The high-viscosity polymer continuous photocuring additive manufacturing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each membrane transfer module and Z-axis lifting module are separately installed on the vertical beam of the frame to ensure that each membrane transfer module is arranged in the same direction, parallel to each other, and closely arranged; Driven by the X-direction station switching module, the printing platform moves linearly from under the first film transfer module to under the last film transfer module, and completes the solidification of the corresponding slice layer under each film transfer module.

7. The high-viscosity polymer continuous photocuring additive manufacturing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multiple silos store different types of high-viscosity materials for rapid printing of multiple materials. When printing multiple materials, a cleaning module and a drying module need to be arranged between two membrane transfer modules. After passing through each membrane transfer module, the cleaning module needs to be flushed and the drying module needs to be quickly dried to remove uncured materials. Only after the processing is completed can the printing platform enter the next membrane transfer module to print the next layer, thereby realizing the composite manufacturing of multiple materials with high viscosity and avoiding pollution when switching multiple materials.

8. The method for manufacturing a high-viscosity polymer continuous light-curing additive manufacturing device according to claims 1-6, characterized in that: The following steps are included when implementing single model printing: S101, obtaining a printing model; S102, importing the printed model into the slicing software to obtain the slicing information of the model; S103, sending the slice information to the control center of all devices, and the control center drives each membrane transfer device to rise to a corresponding position; S104, adding materials into the silo of each device; S105, the release film of the film transfer module rolls, and under the joint action of the scraper, the material is evenly spread on the release film; S106, the printing platform moves to the first film transfer module; S107, start printing; S108, the first printing platform continues to move and passes through the first film transfer module, and the optical engine in the film transfer module emits light according to the model slice information to solidify the material on the release film; S109, the printing platform and the release film move in the same direction and at the same linear speed, and as the release film rotates, the solidified material is separated from the release film and adhered to the printing platform; S110, when printing is completed at the first film transfer module, the first printing platform immediately enters the next film transfer module to print the next layer; the second platform also enters the first film transfer module; S111, repeating steps S108 to S110 until all printing platforms have passed through all working film transfer modules, and printing of all models is completed.

9. The method for manufacturing a high-viscosity polymer continuous light-curing additive manufacturing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The following steps are included when implementing multiple model printing: S201, obtaining all printing models; S202, importing each printed model into the slicing software to obtain the slicing information of the model; S203, sending the slice information of each model to the control center of all devices, and the control center drives each film transfer device to rise to the initial position of the first model printing; S204: Add the information of each model to the information identification area of ​​the printing platform. S205, adding materials into the silo of each device; S206, the release film of the film transfer module rolls, and under the joint action of the scraper, the material is evenly spread on the release film; S207, the printing platform moves to the first film transfer module; S208, start printing; S209, the recognition device of the first device recognizes the information of the first printing platform, starts printing the first layer of the model corresponding to the first platform, passes through the first film transfer module, and the optical engine in the film transfer module emits light according to the model slice information to solidify the material on the release film; S210, the printing platform and the release film move in the same direction and at the same linear speed, and as the release film rotates, the solidified material is separated from the release film and adhered to the printing platform; S211, printing at the first film transfer module is completed, and the first printing platform immediately enters the next film transfer module to print the next layer; S212, the second platform simultaneously enters the first membrane transfer module, the recognition device recognizes the information of the model corresponding to the second printing platform and feeds it back to the control center, the control center adjusts the height of the membrane transfer module according to the slice information layer thickness, and then the second platform starts printing; S213, repeating steps S209 to S212 until all printing platforms have passed through all working film transfer modules, and printing of all models is completed.

10. The manufacturing method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: When the number of slice layers of the model is less than the number of set film transfer modules, the printing platform only needs to move once under each film transfer module to complete the manufacturing of the model; when the number of slice layers of the model is greater than the number of set film transfer modules, the printing platform needs to return to the first film transfer module for a second round of scanning until the model is completed.

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