Printing method of photocuring 3D printing equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a printing method of photocuring 3D printing equipment, the photocuring 3D printing equipment comprises a spray head device, the method comprises the steps that slice information is obtained, and the slice information comprises structure slice information and color slice information; generating a structure slice layer according to the structure slice information; in or after the process of generating the structural slice layer, controlling a spray head device to spray the structural slice layer according to the color slice information so as to obtain an ink-jetted area; and in the spraying process of the structural slice layer, at least part of the ink-jetted area is cured, so that a color slice layer is obtained. Through the mode, the possibility of ink shading and diffusion can be effectively reduced, and the printing quality and the printing efficiency of the photocuring 3D printing equipment are effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and particularly to a printing method for a stereolithography 3D printing device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of technology and the progress of the times, 3D printing technology has developed rapidly. As a stereolithography 3D printing technology, full-color inkjet curing 3D printing technology uses photocurable ink during the printing process of a model to achieve a colored visual effect of the model.

[0003] However, currently, during the printing process of a stereolithography 3D printing device, ink bleeding and spreading are likely to occur, making it difficult for the color of the model to meet expectations and unable to meet the requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide a printing method for a stereolithography 3D printing device, which can effectively reduce the possibility of ink bleeding and spreading, and effectively improve the printing quality and printing efficiency of the stereolithography 3D printing device.

[0005] This application provides a printing method for a stereolithography 3D printing device. The stereolithography 3D printing device includes a nozzle device. The method includes: obtaining slicing information, where the slicing information includes structural slicing information and color slicing information; generating a structural slice layer according to the structural slicing information; during or after generating the structural slice layer, controlling the nozzle device to spray the structural slice layer according to the color slicing information to obtain an ink-jet area; during the spraying process of the structural slice layer, curing at least part of the ink-jet area to obtain a color slice layer.

[0006] The beneficial effect of this application is: Different from the prior art, during or after generating the structural slice layer, controlling the nozzle device to spray the structural slice layer according to the color slicing information to obtain an ink-jet area, and during the spraying process of the structural slice layer, curing at least part of the ink-jet area to obtain a color slice layer. Compared with unified curing after the spraying of the structural slice layer is completed, spraying can start during the process of generating the structural slice layer, and the ink ejected by the nozzle device starts to be cured during the spraying process, effectively reducing the waiting time for the ink to be cured after being ejected, so as to achieve timely curing of the ejected ink, thereby effectively reducing the possibility of ink bleeding and spreading, and effectively improving the printing quality of the stereolithography 3D printing device. Secondly, spraying starts during the process of generating the structural slice layer, and the ink ejected by the nozzle device starts to be cured during the spraying process, which can effectively reduce the printing time, thereby effectively improving the printing efficiency of the stereolithography 3D printing device. Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the stereolithography 3D printing device of the present application;

[0008] Figure 2 It is a schematic block diagram of the circuit structure of an embodiment of the stereolithography 3D printing device of the present application;

[0009] Figure 3 It is a schematic flowchart of a printing method embodiment of the stereolithography 3D printing device of the present application;

[0010] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the scene of the structural slice layer;

[0011] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the scene of the color slice layer;

[0012] Figure 6 It is as Figure 1 shown in the front view schematic diagram of a part of the structure of the stereolithography 3D printing device. Detailed implementation manners

[0013] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0014] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0015] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish different objects, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity, specific order or primary-secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, "a plurality of" means more than two, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0016] Referring to "embodiment" herein means that a specific feature, structure or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The phrase appears in various places in the specification and 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 will explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0017] Stereolithography 3D printing technology uses a light source to irradiate a photosensitive resin material contained in a curing pool, causing the liquid photosensitive resin material to rapidly solidify and form, so as to construct an object model by layer-by-layer printing. As a stereolithography 3D printing technology, full-color inkjet curing 3D printing technology uses a stereolithography 3D printing device to use photosensitive ink during the printing process of the model to achieve a colored visual effect of the model. Full-color inkjet curing 3D printing uses an inkjet printhead to spray photosensitive ink on each cured layer according to a pattern, and then irradiates it with ultraviolet light to cure the ink, and layer-by-layer printing is performed until the model printing is completed.

[0018] However, during the printing process of a stereolithography 3D printing device, in order to improve printing efficiency and reduce printing costs, ink is usually only sprayed near the outer wall of each cured layer, and after the ink is sprayed on each cured layer, it is irradiated with a light source to cure it, and then the curing of the next cured layer is carried out on this basis. Before the ink is cured, since it is on the outer wall of the cured layer, it is easy to come into contact with the uncured liquid photosensitive resin material. Due to reasons such as the concentration gradient diffusion principle, molecular motion, solubility, solution viscosity, and other external factors, ink molecules will diffuse in the liquid photosensitive resin material, contaminating the uncured photosensitive resin material and causing the ink color to fade at the same time. In addition, the different colors of ink sprayed adjacent to each other will also diffuse and smear each other, resulting in the color of the printed model being difficult to meet the expectations and unable to meet the requirements. Based on this, the present application proposes the following solutions to solve the above technical problems.

[0019] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the stereolithography 3D printing device 1 described in the embodiment of the stereolithography 3D printing device of the present application may include a light source device 10, a printhead device 20, a printing platform device 30, a drive control system 40, and a curing pool 50. The curing pool 50 contains a liquid photosensitive resin material, and the printing platform device 30 is arranged in the curing pool 50 and can move relative to the light source device 10 to approach or move away from the light source device 10. The light source device 10, the printhead device 20, and the printing platform device 30 are respectively coupled to the drive control system 40, and the drive control system 40 is used to execute a computer program to implement the printing method of the stereolithography 3D printing device.

[0020] As Figure 3 shown, the printing method embodiment of the stereolithography 3D printing device of the present application may use the stereolithography 3D printing device 1 as the execution subject, and the described printing method may include:

[0021] S101: Obtain slice information, where the slice information includes structural slice information and color slice information.

[0022] S102: Generate a structural slice layer according to the structural slice information.

[0023] S103: During or after generating the structural slice layer, control the nozzle device to spray the structural slice layer according to the color slice information to obtain the ink-jet area.

[0024] S104: During the spraying process of the structural slice layer, cure at least part of the ink-jet area to obtain the color slice layer.

[0025] During or after the process of generating the structural slice layer 100, control the nozzle device 20 to spray the structural slice layer 100 according to the color slice information to obtain the ink-jet area, and during the spraying process of the structural slice layer 100, cure at least part of the ink-jet area to obtain the color slice layer 200. Compared with the unified curing after the spraying of the structural slice layer 100 is completed, spraying starts during the process of generating the structural slice layer 100, and curing of the ink ejected by the nozzle device 20 can start during the spraying process, effectively reducing the waiting time for curing after the ink is ejected, so as to realize timely curing of the ejected ink, thereby effectively reducing the possibility of ink bleeding and spreading, and effectively improving the printing quality of the stereolithography 3D printing device 1. Secondly, spraying starts during the process of generating the structural slice layer 100, and curing of the ink ejected by the nozzle device 20 starts during the spraying process, which can effectively reduce the printing time, thereby effectively improving the printing efficiency of the stereolithography 3D printing device 1.

[0026] The following details the embodiments of the printing method of the stereolithography 3D printing device of the present application.

[0027] S101: Obtain slice information, where the slice information includes structural slice information and color slice information.

[0028] The drive control system 40 divides the preset model to be printed into a preset number of layers through a layering algorithm, and prints the structural slice layer 100 and the color slice layer 200 layer by layer in sequence, that is, the number of both the structural slice layer 100 and the color slice layer 200 is multiple layers, and one color slice layer 200 is sandwiched between two structural slice layers 100 and accumulates layer by layer in sequence until the printing of the preset model is completed, so as to achieve the color effect of the preset model while completing the printing of the preset model. The structural slice information is the information indicating the printing of the structural slice layer 100, the color slice information is the information indicating the printing of the color slice layer 200, and the color slice layer 200 is formed by curing the ink ejected by the nozzle device 20 and presents different colors according to the different colors of the ink.

[0029] S102: Generate the structural slice layer according to the structural slice information.

[0030] The structural slice information is the information for instructing the drive control system 40 to control the generation of the structural slice layer. For the specific generation of the structural slice layer 100, refer to the following steps included in S102.

[0031] S100: Control the light source device to irradiate the first area of the curing pool according to the structural slice information to obtain the first cured area.

[0032] The drive control system 40 controls the light source device 10 to irradiate the corresponding position of the curing pool 50, so that the liquid photosensitive resin material in the curing pool 50 is cured under the irradiation of the light emitted by the light source device 10, such as ultraviolet light, to form the structural slice layer 100, and the structural slice layer 100 is carried by the printing platform device 30 arranged in the curing pool 50. The drive control system 40 controls the printing platform device 30 to move in a direction away from the light source device 10, so that the structural slice layer 100 carried by the printing platform device 30 moves away from the light source device 10, thereby enabling the liquid photosensitive resin material in the curing pool 50 to flow above the structural slice layer 100, facilitating the printing of the next structural slice layer 100, and accumulating layer by layer until the printing of the preset model is completed.

[0033] Among them, for the printing of a certain layer of the structural slice layer 100 in the model, the drive control system 40 divides the structural slice layer 100 into multiple areas and irradiates the multiple areas in sequence to form multiple cured areas, and the multiple cured areas constitute the structural slice layer 100. The structural slice layer 100 can divide the cured areas in the horizontal X direction, or in the vertical Y direction, and of course, the cured areas can also be divided in other ways.

[0034] Specifically, the drive control system 40 first controls the light source device 10 to irradiate the first area of the curing pool 50, so that the liquid photosensitive resin material located in the first area of the curing pool 50 is cured to form the first cured area 110. The first cured area 110 is a partial area of the structural slice layer 100. The structural slice layer 100 can be the first structural slice layer 100 of the model to be printed, or the last structural slice layer 100 of the model to be printed, and of course, it can also be an intermediate structural slice layer 100 of the model to be printed.

[0035] S103: During or after the generation of the structural slice layer, control the nozzle device to spray the structural slice layer according to the color slice information to obtain the ink-jet area.

[0036] During the process of the driving control system 40 controlling the generation of the structural slice layer 100, for example, when the first cured area 110 has been generated but the first cured area 110 is not the last cured area of the structural slice layer 100, the printing of the structural slice layer 100 is still in progress. At this time, the nozzle device 20 can be controlled according to the color slice information to spray the first cured area 110 to obtain the ink-jet area. When the currently generated cured area is the last cured area of the structural slice layer 100, the printing process of the structural slice layer 100 is completed, and the nozzle device 20 can be controlled according to the color slice information to spray the structural slice layer 100 to obtain the ink-jet area. The ink-jet area is at least part of the color slice layer 200.

[0037] Optionally, the nozzle device 20 can move relative to the structural slice layer 100 or be stationary relative to the structural slice layer 100 during the spraying process of the structural slice layer 100, and ink the corresponding area of the structural slice layer 100 according to the color slice information when moving or stationary. In order to achieve good color effects and save costs, the inkjet is only for the area near the outer wall of the preset model, that is, the area near the outer periphery of the structural slice layer 100. The area inked by the nozzle device 20 may not cover all areas of the structural slice layer 100. The color slice layer 200 may only cover part of the structural slice, and the inkjet of the nozzle device 20 for the structural slice layer 100 may not be continuous, that is, the inkjet is carried out in batches. The spraying process of the nozzle device 20 includes the inkjet process of the nozzle device 20 for the structural slice layer 100, the process of the nozzle device 20 pausing inkjet and remaining stationary waiting for the next inkjet for the structural slice layer 100, and the process of the nozzle device 20 pausing inkjet and moving to the next area of the structural slice layer 100 that needs to be inked. The color slice information can indicate the specific area that needs to be inked.

[0038] Optionally, the nozzle device 20 can move relative to the light source device 10 during the spraying process of the structural slice layer 100. That is, the light source device 10 can be stationary relative to the structural slice layer 100 but move relative to the nozzle device 20, or it can also move relative to both the structural slice layer 100 and the nozzle device 20 at the same time. The ink ejected by the nozzle device 20 needs to be irradiated by the light source device 10 for curing to form the color slice layer 200. In order to achieve a better inkjet effect, the nozzle device 20 needs to be relatively close to the structural slice layer 100. Then, the nozzle device 20 may partially block the light emitted by the light source device 10. Therefore, during the spraying process of the nozzle device 20 on the structural slice layer 100 controlled by the drive control system 40, the nozzle device 20 moves relative to the structural slice layer 100. As the nozzle device 20 moves, the light source device 10 changes the irradiation range to cure at least part of the inkjet area to obtain the color slice layer 200. In some embodiments, the irradiation range is the range on the structural slice layer 100 where the light is not blocked by the nozzle device 20, that is, the range that the light source device 10 can irradiate, which changes with the movement of the nozzle device 20. In other embodiments, the irradiation range is the specific range where the light source device 10 irradiates at least part of the inkjet area, which changes with the movement of the nozzle device 20.

[0039] Optionally, the spraying process of the nozzle device 20 on the structural slice layer 100 can be carried out in units of curing areas. For the specific steps, refer to the following steps included in S103.

[0040] S200: Control the nozzle device to spray on the first curing area according to the color slice information to eject ink on at least part of the first curing area to obtain the first inkjet area.

[0041] The drive control system 40 controls the nozzle device 20 to eject ink on at least part of the structural slice layer 100 according to the color slice information to obtain the first inkjet area 111. Specifically, the drive control system 40 controls the nozzle device 20 to eject ink on at least part of the first curing area 110 according to the color slice information to obtain the first inkjet area 111. The ink can be yellow ink (Y ink), red ink (M ink), blue ink (C ink), black ink (K ink), etc. Of course, it can also be other inks.

[0042] Since the inkjet is only targeted at the area near the outer wall of the structural slice layer 100, the drive control system 40 can obtain a schematic diagram of the outer edge line of the outer wall edge of the structural slice layer 100 according to the shape of the structural slice layer 100, and move the outer edge line inward by a preset width to obtain an inner edge line. The preset width is the width of the inkjet near the outer wall of the structural slice layer 100. The area between the outer edge line and the inner edge line is the area to be inkjet of the structural slice layer 100. The outer edge line and the inner edge line form a schematic diagram of the inkjet of the structural slice layer 100.

[0043] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the curing of the structural slice layer 100 is carried out in multiple curing areas, and the inkjet of the structural slice layer 100 is also carried out in multiple curing areas. The intersection area between the first curing area 110 and the schematic diagram of the inkjet of the structural slice layer 100 is the area to be inkjet of the first curing area 110.

[0044] As Figure 6 shown, the nozzle device 20 can move uniformly above the curing tank 50 and inkjet the area when it moves to the area to be inkjet. Specifically, the drive control system 40 controls the nozzle device 20 to enter above the first curing area 110 from the starting side at a preset speed and move above the first curing area 110. At the same time, according to the color slice information, the drive control system 40 controls the nozzle device 20 to spray ink on at least part of the first curing area 110 to obtain the first inkjet area 111. The drive control system 40 can adjust the nozzle device 20 in the height direction (Z direction) before the nozzle device 20 moves to adjust the distance between the nozzle device 20 and the liquid level of the curing tank 50 to keep it at the optimal inkjet height, so as to reduce the possibility of ink droplets due to the nozzle device 20 being too high, and reduce the possibility of soiling the nozzle device 20 due to the nozzle device 20 being too low. The distance between the nozzle device 20 and the liquid level of the curing tank 50 can be adjusted to 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, etc., and of course, it can also be adjusted to other distances.

[0045] S104: During the spraying process of the structural slice layer, at least part of the inkjet area is cured to obtain a color slice layer.

[0046] In order to reduce the waiting time for the sprayed ink to cure, during the spraying process of the structural slice layer 100, that is, at least part of the inkjet area is cured. Specifically, referring to the following steps included in S104.

[0047] S300: During the spraying process of the nozzle device on the first curing area, control the light source device to irradiate the first inkjet area to cure the ink.

[0048] After the ink is ejected, it needs to be irradiated by the light source device 10 to be cured. The driving control system 40 controls the light source device 10 to start irradiating the ejected ink when the nozzle device 20 has not completed all the inkjetting in the inkjetting area of the structural slice layer 100 to be inkjet, thereby reducing the waiting time of the ejected ink for the light source device 10 to irradiate, reducing the risk of ink diffusion and bleeding, and effectively improving the quality of the printed model. Optionally, the number of the light source devices 10 can be one, and the same light source device 10 is used to irradiate the formed structural slice layer 100 and the cured color slice layer 200; the number of the light source devices 10 can also be two, one for irradiating the formed structural slice layer 100 and the other for irradiating the cured color slice layer 200. Of course, the number of the light source devices 10 can also be other numbers.

[0049] In some embodiments, when the nozzle device 20 is still in the process of inkjetting the first inkjet area 111, the driving control system 40 controls the light source device 10 to irradiate the ink ejected by the nozzle device 20 in the first inkjet area 111. In other embodiments, when the first inkjet area 111 has been inkjetted, but the nozzle device 20 is still moving uniformly on the first curing area 110, or is moving out of the upper part of the first curing area 110, or has moved out of the upper part of the first curing area 110, the driving control system 40 controls the light source device 10 to irradiate the first inkjet area 111 to cure the ink.

[0050] Optionally, the light source provided by the light source device 10 can be a pixel-precision light source to achieve precise irradiation of the ejected ink without affecting the curing area and the liquid photosensitive resin material, reducing the possibility of phenomena such as burrs, and effectively improving the printing quality. The light source provided by the light source device 10 can be a point light source or a surface light source. The point light source can be, for example, a dot matrix controllable light source or a point laser controllable light source. Of course, it can also be other types of light sources.

[0051] Optionally, the light source device 10 irradiates the first inkjet area 111 with the illumination position as the irradiation unit and irradiates it in batches until the first inkjet area 111 is irradiated completely. For details, see the following steps included in S300.

[0052] S310: Obtain a first irradiation instruction for the light source device to irradiate the first inkjet area.

[0053] The drive control system 40 obtains a first irradiation instruction, which indicates the position coordinates of the first light irradiation position and the specific range to be irradiated, that is, indicates the specific position of the first light irradiation position in the first curing area 110, and indicates the position where the ink is located in the first light irradiation position, so that the drive control system 40 can control the light source device 10 to accurately irradiate the ejected ink, realizing ink curing without affecting the area where no ink is ejected, and effectively improving the printing quality of the model. In some embodiments, if the entire range of the first light irradiation position is ejected with ink, the first irradiation instruction indicates that the entire range of the first light irradiation position needs to be irradiated. In other embodiments, if a partial range of the first light irradiation position is ejected with ink, the first irradiation instruction indicates the area within the first light irradiation position where ink is ejected.

[0054] S320: Determine the first light irradiation position of the first inkjet area according to the first irradiation instruction, and control the light source device to irradiate the first light irradiation position until a preset duration.

[0055] After determining the position coordinates of the first light irradiation position through the first irradiation instruction, the drive control system 40 controls the light source device 10 to irradiate the first light irradiation position of the first inkjet area 111 according to the first irradiation instruction, specifically irradiating the area where ink is ejected in the first light irradiation position. For example, it can be irradiated for a preset duration, and the preset duration is the time required for the ink to cure under the irradiation of the light source device 10. Among them, the position width of the first light irradiation position is equal to the width of the first curing area 110, so that multiple adjacent light irradiation positions can include the first inkjet area 111 on the first curing area 110, reducing the possibility of missing some ejected ink when irradiating the ink, which is beneficial to improving the curing effect of the ink and the printing quality of the stereolithography 3D printing device 1.

[0056] Taking the first light irradiation position as the irradiation interval and controlling the light source device 10 to irradiate the ink ejected within the first light irradiation position can improve the curing efficiency while ensuring ink curing, thereby improving the printing efficiency.

[0057] In some embodiments, if the nozzle device 20 enters the first curing area 110 from the starting side and starts inkjetting, the starting position of the first inkjet area 111 is the starting position of the first curing area 110, and the first light irradiation position is the first light irradiation position of the first inkjet area 111. The first irradiation instruction indicates the position length of the first light irradiation position, and the position width of the first light irradiation position is equal to the width of the first curing area 110, so that the specific range of the first light irradiation position can be determined.

[0058] In some other embodiments, the nozzle device 20 enters the first curing area 110 from the starting side and starts inkjetting after moving a certain length. Then, the starting position of the first inkjet area 111 does not coincide with the starting position of the first curing area 110. For the areas where no ink is jetted, it is not necessary for the light source device 10 to irradiate. Therefore, to save power consumption and be able to irradiate the jetted ink in a timely manner after the nozzle device 20 jets ink, the drive control system 40 controls the light source device 10 to start from the starting side and lock the areas on the first curing area 110 that the nozzle device 20 has moved over but not jetted ink in units of interval positions, without irradiating them. Each interval position is connected to the previous interval position until it enters the range of the first inkjet area 111, and the light source device 10 changes from the locked interval position to the irradiation light position. The locking duration of the light source device 10 for each interval position can be a preset duration.

[0059] S330: Obtain a second irradiation instruction for the light source device to irradiate the first inkjet area.

[0060] The drive control system 40 obtains the second irradiation instruction, which indicates the position coordinates of the second light position and the specific range to be irradiated, that is, indicates the specific position of the second light position on the first curing area 110 and indicates the position of the ink in the second light position, so that the drive control system 40 can control the light source device 10 to accurately irradiate the jetted ink, achieving ink curing without affecting the areas where no ink is jetted, and effectively improving the printing quality of the model. Among them, the second light position is a light position adjacent to the first light position. Compared with the first light position, the second light position is closer to the nozzle device 20, and the second light position and the projection of the nozzle device 20 on the first curing area 110 are arranged at intervals to avoid affecting the curing effect due to the nozzle device 20 blocking the light generated by the light source device 10 when irradiating the ink within the range of the second light position, which is beneficial to improving the printing quality.

[0061] Optionally, the drive control system 40 obtains the position coordinates of the first light position and calculates the position length of the second light position to obtain the second irradiation instruction. Since the second light position is adjacent to the first light position and the position width of the second light position is equal to the width of the first curing area 110, then based on the first light position, by calculating the position length of the second light position, the position coordinates of the second light position can be determined, so as to obtain the areas where ink is jetted within the second light position, and thus obtain the second irradiation instruction.

[0062] Optionally, the drive control system 40 obtains the position coordinates of the first illumination position, and calculates the position length of the second illumination position using a preset speed and a preset duration to obtain a second irradiation instruction. Since the nozzle device 20 may still be moving at a constant speed or spraying ink on the first curing area 110 when irradiating the ink within the second illumination position, in order to avoid interference of the nozzle device 20 with the illumination of the second illumination position by the light source device 10, for example, blocking some of the light generated by the light source device 10, the position length of the second illumination position can be associated with the preset speed of movement of the nozzle device 20 and the preset duration of ink curing. The specific calculation formula is as follows.

[0063] W n =V*C t

[0064] Where, W n is the position length of the second illumination position, V is the preset speed of movement of the nozzle device 20, and C t is the time required for ink curing. Then the above formula can be expressed as setting the position length of the second illumination position to the length that the nozzle device 20 can move within the duration of C t so as to ensure that there is always a certain interval between the projection of the light source device 10 when irradiating the second illumination position and the nozzle device 20 on the first curing area 110, thereby avoiding the influence of the nozzle device 20 on the illumination of the second illumination position by the light source device 10 and being beneficial to improving the curing effect of the ink.

[0065] Furthermore, as Figure 6 shown, with the light source device 10 as the center, the curing tank 50 is divided into a first partition 130 and a second partition 140. The first partition 130 is the area close to the starting side. Since the moving direction of the nozzle device 20 is from the first partition 130 to the second partition 140, and affected by the light irradiation angle, when the light source device 10 irradiates the first partition 130, the light may be blocked by the nozzle device 20, while when irradiating the second partition 140, the light may irradiate to the area still being ink-jet sprayed below the nozzle device 20. Therefore, different calculation methods can be adopted for the position widths of the illumination positions in the first partition 130 and the second partition 140. The specific formulas are as follows.

[0066]

[0067] Wa n =V*C t

[0068]

[0069]

[0070] Where, Wa nThe position width, Wb, of the illumination position in the second partition n The position width of the illumination position in the first partition, V is the preset speed at which the nozzle device 20 moves, C t The time required for ink curing, L Fov The light source field of view angle of the light source device 10, n represents the nth interval position or illumination position starting from the starting side, β n The irradiation range angle of the light source device 10 on the nth illumination position, lnk h The height of the nozzle device 20, L h The height of the light source device 10 from the liquid surface of the curing tank 50.

[0071] Optionally, in order to prevent the light from being blocked by the nozzle device 20 when the light source device 10 irradiates a certain illumination position and affect the curing effect, when the nozzle device 20 enters the first curing area 110 from the starting side and moves a preset length, the light source device 10 can be controlled to perform corresponding irradiation or locking on the first illumination position or interval position on the starting side. The specific formula is as follows.

[0072] L d = P Covl + V * C t

[0073]

[0074]

[0075] Among them, as Figure 6 shown, L d is the preset length, V is the preset speed at which the nozzle device 20 moves, C t is the time required for ink curing, P Covl is the limit width from which the nozzle device 20 starts to block the light when it enters above the first curing area 110 from the starting side, L Fov is the light source field of view angle of the light source device 10, lnk h is the height of the nozzle device 20, L h is the height of the light source device 10 from the liquid surface of the curing tank 50. And T dlmax is the maximum delay time for ink curing, that is, when the nozzle device 20 starts to spray ink when it enters above the first curing area 110 from the starting side, the waiting time for the ink in the first illumination position to be irradiated by the light source device 10.

[0076] S340: Determine the second illumination position of the first inkjet area according to the second irradiation instruction, control the light source device to irradiate the second illumination position until the preset duration, and irradiate in sequence until the ink curing in the first inkjet area is completed.

[0077] After determining the position coordinates of the second illumination position through the second illumination instruction, the drive control system 40 controls the light source device 10 to irradiate the second illumination position of the first inkjet area 111 according to the second illumination instruction. Specifically, it irradiates the area where ink has been jetted in the second illumination position. For example, it can irradiate for a preset duration, and the preset duration is the time required for the ink to solidify under the irradiation of the light source device 10. Among them, the position width of the second illumination position is equal to the width of the first curing area 110, so that multiple adjacent illumination positions can include the first inkjet area 111 on the first curing area 110, reducing the possibility of missing some jetted ink when irradiating the ink, which is beneficial to improving the curing effect of the ink and the printing quality of the light-curing 3D printing device 1.

[0078] Optionally, when the nozzle device 20 jets ink on the first curing area 110, it can jet multiple inkjet areas at intervals. Specifically, refer to the following steps included in S300.

[0079] S350: Jet ink on at least some other areas of the first curing area according to the color slice information to obtain a second inkjet area.

[0080] As Figure 5 shown, the first inkjet area 111 and the second inkjet area 113 are arranged at intervals, that is, after the nozzle device 20 finishes jetting ink in the first inkjet area 111, it stops jetting ink and moves at a constant speed until it starts jetting ink in the second inkjet area 113.

[0081] S360: During or after the nozzle device jets ink on the second inkjet area, control the light source device to irradiate the second inkjet area so that the ink solidifies.

[0082] After the ink is ejected, it needs to be irradiated by the light source device 10 to solidify. The drive control system 40 controls the light source device 10 to start irradiating the ejected ink before the nozzle device 20 has completed all the inkjetting in the inkjet area to be inkjet of the structure slice layer 100, thereby reducing the waiting time of the ejected ink for the light source device 10 to irradiate, reducing the risk of ink diffusion and bleeding, and effectively improving the quality of the printed model.

[0083] In some embodiments, when the nozzle device 20 is still jetting ink in the second inkjet area 113, the drive control system 40 controls the light source device 10 to irradiate the ink that has been ejected by the nozzle device 20 in the second inkjet area 113. In other embodiments, when the second inkjet area 113 has finished jetting ink, but the nozzle device 20 is still moving at a constant speed on the first curing area 110, or is moving out of the first curing area 110, or has moved out of the first curing area 110, the drive control system 40 controls the light source device 10 to irradiate the second inkjet area 113 so that the ink solidifies.

[0084] Optionally, the irradiation of the second inkjet area 113 can also be based on the illumination position as a basic unit. For the specific steps included in S360, please refer to the following.

[0085] S361: Obtain a third irradiation instruction for the light source device to irradiate the second inkjet area.

[0086] The drive control system 40 obtains the third irradiation instruction. The third irradiation instruction indicates the position coordinates of the third illumination position and the specific range to be irradiated, that is, it indicates the specific position of the third illumination position in the first curing area 110, and indicates the position where the ink is located in the third illumination position, so that the drive control system 40 can control the light source device 10 to accurately irradiate the ejected ink, achieving ink curing while not affecting the area where no ink is ejected, effectively improving the printing quality of the model.

[0087] S362: Determine the third illumination position of the second inkjet area according to the third irradiation instruction, and control the light source device to irradiate the third illumination position until a preset duration.

[0088] After determining the position coordinates of the third illumination position through the third irradiation instruction, the drive control system 40 controls the light source device 10 to irradiate the third illumination position of the second inkjet area 113 according to the third irradiation instruction. Specifically, it irradiates the ink-jet area in the third illumination position. For example, it can be irradiated for a preset duration, and the preset duration is the time required for the ink to cure under the irradiation of the light source device 10. Among them, the position width of the third illumination position is equal to the width of the first curing area 110, so that multiple adjacent illumination positions can include the second inkjet area 113 on the first curing area 110, reducing the possibility of missing some of the ejected ink during ink irradiation, which is beneficial to improving the curing effect of the ink and the printing quality of the stereolithography 3D printing device 1.

[0089] S363: Obtain a fourth irradiation instruction for the light source device to irradiate the second inkjet area.

[0090] The drive control system 40 obtains a fourth irradiation instruction, which indicates the position coordinates of the fourth light irradiation position and the specific range to be irradiated, that is, it indicates the specific position of the fourth light irradiation position in the first curing area 110, and indicates the position where the ink is located in the fourth light irradiation position, so that the drive control system 40 can control the light source device 10 to accurately irradiate the ejected ink, achieving ink curing while not affecting the area where no ink is ejected, effectively improving the printing quality of the model. Among them, the fourth light irradiation position is a light irradiation position adjacent to the third light irradiation position. Compared with the third light irradiation position, the fourth light irradiation position is closer to the nozzle device 20, and the fourth light irradiation position and the nozzle device 20 are arranged at intervals in the projection in the first curing area 110, so as to avoid the light generated by the nozzle device 20 blocking the light from the light source device 10 and affecting its curing effect when irradiating the ink within the range of the fourth light irradiation position, which is beneficial to improving the printing quality.

[0091] S364: Determine the fourth light irradiation position of the second inkjet area according to the fourth irradiation instruction, and control the light source device to irradiate the light irradiation position until a preset duration, and irradiate in sequence until the ink curing in the second inkjet area is completed.

[0092] After determining the position coordinates of the fourth light irradiation position through the fourth irradiation instruction, the drive control system 40 controls the light source device 10 to irradiate the fourth light irradiation position of the second inkjet area 113 according to the fourth irradiation instruction, specifically irradiating the ink-jet area in the fourth light irradiation position. For example, it can irradiate for a preset duration, and the preset duration is the time required for the ink to cure under the irradiation of the light source device 10.

[0093] Optionally, there is an un-inked interval area between the first inkjet area 111 and the second inkjet area 113. For specific steps, refer to S360 below.

[0094] S365: Obtain the first interval parameter of the light source device locking the interval area.

[0095] As Figure 5 shown, the interval area 112 is the area where no ink is ejected between the first inkjet area 111 and the second inkjet area 113. After the nozzle device 20 completes the inkjet of the first inkjet area 111, it continues to move at a preset speed but does not eject ink until the inkjet of the second inkjet area 113 starts.

[0096] The drive control system 40 obtains the first interval parameter, which indicates the position coordinates of the first interval position and the specific range to be irradiated, that is, it indicates the specific position of the first interval position in the first curing area 110, so that the drive control system 40 can control the light source device 10 to lock the first interval position.

[0097] In some embodiments, the second light position is the light position at the outermost end of the first inkjet region 111. Then, the first interval position is adjacent to the second light position. The drive control system 40 obtains the position coordinates of the second light position and calculates the position length of the first interval position to obtain the first interval parameter. The calculation formula for the position length of the interval position is the same as the calculation formula for the position length of the above-mentioned light position.

[0098] S366: Determine the first interval position of the interval region according to the first interval parameter. After the ink in the first inkjet region is cured, control the light source device to lock the first interval position without irradiation until the preset duration.

[0099] After determining the position coordinates of the first interval position through the first interval parameter, the drive control system 40 controls the light source device 10 to lock the first interval position of the interval region 112 according to the first interval parameter without irradiation. For example, it can be locked for the preset duration.

[0100] S367: Obtain the second interval parameter of the light source device locking the interval region.

[0101] The drive control system 40 obtains the second interval parameter. The second interval parameter indicates the position coordinates of the second interval position and the specific range to be locked, that is, it indicates the specific position of the second interval position in the first curing region 110. Among them, the second interval position is the interval position adjacent to the first interval position. Compared with the first interval position, the second interval position is closer to the nozzle device 20.

[0102] S368: Determine the second interval position of the interval region according to the second interval parameter, control the light source device to lock the second interval position without irradiation until the preset duration, and lock them in sequence until the locking process of the interval region is completed.

[0103] After determining the position coordinates of the second interval position through the second interval parameter, the drive control system 40 controls the light source device 10 to lock the second interval position of the interval region 112 according to the second interval parameter. For example, it can be locked for the preset duration. Lock multiple interval positions in sequence until the locking process of the interval region 112 is completed, and then start irradiating the second inkjet region 113 without having to recalculate the time when the light source device 10 starts irradiating the second inkjet region 113, improving the printing efficiency.

[0104] In some embodiments, the second interval position is the interval position at the outermost end of the interval region 112, that is, the second interval position is adjacent to the third light position of the second inkjet region 113. Then, the drive control system 40 obtains the position coordinates of the second interval position and calculates the position length of the third light position to obtain the third irradiation indication.

[0105] S400: Control the light source device to irradiate the second area of the curing tank according to the structural slice information, so as to obtain a second cured area.

[0106] After the first cured area 110 is cured, the drive control system 40 controls the light source device 10 to irradiate the second area of the curing tank 50, so as to obtain a second cured area 120.

[0107] In some embodiments, when performing inkjet printing and ink irradiation on the first cured area 110, the drive control system 40 controls the light source device 10 to irradiate the second area of the curing tank 50, so as to obtain a second cured area 120. In other embodiments, when the inkjet printing and ink irradiation on the first cured area 110 are completed, the drive control system 40 controls the light source device 10 to irradiate the second area of the curing tank 50, so as to obtain a second cured area 120.

[0108] S500: Control the nozzle device to spray the second cured area according to the color slice information, so as to spray ink on at least part of the second cured area to obtain a third inkjet area, and so on, complete the irradiation of the curing tank and the spraying of the structural slice layer to obtain the structural slice layer and the color slice layer.

[0109] As Figure 5 shown, the third inkjet area 121 is the area on the second cured area 120 where ink is sprayed. And so on, by taking the cured area as the unit of curing and inkjet printing, the curing and inkjet printing of multiple cured areas are carried out in sequence to form the structural slice layer 100.

[0110] S600: Control the printing platform device in the curing tank to move in a direction away from the light source device, so that the structural slice layer carried by the printing platform device is away from the light source device, and the liquid in the curing tank flows to the upper part of the structural slice layer.

[0111] The drive control system 40 controls the printing platform device 30 to move in a direction away from the light source device 10, so that the structural slice layer 100 carried by the printing platform device 30 is away from the light source device 10, so that the liquid photosensitive resin material in the curing tank 50 flows to the upper part of the structural slice layer 100, and referring to the formation process of the structural slice layer 100 and the color slice layer 200, control the light source device 10 and the nozzle device 20 to operate on the liquid flowing to the upper part of the structural slice layer 100, so as to print the next structural slice layer 100 on the structural slice layer 100 and print the next color slice layer 200 above the next structural slice layer 100 until the printing of the preset model is completed.

[0112] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and the specification of the present application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the technical features mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any way. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the text, but includes all technical solutions that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A printing method for a photocuring 3D printing device, the photocuring 3D printing device comprising a nozzle device, characterized in that, Including: Obtaining slice information, where the slice information includes structural slice information and color slice information; Generating a structural slice layer according to the structural slice information; During or after generating the structural slice layer, controlling the nozzle device to spray the structural slice layer according to the color slice information to obtain an ink-jet area; During the spraying of the structural slice layer, curing at least part of the ink-jet area to obtain a color slice layer.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stereolithography 3D printing device further includes a light source device; The nozzle device can move relative to the light source device during the spraying of the structural slice layer; The curing at least part of the ink-jet area during the spraying of the structural slice layer to obtain a color slice layer includes: During the spraying of the structural slice layer, the nozzle device moves relative to the structural slice layer. As the nozzle device moves, the light source device changes the irradiation range and cures at least part of the ink-jet area to obtain the color slice layer.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The controlling the nozzle device to spray the structural slice layer according to the color slice information to obtain an ink-jet area includes: Controlling the nozzle device to eject ink onto at least part of the structural slice layer according to the color slice information to obtain a first ink-jet area; The curing at least part of the ink-jet area as the nozzle device moves and the light source device changes the irradiation range to obtain the color slice layer includes: Obtaining a first irradiation indication of the light source device irradiating the first ink-jet area; Determining a first light position of the first ink-jet area according to the first irradiation indication, and controlling the light source device to irradiate the first light position until a preset duration; Obtaining a second irradiation indication of the light source device irradiating the first ink-jet area; Determining a second light position of the first ink-jet area according to the second irradiation indication, and controlling the light source device to irradiate the second light position until the preset duration, and sequentially irradiating until the ink curing of the first ink-jet area is completed.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein The obtaining the second irradiation indication of the light source device irradiating the first ink-jet area includes: Obtaining the position coordinates of the first light position and calculating the position length of the second light position to obtain the second irradiation indication.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The controlling the nozzle device to eject ink onto at least part of the structural slice layer according to the color slice information to obtain a first ink-jet area includes: Controlling the nozzle device to move above the structural slice layer at a preset speed, and controlling the nozzle device to eject ink onto at least part of the structural slice layer according to the color slice information to obtain the first ink-jet area; The obtaining the position coordinates of the first light position and calculating the position length of the second light position to obtain the second irradiation indication includes: Obtain the position coordinates of the first illumination position, and calculate the position length of the second illumination position using the preset speed and the preset duration to obtain the second irradiation instruction.

6. The method according to claim 3, wherein after controlling the nozzle device to eject ink onto at least a part of the structural slice layer according to the color slice information to obtain a first inkjet area, it includes: ejecting ink onto at least other parts of the structural slice layer according to the color slice information to obtain a second inkjet area; the first inkjet area and the second inkjet area are arranged at intervals; during or after the nozzle device ejects ink onto the second inkjet area, control the light source device to irradiate the second inkjet area so that the ink solidifies.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the controlling the light source device to irradiate the second inkjet area so that the ink solidifies during or after the nozzle device ejects ink onto the second inkjet area includes: obtaining a third irradiation instruction for the light source device to irradiate the second inkjet area; determining a third illumination position of the second inkjet area according to the third irradiation instruction, and controlling the light source device to irradiate the third illumination position until the preset duration; obtaining a fourth irradiation instruction for the light source device to irradiate the second inkjet area; determining a fourth illumination position of the second inkjet area according to the fourth irradiation instruction, and controlling the light source device to irradiate the illumination position until the preset duration, and irradiating in sequence until the ink in the second inkjet area solidifies.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein before obtaining the third irradiation instruction for the light source device to irradiate the second inkjet area, it includes: obtaining a first interval parameter of the light source device for locking the interval area; the interval area is the area between the first inkjet area and the second inkjet area that is not ejected with ink; determining a first interval position of the interval area according to the first interval parameter, and after the ink in the first inkjet area solidifies, controlling the light source device to lock the first interval position but not irradiate it until the preset duration; obtaining a second interval parameter of the light source device for locking the interval area; determining a second interval position of the interval area according to the second interval parameter, and controlling the light source device to lock the second interval position but not irradiate it until the preset duration, and locking in sequence until the locking process of the interval area is completed.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the obtaining the first interval parameter of the light source device for locking the interval area includes: obtaining the position coordinates of the second illumination position and calculating the position length of the first interval position to obtain the first interval parameter; the second illumination position is the illumination position at the end of the first inkjet area.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the obtaining the third irradiation instruction for the light source device to irradiate the second inkjet area includes: Obtain the position coordinates of the second interval position, and calculate the position length of the third light illumination position to obtain the third illumination indication; the second interval position is the interval position at the outermost end of the interval area.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein The stereolithography 3D printing device further includes a light source device; The generating a structural slice layer according to the structural slice information includes: Controlling the light source device to irradiate a first area of the curing pool according to the structural slice information to obtain a first cured area.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein After controlling the light source device to irradiate a first area of the curing pool according to the structural slice information to obtain a first cured area, it includes: Controlling the nozzle device to spray the first cured area according to the color slice information, so as to spray ink on at least part of the first cured area to obtain a first inkjet area; During the spraying of the first cured area by the nozzle device, controlling the light source device to irradiate the first inkjet area so that the ink cures; Controlling the light source device to irradiate a second area of the curing pool according to the structural slice information to obtain a second cured area; Controlling the nozzle device to spray the second cured area according to the color slice information, so as to spray ink on at least part of the second cured area to obtain a third inkjet area, and so on, completing the irradiation of the curing pool and the spraying of the structural slice layer to obtain the structural slice layer and the color slice layer.

Images