Injection molding type photocuring three-dimensional printing system

Abstract

The utility model is suitable for the technical field of three-dimensional printing, and provides an injection molding type photocuring three-dimensional printing system which comprises a bottom box, a UV light and shadow projection unit, a resin communicating container, a pressure driving unit, a controller, a first piston and a second piston. The resin communicating container comprises a first container, a second container, a communicating part and a light-transmitting bottom, a light-transmitting bottom is arranged at the bottom of the first container; the first container and the second container are communicated through a communication part; the first piston is matched with the first container; the second piston is matched with the second container; the pressure driving unit applies pressure to the second piston, so that the pressed photosensitive resin solution in the second container flows into the first container through the communicating part, the first piston is forced to ascend, and a printing layer thickness gap is formed; the UV shadow projection unit emits UV light and forms a UV photocuring image, and photocuring is carried out on the photosensitive resin solution in the printing layer thickness gap in the first container layer by layer. By means of the three-dimensional printing system, efficient, continuous and rapid printing can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of three-dimensional printing technology, and in particular to an injection-type light-curing three-dimensional printing system. Background Art

[0002] In current DLP sinking light-curing 3D printers, after the forming layer between the forming table and the liquid surface of the photosensitive resin solution is cured during light-curing printing, the forming table is lowered by one printing layer thickness to prepare for the next layer of curing. This multi-layer continuous curing printing process is called continuous rapid printing. In contrast, in current LCD rising light-curing 3D printers, after the forming layer between the forming table and the resin tank bottom film is cured during light-curing printing, the forming table needs to be pulled up to separate the forming layer from the bottom film. A period of time is required to allow the resin solution with a certain viscosity to naturally flow back and fill the pits or gaps formed when the forming table is separated, in preparation for the curing of the next layer. The forming table then needs to be lowered. This printing process that requires lifting, waiting, and lowering is called non-continuous rapid printing.

[0003] However, in actual use, when the DLP sinking light-curing 3D printer lowers the forming table by one printing layer thickness, the lowering of the forming table will cause fluctuations in the liquid level of the photosensitive resin solution. It is still necessary to wait for the liquid level to be still before curing can begin. Otherwise, the uneven forming layer will cause printing failure. Therefore, the DLP sinking light-curing 3D printer still reduces the efficiency of continuous and fast printing, while the LCD rising light-curing 3D printer cannot achieve continuous and fast printing.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to further improve the existing technology and provide a light-curing 3D printer that can print continuously and quickly. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to propose an injection-type light-curing 3D printing system, aiming to provide a light-curing 3D printer capable of continuous and rapid printing.

[0006] The present application provides an injection-type light-curing 3D printing system, comprising: a base box, a UV light projection unit, a resin communication container, a pressure drive unit, a controller, a first piston, and a second piston; wherein the resin communication container comprises a first container, a second container, a communication portion, and a light-transmitting bottom;

[0007] The first container and the second container are used to hold a photosensitive resin solution; the bottom of the first container is provided with a light-transmitting bottom; the bottom sides of the first container and the second container are provided with the connecting portion; the first container and the second container are connected through the connecting portion; the first piston matches the first container and realizes piston movement; the second piston matches the second container and realizes piston movement;

[0008] The UV light projection unit and the pressure drive unit are electrically connected to the controller; the controller controls the pressure drive unit to apply pressure to the second piston, so that the pressurized photosensitive resin solution in the second container is injected into the first container through the connecting portion, and the first piston is forced to rise to form a printing layer thickness gap;

[0009] A window is provided on the bottom box; the UV light and shadow projection unit is provided in the bottom box; the first container is provided above the window; the UV light and shadow projection unit is used to emit UV light and form a UV light-cured image; the UV light-cured image passes through the window and the transparent bottom to perform layer-by-layer light curing on the photosensitive resin solution at the printing layer thickness gap in the first container.

[0010] Preferably, the pressure driving unit includes: a Z-axis motor, a guide rail, a screw, and a pressing unit; the Z-axis motor is electrically connected to the controller; the Z-axis motor drives the screw to rotate and drives the pressing unit to rise and fall on the guide rail; thereby, the pressing unit applies pressure to the second piston.

[0011] Preferably, the UV light projection unit includes a UV light source and an LCD screen, or a DLP projector.

[0012] Preferably, the bottom of the first piston is a plane, used for attaching the model formed after the photosensitive resin solution is cured; the light-transmitting bottom is a plane, used for avoiding refraction when light is transmitted.

[0013] Preferably, the shape of the first container is cylindrical or square cylindrical; the shape of the second container is cylindrical or square cylindrical; the shape of the first piston is cylindrical or square cylindrical; the shape of the second piston is cylindrical or square cylindrical.

[0014] Preferably, the first container and the second container are connected in parallel as a whole; or the first container and the second container are installed separately and independently.

[0015] Preferably, the number of the first containers and the second containers is one or more groups.

[0016] Preferably, the communication portion includes a communication port or a communication pipe.

[0017] Preferably, the first piston is provided with a handle for facilitating manual extraction of the first piston; the second piston is provided with a pressure-bearing rod for bearing the pressure applied by the pressure drive unit.

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes: an operation and display unit; the operation and display unit is electrically connected to the controller; the operation and display unit is used to provide an operation and display interface for the user.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0020] 1. The present invention proposes an injection-type stereolithography 3D printing system that uses a resin communication container as the curing container. By applying pressure to a second piston, the pressurized photosensitive resin solution in the second container is injected into the first container, forcing the first piston to rise, thereby forming a gap in the printing layer thickness. Compared to DLP sink-type stereolithography 3D printers, this design of maintaining the solution under pressure in the sealed container eliminates the need to wait for the solution level to return to a state of rest, thereby improving the efficiency of continuous and rapid printing.

[0021] 2. The present invention proposes an injection-type stereolithography 3D printing system that utilizes a resin communication container as the curing and molding container. By applying pressure to a second piston, the pressurized photosensitive resin solution in the second container is injected into the first container, forcing the first piston to rise to form a gap in the printing layer thickness. Compared to LCD-type ascending stereolithography 3D printers, this design of maintaining pressurized solution injection within a sealed container shortens the waiting time for resin reflow and filling, and eliminates the operating time required for the rise, wait, and lowering of the molding table. Consequently, continuous and rapid printing is achieved, significantly reducing printing time.

[0022] 3. The injection-type stereolithography 3D printing system proposed in the embodiments of the present application can simultaneously utilize two or more interconnected resin containers. Therefore, different types of photosensitive resin solutions can be used in different containers for printing. Accordingly, different exposure time parameters can be used for different models to achieve simultaneous printing of different photosensitive resin solutions.

[0023] 4. An injection-type light-curing 3D printing system proposed in an embodiment of the present application can adopt a resin communicating container in which a first container and a second container are installed separately and independently. Therefore, the installation position, shape, and injection-pressing method of the second container can be more flexible, and the printable area of ​​the first container can be increased accordingly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 This is Example 1 of the injection-type light-curing 3D printing system of the present application;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the communication structure of the resin communication container of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the resin communication container of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the resin communication container of this application;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first piston and the second piston of this application;

[0029] Figure 6 This is Example 1 of the UV light projection unit of the present application;

[0030] Figure 7 This is Example 2 of the UV light projection unit of this application;

[0031] Figure 8 This is the principle diagram of the background technology DLP sink-type light-curing 3D printer;

[0032] Figure 9 This is the schematic diagram of the background technology LCD rising light-curing 3D printer;

[0033] Figure 10 This is Example 2 of the injection-type light-curing 3D printing system of this application.

[0034] Description of labels:

[0035] Base box 1; UV light projection unit 2; resin connecting container 3; pressure drive unit 4; controller 5; operation and display unit 6; window 11; UV light source 21; LCD screen 22; DLP projector 23; first piston 31; second piston 32; Z-axis motor 41; guide rail 42; screw 43; pressing unit 44; molding model 300; first container 301; second container 302; connecting port 303; light-transmitting bottom 304; photosensitive resin solution 305; handle 310; pressure column 320; molding table 501; resin tank 502; base film 503; Z-axis 504. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to make the purpose, features, and advantages of the invention of this application more obvious and easy to understand, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0037] Figure 1This is Example 1 of the injection-pressure-type light-curing 3D printing system of the present application. As shown in the figure, the injection-pressure-type light-curing 3D printing system includes: a base box 1, a UV light projection unit 2, a resin communication container 3, a pressure drive unit 4, a controller 5, a first piston 31, and a second piston 32; wherein the resin communication container 3 includes a first container 301, a second container 302, a communication portion 303, and a light-transmitting bottom 304;

[0038] The first container 301 and the second container 302 are used to hold the photosensitive resin solution; the bottom of the first container 301 is provided with a light-transmitting bottom 304 (see Figure 2 ); The bottom sides of the first container 301 and the second container 302 are provided with a connecting portion 303 (see Figure 2 ); the first container 301 and the second container 302 are connected through the connecting portion 303 (see Figure 2 ); the first piston 31 matches the first container 301 and realizes piston movement; the second piston 32 matches the second container 302 and realizes piston movement;

[0039] The UV light projection unit 2 and the pressure drive unit 4 are electrically connected to the controller 5. The controller 5 controls the pressure drive unit 4 to apply pressure to the second piston 32, so that the pressurized photosensitive resin solution in the second container 302 is injected into the first container 301 through the connecting portion 303, and the first piston 31 is forced to rise to form a printing layer thickness gap.

[0040] A window 11 is provided on the bottom box 1; a UV light projection unit 2 is provided in the bottom box 1; a first container 301 is provided above the window 11; the UV light projection unit 2 is used to emit UV light and form a UV light-cured image; the UV light-cured image passes through the window 11 and the transparent bottom 304, and performs layer-by-layer light curing on the photosensitive resin solution in the gap between the printing layers in the first container 301.

[0041] Specifically, the UV light projection unit 2 in the figure includes a UV light source 21 and an LCD screen 22; the LCD screen 22 loads the printed slice image; the UV light source 21 emits UV light through the LCD screen 22 and the transparent bottom 304 to perform layer-by-layer photocuring on the photosensitive resin solution in the printing layer thickness gap in the first container 301.

[0042] In addition, the figure also includes an operation and display unit 6; the operation and display unit 6 is electrically connected to the controller 5; the operation and display unit 11 is used to provide an operation and display interface for the user.

[0043] In addition, the pressure drive unit 4 in the figure specifically includes: a Z-axis motor 41, a guide rail 42, a screw 43, and a pressing unit 44; the lower part of the guide rail 42 is connected to the upper part of the bottom box 1; the Z-axis motor 41 is installed inside the bottom box 1 and is connected to the screw 43 through a through hole; the Z-axis motor 41 is electrically connected to the controller 5; the Z-axis motor 41 drives the screw 43 to rotate and drives the pressing unit 44 to rise and fall on the guide rail 42; thereby, the pressing unit 44 applies pressure to the second piston 32.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the resin communication container of the present application. As shown, the first container 301 and the second container 302 are cylindrical in shape; the first container 301 and the second container 302 are connected side by side as a whole; the bottom of the first container 301 is provided with a light-transmissive bottom 304; the bottom sides of the first container 301 and the second container 302 are provided with a connecting portion 303; the first container 301 and the second container 302 are connected through the connecting portion 303. Specifically, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 303 is a connecting port.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the resin communication container of this application. As shown in the figure, the first container 301 and the second container 302 are connected in parallel as a whole; the bottom sides of the first container 301 and the second container 302 are provided with a communication portion 303; the first container 301 and the second container 302 are connected through the communication portion 303 on the bottom side;

[0046] The first container 301 and the second container 302 contain a photosensitive resin solution 305; the bottom of the first container 301 is provided with a light-transmitting bottom 304; the first piston 31 matches the first container 301 and realizes piston movement; the second piston 32 matches the second container 302 and realizes piston movement;

[0047] After the second piston 32 is pressurized, the photosensitive resin solution 305 in the second container 302 is squeezed through the connecting portion 303 and injected into the first container 301. The photosensitive resin solution 305 in the first container 301 squeezes and forces the first piston 31 to rise, driving the molding model 300 to rise, thereby forming a new printing layer thickness gap. When the new printing layer thickness gap is irradiated by UV light that penetrates the transparent bottom 304, a new printing layer thickness is formed.

[0048] In particular, when the cross-sectional areas of the first container 301 and the second container 302 are equal, when the second piston 32 on the right is pressed down by one printing layer thickness, the first piston 31 on the left can also be lifted up by one layer thickness when the error is ignored. Therefore, the lifting printing speed of the first piston 31 on the left can be controlled by adjusting the descending speed and unit height of the second piston 32; that is, the lifting printing speed of the first piston 31 on the left can be controlled by adjusting the descending speed and unit height of the second piston 32. Figure 1The downward pressure speed of the medium pressure driving unit 4 is used to control the printing speed of the injection-type light-curing 3D printing system of the present application;

[0049] Similarly, when the cross-sectional areas of the first container 301 and the second container 302 are proportional, for example, when the cross-sectional areas of the first container 301 and the second container 302 are in a ratio of 2:1, the ratio of the descending speed and unit height of the second piston 32 to the ascending speed and unit height of the left first piston 31 is 2:1; therefore, it is also possible to adjust the Figure 1 The downward pressing speed of the medium pressure driving unit 4 is used to control the printing speed of the injection pressure type light-curing 3D printing system of the present application.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the resin communication container of this application. As shown in the figure, the first container 301 and the second container 302 are connected in parallel as a whole; the bottom of the first container 301 is provided with a light-transmitting bottom 304; at the same time, the light-transmitting bottom 304 is flat to prevent refraction when light passes through it; the first piston 31 matches the first container 301 and realizes piston movement; the second piston 32 matches the second container 302 and realizes piston movement; the bottom of the first piston 31 is flat, used to attach to and drive the formed mold 300 after curing to lift.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second pistons of this application. As shown in the figure, the first piston 31 is provided with a handle 310 for facilitating manual removal of the first piston 31 after printing is completed. The second piston 32 is provided with a pressure-bearing rod 320 for withstanding the pressure applied by the pressure drive unit 4. The pressure-bearing rod 320 is also provided with an unmarked annular groove to facilitate manual removal of the second piston 32.

[0052] Figure 6 This is Example 1 of the UV light projection unit of the present application. As shown in the figure, the UV light projection unit 2 includes a UV light source 21 and an LCD screen 22. The LCD screen 22 is loaded with a print slice image. The UV light source 21 emits UV light that passes through the LCD screen 22 and the light-transmitting bottom 304 to photocuring the photosensitive resin solution in the first container 301.

[0053] Figure 7 This is Example 2 of the UV light projection unit of the present application. As shown in the figure, the UV light projection unit uses a DLP projector 23; the DLP projector 23 projects a UV light projection carrying a printed slice image, which is then photocured through a light-transmitting bottom 304 to cure the photosensitive resin solution in the first container 301.

[0054] Figure 8The schematic diagram of the DLP sink-type light-curing 3D printer described in the background art is shown in the figure. The DLP sink-type light-curing 3D printer described in the background art includes a DLP projector 23, a forming platform 501, and a resin tank 502. The resin tank 502 contains a photosensitive resin solution 305. During light-curing printing, the DLP projector 23 projects UV light carrying a printed slice image onto the photosensitive resin solution 305 between the forming platform 501 and the liquid surface to form a forming layer. After the forming layer is cured, the forming platform 501 is lowered by one printing layer thickness to prepare for the next layer of curing. This multi-layer continuous curing process, which ultimately prints the formed model 300, is known as continuous rapid printing. However, in actual use, when the forming platform 501 is lowered by one printing layer thickness, the lowering of the forming platform 501 causes the liquid level of the photosensitive resin solution 305 to fluctuate, so curing must wait until the liquid level is still before commencing.

[0055] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the LCD rising light-curing 3D printer in the background technology. As shown in the figure, the LCD rising light-curing 3D printer described in the background technology includes a UV light source 21, an LCD screen 22, a forming table 501, a resin tank 502, a base film 503, and a Z axis 504. The resin tank 502 contains a photosensitive resin solution 305. The base film 503 of the resin tank 502 is used to transmit UV light. The LCD screen 22 loads the print slice image. The UV light source 21 emits UV light through the LCD screen 22 and the transparent base 304 to the photosensitive resin in the resin tank 502. The resin solution 305 is photocured. During photocuring printing, after the forming layer between the forming table 501 and the base film 503 is cured, the forming table 501 needs to be pulled upward to separate the forming layer from the base film 503. A period of time is required to allow the resin solution with a certain viscosity to naturally flow back and fill the pits or gaps formed when the forming table 501 is separated, in preparation for the curing of the next layer. Then, the forming table 501 needs to be lowered. This printing process that requires lifting, waiting, and lowering is non-continuous rapid printing, so the overall printing efficiency is relatively low.

[0056] Figure 10 This is Example 2 of the injection-pressure stereolithography 3D printing system of the present application. As shown in the figure, the injection-pressure stereolithography 3D printing system includes: a base box 1, a UV light projection unit 2, two sets of resin communication containers 3, a pressure drive unit 4, and a controller 5. The resin communication containers 3 include a first container 301, a second container 302, a communication portion 303, a light-transmitting bottom 304, a first piston 31, and a second piston 32.

[0057] The two sets of first container 301 and second container 302 are used to hold the photosensitive resin solution; the bottom of the first container 301 is provided with a light-transmitting bottom 304 (see Figure 2 ); The bottom sides of the two groups of first container 301 and second container 302 are provided with a connecting portion 303 (see Figure 2 ); The two groups of first container 301 and second container 302 are connected by the connecting portion 303 (see Figure 2 ); two sets of first pistons 31 each match the first container 301 and realize piston movement; two sets of second pistons 32 each match the second container 302 and realize piston movement;

[0058] The UV light projection unit 2 and the pressure drive unit 4 are electrically connected to the controller 5. The controller 5 controls the pressure drive unit 4 to simultaneously apply pressure to the two sets of second pistons 32, so that the pressurized photosensitive resin solution in the two sets of second containers 302 is injected into the first container 301 through the connecting portion 303, and the first piston 31 is forced to rise, thereby forming a printing layer thickness gap.

[0059] A window 11 is provided on the bottom box 1; a UV light projection unit 2 is provided in the bottom box 1; two groups of first containers 301 are provided above the window 11; the UV light projection unit 2 is used to emit UV light and form a UV light-cured image; the UV light-cured image passes through the window 11 and the two groups of transparent bottoms 304, and performs layer-by-layer light curing on the photosensitive resin solution in the gap between the printing layers in the two groups of first containers 301.

[0060] Specifically, the UV light projection unit 2 in the figure includes a UV light source 21 and an LCD screen 22; the LCD screen 22 loads the printed slice image; the UV light source 21 emits UV light through the LCD screen 22 and the transparent bottom 304 to perform layer-by-layer photocuring on the photosensitive resin solution at the gap between the printing layers in the two groups of first containers 301.

[0061] In addition, the figure also includes an operation and display unit 6; the operation and display unit 6 is electrically connected to the controller 5; the operation and display unit 11 is used to provide an operation and display interface for the user.

[0062] In addition, the pressure drive unit 4 in the figure specifically includes: a Z-axis motor 41, a guide rail 42, a screw 43, and a pressing unit 44; specifically, the pressing unit 44 is T-shaped, which can simultaneously apply pressure to the left and right groups of second pistons 32; the lower part connected to the guide rail 42 is connected to the upper part of the bottom box 1; the Z-axis motor 41 is installed inside the bottom box 1 and is connected to the screw 43 through a through hole; the Z-axis motor 41 is electrically connected to the controller 5; the Z-axis motor 41 drives the screw 43 to rotate and drives the pressing unit 44 to rise and fall on the guide rail 42; thereby, the pressing unit 44 applies pressure to the two groups of second pistons 32.

[0063] The above specific embodiments do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions may be made based on design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application shall be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An injection-type light-curing 3D printing system, characterized in that: include: A bottom box (1), a UV light projection unit (2), a resin communication container (3), a pressure drive unit (4), a controller (5), a first piston (31), and a second piston (32); wherein the resin communication container (3) includes a first container (301), a second container (302), a communication portion (303), and a light-transmitting bottom (304); The first container (301) and the second container (302) are used to contain a photosensitive resin solution; the bottom of the first container (301) is provided with a light-transmitting bottom (304); the bottom sides of the first container (301) and the second container (302) are provided with the connecting portion (303); the first container (301) and the second container (302) are connected through the connecting portion (303); the first piston (31) matches the first container (301) and realizes piston movement; the second piston (32) matches the second container (302) and realizes piston movement; The UV light projection unit (2) and the pressure driving unit (4) are electrically connected to the controller (5); the controller (5) controls the pressure driving unit (4) to apply pressure to the second piston (32), so that the pressurized photosensitive resin solution in the second container (302) is injected into the first container (301) through the connecting portion (303), and the first piston (31) is forced to rise to form a printing layer thickness gap; The bottom box (1) is provided with a window (11); the UV light and shadow projection unit (2) is provided in the bottom box (1); the first container (301) is provided above the window (11); The UV light projection unit (2) is used to emit UV light and form a UV light-cured image; the UV light-cured image passes through the window (11) and the light-transmitting bottom (304) to perform layer-by-layer light curing on the photosensitive resin solution at the printing layer thickness gap in the first container (301).

2. The injection-type light-curing 3D printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure driving unit (4) comprises: a Z-axis motor (41), a guide rail (42), a screw (43), and a pressing unit (44); the Z-axis motor (41) is electrically connected to the controller (5); the Z-axis motor (41) drives the screw (43) to rotate and drives the pressing unit (44) to move up and down on the guide rail (42); thereby, the pressing unit (44) applies pressure to the second piston (32).

3. The injection-type light-curing 3D printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The UV light projection unit (2) comprises a UV light source (21) and an LCD screen (22), or a DLP projector (23).

4. The injection-type light-curing 3D printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the first piston (31) is a plane, used for attaching a model formed after the photosensitive resin solution is cured; the light-transmitting bottom (304) is a plane, used for avoiding refraction when light is transmitted.

5. The injection-type light-curing 3D printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shape of the first container (301) is cylindrical or square cylindrical; the shape of the second container (302) is cylindrical or square cylindrical; the shape of the first piston (31) is cylindrical or square cylindrical; the shape of the second piston (32) is cylindrical or square cylindrical.

6. The injection-type light-curing 3D printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first container (301) and the second container (302) are connected in parallel as a whole; or the first container (301) and the second container (302) are installed separately and independently.

7. The injection-type light-curing 3D printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the first container (301) and the second container (302) is one group or multiple groups.

8. The injection-type light-curing 3D printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The communication portion (303) includes a communication port or a communication pipe.

9. The injection-type light-curing 3D printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first piston (31) is provided with a handle (310) for conveniently pulling out the first piston (31) manually; the second piston (32) is provided with a pressure-bearing rod (320) for bearing the pressure applied by the pressure drive unit (4).

10. The injection-type light-curing 3D printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: An operation and display unit (6); the operation and display unit (6) is electrically connected to the controller (5); the operation and display unit (6) is used to provide an operation and display interface for a user.

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