Data generation program and data generation device

Abstract

To provide a data generation program and a data generation device that are capable of generating data for producing a three-dimensional product in a manner suited to an intended use.SOLUTION: A data generation device acquires three-dimensional data indicating a shape of a three-dimensional product (S11). The data generation device identifies a fabrication method for fabricating the three-dimensional product with a cutting device that performs cutting processing, and a holding method for holding the three-dimensional product in a frame that covers an outside of the three-dimensional product in a first direction (S21). The data generation device generates cutting data based on the three-dimensional data for fabricating a three-dimensional object including the three-dimensional product and a holding assembly whose shape is defined based on the identified fabrication method and the holding method with the cutting device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a data generation program and a data generation device. [Background technology]

[0002] A method has been proposed for quickly producing a prototype for evaluating the design items and functions of a final product without using a mold. For example, in the method for producing a three-dimensional product described in Patent Document 1, a photo-fabricating device first selectively hardens a photo-curable resin with light based on three-dimensional product model data to form a photo-fabricated object. Next, a cutting device performs cutting on the photo-fabricated object based on NC data created from the three-dimensional product model data. This produces a resin prototype. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-136605 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In addition to cases where a prototype made of resin is to be produced and evaluated, there are also cases where a prototype is to be produced using the material of the final product and evaluated. However, the method described in Patent Document 1 does not allow a prototype to be produced using the material to be used in the final product. For this reason, it is desirable to be able to produce a prototype using a production method that corresponds to the intended use.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a data generation program and a data generation device capable of generating data for producing a three-dimensional product in a manner suited to the intended use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A data generation program according to a first aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute an acquisition step of acquiring three-dimensional data indicating a shape of a three-dimensional product; an identification step of identifying a production method for producing the three-dimensional product using a cutting device that performs cutting processing and a holding method for holding the three-dimensional product in a frame body that covers the outside of the three-dimensional product in a first direction; and a generation step of generating, based on the three-dimensional data, cutting data for producing a three-dimensional object using the cutting device, the three-dimensional object including the three-dimensional product and a holding assembly whose shape is defined based on the production method and the holding method identified in the identification step.

[0007] A computer on which a data generation program is executed generates cutting data for producing a three-dimensional object by a cutting device. Thus, the cutting device can produce a three-dimensional object including a three-dimensional product made of the material of the final product, for example, by cutting a workpiece of a material used in the final product. The three-dimensional object includes a holding assembly whose shape is defined based on a specified manufacturing method and holding method, and the three-dimensional product. Thus, the computer can generate data for producing a three-dimensional product according to the intended use by specifying a manufacturing method and holding method according to the intended use.

[0008] In the first embodiment, the holding method may include a first holding method of holding the three-dimensional product in the frame body by a hardener filled between the frame body and the three-dimensional product, and a second holding method of connecting and holding the frame body and the three-dimensional product by a connector extending between the frame body and the three-dimensional product. In this case, the cutting device can create a three-dimensional object including the three-dimensional product held in the frame body by either the first holding method or the second holding method.

[0009] In the first aspect, the second holding method may include a first connecting method in which the connector has a rod shape extending in the first direction and connects a surface of the three-dimensional product that intersects with the first direction to a surface of the frame that intersects with the first direction, and a second connecting method in which the connector has a planar shape extending from the frame in the first direction and a surface of the three-dimensional product that extends in the first direction is connected to a surface of the connector. In this case, when the three-dimensional product is held on the frame by the second holding method, the shape of the connector can be switched depending on the purpose.

[0010] In the first aspect, when the first holding method is specified by the specifying step, the length of the frame body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction may be a first length, and when the second holding method is specified by the specifying step, the length of the frame body in the second direction may be a second length shorter than the first length. In this case, the amount of material required when the three-dimensional product is held by the second holding method can be reduced while the three-dimensional product is stably held by the first holding method.

[0011] In the first aspect, the manufacturing method includes a first manufacturing method for manufacturing the three-dimensional object by cutting a workpiece with the cutting device, and a second manufacturing method for manufacturing the three-dimensional object by modeling a resin with a three-dimensional modeling device to manufacture an intermediate of the three-dimensional object and cutting the intermediate with the cutting device, and the generating step may generate the cutting data for the cutting device to cut the workpiece to manufacture the three-dimensional object when the first manufacturing method is specified by the specifying step, and generate the modeling data for the three-dimensional modeling device to manufacture the intermediate and the cutting data for the cutting device to cut the intermediate to manufacture the three-dimensional object when the second manufacturing method is specified by the specifying step. In this case, the computer can generate modeling data for the three-dimensional modeling device to manufacture the intermediate and cutting data for the cutting device to cut the intermediate to manufacture the three-dimensional object. In this case, a three-dimensional product made of resin is manufactured. Therefore, the computer can generate data for manufacturing the three-dimensional product by a method according to the intended use.

[0012] In the first aspect, when the first manufacturing method is identified by the identification step, the generating step may generate the cutting data in which a portion between the frame body and the three-dimensional product is set as a region to be cut. In this case, the cutting device can create the three-dimensional product separated from the frame body by cutting the portion between the frame body and the three-dimensional product.

[0013] In a first aspect, the holding method includes a first holding method of holding the three-dimensional product in the frame body by a hardener filled between the frame body and the three-dimensional product, and a second holding method of connecting and holding the frame body and the three-dimensional product by a connector extending between the frame body and the three-dimensional product, wherein when the first production method and the first holding method are identified in the specifying step, a distance between an end of one side of the three-dimensional product and an end of one side of the frame body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction may be a first distance, and a distance between an end of the other side of the three-dimensional product and an end of the other side of the frame body may be a second distance, and when the first production method and the second holding method are identified in the specifying step, a distance between an end of one side of the three-dimensional product and an end of one side of the frame body in the second direction may be a third distance smaller than the first distance, and a distance between an end of the other side of the three-dimensional product and an end of the other side of the frame body may be a fourth distance smaller than the second distance. In this case, the three-dimensional product can be stably held by the first holding method, while the amount of material required to hold the three-dimensional product by the second holding method can be reduced.

[0014] In the first aspect, the holding method includes a second holding method in which the three-dimensional product is held in the frame by a connector extending between the frame and the three-dimensional product, and a third holding method in which the frame and the three-dimensional product are connected and held by a hardener filled between the frame and the three-dimensional product and the connector, and when the second production method and the second holding method are specified by the specifying step, a distance between the other end of the three-dimensional product and the other end of the frame in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is set as a second distance, and when the second production method and the third holding method are specified by the specifying step, a distance between the other end of the three-dimensional product and the other end of the frame in the second direction is set as a fourth distance, and the fourth distance may be larger than the second distance. In this case, a sufficient amount of hardener can be used to hold the three-dimensional product in the third holding method.

[0015] In a first aspect, the manufacturing method includes a one-sided cutting method in which only one side of the three-dimensional product in the second direction is cut by the cutting device, and when the second manufacturing method is specified by the specifying step, the distance between the end of one side of the three-dimensional product and the end of one side of the frame in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction is set as a first distance, and the distance between the end of the other side of the three-dimensional product and the end of the other side of the frame is set as a second distance, and when the second manufacturing method and the one-sided cutting method are specified by the specifying step, the second distance may be larger than the first distance. In this case, the amount of material used in the case of one-sided cutting can be reduced while enabling double-sided cutting by the cutting device.

[0016] In a first aspect, the fabrication method includes a one-sided cutting method in which only one side of the three-dimensional product in the second direction is cut by the cutting device, and a two-sided cutting method in which both sides of the three-dimensional product in the second direction are cut by the cutting device, and the generating step may generate the cutting data for cutting the one side of the three-dimensional product in the second direction and the cutting data for cutting the other side of the three-dimensional product when the two-sided cutting method and the third holding method are identified by the identifying step. In this case, a three-dimensional object including a three-dimensional product with both sides in the second direction machined can be created.

[0017] In a first aspect, the manufacturing method includes a one-sided cutting method in which only one side of the three-dimensional product in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is cut by the cutting device, and a two-sided cutting method in which both sides of the three-dimensional product in the second direction are cut by the cutting device, and when the one-sided cutting method is specified by the specifying step, the length of the frame in the second direction may be a third length, and when the two-sided cutting method is specified by the specifying step, the length of the frame in the second direction may be a fourth length longer than the third length. In this case, the amount of material used in the case of one-sided cutting can be reduced while enabling two-sided cutting by the cutting device.

[0018] In the first aspect, when the one-sided cutting method is specified, the specifying step may specify, as the holding method, a second connecting method in which the frame body and the three-dimensional product are connected and held by a connecting body extending in the first direction between the other end of each of the frame body and the three-dimensional product in the second direction. When only one surface of the workpiece in the second direction is cut by the cutting device, the position of the workpiece can be stabilized. Therefore, the cutting device can cut the workpiece with high precision.

[0019] In the first aspect, the holding method includes a first holding method in which the three-dimensional product is held in the frame body by a hardener filled between the frame body and the three-dimensional product, and a second holding method in which the frame body and the three-dimensional product are connected and held by a connector extending between the frame body and the three-dimensional product, and when the first holding method is specified by the specifying step, a notch is provided in a portion of the end of the frame body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction that is close to the three-dimensional product in the first direction, and when the second holding method is specified by the specifying step, the notch may not be provided in the frame body. There are cases in which a hardener is filled between the frame body and the three-dimensional product, and a cutting device performs cutting in a state in which the three-dimensional product is held by the hardener. In this case, by providing a notch in the frame body, it is possible to prevent the hardener from coming off the frame body.

[0020] In the first embodiment, the length in the first direction of the frame body in which the notch is provided may be a fifth length, and the length in the first direction of the frame body in which the notch is not provided may be a sixth length that is shorter than the fifth length by the length of the notch in the first direction. In this case, the width of the frame body can be prevented from being reduced by the formation of the notch, so that the strength of the frame body can be maintained.

[0021] In the first aspect, when the second manufacturing method is specified by the specifying step, the generating step generates the modeling data for producing the intermediate body further having an auxiliary frame body located between the frame body and the three-dimensional product, and the auxiliary frame body may cover the outside of the three-dimensional product in the first direction and have a constant distance between the three-dimensional product and the auxiliary frame body. In this case, the strength of the intermediate body can be improved by the auxiliary frame body. The amount of hardener filled between the auxiliary frame body and the three-dimensional product can be made smaller than the amount of hardener filled between the frame body and the three-dimensional product. Therefore, the three-dimensional product can be held while suppressing the amount of hardener used.

[0022] In a first aspect, the second manufacturing method includes a second single-sided cutting method for cutting only one side of the three-dimensional product in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a second double-sided cutting method for cutting both sides of the three-dimensional product in the second direction, and the generating step may generate the modeling data for producing the intermediate product in which the thickness of one side of the three-dimensional product in the second direction is increased when the second single-sided cutting method is specified by the specifying step, and may generate the modeling data for producing the intermediate product in which the thickness of one side of the three-dimensional product in the second direction is increased when the second double-sided cutting method is specified by the specifying step. In this case, a three-dimensional object with a good finish can be produced by cutting the increased portion of the three-dimensional product of the intermediate product in the cutting device.

[0023] In the first aspect, the computer may further execute a modifying step of modifying a shape of the three-dimensional product, and the generating step may generate the cutting data for producing the three-dimensional object including the three-dimensional product whose shape has been modified by the cutting device based on the three-dimensional data. In this case, data for producing the three-dimensional object including the three-dimensional product whose shape has been modified can be generated.

[0024] In the first aspect, the computer may further execute a modifying step of modifying a shape of the three-dimensional product, and the generating step may generate, based on the three-dimensional data, the modeling data used by the three-dimensional printing device to produce the intermediate body including the three-dimensional product whose shape has been modified, when the second production method is identified by the identifying step. In this case, data for producing the intermediate body including the three-dimensional product whose shape has been modified can be generated.

[0025] In the first aspect, the computer may further execute a receiving step of receiving a change portion of the three-dimensional product to be changed by the changing step, and the changing step may increase or decrease a thickness of the change portion of the three-dimensional product received by the receiving step. In this case, data for producing a three-dimensional object including a three-dimensional product in which the thickness of the specified change portion is increased or decreased can be generated.

[0026] In the first aspect, the computer may further execute a receiving step of receiving a change portion of the three-dimensional product to be changed by the changing step, and the changing step may make a hole in the change portion of the three-dimensional product received by the receiving step. In this case, data for creating a three-dimensional object including a three-dimensional product having a hole in the specified change portion can be generated.

[0027] In the first aspect, the computer may further execute a first setting step of setting a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the generating step may generate the cutting data based on the second direction set in the first setting step. In this case, the second direction can be set according to the specifications of the cutting device.

[0028] In the first aspect, the computer may further execute a second setting step of setting a size of each of the connecting bodies, and the generating step may generate the cutting data for producing the three-dimensional object in which the three-dimensional product and the frame body are connected by the connecting bodies of the size set by the second setting step. In this case, the size of the connecting bodies can be set to a desired size.

[0029] In the first embodiment, the computer may further execute an output step of setting a file name indicating the holding assembly to the cutting data generated in the generating step and outputting the data. In this case, the aspect of the holding assembly can be easily confirmed from the file name of the cutting data.

[0030] A data generating device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an acquiring means for acquiring three-dimensional data indicating a shape of a three-dimensional product, an identifying means for identifying a manufacturing method for manufacturing the three-dimensional product by a cutting device that performs cutting processing and a holding method for holding the three-dimensional product in a frame that covers the outside of the three-dimensional product in a first direction, and a generating means for generating cutting data based on the three-dimensional data for manufacturing a three-dimensional object including the three-dimensional product and a holding assembly whose shape is defined based on the manufacturing method and the holding method identified by the identifying means by the cutting device. The second aspect provides the same effects as the first aspect. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system 9 and an electrical configuration of a data generating device 10. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the process by which a three-dimensional object is produced in a system 9. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first example of a method setting screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second example of a method setting screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third example of a method setting screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fourth example of a method setting screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing cutting data generated when a first manufacturing method and a double-sided cutting method are set. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing cutting data generated when a first manufacturing method and a one-sided cutting method are set. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing cutting data generated when a second manufacturing method and a double-sided cutting method are set. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing cutting data generated when a second manufacturing method and a double-sided cutting method are set. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing cutting data generated when the second manufacturing method and the one-sided cutting method are set. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing cutting data generated when the second manufacturing method and the one-sided cutting method are set. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing a data generation process. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing a first setting process. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing a second setting process. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing a third setting process. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing a fourth setting process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] A three-dimensional printing system 9 (hereinafter simply referred to as "system 9") according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are used to explain technical features that may be adopted by the present invention. The configurations of the devices described are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0033] <System 9 Overview> The configuration of the system 9 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 9 includes a 3D printer 21, a cutting device 22, and a data generating device 10. The 3D printer 21 is a photopolymerization hardening (photo-modeling) type device. The 3D printer 21 creates a photo-modeled object by irradiating light to a photo-curable resin based on modeling data to harden it. In addition, in the present invention, the modeling method by the 3D printer 21 is not limited to the photopolymerization hardening type, and modeling may be performed by other modeling methods. For example, the modeling method by the 3D printer 21 may be any of the known powder bed fusion type, directed energy type, binder injection type, sheet lamination type, material extrusion type, and material injection type. The cutting device 22 creates a cut object by performing cutting processing using a cutting tool such as a cutting blade based on the cutting data.

[0034] The data generating device 10 is a known personal computer. The data generating device 10 generates modeling data and cutting data from three-dimensional data by executing a data generating program described later. The three-dimensional data is data generated by a three-dimensional CAD, a three-dimensional modeler, a three-dimensional scanner, or the like. The three-dimensional data may be generated by the data generating device 10 or an external device. The data generating device 10 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a storage device 14, an external communication IF 15, a display unit 16, an operation unit 17, and a bus 18.

[0035] The CPU 11 controls the data generating device 10. The CPU 11 is electrically connected to the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the storage device 14, the external communication IF 15, the display unit 16, and the operation unit 17 via a bus 18. The ROM 12 stores programs such as BIOS executed by the CPU 11. The RAM 13 temporarily stores various data. The storage device 14 is a non-volatile storage device, and stores the data generating program and various setting values. The display unit 16 is a device that displays images, such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 17 is, for example, at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and a joystick. The operation unit 17 outputs a signal according to an operation by a user to the CPU 11. The external communication IF 15 connects the data generating device 10 to external devices such as a 3D printer 21 and a cutting device 22.

[0036] The data generation program may be stored in a storage device of an external device connected via the external communication IF 15. The data generation device 10 may receive the data generation program from the external device and store it in the storage device 14. The data generation program may also be stored in a well-known storage medium connectable to the external communication IF 15. The data generation device 10 may read the data generation program from the storage medium and store it in the storage device 14.

[0037] <Creating 3D objects> An overview of the operation when a three-dimensional object is produced by the system 9 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The three-dimensional object is produced by either a first production method in which only the cutting device 22 is used, or a second production method in which the three-dimensional object is produced by using the 3D printer 21 and the cutting device 22.

[0038] When a three-dimensional object is produced by the first production method, the data generating device 10 executes a data generation process (S201) and generates cutting data based on the three-dimensional data. The data generating device 10 transmits the generated cutting data to the cutting device 22 via the external communication IF 15 (see FIG. 1) (S203: YES → S205). The cutting device 22 receives the cutting data from the data generating device 10. The cutting device 22 is driven based on the received cutting data, and cuts the workpiece held on the holding table to produce the three-dimensional object (S207). The three-dimensional object 8A shows an example of a three-dimensional object produced by the cutting device 22.

[0039] On the other hand, when a three-dimensional object is produced by the second production method, the data generating device 10 executes a data generation process (S201) and generates modeling data and cutting data based on the three-dimensional data. The data generating device 10 transmits the generated modeling data to the 3D printer 21 via the external communication IF 15, and transmits the generated cutting data to the cutting device 22 via the external communication IF 15 (S203: NO → S209). The 3D printer 21 receives the modeling data from the data generating device 10. The cutting device 22 receives the cutting data from the data generating device 10.

[0040] The 3D printer 21 operates based on the received modeling data and creates an intermediate body from photocurable resin (S211). Intermediate body 8B is an example of an intermediate body created by the 3D printer 21. The created intermediate body is removed from the 3D printer 21 and held on a holding table of the cutting device 22. The cutting device 22 operates based on the received cutting data and cuts at least a part of the intermediate body held on the holding table to perform surface finishing, etc., to create a three-dimensional object (S213).

[0041] <3D objects, intermediates> As shown in Fig. 2, the three-dimensional object 8A has a three-dimensional product 81 and a holding assembly 82. The directions of the three-dimensional object 8A are defined as X, Y, and Z directions that are perpendicular to each other. The cutting device 22 holds the workpiece on a holding table with the Z direction aligned with the up-down direction, and cuts the workpiece by bringing a cutting blade into contact with the workpiece from one side in the Z direction, thereby producing the three-dimensional object 8A. The front side of Fig. 2 is one side in the Z direction, and the back side of Fig. 2 is the other side in the Z direction.

[0042] The three-dimensional product 81 has a three-dimensional shape. The three-dimensional data referred to in the data generation process (S201) indicates the three-dimensional shape of the three-dimensional product 81. The holding assembly 82 holds the three-dimensional product 81 from the outside in the XY directions. The holding assembly 82 has a frame body 82A and a connecting body 82B. The frame body 82A covers the outside of the three-dimensional product 81 in the XY directions. The shape of the frame body 82A when viewed from the Z direction is rectangular. The length of the frame body 82A in the Z direction is shorter than the lengths in the X and Y directions. A gap of a certain width is provided between the three-dimensional product 81 and the frame body 82A. The connecting body 82B extends between the three-dimensional product 81 and the frame body 82A. The three-dimensional product 81 is held in the frame body 82A by the connecting body 82B.

[0043] The intermediate body 8B has a three-dimensional product 86 and a holding assembly 87. The shape of the three-dimensional product 86 is the same as the three-dimensional product 81 of the three-dimensional object 8A. As directions of the intermediate body 8B, an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction that are perpendicular to each other are defined as in the case of the three-dimensional object 8A.

[0044] The holding assembly 87 holds the three-dimensional product 86 from the outside in the XY direction. The holding assembly 87 has a frame body 87A, an auxiliary frame body 87B, and a connecting body 87C. The frame body 87A has a shape in which plates are assembled into a rectangular shape. The shape of the frame body 87A when viewed from the Z direction is a square. The frame body 87A covers the outside of the three-dimensional product 86 in the XY direction. The auxiliary frame body 87B is located between the three-dimensional product 86 and the frame body 87A. The auxiliary frame body 87B is located at a certain distance outside the three-dimensional product 86 in the XY direction. The connecting body 87C extends between the three-dimensional product 86 and the frame body 87A. The three-dimensional product 86 and the auxiliary frame body 87B are held by the frame body 87A by the connecting body 87C.

[0045] Note that the three-dimensional object 8A and intermediate body 8B in Fig. 2 are merely examples, and other shapes may be used. Specifically, the holding assembly may have other shapes, such as the three-dimensional objects 71-80 and intermediate bodies 61-65 shown in Figs. 7-12. Details will be described later.

[0046] <Method setting screen> The data generating device 10 displays on the display unit 16 a method setting screen (see Figs. 3 to 6) for setting a production method and a holding method. The production method indicates a method for producing a three-dimensional object including a three-dimensional product by the cutting device 22. As the production method, it is possible to set either the first production method or the second production method, and which of the end faces in the Z direction of the three-dimensional product is to be cut. As the holding method, it is possible to set a method for holding the three-dimensional product relative to the frame during the cutting process by the cutting device 22. The shape of the three-dimensional product of the three-dimensional object is defined based on the three-dimensional data. The shape of the holding assembly of the three-dimensional object is defined based on the production method and holding method set via the method setting screen.

[0047] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, on the method setting screen, the user can set the first or second manufacturing method as the manufacturing method by switching between tabs. For example, the user can set the first manufacturing method by switching to the tab labeled "Cutting only" (see Figures 3 and 4). Also, for example, the user can set the second manufacturing method by switching to the tab labeled "3D / Cutting combination" (see Figures 5 and 6).

[0048] In addition, each tab on the method setting screen includes a first radio button (in a box titled "Cutting Surface Setting") for setting the cutting surface to be used by the cutting device 22, a second radio button (in a box titled "Holding Method Setting") for setting the method of holding the three-dimensional product relative to the frame, and an OK / Cancel button.

[0049] As shown in Figs. 3 to 6, the first radio button includes two radio buttons corresponding to "double-sided" and "single-sided", respectively. For example, the user can set a manufacturing method in which both sides of the three-dimensional product in the Z direction are cut by selecting the "double-sided" radio button. On the other hand, for example, the user can set a manufacturing method in which only one side of the three-dimensional product in the Z direction is cut by selecting the "single-sided" radio button.

[0050] Hereinafter, the manufacturing method of cutting both sides of a three-dimensional product in the Z direction will be referred to as the "double-sided cutting method." The manufacturing method of cutting only one side of a three-dimensional product in the Z direction will be referred to as the "single-sided cutting method."

[0051] The second radio button is used to set the method of holding the three-dimensional product relative to the frame. The content associated with the second radio button changes depending on the setting state of the production method.

[0052] The OK button is selected when the set production method and storage method are confirmed, whereas the Cancel button is selected when the selection on the method setting screen is cancelled and the display is closed.

[0053] The cutting data and modeling data generated based on the manufacturing method and holding method set via the method setting screen are shown in Fig. 7 to Fig. 12. The modeling data column in Fig. 9 to Fig. 12 shows the position of the photocurable resin that has been hardened by irradiating light by the 3D printer 21. Therefore, the shape shown in the modeling data column matches the shape of the intermediate body produced by the 3D printer 21.

[0054] 7 to 12 show the positions of the portions that are not cut by the cutting device 22. For this reason, for example, when a three-dimensional object is produced from a rectangular parallelepiped workpiece by the first production method, a three-dimensional object having a shape shown in the cutting data columns of Figs. 7 and 8 is produced. On the other hand, when a three-dimensional object is produced from an intermediate body by the second production method, the shape shown in the cutting data columns of Figs. 9 to 12 may differ from the shape of the three-dimensional object that is actually produced.

[0055] <First manufacturing method / Double-sided cutting method> 3 shows the state of the method setting screen when the first manufacturing method and the double-sided cutting method are set as the manufacturing methods. In this case, the second radio button includes two radio buttons corresponding to "WAX retention" and "Support beam", respectively.

[0056] When the radio button "WAX HOLD" is selected, cutting data for producing a three-dimensional object 71 is generated as shown in FIG. 7. In the three-dimensional object 71, the holding assembly 710 does not have a connector, and the three-dimensional product 71A is not held to the frame body 71B by the connector. The user fills a hardener between the frame body 71B and the three-dimensional product 71A and hardens the filled hardener. In the process of cutting by the cutting device 22, the three-dimensional product 71A is held to the frame body 71B by the hardener. Hereinafter, a holding method in which the three-dimensional product 71A is held to the frame body 71B by the hardener filled between the frame body 71B and the three-dimensional product 71A in the process of cutting by the cutting device 22, as in the three-dimensional object 71, is referred to as a "first holding method."

[0057] An end portion on one side in the Z direction of the three-dimensional product 71A is located on the other side in the Z direction of the end portion on one side in the Z direction of the frame body 71B. An end portion on the other side in the Z direction of the three-dimensional product 71A is located on one side in the Z direction of the end portion on the other side in the Z direction of the frame body 71B. A notch 711 is provided in a portion of the end portion on one side in the Z direction of the frame body 71B that is close to the three-dimensional product 71A in the XY directions. The distance in the XY directions between the three-dimensional product 71A and the frame body 71B is larger in the portion where the notch 711 is provided. The length (width) in the XY directions of the notch 711 is denoted as "width Δn".

[0058] The length of the frame 71B in the Z direction is referred to as "length L11." The distance in the Z direction between one end of the frame 71B in the Z direction and one end of the three-dimensional product 71A in the Z direction is referred to as "distance L12." The distance in the Z direction between the other end of the frame 71B in the Z direction and the other end of the three-dimensional product 71A in the Z direction is referred to as "distance L13." Distances L12 and L13 are equal. Distances L12 and L13 are, for example, approximately 5 mm. The length of the frame 71B in the Y direction is referred to as "length L14."

[0059] In the cutting data column, the portions of the three-dimensional object 71 that will not be cut by the cutting device 22 are filled in. This indicates that in the cutting data, the area between the three-dimensional product 71A and the frame 71B is the area to be cut by the cutting device 22.

[0060] When the radio button "support beam" is selected in FIG. 3, cutting data for producing a three-dimensional object 72 is generated as shown in FIG. 7. In the three-dimensional object 72, the holding assembly 720 has a frame body 72B and a connector 72C. The connector 72C includes a plurality of elongated rod-shaped members extending in the Y direction. The connector 72C extends between a surface of the three-dimensional product 72A perpendicular to the Y direction and a surface of the frame body 72B intersecting with the Y direction. The connector 72C connects to the surfaces of the three-dimensional product 72A and the frame body 72B intersecting with the Y direction, excluding the ends in the Z direction. The three-dimensional product 72A is held by the frame body 72B by the connector 72C. Unlike the three-dimensional object 71 in which the three-dimensional product 71A is held by the frame body 71B in the first holding method, no notch is provided in the frame body 72B of the holding assembly 720.

[0061] Hereinafter, a holding method in which the three-dimensional product 71A is held in the frame body 72B by the connector 72C extending between the three-dimensional product 72A and the frame body 72B during cutting processing by the cutting device 22, like the three-dimensional object 72, is referred to as a "second holding method." Also, a connecting method of the connector 72C, which includes a plurality of elongated rod-shaped members extending in the Y direction, connecting a surface of the three-dimensional product 71A perpendicular to the Y direction and a surface of the frame body 72B intersecting the Y direction, is referred to as a "first connecting method."

[0062] The length of the frame 72B in the Z direction is referred to as "length L21". The length L21 is smaller than the length L11 of the three-dimensional object 71 (L11>L21). The interval in the Z direction between the end of the frame 72B on one side in the Z direction and the end of the three-dimensional product 72A on one side in the Z direction is referred to as "interval L22". The interval in the Z direction between the end of the frame 72B on the other side in the Z direction and the end of the three-dimensional product 72A on the other side in the Z direction is referred to as "interval L23". The intervals L22 and L23 are equal (L22=L23). The intervals L22 and L23 are, for example, approximately 2.5 mm. The interval L22 is smaller than the interval L12 of the three-dimensional object 71 (L12>L22). The interval L23 is smaller than the interval L13 of the three-dimensional object 71 (L13>L23). The length in the Y direction of frame 72B is referred to as “length L24.” Length L24 is shorter than length L14 in the Y direction of frame 71B of three-dimensional object 71 in which notch 711 is provided by 2 times width Δn of notch 711 in the Y direction.

[0063] When the double-sided cutting method is set as the manufacturing method, the data generating device 10 generates, as cutting data, one-side cutting data for cutting one side in the Z direction and other-side cutting data for cutting the other side in the Z direction. The cutting device 22 performs cutting based on the one-side cutting data to cut one side of the workpiece, and performs cutting based on the other-side cutting data to cut the other side of the workpiece.

[0064] Also, when the first holding method is set as the holding method, for example, the user first drives the cutting device 22 based on the one-side cutting data to perform cutting processing on one side of the workpiece in the Z direction. Next, the user removes the workpiece from the holding table. Next, the user fills a hardener between the three-dimensional product 71A in which only one side of the Z direction has been cut and the frame body 71B, and hardens the hardener. As a result, the three-dimensional product 71A of the three-dimensional object 71 in which only one side of the Z direction has been cut is held by the frame body 71B by the hardened hardener. Next, the user reverses the orientation of the workpiece in the Z direction. Next, the user holds the workpiece with the reversed orientation on the holding table of the cutting device 22. In this state, the user drives the cutting device 22 based on the other-side cutting data to perform cutting processing on the other side of the workpiece in the Z direction.

[0065] Also, when the second holding method is set as the holding method, for example, the user first drives the cutting device 22 based on the one-side cutting data to perform cutting processing on one side of the workpiece in the Z direction. Next, the user reverses the orientation of the workpiece and holds it on the holding table. Note that since the three-dimensional product 72A is held by the frame body 72B via the connecting body 72C, the three-dimensional product 72A does not detach from the frame body 72B even if the orientation in the Z direction is reversed. Next, in this state, the user drives the cutting device 22 based on the other-side cutting data to perform cutting processing on the other side of the workpiece in the Z direction.

[0066] <First manufacturing method / One-sided cutting method> 4 shows the state of the method setting screen when the first manufacturing method and the one-sided cutting method are set as the manufacturing methods. In this case, the second radio button includes three radio buttons corresponding to "Leave 0.2 on one side", "Waste board", and "Support beam + waste board", respectively.

[0067] When the radio button "Leave 0.2 on one side" is selected, cutting data for producing a three-dimensional object 73 is generated as shown in FIG. 8. In the three-dimensional object 73, the holding assembly 730 has a frame body 73B and a connecting body 73C. The connecting body 73C extends between the ends of the frame body 73B on the other side in the Z direction. The connecting body 73C is connected to a part of the end of the frame body 73B on the other side in the Z direction that is close to the three-dimensional product 73A, and extends in a planar shape along the XY direction. The surface of the three-dimensional product 73A on the other side in the Z direction that extends in the XY direction is connected to the surface of the connecting body 73C on one side in the Z direction. The end of the three-dimensional product 73A on one side in the Z direction is located on the other side in the Z direction than the end of the frame body 73B on one side in the Z direction. The other end of the three-dimensional product 73A in the Z direction is located on one side of the other end of the frame body 73B in the Z direction by the Z direction length of the connecting body 73C. Note that the Z direction length of the connecting body 73C is sufficiently smaller than the Z direction lengths of the three-dimensional product 73A and the frame body 73B. Therefore, the positions of the other end of the three-dimensional product 73A and the frame body 73B in the Z direction are approximately the same.

[0068] The holding method of the three-dimensional product 73A with respect to the frame body 73B is a "second holding method" because the three-dimensional product 73A is connected to and held by the frame body 73B with the connector 73C extending between the three-dimensional product 73A and the frame body 73B. Also, a connection method in which the three-dimensional product 73A is connected to the frame body 73B with the connector 73C extending planarly from the frame body 73B along the XY direction, like the three-dimensional object 73, is called a "second connection method."

[0069] The length of the frame 73B in the Z direction is referred to as "length L31". The length L31 is smaller than the length L11 (see FIG. 7) of the three-dimensional object 71 and the length L21 (see FIG. 7) of the three-dimensional object 72. The interval in the Z direction between the end of the frame 73B on one side in the Z direction and the end of the three-dimensional product 73A on one side in the Z direction is referred to as "interval L32". The interval L32 is, for example, about 0.1 mm. The interval L32 is smaller than the interval L12 of the three-dimensional object 71 (see FIG. 7) and the interval L22 of the three-dimensional object 72 (see FIG. 7). The interval in the Z direction between the end of the frame 73B on the other side in the Z direction and the end of the three-dimensional product 73A on the other side in the Z direction is referred to as "interval L33". The interval L33 is approximately 0 and is smaller than the interval L32.

[0070] When the "scrap board" radio button is selected in FIG. 4, cutting data for producing a three-dimensional object 74 is generated as shown in FIG. 8. In the three-dimensional object 74, the holding assembly 740 does not have a connector, and the three-dimensional product 74A is not held to the frame body 73B by the connector. The user adheres a scrap board 74C to the end faces of the other side in the Z direction of each of the three-dimensional product 74A and the frame body 74B, and the three-dimensional product 74A is held to the frame body 74B by the scrap board 74C. Hereinafter, a holding method in which the three-dimensional product 74A is held to the frame body 74B by the scrap board 74C adhered to each of the frame body and the three-dimensional product during the cutting process by the cutting device 22, as in the three-dimensional object 74, is referred to as a "fourth holding method."

[0071] In the cutting data column, the portions of the three-dimensional object 74 that will not be cut by the cutting device 22 are filled in. This indicates that in the cutting data, the area between the three-dimensional product 74A and the frame 74B is the area to be cut by the cutting device 22.

[0072] When the radio button "support beam + scrap board" is selected in FIG. 4, cutting data for producing a three-dimensional object 75 is generated as shown in FIG. 8. In the three-dimensional object 75, the holding assembly 750 has a frame body 75B and a connector 75C. The connector 75C includes a plurality of elongated rod-shaped members extending in the Y direction. The three-dimensional product 75A is held in the frame body 75B by the connector 75C. In addition, the user adheres a scrap board (not shown) to the end faces of the other side in the Z direction of each of the three-dimensional product 75A and the frame body 75B, and the three-dimensional product 75A is held in the frame body 75B by the scrap board. In other words, the three-dimensional product 75A is held in the frame body 75B by the connector 75C and the scrap board.

[0073] Hereinafter, the holding method in which the three-dimensional product 75A is held to the frame body 75B by the connector 75C and the scrap board during the cutting process by the cutting device 22, like the three-dimensional object 75, is referred to as the "fifth holding method." Note that the connecting method is the "first connecting method" because the three-dimensional product 75A is connected to the frame body 75B by the connector 75C including a plurality of elongated rod-shaped members extending in the Y direction.

[0074] When the one-sided cutting method is set as the manufacturing method, the data generating device 10 generates one-side cutting data for cutting one side in the Z direction as cutting data. The cutting device 22 performs cutting processing based on the cutting data to cut one side of the workpiece, thereby manufacturing the three-dimensional objects 73-75.

[0075] <Second manufacturing method / Double-sided cutting method> 5 shows an aspect of the method setting screen when the second manufacturing method and the double-sided cutting method are set as the manufacturing methods. In this case, the second radio button includes two radio buttons corresponding to "support beam" and "support beam + WAX", respectively.

[0076] When the "support beam" radio button is selected in FIG. 5, modeling data for producing an intermediate body 61 and cutting data for producing a three-dimensional object 76 are generated as shown in FIG.

[0077] The intermediate body 61 includes a three-dimensional product 61A and a holding assembly 610. The three-dimensional product 61A matches a shape obtained by increasing the thickness of one side of the face in the Z direction by Δd and increasing the thickness of the other side of the face in the Z direction by Δd with respect to the original three-dimensional product defined by the three-dimensional data.

[0078] The holding assembly 610 includes a frame body 61B, an auxiliary frame body 61C, and a connecting body 61D. The connecting body 61D includes a plurality of elongated rod-shaped members extending in the Y direction. The connecting body 61D extends between a surface of the three-dimensional product 61A perpendicular to the Y direction and a surface of the frame body 61B intersecting with the Y direction. The connecting body 61D connects to a portion of the surface of the frame body 61B perpendicular to the Y direction excluding the end in the Z direction, and an end of the surface of the three-dimensional product 61A intersecting with the Y direction on the other side in the Z direction. An end of one side of the three-dimensional product 61A in the Z direction is located on the other side in the Z direction than an end of one side of the frame body 61B in the Z direction. An end of the other side of the three-dimensional product 61A in the Z direction is located on one side in the Z direction than an end of the other side of the frame body 61B in the Z direction. The three-dimensional product 61A is held by the frame body 61B by the connecting body 61D.

[0079] An auxiliary frame body 61C is disposed between the three-dimensional product 61A and the frame body 61B. The auxiliary frame body 61C is disposed a certain distance outward in the XY directions of the three-dimensional product 61A. The length in the Z direction of the auxiliary frame body 61C is the same as the length in the Z direction of the frame body 61B. A connector 61D extending from the frame body 61B toward the three-dimensional product 61A is connected to the auxiliary frame body 61C at its middle portion. The auxiliary frame body 61C is held to the frame body 61B by the connector 61D.

[0080] The length in the Z direction of the frame 61B of the intermediate body 61 is referred to as "length L41". The distance in the Z direction between one end of the frame 61B in the Z direction and one end of the three-dimensional product 61A in the Z direction is referred to as "distance L42". The distance in the Z direction between the other end of the frame 61B in the Z direction and the other end of the three-dimensional product 61A in the Z direction is referred to as "distance L43". The distances L42 and L43 are, for example, about 2.5 mm. The distances L42 and L43 are equal (L42=L43). The thickness in the Z direction of the three-dimensional product 61A is referred to as "thickness L44". The thickness L44 is larger by 2×Δd than the thickness in the Z direction of the original three-dimensional product defined based on the three-dimensional data.

[0081] The three-dimensional object 76 is produced by performing surface finishing by cutting on the intermediate body 61. A three-dimensional product 76A of the three-dimensional object 76 and a holding assembly 760 correspond to the three-dimensional product 61A of the intermediate body 61 and the holding assembly 610, respectively.

[0082] The shape of the three-dimensional product 76A is consistent with the original three-dimensional product defined by the three-dimensional data. Therefore, the thickness of one side of the three-dimensional product 76A in the Z direction is smaller by Δd than the thickness of one side of the three-dimensional product 61A of the intermediate body 61 in the Z direction, and the thickness of the other side of the three-dimensional product 76A in the Z direction is smaller by Δd than the thickness of the other side of the three-dimensional product 61A of the intermediate body 61 in the Z direction. The three-dimensional product 76A of the three-dimensional object 76 is produced by cutting the surfaces of one side and the other side of the three-dimensional product 61A of the intermediate body 61 in the Z direction by the cutting device 22 by Δd each.

[0083] In addition, in the cutting data column, the shape of the portion of the three-dimensional object 76 that is not cut by the cutting device 22 is filled in. In other words, when cutting is performed based on the cutting data, the portion between the frame body 76B and the auxiliary frame body 76C of the holding assembly 760 is not cut by the cutting device 22.

[0084] The holding method of the three-dimensional product 76A with respect to the frame body 76B is the "second holding method" because the three-dimensional product 76A is connected to and held by the connector 76D extending between the three-dimensional product 76A and the frame body 76B. Also, the connecting method is the "first connecting method" because the three-dimensional product 76A is connected to the frame body 76B by the connector 76D including multiple elongated rod-shaped members extending in the Y direction.

[0085] The length in the Z direction of the frame 76B of the three-dimensional object 76 is equal to the length L41 in the Z direction of the frame 61B of the intermediate body 61. The interval in the Z direction between the end of the frame 76B on one side in the Z direction and the end of the three-dimensional product 76A on one side in the Z direction is called "interval L46". The interval in the Z direction between the end of the frame 76B on the other side in the Z direction and the end of the three-dimensional product 76A on the other side in the Z direction is called "interval L47". The intervals L46 and L47 are equal (L46=L47). The intervals L46 and L47 are greater than the intervals L42 and L43 of the intermediate body 61 by Δd. The thickness in the Z direction of the three-dimensional product 76A is called "thickness L45". The thickness L45 is smaller than the thickness L44 of the three-dimensional product 61A of the intermediate body 61 by 2×Δd.

[0086] When the "support beam + wax retained" radio button is selected in FIG. 5, modeling data for producing an intermediate body 62 and cutting data for producing a three-dimensional object 77 are generated as shown in FIG.

[0087] The intermediate body 62 includes a three-dimensional product 62A and a holding assembly 620. The three-dimensional product 62A matches a shape obtained by increasing the thickness of one side surface in the Z direction by Δd and increasing the thickness of the other side surface in the Z direction by Δd with respect to the original three-dimensional product defined by the three-dimensional data.

[0088] The holding assembly 620 has a frame body 62B, an auxiliary frame body 62C, and a connector 62D. The frame body 62B, the auxiliary frame body 62C, and the connector 62D correspond to the frame body 62B, the auxiliary frame body 62C, and the connector 62D of the holding assembly 610 of the intermediate body 61.

[0089] The length of the frame body 62B of the intermediate body 62 in the Z direction is referred to as "length L51". The distance in the Z direction between one end of the frame body 62B in the Z direction and one end of the three-dimensional product 62A in the Z direction is referred to as "distance L52". The distance in the Z direction between the other end of the frame body 62B in the Z direction and the other end of the three-dimensional product 62A in the Z direction is referred to as "distance L53". The distances L52 and L53 are, for example, about 5 mm. The distances L52 and L53 are equal (L52 = L53). The distances L52 and L53 are larger than the distances L42 and L43 of the intermediate body 61 (L42 < L52, L43 < L53). The thickness of the three-dimensional product 62A in the Z direction is referred to as "thickness L54". The thickness L54 is larger by 2×Δd than the thickness of the original three-dimensional product defined based on the three-dimensional data in the Z direction.

[0090] The three-dimensional object 77 is produced by performing surface finishing by cutting the intermediate body 62. The three-dimensional product 77A and the holding assembly 770 of the three-dimensional object 77 respectively correspond to the three-dimensional product 62A and the holding assembly 620 of the intermediate body 62. The frame body 77B, the auxiliary frame body 77C, and the connecting body 77D of the holding assembly 770 correspond to the frame body 62B, the auxiliary frame body 62C, and the connecting body 62D of the holding assembly 620.

[0091] The difference between the three-dimensional object 77 and the three-dimensional object 76 is that a curing agent is filled between the auxiliary frame body 77C and the three-dimensional product 77A by the user. The three-dimensional product 77A is held by the frame body 77B by both the connecting body 77D and the curing agent. Hereinafter, the holding method in which the three-dimensional product 77A is held by the frame body 77B by both the connecting body 77D and the curing agent in the process of cutting by the cutting device 22, like the three-dimensional object 77, is referred to as the "third holding method". Note that since the connecting method is that the three-dimensional product 76A is connected to the frame body 76B by the connecting body 77D including a plurality of elongated rod-shaped members extending in the Y direction, it is the "first connecting method".

[0092] The length of the frame body 77B of the three-dimensional object 77 in the Z direction is equal to the length L51 of the frame body 62B of the intermediate body 62 in the Z direction. The distance in the Z direction between one end of the frame body 77B in the Z direction and one end of the three-dimensional product 77A in the Z direction is referred to as "distance L56". The distance in the Z direction between the other end of the frame body 77B in the Z direction and the other end of the three-dimensional product 77A in the Z direction is referred to as "distance L57". The distances L56 and L57 are equal (L56 = L57). The distances L56 and L57 are larger than the distances L52 and L53 of the intermediate body 62 by Δd. The distances L56 and L57 are larger than the distances L46 and L47 in the three-dimensional object 76 (L46 < L56, L47 < L57). The thickness of the three-dimensional product 77A in the Z direction is referred to as "thickness L55". The thickness L55 is smaller than the thickness L54 of the three-dimensional product 62A of the intermediate body 62 by 2×Δd.

[0093] In addition, when the double-sided cutting method is set as the manufacturing method, the data generation device 10 generates one-side cutting data and the other-side cutting data as cutting data. The cutting device 22 performs cutting on one side in the Z direction of the intermediate body manufactured by the 3D printer 21 based on the one-side cutting data, and performs cutting on the other side in the Z direction of the intermediate body based on the other-side cutting data.

[0094] Also, when the second holding method is set as the holding method, for example, the user first drives the cutting device 22 based on the one-side cutting data to perform cutting on one side in the Z direction of the intermediate body 61 shown in FIG. 9. Next, the user removes the intermediate body 61 from the holding table. Next, the user reverses the orientation of the intermediate body 61 in the Z direction. Next, the user holds the intermediate body 61 with the reversed orientation on the holding table of the cutting device 22. In this state, the user drives the cutting device 22 based on the other-side cutting data to perform cutting on the other side in the Z direction of the intermediate body 61. As a result, a three-dimensional object 76 with both sides in the Z direction cut is manufactured. As shown in FIG. 9, the three-dimensional object 76 includes a connecting body 76D extending between the three-dimensional product 76A and the auxiliary frame body 76C.

[0095] On the other hand, when the third holding method is set as the holding method, as shown in FIG. 10, the user removes the intermediate body 62, which has been cut only on one side in the Z direction, from the holding table, fills a hardener between the three-dimensional product 77A formed by cutting and the auxiliary frame body 77C, and hardens the hardener. As a result, the three-dimensional product 77A is held by the auxiliary frame body 77C by the connecting body 77D and the hardened hardener. Next, the user reverses the orientation of the intermediate body 62 in the Z direction and holds it on the holding table of the cutting device 22. In this state, the user drives the cutting device 22 based on the other-side cutting data to perform cutting processing on the other side of the intermediate body 62 in the Z direction. As a result, a three-dimensional object 77, which has both sides in the Z direction cut, is created.

[0096] Here, the one-side cutting data and the other-side cutting data when the third holding method is set as the holding method have different conditions for the cutting area in the portion excluding the three-dimensional product. As shown in FIG. 10, in the one-side cutting data, the connecting body 77D arranged in the portion between the three-dimensional product 77A and the auxiliary frame body 77C is outside the target area for cutting. Therefore, even if cutting is performed by the cutting device 22 based on the one-side cutting data, the connecting body 77D is maintained in the portion between the three-dimensional product 77A and the auxiliary frame body 77C. On the other hand, in the other-side cutting data, the entire portion between the three-dimensional product 77A and the auxiliary frame body 77C is the target area for cutting. Therefore, by cutting by the cutting device 22 based on the other-side cutting data, the connecting body 77D is cut in the portion between the three-dimensional product 77A and the auxiliary frame body 77C. As a result, in the three-dimensional object 77 in which both sides in the Z direction are cut, the three-dimensional product 77A is detached from the holding assembly 770.

[0097] <Second manufacturing method / One-sided cutting method> 6 shows the state of the method setting screen when the second manufacturing method and the one-sided cutting method are set as the manufacturing methods. In this case, the second radio button includes three radio buttons corresponding to "support beam", "support beam + WAX", and "resin mold pattern", respectively.

[0098] When the radio button of "support beam" is selected in FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 11, the shaping data for producing the intermediate body 63 and the cutting data for producing the three-dimensional object 78 are generated.

[0099] The intermediate body 63 includes a three-dimensional product 63A and a holding assembly 630. The three-dimensional product 63A coincides with the shape in which the thickness of one surface on one side in the Z direction is increased by Δd with respect to the original three-dimensional product defined by the three-dimensional data.

[0100] The holding assembly 630 has a frame body 63B, an auxiliary frame body 63C, and a connecting body 63D. The holding assembly 630 corresponds to the holding assembly 610 of the intermediate body 61 (see FIG. 9). The frame body 63B, the auxiliary frame body 63C, and the connecting body 63D respectively correspond to the frame body 61B, the auxiliary frame body 61C, and the connecting body 61D of the holding assembly 610 (see FIG. 9).

[0101] The length of the frame body 63B of the intermediate body 63 in the Z direction is referred to as "length L61". The length L61 is shorter than the length L41 in the Z direction of the frame body 61B of the intermediate body 61 (L41 > L61). The interval in the Z direction between one end on one side in the Z direction of the frame body 63B and one end on one side in the Z direction of the three-dimensional product 63A is referred to as "interval L62". The interval in the Z direction between the other end on the other side in the Z direction of the frame body 63B and the other end on the other side in the Z direction of the three-dimensional product 63A is referred to as "interval L63". The interval L62 is, for example, about 1 mm. The interval L63 is, for example, about 2.5 mm. The interval L63 is larger than the interval L62 (L62 < L63). The interval L62 is smaller than the interval L42 of the intermediate body 61. The interval L63 is equal to the interval L43 of the intermediate body 61. The thickness of the three-dimensional product 63A in the Z direction is referred to as "thickness L64". The thickness L64 is larger by Δd than the thickness in the Z direction of the original three-dimensional product defined based on the three-dimensional data.

[0102] The three-dimensional object 78 is produced by performing surface finishing by cutting on the intermediate body 63. A three-dimensional product 78A and a holding assembly 780 of the three-dimensional object 78 correspond to the three-dimensional product 63A and the holding assembly 630 of the intermediate body 63, respectively. A frame body 78B, an auxiliary frame body 78C, and a connecting body 78D of the holding assembly 780 correspond to the frame body 63B, the auxiliary frame body 63C, and the connecting body 63D of the holding assembly 630.

[0103] The shape of the three-dimensional product 78A coincides with the original three-dimensional product defined by the three-dimensional data. Therefore, the thickness of one side of the face in the Z direction of the three-dimensional product 78A is smaller by Δd than the thickness of one side of the face in the Z direction of the three-dimensional product 63A of the intermediate body 63. In other words, the three-dimensional product 76A of the three-dimensional object 76 is produced by cutting one side of the face in the Z direction of the three-dimensional product 63A of the intermediate body 63 by the cutting device 22 by Δd.

[0104] The holding method of the three-dimensional product 78A with respect to the frame body 78B is the "second holding method" because the three-dimensional product 78A is connected to and held by the frame body 78B with the connector 78D that extends between the three-dimensional product 78A and the frame body 78B. Also, the connecting method is the "first connecting method" because the three-dimensional product 78A is connected to the frame body 78B with the connector 78D that includes multiple elongated rod-shaped members that extend in the Y direction.

[0105] The length of the frame 78B of the three-dimensional object 78 in the Z direction is equal to the length L61 of the frame 63B of the intermediate body 63 in the Z direction. The Z-direction interval between one end of the frame 78B in the Z direction and one end of the three-dimensional product 78A in the Z direction is referred to as "interval L66". The Z-direction interval between the other end of the frame 78B in the Z direction and the other end of the three-dimensional product 78A in the Z direction is referred to as "interval L67". Interval L66 is larger than interval L62 of the intermediate body 63 by Δd. Interval L67 is, for example, about 2.5 mm. Interval L67 is larger than interval L66 (L66 < L67). Interval L66 is smaller than interval L46 of the three-dimensional object 76. Interval L67 is equal to interval L47 of the three-dimensional object 76. The thickness of the three-dimensional product 63A in the Z direction is referred to as "thickness L65". Thickness L65 is smaller than the thickness L64 of the three-dimensional product 63A of the intermediate body 63 by Δd.

[0106] When the radio button "Support beam + WAX holding" is selected in FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 12, the modeling data for producing the intermediate body 64 and the cutting data for producing the three-dimensional object 79 are generated.

[0107] The intermediate body 64 includes a three-dimensional product 64A and a holding assembly 640. The three-dimensional product 64A is identical in shape to the original three-dimensional product defined by the three-dimensional data, with the thickness of one surface in the Z direction increased by Δd.

[0108] The holding assembly 640 has a frame 64B, an auxiliary frame 64C, and a connecting body 64D. The holding assembly 640 corresponds to the holding assembly 620 of the intermediate body 62 (see FIG. 10). The frame 64B, the auxiliary frame 64C, and the connecting body 64D correspond to the frame 62B, the auxiliary frame 62C, and the connecting body 62D of the holding assembly 620 of the intermediate body 63 (see FIG. 10).

[0109] The length of the frame body 64B in the Z direction is referred to as "length L71". The length L71 is smaller than the length L51 of the frame body 62B of the intermediate body 62 in the Z direction (L51 > L71). The interval in the Z direction between one end of the frame body 64B in the Z direction and one end of the three-dimensional product 64A in the Z direction is referred to as "interval L72". The interval in the Z direction between the other end of the frame body 64B in the Z direction and the other end of the three-dimensional product 64A in the Z direction is referred to as "interval L73". Interval L73 is larger than interval L72 (L72 < L73). Interval L72 is smaller than interval L52 of the intermediate body 62. Interval L72 is equal to interval L62 of the intermediate body 63 (L62 = L72). Interval L73 is larger than interval L63 of the intermediate body 63 (L63 < L73). The thickness of the three-dimensional product 64A of the intermediate body 64 in the Z direction is referred to as "thickness L74". Thickness L74 is larger by Δd than the thickness of the original three-dimensional product defined based on the three-dimensional data in the Z direction.

[0110] The three-dimensional object 79 is produced by performing surface finishing through cutting on the intermediate body 64. The three-dimensional product 79A and the holding assembly 790 of the three-dimensional object 79 respectively correspond to the three-dimensional product 64A and the holding assembly 640 of the intermediate body 64. The frame body 79B and the auxiliary frame body 79C of the holding assembly 790 correspond to the frame body 64B and the auxiliary frame body 64C of the holding assembly 640. Note that the corresponding part of the connecting body 64D of the holding assembly 640 is cut and removed by the cutting device 22.

[0111] The method of holding the three-dimensional product 79A with respect to the frame body 79B is the "third holding method" because the three-dimensional product 79A is held by the frame body 79B by both the connecting body and the hardener during the cutting process by the cutting device 22. Also, the connecting method is the "first connecting method" because the three-dimensional product 79A is connected to the frame body 79B by a connecting body including a plurality of elongated rod-shaped members extending in the Y direction during the cutting process by the cutting device 22.

[0112] The length of the frame 79B of the three-dimensional object 79 in the Z direction is equal to the length L71 of the frame 64B of the intermediate body 64 in the Z direction. The interval in the Z direction between one end of the frame 79B in the Z direction and one end of the three-dimensional product 79A in the Z direction is referred to as "interval L76". The interval in the Z direction between the other end of the frame 79B in the Z direction and the other end of the three-dimensional product 79A in the Z direction is referred to as "interval L77". L77 is larger than L76 (L76 < L77). Interval L76 is larger than interval L72 of the intermediate body 64 by Δd. Intervals L76 and L77 are larger than intervals L66 and L67 in the three-dimensional object 78 (L66 < L76, L67 < L77). The thickness of the three-dimensional product 79A in the Z direction is referred to as "thickness L75". Thickness L75 is smaller than the thickness L74 of the three-dimensional product 64A of the intermediate body 64 by Δd.

[0113] When the radio button of "resin mold pattern" is selected in FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 12, the modeling data for producing the intermediate body 65 and the cutting data for producing the three-dimensional object 80 are generated.

[0114] The intermediate body 65 has no holding assembly and is composed only of the three-dimensional product 65A. The thickness of the three-dimensional product 62A in the Z direction is larger than the thickness of the original three-dimensional product defined based on the three-dimensional data by Δd.

[0115] The three-dimensional object 80 has no holding assembly and is composed only of the three-dimensional product 80A. The thickness of the three-dimensional product 80A in the Z direction is smaller than the thickness of the intermediate body 65 by Δd. That is, the cutting device 22 produces the three-dimensional object 80 by cutting one surface of the intermediate body 65 in the Z direction by Δd.

[0116] When the single-sided cutting method is set as the production method, the data generation device 10 generates one-sided cutting data for cutting one side in the Z direction as the cutting data. The cutting device 22 performs cutting processing based on the cutting data to cut one side of the intermediate body, thereby producing a three-dimensional object.

[0117] Here, the cutting data when the second holding method is set as the holding method (see FIG. 11) and the cutting data when the third holding method is set (see FIG. 12) have different conditions for the cutting area in the portion excluding the three-dimensional product. As shown in FIG. 11, when the second holding method is set, in the cutting data, the connecting body 78D arranged in the portion between the three-dimensional product 78A and the auxiliary frame body 78C is outside the target area for cutting. Therefore, even when cutting is performed by the cutting device 22 based on the cutting data, the connecting body 78D is maintained in the portion between the three-dimensional product 78A and the auxiliary frame body 78C. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, when the third holding method is set, in the cutting data, the entire portion between the three-dimensional product 79A and the auxiliary frame body 79C is the target area for cutting. Therefore, when cutting is performed by the cutting device 22 based on the cutting data, the connecting body is cut in the portion between the three-dimensional product 79A and the auxiliary frame body 79C. As a result, in the three-dimensional object 79, the three-dimensional product 79A is detached from the holding assembly 790.

[0118] <Data generation process> 13 to 17, the data generation process (see FIG. 2, S201) executed by the CPU 11 of the data generation device 10 will be described. The data generation process is started when an operation for starting generation of cutting data, or modeling data and cutting data, is detected via the operation unit 17. When starting the data generation process, the CPU 11 reads out a data generation program stored in the storage device 14 into the RAM 13 and executes it.

[0119] 13, first, the CPU 11 acquires three-dimensional data indicating the shape of the three-dimensional product (S11). The CPU 11 may acquire the three-dimensional data by reading out the three-dimensional data stored in the storage device 14, or may acquire the three-dimensional data by receiving the three-dimensional data transmitted from an external device via the external communication IF 15.

[0120] CPU 11 causes display unit 16 to display a method setting screen (see Figs. 3 to 6) for setting a fabrication method and a holding method (S13). When CPU 11 detects an input operation for selecting an "OK" button on the method setting screen displayed on display unit 16, it advances the process to S15. Next, CPU 11 causes display unit 16 to display a change screen for changing items related to the three-dimensional data acquired by the process of S11 (S15). The change items include (1) "thickness of three-dimensional product", (2) "formation of holes", (3) "size of connected body", and (4) "orientation of three-dimensional product".

[0121] Change item (1) "thickness of three-dimensional product" is set when partially changing the thickness of the three-dimensional product in the Z direction. The part of the three-dimensional product where the thickness is to be changed is specified, for example, by pointing to a specific surface of the three-dimensional product displayed on the change screen with a pointer that moves in response to an operation on the operation unit 17. The thickness increase or decrease value is specified, for example, by directly inputting the thickness increase or decrease value as a numerical value via the operation unit 17. For example, to increase the thickness, a + value (unit: mm) is input, and to decrease the thickness, a - value (unit: mm) is input.

[0122] Change item (2) "hole formation" is set when, for example, a vacuum forming mold is produced as a three-dimensional product, and a hole necessary for sucking in air is to be formed in the three-dimensional product. For example, it is specified by pointing to the position where the hole is to be formed in the three-dimensional product displayed on the change screen with a pointer that moves in response to an operation on the operation unit 17. Note that the number of holes that can be specified may be one or more.

[0123] The change item (3) "size of connector" is set when the cross-sectional diameter of each of the rod-shaped members included in the connector is individually specified when the three-dimensional product is connected to the frame by the first connection method. The size of the connector is specified, for example, by directly inputting the value of the cross-sectional diameter (unit: mm) of the rod-shaped member in response to an operation on the operation unit 17.

[0124] Change item (4) "Orientation of 3D product" is set when changing the orientation of the Z direction of the 3D product. For example, the 3D product is displayed on the change screen in an orientation in which the Z axis, one of the reference axes (X axis, Y axis, Z axis) of each piece of coordinate information of the 3D data, faces in the same direction as the up-down direction. When the orientation of this 3D product is changed in response to an operation on the operation unit 17, the up-down direction of the changed 3D product is specified as the changed Z axis of the reference axes. Note that each piece of coordinate information of the 3D data is converted based on the new reference axes (X axis, Y axis, changed Z axis).

[0125] After causing the change screen to be displayed on the display unit 16, if the CPU 11 detects an input operation for inputting a change item (at least one of (1) to (4)) and the change content, the CPU 11 advances the process to S21.

[0126] When the first production method is set as the production method via the method setting screen (S21: YES) and the double-sided cutting method is set (S23: YES), the CPU 11 executes a first setting process (see FIG. 14) described later to generate cutting data for one of the three-dimensional objects 71 and 72 shown in FIG. 7 (S25). After the first setting process is completed, the CPU 11 advances the process to S29. When the first production method is set as the production method via the method setting screen (S21: YES) and the single-sided cutting method is set (S23: NO), the CPU 11 executes a second setting process (see FIG. 15) described later to generate cutting data for one of the three-dimensional objects 73 to 75 shown in FIG. 8 (S27). After the second setting process is completed, the CPU 11 advances the process to S29.

[0127] In the first setting process shown in Fig. 14, when the first holding method is set as the holding method via the method setting screen (S71: YES), the CPU 11 performs various settings for generating cutting data for the three-dimensional object 71 (see Fig. 7). Specifically, the CPU 11 sets a holding assembly 710 (i.e., a holding assembly 710 without a connector) capable of holding the three-dimensional product 71A to the frame body 71B by a hardener (S73). The CPU 11 also sets a notch 711 in the frame body 71B of the holding assembly 710 (S73).

[0128] On the other hand, when the second holding method is set as the holding method via the method setting screen (S71: NO), the CPU 11 performs various settings for generating cutting data for, for example, the three-dimensional object 72 (see FIG. 7). Specifically, the CPU 11 sets a holding assembly 720 in which a three-dimensional product 72A is held to a frame body 72B by a connector 72C based on the first connecting method (S75). In addition, the CPU 11 does not set a notch in the frame body 72B of the holding assembly 720 (S75).

[0129] 15, when the second holding method is set as the holding method via the method setting screen (S81: YES), the CPU 11 performs various settings for generating cutting data for, for example, the three-dimensional object 73 (see FIG. 8). Specifically, the CPU 11 sets a holding assembly 730 in which a three-dimensional product 73A is held to a frame body 73B by a connector 73C based on the second connecting method (S83).

[0130] On the other hand, when the fourth holding method is set as the holding method via the method setting screen (S81: NO, S85: YES), the CPU 11 performs various settings for generating cutting data for, for example, a three-dimensional object 74 (see FIG. 8). Specifically, the CPU 11 sets a holding assembly 740 in which a three-dimensional product 74A is held to a frame body 74B by a discard plate 74C (i.e., a holding assembly 740 having no connector) (S87).

[0131] On the other hand, when the fifth holding method is set as the holding method via the method setting screen (S81: NO, S85: NO), various settings are made for generating cutting data for, for example, the three-dimensional object 75 (see FIG. 8). Specifically, the CPU 11 sets a holding assembly 750 in which the three-dimensional product 75A is held to the frame body 75B by the connector 75C and the throw-away plate based on the first connecting method (S89).

[0132] As shown in FIG. 13, after the first setting process (S25) or the second setting process (S27) is completed, the CPU 11 determines a three-dimensional object based on the three-dimensional data acquired in S11 and the conditions set by the process of S25 or S27 (S29). The CPU 11 changes the shape of the three-dimensional product included in the determined three-dimensional object based on the change items (1) and (2) and the change contents input via the change screen (S31). The CPU 11 sets the size of the connected body of the holding object based on the change item (3) and the change contents input via the change screen (S33). The CPU 11 sets the orientation of the Z axis among the reference axes of the three-dimensional data indicating the three-dimensional product included in the three-dimensional object based on the change item (4) and the change contents input via the change screen (S35).

[0133] The CPU 11 generates cutting data for cutting the three-dimensional object set by the processes of S29 to S35 with the cutting device 22 based on the three-dimensional data (S37). When the double-sided cutting method is set as the production method, the CPU 11 generates one-side cutting data for cutting one side in the Z direction and other-side cutting data for cutting the other side in the Z direction. On the other hand, when the single-sided cutting method is set as the production method, the CPU 11 generates one-side cutting data for cutting one side in the Z direction as the cutting data.

[0134] The CPU 11 sets a file name including a character string indicating parameters of the holding assembly (frame and connecting body) of the three-dimensional object as a file name of the generated cutting data (S61). The parameters include the size of the frame, the shape of the connecting body, the presence or absence of an auxiliary frame, etc. The CPU 11 transmits the generated cutting data to the cutting device 22 (S63).

[0135] The cutting device 22 receives the cutting data from the data generating device 10. The cutting device 22 is driven based on the received cutting data, and cuts the workpiece held on the holding table to create a three-dimensional object (S207, see FIG. 2).

[0136] In addition, when the first production method and the double-sided cutting method are set as the production method and the second holding method is set as the holding method, the user first drives the cutting device 22 based on the one-side cutting data to perform cutting on one side of the workpiece in the Z direction. Next, the user removes the workpiece from the holding table and reverses the Z direction orientation of the workpiece. Next, the user holds the reversed workpiece on the holding table of the cutting device 22. In this state, the user drives the cutting device 22 based on the other-side cutting data to perform cutting on the other side of the workpiece in the Z direction. This generates a three-dimensional object with both sides in the Z direction cut.

[0137] Also, when the first manufacturing method and the double-sided cutting method are set as the manufacturing method and the first holding method is set as the holding method, when the user cuts one side of the workpiece in the Z direction and then removes the workpiece from the holding table, fills a hardener between the three-dimensional product and the frame body and hardens the hardener. As a result, the three-dimensional product of the three-dimensional object cut only on one side in the Z direction is held by the frame body by the hardened hardener. In this state, the user reverses the Z direction orientation of the workpiece and causes the cutting device 22 to cut the other side in the Z direction. As a result, a three-dimensional object cut on both sides in the Z direction is generated.

[0138] Also, when the first production method and the one-sided cutting method are set as the production methods and the second holding method is set as the holding method, the user holds the workpiece on the holding table of the cutting device 22 and causes the cutting device 22 to perform cutting processing on one side of the surface in the Z direction. This generates a three-dimensional object in which one side of the surface in the Z direction has been cut.

[0139] Also, when the first production method and the one-sided cutting method are set as the production method and the fourth holding method or the fifth holding method is set as the holding method, the user attaches a scrap board to the other surface in the Z direction of the workpiece. In this state, the user holds the workpiece on the holding table of the cutting device 22, and causes the cutting device 22 to perform cutting processing on the surface on one side in the Z direction. This generates a three-dimensional object in which the surface on one side in the Z direction has been cut.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 13, when the second production method is set as the production method via the method setting screen (S21: NO) and the double-sided cutting method is set (S43: YES), the CPU 11 executes a third setting process (see FIG. 16) described later to generate modeling data for producing the intermediate bodies 61 and 62 shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 and cutting data for producing the three-dimensional objects 76 and 77 (S45). After the third setting process is completed, the CPU 11 advances the process to S49. When the second production method is set as the production method via the method setting screen (S21: NO) and the single-sided cutting method is set (S43: NO), the CPU 11 executes a fourth setting process (see FIG. 17) described later to generate modeling data for producing the intermediate bodies 63 to 65 shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 and cutting data for producing the three-dimensional objects 78 to 80 (S47). After the fourth setting process is completed, the CPU 11 advances the process to S49.

[0141] In the third setting process shown in FIG. 16, when the second holding method is set as the holding method via the method setting screen (S101: YES), the CPU 11 performs various settings for generating modeling data of, for example, the intermediate body 61 (see FIG. 9). Specifically, the CPU 11 sets a holding assembly 610 including an auxiliary frame body 61C and in which a three-dimensional product 61A is held by a connector 61D to a frame body 61B based on the first connecting method (S103). The CPU 11 also performs various settings for generating cutting data of, for example, a three-dimensional object 76 (see FIG. 9). Specifically, the CPU 11 sets a holding assembly 760 in which a three-dimensional product 76A is held by a frame body 76B by a connector 76D based on the first connecting method (S103).

[0142] On the other hand, when the third holding method is set as the holding method via the method setting screen (S101: NO), the CPU 11 performs various settings for generating modeling data of, for example, the intermediate body 62 (see FIG. 10). Specifically, the CPU 11 sets a holding assembly 620 that holds the three-dimensional product 62A to the frame body 62B by the connector 62D based on the first connecting method and includes the auxiliary frame body 62C (S105). The CPU 11 also performs various settings for generating cutting data of, for example, the three-dimensional object 77 (see FIG. 10). Specifically, the CPU 11 sets a holding assembly 770 that holds the three-dimensional product 77A to the frame body 77B by the connector 77D based on the first connecting method and holds the three-dimensional product 77A to the frame body 77B by the hardener in the process of cutting the surface on one side in the Z direction, and cuts the connector 77D in the process of cutting the surface on the other side in the Z direction (S105).

[0143] In the fourth setting process shown in FIG. 17, when the second holding method is set as the holding method via the method setting screen (S111: YES), the CPU 11 performs various settings for generating modeling data of, for example, the intermediate body 63 (see FIG. 11). Specifically, the CPU 11 sets a holding assembly 630 including an auxiliary frame body 63C and in which a three-dimensional product 63A is held by a connector 63D to a frame body 63B based on the first connecting method (S113). The CPU 11 also performs various settings for generating cutting data of, for example, a three-dimensional object 78 (see FIG. 11). Specifically, the CPU 11 sets a holding assembly 780 in which a three-dimensional product 78A is held by a frame body 78B by a connector 78D based on the first connecting method (S113).

[0144] On the other hand, when the third holding method is set as the holding method via the method setting screen (S111: NO, S115: YES), the CPU 11 performs various settings for generating modeling data of, for example, the intermediate body 64 (see FIG. 12). Specifically, the CPU 11 sets a holding assembly 640 that holds the three-dimensional product 64A to the frame body 64B by the connector 64D based on the first connecting method and includes the auxiliary frame body 64C (S105). The CPU 11 also performs various settings for generating cutting data of, for example, the three-dimensional object 79 (see FIG. 12). Specifically, the CPU 11 sets a holding assembly 790 that holds the three-dimensional product 79A to the frame body 79B by the connector based on the first connecting method in the cutting process and holds the three-dimensional product 79A to the frame body 79B by the hardener, and finally removes the connector by cutting (S117).

[0145] On the other hand, when the third holding method is not set as the holding method (S115: NO), the CPU 11 performs various settings for generating modeling data of, for example, an intermediate body 65 (see FIG. 12). Specifically, the CPU 11 sets the intermediate body 65 consisting of only a three-dimensional product without a holding assembly (S119). Also, the CPU 11 performs various settings for generating cutting data of, for example, a three-dimensional object 80 (see FIG. 12). Specifically, the CPU 11 sets the three-dimensional object 80 consisting of only a three-dimensional product without a holding assembly (S119).

[0146] As shown in FIG. 13, after the third setting process (S45) or the fourth setting process (S47) is completed, the CPU 11 determines the intermediate body and the three-dimensional object based on the three-dimensional data acquired in S11 (see FIG. 13) and the conditions set by the process of S45 or S47 (S49). The CPU 11 changes the shape of the three-dimensional product included in the determined intermediate body and the three-dimensional object based on the change items (1) and (2) and the change contents inputted via the change screen (S51). The CPU 11 sets the size of the connection body of the holding assembly included in the determined intermediate body and the three-dimensional object based on the change item (3) and the change contents inputted via the change screen (S53). The CPU 11 sets the direction of the Z axis among the reference axes of the three-dimensional data indicating the three-dimensional product included in the intermediate body and the three-dimensional object based on the change item (4) and the change contents inputted via the change screen (S55).

[0147] The CPU 11 generates modeling data for using the 3D printer 21 to model the intermediate body set by the processes of S49 to S55, based on the three-dimensional data (S57). The CPU 11 also generates cutting data for using the cutting device 22 to cut the three-dimensional object set by the processes of S49 to S55, based on the three-dimensional data (S57). When the double-sided cutting method is set as the manufacturing method, the CPU 11 generates one-side cutting data for cutting one side in the Z direction and other-side cutting data for cutting the other side in the Z direction.

[0148] The CPU 11 sets a file name including a character string indicating parameters of the holding assembly (frame and connecting body) of the intermediate body as a file name of the generated modeling data (S61). The CPU 11 transmits the generated modeling data to the 3D printer (S63). The CPU 11 also sets a file name including a character string indicating parameters of the holding assembly (frame and connecting body) of the three-dimensional object as a file name of the generated cutting data (S61). The CPU 11 transmits the generated cutting data to the cutting device 22 (S63). The 3D printer 21 receives the modeling data from the data generating device 10. The cutting device 22 receives the cutting data from the data generating device 10.

[0149] The 3D printer 21 operates based on the received modeling data and selectively irradiates light onto the photocurable resin to produce an intermediate body (S211, see FIG. 2). The user removes the produced intermediate body from the 3D printer and holds it on the holding table of the cutting device 22. The cutting device 22 operates based on the received cutting data and cuts the intermediate body held on the holding table to produce a three-dimensional object (S213, see FIG. 2).

[0150] In addition, when the second production method and the double-sided cutting method are set as the production method and the second holding method is set as the holding method, the user first drives the cutting device 22 based on the one-side cutting data to perform cutting on one side of the intermediate body in the Z direction. Next, the user removes the intermediate body from the holding base and reverses the orientation of the intermediate body in the Z direction. Next, the user holds the intermediate body with the reversed orientation on the holding base of the cutting device 22. In this state, the user drives the cutting device 22 based on the other-side cutting data to perform cutting on the other side of the intermediate body in the Z direction. This generates a three-dimensional object with both sides in the Z direction cut.

[0151] Also, when the second manufacturing method and the double-sided cutting method are set as the manufacturing method and the third holding method is set as the holding method, the user performs cutting on one side of the intermediate body in the Z direction, and then removes the intermediate body from the holding table, fills a hardener between the three-dimensional product and the auxiliary frame body, and hardens the hardener. As a result, the three-dimensional product of the three-dimensional object that has been cut on only one side in the Z direction is held by the frame body by the hardened hardener and the connecting body. In this state, the user reverses the orientation of the intermediate body in the Z direction and has the cutting device 22 perform cutting on the other side in the Z direction. As a result, a three-dimensional object with both sides in the Z direction cut is generated.

[0152] When the second production method and the one-sided cutting method are set as the production method and the second holding method is set as the holding method, the user drives the cutting device 22 based on the cutting data to perform cutting on one side of the intermediate body in the Z direction, thereby generating a three-dimensional object in which one side of the Z direction is cut.

[0153] Also, when the second production method and the one-sided cutting method are set as the production method and the third holding method is set as the holding method, the user fills a hardener between the three-dimensional product and the auxiliary frame of the intermediate body held on the holding table, and hardens the hardener. As a result, the three-dimensional product is held to the frame by the hardened hardener and the connecting body. In this state, the user causes the cutting device 22 to perform cutting on one side in the Z direction. As a result, a three-dimensional object is generated in which one side in the Z direction is cut.

[0154] <Actions and Effects of the Present Embodiment> The data generating device 10 generates cutting data for producing a three-dimensional object by the cutting device 22. For this reason, the cutting device 22 can produce a three-dimensional object including a three-dimensional product made of the material of the final product, for example, by cutting a workpiece of a material used in the final product. The three-dimensional object includes a holding assembly whose shape is defined based on the production method and holding method set via the operation unit 17, and the three-dimensional product. For this reason, the system 9 allows the user to select a production method and holding method according to the intended use, thereby allowing the cutting device 22 to produce a three-dimensional object including a three-dimensional product according to the intended use.

[0155] The manufacturing method includes a first manufacturing method in which the cutting device 22 cuts a workpiece to manufacture a three-dimensional object, and a second manufacturing method in which the cutting device 22 cuts an intermediate body manufactured by the 3D printer 21 to manufacture a three-dimensional object. When a three-dimensional object is manufactured by the second manufacturing method, the data generating device 10 can generate modeling data for manufacturing an intermediate body by the 3D printer 21 and cutting data for cutting the intermediate body by the cutting device 22 to manufacture a three-dimensional object. In this case, a three-dimensional product made of resin is manufactured. Therefore, the system 9 can manufacture a three-dimensional object quickly and accurately without requiring a mold or the like. In this way, the system 9 can manufacture a three-dimensional product by a method according to the purpose of use.

[0156] The holding methods include a first holding method in which the three-dimensional product is held in the frame body by a hardener filled between the frame body and the three-dimensional product, and a second holding method in which the frame body and the three-dimensional product are connected and held by a connector extending between the frame body and the three-dimensional product. Therefore, the system 9 can create a three-dimensional object by cutting the three-dimensional product held in the frame body by either the first holding method or the second holding method with the cutting device 22.

[0157] The second holding method includes a first connecting method in which the three-dimensional product and the frame body are connected by a rod-shaped connecting body extending in the Y direction, and a second connecting method in which the three-dimensional product and the frame body are connected by a connecting body having a planar shape. In this case, when the three-dimensional product is held on the frame body by the second holding method, the system 9 can switch the shape of the connecting body depending on the specifications of the cutting device 22, the shape of the three-dimensional product, etc.

[0158] The length L11 of the frame body 71B when the first manufacturing method and the first holding method are set (see FIG. 7) is greater than the length L21 of the frame body 72B when the first manufacturing method and the second holding method are set (see FIG. 7) (L11>L21). Furthermore, the interval L22 when the first manufacturing method and the second holding method are set (see FIG. 7) is smaller than the interval L12 when the first manufacturing method and the first holding method are set (see FIG. 7) (L12>L22). The interval L23 when the first manufacturing method and the second holding method are set (see FIG. 7) is smaller than the interval L13 when the first manufacturing method and the first holding method are set (see FIG. 7) (L13>L23). In these cases, the contact area between the hardener filled between the three-dimensional product 71A and the frame body 71B and the frame body 71B can be increased, so that the three-dimensional product 71A can be stably held by the frame body 71B with the hardener. Furthermore, since the volume of the frame 72B can be reduced, the amount of material required to produce the three-dimensional object 72 can be reduced.

[0159] When the first production method is set and the first holding method or the fourth holding method is set (see Figs. 7 and 8), the portion between the frame body and the three-dimensional product is set as the region to be cut by the cutting device 22. In this case, the cutting device 22 can cut the portion between the frame body and the three-dimensional product to produce a three-dimensional product separated from the frame body.

[0160] When the second production method and the second holding method are set (see FIGS. 9 to 12), the intervals L52, L56, L76 when the second production method and the third holding method are set (see FIGS. 9 to 12) are larger than the intervals L42, L46, L66 (L42 < L52, L46 < L56, L66 < L76). The intervals L53, L57, L73, L77 when the second production method and the third holding method are set (see FIG. 10) are larger than the intervals L43, L47, L63, L67 when the second production method and the second holding method are set (see FIG. 9) (L43 < L53, L47 < L57, L63 < L73, L67 < L77). In this case, since the contact area between the curing agent and the auxiliary frame can be increased, the three-dimensional product can be stably held on the auxiliary frame by the curing agent. Also, the amount of photocurable resin required to produce the three-dimensional object can be suppressed.

[0161] When the double-sided cutting method and the second holding method are set (see FIGS. 7 and 9), the intervals L22, L23, the intervals L42, L43, and the intervals L46, L47 are made equal (L22 = L23, L42 = L43, L46 = L47). When the double-sided cutting method and the third holding method are set (see FIG. 10), the intervals L52, L53, and the intervals L56, L57 are made equal (L52 = L53, L56 = L57). When the single-sided cutting method, the second holding method, and the first connection method are set (see FIG. 11), the interval L63 is made larger than the interval L62 (L62 < L63), and the interval L67 is made larger than the interval L66 (L66 < L67). When the single-sided cutting method, the third holding method, and the first connection method are set (see FIG. 12), the interval L73 is made larger than the interval L72 (L72 < L73), and the interval L77 is made larger than the interval L76 (L76 < L77). In this case, while enabling double-sided cutting by the cutting device 22, the amount of the workpiece and the photocurable resin used in the case of single-sided cutting can be suppressed.

[0162] When the double-sided cutting method is set as the production method, the data generation device 10 generates one-sided cutting data for cutting one side in the Z direction and the other-sided cutting data for cutting the other side in the Z direction. In this case, the system 9 can create a three-dimensional object including a three-dimensional product whose surfaces on both sides in the second direction are processed.

[0163] The length L41 of the frame bodies 61B and 76B when the second manufacturing method, the double-sided cutting method, and the second holding method are set (see FIG. 9) is longer than the length L61 of the frame bodies 63B and 78B when the second manufacturing method, the single-sided cutting method, and the second holding method are set (see FIG. 11) (L41>L61). The length L51 of the frame bodies 62B and 77B when the second manufacturing method, the double-sided cutting method, and the third holding method are set (see FIG. 10) is longer than the length L71 of the frame bodies 64B and 79B when the second manufacturing method, the single-sided cutting method, and the third holding method are set (see FIG. 12) (L51>L71). In this case, the system 9 can reduce the amount of work material and photocurable resin used in the case of single-sided cutting while enabling double-sided cutting by the cutting device 22.

[0164] When the first manufacturing method and the one-sided cutting method are set, the second connecting method can be set as the connecting method (see Figs. 4 and 8). When the three-dimensional product is held in the frame by the second connecting method, the position of the workpiece can be stabilized when cutting only one side in the Z direction by the cutting device 22. Therefore, the cutting device 22 can cut the workpiece with high precision.

[0165] When the first manufacturing method, the double-sided cutting method, and the first holding method are set (see FIG. 7), a notch 711 is provided in the frame body 71B. In this case, when the three-dimensional product is held by the hardener filled between the three-dimensional product 71A and the frame body 71B, the notch 711 can prevent the hardener from being detached from the frame body 71B. Note that the length L14 of the frame body 71B in which the notch 711 is provided is longer by the length of the notch 711 in the Y direction than the length l24 of the frame body 72B in which the notch is not provided. In this case, the width of the frame body 71B can be prevented from being reduced by the formation of the notch 711, so that the strength of the frame body 71B can be maintained.

[0166] The holding assembly for the intermediate body includes an auxiliary frame body in addition to the frame body. In this case, the strength of the intermediate body can be improved by the auxiliary frame body. Also, the amount of hardener filled between the auxiliary frame body and the three-dimensional product can be made smaller than the amount of hardener filled between the frame body and the three-dimensional product. Therefore, the three-dimensional product can be held while suppressing the amount of hardener used.

[0167] When the second manufacturing method and the double-sided cutting method are set (see Figs. 9 and 10), the shape of the intermediate three-dimensional product is defined by increasing the thickness of both sides in the Z direction by Δd with respect to the original three-dimensional product represented by the three-dimensional data. When the second manufacturing method and the single-sided cutting method are set (see Figs. 11 and 12), the shape of the intermediate three-dimensional product is defined by increasing the thickness of one side in the Z direction by Δd with respect to the original three-dimensional product represented by the three-dimensional data. In this case, the increased thickness is cut out of the intermediate three-dimensional product by the cutting device 22, thereby making it possible to produce a three-dimensional object with a good finish.

[0168] When the change items and change contents of (1) "thickness of three-dimensional product" and (2) "hole formation" are set, the data generating device 10 generates modeling data and cutting data for producing a three-dimensional object including a three-dimensional product whose shape has been changed. This allows the user to create a three-dimensional object by changing the shape of the three-dimensional product to a desired shape. For example, when (1) "thickness of three-dimensional product" is set, the data generating device 10 can create a three-dimensional object by increasing or decreasing the thickness of a specified change location of the three-dimensional product. Also, when (2) "hole formation" is set, the data generating device 10 can create a three-dimensional object by forming a hole in a specified change location of the three-dimensional product.

[0169] When (3) "size of connected body" is set, the data generating device 10 can set the cross-sectional diameter of the connected body when the three-dimensional product is held by the frame body by the first connecting method to a size desired by the user. Also, when (4) "orientation of three-dimensional product" is set, the data generating device 10 can set the Z direction orientation of the three-dimensional product with respect to the frame body according to the specifications of the cutting device 22, etc., and generate cutting data for the three-dimensional object.

[0170] The data generating device 10 sets file names including character strings indicating parameters of the intermediate body and the holding assembly of the three-dimensional object as file names of the modeling data and the cutting data. In this case, the 3D printer 21 and the cutting device 22 can easily confirm the aspect of the holding assembly from the file name.

[0171] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. The system 9 may include only the cutting device 22, and may not include the 3D printer 21. The system 9 may not include the data generating device 10, and the cutting device 22 may generate the cutting data, or the 3D printer 21 may generate the modeling data and the cutting data. The specific examples and magnitude relationships of the lengths and intervals in the above embodiment are merely examples, and other values ​​and other relationships may be used.

[0172] In the data generating device 10, the user operates the operation unit 17 while the method setting screen is displayed, and thereby the fabrication method and the holding method are set. The data generating device 10 may set the fabrication method and the holding method by another method and generate cutting data. For example, the data generating device 10 may independently select an appropriate fabrication method and a holding method based on the purpose of the three-dimensional product to be fabricated, the material of the final product, the specifications of the 3D printer 21, the specifications of the cutting device 22, and the like.

[0173] In the above, the holding method can be set to any one of the first to fifth holding methods. The holding method is not limited to any one of the first to fifth holding methods, and another holding method may be set.

[0174] In the first connecting method, the three-dimensional product is held in the frame by a connecting body made of a plurality of rod-shaped members extending in the Y direction. In contrast, the three-dimensional product may be held in the frame by a connecting body made of a plurality of rod-shaped members extending in the Y direction and a plurality of rod-shaped members extending in the X direction.

[0175] When the second production method is set (see Figs. 9 to 12), the portion between the frame and the three-dimensional product may be set as a region to be cut by the cutting device 22. In this case, in the cutting process by the cutting device 22, the connector and the auxiliary frame included in the intermediate body may be removed by cutting.

[0176] Even when the first manufacturing method and the double-sided cutting method are set (see FIG. 3), the second connecting method may be set as the connecting method.

[0177] The frame 71B does not necessarily have to have the notch 711. The frame 75B, which holds the three-dimensional product by the hardener, and the auxiliary frames 62C and 64C may also have notches.

[0178] The holding assembly of the intermediate body may not be provided with an auxiliary frame. The holding assembly of the three-dimensional object may be provided with an auxiliary frame.

[0179] In the above, when the second manufacturing method is set, the shape of the three-dimensional product is defined by increasing the thickness of both faces in the Z direction or one face in the Z direction of the original three-dimensional product represented by the three-dimensional data. In contrast, the shape of the three-dimensional product may also be increased in thickness on faces of the original three-dimensional product that intersect with the Z direction. In other words, the shape of the three-dimensional product may be increased in thickness on all faces of the original three-dimensional product except for faces perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0180] (1) When "thickness of three-dimensional product" is set, for example, the data generating device 10 may be able to set a part of the area of ​​the end face of the three-dimensional product in the Z direction as an area where the thickness is changed. The area where the thickness can be changed is not limited to the faces on one side and the other side in the Z direction, and the thickness may also be changeable for faces that intersect with the Z direction. (2) When "hole formation" is set, in addition to the hole position, the hole diameter may also be set.

[0181] (3) When the "size of the connected body" is set, for example, the data generating device 10 may also be able to set the cross-sectional shape and number of each of the multiple rod-shaped members included in the connected body. The size of the connected body may be set by setting the cross-sectional diameter of multiple rod-shaped members all at once. (4) When the "orientation of the 3D product" is set, not only the orientation in the Z direction but also the orientation in the XY directions may be set.

[0182] <Other> The process of S11 is an example of the "acquisition step" of the present invention. The XY direction is an example of the "first direction" of the present invention. The processes of S21, S23, and S43 are an example of the "identification step" of the present invention. The processes of S37 and S57 are an example of the "generation step" of the present invention. The processes of S31 and S51 are an example of the "change step" of the present invention. The processes of S33 and S53 are an example of the "first setting step" of the present invention. The processes of S35 and S55 are an example of the "second setting step" of the present invention. The 3D printer 21 is an example of the "three-dimensional modeling device" of the present invention. The CPU 11 that performs the process of S11 is an example of the "acquisition means" of the present invention. The CPU 11 that performs the process of S21, S23, and S43 is an example of the "identification means" of the present invention. The CPU 11 that performs the process of S37 and S57 is an example of the "generation means" of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 9: 3D modeling system 10: Data generation device 21: 3D printer 22: Cutting equipment

Claims

1. acquiring three-dimensional data indicative of a shape of a three-dimensional product; A step of identifying a manufacturing method for manufacturing the three-dimensional product by a cutting device that performs cutting processing, and a holding method for holding the three-dimensional product in a frame body that covers the outside of the three-dimensional product in a first direction; a generating step of generating, based on the three-dimensional data, cutting data for producing, by the cutting device, a three-dimensional object including a holding assembly whose shape is defined based on the production method and the holding method identified in the identifying step, and the three-dimensional product; A data generation program for causing a computer to execute the above.

2. The holding method includes: a first holding method for holding the three-dimensional product on the frame by a hardener filled between the frame and the three-dimensional product; a second holding method in which the frame body and the three-dimensional product are connected and held by a connector extending between the frame body and the three-dimensional product; 2. The data generating program according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The second holding method includes: a first connecting method in which the connecting body has a rod shape extending in the first direction and connects a surface of the three-dimensional product that intersects with the first direction to a surface of the frame that intersects with the first direction; a second connecting method in which the connecting body has a surface extending in the first direction from the frame, and a surface of the three-dimensional product extending in the first direction is connected to a surface of the connecting body; 3. The data generating program according to claim 2, further comprising:

4. When the first holding method is identified by the identifying step, a length of the frame body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a first length, When the second holding method is specified by the specifying step, the length of the frame body in the second direction is set to a second length that is shorter than the first length.

3. The data generating program according to claim 2.

5. The method for producing the same comprises the steps of: a first manufacturing method for manufacturing the three-dimensional object by cutting a workpiece with the cutting device; a second production method in which an intermediate body of the three-dimensional object is produced by modeling resin using a three-dimensional modeling device, and the intermediate body is cut by the cutting device to produce the three-dimensional object; Including, The generating step includes: When the first manufacturing method is identified by the identifying step, the cutting device generates the cutting data for cutting the workpiece to manufacture the three-dimensional object; When the second manufacturing method is identified by the identifying step, generating modeling data for the three-dimensional modeling device to manufacture the intermediate body, and generating cutting data for the cutting device to cut the intermediate body to manufacture the three-dimensional object.

2. The data generating program according to claim 1 .

6. The generating step includes: The data generation program according to claim 5, characterized in that, when the first manufacturing method is identified by the identification step, the cutting data is generated in which the portion between the frame and the three-dimensional product is set as the area to be cut.

7. The holding method includes: a first holding method for holding the three-dimensional product on the frame by a hardener filled between the frame and the three-dimensional product; a second holding method in which the frame body and the three-dimensional product are connected and held by a connector extending between the frame body and the three-dimensional product; Including, When the first manufacturing method and the first holding method are identified by the identifying step, a distance between one end of the three-dimensional product and one end of the frame body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a first distance, and a distance between the other end of the three-dimensional product and the other end of the frame body is defined as a second distance; When the first manufacturing method and the second holding method are identified by the identifying step, a distance between one end of the three-dimensional product and one end of the frame is set to a third distance smaller than the first distance, and a distance between the other end of the three-dimensional product and the other end of the frame is set to a fourth distance smaller than the second distance, in the second direction.

6. The data generating program according to claim 5.

8. The holding method includes: a second holding method for holding the three-dimensional product on the frame by a connector extending between the frame and the three-dimensional product; a third holding method in which the frame body and the three-dimensional product are connected and held by the connector and a hardener filled between the frame body and the three-dimensional product; Including, When the second manufacturing method and the second holding method are identified by the identifying step, a distance between the other end of the three-dimensional product and the other end of the frame in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second distance; When the second manufacturing method and the third holding method are identified by the identifying step, a distance in the second direction between the other end of the three-dimensional product and the other end of the frame is defined as a fourth distance; The fourth interval is greater than the second interval.

6. The data generating program according to claim 5.

9. The method for producing the same comprises the steps of: a one-sided cutting method for cutting only one side of the three-dimensional product in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction by the cutting device, When the second manufacturing method is identified by the identifying step, a distance between one end of the three-dimensional product and one end of the frame body in the second direction is defined as a first distance, and a distance between the other end of the three-dimensional product and the other end of the frame body is defined as a second distance, When the second manufacturing method and the one-side cutting method are identified in the identifying step, the second interval is made larger than the first interval.

6. The data generating program according to claim 5.

10. The method for producing the same comprises the steps of: a one-sided cutting method for cutting only one surface of the three-dimensional product in the second direction by the cutting device; a double-sided cutting method for cutting the surfaces of the three-dimensional product on one side and the other side in the second direction by the cutting device; Including, The generating step includes: When the double-sided cutting method and the third holding method are identified by the identifying step, the cutting data for cutting one side of the three-dimensional product in the second direction and the cutting data for cutting the other side of the three-dimensional product are generated.

9. The data generating program according to claim 8.

11. The method for producing the same comprises the steps of: a one-sided cutting method for cutting only one side of the three-dimensional product in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction by the cutting device; a double-sided cutting method for cutting the surfaces of the three-dimensional product on one side and the other side in the second direction by the cutting device; Including, When the one-side cutting method is identified by the identifying step, the length of the frame in the second direction is set as a third length; When the double-side cutting method is specified by the specifying step, the length of the frame in the second direction is set to a fourth length that is longer than the third length.

6. The data generating program according to claim 1, wherein the data generating program is a program for generating a data set.

12. The identifying step includes: The data generation program described in claim 11, characterized in that when the one-sided cutting method is identified, a second connection method can be identified as the holding method, in which the frame body and the three-dimensional product are connected and held by a connecting body extending in the first direction between the other ends of the frame body and the three-dimensional product in the second direction.

13. The holding method includes: a first holding method for holding the three-dimensional product on the frame by a hardener filled between the frame and the three-dimensional product; a second holding method in which the frame body and the three-dimensional product are connected and held by a connector extending between the frame body and the three-dimensional product; Including, When the first holding method is identified by the identifying step, a notch is provided in a portion of an end portion of the frame in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the portion being close to the three-dimensional product in the first direction; When the second holding method is specified by the specifying step, the notch is not provided in the frame body.

6. The data generating program according to claim 1, wherein the data generating program is a program for generating a data set.

14. The data generation program described in claim 13, characterized in that the length in the first direction of the frame body in which the notch is provided is a fifth length, and the length in the first direction of the frame body in which the notch is not provided is a sixth length that is shorter than the fifth length by the length of the notch in the first direction.

15. The generating step includes: generating the modeling data for producing the intermediate body, the intermediate body further including an auxiliary frame body positioned between the frame body and the three-dimensional product, when the second production method is identified by the identifying step; The auxiliary frame body is The data generation program according to claim 5 , wherein the data generation program covers the outside of the three-dimensional product in the first direction, and the distance between the three-dimensional product and the data generation program is constant.

16. The second manufacturing method includes: a second one-sided cutting method for cutting only one side of the three-dimensional product in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second double-sided cutting method for cutting the surfaces of the three-dimensional product on one side and the other side in the second direction; Including, The generating step includes: When the second single-sided cutting method is identified by the identifying step, the shaping data is generated to produce the intermediate body in which a thickness of one side of the three-dimensional product in the second direction is increased, The data generation program described in claim 5, characterized in that when the second double-sided cutting method is identified by the identification step, the modeling data is generated to create the intermediate body of the three-dimensional object in which the thickness of the faces on one and the other sides of the three-dimensional product in the second direction is increased.

17. causing the computer to further perform a modifying step of modifying a shape of the three-dimensional product; The generating step includes: The data generation program according to claim 1 , further comprising: generating the cutting data for producing the three-dimensional object including the three-dimensional product whose shape has been changed by the cutting device based on the three-dimensional data.

18. causing the computer to further perform a modifying step of modifying a shape of the three-dimensional product; The generating step includes: The data generation program according to claim 5, characterized in that, when the second production method is identified by the identification step, the production data for the 3D production device to produce the intermediate body including the 3D product whose shape has been changed is generated based on the 3D data.

19. a receiving step of receiving a change portion of the three-dimensional product to be changed by the changing step; The changing step includes: In the three-dimensional product, the thickness of the change portion accepted in the accepting step is increased or decreased.

19. The data generating program according to claim 17 or 18.

20. a receiving step of receiving a change portion of the three-dimensional product to be changed by the changing step; The changing step includes: A hole is drilled in the three-dimensional product at the change location accepted in the accepting step.

19. The data generating program according to claim 17 or 18.

21. The method further comprises the step of: causing the computer to execute a first setting step of setting an orientation of a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; The generating step includes:

2. The data generating program according to claim 1, wherein the cutting data is generated based on the second direction set in the first setting step.

22. A second setting step of setting a size of each of the coupling bodies is further performed by the computer. The generating step includes: The data generation program according to claim 2, characterized in that it generates the cutting data for producing the three-dimensional object in which the three-dimensional product and the frame body are connected by the connector of the size set by the second setting step.

23. 2. The data generating program according to claim 1, further comprising an output step of setting a file name indicating the holding assembly to the cutting data generated by the generating step and outputting the cutting data.

24. An acquisition means for acquiring three-dimensional data indicative of a shape of a three-dimensional product; A method for producing the three-dimensional product by a cutting device that performs cutting processing, and a holding method for holding the three-dimensional product in a frame that covers the outside of the three-dimensional product in a first direction are specified by an identification means. a generating means for generating, based on the three-dimensional data, cutting data for producing, by the cutting device, a three-dimensional object including a holding assembly whose shape is defined based on the production method and the holding method identified by the identifying means, and the three-dimensional product; A data generating device comprising:

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